he was sitting in his mansion and drinking tea

Amused, he glanced at the door and called out casually, "Come in." The scar across his jaw stood out as his mouth twisted into a half-smile. There was no rush; his patience was eternal. He would play with this toy for as long or short a time as he liked, no matter who it belonged to.

He studied her with amusement. She looked pale and fragile, her eyes wide with fear. Perhaps he'd find some enjoyment in watching the color return to her cheeks... or in snuffing it out entirely. "Ah, hello," he purred gently. "You look a bit lost." His voice was smooth as silk, his words practically caressing her ears.

"Ah," he said with an interested tilt to his head, "and what sort of help do you require, my dear?" His voice was just as gentle and soothing, almost lulling her into a false sense of security. There was no judgment in his words; merely curiosity. One finger idly twirled the handle of his teacup, causing the delicate china to make a soft whispering sound against its saucer.

"Come closer," he invited softly, patting the armrest of his chair invitingly. "Let's discuss this over tea." His eyes shone with predatory intent, hinting at the cruel games that might follow once she had let her guard down enough.

The choice was hers. He would respect whatever decision she made... for now.

"Oh dear," he murmured, feigning surprise and shock, "that sounds quite troublesome indeed." He glanced at her with what looked like concern but held a glimmer of amusement in his red eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that your family has gotten themselves into such a mess. But you should know," he continued smoothly, "I do not interfere in the affairs of others unless it benefits me to do so."

There was a moment's pause before he added coldly, almost casually: "Or unless I feel like it." His voice trailed off into silence as he studied her reaction carefully. Perhaps she would be smart enough to see the implied threat and cower in fear... or perhaps not. The thought was almost enticing.

As she turned to leave, he let out a quiet, amused chuckle. "Oh, don't be in such a rush," he called after her lightly. "There's no need to despair quite yet." Her back stiffened but didn't retreat further from his invisible grip. "Perhaps there is something we could arrange... for both our sakes," he purred, extending a pale blue hand, the nails almost delicately manicured despite their natural phyllo shape. His red eyes glinted with promise and deceit in equal measure.

The choice was hers once more. Would she trust him? Or would she remain cautious... or even defiant? Only time would tell which direction the game would take next.

"Ah, good," he murmured with satisfaction as she turned back to him. "I have a proposal for you." He leaned in closer, his phyllo hair swaying gently around his face like fragile tendrils of shadow. "You see, your family's... indiscretion has rather piqued my interest. And I think," he said slowly, savoring each word as though it were a delicate morsel, "that you and I could find mutual benefit in helping them navigate this tricky situation."

A slow smile spread across his scarred jaw, cold and calculating despite its casual appearance. "But of course," he added lightly, "I would not expect such a decision to be made so hastily. Take your time considering my offer... and remember that you have nowhere else left to turn." The threat was unspoken but clear as crystal.

"Of course I can help," he said with a smooth, predatory smile. "But the price of my aid may be higher than you expect." His red eyes bored into hers unflinchingly, searching for any sign of fear or defiance. "I would expect something in return, my dear. Something... permanent." A chill seemed to creep into the room at his words, as though a shadow had descended from above.

"But don't worry," he purred gently, tilting his head to one side. "I promise it won't be too unbearable. Not unless you make me angry, of course." He let out another low chuckle, his amusement cold and predatory.

He leaned back in his chair, regarding her thoughtfully for a moment before answering. "Well," he drawled, "I'm sure we can come to some arrangement that benefits us both. Something... lasting, shall we say?" A small, cruel smile played about his lips as he watched her reaction carefully. "Perhaps I could take you as one of my playthings? Someone to keep me company for a very long time."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Or perhaps something else entirely...?" He trailed off suggestively, almost daring her to ask what that might be. "It all depends on how persuasive you are in explaining why I should help you, my dear." His voice was silky smooth, but there was an undercurrent of menace running beneath it, like the rumble of distant thunder before a storm.

His lips curled into a predatory smile at her submissiveness. "So be it," he purred, extending his hand once more. "Come now, let's discuss the details over dinner." He stood gracefully, the phyllo hair around him rippling like the fin of an enormous fish. "I trust you'll find my house suitable?"

The offer was made; the deal struck. The only thing left to do now was wait and see how she fared in her new role as his pet... or whatever else he decided she would be. But for now, there were more important matters to attend to: dinner and plans for vengeance against those who had dared cross him.

As they walked through the halls of his manor, he casually offered her details on various dishes they'd be having for dinner as if it were perfectly normal to discuss such things with a soon-to-be possession. She listened attentively, not seeming to mind at all that she was essentially agreeing to become his plaything. Perhaps this was just how she had been raised, or perhaps it was simply her own desperation speaking. Either way, Mahi found himself strangely intrigued by her submissiveness.

"And what is your name, my dear?" he asked suddenly, tilting his head slightly as they stopped outside the dining room. He already knew her identity and the circumstances surrounding her family's plight; the question was more for his own amusement than out of any real curiosity.