[.fate.] controls us all [.Illidan's Reign.]

[Shadowed-Eclipse]

All was quiet in the lands of Vari Udu, but it would not be for long. The sun was setting fast in the season of cold, and clouds threatened each corner of the sky. Soon, very soon, the lands would howl and screech with an eerie sense of life. A wing stretched upward, its leathery skin creaking as the clawed tips reached for the stars. Darkness had long settled upon the beast's territory, but he knew not the difference by sight. It was the sudden announcement of many creatures awakening that alerted him to the change, as well as the frigid air that grazed his dark, shadowy pelt and long, menacing wings. The hairless appendages towered high above his back, stretching up to the air, eagerly awaiting the chance to slice the atmosphere. However, Illidan maintained control over the urge and folded the gruesome wings neatly against his back, waiting for a more appropriate time. For now, it was time that the pack gathered, just as dusk gathered in the sky above.

His senses were struck suddenly by the approach of a powerful life force, and when he focused in on it, he knew it was Deathwish. Ears flicked with amusement. Her life's essence was full and thriving, and gave off a strong vibe; there was an abundance of life within her. He smirked, for he already knew what she could not yet know, yet he scowled for her predicament. As Alpha male, he would ensure that she was well-taken care of when the time came, but for now she was on her own, and those two slimey scum-bags that ran around his territory like a pair of filthy sewer rats had not a care in the world for what they had caused. It was too bad that they were both so talented, otherwise he would have executed them both himself, and enjoyed it to the fullest. No matter, they would get theirs in the end and Illidan would be sure of it, if no one else did. Life would not end kindly for either of them.

The ample life force was soon near him, and he faced her with a stony look that did not match his earlier musings, his neon eyes glowing eerily in the growing shadows. Even a fearless wolf such as Deathwish knew that she was not dealing with a regular Alpha, but something much, much different. A demon hunter, one who had killed the darkest of evils with his body and mind as his only weapons. Now, he harnessed that evil as a part of his soul, and to oppose it would mean certain death. Though Illidan did not act as a twisted, demonic creature of the night, one could tell simply by standing near him - the vibes that came off of him would send chills down the spine of even the most hardened criminals - that he was capable of mass destruction and unthinkable evil if it so suited his mood. Illidan could feel that Deathwish had never approached him with arrogance nor defiance, and her approach today was no different. She had deferred to his authority the moment he'd arrived, though not just because of his dark aura.

Illidan was not a wolf that forced himself or his thoughts and beliefs upon another, demanding them to fear and submit to him like some sort of tyrant; he merely stated his own standards, his abilities, his rules as he seized control over a territory. One could take his words for what they were and understand that there was true consequence behind them, or they could toss the words carelessly to the winds and believe there would be no repercussion for their actions. But they would be terribly wrong in believing so. Illidan was a wolf of vengence. He could hold a grudge and let it boil and brood deep within himself until the time was right and then he would let it explode with fatal consequences. He was also capable of dealing an instant, merciless reprimand that he found fit for the crime, whatever it was. In this sense, wolves sealed their own fates, and Illidan merely forced the results upon them. Though he had little objection to most acts of sin, he could not deny that women were held sacred and in great need of protection from those who were the stronger than them. To defile them against their will was unthinkable... he growled merely at the thought, a deep, thunderous rumble within his chest.

The two previously mentioned scum-bags had paid rightfully. The one caught in the direct act of taking Deathwish forcably against her will would never again partake in such a pleasure, for he was no longer in possession of what made him masculine. No femora in her right mind would take him for a mate now, considering everything that he now lacked. His only chance for companionship now was to settle for an older biddy in need of care 'til her last days, but Illidan already knew that he would not commit himself to such a fruitless, futile relationship. At least he could be certain now that his Lead Assassin would focus on his job, and would not be distracted by those femoras which might entice an intact brute.

Deathwish did not respect Illidan simply for his acts of justice on her behalf. She respected him more because he did not demand respect, but because it was commanded simply by his presence, and it was earned through actions that were not selfish nor cowardly, but righteous and honest. Despite the pure darkness that radiated from his very soul, she felt truthfully safe around him; she felt that she could follow his lead to the ends of the earth and come out on top, alive and well. He seemed a leader worthy of her time, recognition and respect. She had already submitted herself to him, and was willing to give her all to please him and do his bidding as was asked of her. She was his to command. She bowed accordingly, knowing he could not see her physically, but her feelings and intent would be conveyed to him through her actions.

Illidan acknowledged her appearance with a curt nod, and unfolded his membranous wings once more, stepping closer to her as though to shade her from unknown dangers. She instinctively shuffled closer, though there was little emotional bond between them to encourage such an action; it was just the feeling of security, and the want to show her loyalty, to always stand at his side as his Beta. "You are always the first to join me at dark," he stated, allowing the smallest of smirks to slide across his maw, "I will always notice these little things you do.. It will only ever bring your status higher. You may never stand beside me as my equal, no one can, but in my eyes, you are viewed with great importance; you have much value to me." His glowing green orbs had been watching her life force as he spoke, and he could feel her glow with pride. He could not focus upon any part of her physical form with his eyes, unable to see her or know what she looked like or where her eyes and face were, but he could view her deeper, and see what was really important. He could sort out anyone in a matter of seconds with his unique abilities, and this made him all the more dangerous.

With a sudden grimace his eyes whisked away from her, head tilting slightly to the sky. "Now the question is... where are those two scummy vermin?" he rumbled in an unearthly tone. Breathing deeply, going into a near-meditative state, he closed his eyes and felt the pulse of life flowing from a single direction. They were together, headed this way, but they were taking their time like they always did. As they got closer, he understood why they moved the way they did. Though his one-of-a-kind abilities enabled him to sense their life's essence from any distance, and he knew now that they were quite near, he realized that no regular wolf would have a clue that they were anywhere close. None of his earthly senses could detect them, and he got the feeling that Deathwish was alert and tense, but not with any awareness of the closeness of the other two wolves.

It was only when they were within several feet of the Alpha and Beta pair that Illidan felt Deathwish bristle uneasily, and heard the slightest brush of the wolves' pelts rustling against the undergrowth as they slithered out like a ghostly pair of snakes. The Alpha tucked his wing slightly closer to Deathwish, to restrain her from lunging to seek the revenge he knew she wanted, and to make her feel like nothing could harm her so long as she was near him. Illidan did not acknowledge the two males with such reverance as he had with Deathwish. He merely snorted as displeasure creased his brow, and he faced the direction that their life flowed from. "There is no need to sneak like a couple of sly bandits," he scolded lightly, knowing they moved only with the purpose of concealing themselves in perfect practice; it was something that came naturally to the both of them. "Save it for your missions. Right now we have our duties to complete, to ensure the security of our territory and the growth of our pack. Let's get to work..."