i've aged a year this week

The two wolves, markings nearly a mirror, and tones polar opposite, paced. Circling the ground, as their paws wore the grass flat. Moving like it was a dance, and they both knew the moves. His heart hammered harder, though you would not believe it with the grace of his movements. She knew of the Empire. Spoke of it crumbling, of sand. She knew of the drought. His empire and hers were the same, as their markings where. Had the slave masters lied? Was there more in his fathers lineage that he did not know of? Did his father have cousins, once or twice removed?

“ My Midst.” He agreed, his voice a rumbly growl. A threat, and a warning. “This is the path to my home now. My world. My people. I would not suffer a threat to what I have created. So tell me, Child of the Empire. Who sent you here to wreak havoc on what I've sown? Who are you to my father, long taken by the earth. Who were you in the Empire? Are you here for her?” his voice was as sharp as a blade. His slow dance around her slowly shifted. His stance building and forming around him. He was ready to take her out, if it came to that. If she was here for Deathbelle, or Venom, or Zee, or any of their children, she would take not another breath.

"Adhara"