Wheeling Gull Isle better place

For some reason, he hadn’t expected Judah to cry. He’d been so stoic before. But the sight of his tears destroyed Caracal. Combined with his words, the man suddenly found himself on the verge of a total emotional meltdown. With a sob, he reached out and wrapped his forelegs around his son’s neck.

I don’t deserve that, he wept into Judah’s ruff, directly contrasting his previous inner monologue. I don’t deserve you.

He clung to his son, crying and shaking, then took a moment to gather himself. Caracal pulled back only slightly, legs still slung around slim gray shoulders.

And you don’t deserve this, he whispered. I love you so much for it, Ju, but you’re too young to carry this burden. I want you to be with your mom, your brothers and sisters. I know you don’t want to leave this place, that it might scare you, but Ju…