Blackfeather Woods [m] The world laughed at any attempts we made to exist in it without pain

He continued to thrust, the beast rife in his mind, a ferocious growl breathed into Xan's scruff as he did. It was the first time that he had been on this side of the equation, and it offered a different kind of sensation. For some time he continued, only to reach an eventual culmination. He breathed deep into Xan's neck as he let go of the scruff so that he could let his prey sink to the ground. "Give Cicero my regards when you see him again, Xan," the beast rumbled with a victorious amusement and sadism in his voice. "I hope you enjoyed it. And that --" he nosed the remains of Xan's ear, teeth clipping close as though he'd attack again only to tease, then turn away, "Is so that you may never forget this night."

Relief achieved, he stood for a moment while the battle of faces took place within him, only to settle back upon Cicero. He looked at Alexander, feeling numb, expression of amusement swiftly fading back into one of nothingness, mystery, clouded in a stoicism that reflected how Cicero often felt.

He cast his victim no more glances as he turned into the darkness, feeling dissatisfied yet knowing he had done what he must, as he slipped into the shadows in which he belonged.