I want to snarl at my own weakness, but unlike my foolish little consort, I understand the value of stealth.
Her footsteps draw closer.
That’s right, precious one. Come to me and discover what happens when you break faith.
I fold my wings tight against my massive frame. Even compressed, the confines of this mortal-built stairwell barely accommodate me. My wing tips scrape against stone, loosening feathers that drift like black snow, but I make no sound.
Patter-patter-patter-patter.
Still, she descends, oblivious to the danger waiting below.
I feed on my righteous fury, breathing it in along with her intoxicating scent that grows stronger with each step.
She’s close now.
Almost within reach.
I crouch low in the shadows, every muscle coiled to spring the moment she reaches the ground floor, where I can corner her properly.
But—she doesn’t arrive.
What?
Instead of reaching my level and bolting for freedom, she suddenly reverses direction and heads back up the stairs.
I stare into the darkness above as her footsteps fade.
Has she forgotten something? Some possession so precious she’d risk valuable escape time to retrieve it? I’m genuinely disappointed in my consort’s survival instincts if she’s truly that foolish. Her freedom was nearly within grasp. At least, I was prepared to let her believe so.
Or perhaps...
I frown, then discreetly check my own scent. After my visit to the dungeon’s horrors, I am admittedly... pungent.
It’s definitely time for another cleansing plunge in the icy lake—especially if my intended prey can detect my approach and flee before I can reach her.
Her footsteps grow so faint I can tell she’s nearly back to our chambers, where she belongs.Excellent.I’ll go purify myself inthe frigid waters, then we can resume our little dance. Though I’ll monitor her much more closely now that I know she’s attempted escape again.
But then my eyes widen as I hear her returning down the stairwell.
I blink in the encompassing darkness, marveling at her recklessness.I will thoroughly enjoy teaching her better judgment.
Perhaps having a naive consort isn’t entirely unfortunate. She’ll be simpler to guide, likely more responsive to proper instruction. If I’m slightly disappointed in her strategic thinking, well, she’s magnificent in nearly every other aspect.
I settle into a hunting crouch as I listen to those delicate footsteps on the spiral stones.
Patter-patter-patter-patter.
The castle has no shortage of stairs, but she navigates them faster than I anticipated. Clearly, her newly healed body is adapting beautifully to its capabilities.
I work my jaw, preparing.
Ready to capture my wayward consort.
Ready to show her exactly why she belongs with me, not lost in the wilderness.
The thought of her alone in this harsh landscape, vulnerable to dangers she can’t even imagine, makes something fierce and protective surge through my chest. She has no comprehension of what lurks in these mountains, what other creatures might catch her scent and decide she looks... appetizing.
No. She’smineto protect. Mine to keep safe and warm and cherished.
