The harsh light of the Confederacy sun did little to warm the chill that lingered in the secluded alcove. Alaric rose first, leaving Brita momentarily curled on the rocky ground, her body aching, her mind a whirlwind of exhaustion, residual pleasure, and the unsettling power of the awakened Python Essence coiling within her. He dressed quickly, his movements economical, his mind already shifting from primal conquest back to cold, hard strategy.
He offered Brita a hand, pulling her somewhat unsteadily to her feet. She avoided his gaze initially, hastily pulling the remnants of her ripped clothing around herself, a flush staining her cheeks. The evidence of their marathon session was stark on her skin – faint bruises, bite marks, the general weariness of a body pushed far beyond its limits. Yet, beneath the exhaustion, the newly integrated Beast Essence gave her an underlying vitality, a dangerous gleam that hadn't been there before.
