The Storm Begins

Arkanos sat at a long banquet table, fingers lightly drumming against the armrest of his chair. Illena sat beside him, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief as she observed the array of delicacies laid out before them.

She suddenly picked up a small piece of roasted meat, perfectly glazed with a rich, amber sheen, and skewered it with a silver fork.

"Open your mouth," she said playfully, leaning toward him with an expectant smile.

Arkanos arched an eyebrow. "You intend to feed me?"

Illena giggled softly. "Is the mighty Emperor of the Bloodbane Empire afraid of a little bite of food?" She leaned closer, the fork hovering inches from his lips.

"Or are you afraid you'll like it too much?"

He smiled softly.

He then tilted his head slightly, allowing her to place the bite into his mouth.

The moment the food touched his tongue, Arkanos's eyes widened slightly, a look of genuine surprise crossing his face.