The Tiger Within

Clovis and the guards held their breath while Kyera just watched him . Her eyes were the only thing Talis could pay attention to . His focus on those golden pools decoded her with the certainty and accuracy of a boy who grew up with this particular code .

The long pause was mostly because what he saw there wasn"t what he expected . Her eyes weren"t begging or desperate like she was afraid he would decline . Instead they were full of confidence and trust that he would make the right choice . He glanced at the man standing at the Tigress" side . He was their enemy, and the one that held her captive… why would she bring him here?

"Talis, it is your choice to make . He knows the Forest Shadow"s Secrets . The law will sanction hus arrival but, in the end it is up to you . " Kyera added, carefully removing a worry from the table . Perhaps unaware of the consequences of such a statement . His eyes widened as he looked at him .
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Clovis looked back at the tiger before him . His young orange coat was striking compared to the snow and moonlight tigress he was use to . The anger and accusation in his eyes was clear . "This creature can"t even respect your right to the law . Why should I let him enter rather than shred him where he stands?" a instinctual step toward his prey was met by three behind Clovis" back .

"For one thing, Talis, you aren"t strong enough . You just endured a brutal battle and judging by how your moving your body can"t take another so soon . Especially with another student of mine . " Lazren spoke up, his voice chillingly cold . Kyera looked back at him with enough force to silence his challenge .

"The last thing we want here is a river of blood . No more need to die… if i need to wait elsewhere for your counsel to talk, I will . Don"t allow me to turn brother against brother . " Clovis spoke up at that point . Seeing where this all was heading . He didn"t want to cause Kyera the anguish of fighting her kin .

"Young Prince, there won"t be blood spilt . Though Talis speaks from a place of protection and hate, he isn"t the clan leader . Not in truth . " a wolfish voice offered as the old black wolf padded into the room . Several young children gathered round his feet . Most looked tired and several were still in b.l.o.o.d.y clothes . Suddenly Clovis realized he had walked into a refugee camp where children were left afraid .

"Daxin, thank the shadows your alive . " Kyera spoke from her heart as she saw her dear friend yet again . She had been worried since he had headed back into the woods after they last spoke . The elder nodded at him .

"Talis, you once trusted Kyera wholeheartedly . She is the forest"s princess . " He reminded the youth yet again .

"She may be forced by that mark . I can tell it hurts her even now . " Talis growled and Clovis looked toward her . Kyera"s expression did show a hint of pain . Something was wrong but she hadn"t spoken a word .

"Let us not forget whose hide she saved from that very mark . " Daxin reminded him like a parent reminding a child to say thank you . It was clear that Talis was feeling guilt for her pain .

"He allows it to exist on her skin . His people put it there . " Talis tried to argue and Kyera stepped forward drawing his attention back to her golden eyes . He found those naturally warm eyes cooler in color than before .

"If you wish to attack to protect our people then make a move . If instead it is guilt that drives your actions, stand aside . " she ordered, the tone was unmistakable . Talos hesitated his eyes flicking between her and him . "Talis, I ask you once more, are you willing to listen?" Kyera asked again . Her tone was gentler as she voiced the question .

Talis made his decision and walked forward . As he did the Guard became more tense, but Kyera did not . She showed the same trusting nature he had once prayed she would offer him . He turned to the human Prince standing beside his Princess and raised his lip a touch .

"Lay one hand on any of my Kin, and I will see you fall . " Talis purred the promise before walking to Lazren and the guards falling in step with Kyera on one side of the Prince, and his self on the other .