with one headlight

He felt Deathbelle lean more heavily into him, and he accepted her embrace, putting a paw around her side and drawing her in close. It was still a novelty that she allowed him to get so close, that neither of them cringed or drew away. It allowed him to smile softly, despite his concerns. His Empress was his best friend, and she always would be. He didn’t want to fear holding her close.

“So, does that mean you’ll send her to me?” he asked, as Deathbelle spoke of his guidance being important in her life. He had already helped to shape her into a warrior. He had taught her how to skin a coat, and bring down a cat. She could defend herself easily, and she had a lot of love for fighting. Perhaps it was unfair, but he considered Venom his favourite of Deatbelles children. Pestilance he had been close to, until Archon’s death, at which point the young girl didn’t seem to want much to do with him. He leaned into Deathbelles nuzzle, treating her like she was a gentle bird in his arms that he might scare away if he moved too quickly.