Red Fur

Chapter 14

No...
Before a single other thought could pass through my head, the wooden raft was no longer beneath my paws, as a sharp nudge threw me overboard, knocking me breathlessly into the unforgiving sea.
I was so taken aback; everything had moved so fast; that I quickly ran out of breath.
But just before I lost consciousness, I saw a strange figure coming after me.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*

My eyes fluttered open moments later, at the horrible stabbing dullness I felt in my lungs. My body moved on its own, plunging out and letting out a hacking cough.
Warm saltwater poured out my mouth and I gagged, choking and coughing as I cleared the water from my lungs. When I could breathe, at least a little, I lifted my gaze when I saw a soaking wet figure standing over me, also breathing heavily.
I squinted at it in confusion, and when my eyes adjusted to the bright light I blinked.
"... R-Raion...?" My voice was a hoarse whimper from the rough feeling of saltwater in my throat.
When I could see clearly, I saw Raion hovering over me, his breathing labored. When I spoke, he raised his head and looked at me.
His eyes... They were back to honey brown. That gentle... Soft brown.
He was back...
He was back for real this time!!
Before I had time to react, I was pushed down by the force of Raion's body.
"Auryn!!"
I fell back in surprise as Raion nuzzled me, seeming relieved. "Oh, Auryn... I'm so glad you're okay...!"
"...."
After a few moments with Raion pressed up against me affectionately, he pulled back and looked at me.
"I'm so sorry about everything, it's all my fault...!"
I attempted a smile.
"It's alright..."
For the first time, I began to look around at my surroundings. It appeared that the two of us were on the shore... Right beside the water.
I looked up at Raion and my mouth turned up into a smile.
"Raion... You saved me..."
He looked at the ground.
"Well, yeah, but..."
"... Thank you."
His face turned grim.
"You wouldn't need saving if it wasn't for me..."
My brows drew together and I looked at him seriously.
"It isn't your fault... She put you under her spell."
Raion raised his voice with a hard expression, "You know that's not what I meant."
My ears went back at his words, remembering everything he'd confessed to on the raft.
"...What was it...?" I asked quietly, avoiding his gaze.
He raised his head to look at me, but our eyes didn't meet. "... 'It'?"
My voice was small. "... What did she offer you...?"
There was a long uncomfortable silence that settled over us, before his mouth opened.
"... Tyra has my family."
My ears shot up to stand pointed on the top of my head and I looked into his face in surprise. He went on, his eyes set on the dirt.
"... My mother, father... Two beautiful sisters..."
His claws dug into the ground and his expression hardened with pain. "... I couldn't protect them..."
Raion...
I got to my feet, and without a second thought, I pressed my neck to his in a wolffish hug, nuzzling into his fur. "I'm so sorry..."
There was a pause, and I felt Raion's body tense... And within a few moments, his head nuzzled into my fur, as the sound of crying broke the silence.
Raion nuzzled deeply into my fur, and I felt his tears drench my fur and soak my skin. I held him up in support and nuzzled him gently, wanting nothing more than to be there to comfort him when he needed most.