Ouroboros Spine my father bleeds history

Recognition clicked; Mordecai did not need to introduce himself to Viggo. He stood still as his former playmate circled him joyously, unable to keep his own smile under lock and key. It spread warmly across his muzzle, and he too drew in the sight of the creature Viggo had grown into. They were no longer children, but Mordecai still believed he could find the traces of adolescence lingering. If not in the way they carried themselves now, it was certainly in the mirth that shone deep in their eyes.

But his smile faded relatively swift upon the spotting of Ptarmigan. The dark mistress lingered at the fringes of their gathering, and he withheld the urge to growl. Partly because he wished no trouble at this point, but mostly in part because he did not want to upset what had been the beginning of a happy reunion. Still, his eyes met hers with a scant trace of contempt, and he wondered what her reaction would be now, if there was any to be had at all.