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It had not been such a long time since Melinoe's arrival within the pride. Freeborn, she was, fair and square. Not only that, but Freeborn with a Reaver husband. It really was such a shame that Hinoko did not realize what it entailed to be her husband. His eyes did not stray far, and yet she could not help but notice the hungry looks he gave to his Thrall.

Her sister.

It would come to an end today. As she approached the sparring sands, Melinoe caught sight of her lion. Hinoko belonged to her, and she was quite reluctant to share him - most especially with her sister, Jezebeth.

She could not allow him to release Jezebeth as his Thrall. Melinoe enjoyed her elevated rank as Freeborn, and Jez's rank as slave. A demon as a slave?

Oh, their mother would be so disappointed. Melinoe thrived on it.

Hinoko was terrified of Melinoe.

There was something unnerving about being taken to mate by a lioness that was equal in size to himself. Her broad chest, thick legs and steady gaze sometimes made him feel as if he was the wife in the relationship.

Hinoko did not relish the lack of control granted him by his wife. She'd demanded that he succumb to her demands, and Hinoko was left with little choice. Melinoe did not hesitate to thump him, and so Hinoko had become quite the meek husband.

Perhaps it was because of this that he much preferred the company of Jezebeth. Around her, he could be himself. He could be as demanding as he wished and she could do nothing but consent.

It was sick, perhaps a little twisted, but a well-hidden part of Hinoko thrived on it.

As he made his way from the sands, he made eye-contact with Melinoe. He caught the way her eyes narrowed, a silent demand that he approach. As any good and subservient husband would, Hinoko made his way towards the ex-demon, dipping his head in greeting.

A twisted little smile flickered across Melinoe's muzzle. She knew this game. She knew it well, even in the short time that she'd known Hinoko. She knew him well enough to know that he was trying to incite something deep within her. He was trying - and succeeding.

He would pay for that.

As she lumbered along behind him, Melinoe somberly watched the muscles move and slip beneath the crimson of Hinoko's pelt.

She could not wait to dig her claws into him.

He knew he was going to pay for that little act of dominance. He knew he was going to pay for it, and it thrilled him. Was he really so sick and twisted? When had he become this way? Perhaps toying with demons was a surefire way to find oneself killed - or, at the very least, seriously maimed.

Hinoko was anticipating the sinking of claw into skin, and he was not surprised when the pain came, shooting through his hip as soon as they were clear of the public eye.

A delicious sort of agony.

"You do not presume to tell me what to do, Hinoko," the female hissed loudly, abruptly striking him across the face. She saw the flash of excitement that zinged through his bright eyes before he hid it. This was the game they played, the game they enjoyed.

A small part of her was terrified that someday he might turn the tables. He could easily overpower her if he so desired.

It could prove to be a most... interesting change of pace, certainly.

Hinoko took the heavy blow across the face with grace, ears still pinned back. Just as she'd seen the flash of excitement that sparked in his eyes, he caught the look of fear that burned in hers. A dangerous dance, this was, one that had an unpredictable outcome.

For now, though, he would allow her to think that she held the power. It was not such a bad thing, really. He would have to wait until he'd freed Jezebeth in order to turn the tables on their volatile relationship. Until then he'd bide his time, allow her to keep the upper hand.