It's a Seeker's Game

Caedes had been prowling dangerously close to the edge of the nameless pack’s territory, his senses keen and alert for signs of movement. His mind was consumed by thoughts of her, the woman he sought, her elusive figure haunting his every waking moment. She was in his skin, his flesh, his bones – she had captured his attention and refused to let go. It was maddening. Sickeningly so. He almost wished he hadn’t sent his Raven over to spy on her, so that he would have never known where she was. But then again, there was no escaping his own dreams.

As he waited impatiently in the shadows, Caedes felt a mixture of anticipation and hunger coursing through his veins. He knew that she was somewhere within the pack's boundaries, hidden from prying eyes, but he was determined to find her, to speak to her of his… fixation. Perhaps, she was of the same affliction. Hours turned into days as Caedes maintained his vigil, his resolve unwavering despite the passage of time. He was a creature of pride and determination, willing to wait as long as it took to find her, to finally have her within his grasp. What had she done to him? Was she a witch?

And then, one day, she emerged from the depths of the forest, her form illuminated by the dappled light filtering through the trees. Caedes's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, his breath catching in his throat as he beheld her beauty once more. Her framework was as sharp and delicate as he remembered. He fought to refrain from setting after her immediately, his limbs tensing with excitement. He didn't move until he was sure he wouldn't do something too... impulsive. Caedes bid his time well, trailing her from afar, watching – waiting. What was she going to do? Was she running again? Was she meeting someone? Was he going to have blood on his hands by the end of the day? His eyes so intently focused on the woman as his form weaved through the trees some distance behind her. To his pleasure, she was merely collecting herbs in the end. A test of the air, his nares caught no other souls in the forest. Perfect.

With a steadying breath, Caedes stepped forward, his voice a low rumble in the stillness of the forest. "It’s a wicked thing," He whispered loud enough for her to hear, the deep rumble of his words laden with longing and offense. "Hiding. Staying just out of reach. Even after the spell you placed over me." The brute drew closer, slowly, the bulk of his frame crossing the distance between them with impossible grace. Predatory charm. “Are you so cruel, Mariah?” Caedes was there, looming over her, his gaze soft – and yet there within the deep emeralds lay the symptoms of his infatuation. In her close proximity now, his senses fully heightened, every fiber of his being was attuned to her presence, rife with the desire to touch her to his heart’s content. He spared a glance at her bag, the flowers she hadn't collected and flashed her a knowing smirk.