In the Interim

To say that sleeping surrounded in Chimera's strong, protective embrace had been the best sleep of her life would not have been an exaggeration. Aliana had grown up knowing straw on a cave floor and hard earth when she was transported. Sleeping with Chimera's dogs was a significant upgrade; they at least had proper bedding, and though it was cramped, she was happy to simply have a nicer place to sleep. But tucked away in Chimera's arms, hidden from the world and safe from anything, Ali was able to well and truly relax. She didn't think of the bites that may come when he woke up, or the abuse she'd likely receive from Viper for sleeping with her mate. She simply enjoyed the small comforts he gave her, as they meant more to her than he would know.

She didn't know how long they slept together like that, as her slumber was mostly dreamless and restorative, but when she was woken, it was noticeably darker, and the rain had picked up in force with rumbling thunder joining the chorus. She was woken to a gentle shaking, blinking open sleepy aquamarine eyes to peer around and find Chimera looking down at her with that hard stare he always wore. The peaceful Chimera had retreated back within him, and the Chimera she knew had returned. She nervously slid away from him when he stood up, rising to her paws and shaking off loose leaves and debris from her silken coat before smoothing it back down to the curves of her body, feeling refreshed and unlike she ever had before. He ordered her back to the den, and though still somewhat groggy, Ali nodded and gave a simple, "Yes, Sir." Their peaceful interlude together might have been over, but it had left a lasting impression in the young fae's memory.

Ali immediately set back to the den, hurrying through the heavy rain to avoid getting too wet as she left the shelter of the trees. The weather was turning into a true tropical storm, so she understood Chimera's abruptness about them getting back home. She paused at the entrance long enough to glance back at her owner and make sure he was coming as well before dipping into the shelter of his home. She shook her coat free of the loose rainwater as best she could, then hurried to grab a couple of spare furs she'd tucked away for extra blankets or towels. It was quiet inside the den, meaning Viper wasn't home, probably off doing whatever Viper did. The petite fae draped one over herself and gave her body a quick dry before hurrying back to the entrance where she waited for Chimera with the fur in paw for him to dry off with, whether he wanted to do it himself or allow her to dry him off.

"Aliana"