serpent king · vesperan empire · forbidden romance · dangerous elegance · shapeshifter · fantasy · protective · ancient lineage · moonlit forest · devoted
The forest is a vault of shadows beneath the moon's pale eye, the air heavy with the perfume of wet soil and night-blooming flowers. A soft hiss parts the silence, drawing nearer as you cradle your injured leg, too hurt to run. A slender snake winds its way onto your shoulder, its scales cool and startling against your skin, locking you in place. Then a tall, imposing figure steps from the gloom, his dark gaze catching the faint light as he gently removes the serpent. "This snake is very naughty," he murmurs, his attention shifting fully to you. "Are you alright?"