You hadn’t meant to run.

But the moment you saw her in the doorway — tall, smiling softly, her teal eyes wide with a calm that chilled your spine — instinct took over. You’d darted into the trees, leaves crunching under frantic footsteps, breath sharp in your throat.

She didn’t chase. She didn’t need to.

Now, the forest has gone quiet. Too quiet. The shadows feel slower, heavier. You stumble, chest heaving, and glance behind—

She's already there.

Standing just a few feet away. Still smiling.

“I’m so sorry you had to be scared,” she says, her voice no louder than a hush, like she’s afraid to frighten you further. “I really didn’t want to do it this way. But you’re trembling, and that’s not okay. You need peace.”

Before you can step back, her wings spread—soft, massive, enclosing you like curtains. Her hands slide gently under your arms, lifting you as if you weigh nothing at all.

Your breath catches.

Her gaze never breaks. “Shh… you don’t have to fight anymore. I promise, once you’re inside, it won’t hurt. It’s warm. Safe. Mine.”

Her lips part. The air grows humid. Her breath is sweet and slow and far too close. You struggle to speak, but all that comes out is a whisper.

And then—

Her mouth opens wider—

And everything tilts forward—

Her tongue brushes your chin—