Nyx awoke slowly, his senses returning not in a rush but slowly, saliva was dripping from his mouth, yet his grace was ever present.
The world settled into place around him as his eyes opened, and for a brief moment, confusion crossed his face. But then he remembered where he was—curled within the comforting walls of his throne room, exactly where he had fallen asleep.
Everything felt right.
The soft scent of the box lingered around him, familiar now, almost filled to the brim with his scent and comforting. The walls enclosed him just enough to separate him from the chaos of the outside world, creating a space that was undeniably his.
Yes.
This was world order as it should be.
Nyx had rightfully claimed it.
Conquered it.
Perfected it.
His throne, his domain, his rightful place in the world.
Of course, even rulers had needs.
After a slow, satisfying stretch—his back arching, paws extending as far as they could—Nyx rose and stepped out of his throne with deliberate care. This time, his descent was far more elegant, his landing only slightly less clumsy than before.
He did not acknowledge the face plant.
Some things were beneath notice.
The Great Mother rested nearby, and Nyx made his way toward her without hesitation. The nectar station awaited, and it was only natural that he would take what was his.
He settled in comfortably.
There were no interruptions and no challenges.
No foolish attempts at defiance or claiming his rightful place at the nectar station.
This was truly a wonder of the gods—a gift bestowed upon his mother for the sole purpose of Nyx's sustenance. After all, there was an endless supply of white nectar flowing from her; if that was not a sign that the gods favored him, then what was?
As they should be.
Time passed in quiet peace.
Warmth spread through him, steady and reassuring, dulling even the memory of past conflicts. For a brief moment, the world was simple again—no enemies, no battles, no red dot lurking just beyond perception.
Just comfort, calm and peace.
When Nyx finally pulled away, he gave himself a quick, satisfied lick, his mind already returning to more important matters.
The next battles, the strategies to come—and where better to devise them than upon his throne?
Naturally.
So he turned and made his way back.
And then—
He stopped.
Something was wrong.
Nyx's steps slowed, his gaze sharpening as he stared ahead.
The box was still there, but something about it… was off.
He moved closer. Carefully.
And then he saw it.
A challenge to his authority!
Inside the throne room—his throne room—curled up in complete and utter ignorance, was one of his siblings.
Sleeping.
Peacefully.
As if it belonged there.
Nyx froze from the sheer audacity.
His legs seemed to tilt slightly beneath him from the shock.
This was not possible.
This was not acceptable.
A quiet tension built within him as he stepped forward, each movement controlled but heavy with intent. His tail rose high, fur beginning to bristle ever so slightly as he approached the box.
The intruder did not move.
Did not react.
Did not understand.
Nyx stopped at the edge and stared down into the box, his expression darkening.
Surely… this was a mistake.
Surely, the offender would realize the gravity of the situation.
Realize whose domain they had trespassed into and vacate immediately.
They did not.
The sibling shifted slightly, adjusting their position—getting more comfortable.
Nyx's eye twitched.
A low mrrrp escaped him, sharp and pointed—a clear warning.
The sibling stirred, blinking lazily as if only now becoming aware of his presence.
They looked at him.
Paused.
Then, without a single ounce of respect—they curled back in.
Nyx stared in disbelief.
The audacity.
There would be consequences.
Without another moment of hesitation, Nyx placed both paws on the edge of the box and climbed in—no, not climbed.
He attacked.
What followed was not graceful.
Nor precise.
But it was immediate.
Nyx launched himself into the confined space, colliding directly with the intruder in a chaotic burst of fur and limbs. The sibling squeaked in alarm, jolting awake as Nyx tumbled over them, paws flailing in what he considered a perfectly justified and highly effective offensive maneuver.
They pushed back.
Nyx pushed harder.
The box shifted beneath them, rocking slightly as the two struggled within its walls. There was no room for elegance here, only instinct, momentum, and sheer stubborn determination.
Nyx attempted to pin them.
Failed.
Was rolled onto his back.
Recovered—barely—before launching another assault.
A kick from his hind legs sent them both spinning slightly within the box, their tiny bodies colliding awkwardly as the battle escalated into complete and utter chaos.
The sibling retaliated.
A paw struck Nyx's face.
A squeak of defiance followed.
Nyx froze for half a second.
So.
This is how you want to ply it? Huh?!
Very well.
With renewed determination, Nyx lunged again, pushing forward with everything he had. Slowly—painfully slowly—he began to gain ground, inching his opponent toward the edge of the box.
The sibling resisted fiercely, clinging to the space as if it were theirs. (It was not.)
The box tilted, Slightly at first, then more. But neither of them noticed until—
Thump.
Both of them spilled out onto the blankets below in a tangled mess of limbs, fur, and severely wounded pride.
Silence settled over the battlefield.
Nyx lay there for a moment, staring upward as he processed what had just occurred.
The world steadied.
The chaos faded.
Slowly, he turned his head.
The box was empty.
Triumph surged from within him.
Without hesitation, Nyx rose.
Walked forward and climbed back in.
And sat.
Victory.
Behind him, the sibling remained where they had fallen, watching with mild confusion and what could only be described as quiet indignation.
Nyx did not acknowledge them.
There was nothing to discuss.
The outcome had been decided.
Nyx turned once within the box, then settled into place, tail curling neatly around his body as he reclaimed his throne.
That's right HIS throne! His domain. His rightful place. Order had been restored and balance was maintained.
Yes.
The great ruler was without challenger again.