He could feel the arrogance dripping off of her like sweat. Her crystals held not admiration, but condescendence. Oh, did this child think she knew everything? The first breath of a sneer rose to his kissers, portals narrowing slightly. She did not break his gaze, so he did not break hers. She seemed oddly intrigued by his soul-gazers, the deep oceanic mysterious they held, her own scarred visage reflected in their perfect vision. One eyebrow raised, a movement so slight it would go unnoticed by those who were not looking for it.

This stranger took his compliment with the nod of a head, almost it seemed she took his honest comment as an act of sarcasm. “Hm...?” The pondering sigh came out deep and rumbling. Let’s see what this girl has to say. However, the lyrics that escaped from her gaping maw were not those that flattered his pack. A growl threatened to emerge from its boney prison, but the dark regal managed to keep it chained. Her next string of spoken song was almost that of a rehearsed line of poetry, uttering words that would no doubt flatter any other Alpha that roamed those forests. However, to Serris, it was all fake. Unnecessary. He didn’t want fame. Nor did he want false promises, lies, or ulterior motives. He had liked this lass at first glance, the young blood flowing through her veins, but now he received a more sinister aura from her silhouette. A valuable asset, but something to be watched closely. At least he had acquired her title.

Her next move was one of surprise. Many of his faithful subordinates had never submitted to him in such a way, nor did he expect them to. There was more to respect than barren skin and exposed arteries. Serris knew this well. And yet here this ewe was, bowing before him with jugular in full view. A curling snarl widened his muzzle. “Foolish child.” The words came out as a gruff whisper, muttered to none but himself. The charcoal King rose and padded slowly to the girl, his movements slow and silent. His stare once again locked onto hers, holding it there for a moment before moving down the curve of her ebon chin to find the pulsing flesh of her throat. His movements ceased when his mandibles were floating above her nape, cranium held at a comfortable parallel to his shoulders. A long, pink tongue crept from beneath his jowls to place his whiskers back in their place. “You dislike waiting? Patience and humility will do you good, seeing as you are still a mere pup and have much to learn.” He began his stride once again, moving around to flank her rear and complete an orbit around her downed bodice. She would remain in her lowered posture if she knew what was good for her. Another string of words emerged during his journey. “It seems you have a faulty source of information, my dear. Munashii has known prosperity under my long rule. I would very much like the abilities that your skeleton possesses; however, I will be watching you closely. I have suspicion that you are not what you are.”

He finished this monologue with one last grin, the smile of a man who knows he has all the cards. Or most of them to play a pretty convincing bluff. Indeed, his rule had grown quite long, but his frequent absences left only a small margin for improvement. However, Serris was back and determined to stay. He would make these lies a reality. Concluding his thoughts, the raven being slinked back across the border and sat once again, signaling that he would allow the girl to stand once more. His rules were strict, his ego large, but hopefully this newcomer had enough gray matter within her skull to accept the terms. Afterall, he could still sense the dark intelligence flowing from her pupils.