Chapter 74

“‘Fighting’ is something that we carry in our blood; it comes from the soul. For pride, for honor, for love. We would not have been born with this shape if it did not have some purpose.” He sighed and put a hand to his muzzle, to smooth the hair on his forehead and between his ears, removing the accumulated snow. “I think Lai is only understanding it now, and frankly it was about time he accepted it. To each one, what corresponds. You cannot stop being what you are in your most intimate essence.”

Rex’s words hit me very deep, for some reason.

“But that doesn’t mean they’re beasts,” I replied firmly. “You are not beasts.”

“Well, I’m not saying we are, but a part of us is still wild and instinctive. It is the use you give to the beast that differentiates you from being a monster.”

I realized that Rex, unlike Ivan, embraced his canine essence more freely, without prejudice or questioning. He was, and he let himself be, perhaps taking the part of taking advantage