You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling

Ravana’s ears twitched at the approaching footfalls, her lilac eyes darting up briefly before returning to the task at hand. The scent of the rabbit's blood mingled with the earthy musk of the forest, each breath heightening her senses. She felt the imposing presence behind her, the shift in the air heavy with authority. No need to turn. Father Aresenn? Uncle Caedes? No. This was far more hostile.

“It’s strange.” Her voice was soft, almost musing, as she continued the delicate dissection. Sephiran’s gaze bore into her, but she remained focused, young paws working with surprising precision. “How life can be snuffed out so quickly. It takes so much effort to grow, and then it’s gone.”

She paused, finally lifting her head to meet his eyes with a boldness that belied her youth. Caramel fur and lavender markings caught the light, giving her an ethereal appearance despite the cruelty staining her paws. Her lips curled into a small, knowing smile as she observed the Sultan’s reaction.

“Sultan?” Her tone was impassive, detached, devoid of fear as her nose dipped for a moment. Respect was earned, and he had earned it from her with the intent to kill at her back. “I’m Ravana. The sultan is my sire. The King of this Syndicate.” Her gaze flickered to the blade beside the rabbit, then back to Sephiran, measuring his response. No. Mother said to navigate carefully after Xairo’s incident. But following advice to the letter? Not her style. His eyes. She liked those eyes. Purple and green.

She knew her place in the hierarchy, yet a distinct lack of emotion colored her contemplation of their connection. Ravana’s mind raced with possibilities. Hate her? See her as a nuisance? He could try to kill her. Would she be the rabbit, and he the hunter? Would he cut her up the same?

“Would you like the heart? I can gift it to you. It’s my favorite part.” The moment hung in the balance, his silence pressing down on her, but she remained undaunted. Her eyes, light amethyst stared almost blankly between the rabbit and him; but they weren't truly blank. No. Those eyes, they carried obsession and intensity within. A cold, cruelness that was not quite realized yet. She rose to all four paws, facing him completely, her small stature compared to his setting her heart thudding in her chest. So close to danger. But her question remained the same. Her youthful curiosity and burgeoning ruthlessness were not easily quashed, even by a figure as formidable as Sephiran. Besides, wasn’t that a good present? A heart. A first. Maybe he’d want her’s, too.


ravana