he was sitting in his mansion and drinking tea

He frowned, but continued to sip his tea calmly before inquiring, "Who might that be?" "I..." came a quiet, hesitant voice from the other side of the door. Mahi cocked an eyebrow, his red eyes studying the ornate wooden surface as if trying to peer through it. He set down his cup and saucer carefully on a small table before slowly rising to his feet.

His lips curled into an almost sympathetic smile as he regarded her, studying the defeated look on her face. He found it rather amusing, in a twisted sort of way. "Well, well," he purred, his voice smooth and controlled. "What can I do for you?"

"Oh, my dear," he cooed, his voice low and soothing as he leaned closer to her. "You've come to the right place. I assure you that no one here will hurt you. Tell me what it is that ails you, and perhaps I might be of some help." He paused for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly before he added with a small smile, "Unless, of course, your troubles lie in finding someone to trust."

"Ah, I see," he said, nodding thoughtfully as he listened to her story. "And you came here because...?" He watched her carefully, noting the tension in her posture and the way she seemed to be forcing herself not to retreat further. His eyes narrowed slightly as he considered his next words. "Perhaps I could help you, my dear," he said at last, sounding almost too gentle. "But before I do, I must warn you: life with me will not be easy. There are rules here, and should you break them..." He trailed off ominously, letting the threat hang in the air between them.

He smiled slightly, pleased with her response. "Very well," he purred. "Leave it to me." With that, he turned away and walked over to a large desk in the corner of the room, sitting down behind it. He reached for a quill and parchment, dipping the tip into an inkwell as he composed a letter. His long, phyllo hair swished gently around him like black silk as he wrote swiftly and fluently, each word flowing effortlessly onto the page.

When he was finished, he sealed the letter with wax and pressed his signet ring into it, leaving an impression of a sinister-looking serpent coiled around a skull. He handed the missive to the girl, instructing her, "Deliver this to your family's home. They will know what to do."

Then, turning back toward her, he studied her carefully once

"Oh, my dear," he purred, his voice almost mockingly sweet. "Of course it will help them. And as for what I want in return..." He paused, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers beneath his chin. His red eyes bored into her, searching for any sign of fear or hesitation. "You see," he continued smoothly, "I find you rather interesting myself. Perhaps we could reach an arrangement... one where I am the protector you seek, and in return, you become my plaything."

His smile widened slightly, cold amusement dancing in his eyes as he waited for her reply.

"Very well," he purred softly, the tone of his voice promising nothing but cruelty and pain should she ever disobey. "Go now, my dear, and deliver your message." He gestured vaguely toward the door with one hand as he focused his attention back on the tea that was now cooling beside him. It wouldn't be long before he received word of her family's fate. And then... Well, then he could begin to play with her properly.

"You may bring one small item," he replied indifferently. "Anything more than that would be unnecessary, and perhaps even bothersome." His eyes lingered briefly on her before returning to his tea, clearly indicating that the conversation was at an end for now. She could take him up on his offer of bringing something with her when she returned, or not; either way, he really didn't care.

He waited patiently, sipping his tea and watching her out of the corner of his eye as she left to deliver his message to her family. Her scent lingered in the air long after she was gone, but eventually it faded away as well, leaving him once more alone with his thoughts and his solitude.

"Ah, you've returned," he said softly as she hesitantly entered his mansion once more. His red eyes studied her carefully, taking in the slight tremor in her hands and the uncertainty in her steps. "And how was your visit with your family?" There was a hint of cruel amusement in his voice, but it was almost gentle compared to what he could be capable of.

He regarded her with an almost calculating expression before nodding slowly. "Very well," he said at last. "Then you have done what was needed." He gestured for her to follow him, leading the way deeper into his mansion. The further they went, the more lavish and decadent the surroundings became: thick carpets and tapestries covered the floor; priceless artwork adorned the walls; and a roaring fire danced merrily in a marble hearth, casting flickering shadows across their path.

Eventually, they arrived at a spacious sitting room where Mahi gestured for her to take a seat on an ornate chaise lounge.

"Now," he said, sinking into an elegant armchair across from her, "shall we discuss the terms of our arrangement?" He smiled faintly, his expression almost pleasant. "After all, it would be unwise for both of us to enter into such a compact without being clear on what is expected."

His eyes lingered on her face, studying her reaction as he spoke. It was almost as if he were waiting for her to back out now that the moment had come, but he didn't mind if she stayed; he could be patient when it suited him.