having it out

she’s perfect, this new mate of Bas’. apologetic, contrite, understanding. every action and word rings with, blame me, hate me. i deserve it. it makes Spider’s teeth ache, that sweetness, and they half wish Ignita would fight back if only so they can feel less like they’re bullying a defenceless rabbit. turns out it’s not very satisfying to tear into prey that’s already given up. advancing on her, Spider moves until they’re a hair’s breadth apart (assuming Ignita hasn’t shifted away), and aims to lift her chin with their paw, the way they’d done at the festival. only this time, they fit their mouth to her ear. “listen to me, Ignita.” not Ig, not Iggy. her full name, hissed like a curse. “you can have your perfect little life here with Bas, with your hoard of children and your scribbles and your books. you can have your happiness at the expense of mine.” they lean in closer, so close their breath is wafting over her face. “but i will have no part in it.” every word is slow and cold and earnest, levied against her like a physical blow. “so leave me alone, got it?”

they turn on their heel and stalk to the den entrance, letting the cold of the outside wrap themselves like a cloak, shielding against the fire raging in their veins. if they’re going to do this, co-exist alongside Bas and his new family, they’re going to have to steel their heart. “as far as i’m concerned, you don’t exist to me.”

"Speech"