She's been with me for a long time. I remember when she was small. Cute. More bark than bite but ferocious the way the young are. She tested her wings and surely imagined herself as the mighty beast she would one day become. She's loyal and constant. I cannot imagine a day without her preening in my shadow and dogging my heels.

She's grown so. Bloomed into the glamorous wretch that I keep close by my side. There is no better ally to have by my side when the days deteriorate into darkness. Her warmth is my comforting hearth on even the coldest gray days. I stand in awe and terror of her. The years of enduring with me have created a fearless vicious sentinel. She never hesitates to jump to my defense. Or to hold me accountable for my sins.

She's now more bite than bark. Indiscriminate in lashing out. As likely to be an abomination as to be a shield. There are no more softened edges or warning growls. Time has torn away the weaknesses and left a battle tested warrior in it's wake. She still cleaves to my side. Stalking with me through the desolation. She has never faltered. She has never abandoned me.

She's beyond my control. The threats she sees are everywhere. There is no escaping the near ceaseless sound of snapping teeth and ripping. The time for watching is over. She has decided that it's her time. That she's had enough of being held in check. There is no time for rest. No time to stand down. There is only retribution for a multitude of wrongs.

She's still my steadfast companion. Even as she drives all others away. She's familiar. She has seen everything and stayed. She has embraced what she was forced to become. And she is righteous and glorious. But she still horrifies me. My anger has become a beautiful wrathful vessel that knows only to strike. And I don't know what to do with her now that I've created her.