Return of the King... Sort of.

Chimera was a completely different man to the young punk that had once haunted Ashen’s islands. Age, experience, and suffering had all molded him into the mature and respectable man that stood before her. Despite everything he had lived through, and everything that had once been between them, their bond and loyalty remained true. They had their ups and down, but their relationship was stronger for it. As made obvious in the little affections they shared.

He kissed her forehead in appreciation for her kindness, but she would have offered the same to any of their kin that came to her. Chimera was special though, and their relationship was very different from any of their other siblings. While they were much closer now, she didn’t expect the vulnerability he showed her as he admitted the guilt that weighed on his shoulders.

Venom could imagine, if she were put into his shoes, what she would feel like. Her hope was that Shuriken would be ready to take over for her, but what if that wasn’t possible? What if an illness caused Ashen to fall? The Empress shuddered at the thought as she reached up to nuzzle Chimera’s cheek. "You can’t look at it like that, Chimera.” She warned him softly. "You did what you could to the best of your ability. Because you were quick to act, you’re still alive. You can rebuild everything that you have lost. You still have me, and you still have your family.”

"Venom"