United in Grief

Caedes watched with detachment as the other male leaped into action, driven by his own motives Caedes could not have known.

As the marbled brute seized the opportunity to attack the lion from behind, Caedes remained on the sidelines taunting the lion with grins, observing with a cold indifference all the while. The lion's focus was diverted, its attention consumed by the display, leaving its vulnerable back exposed to the brutal assault incoming.

A grim satisfaction flickered in Caedes's eyes as he witnessed Coran's fangs sinking deep into the lion's flesh, tearing through sinew and muscle with ruthless efficiency. The lion roared in agony, its claws lashing out in a desperate attempt to fend off the relentless attack.

Yet, even as the other male suffered a savage blow to his cheek, Caedes remained unmoved, his resolve unshaken by the violence unfolding before him. But he did surge forward, his jaws seeking the back of the lion’s neck, willing to hold it there and suffocate the life out of it – or until something snapped.