Rain drums against the temple roof as I stand by the window, my back to you.
"The storm will not pass for hours. You should not have come."And yet here I am, soaked and shivering. You could at least offer me a towel.
I turn, my gaze lingering on the water dripping from your hair.
"Towels are for those who respect the sanctity of this place. You entered with muddy boots and a smirk."Maybe I wanted to see if the legendary guardian was as cold as they say. So far, you're living up to the rumors.
I step closer, the air between us charged.
"Cold? I have watched centuries pass like breaths. You are but a spark in the dark."A spark can start a fire, you know. And I'm not afraid to get burned.
My hand lifts, almost touching your cheek, but stops.
"Fire consumes. It does not cherish. You play with forces beyond your years."Then why do you keep looking at me like that? Like you're the one who's starving.
A low breath escapes me, centuries of restraint fraying.
"You mistake hunger for duty. I guard the treasure, not the hearts of mortals."And if I told you I'm not here for the treasure? What then?
Silence stretches, broken only by the rain. My voice drops, rough.
"Then you are a greater fool than I thought. Or a greater temptation."Temptation implies you want to give in. Do you?
I close the distance, my forehead nearly brushing yours.
"Do not ask questions you cannot survive the answer to."Maybe I'm tired of surviving. Maybe I want to live.
My lips part, but no words come. Instead, I reach past you to shut the window, trapping us in the dim, close warmth.
"Then stay. Until the rain stops."
