crusade

In the midst of the cavern's chaos, Lia had undergone a transformation too. The paralyzing grip of fear had loosened, giving way to a fierce warrior spirit. The surge of pride that followed awoke a deep, primal instinct within Vanta, one that whispered a single word: Mine.

A second was upon her before Vanta could intercept, his finding Lia's throat, drawing blood. The sight ignited a new surge of fury within Vanta; a blazing inferno that threatened to consume everything in its path. Every muscle in her body tensed, her crystalline eyes growing hard as they zeroed in on the assailant.

"Let her go." The command was deadly calm, though it rode a deep, unbroken, rumbling growl. Vanta carefully moved off the leader’s lifeless form, moving in a semi-circle to position herself directly opposite the dire wolf and his captive. Each fluid movement of her limbs was made deliberately slow, though was lacking any hesitation. She moved with confidence and grace, even as her wrist continued to bleed. No sudden movements, not until the time is right.

In the background, unnoticed by the slaver, a viper stirred.

The sudden strike at the dire's remaining foreleg caused him to falter, his grip on Lia momentarily loosening as he fought for balance. Seizing the opportunity, Vanta closed the gap. She barreled into the slaver with the force of an avalanche, her fangs tearing through his cheek and eye.

The slaver howled in pain and surprise and fell to the cavern floor, clutching desperately to what remained of his eye. Vanta didn't pause. She swiftly positioned herself between Lia and the slaver, a protective barrier of fur and fury. Her friend's steady, safe presence grounded her enough to allow her to recall the slavers words. 'keep away from us'. Us. There were more of them.

"Listen well." Vanta hissed, venom dripping. "You will take this story and carry it to every corner of the world. Everywhere darkness like yours hides. You will tell them of what happened here. You will tell them that if I find any slaver - any trace of your vile trade - I will do to them what I did to your leader." She gestured towards the lifeless body of the leader where he lay in a pool of blood, his jaw pried open wide.

"And if I ever see another slaver here again." She continued, her voice a low growl. "I will know you failed. And I will hunt you down like the rabid dog you are and make you beg for death."

The disfigured slaver gave an overexaggerated nod, still moaning loud, and rose unsteadily to his paws. He scrambled and stumbled away, marking the way back through the caverns with a trail of his own blood.

Only once she was certain he was gone did Vanta turn to Lia, her expression softening. Concern shimmered in her facetted eyes. "Are you alright?" She whispered. There was a shred of fear lingering in her voice, one that was not present during the chaos. Vanta was scared. What if her friend resented her for allowing the slaver to live? Would the woman understand the choice Vanta had made, for the greater good?

"Speech"