Ravenshook Cliffs [m] seal paw

why do you care so much, chakliux?
since the last time they spoke, red leaf had buried how she felt about his rejection deep in her mind. it came back to her now as their gazes met, a harpoon of shame aimed right for her chest; why did he come to her if he did not want her for her body? why else would another man involve himself with her?
the midnight hackles bristle, eyes glassy now with vulnerable tears. i am defiled. i-i am grieving the man who did so, and who you say i am better off without. and i have nothing to offer you. you do not-- want me, my body. so what is it, then? what do you gain from meddling in my troubles?
had he not done enough to embarrass her? did he not realize that this, too, hurt her, only in a different way?
did he not realize that he was still a man?