A Trip for the Heart

She hadn’t been forced to work hard to get Ara to come with her on the little trip. Years had passed since she had been here, and when she was honest with herself, she wanted to see it one more time. Novel could feel the end approaching, the feeling had been there for too long now. It was getting closer. There was no set day, but she doubted she would see the leaves change again.

She coughed heavily as her paws carried her frail frame through the dense underbrush. Ara made the path ahead of her, but it was still anything but easy. She paused for a moment to catch her breath and steady her footing when she was surprised with the face of a man she thought she’d never have to see again.

Her heart suddenly started to race and her breath refused to come easily as her blue eyes stared the boy down. She didn’t realize how young he was, or even that the markings were not perfect. This was Lel, come back to hurt her one more time.

She didn’t know what to do, but felt herself panic as she frantically sought out Ara’s side. Novel aimed to bury her features into her mate’s coat. She would make him leave her in peace.