Book 10: Chapter 26
“Marvel… Do you really have to do this?”
The panther turned his head around to look at the thin dress. He nodded, “Yes, I must. I can’t control what the three other tribes do. I’ve already done what I should, but they still don’t understand. However, I can’t just watch those humans run rampant here in our lands. We are not fighting a war to expand, but one for our lives!”
“But if you leave, the other tribes will not…”
“We will die all the same if I don’t leave.”
Marvel looked at his wife and gave her a gentle forehead kiss. He softly continued, “Our tribe has always lived here. We cannot become selfish fools, like the other three tribes, for our own sake. If we do not make a stand, nobody will. I would rather die on the battlefield than let the humans capture me from my bed.”
“Then, I…”
Marvel gently stroked his wife’s slightly bulging belly. He bit down on his lip with self-blame and apologetic feelings, “I’m sorry, my love. I can’t protect you and our child by your side. I can only say that we loved at the wrong time, but you must believe me. I am going to the frontlines for our child and your sake! Our child shouldn’t be at a continent that has crumbled. He should go to an expansive land!”
“I know. I know. I love you. I love you.”
She repeated every sentence twice. He grabbed hold of her hand with his claws. The moonlight finally shone through the clouds, lighting up her pointy ears.