I stick to her like a shadow all the way from Diveen, never once looking back again at the life I'm leaving. My midnight fur blends in with hers, like two puzzle pieces falling together for the first time in a long time. I know that something happened back there, something very bad and not just what I did to Calliel. I know in the corner of my mind that it has something to do with Natalya but every time I think her name, I feel hollow and empty inside. My chest tightens and my step falters but I have a slight panic attack, thinking about Kiska getting out of sight so I speed up until I'm right with her once more.

We make it to the grotto and only then do we slow down. I never let my fur stop pressing against hers. Once we stop, I turn to face her, golden eyes piercing into hers and I know that I'm still covered in blood from the attack and I must look horrible and yet she still came for me. I take a step back, suddenly ashamed of how I look, my head ducking and I can no longer meet her gaze. My voice is harsh and hoarse like I haven't used it in a while.

"Don't look at me, Kiska. I don't deserve what you've done for me. I screwed up. I deserved whatever they were going to do."

I turn around, looking for water to clean off in. I can smell it so I venture further into the darkness, depending on my senses to guide me. I try to stick to the shadows, not wanting Kiska to see my blood stained fur. Once I reach the water, I walk right in without hesitation, smelling the metallic tang of the blood as it washes into the water. A heavy sigh drips from my lips ebfore I turn back to where I know Kiska is. I inhale deeply, never wanting to forget her perfume again. My ears flicker uncertainly.

"Kiska....you smell like a pack. Is that...Taviora?"