Forest Fire

Forest Fire was a kind soul, charming from the start. He created this pack with the love of his life, Cherry. However, she met an early end. An unfathomable death to Forest Fire. He quickly became distant and obsessive with exploration, traveling far and wide alone, often leaving his pack for moons on end.
His travels weren't all unwell, he met many of wolves, some that made him feel truly like himself again. Friends had always been the most powerful virtue in his life. He brought back many new faces and his pack grew stronger. One day, along the darkest forest lines, he met a group of wolves. They shared their stories and he shared his own. 'A way to bring his mate back', he spoke to them. Silence rang through the small group. "ANY way to bring my mate back." He affirmed them.
This by far was the longest trip he spent. Forest Fire did not return for many of moons. The pack thrived under the leader ship of Project, who had often assumed the role after Cherry's untimely demise.
Forest Fire did return, though. It was summer, a warm, dry night. The moon had just broken it's peak, the night after its fullest glow. Astrid, the packs known scout had recently returned. She broke away from her mate as Project approached. 'There's no sign of him.' The solemn voice spoke quietly, her snout directed downward as a sign of remorse. Project seemed to know the drill, nodding silently. 'You did what you could.' He said, no emotion holding his tone.
The two continued to speak as the moon sunk down, revealing the end of what would be the 6th month since their leader had disappeared. They had truly given up hope, and with fall nearing, they were deciding just how to break it to their faithful pack.
Until the sounds of footsteps echoed through the silent camp. The two paused, assuming it to be nothing more than a hunter getting a drink. Project peaked his head around the rocky outcrop, and what he laid his eyes on froze him. He was back. Forest Fire had finally returned. But, he seemed, different. His pelt was laden with new, charred black markings. It looked as if a soot had been smeared over his face, and had begun to seep down his chin. His eyes seemed, brighter. His usual grey eyes seemed glossed over, a white taking over his pupils. Two small stubs peaked out of his red fur on his forehead.
The two immediately confronted him that night, attempting to learn of where he had been. Though they didn't make it far. The pair reached nothing more than an answering machine, he shook off their pleas for answers, eventually snapping at the scout as she raised her tone. They all went silent at the action, but Forest Fire broke it quickly.
"I am tired from my journey. Astrid, my apologies. I am truly worn thin." He spoke, his fluffy tail slowly swaying in a pathetic wag at his adjournment. They both broke off, Project speaking his welcomes with a smile as Astrid loomed out of camp.