Change was never a bad thing. After the stagnant months that proceeded this fateful moon, a little variety seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. And now Serris was out walking the borders of that cool winter night, suddenly lacking the Epsilon that was once blindly loyal to Munashii. Yes, it seems he had missed a few critical signs that eventually led to this outcome; however, there was as much bitterness in the parting as there was nostalgia. This emotional balance left the regal coolly indifferent. He had never been the kind of brute to dwell on the past. He was getting no younger, the thorns of increased years beginning to wrap about his throat. There was still much life there, though. Yes, more energy than that brat of a pup could ever imagine. A defensive sneer rose to the dark King’s lips, dying slowly as he finished yet another marking and resumed his patrol.

A sudden throbbing cry rose from the treetops, shaking the frozen bristles that lay pregnant with frost. They were the vocals of a child still inheriting their bones, although this one sounded to be on the more mature end of the spectrum. Good. The last time an adolescent had appeared at his borders... well, it hasn’t exactly ended in disaster. But that one girl had, no doubt, stolen countless breaths from the monarch’s longevity. The howl peaked and then dispersed between the trees, settling upon the ground like a fine dusting of snow. Leaning deeply into a nearby trunk, Serris lazily debated going to meet this new stranger. He drug his inked pelt through the jagged fingers of the bark, intending to both claim the spot and itch his significantly thicker winter coat. Well, he was up anyway...

Steady strides closed the distance, a gait that could carry the ebon ruler for miles without discomfort. The journey was an easy one, monotone really, as his mind wandered to other things as well-trained pistons effortlessly carried their master through the familiar terrain. Even if blinded by battle, Serris could still navigate these dense forests. Such was an Alpha’s connection with their pack. As he neared, the vampire sampled the novel perfume now infecting the air, finding it to belong to a young fae of a less-than-innocent past. Unfortunately, it was not the lass he was hoping to see. His “daughter” hadn’t come to see him in quite a while... such were the melancholies of parenting. Serris prepared a speech on the way and delivered it almost instantly as he slinked from the underbrush, posture dominant and possessive of the world around them, portals twinkling with sarcastic delight.

“What a simply haunting voice you have, m’dear. However, I am inclined to ask: did you doubt my ability to find you upon these borders, or were you merely overjoyed with the prospect of joining these magnificent ranks?” The self-righteous comment slid out with a smile, a toothy thing heavy with all sorts of mischief and boy-ish amusement. Perhaps such a remark wasn’t the best way to introduce one’s self, but Serris would not feign proper etiquette or expected nicety just to please the masses. If this girl was material enough to stick around, she’d have to get used to these mocking questions sooner or later. The King could only hope that she had enough bite to bark back with equal cunning. Ceasing his relaxed stride, Serris came to a stop just opposite the stranger, dipping his cranium ever so slightly in his version of a proper greeting. “Serris. I’m sure you have knowledge of my title here.” He fought the urge to add his usual “sweetheart” to the end of the statement, however the grin still shone beneath his stretched kissers.

All his introductions completed, Serris took a seat and waited, skull cocking slightly to one side as his eyebrows rose to their favorite location. Judging from her looks, this young valkyrie could be a tough one. Just the kind of addition that would greatly benefit his pack. However, if she turned out to be a fluke, this evening would not end too well. Fate now rested with the girl, all the eyes of the forest focusing upon her silhouette.