Starglow Basin Serpent

Castel’s ears flick at Soto’s approach, each step brimming with threat. He doesn’t retreat, but he’s no fool, either. He lowers his muzzle just enough to avoid open war, though the danger in his eyes never fades.

Castel’s snarl rumbled in his throat, his teeth bared in momentary defiance. The urge to fight surged through him—every instinct screaming for him to lunge forward, to make Soto bleed for this humiliation. His amber eyes flashed with a hatred he couldn’t hide. Still, he didn’t move.

He let the snarl break into a ragged breath, slowly lowering his head. His shoulders followed, body sinking down until his belly brushed the dust. Even his tail curled tight against his haunches. Every inch of him burned with frustration, but he swallowed it.

His gaze stayed locked on Soto’s chin, refusing to bow his eyes completely. “Bien,” he growled, voice thick with resentment. “No soy un cobarde. Pero no vine a pelear contigo.” His words were clipped, weighted by the cost of his submission.

He didn’t look at Leto. Couldn’t. He felt her presence, the softness that had brought him here. The thought of leaving her behind sparked a different kind of anger, one he shoved down. He needed this place—and for now, he’d endure whatever Soto demanded.