falling slowly, eyes that know me

Iolaire's words repeated in his mind. Echos of love and pain raked against his beating heart. Ever since their discussion he felt slightly vulnerable and nervous. Was she setting him up for failure? Did Io know something he did not? Or would Belle truly desire his everlasting devotion. As his rough paw pads hit the earth and the wind soared through his alabaster pelt the male felt like he was going to catch a flame. The anxiety filled his veins with sparks and the emotion made his legs feel weak. It was such a rich feeling of weariness. In simple terms, Hannibal had a severe case of the butterflies. But, they were coated in gasoline and dangerously close to an open flame.

Hannibal had just finished a bit of hunting. Clamped between his rigid jaws a Rabbit he had freshly killed. Blood soaked his alabaster muzzle and slipped down his chest fur. The crimson liquid painted his beautifully pale fur in horrific way. With each step it dried into a darker coloration representing it's reaction with the brisk air. Steps were uneven with his lasting limp. The leg was mostly healed but after strenuous activity, like chasing down prey, he felt the consequences with a dull throbbing. Thankfully Io had provided him some herbs and he'd partake in some once back at the den. But, as he grew closer to his temporary home a scent filled his bloodied nose. An aromatic scent of floral and femininity. Jowls pooled with saliva from the mixing desires of the Empress and his dinner.

Strides slowed as Hannibal neared his den. Pink and blue eyes took in the intoxicating sight of his half-sibling. Onyx fur mottled with his same alabaster fur and flowers adorning her form with such elegance. The beast stopped behind the babe with about five tail lengths separating them. Steps came to a halt and the ghoul allowed the dead rabbit fall from his jaws. An audible thud of the body hitting the earth filled his one full and one tattered ears. Red lips twitched into that familiar grin and deep tones graced the cool air, "My flower..."