Threshold

Delaeni's legs shook violently as she struggled to obey the command. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to hide, to do anything but approach this terrifying stranger. But years of conditioning as a Sidi had ingrained in her a deep-seated need to comply with orders, especially from those who outranked her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she forced herself to take a trembling step forward. Another step. And another. Each one felt like an eternity, her body fighting against her every movement.

As she drew closer, the moonlight revealed more of Zagan's imposing figure. His size alone was enough to make her quake with fear, but it was the predatory gleam in his eyes that truly terrified her. Delaeni's breath came in short, panicked gasps as she finally reached him, her entire body trembling uncontrollably. "P-please..." she whimpered nearly inaudibly- though she wasn't even sure what she was pleading for. Mercy? Gentleness? Or simply for this nightmare to end? With great reluctance, she pressed herself against Zagan's chest, her small frame dwarfed by his massive one. She could feel the heat radiating off his body, smell his musky scent mixed with something darker, more dangerous.

"Delaeni Terblanche"