The burning Sunhigh sun scorched her black pelt, adding onto the heat from her fear. The shadow moved unnaturally swiftly through the undergrowth and around the trunks of the weather-worn trees. What was. . ?

She, locked in place, bristling with fury, stood tall and strong and stared into where the frondescence rustled. Even with the intimidating look and all, fear of her fate and what rustled ahead still made her regret ever making a group.

When she said those few words it left scars of confusion across her trusted warriors' faces. She really never did want to be in this situation.

It hurt to say.
But she said it anyways.

She loved all of the animals she had met in the group, but with her unhappiness, it felt like if whatever was inching closer to her could be her escape from the dark world she lived in.

All of the sudden, a shape leaped toward her shoulders. She couldn't lie anymore.

No.
Not to herself.
Not to others.

She was so unhappy with what she was doing with her life, even with her rank and bloodline.

Still not knowing what the shape pinning her down was, she knew there must be a heart in the attacker. Somewhere.

"Just do whatever you need to." She heard her own voice crack in sorrow and felt a sudden weight off her shoulders.

Just give me mercy.

Her eyes slowly opened.
Him. The one tha ––

Claws slashed her flank and blood spattered the ground and a sharp pain stabbed the back of her throat just soon after.

"I'd hate to see you like this, love. I won't forgive myself or ever see you again, but revenge. . . was just to sweet. So vulnerable, you were. I know your style. Your mind. You would have too."

I would have said an unforgettable phrase back to his face, but all that I could do is cough up blood and have my eyes fade into darkness.

I awoke in a bright place. It was empty. It gave me a few heartbeats to process.

I could have fought back. Why didn't I suspect that from that venom-heart.

It wasn't time to be upset.

Why did I ever choose to leave him? I still loved him. He was the one. . . I could have sworn.

It wasn't time to be regretful.

I miss you. I want you back. I want the group back. Where in the stars even am I?

But it wasn't time to be remorseful.

It was time to just be happy with what she had. Though she could never get those times back again, she was still in the hearts of all the group warriors. All except, that one.

She won't be forgotten in a long while.