*Briella*

The clash of fists and fur had ceased, leaving only a ringing silence in their wake. I stood motionless at Kryzen’s side as I watched Drius retreat in defeat. He emerged from my home, beaten and bruised, with only a small bag of belongings.

I stepped forward intending to apologize and ask him to please understand. Drius clenched his jaw, a mixture of pain and regret flickering across his hazel eyes. He faced the forest and paused, his back still turned to ...