"Wake from death and return to life"
Annoyance rather than fear tightened the pallid freak’s face, as if Eisukuro and Yayoi were the odd ones in this setting and not himself. Intensely the bodyguard focused upon that yellow-tipped visage, large black ears thrown forward and faint green eyes narrowed, searching for absolutely any sign that this creature was dangerous. During this training, Kuro had met with countless ways for someone to inflict damage upon their victim—as well as all the telltale signs that they planned to do so. As guard to the princesses, he had to think ten steps ahead of anyone near his charges; unfortunately, the silver-browed soldier had never come face-to-face with a threat so . . . alien. He listened to the crisp words that the other male stated—never moving from his place in front of Yayoi—and uttered a single short growl at the word “Chiroptera.”
Kalak. Timber. Tundra. Arctic. Breeds that were whispered in the halls of the Zaba, inferior races that devoured resources better suited to the pinnacle of all putnar. When Yayoi repeated the word, her voice a curious purr rumbling by one of his auds, Eisukuro made an expression as if she’d uttered an expletive. “Do all your kind live in caves like bats?” Perhaps the onyx gladiator bit out the words with more force than necessary, his fangs catching on the consonants . . . but he knew that tone in Yayoi. The one that hinted at her growing interest, the hunger of her intellect. He wanted to direct the ivoro’s attention toward himself, so that it became abundantly clear that the only clear target he would ever get was the tall and imposing warrior bristling before him. The fact that this monster dared question him and his princess had the bridge of Kuro’s snout crinkling in a snarl. “As for who we are—”
Yayoi—fearless as usual—chirped into the conversation as if he were not there. Without even glancing at her, the bodyguard knew her beautiful eyes would be shimmering with fascination and hunger, their true cunning hidden at their depths. Defeated, Eisukuro blew out a long sigh . . . although his mint glare never wavered from that alabaster mask. He couldn’t help but admire Yayoi for her mastery of the conversation, the way she pinpointed what appeared to be the stranger’s nascent blindness without intent to insult him, how she offered a bountiful platter of favors for him to pick from. Understanding her angle, Kuro forced his towering frame to edge backward so that he loomed more at her side, rather than directly in front of her. He grudgingly bowed his head—a gesture that might be interpreted as an apology, if the “Chiroptera” chose to view it that way. “What Princess Yayoi offers is an extremely generous proposal. We have resources other packs can only dream of. Surely a smart wolf such as yourself is interested in the opportunity to explore this land and all its wonders without the threat of peril?”
起死回生
Zaba Warrior | Guard of Mona Toforan | Longing for Yayoi | xathira