A Master's Worth
The tension in the air was palpable as Emma and Tanis prepared for the incoming beasts. Dani stood behind them, his heart pounding as he tried to anticipate what was about to unfold. But just as the beasts reached them, something entirely unexpected happened.
The ferocious creatures, who moments ago looked ready to attack, suddenly halted. One by one, they lowered their heads and knelt before Emma and Tanis.
Dani blinked in shock. "What… what's going on?"
A massive, wolf-like beast stepped forward, its deep voice echoing through the clearing. "She wishes to see you both."
Emma and Tanis exchanged surprised glances. For a moment, even they seemed taken aback. Tanis folded her arms, her golden eyes narrowing. "She?"
"Yes," the wolf confirmed, his tone reverent. "The Matriarch."
Emma tilted her head, curiosity evident on her face. "And she sent you to summon us?"
The wolf nodded. "She sensed your arrival. She wishes to meet the ones who hold dominion over this land."
Tanis raised an eyebrow. "Dominion? We've never claimed such a thing. And we're not alone."
Emma stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. "We have a master now."
The beasts froze, their eyes widening in shock. A hushed murmur spread among them as they exchanged incredulous glances.
The wolf's voice wavered as he spoke. "Master? Who… who dares to claim such a title over the two strongest beings of this realm?"
Emma gestured toward Dani, who stood awkwardly behind her. "This is him."
The moment Dani stepped forward, the silence shattered as the beasts erupted into laughter.
"This fragile human?!" one beast bellowed, barely able to contain his amusement. "How could someone so weak tame the likes of you two?"
Another beast sneered. "He looks like he couldn't survive a day in this land!"
Dani clenched his fists, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. But before he could say anything, a sharp cry of pain cut through the mocking laughter.
One of the laughing beasts stared in horror at the place where his arm had been. It was gone, severed cleanly.
The air grew heavy with an oppressive aura as Tanis stepped forward, her dragon eyes glowing with fiery rage. "Mock him again," she growled, her voice like thunder, "and I will ensure none of you leave this place alive."
Emma's calm demeanor was gone, replaced by an icy fury. "He is under our protection. If even a hair on his head is harmed, this land will be reduced to ashes."
The beasts cowered, their earlier arrogance replaced by sheer terror. Dani watched in stunned silence, his heart racing as he saw Emma and Tanis's unrestrained anger—for his sake.
For the first time, Dani realized just how much they cared for him. Their unwavering loyalty and fierce protection made him feel something he hadn't felt in a long time: truly special.
As the beasts knelt once more, their heads bowed in submission, the wolf spoke again, his voice trembling. "We… we meant no disrespect. Forgive us."
Tanis's gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "See that it doesn't happen again."
Emma turned to Dani, her expression softening. "Are you alright?"
Dani nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I'm fine. Thanks to you two."
The trio stood together, the beasts before them subdued and humbled. Despite the tension, Dani couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. For the first time, he truly understood the bond he shared with Emma and Tanis—and the weight of their words when they called him their master.