Novacaine

As she lay in the darkness, Mariah felt the weight of him as he joined her, his hulking form pressing gently against her own. She could sense the dried blood on his skin, the scent of ash and death that clung to him. But none of that mattered in this moment. All that mattered was that he was here, with her. His trembling body sent subtle vibrations through their shared warmth, one she chose to ignore for the time being. There would be time for questions later, time to understand what had brought him to her den in such a state. For now, she would offer him comfort, even if it were only just a dream.

She shifted closer, her slender form molding to his larger one. She could feel his muscles tense under his thick fur, felt the shuddering sigh that escaped him as he pressed into her. Her heart ached for the torment that so clearly held him in its cruel grip. "Shh," she murmured, nuzzling into his neck, "We're safe here." Her voice was soft, soothing, and filled with a deep-seated love she felt for this man. She felt the warmth of her own breath catch in his fur as she lay with him, in the quiet solitude of her den, her heart thudding steadily against his. Time seemed to slow, each second a prolonged testament to the tenderness of their shared moment. She had no idea what brought him to her at such an odd time. But she was grateful he had come.

"Mariah Mendacium"