Two Eyes Cenote ninety-third

The beast gave a startled jump, flinching violently from the unexpected touch, its lip curling instinctively, ready to snap at any perverse specter that dared to approach.

A red form. Unfocused but familiar. It scrubbed a heavy paw over its eyes, blinking furiously to clear the haze. Senmut? The beast reached out a paw hesitatingly, extending toward the crimson shape as though it expected its limb to pass through an illusion. Surprise flickered across its pale face when it instead pressed against warm, tangible fur.

The beast recoiled, confusion marring its features. Senmut? But I thought you... It trailed off, a flush of heat spreading from its head to its very toes. Oh gods, don't look at me. It turned away, desperately trying to smooth down its dulled, ragged fur into something more presentable. I— it began, a sick feeling rising in its stomach, choking off the rest of its words.

Wait. The beast's eyes snapped back to the red figure, narrowing dangerously. Eset? It growled, the name rumbling deep within its chest. Did you say you've been speaking to Eset? It stood abruptly, shaking its head and taking a wary step away from Senmut, the fur along its spine bristling like quills and tail tucking tightly to its stomach.

Don't you dare touch me, it snarled, suspicion and betrayal twisting its features into a mask of porcelain rage. I'm not interested in anything you or that traitorous witch have to say.