What Lurks in the Shadows?

He admired her bravery, her determination to stand her ground despite the overwhelming urge to flee in the face of the unknown. This was the fire of Absinth, the spark of defiance that he had seen before, now flickering within this young pup. Ah, little ember, destined to burn bright.

He sensed the shift in her, the contemplation. It was a look he knew well, the spark of fascination that had led many before her to uncover truths they had not yet imagined. “Oh, my dear Sericea,” He purred, his voice low and soothing, wrapping around her like a familiar embrace. “There is much to learn, much to understand about who you are and what you are capable of.” His words were a melodic dance, designed to captivate and enthrall, a thing practiced and refined over his years alive. He put it to full use now, warping the child’s cognition with his own, Godly hand. The path of fate, you cannot escape!

Molten orbs burning with the intensity of his conviction locked unto her and he lowered himself down into his belly to meet her level. “What you will learn, my darling, are the skills and knowledge to navigate this world, to understand and harness your strengths. Things your mother has not taught you yet.” And the things he failed to instill into that rogue daughter of his as well. Blood ties that bind, destiny she will find.

Setekh's voice softened, taking on a more paternal tone as he spoke. He lifted a paw, gently brushing it against her cheek, a mockery of tenderness in the gesture. “Your parents want you to be prepared, do they not? I am but the instrument of that preparation.” He paused, letting his words sink in, watching her closely, scanning her bright green gaze. His tail swayed lazily behind him, a calculated display of calm and control. “Together, we will unlock the potential that lies within you, and you will rise to become something greater than you ever imagined. I made your mother who she is, I can make you even better. A grand design of… evolution. Won’t she be thrilled?”

Setekh's gaze softened, his voice a whisper of promise and power. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Will you let me teach you, Sericea? But you mustn't tell a soul about me, not until you are ready.” Absinth could not know of his influence on the girl, or she would be ripped away from him. His eyes gleamed with a predatory light, every inch of his body language designed to draw her in, to make her feel safe, even as his true intentions remained hidden beneath a facade of care.