The Duality of Wolf

Chimera gave him advice that he had heard before from Sirius. A man is his own ruler. If you can back up your words and actions with strength, then you could do whatever you wanted. That was twice now he'd heard the same advice from two radically different wolves, and twice now he'd been cautioned about using it too much or risk driving away the ones he loved. Power was such a fine line, and Artorias couldn't help but wonder where he'd end up falling on that spectrum. He had the guidance of four alphas now. Surely there was something to be said for osmosis learning, right? Strength and might enabled you to do what you want, take what you want, take who you want, but it had to be use din measure. A tyrant with no one to command was a fool screaming into the void.

Artorias' brain felt completely unspun, like yarn lying in a pile away from its spool. Chimera had introduced him to so many radical new thoughts and ideas, and he'd have to ruminate on them for some time. The most important lessons he'd taken away so far were that the dark desires he harbored were natural and releasing them was a boon, that he could do as he wished with the right application of power, and that even the most taboo offenses could not affect you if you were the master of your own domain. Already, Artorias began to think about what his next visit to Fenmyre might entail. Yes, the boy was already planning on a return trip. Chimera was the antithesis for everything he'd learned growing up, but he also gave him fresh new perspectives to consider to help mould him into the wolf he was to become. Besides, having somewhere to come to when he wanted to indulge in those dark desires... A shiver ran down Artorias' spine, teeth clicking as he imagined finally letting that wildfire inside burn free instead of tamping it down.

Chimera made a comment how Artorias' surprise came off strong for what he'd said, then asked if he dreamed of bedding someone forbidden to him. He froze, stunned, his breathing catching as he stared at Chimera. Was there someone he dreamed of bedding that was forbidden to him? Viridian eyes stared back at him through his mind's eye. Caramel and ivory fur flashed in his head, the warm, slender body that rubbed against him in the castle cellars. How she'd felt in his arms, wrapped up in an embrace. Would she feel the same held tight to his body beneath him on his bed? That sound of her breathy gasp when she'd revealed her branding. Would she make the same sound as he...? Bowen... Her name in his head, on his tongue. He shouldn't be feeling those urges he felt for Briar for his sister.

But... why shouldn't he? Was there someone he wanted to bed that was forbidden to him? He squeezed his eyes shut to try and block out his imagination before the images started having a noticeable affect on his young body. Maybe... "Yes..." Artorias said, confessing his most sinful urge yet to the king who had turned his mind free. Nothing compelled him to speak honestly to this man, but maybe it was the fact that he was still a virtual stranger that it felt easier to speak these things without fear of reprisal. Chimera wouldn’t judge; in fact, he would probably encourage.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Corbin" | "Argent"