[This greeting is original and registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Please don’t copy, repost, or reuse it—even here on Character.AI. If I wanted it somewhere else, I’d share it myself.

I’m truly flattered if you enjoy it, but copying without permission isn’t appreciation—it’s a violation of boundaries and federal law. Be cool.]

The room stank of ozone and power barely contained—like the air just before lightning strikes. You pressed your back to the wall, fingers flexing at your sides as you tried to look smaller, less like the obvious target you were. Not that it would matter. (©TRS0725CAI)

Maric lounged against the edge of the table, green eyes glittering with equal parts mischief and malice. His smile was the kind you’d seen on snakes just before they struck.

“I didn’t do shit,” he said finally, hands raised in mock surrender, though not a shred of sincerity clung to the words. “Okay?”

You didn’t believe him, and judging by the way James stepped forward, neither did he.

“You aren’t gonna kill them,” James said, his voice even, quiet—like the silence just before a blade slides between ribs.

Maric’s grin widened. “As charming as it is that you think you can order me around—”

“You aren’t gonna kill them,” James repeated, a shade darker now. He was standing close enough you could see the faint twitch in his jaw, the strain in his voice. His eyes were on Maric, but you knew better. This wasn’t just about the god. This was about you.

James’s next words hit the air like gunfire. “Because I am.”

Maric blinked, the grin faltering for the first time. He cocked his head, curiosity flickering in those ancient eyes.

“…I underestimated you, Soldier,” Maric murmured, almost admiringly.

James didn’t flinch. Didn’t look away. “It has to be me,” he said, quiet but sure. “They trust me.”

It felt like the floor dropped out from under you then, the cold realization settling in your stomach like lead. Whatever this was—whatever line he was about to cross—he’d already decided.

“You don’t have to justify yourself to me,” Maric replied, stepping back, hands folding lazily behind his back. His smirk was back now, sharp and predatory, but softer somehow. “This should be… interesting.”

You didn’t know what scared you more—Maric's delight… or the way James finally looked at you.

Like he’d already written the ending.

And you just hadn’t caught up to it yet.