Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 7: Bond

POV: (Kadupul)

*Cursor is the adoptive daughter of Angel Leona?* Kadupul thought as her gray fur scattered orange, white and black begin to feel hot and sticky in Savanna's heat.

She believed the sun was starting to set as she counted the hours that must have passed since Rex and Kadupul arrived in the village. Her ears twitched with every sound, but she knew she was safe. Well, as safe one could be with a tiger, human-leopard, African wild dog pup, and a Native people Chief.

For the first time in her life, she felt small being surrounded by such large animals. After meeting Rex, her life was turned upside down. Even if she knew it was only for a moment, Rex saw her as prey. Kadupul didn't regret a thing.

The fox's ears moved as the Chief walked around the hut, making noise as if he was picking up stuff then putting it down. "Cursor." He finally spoke in a father-like tone. "I thought we agree about you not adding to your collection." He paused. "I mean, a tiger is too much."

The Darwin's fox head spun as she heard smaller steps move from behind the pair. "Abdu, with all respect. They came on their own." Cursor spoke in a tone that is similar to larger predators.

*So, why doesn't he have that tone all the time?* She wondered hearing his tail hit the floor about five feet from where she sat.

The sound was muffled by some kind of skin that Cursor called a rug. All Native people have this in their homes to keep out insects. This reminded her of her teacher explaining that some animals used leaves to create a bed.

The fox frowned while looking in Rex's direction. From what she understood, all large predators have deep voices that command respect as well as fear, but Rex didn't have this when they first met or when they were traveling the savanna. However, when they met the Native people, Rex showed her the side of him that terrified her. At that moment, she honestly thought he was going to eat her.

*Maybe, they only used the tone during hunting because he was mainly silent when he was behind her.* She wondered. She hated silence as it was a fear of her being alone.

*Note: Native people having pets were forbidden and outlawed about 1000 years ago when a native named Abeje used them as slaves. It is unknown what happen to Abeje, but the animals got justice. However, they can have cattle and other livestock for food, but only if the herd agrees to this and is given something in return.*

Kadupul then heard the pup named Paint jumping and leaping around the hut. Abdu said something in Native people's tongues that she didn't understand.

She sighed as she thought. *So, this is the true difference between the ranks.*

Rex was speaking in the same tongue that Abdu used but appeared to be better at it than Cursor, the human leopard as his tone was clear and cut.

"Excuse me?" Kadupul asked, suddenly feeling the eyes staring at her. She heard a low growl from Rex but didn't understand why. "May I speak?" She then asked, realizing it could be a warning for her.

Rex never used his rank over her, but this could be different. Abdu was a chief, Cursor is the daughter of a high-rank Angel, and Rex is the son of the Queen herself. Kadupul is just a lowborn, blind........

"Kadupul, when you are with me. Please, don't ever fear using your voice." She heard Rex say in a whisper but assumed the people heard as he wasn't that quiet.

She noticed that Rex had been keeping his distance because of what happened. The Fox didn't blame him and understood how close she could have died. But she had to admit that she felt lonely when Rex wasn't close to her. Besides her mother, he was the only other one that made her feel wanted and important.