Xavier's POV
"Leave you?" Xavier growled through the pack link, his muzzle curling into a bloody smile. "Do you have brain damage, Magnus? The last time I left you alone, you nearly got yourself killed. I'm not making that mistake twice."
Magnus staggered, teeth bared, blood dripping from his muzzle. His wolf still tried to fight, but his spirit began to falter.
"You don't get it, do you?" he added, his voice cracking slightly. "She's out there, Xav. She needs you more than she needs me. You shouldn't die here. You can't—"
"Enough!" Xavier cut him off with the weight of command, his growl shaking even through the pack link.
He lunged forward, blocking a silver strike that would've cut Magnus's throat, claws raking sparks against the blade. Agony seared his paw, but he held fast, his eyes blazing still.
"Listen to me, Magnus. I'd rather die fighting beside you than live with the memory of leaving you behind."
