He looks so sad. I don’t understand. I would not leave Moladeon, not with Taika and Edrick here. I care about them too much to leave. Taika was my first friend here! Well, in all honesty, she is my first friend ever. Before I came here, I only had my family. They didn’t like me very much. They thought my games were a waste of time and a bad influence on my younger siblings. I don’t understand why. It’s not like I ever hurt anyone with them. Unlike some people. But no, I don’t want to think about them.

Enderly’s words shake me from my thoughts. He seems so reluctant to tell me, and I fear his words so much that the fur on my neck and back begins to raise slightly, my usually exuberant tail tucking unusually low near my legs. My ears followed suit, tilting back with my apprehension, although I was hanging on his every word.

“I don’t understand,” I began, my voice shaking more than I would like it to. “Not good?”

My eyes darted from him to his family, but they gave me no clues as to what was to come. Quickly enough, I settled my golden eyes back to him just in time for him to continue. This time there is no other way for me to interpret his words. I am dying. My jaw opens as I try to form words, but I do not know what to say. Dying? I can’t be dying. I’m only four years old! I’m barely more than a child! And to have my death spread to Edrick? No. It can’t. I can’t! I need him. I need Edrick.

I shake my head, stepping backwards away from the dark wolf. Not looking where I was going, I manage to misstep and slip on a rock, my back legs falling out from under me.

“I’m sorry,” I manage, as my back feet scramble beneath me. Once I collect my feet, I turn away even as I speak. I don’t know how I know it, but I trust that my feet will carry me towards him. “I have to go. Edrick - “ I cut myself off. Once more, I glance back at the dark wolf and his family behind me. “Thank you.”

Tail tucked completely between my legs now, I speed off. I am not an eagle soaring or an elk springing along. I am simply me. I can be nothing else right now. My heart is tight in my chest. Is it fear or is this the sickness he has sensed inside of me? I truly cannot say. All I know is that I need to find Edrick. I need to warn him. And more than that, I just need to be near him. Maybe he can stop the pain in my chest.