[If it had been Pet Shop that Trip spoke of, the bird would have surely attacked the boy the next time their paths crossed. Apep does not have quite that stern a mean streak that Pet Shop did, but even excluding that difference in temperament Apep will grow to have pride.]

[Assuming, of course, that's really what Trip had been implying.]

I don't keep pets, Trip. Those that follow me, do so willingly. Even a creature like Apep is not without her own will.

[The dragon squawks at the mention of her name, and Dio tosses her another piece of meat to cook and snatch out of the air.]

I can't imagine where you would have acquired a different impression.