Blackfoot Forest every year is getting shorter

A lump built in his throat. His whole fictions world came crumbling down, swift and fast. The tender touch of the Redhawg solidified this feeling. There is no denying the mouthed words she made. An apology. It all felt too harsh, too much of a stab in his back. He had fucked up by trusting her, by admiring her and most certainly by letting himself care as much as he did. He hadn't cared a lot but it was obvious it had always been too much.

You're not. He whispered because he refused to accept that she would be sorry for her actions. Kalganov did not attempt to strike her down and keep her here, there was no point. Her worth had been lost the moment Maegi had fled and Mou had pushed the responsibility of them onto him. The end of everything was very much in sight and even his deluded thoughts could not hide the outcome. But don't cross me again. I'm no coward like the ones who got you first, I just like the chase. Despite the harshness such words might carry, his tone was soft and tender just for her.