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It had gotten dark. Still you were wandering through this region, enjoying the unknown landscape and admiring the pretty glowing flowers in full bloom along your path. Following some sort of trail you had entered this forest around noon. They had told you about a fearsome beast living deep within this forest, a malicious carnivore which sneaked up upon its prey to devour it whole. So, it was forbidden to ever set foot into these lands.
However, you were known to be the adventurous one of your litter. Always curious, always wanting to go further than the familiar landmarks. What was beyond them, whatever lands, acquaintances, dangers were awaiting there? You had to know despite the certainity that it would put you in trouble. You weren’t afraid of danger or lectures by your parents or the alpha.
Suddenly you paused, sniffing. The scent you got aware of earlier was stronger by now and you got the feeling that the deeper you encroached the more intense the unkown smell tickled your nose. Herb, aromatic and … mysterious. You couldn’t find a better way to describe it in your mind. Your instinct told you to turn around and finally leave this domain as fast as your feet would carry you.
But still you stood there, stretching head and neck to keep sniffing. So appealing … without any efforts you kept track of the scent. Your sensitive ears caught the sounds of rustling leaves and the soft cracking of old wood and branches but you didn’t come across any other lost soul.
The predator on your track stayed hidden from your eyes.
Following the intruder he never lost sight of you. What boldness! Rarely creatures dared to enter his realm and those who crossed the borders of those lands –whether unknowingly or because they were tired of their lives– learned to regret their actions. After all he needed to be respected and feared. The Terror of the Phantom Mountains. The Blood Moon Howler.
Silently the carnivore sneaked closer, always paying attention to stay quiet and keep his distance. Sniffing he bared his fangs, the tip of his tongue brushing over the sharp edges; his instincts told him that this time a truly extraordinary prey was awaiting him. Or maybe even a creature that would entertain him for a bit. Some lower brute to have his fun with until he chased it down.
Until he recognised the kin of his unwelcomed visitor. Curling his lips the predator narrowed the crimson red eyes: a cat?! And a pretty young one on top oft that … this was a first. Bratty wolf pups and impudent foxes on a dare were rather to expect intruding into his territory. Well, once he was done with this one, future potential trespassers would think twice before violating the law of the king of wilderness!
You were just about to realise the regal presence right in your back when something adamant and powerful bowled you over with a threatening growl. Rolling through the grass and over solid ground you hissed moaning and wanted to unsheath your claws – as you felt his hand onto your chest, pressing you down to the ground. Mewling you widened your eyes –
„Not a wolf … not a brock.“ As you felt the fingers sliding upwards, close to your neck, you intuitionally caught your breath. Trying to recognise your sudden assaulter you narowed your eyes. Another low growl emerged from the depths of his throat, quiet and getting louder: „… and not a marten either.“ In the next moment you got his breath on your face when the predator bowed down over you.
„A cat – no.“ Again a subliminal growl was heard under his whispering voice. Gasping you turned your face aside and shivered when his fangs grazed your cheek: „A bold kitten, setting foot into forbidden territory where it doesn’t belong!“ From the corners of your eyes you observed him licking his lips –
„I’m not a kitten anymore!“, you hissed and bared your fangs. This was half the truth, yet you were a kitten in fact. But it didn’t mean you were helpless and unprotected! As how to prove your last thought you unsheathed your claws with another hiss: „Let me go … or I swear, I will scratch your eyes out!“
Luckily he didn’t know you weren’t feeling half as brave as your bold words – did he? Again you widened your eyes and held your breath as the quiet growl resounded in your ears once more. No second later he held down your hand with his large one: „Those are some big words coming out of your small snout“, your counterpart scoffed, his lips contorting into a smirk: „… I’m already trembling in fear.“
Unable to move all you could to was to stare aloft into his crimson orbs eyeing you merciless. And for the first time you felt the uncomfortable feeling of anxiety and distress sneaking up upon you. You were alone, your siblings, your parents, nobody would find you in time. You were strong and knew how to fight but you were no match for the beast above.
What would he do to you? Who would hinder him to hurt you? To do even worse things to you … intuitionally you squeezed your eyes shut when he opened his mouth again, the weight of his body on yours enhancing; shortly he would devour you –
„… you’re lucky I’m in a good mood today.“
Breathless you didn’t dare to move for another moment until you realised that the hotness of his breath on your face and the weight of his body on yours were gone. Blinking you tensed and tilted your head at the furry monster who now had rosen to his full height. Narrowing his crimson red eyes the predator curled his lips, glancing down at you who still lay on the ground: „Are you going to strike root here? The sun will set soon.“
„Y-you are not going to … to gorge me?“ After taking a deep breath you managed to sort your legs and to stand up again. A growl responded first: „Being the witty kitten you claim to be, you should know better. Onward now.“ Gesturing out to you the dreaded beast gave you a sign to follow him. Gulping you hesitated for a moment. Was it smart to go with him? You were supposed to return to your family’s regions.
Then again, he was right. The bright golden and orangish glow on the horizon clearly marked the end of the day. You had trespassed those landmarks long ago, there was no way you would make it home safely before night. Probably it was for the best to follow your ‚host‘ for now.
Tomorrow in the early morning you would silently sneak away and look out for the trail that should bring you home.
Night had fallen when you were guided into a large and cosy hide-away close to a sea with a waterfall. A thick carpet of bird feathers and soft plant parts covered the ground and kept your feet warm and comfy. The gentle glimmer of glowing fungi along the walls ensured that; even though your eyes were excellent, you could make your way into the carnivore’s sanctuary safely. Just now you suppressed the playful impulse to grab and pull on a plant root adorning the earthy ceiling. Stretching out onto the warm carpet you frowned: „Why are you being so nice to me? It’s not like you owe me anything.“
The figure close to the hollow’s entrance sighed and dropped his shoulders. Then your host turned around to you: „Lie down and get some sleep.“ You distorted your face in a snort but made yourself at home between some especially soft down feathers. However still your eyes stuck on the predator: „I know who you are. Your name is Lucifer.“
The addressed one wrinkled his nose: „Are you expecting some sort of reward for getting this right?“ With a scoffing growl his tail swung back and forth when he tilted his head: „Because you are. What’s the name of this nosy kitty in front of me?“
Intuitionally you felt the sting of irritation but you told him. Maybe it was just your imagination but his features seemed to soften little: „I see. I like the sound of it. Your voice has its own unique melody.“ You felt your cheeks flushing and were glad that it was so dusky in here. Licking your lips pensively you tilted your head: „Thank you … I like yours, too, when you’re not growling at me.“ A low, barking laughter followed.
„I won’t if you don’t take me by surprise like this. I’m not very fond of surprises.“ Now you couldn’t suppress a smirk: „Aww, really? I love them –“
„Don’t even think of that“, was the short reply and you, who had been about to jump onto his back, puffed out your cheeks and dropped back into the feathers: „Don’t be such a killjoy –“
„I am the Terror of the Phantom Mountains, not your playfellow“, he growled back and shook his head, stepping closer. Observing him getting comfortable in his own nest, you pouted with a hiss: „Sure, sure, and this is why nobody wants to be with you!“
Mumbling you took a moment to create your own little nest and curled up there, the bushy tip of your tail covering your nose to keep it warm. Even though you had found shelter in a niche it was bitter cold. The inclement wind tugged and pulled on your coat no matter how deep you tried to hide and made you freeze. Trembling and quivering you curled up more, trying to protect yourself. For the first time you really missed your siblings around and how you all used to snuggle up to each other every night …
Suddenly something large and weighty –and fluffy– appeared next to you and pressed its body against yours. Immediately you got the comforting warmth and relaxed, snuggling closer to him. Lucifer’s reaction was a quiet grumble however he didn’t say anything. Gently you felt the tip of his tongue brushing over your nose and curled your lips, giggling: „It tickles!“
„My apologies.“ Lucifer gently narrowed his eyes. The tune of his voice signalised clearly that he was smiling as he pulled you into his arms. His unique scent was overwhelming you, without realising it you reached out and caressed his cheek and ears. The way Lucifer closed his eyes, growling relaxed, sparked an unknown emotion deep within you. Your heartbeat quickened and you felt your cheeks heating. Something in your stomach was fluttering, like dozens of butterflies trundling around and it made you a little dizzy.
You let him reach out to you, felt his fingers roaming your cheek until he gently took your chin: „Stop making false excuses“, you retorted and squinched up your face: „You’re not sorry at all.“
A grin showed up on his features when he pulled you closer: „What a smart kitten you are, I have to admit. In fact, you’re right – should I be sorry?“
Now the expression in his eyes had changed. You frowned little but turned aside, your head resting against his chest: „That’s for you to find out.“ Your rather bold reply was answered by a quiet laughter while you enjoyed his hands caressing your ears. And eventually fell asleep.
The wolf however didn’t find rest this night. Yet when he had found you wandering through his forests, his senses had told him that you were special. Not only a kitten but a truly something else creature. He had been mad like usually once he found intruders but today had been different. He couldn’t bring himself to hurt you, neither was he able to leave you to the many dangers in his territory. Nor to the cold. You weren’t to be exposed to any threats or menaces.
He would protect you. For as long as you wished him to.