Great Bear Wilderness as the crow flies

you wanted to hurt me.

which hurt more in that moment - his wounds, or that accusation?

arcturus grimaced, his head falling back to the earth as defeat sunk its claws deep within him. he had never wanted to hurt her - how could she even think that? his mind had been clouded in that moment, but never once had he thought to turn his aggression to her..

thinking back on his fight only served to further incense and hurt his ego; revui had challenged him, and that had been unpalatable to the beta's pride. and now, his pride was broken anew by his wasted efforts; he had fought for someone who would not have done the same for him.

and that betrayal sunk deeper than his brother's teeth ever could. it tapped into a part of him that he had kept largely hidden from the world, because it was so vulnerable. and now, that part of him had been hurt anew.

had it been worth it? her apologies didn't come close to slaking the pain in his heart. not she, not hydra, not anyone had come to his defense -- and now, he was here. torn to shreds, half-dying on a riverbank -- all in the name of protecting someone else. "go away, ying." the beta labored, his breath giving way to a barely audible growl.