When Leon staggered to the edge of the forest, the agony of his soul being torn apart left him barely able to straighten his back.
The little pup was curled up crying in a hollow tree, clutching a few leaves of bloodstaunch grass. His knees were covered in scrapes.
Joanna rushed over and held him, crying too hard to speak clearly.
Leon pressed a hand to his chest, where blood kept welling out. Fighting the pain of his soul being drained, he asked in a hoarse, trembling voice, "Why did you run off?"
The little pup looked up, his face covered in tears.
"Daddy, that lady didn't hurt me.
"I saw her legs bleeding and wanted to find herbs for her. Then I chased a rabbit and got lost."
Joanna's sobs caught in her throat. Her face went white.
The child opened his hand and offered Leon the
