The Heartwood man was born to sin, set him free and he will be a sinner

It was indeed his inexperience that cost him. He had all the potential, in size and in instinctive skill, yet, she was better. And he knew it. He knew there was a slim chance that he would actually survive, and he accepted it, but would not simply lie down accept defeat so early when he was not yet tired of the fight. And she knew it. Yet again she regains the upper hand, pulling him down and seeking what he calls the "danger zone", the spot he had picked when attempting to kill Rannoch. Ironically, or perhaps purposefully, she seemed to be targeting there exactly, her fangs ebbing closer and closer the longer their struggle continued. He fights her on it, his claws reaching any grip it could get and seeking to tear while his teeth clash against hers as echoing snarls pass between them. It is a power struggle, one of the more ceremonious brawls he has had with what he deems a worthy opponent. They continue, and the struggle weans tedious, and ultimately, he wonders what her endgame is. Did she truly intend to kill him when she reached his neck or simply force him into submission, or to make him feel the way Rannoch had that day. He didn't plan to, but for a quick second does he turn his neck in the direction of Blackfeather Woods, thinking of those within who need him, those who would be left unguarded if he was to die. Maegi. It was a mistake to do so, as that quick second opened up an opportunity of an unguarded neck in Hydra's favour; a slip in Vaati's dexterity. He realizes so with wide eyes and does not get the chance to return his eyes to hers.