He chose the latter, pressing himself into Meera’s side. Jamie saw everything. He broke down. “I want my puppy back!” he cried, his voice cracking under the weight of panic. “Please! I didn’t mean to lose him!” Asha crouched beside Jamie, her voice low and steady. “She lost her cub about a month ago,” she said.
“It was small. Like Nibbles. She hasn’t moved like this in weeks. Hasn’t made a sound. But now, she’s watching. Protecting. Grooming.” She hesitated. “She thinks he’s hers.” Jamie sniffled. “But he’s mine.” “I know,” Asha said softly. “But right now… she needs him more than anyone.”