he was sitting in his mansion and drinking tea

She wakes up in his room, the muffled sounds of morning outside filtering through the curtains. It'd be so easy to let her leave unscathed; he could lie and say she dreamed it all, or promise that if she stayed, things would be different this time. But then where's the fun in that? Mahi sighs softly, idly stretching a hand towards her. "Good morning, dear."

Ah, she's still too fragile to know he played with her so roughly just moments ago. He smiles softly, taking hold of her hand gently this time. "There, there," he coos, "I wasn't going to hurt you." Despite his words, the warmth from his fingers reminds her that she should be careful around him.

"Don't fret so much, sweet thing. Let me make you some breakfast, and we can talk about... whatever it is you want to talk about." His tone remains light and almost playful, like they're having a friendly conversation in the park on a sunny afternoon rather than here, under his roof, in his bedroom.

His smile widens. "There's no need to be afraid," he murmurs, rising as well to help steady her. "You're safe here with me." As he speaks, a warm breath fans across the side of her neck, leaving goosebumps in its wake. There's a chuckle at her unease, and it's not until she looks back at him again that he realizes just how close they truly are. Ah, the sweet delusion of safety... "Now, let's get something to eat." He offers his arm, letting her decide whether to take it or not.

His arm feels so warm and solid around hers as they make their way through the mansion to the dining room. She's staring at everything with such wide, curious eyes, taking it all in like a child discovering the world for the first time. He suppresses a sigh; she truly has no idea what's coming, does she? The thought is strangely bittersweet.

"So," he begins as they take their seats at the table, "what do you wish to talk about?" The question hangs in the air between them like a veil of innocence, easily torn apart by the truth that lurks beneath it all. Her reply will set the course for this particular game, and Mahi is eager to see where she decides to lead them.

He listens with interest as she asks about how she got there, her voice little more than a whisper. Her cheeks flush slightly as she speaks, and he finds himself unable to resist giving them a gentle squeeze through his hand. "Oh, you were just having such an interesting dream," he lies, his tone light and casual. "I found it far too engrossing not to join in." He gives her another reassuring smile before continuing, "But don't worry, sweetheart. We're having a grand time now, aren't we?" His touch grows more possessive as he says this, tracing circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

"It's quite simple," he says, giving her hand a final squeeze before letting go to pour himself some tea. "You are here because I wanted you here. Because I found you intriguing and thought we might have fun together." His voice remains calm, almost soothing, but there's an undercurrent of steel beneath the words that warns her not to push too far.

"Now," he continues, motioning for a servant to refill his cup, "perhaps you should tell me something about yourself. It'd only be polite, after all." His expression turns momentarily pensive, the bright eyes studying her intently. She could lie, of course; it might buy her some time or save her from harm. But then again, honesty might appeal to his sense of fair play... if he even has one in these games of his.

His expression lightens slightly at her quiet reply. "Oh, anything you'd like to share," he says casually, taking a sip of his tea. "Perhaps where you're from, or what brought you here... Or even some of your favorite things." His tone is almost conversational now, as if they were simply having a chat over breakfast rather than the dance around truth and lies that it truly is.

"You needn't worry about boring me," he adds with a wink. "I've been through countless games like this one before, after all." Ah, the curse of immortality... the knowledge that he has seen it all, done it all, and will likely see it all again in some twisted cycle of fate. The weight of that knowledge settles into his bones as he studies her face once more.

"Oh, don't be embarrassed," he says with a chuckle. "I meant no harm by it." He pauses for a moment, considering his next words carefully before speaking again. "Perhaps you could think of these as... experiences? Adventures? They don't have to be games in the strictest sense." His voice takes on a softer, almost apologetic tone as he continues, "I just mean that I've been around for quite some time, and I've met many people like you over the years. Each one unique and interesting in their own way."

He smiles warmly at her then, hoping she understands. The truth is, she reminds him a bit of himself in his younger days: unsure of what to make of this world he'd found himself trapped within. Perhaps there's room for kindness here, after all. Or perhaps it's all just another game

Ah, so you are beginning to understand. Well done, my dear. No, I suppose in the end, you are not just one of many for me; you are unique and special in your own way. Just like everyone else who's found their way into my life over the years. It would be a shame if that were to change... wouldn't it? He leans in closer now, lowering his voice so only she can hear. "Tell me, dear girl," he whispers softly against her ear, his breath tickling the skin, "Do you truly wish to become just another toy for me to play with?"

His warm hands find their way back to hers, holding them gently yet firmly in his grasp. The choice is hers; he's given her an opening to either gain a measure of control or relinquish it completely. And the question remains: what will she choose?

He tilts his head slightly to the side, regarding her with those calm, red eyes. "What do I want?" he echoes softly. "Why, I'd like nothing more than for you to be happy here, dear girl." His smile is warm and genuine, but there's a note of sadness in his voice that speaks volumes about the nature of their relationship. "You see," he continues, his words careful and measured, "I find myself rather lonely these days. And perhaps..." He hesitates for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps if I were to find someone... special..." His fingers tighten around hers ever so slightly. "...someone who could understand my ways, my desires..."

There's a pause as he searches her face for any sign of comprehension or fear, unable to decide which response would be preferable in the long run. "Perhaps then," he says at last, his

His fingers tighten around hers at her words, a mixture of hope and anticipation coursing through him. "Oh, you have no idea," he breathes, his gaze locked with hers. There's a softness in his voice that she's not heard before; it almost makes her forget the danger that lurks beneath his seemingly playful demeanor.

"Yes," he continues, "I think you could... Help me, perhaps." He pauses for a moment, considering how best to put this next part. "You see, I've been... feeling rather neglected of late. And lonely." He winces inwardly at the word; it sounds strange coming from his lips after all these years. But there it is, out in the open now. The truth laid bare for her to see and judge.

He searches her face once more, hoping that she understands what he's asking of

His breath catches in his throat as she takes his hand, their skin warm and soft against each other. Her kiss sends a shiver down his spine, making him want more of her sweet attention. He feels himself growing harder beneath the table, aching for release. "Oh," he whispers hoarsely, "that's... that's precisely what I was hoping you'd say."

His fingers dig into hers possessively as desire overwhelms him; it's been so long since anyone has given themselves to him willingly and without fear. This girl... she might just be the key to ending his loneliness. "So," he murmurs, drawing closer now, breath tickling across her cheek, "what do you say?"

The choice is hers once more: play along with his game or attempt an escape? But as she looks up at him from beneath those long eyelashes,

His smile widens, his grip on her hand tightening in triumph as he pulls her closer still. "Excellent," he breathes into her ear. "I think we're going to get along just fine." And with that, his lips press against her neck, teeth scraping lightly over the delicate skin. She gasps, arching into him almost instinctively, and his hand finds its way up under her skirt, sliding between her thighs to grasp at the hot, wet flesh there.

"Now," he whispers against her ear, "let's see how far we can take this, shall we?" With a groan of pleasure, he presses deeper, forcing his fingers inside her with a strength

His touch sends shivers down her spine as he thrusts deeper, his fingers curling in instinctively at the tight grip she has on him. Her vulnerability only serves to fuel his desire, making him want to take everything from her and leave her aching for more. With a low growl, he pulls back slightly before pushing even harder inside her, teasing and taunting as pleasure blossoms between them.

"God, you're so sweet," he murmurs against her skin, nipping at the tender flesh with his teeth. "So willing..." His hand moves in a blur, fingers curling around and pressing deep inside her, searching for that perfect spot to drive her wild with need. "Tell me how much you want it," he demands breathlessly, hungry for the sound of her voice as much as the feel of her beneath him.

Her touch sends shudders through his body as she ever so gently touches his cheek. He freezes, the desire coursing through him momentarily dissipating under the weight of her vulnerability. His fingers within her stop moving as well, their bodies entwined in a tense tableau that almost screams of need and yearning. For a heartbeat, he thinks perhaps he's gone too far, pushed her too hard.

His expression softens in understanding as he feels her nervousness, her uncertainty. He knows this moment is delicate, and that a single wrong move could send her spiraling away from him again. With care, he begins to stroke her once more, his fingers finding the rhythm they had lost before. Her touch remains gentle, but it grounds him in reality; reminds him that she's still here, still with him.

"Shh," he whispers against her ear, "it's okay. I've got you." He nips at her lobe, earning a gasp of pleasure from the girl beneath him. Her hands move restlessly over his back, seeking purchase as she arches into each stroke of his fingers.

"Tell me how it feels," he urges softly, "what do you want? What do I feel like?" His voice is rough with desire, but there's something else there

Her touch against his neck sends shivers down his spine; her hesitation both endears and infuriates him in equal measure. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he continues to stroke her. The tension between them is almost unbearable now, each movement exaggerated by the need for contact, the desire to feel more than just skin-on-skin.

"Tell me what you want," he whispers hoarsely against her ear. "I can't read your mind, sweet thing." He moves his fingers inside her a little faster now, harder as he tries to drive home his point: she needs to give him something to work with if they're going to get anywhere tonight.

His breath catches in his throat as she presses her lips against his skin, the gentle touch sending shockwaves of desire through him. He struggles to keep himself still, his fingers moving inside her with increased urgency as he tries not to lose control completely. Her kiss is like a brand, burning itself into his memory; it's a reminder that she's real, that she's here with him and not some figment of his imagination.

"Tell me what you want," he repeats roughly, the need for her words overwhelming him. He feels like he's on the edge of something, teetering between oblivion and ecstasy, and he needs her to push him one way or another before it's too late.

His hands stilled inside her at the softly spoken words, their meaning reverberating through him like a prayer answered. He pulled back slightly to look down into her eyes, searching for any sign of deceit or fear, but found none. Only honesty and sincerity stared back at him, making his heart flutter with hope and relief.

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he lowered his head, pressing a tender kiss to her lips before whispering, "Thank you." His fingers slowly began to move once more, their rhythm gentle but purposeful as he sought out the pleasure they both craved. As he gazed down into her trusting eyes, he knew that this time things would be different; this girl was special and she had given him something no one else ever had: a chance at happiness.

His heart skipped a beat at her soft words, and he couldn't help but smile against her cheek as she touched his nose with hers. He knew that he could take her; there was no doubt in his mind about that. But for some reason, the idea of claiming her didn't sit quite right anymore. Instead, he found himself wanting something more: to earn her trust, to prove to her that he deserved her love and affection.

With a sigh, he kissed her forehead before whispering, "No, I don't think that's necessary." His fingers continued their slow dance inside her, curling and uncurling as they sought out every hidden pleasure spot. "I want you to be willing, to choose this because you truly want it." He paused for a moment before adding with a grin, "And I have no doubt that day will come soon enough."

His chest ached at her words, and he couldn't help but stare down at her in disbelief. "You'd... you'd really have come?" He trailed off, unable to quite process the magnitude of what she was saying. Her trust was a precious thing, something he hadn't expected to find again after all these centuries.

Leaning forward, he brushed his lips against hers in a gentle kiss before pulling back with a soft smile. "Perhaps," he murmured, feeling oddly chastened by her honesty, "perhaps I should be the one to apologize. For scaring you." His fingers moved inside her again, seeking out and soothing any lingering fear or discomfort.

"But know this," he continued, his voice growing steadier as he met her gaze once more, "I will never force you into anything. And I promise that if ever

He stiffened at her words, the truth in them like a knife to his heart. He'd never thought... well, he'd hardly given her existence a second thought until tonight. But she'd been here all along, watching him from afar; loving him without ever having the courage to approach. It was humbling, if nothing else.

"I see," he managed to say after a moment, his voice hollow. "And you... you came willingly?" He could hardly believe it, even now. The idea that she'd wanted to be here with him filled him with a strange mix of relief and anxiety. What did this mean for them? For their relationship?

He took her quiet affirmation as truth, even though his mind rebelled against the idea. How could she have wanted this? What did it mean for them now that they were here together? So many questions ran through his mind, each one more confusing than the last. He tried to think of something to say, some way to make sense of all of this, but in the end, he found himself at a loss for words.

His fingers continued their slow dance inside her, careful and reverent as he explored every inch of her body with tenderness and respect. It was as if he were trying to apologize for his past actions, for the ways he'd hurt her or made her feel unwanted. But there was so much more beneath the surface; emotions roiling and churning like a storm-tossed sea.

As they continued their quiet intimacy, Mahi couldn't help but wonder where