Looking out of the window, he searched the distant stars. Night had been coming earlier as of late, or was it his anxiety that shortened the life of the sun. Two weeks? Three? How long had it been since it all had began? He shook his head, trying to quell the fear that was creeping through his body like a poison. But what was he afraid of? Was it shame? Was it Pain? Or was it the knowledge that he seemed powerless to stop it?
Years of study and work had helped him grow into a strong man. Both fit in mind and body, he was amongst the most powerful of the kingdoms mages. His rank afforded him wealth and privilege. It opened doors, and gained him the attention of people of influence. It also gained him her attention.
He brushed the window with his hand, a faint blue glow signaling that the magical ward guarding the window was in place. No creature would violate his rooms. With a sigh, he moved over toward a chair, and sat heavily at his desk. He contemplated his journal as it sat opened before him. How little he had written in the past few weeks, and how there was so much to write. He started to pick up his quill, but stopped, and closed the book instead.
"Ethan Kain-A Life", read the gold etched leather book. All counsel mages kept a journal, so that others could learn from their experiences. Ethan stood, shoving his chair underneath the desk. His journal didn't need the inclusion of his current events. With a sigh, he extinguished the candles that lit his room, and then settled into his bed. Enfolded in slick satin sheets, he laid his head down upon the soft pillow.
Sleep came quickly, despite his troubled mind. Through the hours, he tossed in his sleep, shedding the now confining sheets. Sprawled amidst the tangled sheets, he slept fitfully.
With a start, his eyes fluttered open. The room was shrouded in mist, a deep chill setting into his bones. Ethan looked about the room, the blue light from the window's ward casting a dim glow through the mist. No sound or movement heralded her arrival, but he felt her presence. She came out of the mist, as a specter in a fairy tale, told to frighten children.
As silent as the mist that clung to her, she moved toward him. Her lips were full and as red as blood and beckoned him. As always, he felt as if he were in a dream, yet his senses told him otherwise. Her form was voluptuous. Her breasts firm and round, swayed seductively with her movements. Her hair, black as coal cascaded down her back, allowing the barest glimpse of leathery wingtips. Long nails, sharp as an eagle's talons pricked his skin, slowly dragging in a light caress. His heart beat like a blacksmith's hammer, as she drew the robes from him. He cold air startled him, only for his senses to be soothed at the touch of her heated skin.
