Violet gaze raised itself from the massacre at my handsome paws to view the obsidian girl once more. Evidently black pelts and emerald eyes were becoming rather ‘in fashion’ of late. Save for my own family with their pelts of snow and ivory I have come to notice that a startling number of wolves these days- tend to be black. There is nothing wrong with it of course, in fact I have always envied the ability of the black wolf to be able to blend with shadow and night, yet truly I will always have a rather substantial appreciation for the purity of the white pelt. What can I say? I like white though indeed the darkness that encircles my Zen is a rather pleasing thing, it suits her after all and truly I must find some new activities if my mind has become so interested in coat colour. I shook my head, shaking grass and earth from my pelt before Zen spoke once more, my tattered left ear pricking forward to join the more erect right one in an effort to capture her words. I chuckled softly at the phrase.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, darling. Though for the record I have never doubted my looks.”

Bloody lips pulled into a ready grin of teasing good humour before the leggy black female launched herself upwards to rest beside me, taking her share of the rabbit as I pushed it towards her. I had been fortunate in the way of food, with so many children and a number of followers still left we had hunted very well between us all and I found myself within the excellent condition I always had been. After all, each day I saw skinny and starving wolves lingering upon the outskirts of my ‘pack’ or wolves who were struggling to catch enough to feed themselves. I had been fortunate once more, fate evidently having decided to return to our previous agreement in which I received everything and consistent good fortune. I chuckled mildly at my own inner thoughts before turning my mind to the question at hand as I posed it to my once-healer. Zen seemed thoughtful for a moment, if not mildly surprised at such words. Perhaps she was right to hold such an expression, I was mildly surprised at myself as well and yet I had never truly believed I would live to such an age. Assassins do not live this long by nature. Most will not survive past their six or seventh year of life to become a true Master. Most will never live to retire as I had, to father children or take the mate we are denied throughout our careers and never in all of my existence have I known of an assassin to live as long as I have. It just doesn’t happen, though wether this is luck or some form of punishment, living long enough to see my mate die- I cannot say. I don’t know- not anymore. I am a rarity even within my own world and yet, my own world has began to make little sense to my mind these days.

It is still within me to lead of course, there is still that calling and that drive and yet even I understand the limitations of my own body now. An Alpha lives for his pack, his life is them and nothing else, pack comes before family so often and indeed perhaps if I were to regret anything it would be that, that maybe I did not spend enough time with my children, with Kael and Lucifer.....I barely even knew Seraphiel. He had been so close to Zeivah. Perhaps it was time to step down, to pass my crown to another and enjoy what family I had left. I would still offer my advice and guidance of course, after all my daughter would surely want the opinion of the King of Alphas now wouldn’t she? But maybe...maybe I should live for myself for awhile, maybe not. The question is a potent one, one I should have asked Zeivah. It should be her beside me now, speaking of these things. What will do without her...I need her...I- am getting distracted.

My eyes returned to Zen’s own once more. Perhaps she was not my mate, but she was someone, she was here beside me and for that I was grateful. I had always liked the black female and indeed I valued her opinion, ears sliding forward as she spoke. A grin laced my features at her words, smirk dancing across my lips with the same arrogant pride it always had. Yes, I was rather amazing and my ego had clearly not suffered in the way other areas of my mind had. I chuckled openly at her words, the laughter light and well intentioned as my bloody muzzle swung towards her to lick at her cheek, just once, just for a moment in the briefest touch of affection, a fleeting kiss on her cheek for the words she offered so sweetly.

“Thank you Chicka. I believe I am still capable of such a thing, truly, even if I am the oldest male in Moladion.”

I paused, giving her the chance to process such a thing. After all, I had seen most of the survivors myself and there had been none so old as I, save for Moth who shared my number of years. When I smiled this time, the look was a little distant, a little tired I suppose and my voice a little softer.

“For how long could I protect them Zen? Every single challenger in this land is younger then myself and despite all that I am, despite all that I can do I will only get older, darling. Oh I have no doubt I could still take on almost any creature here and defeat them with my brilliant cunning- but there will come a time Zen, when I cannot and I am not sure I couldn handle such a defeat. Would it not be better to simply step down? To leave still the King I always was? To let Isola lead in my place? I would guide her of course, live within her pack. I do not know, there is much to be considered Zen and I apologise, I should not burden you with such thoughts. Yet perhaps I can lead them still.”

I sighed, shaking my pelt once more as if to rid my mind of such tangled thoughts, taking another bite before offering it to my pack-mate once more as she spoke, the green of her gaze seeking my own, head tilting slightly to the side at her words. It was pleasing of course to hear that she wishes to remain beside me, a loyal wolf, a friend, is always good to have and I shall not send her away. I nodded.

“Well then, I will be pleased to have you, I shall enjoy the company and why would I mind, darling? When we finish our meal I will be glad to show you where I have been living with my family and the remains of the Trenus Pack. I believe we can find a spot for you.”


h e y e l
15 Years ~ Lover forever of Zeivah ~ Stalker of Cat Eye ~ Father to 12 ~ Assassin King of Trenus