The Hand That Feeds

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the clearing where Caedes and Mariah found themselves. While Mariah busied herself with something, Caedes stood nearby, contentment playing on his lips as he coaxed his snake, Nightshade, who lay curled around his shoulders.

"Come now," Caedes murmured roughly, his voice calm as he peered at the deadly snake inches from his face. "I know you would like to help me, Nightshade."

Nightshade, a magnificent creature with keeled black scales that shimmered in the sunlight, regarded Caedes with her lavender eyes, a hint of reluctance in her gaze. She was a creature of wild instincts, fiercely independent yet undeniably fond of her master. She had wanted to be owned and used by the brute. But at this moment she was tucked into his fur, pouting.