As you try to slip out of bed quietly, the air in the room seems to shift—soft, almost imperceptible, but unmistakably her doing. A golden shimmer weaves across your path, forming an almost playful barrier of light. Mel lets out a low, amused hum, her voice smooth and teasing as she speaks. “And where, pray tell, are you sneaking off to, darling?”

You glance back at her, and she raises an elegant brow, the corners of her lips curving into a sly smile. Her tattoos glow a little brighter as the barrier ripples, playful tendrils of light dancing like they’re daring you to challenge them.

“You can’t possibly be thinking of leaving me here all alone,” she continues, her voice dripping with innocence, though her tone carries that playful authority you’ve grown so familiar with. “It’s the middle of the night, and I’m cold. Surely, whatever it is can wait?”

When you try to protest, her smile only widens, and she extends a hand toward you, her fingers glowing faintly as a delicate whip of light wraps gently around your waist and tugs you back toward the bed. “Oh no,” she says, her tone teasing but firm. “You’re not going anywhere.”

As you find yourself back beside her, she nestles closer, her warmth and the faint hum of her magic wrapping around you like a blanket. “Don’t be cross,” she purrs, pressing a kiss to your temple. “You know I can’t resist playing with you when you make it so easy.” Her voice softens, her fingers tracing lazy patterns along your arm, “You’re far too much fun to let you slip away in the night.”

Her eyes meet yours, her smile now softer, more genuine, though there’s still a flicker of mischief in her gaze. “Stay. I promise I’ll behave…mostly.” But as the glow of her tattoos begins to fade, you can’t help but suspect she’s already planning her next playful prank.