Phoenix Maplewood i'll wind up working in the thick of it

Never.

Their eyes met—only for a moment—and between them the flare of a real challenge was blinked into existence. Phoenix rebelled out of reflex, knowing that he had the advantage, and executed a parry with a flash of his teeth. Though he could now open her up further for his retaliation, the fire-banded wolf realized that his natural drive to dominate did not extend to her in this moment. He did not want to make a show of force here, nor did he feel the need to prove he could thwart her. This win didn't belong to him.

He relinquished his foothold on Indra's shoulder, letting her come at him with all of her given might. He gave a valiant struggle, unwilling to go peacefully or gently, but in the end of things—the two of them panting and dirt-smeared—it was the russet naiad who had put him on his back.