All I could think in this moment is how colossal this male was. I was not considered relatively dainty compared to some of the females I had seen with their slender legs and svelte bodies. I did not walk with an innate puissance like Mars did, his very nature screaming defiance of a natural world order. In one swoop of my eyes I knew who was highest on the ranking charts and it sure wasn't me. Not that I had ever been higher than last place anyways - a pet for my father and a slave for Seline. Nothing more and nothing less. At least out here, away from them all, I was just me. I had nothing grand nor a title of my own. I didn't need such things. Just peace and shelter and food, the main staples of this world. Yet even that is interrupted as he climbs from the water in all his magnificent glory.
I am struck. Struck by his figure, his gleaming pelt, and his dead eyes. Struck by the darkness swirling within him.
By now I can recognize an animal as shadow-tainted as he is. Seline had that grim sort of beauty about her that drew one in like moth to flame. How easily she had seduced the trust from my innocent figure. I can see the darkness brewing as I speak to him in a manner that is not befitting of my station. My father was right, I think. I did ask for most of the punishment brought on me. If I hadn't cried out for help and begged for mercy then my pups would still be alive even if I hadn't wanted them to begin with. If I hadn't wandered away from the protection of my pack I never would have ended up that way to begin with. It was all a series of failures on my part.
So the moment I see his face twist in the haughty rage of one who has been spurned by his inferiors I dip my head lower, my ears falling back. I stare from wide, wary eyes and while I do not sink to the ground, I make it clear by my posture that I know who is in charge. That I know I am weak compared to his grandeur. A small part of me wants to growl back at him because I fear that he will take me as his own slave as well and I wouldn't do it again. I would die. He moves around me and I turn with him, tail tucking down by my hocks, both humble but also vigilant until his face breaks into that handsome smile.
God, it reminds me of her. Darkness and guile and while I hate her I am drawn to him.