The pups seem subdued as I stare down at them, my pink and red eyes flashing bright as I demand a fealty from Aeon, one I doubt he even realizes the significance of. The truth is, I had been used and abandoned my entire life. I had given my own body up to save it from starvation, from death, many times, and until Exodus had come along and offered such protection freely, I had never known peace. I would be damned if I let any boy take advantage of my Lucia in such a way. While I had not been a rather overeager mother in the first few weeks of her life, now that my wits were about me once more, I knew I could NOT fail her.

So I wouldn't.

Suddenly movement attracts my attention, my eyes snapping up to see the she-wolf appear in all her grace. Hidden, tucked deep, is a sort of visercal jealousy within me. She is sleek and trained for strentgh whereas my slender, tiny body could never house such an engine of death. But my words were as wicked as hers, my tongue a knife I could use to pierce her, and as she stares at me with contempt, I stare back with convication. It emboldens me to know that Exodus would come if I called - my dark knight to protect his family. Myrria, wherever she has been, would no doubt come to protect us.

The female speaks in that odd tongue and Aeon nods in excitement, my eyes flicking down dismissvely to him, before she orders some curt demand that the boy responds to swiftly. I can tell there is fury in her voice and it stiffens my fur as I lean over my Lucia, watching her as if she is a snake poised to strike. And then she speaks. Her words make me see red, her threat makes my sharp, small teeth appear as I snarl. "I shall do and say as I please, witch" I hiss, indignation in my voice. Once I was a Queen. Once I was powerful. And in this moment I stretch my neck up, I stare at her with venom.

Then Lucia steps between us and begins to spit out demands. She is so.... so brave and sassy and furious, and I see me as I stare down at her. Then my ears flatten as I glare at Ava. "Take your boy and leave," I demand, ignoring Lucia's demands that WE adults leave. I wasn't going to leave her alone with that boy now, knowing the vicious shadow he carred.