I’m still comparing your past to my future
It might be your wound, but they’re my sutures
- Fall Out Boy “Immortals”

The Darkbringer cants his head to the side at her response. ”You are a catalyst to be wielded then?” The words are daring, his eyes flashing at her, questioning. Is she the pawn or the puppeteer? He knew which one he was. This wolfess did not seem the sort of idly stand by if there was something she wanted, but what did he know? Just because their souls meshed did not make her the same as him. Azariah had proven that once before. Only that should could be. They could be one, if they allowed such a thing.

Something dark flashes in her eyes. Memories or heat, he does not know. Cannot know for they have only just met. Still, it makes his hackles rise as he peers at her with sharpened eyes. Waiting for who knew what. Her scent is intoxicating in a way that he had never experienced save with Azariah. Only the Lightning girl had not allowed his touch as Renja did. She rejected the mesh and Renja merely allowed it to be.

Betrayer – was that not the epicenter of his being? The Darkbringer, whose silver tongue limned with lies and treats. If she expected utter devotion for all of her life then it would be a disappointment. Blackthorne loved himself above all things yet he could spare some care for those closest to him if they proved worthy enough. A shared loyalty was there but so often refused.

Do you favor me for my power?

A slow, sanguine smile curls his lips, his eyes hooded. ”Isn’t power the essence of life, Renja? Would your soul scream out to mine if I didn’t also have some power?” The words are caressing and taunting. An answer and non-answer.

She brushes by him, heading towards the fields, and he turns to follow, edging to her side in a graceful prowl. ”We are alike or else our souls would not recognize the other. Perhaps in time you will come to see that as clearly as I do.” With that, he comes to a stop, letting her draw away, watching her walk. If she should leave him behind, he would allow it. For now – she was new. She had much to discover about Molodian. But he would always be there in her chest, a dark shadow, waiting.