Valved kept one ear fastened tightly on the stallion, who the painted mare had called Jaxon, and listened to her explanation. He was a thief, if she was to be believed, but apparently a bad one since she still walked freely among the sands. It was coincidental that they were both here however, and she was still slightly wary. At least, until she explained that Koray, whom Valve had recently met in the Desert and knew as Orhan’s son, had thwarted this attempt at a raid. This mare must be from the Desert. And if she had mistaken Jaxon for Gabbar she must have been living in the neighboring territory for awhile.

“Yes, Gabbar is gone,” she affirmed, not having seen him in some time. “I am Valve.”

She turned her attention fully toward the stallion now, intent on seeing precisely how he planned to explain himself in this situation. He was at least smart enough to not speak again when she demanded it of him, and because of this, Valve decided it would be worth her while to hear his version of the story.

“Jaxon, was it?” She continued, her voice still sharp with authority. “Let’s hear your explanation.”

The black mare was curious exactly what he would say—if he would admit to who he was or if he would lie. She had little tolerance for the latter, and no matter what he said she knew she was well within her rights to drive him out of the Dunes as aggressively as she pleased. However, Valve sensed an opportunity to see precisely what he was made of, and she would not pass up the chance to learn as much as she could about him before deciding his fate in this matter.

VALVE
slenderman x black heart machine