and fill your heart with smoke

The brutality issued behind his reaction had been enough to wilt Sechuan's resolve -- she was quick to shrink from him, her voice high pitched amidst the snarls.

His shoulder and limb throbbed, but he was not about to display this openly lest Sechuan try her luck again. His hackles were flared as he slowed to a lumbering walk and swooped down upon his meal, turning about stiffly on his straight legs with his curled tail flared over his haunches. Delivering her one last contemptuous look, the bear-like dog stalked away from her in the hopes to enjoy his meal without her illfavored company.