A HEART ON A SLEEVE

The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the crackle of the fire and the occasional hiss from Vex. She was just beginning to adjust to the unsettling presence of her new assistant when, without warning, the air in the room seemed to ripple, as if reality itself had been disturbed.

A figure materialized from the shadows as though he had always been there, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal himself. He was tall, easily over six feet, with a broad, muscular build that exuded power and confidence. His skin was a deep bronze, sharply contrasting with his glowing red eyes—eyes that seemed to burn with an inner fire, drawing immediate attention. His jet-black hair fell in loose waves around his shoulders, and his features were sharp and angular as if chiseled from stone. He moved with a predatory grace, like a panther stalking its prey.

Userkaf didn't seem startled by the sudden appearance. "Nakht," Userkaf grumbled, "what brings you here?"

Nakht's lips curled into a grin, revealing a row of perfect white teeth that contrasted sharply with his dark complexion. "I couldn't help but notice the new addition to our realm," he responded casually, his voice smooth and rich with a hint of amusement. "From the moment she breached our world, I felt the disturbance. I was curious to see it for myself."

His gaze shifted to her, and she suddenly felt exposed under the intensity of his stare. He eyed her from head to toe, his grin widening as his eyes took in every detail. Something about how he looked at her made her heart race with fear and something else entirely.

"What is your name, love?" he cooed, his voice a velvety caress that sent a shiver down her spine.

"I-Irynefer," she mumbled, struggling to keep her composure. But her thoughts betrayed her, spiraling as she analyzed every inch of him. He was undeniably breathtakingly attractive. His commanding presence, combined with his otherworldly aura, made it hard to think clearly. And before she could stop herself, her mind wandered to less appropriate places, wondering just how imposing a man like him could be...

Nakht's grin turned into a full-blown smirk, and Irynefer saw a glint of amusement in his glowing eyes. "It's more than you can ever imagine, love," he said aloud, his tone teasing.

Her eyes widened in shock, and her face flushed with embarrassment. "Did I say that out loud?" she thought in a panic, horrified at the idea that Userkaf might have heard her less-than-innocent musings.

Nakht chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that only added to her mortification. "No, darling," he responded. "Everyone around here can hear your thoughts, depending on how open you are."

She cleared her throat awkwardly, her eyes flicking over to Userkaf. To her relief, he seemed unfazed, his expression as stoic as ever. But the thought that he might have heard her inappropriate thoughts made her want to crawl under a rock.

Nakht seemed to read her mind—again. "That one's too gentlemanly," he remarked, nodding toward Userkaf. "He blocks the thoughts of pretty much everyone. And besides," he continued, his tone taking on a suggestive edge, "I see you sizing me up. Want me to show you?"

Userkaf rolled his eyes but remained silent, allowing Nakht to continue his teasing. The red-eyed man stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made it impossible to look away. "I can make you feel good," he purred, his voice low and hypnotic.

Suddenly, her heart rate quickened, and her breathing became shallow as a wave of overwhelming desire crashed over her. It was as if Nakht's words had flipped a switch inside her, igniting a fire she couldn't control. Her thoughts became hazy, focused entirely on him and the promise of what he could do. Her body ached with need, and she found herself nodding slowly, lost in the sensation.

Nakht's eyes dilated, and she could feel his power washing over her, drawing her deeper into a trance. "Want me to relieve you?" he murmured, his voice like silk.

She could barely think or breathe, but she managed a nod, the only thought in her mind being his touch, his presence. But just as quickly as the desire had surged through her, it was gone. Nakht looked away, chuckling softly to himself as if amused by some private joke. "Newbies," he muttered, shaking his head.

The sudden absence of the overwhelming need left her in a daze, and she struggled to understand what had just happened.

Userkaf abruptly stood up, his expression unreadable as he turned to leave the room. But before he stepped out, he glanced back at her, his eyes softening slightly. "Do a better job of protecting your thoughts, mind, and heart here," he advised, his tone gentle but firm. "They'll take advantage of it all."

With that, he stormed off, leaving her alone with Nakht and the lingering embarrassment of her thoughts being laid bare.

Nakht watched Userkaf leave, his smirk fading into a thoughtful expression. Then, he turned back to her, his red eyes still glowing but now with a hint of something more serious. "I meant no harm," he said, his voice softening slightly. "But you need to learn to guard yourself, Irynefer. This realm is not kind to those who wear their hearts on their sleeves."

She nodded slowly, still trying to process everything that had just happened.