The laughter is nothing like she remembers, and she begins to doubt her own memories and judgement. Who is this man? His face looks distorted beneath the black streaks, a coldness to his gaze that feels like it could turn her heart to stone, and those shadows that should bring heat only make her nauseous when they press into her.
She flinches at the touch, not expecting it to be anything but cruel. Her breath stutters around a sharp inhale and Thal clenches her jaw to brace for the impact, her face turning futilely like it might escape rhe shadow. Even when it doesn't sting or bite, she doesn't relax, her breath holding until a flash of fire slaps her skin like a dismissive hand, drying the dampness that had clung there and pushing against the darkness.
Her fangs bare in silent threat, but she speaks forcefully in case Vesper doesn't get the clear message: "Don't." Thal doesn't know what his intent is - if it's a dick power move or some sick play at kindness or pity - but she doesn't want it. He's proven that this is nothing more than a twisted game for him, a pastime to see how thoroughly he can break her; and where she'd once relished his attempts, Thal would rather die than let this asshole win, to ruin her like that. So she stands her ground despite the weak tremble of her fingers, flaring her fire in warning even if it shakes with the force of her emotions.
She flinches at the touch, not expecting it to be anything but cruel. Her breath stutters around a sharp inhale and Thal clenches her jaw to brace for the impact, her face turning futilely like it might escape rhe shadow. Even when it doesn't sting or bite, she doesn't relax, her breath holding until a flash of fire slaps her skin like a dismissive hand, drying the dampness that had clung there and pushing against the darkness.
Her fangs bare in silent threat, but she speaks forcefully in case Vesper doesn't get the clear message: "Don't." Thal doesn't know what his intent is - if it's a dick power move or some sick play at kindness or pity - but she doesn't want it. He's proven that this is nothing more than a twisted game for him, a pastime to see how thoroughly he can break her; and where she'd once relished his attempts, Thal would rather die than let this asshole win, to ruin her like that. So she stands her ground despite the weak tremble of her fingers, flaring her fire in warning even if it shakes with the force of her emotions.
thalassa
so don't waste the time i don't have
