i'll never forget you

Asla held him softly, her comfort soothing the ache in his heavy heart, but he wasn’t sure that the guilt would ever go away. Rue had so much life ahead of her, they’d been so young. Worst of all he had promised her. He was going to keep her safe and teach her how to be a pack wolf. He was going to instill a confidence in her bright heart. But all of thta had been ripped away with the hyena’s teeth.

Indigo sighed heavily even as his sister soothed his soul, her gentle rhythmic motions, kisses, and cuddles. They were a balm to his turmoil. She spoke softly, trying to convince him beyond his mentality but even her sweet words wouldn’t heal him. He would hold himself responsible for Rue’s death and he’d never make a similar promise ever again.

”They killed her. They tore her apart. Her screams...” His voice was hollow and haunted, he’d never forget the sight of her barely recognizable body. The pain she’d had to endure before death took her, the screams that fell from her lips… Indigo buried his face in Aslatiel’s fur once more.

She wanted him to get up but he wasn’t sure that he could. He’d told her once he deserved to wallow here in his misery, to let himself be swallowed by the guilt that lay heavy over him. He’d grow silent, and slowly follow her guidance. He’d do it to make her happy because there was little else of import in his life but Aslatiel’s smile.