death incarnate & night triumphant

The man didn't intend to scare the woman; he merely wanted to offer her that information she so asked for. Considering the content, it was a quick way to cool that fire that so burned in his blood when he was around Lani. And still, he can't help but allow that flicker of darkness that so crosses those hazel eyes, the way his back goes ramrod straight, or the way his voice takes in a sternness he had only ever once used with the woman before. It was sensitive information, something he didn't particularly like discussing. The horrors he had seen of the aftermath of those attempted transitions, only a handful of people he knew in his lifetime had ever completed that transition and even less lived normal lives. Many of the humans that had been turned to Fae couldn't accept what had been done to them, and in the end, the either took their own life or provoked someone else enough to do it for them. It was a tragic cycle; something he would never approve of nor would he allow within his realm. And it was those dark thoughts that so flickered through his mind prior to his explanation, Lani's scent subduing itself in the aftermath.

He can see the horror that so dances across Lani's features, something he preferred to never see. Rubbing at his chest again, his brows furrow for a moment as he chases those dark thoughts away. It was a struggle, but the moment she lifts herself out of the water a touch more, her collar bone exposed to the cold air, that predatory gaze snaps to her shoulders. Hazel eyes narrow dangerously as that wry grin finally settles across his lips, memories and nightmares chased away for the time being. Before she can say anything, Andras mentions he'd rather talk about much more pleasant things. Especially since Lani was much more pleasant. Shifting closer to her, he can hear the hammering of her heart increase tenfold, and he's rather certain that beating organ is going to explode from her chest when he reaches a hand up to brush those beautiful blonde locks from her face. How he loved the touch of her skin against his fingers, such softness. The faerie man couldn't help but touch her, it was as if his already short leash shrunk each time he was in her presence.

And even that warning in the back of his mind, telling him she was human and far too breakable, couldn't keep him away. He had now brought a non-member of his court, not once but twice, into his home without her swearing an oath or fealty to him. Andras merely wanted to damn the consequences, he didn't particularly care at this point what happened. His caution had been thrown to the wind the moment he met this fragile human girl in that park all those weeks ago. And as that curiosity of Lani bloomed into something entirely different, he still forced those feelings down. Yet, he couldn't stop himself as he gently cupped her cheek, her heartbeat beating wildly in her ears, her stuttering words only manage to broaden that devilish grin he seemed to always wear in her presence. Until her gaze lost focus, Andras's brows drawing inward in concern, "Lani?" He questions, concern coating his lyrics. There is no response and he can see her gaze flicker, her eyes practically roll as she faints. Quickly moving, he wraps a strong arm around her shoulder, pulling her close so she wouldn't drown herself.

The monarch is careful to keep her body beneath the lapping of the water, but he does pull her close, allowing her head to lean on his chest, looking down at her in astonishment. If he was correct, he had been the one to cause the woman to lose consciousness, he wasn't sure if he needed to be worried or immensely pleased. The man had never been in a situation quite like this and he can't help but release a small chuckle, as he adjusts his arm around her shoulders, entirely aware how very close they were now. Her warm body pressed up against his side; though, he forces himself to not let his gaze peer beneath the water, rather thankful for the darkness cast across them. As he feels her stirring against him, he doesn't release her, if anything he holds her tighter, lest she panic and cause mayhem in the pool. The last thing he needed was her confusion to launch herself into a standing position and reveal her womanly body to him. His control was rapidly slipping away from him and this time he allows it; what was the harm? Andras was far too tired to fight these feelings for the woman.

As she stirs against him again, he watches Lani open her eyes, those brilliant blues focusing once more to the world around them. He's entirely aware of the moment she realizes she's pressed to his side, her head planted on his chest. As she continues to gather her thoughts, Andras allows her several moments before he reaches up a wet hand, gently placing it on his chin and tilting her head back meet his gaze, there's a touch of concern there, though it's practically pushed out by the infinite amusement so dancing in those hazel eyes. Raising his brows at her, he offers a wicked grin, "Lani darling, are you alright? I didn't realize that being around me would cause you to faint, if I had known I would have stayed on the other side of the pool," he chuckles darkly at her. Oh, he would find quite the enjoyment in never allowing Lani to live this one down. And though he had mentioned he would stay on the other side of the pool, he doesn't make an effort to move, instead, he allows his thumb to stroke her jawline absentmindedly for a moment before his gaze snaps to those lips of hers, eyes darkening in that predatory way they always seemed to do in her presence.

How very close they were, and this time no one was around. He feels that leash of his fraying more quickly this time, but he holds himself together, he could hold on, for at least a little longer. He held Lani in such a way that if she were to pull away from him, he would let her go and he would cool that boiling desire in his gut. Never would he push her, never on this, yet, he still remains there, eyes watching her hungrily, his hand holding her chin.

Andras Steinhello darling