Face to face, they sat in silence, the air between them thick with tension. The atmosphere seemed to hum, as though the very forest held its breath, waiting for the standoff to break. Even Tiger, usually composed, was visibly on edge, his sharp eyes flicking between Nyx and the imposing figure of the Three-Horned Bull. His muscles tensed, ready to spring into action if necessary. After all, he knew how dangerous the Bull could be when provoked, and he had no intention of being caught in the crossfire between wrath and greed.

The Bull’s massive frame cast a long shadow, his three gleaming horns catching the sunlight that filtered through the canopy. His eyes, dark and unyielding, locked onto Nyx’s, measuring her. Nyx, for her part, refused to look away. Her chin was raised, her expression calm but defiant. She wouldn’t back down, not even an inch. Her pride wouldn’t allow it. Wonder where I got that from? she mused dryly.

The silence dragged on, thick and heavy. Nyx sighed internally. This is getting boring, she thought, but she held her ground, unwilling to be the first to speak.

Finally, the Bull broke the quiet, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. “It’s nice to meet the little girl who’s been uniting the Constellations,” he said, his tone laced with an air of condescension.

Nyx raised an eyebrow. “And? So what of it?” she replied coolly. “How do I meet your acquaintance?”

Tiger’s ear twitched in amusement. Peacock’s lessons in etiquette seem to be paying off, he thought.

The Bull leaned forward slightly, his horns glinting. “Well, I’ve been wondering why you’ve never sought me out. Or why you haven’t brought me any gifts.”

Nyx blinked, her calm demeanor giving way to incredulity. “I didn’t even know you existed,” she said, her tone sharp. “Why would I bring you anything?”

The Bull’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You should have known. We met once when you were a baby. You even cried in my presence.”

Nyx stared at him, stunned. “Unbelievable,” she muttered under her breath. Even Tiger couldn’t hide his disbelief.

“Bull, that’s absurd,” Tiger said, his voice carrying a hint of boredom. “She was a baby. How could she possibly remember you?”

“Exactly!” Nyx exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “How was I supposed to know who you were? I barely even knew who I was back then!”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The Bull seemed momentarily taken aback, but his arrogance quickly reasserted itself. He straightened, his massive form towering over both of them. “Well, regardless, I’m here now. We’ve met. So, give me your treasures.”

Nyx scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Why would I do that?” she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. “I don’t know you, and what have you done to deserve my treasures?”

The Bull’s expression darkened, but Nyx wasn’t finished. “Besides,” she added, “you’re the one demanding things from me. If anything, you should be offering me something.”

The Bull’s jaw tightened. “I did suggest an exchange,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I’ll give you a skill. In return, you’ll give me your treasures.”

Nyx tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, how generous of you,” she said, her tone mocking. “Let me think… No.” She unfolded her arms and stood up, her voice rising. “I don’t owe you anything, and I’m not giving you my treasures just because you demand it.”

The Bull’s nostrils flared, and he rose to his full height, his horns gleaming menacingly. The ground seemed to tremble under his weight. For the first time, Nyx felt a twinge of fear. Her pulse quickened as the shadow of his massive form loomed over her. She clenched her fists, her pride forcing her to stand tall, but her heart raced. He’s massive, she thought, her mind briefly flashing to all the skills she had. Would any of them even work?

Tiger stood as well, his stance relaxed but ready. His eyes never left the Bull. “Careful,” he warned, his voice low. “You’re scaring her.”

The Bull glared down at Nyx, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. His muscles tensed, and for a moment, it seemed like he might lose control. But then he exhaled sharply, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. His pride wouldn’t let him lash out—not yet. He had to maintain the upper hand.

“This is ridiculous,” he growled. “Take my skill, and give me those treasures.”

Nyx held her ground, though her voice wavered slightly. “No. I don’t want it. I have enough skills, more than enough to be powerful.”

With a quick motion, she teleported to Tiger’s side, putting some distance between herself and the Bull. She wasn’t about to risk a direct confrontation with a Constellation, especially one as powerful as him. Not yet, anyway.

The Bull huffed, his frustration evident. “Then what do you want?” he demanded, his voice booming. “What will it take to make you cooperate, you stubborn little thing?”

Nyx’s expression hardened. “Nothing,” she said flatly. “There’s nothing you have that I want.”

The Bull stared at her, his eyes blazing with disbelief and frustration. Nyx met his gaze, her defiance unwavering. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife.

Finally, Nyx turned to Tiger. “I’m done here,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I’m going back to Drac.”

Tiger nodded, though his eyes remained on the Bull. “So soon? I haven’t told you the rest of my stories yet.”

Nyx gave a small, determined smile. “Yeah. He’s not worth my time besides I can come back another time.”

With one last glance at the Bull, who stood fuming, Nyx teleported away, leaving him behind. The sound of her departure echoed through the clearing, followed by an eerie silence.

The Bull stood motionless, his massive shoulders rising and falling with each heavy breath. His pride and greed clashed, fueling his simmering rage. “Stubborn little thing,” he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. His horns glinted in the fading light, a silent testament to his unyielding nature.

Tiger watched him for a moment before shaking his head. “You really have a way with people,” he said dryly, his tail flicking as he leapt back onto his rock.

The Bull didn’t respond. He was too busy stewing in his frustration, plotting his next move.