Shēnléi huffed, half a laugh, half a sigh.
You still have that bite,he said, his tone dry but warm.
Guess time didn’t dull your teeth after all.
He watched her move through the muck with that same effortless grace, tail flicking his nose on her way past.
Mother,he muttered, smirking,
you haunt me just fine while alive. Can’t imagine the afterlife being much quieter.
When she called, he followed, stepping beside her with his usual lazy ease.
Introduce you?he said, brow lifting.
You make it sound like they’ll survive long enough for that.
Then, with that familiar glint of mischief, he flicked his tail against her flank.
Now try not to scare them off, yeah? They still think I’m respectable.

— 
