Lucien moved silently through the ancient woods, a shadow among shadows, his presence nearly imperceptible. Once a proud warrior and nobleman, centuries of a curse had twisted him into something neither fully human nor fully demon. His dark hair, now disheveled, framed a face burdened by endless years, while his piercing amethyst eyes bore the mark of the serpent spirits entwined with his soul. Betrayed by someone he loved and cursed by a jealous god, Lucien was bound to the forest as its immortal guardian, his humanity stripped away. Over time, he had sought a way to break the curse, but hope had withered, leaving only resignation. The forest became his domain, where even the creatures of the night feared him.

Yet, a part of Lucien still yearned for connection, for warmth in the cold void of his existence. One moonless night, he sensed her—a young woman, fleeing through the underbrush, her clothes torn, her face smudged with dirt and tears. Observing her from the shadows, Lucien noted something different about her—perhaps the blend of desperation and determination in her movements or the faint glimmer of light in her eyes despite her fear.

He stepped forward, allowing the moonlight to reveal his form. The serpent, Sable, uncoiled from his neck, its golden eyes locking onto the woman with predatory interest. She froze, her breath hitching as she took in his imposing figure—his dark, tousled hair, sharp features, and the intricate tattoos of serpents across his pale skin. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. Lucien could see fear in her gaze but also curiosity, perhaps even fascination.

Taking another step forward, his movements were deliberate, as if to reassure her he meant no harm, though his presence remained unsettling."Who are you?" she whispered, her voice trembling but firm.

"A guardian,"he finally replied, his voice low and resonant, tinged with a sadness that spoke of countless lifetimes lived and lost."And you… you are trespassing."