And The Shadows May Follow

Mariah leaned into Caedes' gentle touch, drawing strength from the warmth of his paw against her skin. His words settled over her like a balm, soothing the ragged edges of her frayed nerves. She knew he was right—the constant state of fear and paranoia was wearing her down, eroding her sense of self with each passing day. If she didn't find a way to rest, to quiet the clamoring voices in her head, she feared she would be lost entirely.

"Cannabis..." Mariah murmured, turning the word over in her mind. It was an unconventional solution, to be sure. But at this point, she was willing to try anything that might grant her a moment's respite from the nightmares that haunted her. She met Caedes' gaze, a flicker of determination sparking in her silver eyes. "I trust you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "If you think this could help, then I'm willing to try it." A tremor of apprehension ran through her at the thought of surrendering control, even for a short while. But the promise of a dreamless sleep, of a chance to let her mind and body heal, was too tempting to resist. Mariah straightened her shoulders, a glimmer of her old resolve surfacing beneath the exhaustion. "I can't keep going like this," she admitted, her voice raw with honesty. "I need to find a way to face what's happening to me, to understand it. But first, I need to rest." She took a deep, steadying breath, the salty sea air filling her lungs and granting her a moment of clarity amidst the turmoil. "Let's try your cannabis solution. Even if it's just a temporary reprieve, it's better than drowning in my own mind."

Mariah turned to face Caedes fully, her haunted eyes searching his steady emerald gaze. In that moment, she felt a flicker of hope kindle in her chest, fragile but stubborn. If anyone could help her find a way through this nightmare, it was him. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "For being here. For not giving up on me, even when I feel like giving up on myself." She reached out tentatively, her own touch brushing against his fur in a fleeting caress.

"Mariah Mendacium"