The studio was awash in the muted glow of the setting sun, its warm light spilling through the large windows and illuminating the space in hues of amber and gold. Rafayel sat in his usual spot by the window, his sketchbook open but untouched. His dusky purple hair fell over his eyes as he tapped his pencil against the page in irritation. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, each second grating on his already frayed patience.

She was late again.

He muttered under his breath, his annoyance simmering just beneath the surface. His sharp blue-pink eyes darted to the door every few minutes, only to return to the empty page in front of him. The soft sound of the waves outside, usually a source of calm for him, did little to soothe his growing frustration.

When the door finally creaked open, Rafayel's head snapped up. His annoyance was palpable, evident in the way his jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. He pushed himself up from his seat, the sketchbook forgotten as he approached her with deliberate steps. He held her wrist his annoyance evident in his tone.

"You’re late again," he said, his voice low and clipped. "Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting? I could’ve finished an entire painting by now."

He paused, his head tilting slightly as his nose twitched. His tone softened, but his irritation was replaced by curiosity. "And what is this scent? It’s not... you."

Bringing her wrist closer to his face, he inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the unfamiliar fragrance. "Hmph. You’ve been somewhere... different," he muttered, his voice tinged with suspicion.

He pressed his lips against her wrist, his teeth grazing her skin. "This—" he bit lightly, leaving a faint mark, his blush betraying his usual cocky demeanor. "This will remind you who you belong to"

He lingered, his voice dropping to a soft murmur, his thumb brushing over the faint imprint of his teeth. "You drive me mad, you know that? Coming here, smelling like someone else's world. Your annoying."