A few days later…
It’s early in the morning, Sylas is counting the few coins he had left over after purchasing new clothes, the clothes had a regal feel to it. The new cloak had an expensive saturated blue, designed with yellow reflective patterns giving the impression of shining gold.
Under it, he wore a basic dark coat and comfortable pants tucked into his boots.
“This is all expensive but it's worth it for what it can do.”
Earlier while looking through the market that just opened, while browsing the various stalls, he came across a merchant that was holding onto an expensive looking cloak radiating magical energy.
The merchant didn’t seem to have any magical perception so I got really lucky that they were only placing the price based on its looks.
The design behind the cloak was a little tacky for Sylas’ liking. Resembling a crescent moon with a tiny rabbit inside. Unfortunately the gold like threads contain the enchantment for protection so he couldn’t just take it off.
Since heavy armor is completely off the table for the wizard, he will need to make use of anything light weight that could be used for protection during expeditions.
***
As Sylas approached the guild, the familiar din of mercenaries laughing and clinking mugs echoed louder than usual. At first, he thought nothing of it—maybe they were just in better spirits today. That illusion shattered when a wooden table exploded through the front window, crashing to the ground in a mess of splinters and shattered glass.
“Rgh—Get off me, gramps!”
“What's going on?!”
In the center, mercenaries are gathered in a circle chanting and shouting. After gathering the clues, it’s likely the dumb wolf is in a brawl with someone.
Letting out a long-suffering sigh, the rabbit drew his staff from his back and tapped it firmly against the wooden floor. a shimmering trail of ice swept across the floor. The sudden drop in temperature startled the mercenaries, making them stumble back as the cold touched their feet.
Making a path to the origin of the ruckus.
There stood Alwin, Boris, and two strangers Sylas didn’t recognize.
What drew Sylas’ attention the most was one of the strangers who right now is expelling enormous amounts of magic energy. Though not as much as his own, it was still an impressive amount making him stare in awe.
Finally noticing the commotion, Boris turned toward the rabbit. His expression was a volatile mix of disappointment and frustration. With a sharp motion, he shrugged off Alwin’s restraining arms and began stomping toward Sylas. Each heavy step made the rabbit flinch just slightly.
“Hey, what gives?” Boris growled, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the others. “I thought we had a deal.”
“First of all, rude,” Sylas snapped, rubbing the bridge of his nose as tension crept into his voice. “Second, the deal was one request. One.”
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He sighed. “Look, can you just do this for me… just this once?”
“After all that, you still don’t trust me?”
“Boris no it isn’t like that!”
Boris looked back at the others, then down at Sylas, eyes narrowing. Without a word, he reached out, grabbed the rabbit by the arm—right where he held his staff—and dragged him along.
“Hey—let go!” Sylas struggled, trying to pry Boris’s hand off his wrist. “What the hell are you doing?!”
“Idiot! Let me go!” Sylas strained, trying to dig in his heels.
Alwin moved to intercept them, but Boris was faster. Leaving the guild and back into Sylas’ room in the inn nearby. Flaring his nose, he went in a specific direction leading into an Inn Sylas’ stayed at. Going upstairs and choosing his room specifically shoving them in there.
What the hell- how did he know this was my room!?
Sylas stumbled back, eyes darting around, then locking on the wolf with rising anger.
“What. The hell. Was that all about huh?” Boris growled, still holding the handles.
The wolf let out a low sigh, turning to face the rabbit now locked in the room with him. His breath caught when he saw the way the smaller figure had pressed himself against the far wall, gripping his staff.. It took him a moment to realize the gravity of what he just put the rabbit through.
Wide-eyed and tense, the rabbit looked every bit like a cornered animal ready to bolt—or fight. Sylas’ sharp, panicked breaths and rigid stance made it painfully clear he didn’t trust him at least right now…
Like a prey caught by a predator with nowhere to go.
“Shit—now I’ve done it...” Boris muttered, raising his hands assuringly. “Hey, I’m sorry—”
“Don’t move.”
The words were sharp, cracked with fear, and followed by a flicker of magic coiling at the tip of the staff forming a familiar pattern. Ethereal wisps swirled in the air between them, coldly circulating adding to the tension.
Boris froze, hands lifted higher. “Woah, Buns, listen—I didn’t mean to, I—”
“Shut up!” Sage snapped. “J-Just stay away from me and the damn door!”
“Sage, look—” Boris slowly attempts to step forward. “It wasn’t on purpose. I didn’t know what I was doing, here let me—.”
THUNK.
A heavy thud rang out as something blunt struck the wall beside his ear. The sudden force rattled him, a sharp ringing flooding his hearing. He instinctively flinched, falling silent.
Eyes locked, the tension thickened like a held breath.
Wordlessly, Sylas— staff still raised nodded toward the side. Boris complied, slowly stepping left, away from the door. The rabbit circled with him, never letting the space between them shrink.
The rabbit’s face is pale, his features twisted in a visceral, sickened fear. Each short, shaky breath feels like it’s caught in his throat, the air heavy with pressure. The door is only a few paces to his right.
Afraid to turn or break eye contact, he keeps his gaze locked on the wolf—tracking every shift in posture, every twitch. His grip adjusts as he swaps his staff to the other hand, casting a quick glance down, just long enough to prepare.
Glancing back at the wolf for barely a second, Sylas found him unnaturally closer—close enough to grab his wrist, forcing the staff from his grip.
The rabbit fought back, thrashing wildly. He kicked, pulled, even clawed at the wolf’s hand with his blunt nails, uncaring of the pain radiating through his arm. But the wolf barely budged.
“Let go—let go—let go!” Sylas cried out hoarsely, voice cracking as tears spilled from his eyes.
“Sage, stop! You’re hurting yourself!” Boris pleaded, his tone soft but urgent.
Sylas groaned and sobbed, the sounds broken—half screams, his strength fading with each successive shout.
His vision dimmed like ink flooding the edges of his sight. Boris gently but firmly pushed him back onto the bed, pinning his arms above his head to keep him from lashing out again.
The room fell into silence, save for Sylas’s ragged, shallow breaths. He gasped between them, barely able to whisper “Let go…”
He now truly could no longer move.. His body was limp now, the struggle reduced to a trembling body.
His head lolled, vision narrowing until all he could see was Boris looming over him—no longer recognizable.
Now beyond just tiredness, Sylas finally laid down like a game caught in a trap tired from struggling in a net.
Boris the wolf, looked at the vulnerable herbivore he had caught. Throughout their time together there has always been something that drew him to this rabbit—whether it was their skills or appearance it didn't matter anymore.
Now in their room, the smell condensed in the air filling the wolf’s nasal cavity as he accidentally took a deep breath, as the rabbit's excessive panting, and sweating mixed with his natural smell created a scrumptious irresistible smell for the wolf.
“Urgh—!” his pupils dilated, unable to look away at the delicious meal in front of him still fresh and alive.
Their mouth watered as a little dropping from the edge of his mouth—reflexively gulping as his face slowly got closer to the rabbits neck.
Closer… and closer… finally.
He bared his fangs as it drew crimson red blood.
