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Sadie was unaware that she needed rest, and unaware of Rio's thoughts to leave. She let herself enjoy the moment, amber eyes bright with happiness.

Sadie lay down beside him, daring to press her white pelt into his.

As Rio's eyes closed, Sadie realized that tonight they slept together, away from the disturbances caused by others. She was happy with this turn of events, and her sinewy muscles began to relax. She curled up into a tighter ball, still pressed to Rio's side. The female wolf's amber eyes began to drift shut, the pattern of her breathing smoothing out till it was a regular, slow pattern. She slowly slipped into the dark world of sleep, her last sensation Rio's warmth seeping into her white pelt.

Sadie roused, awakened by his cried. "Rio?" she asked sleepily. As her brain began functioning properly, she sat up rapidly. "Rio?" she asked again, more urgently and concerned.

"I'm right here, Rio," she murmured, licking and pressing against him comfortingly.

Sadie licked him again. "Why wouldn't I be okay?" she asked.

"Oh, right. The battle," Sadie said, memories flooding back. Her momentray concern evaporated, replaced by a deep, strong instinct. Protect those close to her, even with her last breath. And the closest one to her was Rio, both literally, and figuratively.

"Tell me about it," Sadie agreed, white head dipping in a nod. Her amber eyes returned to gaze at the male wolf. "Rio," she began, "Can we promise not to leave eachother's side? If we don't make it out of this, I want to die with you."