Blackfeather Woods There's no such thing as sweeter a sting

The moment he distinguished her star-kissed figure within the darkness of the forest Damien's step slowed down. It was useless hiding, for she surely would have noticed his presence without much trouble, but still Damien found it hard to finish closing the distance between himself and his muse completely. Just a couple yards away he stopped, dropped the roses in front of his feet and sat down in silence to admire her while he made an effort to pick his words carefully.

I have much to thank you for, he started breaking the deadly silence that reigned over the place. He was sure of voice, but with a tenderness to his tone that not many would get the chance to hear in his lifetime. Astrid Nyx Apaata was a tenacious woman worthy of anyone's respect. A warrior hardened by battle, of which her scars served as proof. Damien's eyes trailed from the nick on her right ear down her speckled back, sliding down her curves, caressing her soft fur. Every detail was more alluring than the last. She had grown into a fine woman in his absence.

Eventually the dark prince gathered enough valor to pick the roses back up and come up around to face her. He carefully placed the roses at her feet and, if she would allow it, he would sit down next to her in silence, seeking her fantasy eyes and expecting a response.