Swallowed by shadows

[Tenzin]

The frightened male took the offered hand, and with a flex of her arm Tenzin helped yank him to his feet. He mostly just seemed stunned now. The other male spoke with so many idioms she was not sure she entirely followed, but she understood the mocking tone well enough. There was nothing brave in stupidity, nor in inciting the weak to recklessness. A pack knew its strengths, and it also knew how to protect those that needed protecting. “Better to hide than die. Just get in way otherwise,” she said bluntly. There was no shame in it. The pack survived best when everyone knew their part.

Her ears twitched to the introduction. Apparently Mik did not question either her capability or her unusual weaponry -- nor her motives. Her arms were covered, and beneath those dark sleeves the ouroboros was woven into a colourful tapestry not easily distinguished even to a knowing eye. The Athari covenant bid she kill this man for his nature alone, and even in Leh the spirit-touched were guided away from the sorts of powers she had already witnessed thrown about with abandon. Tenzin had no intentions to that end, but she was surprised he smelled nothing of fear or trepidation or even concern.

“Fun?” she repeated, surprised. She appeared to have taken it literally. “Not fun, just job. And lucky for you.” Compared to the subtleties of Jacinda’s heart in her hands, the scent of his arousal was pungent, and she did not think he much cared what he mounted. Of course, amidst the blood and sewer-smell it was probably the least offensive, but not by much. She grinned. “Stink like shit,” she said. “Not sure they let you in. If did, not sure want drinking there.”