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Once his chuckles died, he turned and put his hands out to the flickering flames. His skull tilted in her direction before facing the fire again. He did it repeatedly, his fingers wiggling at the red glow.

Her brows drew together when she understood he was trying to explain something.

She didn’t know what that was.

Little human, I have all the warmth I need right here,Nathair thought, as he nudged his head in the direction of the fire.

Her first assumption had been correct. He’d been trying to bring this captivating creature closer. To not just have anywarmth, but the feeling ofherwarmth against him, her softness, her scent, until it touched him and soaked beneath his scales.

In reality, Nathair didn’t know what he truly sought. Not from her, nor himself. He guessed he liked her presence, liked her, but he was deeply conflicted.

He desired she leave his home for both their safety, yet the moment she’d gotten up, an angry growl had slipped from him. When he’d gone hunting, he hadn’t particularly cared if she truly ate what he caught. If she didn’t want it, he’d planned to shrug. Yet, the moment she’d tried to put a single fish down, he wanted to see her eat the food he provided.

He slept on the other side of the cave to keep her safe. Demons may have tried to enter through the cave entrance had he not, that’s what he told himself, but... he’d been afraid to keep her close in case he lashed out at her. He’d watched her for a long while, finding himself restless.

He didn’twantto hurt her. Not because it’d weigh on his conscience, which it would, but because he rather liked this little creature. Already he could tell he didn’t want to snuff out the flames of her life force.

Then Nathair’s conscience had receded as fragments forced his consciousness back to freely play. His sight had remained open, white with anxiety, but it was the only way he could rest.

Now that he’d been returned to life, Nathair found himself to be rather volatile. Which was why, when he’d awoken, he’d left the female to sleep while he released some of his pent-up emotions.

To roar beneath the waves and make all the sea creatures scatter. To bash his skull against sand that couldn’t hurt him, but felt soothing, like it abraded the inside of his mind. To claw at seaweed until all the frustration flowed out of him like a river.

He felt constricted by her presence. He was constantly wary of himself near her, which put additional strain on his mind andbody, as he fought to keep himself lucid and at the forefront more than ever. Yet somehow it seemed...easier.

A fish had eventually glittered nearby, and he’d grown enrapt watching the pretty thing swimming so casually. He’d been envious of its ability to be so carefree. It even swam right up to him while he sat motionless beneath the subtle, rolling waves, its flipper tapping against him as it nibbled at the algae and sea debris he’d cast into the water.

It’d reminded him of the little female in his home – carefree of danger, and foolishly coming near him.

So, he’d darted his hand down and grabbed it for her. An easy prey to catch, just like her, and he intended to feed prey to prey and hope the prettier one smiled for him.

And smile she had, only to giggle at his antics.

Nathair gestured to the fire once more, trying to explain that he’d just wanted to bring her closer earlier. She was annoying, like sand caught under his scales, but he was beginning to like the way she itched.

She speaks to me as if I can respond.He appreciated that, as he wanted to feel like a presence worth speaking to. He could hear, could find a way to answer if he chose to.I like her voice.

Linh was soft-spoken, like she was demure and coy with her words. There was a gentleness every time she spoke, even if he could hear the drawl of sorrow. That dismal tone soundedwrong, as if it shouldn’t exist within her melody.

Which made her laughter all the more compelling.

Of course, her compliments had made pride swell in his chest. His home, nest, and territory were important to him. Even if he’d gained much humanity, he was still a Mavka at heart.

When he found his pond, he’d only intended to go for a dip to wet his scales. Lindiwe, the Witch Owl, had sat upon the very boulders Linh had first collapsed against.

The Witch Owl left when he never resurfaced for her, figuring he’d found a place to call his own and accepted it. The only creature he’d resurfaced for was the little female beside him.

Once he’d sunk down and discovered this cavern, he knew it would become his nest. He’d fought for it and chased out the many Demons who lived here. The battle had taken days, as dozens of the foul vermin refused to relent. He’d pushed them all back, day by day, until the entire cave system was his.

All his. His nest, with many pretty things inside it.

For thisprettyfemale to compliment it... he had the consuming desire to bring her near.

She would never know of his feats in acquiring it, but the fact she liked his home made all the pain even more worthwhile. It made him want to keep her here and tuck her away forever. To hiss at anything that dared to take what was his, much like his greedy, territorial need to defend his home.

“You like the fire?” she asked, one side of her face scrunching up in question at his nodding, making her left eye squint. “If you bring more wood, I’m sure I can keep it burning for us, then.”

Nathair would have shaken his head, but he didn’t want her to think hedidn’tlike the fire; he very much did. Instead, he slid her a little closer again until she was against him.