regulate // open, visiting? return? hm

The thundering rumble of a reptilian sounded above him and caused Atticus' eyes to open in dismay. A stranger. Someone new probably. Even so, his golden gaze narrowed and he kept his distance, remaining close to the pole that held him upwards. Caution was his best bet. Especially with those sharp, pointed claws of theirs. One swipe would be fatal. The canine knew when to act and it was not now, so he instead chose to respond formally. "Atticus," he rumbled back. "Atticus Roux, a member of The Pitt." His claws unhinged from the floor and he pushed himself to his feet. As he stood before the rex, he raised his head to look back up at the giant beast with a frustrated expression dawning upon his sharp features. "And you are?"

As for the next phrase that left Serpentine, he wasn't sure what to say. "Your assumptions are correct," came his blunt statement. He didn't want to indulge into his affairs with a stranger, but luckily a familiar face had managed to pop in. Quiet words sounded out nearby. He gritted his teeth together as Gael spoke. A wave of emotions ran over him, knowing the answer to his question wouldn't be a well one. Not desirable whatsoever. Through his rage, a growl rumbled from the back of his throat, biting his tongue in the moment. Blood seeped through his mouth. The tinge of salt donned his tastebuds and an unpleasant feeling of disdain arose. With a shake of his head, he spoke out. "No."

He fell back into silence for a moment, letting the festering rage inside him calm down before he spoke. Another growl left Atticus. Why did they have to come to this? Instead of acknowledging his own dismay, he focused on the prevailing issue that caused it. "Where's Dante?" he sputtered out. "Has Arrow shown up to the border to serve punishment at all?" Their answers would determine his next words. The Roux was done.