tithe

ARDUINNA

He cannot see her smile with his gaze directed on the ground as it is, and perhaps that is for the best. For hers is the sharp-toothed smile of a predator, of one who holds every card in the game, one who is assured of victory. It is not a pleasant smile. And yet he speaks with gratitude and subservience, and that in itself is a thrill.

"Good," she says, and the warmth in her voice evaporates to arctic temperatures. "Do not disappoint me again."

Without any further conversation, she is gone. Petals flutter in her wake, alongside white and downy feathers. Like that of an angel.

{END}

Nature, nurture heaven and home
Sum of all, and by them, driven
To conquer every mountain shown

Table by Sky!