South of the Border

Kai's gaze fell away from Acere, focusing on the ground below his paws. Each step seemed even more begrudging then the last, like his body was fighting against itself to continue moving forward. A life as a slave wasn't any different than living here under an assumed debt - at least to him - regardless of what Acere thought. Briefly he was reminded of the other wolves that had offered things for him; he wondered if either Ash or Chaos would've also expected things from him as a condition of his release from Valkyrie's imprisonment. Not that it mattered now; no debt was a good one and trying to qualify them seemed a waste of time.

"Yes and no," Kai repeated carefully, musing over the words rather than mocking Acere. Betrayal was never a pleasant thing, regardless of how he felt about his own circumstances, and be wouldn't mock him for it. "And he chose neither," he replied, sounding vaguely annoyed at Tyranis's cowardice. "He loves nothing but himself. I know that now. Also - I don't give a damn." He didn't care how difficult his choices were. Choices were a part of life - not that Kai loved many things more than himself, but Tyranis had earned more of his heart than anyone yet, which was why his betrayal hurt so deeply. More deeply than he dared show, or even admit to himself.

He let out a snort at Acere's words. He slowed his pace, glancing over his shoulder at him. His words echoed in his head. He had a choice - he always had choices, Acere's "choices" be damned. "Perhaps I'll humor you for now. You're handsome enough," he drawled lazily, eyeing him for a moment before his head swung back around. "Not like I have anything better to do." And when he did? His presence wouldn't be guaranteed, but he wasn't about to warm Acere of that….