I woke dizzy and alone, surrounded by the bodies of those in my unit. My body was numb, I could hardly feel a thing. I stood up and slumped forward, looking around at my friends. I could do nothing for them now, I couldn’t even protect them from those who had attacked us.

“I am sorry.” I felt such guilt and wanted to die with them, but then I remembered, words flashing through my mind. “Tigra,” I said her name. “I need to keep my promise.” I was about to begin heading towards the city. I gasped grabbing my side, it hurt. I wondered how long I had been out for as there was barely any light.

I heard some groaning, then Lin’s voice. “Kiba.” She called for him.

“Lin.” She was alive. I kneeled over to where Kiba was laying on top of her, gently pushing his cold body off her. “Lin.” I felt such relief that I had not been the only one to survive. She was barely conscious. Kiba had done everything he could to protect her, but she did not come off unscathed from the onslaught as she was covered in burn marks, and deep cuts.

“Fang.” She stayed conscious. “Kiba.” Tears welled up in her eyes, she reached for him.

I grabbed hold of her hand. “Come on, we can’t stay here.” I fought back my own discomfort.

“Kiba,” she said his name again. “Don’t make me leave him.”

“We’ll come back for them; I promise.” She slowly nodded, then looked towards Edge, more tears forming, streaming down her face. With difficulty I pulled Lin to her feet, her wounds were serious, and I had no way to heal either of us.

“Augh!” She cried out as she stood up. I hooked her arm over my shoulder to support her. “You’re injured too, just leave me here.”

“No,” I shook my head. “Kiba wouldn’t want me too, he gave everything to protect you, we’re both going to make it back to the city for all their sakes.” I glanced down at my cousin before moving, stiffly and slowly, back towards Cathopia. I would get my revenge for them, Dumah would pay with his own life. I shook away my anger, I needed to first get us both back home.

Leaving the site where we had been ambushed. I glanced back at them one last time, but I could not take them all with me. ‘I’ll return for you.’ I thought to myself as I walked forward.

I don’t even remember how I managed to keep on walking, supporting us both. The pain I felt had faded to nothing, I neither felt hot or cold; the only thing on my mind was Tigra. I needed to make it, keep my promise and to bring Lin home safely, alive for Kiba.

Days and nights passed, I don’t know how many but all that mattered was that I just kept going, pulling along Lin who grew weaker as the days passed. Cathopia eventually came into view, I was nearly home.

“We’re almost there, Lin.” I fell to one knee for a moment, panting. I could sense we were both struggling to keep going, but I needed to make it, I promised her.

“I can’t…” Lin went limp, her weight pushing me down to the ground.

“Lin.” I was startled, quickly getting back up, checking her breathing, she was still alive, but for how much longer I did not know. “Hang in there please, I can’t lose you too.” I picked her up in my arms, raising to my feet with what strength I had left. “I’m coming.” I felt anger built up within me. Dumah caused this, he would pay for this with his life, and I had to protect Tigra from him.

The bridge into Cathopia was quiet, no guards in sight, which I thought was strange, but it must have been a switch, some knights could never be patient enough to wait for their replacement, especially when they were late. The city was just as quiet.

I walked until the castle appeared just ahead of me. I felt relief I’d made it home; we’d both made it. A knight saw me coming and raised his weapon on guard, then recognised my beat-up uniform.

“Fang,” he was surprised and came running over.

“Need to keep my promise.” I fell forward, stumbling to my knees, refusing to drop Lin. My body unable to walk any further. “Take her.”

“Get some help!” he called to the other knight as he quickly took Lin from me. “Fang hang in there.”

I collapsed to the ground trying to stay awake to keep my eyes open, I needed to see Tigra, but my eyes began to slowly close, I couldn’t stay awake.

“What’s all this commotion?” questioned Queen Daz as she came out, dressed in her purple night gown.

“Fang has returned your highness,” he replied.

“Fang,” she dashed over, kneeling closer. “What happened?”

“Ambush,” I only managed that single word.

“Take him to the royal infirmary,” she ordered.

“Tigra,” I mumbled her name before blacking out.