It's a wonder how he made it back to the Throat without Ilaria. Their reunion is bittersweet, filled with anger on Ilaria's part that Cera had left without her. She is completely sure that the reason he made such stupid decisions is because of her absence, and she clings to his nape and occasionally digs her paws harder into his sides when waves of anger come upon her. They are born of love, and he knows that, so he bears them quietly. He deserves far more for his stupidity, for his petty vengeance and heartbreak. He has been hurt so deeply, there is nearly nothing left of the creature he used to be, or so he sees himself. Over and over he has been handed something beautiful but ephemeral, and allowed himself to fall in love with it. Yet, no longer to his surprise, it was always ripped away as painfully as possible out of his hands, leaving gaping holes in his heart where he'd tucked them away with the hope that they'd remain there. 

Everything is shadow and hellfire, but when the summons come, he does not ignore them. Though, he goes slowly, the world obscured by whatever sickness he has obtained from the battle. From Ranjiri, though he dare not think her name for all the pain and emotion that wells inside him at the memories it brings. He trails, letting Ilaria be his eyes, behind the pack. Far behind, because he cannot stand to infect them with his presence nor the illness inside his lungs. It is a gratitude that he is not further affected, for his body is slight and his will is low in the hours after the battle with the Goddess. Surely any wracking cough or debilitating disease would finish what little fire remains in his soul. For while Cera is the Golden, hailed Prince of the sands and the Sun, he seems to be forever beneath the slavery of the darkness around and inside him. 

Ilaria tells him when to stop, and he listens, shying away from any who come too close for how their ghoulish auras flicker demonically before him. His heart knows fear, and knows it well. He is tired of it, weary of the anxiety that comes alongside it. And he stands alone, not knowing what to say or how to participate, unwilling to speak up. His only comfort is Megaera's voice, familiar and strong. He lets it hold him up in spirit even as he quakes, knees trembling and shaking, wings low until they brush the sands. But he stands vigilant, against the waves that beat against him, depression and dejection. Where is the sun? he cries inside his heart, crippled and awaiting salvation. I have held on for so long. Where is he now?

Ilaria croons softly, pressing her pretty face to her son's neck. They are family, in a thousand different ways, and she cries to see his soul go through each new torment alone. But I am here with you, she whispers. Together, we will make it. And for the moment, in a sea of faces he'd die for but who don't know his name, that is enough for Cera. 

Cera sees everyone like this due to GLL, but the fires are the color of your character's aura!