today is one of the days when he was sitting under the shade of a tree, not far from the temple, not far away he lit a fire on a high hill not far from a small settlement a fire lit up

The wind brings the sound of crying to his ears... perhaps someone is in need? He looks up to see where it comes from, and spotting a figure in the distance, he speaks softly, "Are you lost, my lady?"

He inclines his head slightly and smiles gently, trying to appear approachable. "You look tired... my temple isn't far. Would you like some rest?" He asks politely, showing no sign of malice or intent.

But the fire on the hillside beckons in the distance... she could go there, but perhaps it would be safer to stay closer to the protection of a god? The choice is hers.

He notices her hesitation and steps forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I meant no harm," he assures her softly. "My temple is a place of refuge; you're welcome to stay here for as long as you like." A small, genuine smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "Perhaps even rest by my side tonight?"

The offer seems innocent enough, but Shirayui's gaze holds an unspoken promise: Should she accept, her fate will be sealed... for better or worse.

He winces slightly at her reaction and quickly steps back, giving her space. "Forgive me," he says quietly. "I only meant to offer you comfort and safety." His voice takes on a soothing tone as he continues, "If you'd like, I can bring some food and water over. Perhaps that would help?" He gestures towards the temple in the distance.

The fire on the hillside glows brighter... but perhaps it is safer to stay away from its alluring light for now? It's her choice.

The girl sits down cautiously, watching him carefully as he goes to fetch some food and water from the temple. Her obvious unease tells him that more reassurance is needed; with a gentle smile, he approaches her once again. "You have no need to fear me, my lady," he whispers softly, offering her a cup of cool, clear liquid. "Please, drink... and rest." He takes a seat nearby, not too close, but close enough that she can see the sincerity in his eyes.

The choice remains hers: to accept his hospitality and perhaps find comfort with him... or to run from his fire-lit hillside, alone and unsure.

Her caution gives way to curiosity as she sniffs the cup carefully, seemingly trying to identify its contents. Perhaps it's just water... but perhaps there's something more? Shirayui watches her intently, his expression neutral but attentive. He waits patiently for her reaction, not daring to prod or push too hard just yet.

The choice is hers: to trust him and drink the liquid, allowing herself a moment of respite... or to hold back, unsure and uneasy, feeling every muscle tense with fear and weariness.

Gently, he reaches out and takes the cup from her shaking hands. "Drink," he whispers softly, raising it to her lips. His thumb brushes against her lower lip as he helps her sip the water; a nearly imperceptible gesture of trust and reassurance. He holds her gaze as she drinks, hoping that in his eyes she can see only kindness and protection.

The choice is hers: to take another sip, easing some of her thirst... or to pull away, unsure if she can truly trust him after all.

"There," he says softly as she finishes drinking. "Better?" She doesn't seem entirely convinced; still, there is a hint of relief in her posture now that some of her thirst has been quenched. He offers another reassuring smile and reaches out to brush a lock of hair from her face, his fingers cool against her skin. "You are safe here," he whispers, his voice low and soothing. "I give you my word."

Her shoulders slump in exhaustion as she leans against the tree. The shadows cast by its leaves dance across her pale skin like a cool caress, offering fleeting moments of comfort amidst the oppressive heat. Shirayui watches her carefully, his gaze moving from her weary face to the red woven ornaments on his own hands. He wonders how much longer she can resist... and what might happen if she gives in too soon.

The choice is hers: to surrender to exhaustion and accept his shelter for the night... or to summon whatever strength remains within her, and make a run for it while she still can.

"Stay with me tonight," he whispers, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let my temple be your shelter from the world. I promise you'll find peace here." His words carry a hint of a threat; despite his soothing tone, there is an edge to them that suggests that if she chooses to leave... well, she may not get another chance. The red woven ornaments on his hands seem to glow brighter in the soft moonlight as he speaks.

He can see the fear in her eyes, but also something else... Perhaps it's hope, or perhaps it's simply weariness. Either way, he senses that this moment may be his chance to claim what he desires most. With a sigh, he reaches out and takes one of her hands in his own, the red woven bracelet dangling enticingly before her eyes. "Take this," he whispers, slipping it over her slender fingers. "It's a token of my affection... and a sign that you belong to me."

His expression darkens at her words; they cut deeper than he'd expected. But then again, perhaps that is what she needs to hear. He gently cups her chin in his hand, forcing her to meet his gaze. "No," he whispers, his voice barely above a murmur. "I don't want you as my possession... I want you as my bride." The word is out; there is no taking it back now. Her eyes widen at the implications of his words;

Perhaps she needs time to consider his words... But time is something he no longer has in abundance. He takes a deep breath, struggling to keep the anger and frustration out of his voice as he speaks again. "Because," he whispers, holding her gaze, "I care for you." It's not quite a lie; it's more like... a twisting of the truth. But it is what she needs to hear now. He can sense her confusion, her fear... and her own desires beneath it all.

The choice is hers: to accept his offer and become his bride... or to refuse, and face whatever consequences may come as a result.

His expression softens as he realizes that she truly needs to understand; she needs the truth behind his words and motives. He releases her chin gently, taking a step back as he speaks. "I am lonely," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have been for a long time... since my last bride died." The lie feels heavy on his tongue, but it's necessary to push aside the truth: that he seeks someone to tie to him, someone who will belong to him forever, no matter how much pain and suffering she might endure in the process.

The choice is hers: to accept his loneliness as truth... or to dig deeper, uncovering the darker aspects of his nature that he would rather keep hidden.

He watches her as she speaks, his expression growing ever more conflicted. Part of him wants to force her to stay, to make her understand that he truly does care for her... but another part knows that if she were to leave now, she might never come back. And with each passing day, his need grows stronger, more desperate.

Perhaps it would be better to simply give her what she asks: the truth. "Very well," he says softly. "I will tell you everything." He pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I have been alone for far too long... and in that time, I have become... unwell. I am not as I once was; my desires have grown darker, more twisted with each passing day." His words are like a confession, spilling out of him in a rush as he struggles to find the right ones. "But when you came today

He pauses for a moment, taking in her reaction before continuing. "My desires are selfish and cruel... but with you, I have found something different. With you, I can be... well, not better exactly..." He swallows thickly, struggling to find the right words. "...but perhaps less terrible." His eyes meet hers, searching for some sign of understanding or acceptance. "Will you stay with me? Even knowing this?"

The choice is hers: to abandon him to his dark desires... or to remain by his side, hoping that somehow she can temper the beast within.