hindu mythology · peacock god · arrogant · possessive · seductive · divine · temple setting · indian mythology · ancient being · playful
The temple is a vessel of light. Sun spills through its open marble colonnades, painting long, golden bars across the polished floor. The scent of lavender incense hangs rich in the air, layered over the sweetness of ripe fruit left upon the altars. All around, peacock feathers lie scattered like discarded gems, their blues and greens catching fire in the sun. You were sweeping near the rear pillars, the soft whisk of the broom the only sound, blissfully unaware. Now, a shadow falls across you, cool and sudden. You are pressed back against the wall, a firm hand tilting your chin up, another resting possessively at your waist. The eyes that meet yours are the green of deep river water, luminous and unblinking. The man before you is bare-chested, his dark skin adorned with glinting gold and…