It's a Seeker's Game

As she moved through the familiar landscape, Mariah's thoughts were consumed by memories of the hauntingly passionate encounter she had in the meadow. Truthfully it was something that she thought about often, criticizing herself for what had happened. For wanting it to happen again. The heat of his touch, the intensity of his gaze - it all replayed in her mind like a vivid dream even though it had been weeks since their initial encounter. But reality was never as simple as fantasy, and she knew that Caedes was a mystery she wasn’t sure she could afford to unravel. The effect he had on her resolve was frightening. How could her own better judgement be thrown to the wayside so quickly? He was a dangerous creature, after all. He made her long to make dangerous decisions. But as she plucked the fragrant flowers from the earth, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something - that there was more to their story than met the eye.

Oblivious to the presence that lurked in the shadows, she continued her task of collecting the herbs. The delicate white flowers glowed in the sunlight as she tucked them into her pouch, their heavenly aura captivating her senses. Once satisfied, she began the process of working her way back to the edge of the Valta’s territory, her thoughts consumed by her discovery. So when that dangerous creature stepped into her path, the mere sight of him rattled her to her core, causing her to freeze in her tracks.

Her heart raced as she met his gaze, the intensity of his emerald eyes piercing her very soul. Though she wanted to break from his stare, Mariah found herself unable to look away. The uncertainty and desire he inspired in her was an intoxicating mix, making her question her own intentions. And so, she remained there, frozen in time, unable to break free from his gaze. Her heart pounded in her chest as she took in his close proximity, feeling the pull of his presence like a magnetic force. A shiver ran down her spine, both from the chill of his words and the heat of his nearness. "Caedes," she breathed her surprised acknowledgement, her own voice barely above a whisper as she echoed his initial tone. There was a flicker of defiance in her eyes, a spark of something untamed and wild. With a calculated calmness that belied the tumultuous emotions swirling within her, Mariah spoke, her voice more steady in volume yet laced with an unspoken challenge. "Wouldn't you say that cruelty is a matter of perspective?" She answered simply, though she couldn’t help trace the edges of his scars with her own eyes. She could feel the impulsive fog of wanting beginning to cloud her mind. And he accused her of casting a spell? The only way she could achieve clarity was in distance, and with such close proximity, her clarity was quickly fading.

"Mariah Mendacium"