Ameira’s first attacks had landed wounds on Artemis’ scruff and limb, but neither were very serious. The scruff had puncture wounds, as did her limb. Perhaps Ameira’s teeth had also bruised or fractured the bones there, but with time and rest, all would heal. For Artemis’ part, she had torn at Ameira’s shoulder and ear – superficial wounds that would heal also. And as Ameira prepared to attack again, she paused and instead stopped instead of attacked. Lowering her haunches to the ground, her lilacs studied the fae opposing her. Her pelt was stained just as Ameira’s was, both of their coats painted with blood. Their bodies were canvases that had morbid art upon it… and Ameira realized that while she did have to fight to protect her pack and keep it running smoothly and strongly, this fae was not her enemy, nor an enemy to her pack. What Artemis had said in reply to Ameira’s introduction and question came back to her mind.

‘My title is Artemis, and I wish to reign with the knowledge of never being forgotten or alone. To live up to my own expectations. I accept responsibility well. It had resonated deeply with Ameira, even when she had first heard it. But now she had had time to process it, and had seen Artemis fight. She had seen how dedicated the lassie was to her cause, and wondered what had given her such fears, such desires. “I will not fight you, any more, Artemis. When I… Who I… Where I am from, things are very different. My story is long, too long for one day, too long for today, but for most of my life I was seen as a gift from the gods, but not for my mind or my skills. No, instead it was my pelt and my eye coloring that marked me as such, and I was essentially sold off to the highest bidder. Whichever male would fight the hardest and offer up the biggest dowry. I was an item. Lassies were mean to be seen and not heard, we were not meant to have opinions, especially not publicly. And from the time that I was born, I was kept separate from all of my siblings… growing up was lonely from me. In public we were meant to be fragile, delicate things. And… then there was the laird I was sent to to be mated to. Hercules. I thought he was different, but then he started to beat me.”

The lassie fell silent and turned from Artemis, trusting her to not attack while Ameira’s back was turned. “I understand what you want, but you do not need to rule in order to gain everything you seek.” Ameira took a deep breath to settle herself before facing the blood spattered angel once more. “Join me, join my pack. I think it is exactly what you are looking for. You would do well there. We are small, still, but that would give you space to grow. You could have as much or as little responsibility as you would want.” Ameira smiled at her, dipping her head, before turning to remain home. “If you are interested, all you need to do is follow me. If you need to think about it… you know where to find me.”