Feeling used, but I'm missing you

their eyes lock, but before she can speak, her Bitan is there, guarding her flank. Avicus glances toward Ratio with a brief nod of thanks and acknowledgement before returning her stare to the stranger. 

his possessiveness may be overmuch, but it is not misplaced, and she thanks him for it.

why you here? she demands of the dark man upon the border, tail sky-high and lashing behind her. she wouldn't have felt inadequate without backup, but she does pull strength from Ratio's presence—they are a unified force in the face of a potential threat.