Monster think | Narrator
The black beast kept pacing in a semi circle. His broad paws beat the ground rhythmically and his pink tongue dangled out of his maw. Saliva dripped from his sharp teeth and his demon eyes stared vacantly at the two mares. He growled; a deep, gurgling sound that rose and fell in his throat, making his muzzle wrinkle and his lips tremble. But it was obvious that he was now hesitant to attack. The reason was not clear, but a war seemed to be waged inside the Monster.

He suddenly stopped. The black fur on his shoulders and back rose and he lowered his head in a threatening pose as he locked his gaze on Snö.

When the varnished mare stepped around her mother and let a command roll of her lips something flickered in the glowing eyes of the beast. For a fraction of a second his demon stare was replaced with eyes of a deep, reddish brown color. But only for the briefest of moments. Then the beast tossed his head to the side and with a growling bark he backed away from Snö and resumed his pacing.

Thais? No drip, drop? Thais?

Now confusion was clearly visible on the beast’s features. His trotting had become uneven and he seemed less focused on the two mares. He also showed no sign that he had even noticed Mauja who finally reached his daughter and Psyche. However when the spotted stallion approached the Monster he stopped dead in his tracks and swirled his body around to face the former ice king.

Another growl rose from his throat as his body tensed. With every inch Mauja neared him the growl became louder. But the beast stayed still. The shaggy fur on his back stood straight up, his ears lay flat on his skull and his tail hung low. Aggression had turned into insecurity, but he looked like he could attack any second. His whole demeanor screamed “Don’t come any closer”, but still the stallion’s lips touched the hairs on top of the beast’s neck.

DRIP, DROP!

The beast shoot forwards out of his half crouch with a sound somewhere between a roar and a yelp. His teeth glistened; ready to bury themselves into Mauja’s broad chest. But he never got that far. Since the stallion had been searching for the beast’s collar the motion practically shoved the rope into the unicorn’s mouth and hindered the Monster’s attack. A gurgle could be heard from the canine and his eyes immediately lost its demon gleam. They turned deep russet and looked more aware and less demented.

There was no magic left in the old, tattered rope, but the abrupt stop to his attack seemed to have surprised the beast and for the first time one could see that he was really considering the situation. Maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to remember?

His field of vision was partially occupied by Mauja’s chest and legs, but he had a fair view of Psyche and Snö despite the stallion’s bulky body. The Monster looked at the younger mare, unblinking he studied her blue eyes. Suddenly the dog started whining, quietly at first, but the sound quickly grew louder until it resembled a baritone howl; rising and lowering as if he were speaking - or singing. His tail started whipping from side to side and his big ears pricked up. The animal which had looked like a beast only seconds ago now wore the face of a loving pet; the face of unconditional love.