Traumatic Meetings

Caeli’s sleek coat was matted with blood, a large portion of flesh missing from her flank and hindquarters. Her chest was heaving, her eyes slightly dull. Sliding closer, I lifted her bridled head into my lap, whispering soothing nonsense as I softly stroked her face. She made a soft noise in her throat that was a faded imitation of her usual nicker.
No . . .
We were just on a trail ride. She was fine just a few minutes ago. This can’t be happening . . . she protected me when- no . . . this isn’t real, this isn’t real . . .
“This can’t be happening!”
Suddenly I was aware of someone kneeling next to me. When I looked up blood red eyes were staring back at me.

CHARACTERS (from left to right) : Rys, Caeli, Dimitri

Reference:
Original photo : [link]