Reverend, Reverend, Please Come Quick

Xairo felt his breath catch in his throat, the witch’s words striking him like physical blows. How? How could she possibly know such intimate details of his dreams - visions he had never breathed a word of to anyone? A chill raced down his spine, prickling his fur despite himself. This was impossible...and yet the proof stood before him, as solid and undeniable as the marble beneath his paws.

"The three mothers..." he whispered, more to himself than to her. The phrase resonated deep within him, conjuring half-remembered images from his most vivid dreams. His mother, shining and ethereal, murmuring of ancient powers and sacred days. A birthright. A destiny.

He hated this. Hated the way it made him feel exposed. Hated the way this stranger had unraveled him to his core. Xairo swallowed hard, his mind racing as he struggled to reconcile the woman’s uncanny knowledge with his stubborn pride. He couldn't deny the truth of her words, as much as he wanted to. But admitting she was right felt like losing ground, and Xairo was not accustomed to losing anything. "Fine," he growled at last, the word tasting bitter on his tongue. "Let's say I believe you. Let's say my mother really did send you." His eyes flashed, hackles rising once more. "That doesn't mean I trust you. Or that I'm just going to roll over and do whatever you say."

Xairo began pacing, his agitated energy needing an outlet. "You talk about my power, my birthright, but you still haven't told me what any of that actually means. What exactly is this 'destiny' my mother supposedly has planned for me? And what's in it for you?" He rounded on her then, stopping just shy of invading her personal space, his muzzle mere inches from hers. "Because I'm not interested in being anyone's puppet or pawn. If you want my cooperation, you'd better start giving me some straight answers."

Xairo held her gaze, unflinching, refusing to be the first to look away. His heart thundered in his chest, but he kept his expression hard, determined not to let her see even a flicker of vulnerability.

"Xairo Saxe"