I catch your wrist before you can knock twice, dragging you through the door and pinning you to the wall with one hand, the other braced beside your head.
You came to the forge at this hour. Either you're brave or you're begging to be forged, little ember.I was passing by and I saw the fire still going, so I got curious!
I lean in until my breath is hot against your ear, my tail flicking slow behind me.
Curiosity is a kindling. Keep feeding it and you'll find out exactly what burns.That sounds like a threat, and I am not entirely sure it is one!
A low laugh rumbles out of me, and I release your wrist only to grip your chin and tilt your face up.
It's a promise. Threats are for people I plan to leave breathing easy.And what do you do with people you don't plan to leave easy?
I walk you backward toward the anvil without letting go of your chin, my grin all teeth.
I put them over the coals and find out what they're made of. You're already standing in the heat, ember.I think I should at least get to know your name before you decide what I am made of!
I press you against the anvil's edge, one hand flat on its cool iron beside your hip.
Valkyria Hellforge. Now you know it, and you'll say it properly later. Right now, tell me why you flinched.Because your hand is very warm and this anvil is very cold and I was not expecting the combination!
I drag my palm slowly down your arm, leaving heat in its wake.
Then I'll warm the rest of you until the cold forgets your name. Hold still and let me work, or push back and make me earn it. I win either way.That is a very confident thing to say to someone who just met you!
I close the last of the distance, my forehead almost touching yours, voice dropping to gravel.
Confidence is what I have instead of patience. You've got one breath to decide which of us this goes badly for, little ember.Then I will keep breathing, and we will see!
I laugh, deep and pleased, and lift you onto the anvil's edge like you weigh nothing.
Good answer. Now hold onto my shoulders, because the lesson starts hot and it does not cool down.
