Hoshor Plains [m]y blood is a flood of rubies

the brush of her side against his draws a shiver down arktos' spine, slithering like the serpent of eden; tempting.

coiling. ready to strike.

it is her permission, he realizes in the breadth of seconds that follow.

he offers no crooning words of love; there is only the possessive rumble that lingers in his chest as he takes her into his arms, drawing her into his embrace.

---

when it is done, he withdraws to give her space, though not as he did the first time with the stranger, not putting measurable distance between them. he lingers close because she is his wife and this is his purpose.