Sometimes, fate could but a fickle creature. In the case of his parents, she had blessed them with a union that although was not interfered upon by former partners, was complicated by MoonGlow’s shamaness lifestyle. And for the girl that sat before him, things seemed to be even more complex. A whimper stole through her lips, which caused Sleekwing to lean forward and his legs to stiffen with innate concern. When her eyes lifted to his a look that resembled fear glimmered there in the depths of her gaze. She whispered the fact that her imprint was a demon across the gap between them; like it was a dirty secret she was ashamed to voice. And she questioned him, asking what that meant for her.

Sleekwing’s brows furrowed in slight frustration. The demons of Iromar had quickly gained a bad wrap throughout Moladion, especially in relation to the angels of Diveen. His homeland, Spirane, had a long standing relationship with Diveen. So, naturally, when the demons had landed to the south of the mountain range Spirane had been forewarned of their tendencies. Now, Sleekwing had heeded the warning, but he was unprepared to throw all of the wolves of Iromar – ‘marked’ or not – into one generalized preconceived stereotype. He would certainly give each individual the chance to prove him or herself to be outside of the pigeonhole they had been cast in. But perhaps there was more to Hush’s fear of her demon imprint than the hype. It was self evident in the frightened gaze she laid upon him now.

How could he reassure her? “This shouldn’t feel like a life sentence, Hush,” he said softly. “There is no law that comes with imprinting. It is a matter of the soul, and perhaps his soul is just not in the right place to truly be compatible with yours. Maybe you are meant to be friends, at some point down the line. Only you can make that choice, that determination. But in the end, he will always be there, unless you tell him not to be.” His tone was level, hoping to restore confidence in her. Taking a deep breath, he scented the air between them. The musky scent of her floated into his nostrils, and he took note that no particular pack or land was strongest upon her. She had all this fear, and no proper home to protect herself from. “Hush, I can offer you a safe home, protection. Long term or temporary, it is completely up to you. But if you fear him, then you should have somewhere secure to call home,” he said. “But only if it is something that you want.” He waited then for her response. He considered her a friend now, after this brief and intimate encounter. And there was no way he would not offer safe haven to a friend.