Snowforest Taiga wind shear

civilized as he was, aditya was still a brute. he was not immune to the power of a beautiful woman's touch. combined with her words--gentler than anything he'd heard from her before--he let out a sigh, shoulders sagging. looking straight ahead, afraid of what she'd see in his eyes.

desire? fear? . . .both?

"i couldn't ask that of you," adi murmured, feeling overwhelmingly guilty. that he'd even spilled his troubles to her was one thing, but this? he couldn't deny it was a gracious gesture--and any other time, he'd seize upon it with alacrity--but his pride was wounded, as of late. and this twisted the knife more than anything.

he gave her a sidelong glance, still not meeting her gaze directly. "this isn't your home--these wolves aren't your family," he continued. not to argue that she shouldn't consider the maplewood her home away from home. . .she certainly should! but-- "you have both of those, elsewhere. and you'll return to them soon. you don't need to repay me, chaiyya. i promise."