PERSEPHONE

Persephone’s heart pounded against her chest as she navigated the chaos of the Forest. She had followed Warsaw when he had broken apart from the initial fray, but around every corner and in every shadow, there seemed to lie another distraction. Another fight, another friend nursing a wound, another child cowering, waiting to be led to safety by a parent who was otherwise detained.

The Forest was supposed to be – had been – a haven for many lost souls over the years. It was a land of peace, a place where strangers could find a family, should they only act as such. But now it was a warzone. The sight was so incongruent that it made Persephone’s head spin in a way that was not entirely to do with her physical exertions.

This had to end, and it had to end today. Persephone knew she would be turned mad if she had to continue leading her herd under this kind of threat any longer. She and Warsaw had to end.

She clashed with enemies as she went, landing kicks and bites here and there as she tried to assist her allies in turning the tides of their squabbles as she passed. She felt bruises bloom beneath her hair, and cuts pierce her skin as she took hits herself in return. She offered quick words of encouragement and understanding glances to those she saw. She directed those unable to fight to where they could find the most secluded, defensive spots in the thick trees.

All the while, her dark eyes searched for Warsaw – the reason for all this pain and fear. Her gaze finally settled on him as soon as she heard his cry. A fire in her belly flickered back into life in response.

Tarek beat her to him. Persephone was so focused on her enemy that she hardly noticed his approach, but she wasn’t far behind him. She, too, charged as Warsaw, coming up on Tarek’s right side to aim a similar snap towards the grey brute, as well as an angry strike with her forelegs towards him, the half-rear drawing her momentum to a halt.

A two-headed beast of the Forest. Persephone was grateful for the company.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh