Maddy stood, wiping the last of her tears, the warmth of Arach's embrace still clinging to her. Her mind sharpened, the weight of her title settling like steel around her heart. She thought quietly:
"Every Chimera child I've created and every one I will… rests under my responsibility. Each carries its own personality, its own instincts… which makes what I do dangerous. That is why I must ensure that every child I bring into this world is…"
The doting mother melted away, replaced by the Chimera Mother… the Progenitor.
"Arach. Stand up. Prove to me that my choice was right. Show me you are worthy of being my eldest."
Arach stood, his towering frame casting a long shadow. His four eyes blinked in unison.
"Mother?"
"Fight me."
For the first time, confusion cracked his composure.
"Have I displeased you?"
His voice trembled.
"D-did I anger you because I embraced you without permission? I—I apologize. I did not consider your consent before I—"
"Stop."
