Blackwater Islands inner sanctum

Akantha's eyes narrowed further as he fumbled over his answer while looking nearly ready to leap right out of his skin. She lashed her tail in great arcs once, then again, before it returned to the stiff position high above her hindquarters. She listened to him, but her mind was roving over his form; pristine pale fur with a splash of gray at the nape, and liquid gold eyes that danced like fire from the barest kiss of light. He was a healthy thing, not too large, but clearly growing well into adulthood. She thought briefly of Astraios. His loss had gutted their male ranks. She knew, despite not having much patience for them, that they would need to bolster them again and soon if she was to remain Matriarch. The Sisters needed to know their future was secure.

"Gabe." She tested the word, rolling it on her tongue. It was simple. Easy to remember. She snorted and curled her hindquarters beneath her to sit upon the rock. He would attack if he dared, but he didn't seem the type. So she was content to simply question and observe him. "You smell of my Sister. Did she send you here?"