there be monsters out here

Erys watched as Chimera went from stone cold killer, to protective caregiver in the blink of an eye. The bloodlust drained from his features as he beheld the star marked man. The pale wolf wondered if Chimera would tire of the excitement that he brought him. He’d thought the curse had lifted, but maybe this was the last remnants. He hated to think about what would have happened if Chimera hadn’t been here so quickly. It seemed like the King had those thoughts as well when he approached, a veiled question on his lips.

Erystotle was more effeminate than most other males, which made his place in the slavers hierarchy easy to decide. He was used as his master’s saw fit, he knew the traumas of being taken against his will, and he would thank Chimera for the rest of his life for saving him from a repeat experience. ”Just what you can see,” His voice cracked from the emotions that swirled within him.

Chi leaned back to assess him, still covered in the convict's blood and gore. Erys felt fine despite the wounds he sported but the King was concerned enough to want him to see one of the pack’s healers. For Erystotle it was enough to just have the comfort of the King close beside him. He didn’t take much convincing to get Erys to his delicate paws as he followed at Chimera’s side.

They were nearing the ferry when Chimera stopped, Erys was trying with difficulty to block out the moments before. He tried not to feel that fiend atop him, teeth boring into his pearly horn as he struggled to escape. The pale man stopped, finding himself looking over his bloodied shoulder as Chimera spoke again, instructing him to stay on the island, and only leave with an escort. Had Erys been much more than property his whole life he would have found the command stifling, but it was an acceptable request. Erys nodded in agreement with the King, he knew the man had no wish to see him hurt, or worse.

Chimera truly cared for him, as Erystotle would discover in that moment as Chi gazed at him. ”I will, my King.” He added with another small dip of his head. Though they both looked atrocious, Erys' wounds had already stopped bleeding. ”I shouldn’t have put myself in danger like that to begin with.” He added as he looked back to the ferry. ”My freedom might have gone to my head.” Erystotle tried to joke but his chuckle just sounded hollow.