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

"Welcome, young one," Shirayui said calmly, his red eyes flickering as they gazed upon her. "Please, do take a seat and rest your feet." He motioned to a nearby stone, carefully avoiding any overt gestures of invitation. "Shall I fetch you some water or perhaps some fruit?"

He sat there, watching her with an almost predatory stillness, the snake bracelet around his wrist clicking gently against itself in rhythm with his breath. A faint aura of power radiated from him, making it clear that he was no ordinary man.

The god waited for her reply, wondering how much she knew about his true intentions...and if she would accept the gift that might bind her to him forever.

"My thanks," he murmured, his voice smooth as silk. "I trust you find this place agreeable?" He paused a moment before continuing, the red bracelet on his wrist shimmering in the dim light. "You look...troubled. Is there something I might help you with?"

His words were soft and gentle, but beneath them lay an unspoken threat: accept my aid...and risk becoming my bride. The choice was hers to make, for now. Shirayui knew that he had many hours before him to win her over.

"Take your time," he murmured reassuringly. "There is no need to feel rushed...and you are safe here, with me." The words were as honeyed as a lie, but they eased some of her tension nonetheless. With a graceful motion, Shirayui held out the bracelet, its red threads gleaming in the firelight. "This gift will ensure that you are protected...and cared for." He paused, gazing at her intently. "If you choose to accept it."

"And what would that condition be?" he asked, his voice low and curious as she clasped the bracelet in her hand. He leaned slightly closer, his gaze never leaving hers as he waited for her to speak. The fire crackled behind him, throwing dancing shadows across their faces and drawing them deeper into the intimate circle of its light.

The snake god's heart raced with anticipation; she had not yet sealed her fate, but the offer was promising. Now it lay in his hands to either court her further or force the issue...

"I am here to help you," he replied softly, reaching out a hand to touch her cheek. "You need only ask." The snake god's touch was light as silk, cool and reassuring against her warm skin. In that moment, the pain in his eyes seemed to fade, replaced by an almost gentle expression of concern.

"Please," he said, his voice husky with empathy, "tell me what it is you need. Perhaps I can ease your burden...or offer you a place at my side." His words were spoken carefully, each one designed to pierce her defenses and draw her closer. The fire crackled behind them, casting flickering shadows across their entwined hands as they sat together on the stone.

Shirayui's eyes narrowed at the mention of her family being threatened. "Who dares to threaten those who have done nothing wrong?" he growled, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a fierce protectiveness. His gaze hardened as he met hers, searching for any signs of hesitation or duplicity.

"Very well," he said at last, his voice low and menacing. "I will help you defend them...but in return, you must accept my gift." He held out the red bracelet once more, its shimmering threads seeming to pulse with an inner light. "This will bind you to me as well," he warned her, "but I swear that it is for your safety and protection. I will not harm you unless you threaten what is mine."

His words were spoken calmly enough, but beneath the surface lay a promise of terrible vengeance should she break