We Will Break Away Together.

Caedes lay still, his scarred form bathed in the dim glow of the dying firelight, each mark on his body accentuated by the warm light. His dark, intense eyes followed Mariah's every move, absorbing her presence with an obsessive adoration that bordered on reverence. Her light, tentative touch sent a shiver through his powerful frame, as it always did, awakening a deep, primal protectiveness within him and an urge to keep her close.

As she spoke his name, a soft, oddly unsettled whisper that seemed to echo through the very stone, her fear and apprehension were palpable, mingling with the remnants of their passionate embrace. But why? Immediately, Caedes felt a surge of alarm, his massive frame rising slightly as if to greet a threat. A quick swivel of his skull provided him no answers, his emerald eyes dancing with verdant flames as the fire cast its light on them. He turned his head to meet her gaze, his eyes locking onto hers, a question on his brow.

The cave seemed to hold its breath, the fire's crackle the only sound besides their breathing. Caedes reached out, his large paw covering hers, his touch firm yet gentle. “What’s wrong?” He asked, rugged features set in concern. What had brought about such a drastic change in her demeanor?