[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/0CZnHYX/Orion-removebg-preview.webp[/img][/center][sub]Interactions/Mentions:[@The Muse] Kira, [@PrinceAlexus] Sya [/sub][hr]
[indent][color=#ffffff]Orion’s crimson eyes remained on Sya as her emotions rippled outward, as visible as the glittering moonlight on her scales. Intrigue warmed his chest, mingling with a trace of admiration for her openness—a trait he couldn’t quite decide if he envied or found unnerving. Every word from her was unapologetic, carrying a kind of unguarded truth he seldom encountered. The way her emotions played across her face and even her body was almost mesmerizing because of it. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]When Sya turned her attention to Kira and enveloped her in a sudden embrace, Orion’s focus shifted. Kira’s body stiffened visibly, her awkwardness palpable in the way her arms hovered, unsure, in the damp air. The lamia’s boldness contrasted sharply with Kira’s discomfort, and yet, there was something oddly poignant about the moment—a connection trying to form, even if one-half of it resisted. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]Then came his turn. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]Her approach was swift, her tail carving through the water with a grace that belied its size and strength. Orion’s instincts stirred as her serpentine form closed the distance, his body tensing for a fraction of a second before he stilled, holding his ground. The embrace that followed was surprisingly tender, firm yet careful, the water warming his clothed torso where it soaked through. Her playful squeeze at his chest drew an arched brow and the faintest flicker of a smirk.[/color]

[color=#0054a6]“Quality steak, huh?”[/color][color=#ffffff] he remarked, his tone dry but not unkind. [/color][color=#0054a6]“I’ll admit, that’s a first. Not exactly the title I’d expect to earn.” [/color][color=#ffffff]Then again, with all the apparent whisperings about him….[/color]

[color=#ffffff]Orion’s gaze shifted toward Kira as Sya moved away, the redhead rising from her spot, her aura of confidence now obscured by something almost protective. Whereas she typically radiated a boldly unshakeable presence, a tension had wrapped itself around her, causing her to avoid meeting anyone's eyes. Her usual fire felt dimmed, the spark replaced by an air of wariness that painted her features with a shadow of doubt.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]Her departure was sudden, almost abrupt, yet she executed it with her trademark confidence. As she turned and walked away, Orion’s crimson eyes tracked her retreating figure, entranced. The steam from the water clung to her skin in an intoxicating way, caressing her form like an intimate lover which held his gaze captive, binding him in a moment that felt simultaneously electric and forbidden. Just as he felt his resolve waver—tempted to follow —his mind flared with practical caution. The weight of propriety settled on his shoulders, urging him to look away. But even as he turned his head, the imprint of her presence lingered in his mind.[/color]

[i][color=#0054a6]She’s not used to this, [/color][/i][color=#ffffff]Orion thought to himself, contemplative as his gaze drifted to Sya. [/color][i][color=#0054a6]Not used to people being so... open.[/color][/i]

[color=#0054a6]“The apparent night…it makes me forget myself sometimes,”[/color][color=#ffffff] he finally said. [/color][color=#0054a6]“I should probably check in with the prince soon. The storm’s passed, but it’s been some time.”[/color][color=#ffffff]  He paused, his gaze lingering on Sya’s reclining form, her tail flicking lazily through the water. [/color][color=#0054a6]“Are you planning to stick around, or does the Eye require its keeper back soon?”[/color][/indent]