Worry-bitten lips shaped the first word they'd ever uttered, but no sound came out, sound and breath completely stolen by her brother's voice in her ear, and the broom dipped alarmingly where Vex's legs would have slid out from under her if she'd been standing.

"You're..." a whisper so soft with hope and relief, the alive dying on her lips before it could speak the opposite she'd seen to be true. Anger and fear flared in the wake of softer emotions, "What are you- where the fuck are you! We promised!"

She surged forward, like a half-broken horse, calling out to Dot left behind, "I have to..." Never mind she had no idea where she was going. She was the best tracker they knew, and he was her brother. She'd find him.

Or he'd find her.

Just like always.