Time passed and winter’s icy grip over the land sent a chill through Elwin’s bones. His bond with Vanima blossomed further after she revealed the truth of her past.

Together, they prowled the woods late in the evening. While out on patrol, Elwin caught the scent of that female elf again and came back to bring her along.

His thoughts drifted back to the elf as he walked next to his mate. They shouldn't be out in the forest this late in the day.

“Why do you seek this woman out every time she enters the forest?” Vanima's tone bordered with curiosity and unease.

He turned to his mate and said, “I’m drawn to her, but I don’t know why. My memories from before the transformation are shrouded in darkness.” Before she could respond, Elwin continued, “Nothing will change the way I feel about you.”

Vanima rubbed her fur against him and curled her tail around his. “Silvertree brought us both here for a reason, but I gave my heart to you freely.”

Elwin breathed in her scent and let her love wash over him. “I made a vow to save my people and I will do everything in my power to achieve this, but you are what I live for.”

The wind delivered a fresh scent that set off alarms from the predator within him. Vanima growled in anticipation, waiting for Elwin to make his move.

The two of them went on the hunt for the new threat. The crunch of the snow was the only indication of their silent approach. The sun dipped below the horizon plunging them into darkness.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Spurred on by a sense of urgency, Elwin ran.

His ability to see in the dark aided him when he approached the black panther snarling aggressively towards the three elves. The woman with the bow that had helped Elwin kill the bear before could be seen among them, but she did not attempt to use it.

Instead, the patrol chose to back away from the animal. He could taste the fear emanating from the jaguar.

He halted a few yards from the panther and met his mate’s eyes. “There’s only one reason why it’s in this forest.”

They shared a knowing look and Vanima said, “It must have chased the creature here. What else could it be?”

This battle, like any other, could be his undoing so he nuzzled up against Vanima and ordered, “Whatever happens to me, do not harm the elves.”

She stayed true to her unwavering loyalty and nodded in acceptance.

Panthers are not like other feline predators. They prefer to use their massive jaws to crush the skull of their victim. Attacks would be swift, and every claw strike would be potentially fatal.

He wouldn’t have the numbers to back him up as he did against the tiger.

Together, they rushed the panther while its attention was on the retreating patrol.

Why do they not fight back?

The two of them lashed out at the hind legs, sinking their teeth into muscle. Still synchronized with his mate, Elwin retreated. Only now did he notice one of the elves held his arm close to his chest.

The panther turned around and lunged for his face, jaw open wide. He leaped to the side, but the animal rolled onto its back and raked both claws out to the side cutting deep into Elwin’s flank.

The blow had been unexpected. He lay there in a pool of his blood. Despite his vision blurring, he witnessed Vanima swiping at the panther’s eyes, never leaving his side.

In a shallow whimper, he said, “I love you.”

Before he passed out, he heard a howl of defiance then nothing.