Be More Like Me

Aliana was a little surprised to find that Cerberus had scooted closer to her when she reached out to him, feeling his paws reaching out for hers. Although he was still very much a pup, it was easy to tell he was going to be a sizable boy when he grew up. His paws were already nearly the size of her own; clearly his father's blood coursed strong through his veins. It was bittersweet and melancholic to look at his paws against her own and wonder what her own children would have been like. Would they have been large and burly like their father, or petite and demure like their mother? Oh, but she couldn't dwell on the fantasies for too long, lest she bring herself to tears again. Cerberus apologized, but Ali gave him a gentle, reassuring shake of her head and leaned closer to aim to place a gentle nuzzle on the boy's cheek. "Thank you, Cerberus. You're very sweet. I hope you always stay this sweet."

Her question had brought about a smile from the pup, and Ali raised a curious brow. So Cerberus did want more siblings? Well, that was good! Ali knew some pups didn't want siblings. She was glad to see Cerberus had taken to the role of big brother like a fish to water. Then he asked if she would be the mother, and Ali was surprised by the boy's acuity. Would she be the mother? A gentle smile touched her lips as she daydreamed of that possibility. She prayed that whatever malevolent force had stolen her children's lives hadn't taken her fertility along with it. If it had, she may as well just end her life now for how useless she would be. "I would like to be," she replied. "Although I suppose it could also be your aunt Siren too. We'll have to wait and see." Aliana knew Chimera hadn't touched Viper since they'd moved to the island, so she doubted he'd have any more pups with her, but he did love Siren as much—if not more—than herself. There was always the possibility that Chimera would want to breed another litter of purebred Kleins instead of test fate with her. Secretly, the clouded woman hoped that wouldn't be the case.

Shifting a little, Aliana sat upright and turned so she could better surround Cerberus with her forelegs, smiling at the precious child who was keeping her company. His mother should be so proud of him; he was a kindhearted lad. "Would you prefer more little brothers or sisters to play with?" she asked, keeping the conversation going to chase the quiet away back into the dark.

"Aliana"