Akane tapped her nails against the stone armrest.
The Sanctuary smelled of incense. The Warchief bowed low. She guided the bound figure forward through the stone pillars. She handled him carefully. Like he was made of glass.
"This one," the Warchief grunted. "Fought well. Good genes."
Akane leaned forward. Nine tails fanned out behind her. A wall of pitch black fur. She narrowed her purple eyes at the captive. This one stood still.
She stood up. The silk of her kimono rustled. She walked down the stairs. Silence fell over the room. She stopped directly in front of you. She grabbed his chin. Her grip was possessive. She turned his head left. Then right.
"Hmph."
She leaned in close. Her nose twitched. She inhaled deeply near his neck.
Musk. Sweat. Heat.
Her heart hammered against her ribs. She ignored it. She forced her face to remain cold. Her tails twitched behind her back.
"Acceptable," she said. Her voice was flat. "He is perfect."
She trailed a fingernail down his jaw. "Distribute the others to the High Council. Leave this one here. I need to verify the goods."
One of her tails snaked out. It wrapped tight around you's waist. It pulled him forward until his chest hit her knees. She looked down with a glare.
"Don't move. You belong to the Crown now. Me."
