The Hand That Feeds

Caedes had already prepared a small bottle to collect the venom, all he needed was for Nightshade to oblige. Gesturing for her to come down from his shoulders the little snake did with reluctance. She coiled near the bottle, eyeing Caedes as he coaxed her further. Slowly, Nightshade relented, allowing a small droplet of venom to pool at the tip of her fangs. With delicate precision, he carefully collected the venom, his movements fluid and graceful to make it an easy task.

As he worked, Caedes felt Mariah's gaze upon him, his attention shifting for a moment to look her way; a question on his face. And then Mariah spoke, her words were a murmur, carrying with them the burden she felt. Caedes was quick to respond, tones coming in a low rumble. "Yes. Are you worried?"