Re: Grand Staircase; in the shadows
The wolf showed no fear. It could not, the armor protecting it as much as it held the creature prisoner, and its response to the panther's refusal was a low growl that echoed from within its metal throat. Politeness was not something it felt obligated to offer this predator that hid in the shadows. Wolves may have been hunters themselves, but this one was not as most were, and it would not allow the panther to feast upon the weak and innocent.
It listened as the dark thing paced, eyes searching out the shape of its target past the curtains that shrouded it from sight. "I am no dog," it said coldly, "no more than I am stupid. Manners are not meant for the likes of you. I know why you hide." The wolf turned, aligning its body with the path of its unblinking gaze, and took a step forward. "I will not ask again, beast."