Bearclaw Valley lionizing

The eruption of pain across his forehead and scalp almost makes him gasp and release her, but Aventus maintains just enough control to turn it into a squealed yelp through the fur in his mouth instead. He absolutely could not lose to his sister. He knew his sire saw something in Avicus that he did not see in his son—and he had no assurance that his mother valued him any greater.

If he lost to Avicus, he lost Ursus. He would never be elevated again, despite the promises Merrick made that she would stand alongside him. He would not receive the same favour. This Aventus believed entirely. He could not abide it.

He wrenched his body with her, feeling something give way, and with a vicious shake of his head he began the process of driving her off her feet and onto the ground. He would have the advantage, then. Murderous intent began to well up within him, the knowledge that if he did not end her life she would rise against him again and again and ag—

He was shoved aside by Merrick cutting into the midst of them and he turned his teeth on his father in a snarl, roaring with spittle flying, I have only ever been loyal to Ursus! That was the most that Merrick would receive from his enraged son. There would be no uniting of siblings to force their meddlesome father out of the picture. Aventus turned and fell upon Avicus with renewed savagery, struggling against her, slicing flesh wherever possible while sustaining the pain of her blows.

Avicus would flee, or Aventus would die; he would not stop until either of those outcomes came to pass. He would not run from Ursus, not even if his sire decided he had killed it in defending his place and his life.