She went for the gun immediately, hurling it over a nearby cliff. She turned, ready to leap into the fight again, but the two men were twisted together so tightly that she knew she couldn’t get between them.
I have no choice but to watch and hope.
Dana saw Griffin falter as he realized Rux was going to beat him, even with his wound. Griffin shifted, his golden lion’s coat rippling in the low light as he went for Rux’s throat.
Rux shifted, too, twisting out of Griffin’s way as they both went down in a pile of sleek limbs and rippling muscles.
The grunts and yells of the two men became roaring growls as they twisted against each other. Shimmering coats of gold and ebony flashed back and forth as both panther and lion fought for supremacy.
Dana’s heart cried out every time she saw Griffin land a hit.
He was a massive lion, covered in bulky muscle with a thick, wide mane. In contrast, Rux looked like a slender whip, with all lean lines and smooth edges. It would have looked impossible for Rux to win, even if he hadn’t been shot before the fight.
Dana was torn between following them across the dunes and running back to the party. She knew if she went back to the manor, she could probably get help for Rux, maybe even find Dennis.
She struggled with herself, trying to convince herself to run.
It’s the smart thing to do. I have to go. It’s the only way to help him.
She turned away, ready to run. Before she could, her eyes blurred with tears and her chest ached as if it were being cut open by a sharp blade.
She ran after the big cats as they tumbled over the sand. She couldn’t leave Rux, no matter how much sense it made. She was connected to him. She understood that now. She could never leave him.
He can’t die. He can’t!
She ran after the fight, getting close enough now to see Rux’s blood pooling on the ground and spreading across his dark coat. They were still too tightly wrapped against each other for her to be able to get in a hit.
All she could do was stand nearby and pray.
Hot tears spilled down her cheeks as she watched Griffin come out on top. He roared into Rux’s face, fangs bared and shining. He plunged his head down, only for Rux to flip to the side at the last second.
Before Rux could fully get out of range, Griffin swiped with one massive paw and ripped open Rux’s flank.
Her lover roared in pain, staggering away from the lion. As Griffin advanced, Rux backed away. His eyes were dark and determined, but his face was low, his gaze shadowed by pain.
Griffin roared as if he could defeat Rux with his voice alone and advanced, step by slow step.
Both of them were bleeding from multiple injuries, but Rux was clearly worse off. Dana knew she was watching him die, and there was nothing she could do about it.
I’ll jump in and attack Griffin. If Rux dies, I won’t have anything to live for. I might as well try to take Griffin with me!
She came up behind the lion, ready to jump on him. Rux lifted his head, his eyes lighting up as he saw her there. When he looked back at Griffin, his entire body hardened with determination.
Dana knew he was going to fight to his last breath.
And so would she. They were eternally joined now, and anywhere Rux went, she would follow.
Even if it is into battle or danger. I don’t care! I will be by his side for the rest of my life, however long or short it may be!