binding more than blood

As Venom spoke, focusing in on the offer of the arranged pairings of their children, Manea was beginning to put the pieces together for what actually brought Venom here with Ikigai beside her. It wasn't a coincidence that her gifted daughter was here as they brought up the topic of packs and the ties that could bind them together, but Venom seemed quite reluctant. So perhaps this wasn't the Empress' idea after all and it made Manea all the more curious. Still, as a mother she could certainly understand Venom's hesitance and could also agree with the uncertainty over the morality of setting up such arrangements on behalf of their children. Still, if she had the chance to ensure that her children had a chance to meld with wolves with so many obvious and strong gifts then she would at least like to give them the option.

She nodded in agreement, but paused for a moment as she gave a quick glance to Ikigai before looking back to Venom with sincerity and seriousness in her gaze. "I hope you know that I wouldn't make that kind of offer to anyone I didn't trust. I wouldn't allow my children to go to just anyone. I also hope you know that any of yours that join my family will be treated as such and I will cherish as if they were my own." Her soft spot for Ikigai in particular was already very obvious. Her and Venom both had similar protective natures when it came to their children and for that Manea respected her. "I also wouldn't want to force any of them into something they didn't agree to," she mentioned with her gaze lingering curiously on Ikigai, wondering what the girl had in mind.

"Manea Mendacium"