through the looking glass

. . .

She had pulled back all the way now, but didn't sit down. She was much too interested in the scene playing out. It seemed that her little game had been the right one to play. Even if it was twisted- just giving the wolf a choice made things easier. It made things easier to accept and gave them the slightest feel of remaining in control. But of an illusion really though. Even if the mutt had said she preferred death, Silverback might have chosen not to give it to her. This girl was rather lovely and so moldable. A perfect pet.

And it was then that that same word was echoed in the canine's muzzle. "Something like that," the leopard murmured. Her voice grew a tad bitter as she continued: "Being on your own in the world isn't all it's cracked up to be." A ferice lash of her tail, emphasized the words. "Perhaps we all want to know we mean something to someone. Even if it is just a 'pet' or a 'keeper'."

She drew back, laying one fore leg across the other, as she gracefully turned towards the watery entrance to the cave. "This is your home now, wolf, and I pray that you will not be so foolish as to throw your life away by trying to escape; Not while it still has some worth." She would lay out the truth now, figuring that the canine's mind would be clear enough. She had played along quite nicely, and Silverback would reward her with sincereity. "Be assured, for as long as you remain mine, I will provide for you. I will visit often to bring food and company - and anything else you might require." Her tail twitched again - this time warningly. "-But only so long as you behave yourself. Do you understand?"