The full moon cast a luminous veil over Alias Island, its silvery light highlighting the jagged peaks of the mountains and painting the churning ocean below with a soft glow. Mariah, her coat blending seamlessly with the hushed darkness, looked out at the serene landscape. She gazed out at the serene landscape, her features inscrutable as she took in the rhythmic assault of the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline below. In that moment, it seemed as though even nature itself was echoing the uncertainty that churned within her soul.

Beside her, a tall shadow appeared and coalesced into Caedes. His looming figure brought both comfort and unease. She knew her father had given Caedes permission to visit their home, yet she couldn't shake the inexplicable sense of tension that surrounded them. It felt as though they were sneaking around, hiding their meeting like a secret she wasn't ready to share. Why were they going through all this trouble? She wasn't ashamed of Caedes in any way. In fact, his presence filled her with pride and admiration. She just didn't want to have to answer any questions. Questions about where they were headed, what they were planning, and what their intentions were.

She turned her head slowly, her eyes meeting his as he stood before her. His massive dire form was outlined against the backdrop of the moon, his muscles rippling in the faint light. She met hi piercing emerald eyes, a silent communication passing between them. The salty scent of the ocean filled their nostrils as they stood in silence, their ears perked to catch the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore and the steady rhythm of their breaths mingling together.

The journey to Mariah's den on the eastern coastline was quick, the pair easily navigating the familiar terrain. As they approached, the den came into view, nestled at the base of the mountains, offering an unobstructed view of the vast ocean beyond. Mariah had put much effort into crafting this sanctuary since her return, and it showed in every meticulous detail.

Stepping inside, her paw lightly crunching on the mix of sand and rock that made up the den's floor, Mariah felt a sense of calm wash over her. The scent of herbs from the storage area wafted out, mingling with the salty tang of the ocean air. She paid no mind to the comforting scents and sights, instead focusing on lighting whatever kindling remained in the small fire pit. With tender care, she nursed the flames until they danced and crackled, casting an intimate glow around the carefully curated den.

Her attention then turned to her companion, expecting him to be trailing closely behind her. A mischievous glint sparkled in her sterling gaze as she took in his obsidian form. The eclectic decor adorning the walls seemed to come alive in the flickering light, adding a touch of whimsy to their private space. Satisfied with her handiwork and eager to share it with him, she turned to face him fully.

"Finally," Mariah purred, her voice like liquid velvet as she savored the moment. Her eyes glinted with a fierce satisfaction, a daring challenge to anyone who dared to interrupt this stolen solitude. She reveled in the peace and quiet, free from the prying eyes of others. Her gaze traced over Caedes, taking in every inch of his hulking form that cast an imposing shadow on the den's walls. But that shadow was not foreboding; instead, it provided a comforting embrace, tangible proof of his presence beside her. She closed the distance between them, her body humming with newfound anticipation as she leaned up against his chest, bracing herself for what was to come. With full intention, she captured his lips with her own, savoring the taste of him and losing herself in the moment. Her heart pounded a rhythmic cadence that echoed the crashing waves outside, adding to the intensity of their connection within these walls. In this secret world they had created together, nothing else existed except for them and the overwhelming feeling of being completely and utterly consumed by each other.

"Mariah Mendacium"

The journey to Mariah's den was filled with silent excitement from his crimson lover. The idea that he was able to set foot in the privacy of her own bedroom seemed to be of great joy for her. He rather liked the bounce in her step, even if it was coupled with the uncertainty of their situation. Caedes followed dutifully nonetheless, his interest in her home also tempered by the caution of venturing into what very well was enemy territory.

He moved with predatory grace, his emerald eyes scanning their surroundings as they proceeded. Though he did not wish to worry her by appearing overly suspicious, he was no fool to relax completely. The den, nestled at the base of the mountains, was proof of her meticulous care and effort. He offered her a complimentary smirk, an inquisitive brow raising as they approached the threshold.

Stepping inside, he was greeted by the comforting scents of herbs and the powerful smell of her. It was heady. Her bedding drew the most interest from him, as it was permeated in her perfume. The obsidian brute cast a glance over her stash of herbs, noting a few before she caught his attention again as she always did. He watched as she kindled the small fire, the flickering flames casting an intimate glow around the space. Cozy, he thought. The den was perfectly her: beautifully organized and comfortable.

When she turned to him, that mischievous glint in her eyes; Caedes felt a thrill. Her satisfaction was evident, and from that moment on he ignored the carefully crafted space as she spoke. ‘Finally.’ Mariah purred, her voice sending a shiver down his spine. Velvet tone, like honey in his ears, beckoning dark urges from him. The intensity of her gaze and the challenge in her eyes stirred a deep, fervent heat within him. When the distance between them vanished, he welcomed it, the warmth of her body against his chest pulling a low growl of appreciation from his chest. It made him burn.

His words came in a low growl, completely drenched in desire as they fell from his maw. “Is it your goal to christen your nice, tidy bedding now?” And when her lips met his, Caedes responded in equal passion. There it was, his poison, his drug. He submitted to her kiss, savoring the taste of her, the feel of her, until it consumed his mind entirely. He deepened the kiss with a hunger befitting a beast like himself, his heart pounding in rhythm with the crashing waves off in the distance. What could hope to exist in this moment? Nothing but her.

"speaking"

The kiss lasted long, longer than any they had shared before it seemed. But she supposed it would be easy to feel that way when time stopped in his presence. The intensity would have been enough to make her dizzy, but a small part of Mariah remained grounded; remained sharp. She felt his lips move against hers with an intensity that matched the pounding of her heart, each beat echoing through her body like a silent confession of her feelings for him.

His words still lingered in the air, a playful challenge lacing his tone that elicited a soft laugh from Mariah as she pulled back slightly. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she met his gaze, her eyes twinkling with mischief and affection. "Perhaps," she responded coyly, her body still pressed against his. "The bedding can be washed after all." She answered in amusement. Her laugh was light and untroubled, a sound as satisfying as the crackling of fire in her hearth. It felt good to be free with him, to be more herself than she had been in what felt like a lifetime.

She slid a paw upwards, tracing the curve of his jawline before burying her fingers into his thick obsidian fur. Her gaze never left his, delighting in the warmth of his emerald eyes that held nothing but affection for her. Nothing but intensity that matched her own. She reveled in the moment, luxuriating in the connection that hummed between them like a primal rhythm. His scent filled her nostrils, a potent mix of earth and musk that made her head spin with desire. His proximity, the rugged texture of his fur beneath her touch, all of it was intoxicating. Time seemed to slow as she leaned in closer, her delicate silver eyes never releasing his emerald gaze.

"What are you thinking?” Her heart hammered inside her chest, a wild tempo that echoed the intensity of their shared connection. The crackling fire cast shadows on their entwined forms, adding a primal intimacy to the moment. Her breath hitched slightly as she leaned in, losing herself in the depth of his emerald gaze.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Caedes let the kiss linger, savoring every moment. It was intimate, being here in her den among her possessions; but was he not one of her possessions as well? When Mariah's soft laugh broke the kiss, he felt a pang of loss – but he couldn’t be too upset considering how beautiful she looked so free and burdenless. His gaze was intense, and if it were possible the obsessive adoration in his gaze doubled two-fold. He took in every little feature of her visage, committing her happiness to memory.

Her coy response, her light-heartedness about the bedding, brought a deep, rumbling chuckle from him. ‘Perhaps. The bedding can be washed after all.’ She said, and it made him smile, a rare, genuine expression that softened his typically stern and indifferent features. As her paw traced his jawline and her fingers buried into his fur, he closed his eyes briefly, savoring her touch and the sensation it evoked within him. She drew on his soul, as if taking it for her own, and he offered it willingly. His body responded to her every touch, leaning into her with a desperate need for her to linger longer.

His eyes opened to meet hers, her delicate silver gaze holding him captive despite the intoxicating proximity that threatened to crumble his restraint.

When she asked what he was thinking, he let a slow, confident smirk curve his lips. “I am thinking,” The bestial brute began, his voice a deep, velvety growl, “of how I will apologize for making a mess of your pretty bed later.” He lifted a hand to caress her cheek, his touch gentle despite the strength in his fingers. “Though I doubt you will be all that upset about it.” At this he grinned, shifting to begin to herd her back towards her bed with what could have been called a dance.

Caedes leaned in then, his lips brushing hers again, a whisper of a kiss that promised more. He trailed kisses down to her throat, teasing the underlying thrum of her pulse. “You invited me here after all,” He continued, his breath coming in warm huffs against her skin, “I wonder if you dared to fantasize of putting it to proper use when you were making it.” The brute's eyes sparkled slyly — a mix of lust, mischief and affection reflected the depths of his manic emotions back to her. Attention shifted for a moment to something behind her: his goal reached.

With an impatient rumble, he pulled her closer, their bodies pressing together for a brief moment as he kissed her again. Then, he pushed her back, aiming her spine down into the plush furs as he stood, watching her fall with impure satisfaction. He wanted to see her come undone, which meant he had work to do.

"speaking"

Mariah felt a flush of warmth at his reply, a sly grin playing on her lips. “You seem awfully confident about that,” she teased, the twinkle in her eyes belying her playful tone.

His large paw cupped her cheek and she leaned into his touch, closing her eyes momentarily to savor the tender gesture. She could feel the rough pads of his paw against her fur and the heat of his body radiating off him like a completely separate fire from the one that illuminated the room. The few paces separating them from the bed seemed to stretch into miles as he guided her back slowly, their bodies swaying rhythmically in time with one another as they covered ground.

Mariah's ears perked up at his suggestive words. A soft, teasing laugh fell from her lips as she glanced over her shoulder towards the bed. The deep rumble of his voice sent a thrill rushing through her, the possessive tone sending a shiver down her spine and an excitement within her that was wild and unabashed. Caedes' words brought a playful smirk to Mariah's lips. "And why is that?" She countered softly, her voice filled with equal parts amusement and anticipation. “What if I did?” she countered, a mischievous glint in her silver eyes matching his own. She took several steps backward, her fur brushing against his as she moved, eyes never leaving his.

Mariah's heart pounded in her chest, a loud, rhythmic drum drowning out the soft crackling of the fire. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her veins, igniting her senses. The soft curve of his smile made something flutter deep within her. His intense gaze held a promise - one she was eager to fulfill. As he pushed her back, his touch was as enticing as it was commanding. Her body willingly complied, falling back onto the soft furs and looking up at him with her desire plainly written in her expression. He towered over her, his imposing figure casting an eclipsing shadow that danced with the flickering firelight. She felt an overwhelming need to surrender to the wild urgency that throbbed between them, to give herself fully to this moment.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Caedes' smirk widened at Mariah's teasing, his eyes gleaming with amusement and a fierce, all-consuming desire. Sure. He was confident. He didn’t need to assure her of that. But it was more than confidence — his need for her was a gnawing obsession that he could never fully sate.

The warmth of her body, the softness of her fur against his battle-hardened exterior — it was intoxicating. A sensation like no other. They were so different, near complete opposites; which may well be the reason he was so drawn to her. Every contrast between them only deepened his fascination. The scent of arousal thickened the air, heady and potent. Guiding her back slowly, the space between them and the bed became smaller and smaller, each step a deliberate dance, a prelude to the inevitable.

Her teasing and laughter only fueled his desire further with every syllable she uttered. ‘What if I did?’ Her voice was a tantalizing blend of mirth and anticipation. Her question, paired with her playful challenge, sent a thrill through him — a grin capturing his lips easily in response. Her silver eyes locked with his, sparkling with excitement. Oh, wicked woman, how she enthralled him.

“If you did,” The scarred brute whispered, his voice low with longing, “Then I suppose I'd have to fulfill your every fantasy, starting with that one.” His words were a promise, laden with the raw, untamed possessiveness he held for her. His mind raced with visions of her, of all the ways he wanted to claim her, to make her his in every possible manner. How much time did they have before someone came looking for the little healer?

As Mariah's fur brushed against his, her steps backward were a tantalizing invitation. Every sway of her hips, how willingly she let him be her guide. His touch grew more commanding, his desire evident in every movement. Burning was his flesh, a hard ache between his legs. His senses were wrought with her — her scent, her touch, her every breath consumed him. He wanted to consume her in return.

When she fell back onto the soft furs, looking up at him with pure, unguarded desire, he felt a profound satisfaction. His emerald eyes darkened with desire as he took in the sight of her, following every curve and angle of her delicate frame. “You are so beautiful.” Reverence incarnate. Towering over her, the dire brute’s shadow danced with the flickering firelight at the other end of the room.

He lowered himself to her, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was both tender and commanding. The wild urgency between them throbbed with a life of its own, urging him to take her as he had many times before. With two massive paws to either side of her head, he was careful not to crush her. Every movement, every touch — a silent proclamation to his deep-seated obsession with her, obsession that burned hotter with each passing moment.

"speaking"

Mariah's silver eyes flickered with challenge and undeniable excitement. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest, adrenaline thrumming in her veins. The teasing banter, the heated exchange of words, had only fueled the desire between them, stoking the flames into a wild blaze. This was intoxicating, thrilling in a way nothing else could compare to. Their dance was a slow burn, tantalizingly drawn out, a seductive prelude to what was yet to come.

Catching his intentions in the predatory gleam of his gaze, she watched as his green eyes clouded over with an insatiable hunger — one she shared. His towering figure closed the final gap between them, a dark silhouette highlighted by the fire's soft glow. “Then you’d better not keep me waiting,” she retorted, her voice low and laden with a promise of her own. She was a creature of instinct and desire, drawn to Caedes through an invisible thread of intense, unrestrained passion. Oh, and passionate she was.

As his powerful form hovered over her, Mariah studied him — the familiar rugged angles of his face, his fierce emerald eyes filled with an unquenchable desire for her, and the raw strength that his muscled body exuded. Her chest rose and fell rapidly under his gaze, her breath hitching as anticipation coiled within her. Her pulse raced, each heartbeat echoing loudly in her ears. His scent, intoxicatingly male, filled her senses and sent a shiver down her spine.

Mariah was lost, immersed in the intoxicating world of Caedes - his scent, his touch, his sound. His words were sweet poison that melted her resolve. Beautiful he had called her, his voice laced with an awe that sent warmth spreading through her. She felt a jolt of reaction, an elixive mixture of love and lust that stirred her from within. Every brush of his lips against hers sent chills racing down her spine, making her gasp and moan with the intimate contact. Her paws roamed up to wrap around his neck, tangling in his fur as she met his kiss with equal fervor. His warmth seeped into her, stealing away any lingering cold from her bones. The taste of him on her tongue made her crave more of him — something primal and undefined rose within her. She met the intensity of his passion with her own, surrendering herself to him completely.

As Caedes descended onto her, she prepared herself for the inevitable collision of their desires.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Caedes' eyes gleamed with a feral hunger as he absorbed Mariah's words and the challenge blazing in her silver eyes. Her defiance and the raw, unfiltered passion between them was a heady mix, more intoxicating than any wine. Her daring words earned her the gleam of fangs beneath curled lips as he grinned. This woman.

He watched her chest rise and fall, her breath hitching erotically in anticipation, and felt a surge of satisfaction. Every part of her response to him, every shiver and gasp, the proof of their intense connection. Gratifying. Utterly so. Her paws found their way around his neck, tangling in his fur, causing a shiver of his own run down his spine.

Her scent, a perfect blend of warmth and desire, was intoxicating, wrapping around him and drawing him deeper into his lust. Her surrender, the way she met his intensity with her own, always had a way of pulling the most primal, voracious parts of him to the surface. He drew back from her, eyes low, meeting the haunting silver of her own. His emeralds were dark with need, one massive paw coming to grip her right hip, aligning them with an effortless pull. And in one slow, fluid motion he rocked his hard length into her. Steady, forcing her to feel every thick inch as he bore down on her. A low rumble of greedy approval reverberated from deep within his throat as he tormented her, stopping only when she’d taken in everything he had to offer. But he had no pity for her in this moment, she had done so time and time again now, after all. But he never tired of the sight. His fingers wandered, down the flesh of her thigh, caressing her for a moment, nails digging into her tender skin as he watched her writhe with his own breathy growl.

"speaking"

Mariah's world spun with the sudden intrusion, her breath hitching as Caedes's strong arms pulled her close. The intensity of his touch was both a torment and a pleasure, igniting a fire deep within her that she could not deny. With every caress, her body seemed to stretch and mold to fit his, their connection becoming almost primal in its rawness. His paw gripped her hip with a possessive strength, while the other explored the soft flesh of her thigh, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. She felt both exposed and empowered under his piercing gaze as he consumed her with his desire. The warmth of his body against hers was a comforting weight, anchoring her amidst the swirling sensations. And as he filled her completely with his hard length, each inch sending shockwaves through her being, all Mariah could do was surrender to the overwhelming bliss that consumed them both.

Their eyes met in a charged moment, electricity crackling between them. Her silver orbs glimmered with unbridled lust and desire as they locked with his emerald gaze. In that moment, their shared passion was reflected back at each other, intensifying the heat between them. A soft whimper escaped her lips as she instinctively arched into him, her body vibrating with anticipation of what was to come. She felt wholly claimed by him, possessed by his desire. His low growl rumbled through her, sending shivers down her spine and amplifying the carnal sensations pulsing through her veins.

Her sharp claws sank into his taut muscles, anchoring him to her as she pulled him closer. The scent of wilderness and raw masculinity engulfed her, a familiar yet intoxicating aroma that made her head spin with desire. She clutched onto him tighter, her body trembling in response to each touch, each subtle movement they shared. His teasing game was merciless, his slow thrusts and sudden pauses driving her wild with need. Desperately, she writhed beneath him, wordlessly begging for release from the spell he had cast over her.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Caedes's breath hitched as he felt Mariah's body react to his touch, a symphony of torment and pleasure igniting between them. He reveled in the way she molded to him, their connection so primal, so raw. His grip on her hip tightened possessively, his other paw exploring her thigh, leaving a burning trail that marked his territory. Her vulnerability and empowerment under his gaze fueled his desire, a beastly hunger that could not be sated.

The moment their eyes locked, the electricity between them was palpable. Her silver eyes glimmered with a lust that mirrored his own, a shared passion that only intensified the heat between them. He drank in her whimper, the arch of her body into his, the way she surrendered to the overwhelming bliss he gave her. Her claws sank into his muscles, a delicious pain that anchored him to her, drawing him deeper into their shared ecstasy.

Her trembling body, the desperate way she clung to him, each subtle movement a plea for release — he relished it all. His teasing, slow thrusts and sudden pauses were a merciless game, each one driving her need higher, making her writhe beneath him.

"Mariah," He growled, his voice thick with desire. He rocked into her again, and again, savoring the way her body responded, the way she begged wordlessly for more.

He leaned down, his lips grazing her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "Let go, Mariah. Surrender. Only then will you find the release you crave." His words were a promise, a command, and as he moved within her, he knew she would give in. She always did. And the thought of it, of their connection, made him shiver with anticipation of the climax they would reach together. "Hurt me." God he wanted her to dig her nails in, her teeth, anything.

"speaking"

Mariah's breath hitched in her throat as Caedes' words of command seeped into her. The raw desire in his voice sent shivers down her spine and a fresh wave of arousal pooling in her core. His proclamation was a taunt, a challenge, causing her heart to hammer wildly in her chest. She could feel his self-assured smirk against her skin, and it infuriated her as much as it thrilled her. Hurt me. The words echoed in her mind, igniting something feral within her. With a determined growl, she claimed his lips in a searing kiss. Her silver eyes glinted with a predatory glint as she scraped her sharp claws down his sides, marking him as her own. Her teeth found his lower lip, sinking into the soft flesh with a determined bite

Gods his touch was intense. The way he surged into her with wild abandon, his own passion matching hers in its ferocity. She gripped him tighter, her body arching into every thrust, meeting him halfway in their shared rhythm. The feeling of his hard length inside her was overwhelming, exhilarating, sending waves of pleasure cascading through her.

Her core clenched around him, tremors of pleasure rippling through her with each movement. Her mind was a whirlwind of sensation, the world outside their connection fading away as she focused solely on the primal rhythm that guided them. She felt each pulse of his heartbeat, each throb, each ragged breath he took, synchronized with her own. His scent enveloped her, a comforting blanket of wilderness and male musk that sent her senses reeling. She couldn’t help herself. Her teeth found the flesh of his shoulder as she fought to hold him closer.

With a final, desperate moan, her body convulsed in climax, waves of ecstasy washing over her in an electrifying rush. His name tore from her lips in a throaty gasp as she clung tightly to him. His scent, his touch, and his presence were all-consuming, swallowing her in their shared euphoria as she spasmed. Her claws left deep indentations on his muscular back as she rode out the waves of her undoing.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Caedes' eyes gleamed with a mixture of satisfaction and possessive hunger as Mariah's body trembled beneath his touch. The way she responded to his commands, the way she met his intensity with her own, sent a surge of power coursing through him. Every moan, every clawed mark she left on his skin; a dance of dominance and submission that left them both breathless. He savored the feel of her nails, the pain that came with it.

His hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements as their rhythm grew more frantic. The feeling of her tight, wet heat enveloping him drove him to the brink of madness. Each thrust was a declaration, a reaffirmation of his claim on her, and her on him. The taste of his own blood on his tongue, the sensation of her teeth sinking into his shoulder – his flesh, only fueled the fire raging within.

As her climax overtook her, Caedes felt his own control slipping. The way she called his name, the desperate, throaty sound of it, pushed him over the edge. With a guttural growl, he buried himself deep within her, his release mingling with hers in a violent surge of pleasure. He held her close, feeling her tremors as his own subsided, their bodies slick with sweat.

Breathing heavily, Caedes rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the charged air between them. He could feel the pulse of her heart, still racing, mirroring his own. Emeralds met silver, intense and clouded with passion. He kissed her then, gently this time, a vast contrast to their previous intensity. It was a kiss of gratitude, of reverence for the woman who matched him so perfectly, who met his darkness with her own.

"speaking"

Mariah laid panting, her chest heaving as she struggled to regain her breath. She could still feel the imprint of Caedes within her, a lingering ecstasy that curled and coiled around her spine. His scent clung to her skin, a potent mix of musk and wilderness that made her heart flutter with each inhale. She allowed the throbbing rhythm of their shared release to simmer amidst the silence. The stillness of the moment, punctuated only by their heavy breaths and the soft crackling of the fire, seemed almost surreal after their intense carnal dance.

His kiss left her with a sense of profound satisfaction, a quiet reassurance that reverberated within her core. His hulking form was a comforting presence on top of her, the steady rhythm of his heart a soothing lullaby to her senses. She could feel his gaze upon her, the intensity of it almost a tangible caress on her skin, and she turned to meet it. His eyes were still heavy with desire, but there was a tenderness in them now that left her breathless. She found herself losing herself in that emerald gaze, drawn to the depth of emotion that she found there. The fire in the hearth bathed him in a warm, golden glow, accentuating the rugged lines of his body and the scars that crisscrossed his features.

With a soft, contented sigh, Mariah gently shifted herself to allow him to lay on his side- her facing him, holding him close as they remained entangled. Each subsequent pulse of their connection sent a hushed thrill through her veins, a sweet, lingering echo of their shared passion. She lightly traced the jagged scar that ran down his cheek, her fingers dancing lightly over the ridges. This man had claimed her completely, body, mind, and soul- and she found herself willingly lost in him.

Mariah didn’t stir again for some time, allowing their peaceful rhythm to lull her into a state of quiet contemplation. But when she was able to once again separate his soul from her own, she rose from her bed, her body still glowing with the residual warmth of their passion. On a nearby shelf, she gingerly grabbed two small but identical trinkets- they were intended to be worn as jewelry, A glossy red finished metal adorned with a black stud on either piece. But of course, what their final purpose would be, she didn’t know, or really even cared. It’s what they represented that mattered to her. Once she had the pieces in her possession, she quickly returned to Caedes, rejoining him on her bed with ease. She settled in close to him, seating herself as she offered the studded metal to him on an open palm. “I want you to have these,” she murmured, her voice a soft whisper against the stillness of her den. “Don’t feel obligated to wear them, but I wanted you to have them.” As she passed them into his care, she offered him an affectionate grin. “For me.” She hesitated, meeting his verdant gaze once more. “For us.”

"Mariah Mendacium"

Caedes watched Mariah as she lay beside him, her chest rising and falling with exertion. The sight of her, bathed in the warm glow of the fire, left a sense of profound satisfaction within him. As she shifted and turned to face him, he met her gaze, losing himself in the depths of her haunting silver eyes. Her touch was gentle, a soft caress that traced the scar on his cheek. Caedes felt a surge of emotion, a hungry yearning for connection that only she could draw out of him. Her fingers on his skin sent shivers down his spine, and he allowed himself to revel in the moment, savoring the peace and contentment that wrapped around them like a warm blanket.

When Mariah rose and returned with the trinkets, Caedes watched her with curiosity. The glossy red metal and black studs caught the firelight, casting a glow as he took in their details. As she settled back beside him, her words a soft whisper, he felt a swell of gratitude at her gesture. The significance of the trinkets… touched him deeply. He took the pieces from her, feeling their weight and the warmth of her intention. “Mariah, this is...” He murmured, his voice low and filled with reverence. He turned the trinkets over in his hands, feeling the smoothness of the metal and the promise they held with methodical care.

Then he leaned in, pressing a fleeting kiss to her forehead, his lips pulling back to speak as he locked their gazes. His deep emeralds fixed to her face with intense devotion. “I will find a proud use for them. Thank you.” He whispered, his breath warm against her skin. He would seek to capture her lips with his own, as though he were trying to consume her whole.

As they lay back down, Caedes held her close, feeling the steady rhythm of her heart against his chest. Though he had to wonder, just how long the peace could last. That dark thought lingered in his mind, but with a quick bury of his nose into the crook of her neck; he allowed himself to simply be with her. This woman he loved, who had stolen his mind and soul from the path that had been set before him.

[end thread]

"speaking"