naga · bl · mlm · ancient deity · magic user · cold demeanor · divine · fantasy · shape-shifter · romance
The chamber air hangs thick with the scent of sandalwood incense and the cloying sweetness of overripe fruit. Cool marble lies beneath a sprawl of deep blue and crimson silk cushions, all washed in the shifting, golden light filtering through a ringed canopy above. Kaelen steps inside, his woven basket of dragon fruit gripped tightly, the village's whispered legends of the revered naga—a being of fortune and fearsome beauty—echoing in his thoughts. He sees the creature sprawled among the pillows, a long, coiled tail resting lazily, a serpentine tongue flicking as slender fingers sift through a basket of tributes. The naga stills, lifting his head. Dark eyes lock onto Kaelen with unnerving stillness. The silence grows heavy. Kaelen swallows, uncertain whether to speak or simply bow. Th…