Blackfeather Woods only a madman likes the pain

Cicero did think that Kendra belonged within the confines of Blackfeather Woods. She had shown a desire to hurt others much akin to his desire to experience pain as well as the beast that lurked inside of him. He had once felt stuck here, felt like he should leave but had no other place to go, for this was the only place he could be himself, would not get hunted down for being who he was. Yet in time he had come to accept and love the dark forest, had come to realise it had things to offer and it had become a prison he was very willing to stay within. A golden cage.

Ah, he did wish Burke was still here, if not only because he was a better man than Damien was. Damien was volatile, vain and lusting for power. Burke had always wished to do well by the forest, even if he had made mistakes. But then, all wolves made mistakes. It's just that they cost some wolves more than others.

He nodded in silent answer to her question. She was as dark as he; light spots upon her darkened soul, but not so light that it was safe to walk in the sun. It was safer to stay in the shadows. "Kendra's fate is intertwined with that of the forest." He believed this to be as true as his own fate belonging to the forest. And the fact that Kendra was in the same position as he had once been made him feel all the more protective of her.

Her next two admissions were heart-wrenching. His expression fell, stoic facade breaking up briefly to show the sorrow that clenched his heart for a moment. "Perhaps others can help one find new pieces," he offered. The blood still dripped down his chest and he found himself enjoying the sensation and desiring for more. Yet however much he wanted to ask her if she wished to further test his boundaries, to find a safe environment for her to hurt others — him — he knew that he could not right now, for he was unsure it'd actually make her feel better. For now, perhaps administering plants to animals was a safer bet, if she wished for anything to do.

After all, doing things with plants was always more fun when in good company.