Matianak is a sort of chaotic neutral that could be bent either way, he thinks. There is a bloodthirstiness about her that matches with his own, yet she has little ambition for other things save her own paltry belief in the Shade. It is a waste and yet, he continues to speak with her because he believes she can be persuaded to follow a different direction. With time and persuasion. She had never done anything to stand in his way, unlike Umbra, so she had never drawn his ire. Their views did not mesh but that could be overlooked if only because they were not at complete opposing ends. He could exist in a world where the Shade was and she could exist in one without it.

A pleased expression sweeps across his handsome face. He would have to warn Zharko that his training of Natiya better have been worth it in the event his two sisters were pitted against one another. How would she fare against Matianak? His half-sister seemed the sort not to give up or give in. "I suppose we can agree to disagree," he says magnanimously on the subject of the Shade, although he rolls his eyes slightly, making clear what he thought of the situation completely. Now on to more important and interesting topics.

Umbra.

Her words are met with the appearance of his fang yet again, a growl deep in his chest. "Do not pretend to know what I can and cannot snuff out, sister," he warns on a low voice. Yet it is her next warning that gives him pause, his head canting to the side in a predatory, vulpine manner. Ah, so something WAS there beneath the surface between the sisters. He could sense it in the possessive tone of her voice. "If our father stays out of my way, he will survive for a time. Do you mean to tell me that you and your sister are as thick as thieves?" There is taunting note in his voice, trying to drive out the truth, derision in his eyes. Yes, this was his game - to figure out others.