Despite his worry, retreat wasn't an option. He had never backed down from a challenge, and his pack's respect depended on decisive action against anyone who dared violate their territory.
The king's gaze shifted toward Aether, who remained perched calmly on Arthur's shoulder, then moved to assess the Golden Beetle's positioning and apparent loyalty to the intruder.
Arthur noticed the assessment immediately. "You're worried about them?" he asked with obvious amusement.
Without turning around, Arthur addressed his companions casually. "Aether, beetle—move away from here. This won't take long."
He cracked his knuckles and neck softly. The sounds that somehow carried more menace than the Mane King's earth-shaking roar.
"Why are your feline species always so arrogant?" Arthur muttered, with a soft sigh. "You remind me of a certain white cat, albeit you're not worthy of even staring at it from afar."
...
