Virtue Itself Turns Vice

Caedes walked beside Mariah, feeling the sand give way beneath his paws, each step slower than her own given their difference in stature. The biting winter wind cut through his thick fur, but his focus remained on the path ahead, on the desolate beauty of the Island, and on the imminent meeting with Avacyn.

He could feel Mariah's tension, see it in the way her breath misted in the cold air, hear it in the subtle urgency of her footsteps. Her glance was affectionate yet laden with silent concern, telling him everything he needed to know about the stakes of this encounter. She had brought him here to prove himself, to earn a place in the complex web of her family's acceptance. If it was possible.

As they reached the meeting place, Caedes took a slow breath, grounding himself. It was not fear or anxiety gripping his body though, it was determination. He was ready to face whatever came next. A healthy dose of confidence was paramount here, and he was not lacking in that aspect.

Mariah called out for her sister, and Caedes stood tall, his obsidian form a solid fixture beside her. He let his emerald eyes scan the surroundings, taking in every detail with calm intensity. Avacyn's scrutiny would be thorough, and he was prepared for it. He knew the path to acceptance would not be easy, but he was no stranger to challenges.

“Do not forget to breathe.” He murmured to Mariah, his voice steady and low, a tease if ever there existed one. He gave her a reassuring nod, the emerald fire in his eyes reflecting his resolve.