the venomless snake

Aurelia stood her ground, steeling herself against Rhazien's overwhelming presence. He loomed over her, his imposing figure casting a dark shadow on her. As he leaned in closer, she could feel the heat radiating from his body, sending tiny tremors down her spine. But she refused to let him see any hint of vulnerability, even as his warm breath tickled her skin. With every inch he closed between them, she pushed back with equal force, determined not to submit to his intimidating nature. She wouldn't be the first one to break line of contact, but she was certainly prepared to answer him if he did. "You haven't struck a nerve," she declared firmly. "I simply have no interest in participating in your petty mind games." Her eyes narrowed, cold and unyielding, as she stared him down with unwavering determination.

Though after a few more moments of lingering intensity, Rhazien pulled away from her. And she almost wanted to slump in the absence of the charge. Of course, she didn't though- remaining rigid where she had collected herself in a seated position. He prompted her to be more introspective- to which she silently rolled her eyes. But in that moment, it seemed he wanted to provide some inkling of insight for her- not that she cared to hear it. Still, he had her attention. And as she watched him, he hadn't turned to face her in the beginning of his explanation. Electing to tell her about the place of playthings in the culture of their family. Sidi. "I will never submit to being someone's plaything." She grumbled lowly- in a tone just barely above a whisper. It was more of an acknowledgement to herself, while her physical being might be manipulated, she would never lose her sense of self.

"Aurelia Veratti"