Bitterroot Valley and i saw nothing here but you

Victory feels different than he'd thought it would. This is the first time he's ever won a spar against his dragon; he'd thought he'd feel proud, accomplished, something — especially in a situation where it matters so much. But winning doesn't feel like much of anything. It feels sore, and tired, and a little empty. It feels like the realization that he's never wanted to win anything against Kratos; he wants his mate by his side in all victories.
His already-light grip falls away, melts into fierce, insistent preening. He presses close, abandoning his earned prize in favor of what he values far more. Suddenly he doesn't care at all whether his father lives or dies, by his hand or another's. This — Kratos matters more.