Ouroboros Spine salumaruk ⇑

At first he was not sure what she wanted. Her eyes slipped to look at his own, stealing glances. The way Kukutux spoke of things was transactional in nature — maybe that was for his own benefit — and as he followed along Raimo came to an understanding. If the mountain were to flourish it would be because of the moon's bloodline; as the master of the hunters he was in line to be a part of that.

The way Kukutux outlined it was not vague but... The manner of her exposition left him with more questions. Was she saying she had chosen him outright? Would she be wanting more children to grow their number, or was she granting him access to someone else? He had planned to impress the both of them, moon and star, and to debate with them over his payment for services rendered — perhaps to steal away one of them for himself, and yet here was Kukutux, a willing companion.

I am glad you come to me with this, he remarks. If it is strong children you seek for the future of Moonglow, I am the right choice.

A small smile crept upon his face, ill-matching with the focus he typically wore. He was pleased that the offer was made to himself instead of the spineless Zane, or the solemn but strong Adrastus. The pale man was likely Raimo's largest threat at this point.

I would consider this the end of our barter. Raimo adds, watching her with the same catlike scrutiny he might afford the prey he often stalked.