Silence isn't empty, it's full of answers

Walking through the fog, the woman glanced around, her body shaking slightly. In all honesty, she wasn't sure if it was due to the cold or fear of this strange place. She continued to walk very slowly, almost as though she was afraid to make any noise. It didn't help that it was close to midnight, the moon high in the sky. The fog that moved around her seemed to reach out and touch her, keeping her on guard the whole time. 

For a moment she paused, ears up as she listened around. Was that footsteps? She wasn't sure if she was hearing things or if there was actually something lurking deep within the fog. Shaking her head, she sighed slightly to herself. "Get it together, there's nothing out there." She spoke softly to herself before starting to walk forward again.

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Oh but something was in deed lurking in the mist. Someone in particular was stalking the meadows with his head levelled parallel to the grounds allowing grasses to tickle his chin as he passed through the pasture with eyes watching for movement. Another was lurking here in their hunting grounds, and he, was hunting them. Many others have come prior to this one, each who met with the Bogeyman of the mist meeting similar fates. Either being brought back to his woods or put to rest here permanently by his fang.

The lucky ones managed to walk by and out of his reach before the Boss caught whiff of their presence.

She spoke and he didn't answer. Not in a verbal way at least. Instead he could smell her fear. Intensified by the moisture clinging to the air as he approached on lumbering paws, weight swinging with every step as he approached the little woman without any care for "personal space". “And whom might you be little taube — dove?” Deeply resonating vocals spoke as he circled around her, sniffing the air all the while sticking his nose perhaps a little too close to her fragile body.

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Regardless of if there were something out there or not, she couldn't shake that fear that she was being watched. With a sigh, she would close her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her racing heart. However, it seemed doing so wouldn't matter in the slightest. She heard him before she saw him, her eyes flying open to see the man that seemed to materialize next to her. A small scream escaped her lips as she jumped slightly, watching him with wide, doe like eyes. 

Hearing his words, she would offer him a small smile, though it was tight around her eyes. "Oh uh, hello there. My name is Zella. Sorry, you startled me." Typically she would be friendly and ask his name, or ask her where she was, but something about him made her swallow those words. Maybe it was the fact that he was far too close for comfort, or just because of how... scary he seemed.

Taking a small step away from him, she would offer him a small smile, hoping she would be able to leave these creepy lands. "I'm just passing through." She said simply as she would attempt to walk past him, giving him a small nod of farewell. Her body was clearly tense as she didn't trust him, unsure of if she would actually be allowed to leave or not.

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Zella, she said. Startled was one way to put it but he could tell she was beyond that threshold already. Carefully he watched the girl as she attempted to make room between them. Skittering away while stating she was only passing through.

As she began to walk away with a farewell on her tongue and gestures, he would walk after her. He was not done with her yet apparently. It was he who decided when he was done with someone, and this was not the time. “Passing through —” He mimics lightly. “on my hunting grounds.” He would make sure she knew of the trespassing she had done.

Though these were not officially claimed lands, Vengeance was rather protective over his food. Protective over what he saw was his and to him, everything within the mist was his to claim. “You do understand what that means?” With long strides he easily kept up with the little woman, stalking her within the woman's shadow.

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Her heart started thudding in her chest, suspicious eyes watching the brute as he moved to walk with her. He didn't stop her but he certainly didn't let her leave either. Hearing his words made her wince. She had a sneaking suspicion that she was trespassing but he just confirmed it.

Slowing to a stop, she let out a soft sigh, coming to a stop but still facing the way she was walking. "You're not going to let me leave, are you?" At least not alive. She didn't know if he had any plans to kill her or not.

Though she didn't like fighting, she would still defend herself if he attacked her. What caught her attention though, was how....calm he was. That terrified her more than anything else.

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“No.” He hums with a gravel tone. This was a new plaything and Vengeance wasn’t the type to let someone like her just wander off if caught. This was his game after all and he was calling all the shots. The only control he would let her have was the choice of the outcome to this little entanglement of hers.

“I do not like individuals wandering through my grounds without offering something in return. How can I be certain you haven’t already eaten something of mine or will if I let you pass?” He drawls on, keeping up from behind just out of reach as though teasing his presence.

The stare he offered her from behind was stone cold despite its warm hues. Insinuating with silence through his cutting tone that they could do this the easy way, or the hard way... he always loved it when they fought back anyway.

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Hearing his 'no' confirmed her suspicion, however she was curious to see how far he would let her go. "I didn't think so." With a soft hum, she would begin walking again, trying to show confidence though her fear nearly radiated off of her. After he spoke, she would stop walking long enough to turn and face him. As she looked at the man cloaked in darkness, she found herself hesitating before she spoke, still very much scared of this man though she was putting on false bravado. "It's quite simple actually. There is no blood or remains on or around me, not only that but you can escort me to the border if you care that much." She knew she was poking the bear but she was already head first in this mess. 

Even with her ears pinned back, she stared him down, showing him that she may be shy and quiet for the most part, but she still had a small spark in her. She just wondered how long he would let her stoke the fire. There was a fine line between fear and intrigue that crossed her face, her body standing firm against his cold gaze, yet still tensed and ready to run. "As for offering something in return, what is it you want?"

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She kept walking and he would in turn do the same. Matching her pace easily with his own stride. How far he would let her go was as difficult to determine as ever - his mood was a fickle thing and ultimately it was all in fate’s hands.

The woman turned to face him and all he did was grin in return. A yellowed sharp grin would meet her as she turned with a fire of her own. How wonderful, he thought. She was a fun one after all.

“There are ways to dispose of any traces.” He would know - well, to a certain extent. He didn’t bathe and would often eat until he was finished, leaving whatever remains to be picked on by the rats of Blackwood or anyone who might be lucky enough to find it before rot took its hold.

“What do you have?” He challenged her. As she squared up against him, he’d lift his head up to its heights. Standing tall and proud while eyeing her down from his taller position. Nothing, he assumed the answer with anticipation lighting a fire in his belly. Nothing but herself, his grin grew with devilish malice.

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He seemed to accept her challenge, something she wasn't entirely sure was a good thing. At least not for her. She would have sworn she saw something in his gaze when she spoke out against him, something evil deep within those knowing eyes. As he talked about trace evidence, she would let out a soft, annoyed growl, watching him closely. "Not all of us are bloodthirsty heathens that swallowed creature whole you know." She would sigh and turn away from him once again, tail flicking out towards him that, if he didn't move, would smack him lightly on the nose. She knew this was likely to be a death sentence to her, but she found herself doing so anyway. 

If he didn't stop her, she would continue walking away again, figuring that he would still keep pace her. Assuming he would remain near her, she would speak up again, though this time not looking at him. "You and I both know I have nothing to trade as of right now. Though I could easily gather something to bring to you." She gave no indication that she would give herself to him, though she had a sneaking suspicion that's what he was indicating. He would have to try harder than that.

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She was playing a dangerous game, one of which she was not oblivious to the dangers of either. Tossing around the accusation of being bloodthirsty, she knew exactly who she was facing which made it all the more humorous if not interesting to see what kind of woman she was.

As Zella moved with a flick of her tail coming a little too close to his maw, the man snapped. Seizing his opportunity and grasping onto it with fever. Pulling her to him with a swift movement, uncaring for her safety and comfort as he did so. Should she fight against it by digging her claws into the ground, he would simply pull harder. Even if it meant threatening to pull her tail right out of her spine. 

Once close enough under him, Vengeance would stomp down on her back between shoulder blades or within that vicinity should she struggle and move; attempting to pin her where he desired her to be. Hackles rising with the electricity coursing through his veins as his tail lashed excitedly behind him.

Lowering his maw to her ear to speak, saliva pooling from blackened lips as they strung down with his words onto her. “Au contraire, you have one thing I could use.” He made his intentions very clear. “In many more ways than one.” His gravely voice growled.

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There was no question that she had pushed him over the edge and she had barely got the last words out before she felt his grip her tail, pulling her back towards him. With a yelp, she was dragged to the ground, her belly scraping against the dirt as he yanked her back. She knew better than to fight against the pull, not really wanting to lose her tail to this man if she could help it. Her breath hitched slightly as he leaned over her, glancing over her shoulder at him. Her pulse quickened and her eyes widened. 

A soft grunt escaped her lips when she felt his weight between her shoulder blade, wiggling around slightly though not strong enough to push him off of her. He had the clear advantage here when it came to strength. His words made her eyes widen even more, her ears pinning against her head. "...So what... you plan to rape me and then what? Leave me in the forest to fend for myself?" She kept her voice steady with accusation even as her body shivered under him. 

She made no move to fight against him but didn't fully submit either, her body still tensed and her hackles raised. A small snarl graced her lips as she looked at him over her shoulder, only really able to see he face right next to her due to the press on her back keeping her pinned to the ground. "I have a feeling that someone like you has no shortage of women, so what could I possibly give you that they don't?" In any other circumstances, she could see him as a protective and strong mate, but given her current predicament, he was the monster in the mist.

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He was never the type to be fully satisfied. He loved the feeling of being in control of someone, of a situation, of everything he could sink his claws into. He got a high out of it, no matter how he obtained it. The words that slipped from her lips made him chuckle, pressing his chest against her back. She was so small in comparison to him, in comparison to Morag. “If it comes to that.” Admittingly his claws wouldn't be held back from digging into her skin. Wired, electrified and excited there was very little holding back.

“I would prefer to use you in other ways.” Rubies narrowed as he pondered it all. Weighed his options here. On one hand she would be perfect for a quick satisfaction. It had been a while since he had someone so petit before... On the other hand, Morag had kept him busy enough lately that the itch to sexual satisfaction was admittedly not as strong as it would be on other days.

“Serve me and we will have no need for such barbaric actions.” Clearly he wasn't opposed to it either. “I have need of someone like you, someone we can trust with our youth and wounds. We have plenty of warriors, but not enough healers...” This was her offer. “Then again... I could always stuff you and shit you out later if that is what you prefer.”

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A soft hiss escaped her maw as she felt his claws sink into her back, causing her to press herself further against the ground. Still though, she made no move to try and get away as she knew it would also cause her more pain. She remained quiet as she heard his words, thinking for a moment. It wasn't like she had much of a choice, but at least it was something. Even as her body remained still against him, it didn't stop her from still speaking her mind. It seemed like he enjoyed her fiery spark and that scared her more than it probably should. 

After a moment of thought, she would finally speak up, still watching him over her shoulder. "I'll help your pack. But I'm I really going to be there as just a healer and caretaker, or are you going to ask me for more?" She wouldn't put it past him not to lull her into a false sense of security with handling the children and the herbs, and then quickly find herself in the same situation. A soft growl escaped her lips as she wiggled under him, trying to alleviate the pressure of his body against her back and get his claws out of her skin. 

She wasn't sure how this would go for her, though she knew it wouldn't go well. Either she would be bound to the pack and unable to leave, or she would be bound to him. And she wasn't sure which one was worse. It mostly depended on him. If she was just bound to the pack, she could likely find shelter with another and live her life. But at the same time, if this was what the pack was like, she didn't put it past others to attempt to take her as their own. However, if she was bound to him, she would likely be safe from others, but would have to deal with him and his bloodlust for gods knew how long. "What all am I getting myself into by accepting your offer."

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With her cooperation he would alleviate his grip upon her back. Drawing back his weight to give her more comfort in response to the positive feedback he was obtaining (in his eyes this was positive). Give, and receive it was as simple as that. Even if it was forced to a certain extent.

“Only that.” He returned smoothly with a certain calmness in his tone. The excitement faded just enough for him to speak with a levelled head. He wasn’t lying through his teeth here. Sadly most who would accept his offer to join the pack were his type of individuals. Those who weren’t very knowledgeable in the ways of healing and Err would likely need a helping hand very now and then. Her types would also often turn to run - and so a little bit of work had to be done.

Loyalty from them would be difficult. But perhaps over time she would be brought over to his side of things.

“I offer a never ending supply of food —” She didn’t have to know its sources. “As well as protection. From both myself, other Nightwalkers, as well as other packs. As our healer I will not lay a paw on you… unless you wish it or will me to by turning your back on us. We are powerful, and many.” And with someone to watch the wounded and sick, they would only be stronger.

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Another soft hiss left her as he pulled his claws out of her back, though the relief of his moving off of her was better than the pain of him pinning her down. Slowly, she would move to stand up, keeping her eyes on him the whole time. Now though, her fear of him had subsided, at least for the most part. Sitting herself up, she would stretch out, shaking her fur before sitting down in front of him, giving him a little bit of a stink eye for leaving puncture holes in her back. "Please tell me there's at least someone else with a competent enough medical knowledge. You have proceeded to leave puncture wounds in my back and I can't particularly reach back there to clean them." She gave him an accusatory look. "Unless you feel willing to lick the wounds you caused." She may be nimble for a small wolf, but she couldn't whip her head around like an owl to lick the wounds on her spine. There was little expectation for him to actually help her in any way, though she did want to point out that it was his doing. She knew there were small for the most part, but infection could worm its way into the smallest of wounds and she was most certain that his claws weren't the cleanest. 

As he talked about the protection and food from the pack, she found herself humming softly in agreement. "I'm not dumb enough to turn down free food and protection." It wasn't necessarily free but it was free enough. "As for the other part of your statement, I won't lie, you would be a worthy mate, however I have a feeling that if I were to crumple to desire, I would be left to handle a whole litter of tiny murder children without your direct assistance." She show him a pointed look, almost challenging him to tell her otherwise.

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Given just a little bit of slack from his pressure and she was quick to take the opportunity to slide away from his grasp. Standing up and shaking off any of the pain that must have come from his actions. As far as he was concerned, she should have listened in the first place. It was her fault that physicality had to be in he equation at all. “@Err will assist you with your back.” Briefly he wondered if the rat was anywhere near by listening. Casting a fiery glance around at the grasses and on his own back as if to think that perhaps he had missed the rodent taking a ride at some point.

As she continued he could only scoff at her words. A sharp yellowed grin crawling across his mug as ruby oculars turned their attention back to the small woman. “I have no interest in taking a mate.” He let out a harsh, derisive two-note laugh. “I fuck whomever I want, and have a woman who is my main bitch for strong puppies. That is all.” Lowering his head to get hers, he'd take only a couple of steps toward her with a dangerous, teasing coyness in his step. “However I am getting the sneaking feeling it is you who has such thoughts floating around in that little head of yours.”

It was her after all who immediately thought of being taken advantage of. Her who brought up him being a mate prospect as well as puppies. “I can always fulfill your dirty desires if it would keep you pleased in the pack.” He had no quarrels with whoring himself out to the women of the pack, especially if they came off this thirsty. Even if it was just him twisting her words around for a horrible mocking scene to her expense.

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She had an amused expression on her face, though the sting on her back was still very much present. His back and forth nature made her wonder if he ever truly knew what he wanted or not. He seemed like a rather indecisive creature and that had her wondering if he was the leader of this pack she had been dragged into. She hoped if he was, he wasn't this wishy washy on that too. 

Nonetheless, this was her life now so there wasn't much she could do about it in the long run. At least not any time soon. However, she wasn't going to run away from protection and free food. Hearing his words about the healer, she would nod before stretching herself, shaking her fur out with a soft huff. He messed up her fur... that asshole. "Good, I will speak with them later."

His words make her laugh as she glanced over at him, a dismissive expression on her face. "As I said earlier, I'm looking for a mate and I have no interest in being a single parent to murder munchkins." She moved to stand up, sniffing the air to try and figure out where her new 'home' was. After she was at least partially sure that she knew where it was, she began walking in that direction. She just hoped she wasn't making a fool of herself...

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The woman was insistent on finding a mate, which to him was hilarious. “Best of luck with that endeavour.” He mocked, making sure she was following him and not making a hasty escape of which he would just drag her back forcefully again if he had to. “All Nightwalker females may breed - but only to approved males within our ranks. I cannot have you impregnated by some useless prick.”

And for her... well that list was fairly short. Only three of them so far had his approval and one of them was, of course, himself. Maybe her standards would loosen after a while in time... they were in a pack after all, and the children had others to rely on for food and training. The borders were strong enough to help with their protection, to desire more, well, to him that just sounded greedy.

That was a topic for another day as she came to be accustomed to their customs. For now, he would bring her to see Err and fix up those wounds upon her back she so desperately needed fixing.

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