Redtail Rise his foolish decrees, his words so contrived

the test ended.

darkclaw lay still, leaving his throat unguarded in submission.

the stranger made a sound. the boy repeated it, a rumble that vibrated in his deep chest.

when he was bid to rise he did so happily, tail tucked with a whine that offered deference. 

he would be more mindful of his place in the future. darkclaw's face still ached beneath the healing scar.