Awake My Soul

Mariah's eyes fluttered open, consciousness slowly seeping back in just before dawn, the sky still an inky black outside the den's entrance. She lay still for a moment, letting the lingering haze of cannabis gradually dissipate from her mind. While not as restful as natural sleep, it had become her only respite. One she was grateful for. Caedes lay beside her, his steady breathing the only sound in the cozy space.

She rolled onto her side and studied his face in the dim light, tracing the angles of his muzzle with her gaze. Her mind was blissfully empty, the cannabis having worked its magic yet again. No demonic visitations from Moros, no sleep paralysis rendering her helpless to his violations. Just a dreamless void. Mariah watched as his chest rose and fell with the slow, even breaths of deep sleep, his features relaxed and peaceful. A pang of envy pierced her heart.

Mariah reached out a paw and delicately brushed it over Caedes' ear, then down along his jaw. A surge of affection welled up inside her, and a different kind of heat kindled deep in her belly. She needed to feel something good, something real to chase away the lingering unease. Shifting closer, she nuzzled into the thick fur of Caedes' neck, breathing in his familiar earthy scent.

"Mariah Mendacium"