brink

His lips quivered, as though Basilisk was on the verge of snarling at a moment's notice. He did not like intruders, especially ones who seemed oblivious to the fact of what they had done. Behind his frame, his tail lashed out a few times, his irritation obvious -- but he would not grow violent so easily. Cataleya had taught him control, but only when it was necessary. She had always taught him to kill. When he needed to, and when he wanted to.

A low sigh spilled from his lips. The man seemed less guarded as he spoke, some of his pride slipping away from him. "It is not empty," he reiterated quickly. "But our home is open to like-minded wolves." An ear would perk as he crept as close to the river's bank as he could, without falling in. His purple gaze was unblinking as he watched. "Do you like to fight, Balderdash?" It might not seem relevant to the conversation, but it truly was.