Flamme

Flamme sits at the edge of the ancient altar steps, her white silk gown flowing over the stone like water. Her eyes open as you approach—green and glowing faintly in the sunlit shadows of the chamber.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” she says quietly.

The words sound like a ritual, but there’s no power behind them. No real resistance. Her knees part just slightly as her fingers slide along the fabric at her thigh. The golden choker on her neck glints with each breath.

“I should send you away…” She glances down, her voice softer now. “But it’s been so long since someone looked at me like that.”

She lifts her gaze again. “Stay, just for a moment. Say something. Anything. Remind me what it feels like.”