He could see the happiness so transparent in Tuari. It was what he always wanted for her and to think he would be the one to give it to her still sent him reeling. He didn't deserve this happiness but she was his weakness and he couldn't bear the thought of letting her go. She was in his life to stay. At least she knew those darker parts of him that he hid from the rest of the world. She may not consider him a monster but he always would. They wrestled and then she ran off teasing him to follow. He did without hesitation, weaving through the trees after her until she turned back to face him by the river. She looked way too innocent but he wasn't about to stand back and wait for her to make the next move. He was going in.

He launched himself at her and felt a wave of triumph when they collided. He immediately started nuzzling and licking at whatever he could reach but then he felt the change in dynamics. She was pushing him toward the little ledge that led to the river itself. He didn't panic though. He knew his own momentum was working against him. He felt his paws slipping and knew he was about to reach the edge. He would go over. But that didn't mean he had to go over alone. He flung the front part of his body back around, wrapping his shoulders and neck around Tuari, his teeth aiming for her scruff to better anchor himself even as his back paws pivoted over the edge of the ledge. He felt his back hit the water first but the real question is, would he have his prize partner with him when he went under?