A fragile dream in the making

Oath saw Fairytale falter, the deer's powerful kick sending her staggering back. His heart clenched at the sight of her small form hitting the sand, her breath knocked from her lungs. For a brief moment, his focus wavered, worry for her clouding his mind. But she was resilient, shaking off the pain and diving back into the fight, determined not to let the deer win. Her spirit was undeniable.

But enough was enough.

With a deep, rumbling growl, Oath tightened his hold on the deer’s throat. The young creature struggled, kicking and thrashing, but Oath’s powerful jaws clamped down harder, cutting off its air. The deer’s movements slowed, its strength fading with every passing second. Finally, with a last, weak twitch, it collapsed beneath him, its life slipping away.

Oath released his grip, his cyan eyes immediately turning to Fairytale. He stepped over the deer and rushed to her side, his concern clear in the way he nudged her gently with his nose. “Fairy,” he murmured, his voice softer now, laced with worry. “Are you hurt?”

He could see the way she winced, the pain in her ribs and shoulders evident, but she was still standing. Her determination made him proud, but the last thing he wanted was for her to push herself too hard.

“You did it,” he said, his voice low and filled with admiration. “We did it.” He gently pressed his nose to her side, checking for any serious injuries. “But let’s get you resting before we celebrate. You took a hard hit there.”