A note of amusement sparked across her facial features at Ren’s jest—clearly showing she was not only open to the playfulness, but that there might be more than one might first assume. Her eyes sparkled impishly, and the fullness of their earthy color became even more apparent. Still, she shifted and spoke, finding that her mind was running quicker than her humor at the moment, her thoughts touching on the idea of leaving. In some sense, she wished she could go back in time already. It was all much more simple before tonight—before this fate that had been put into play for her—where vampires were evil and that was that. But she already knew it was too late to turn back the clock, and another part of her begged her never to do so, if it were ever possible.

As always, her attention snapped to Ren the moment she felt and sensed movement—especially as the vampire got closer. Lyselle’s lips parted lightly as she froze in place. It wasn’t fear that glued her to the seat, but something more divine and sweet, causing her eyes to widen slightly—flashes of daydreams, of romance, of finding peace, all flickering through her mind. Then she heard it: she was not a prisoner, she was free to leave, and she would not be pursued. No matter that Lyselle had already known this somehow—hearing it aloud still brought a sense of comfort and safety. Ren was probably well aware of that, perhaps even counting on it.

In the moment after, as she tried to find words, the vampire’s touch awoke another storm of silence, one that nearly drew all her breath away. Lyselle could do nothing but gawk at her bonded companion. The circling of Ren’s thumb was like the winds of a hurricane, the energy of their shared fate brimming like the shining sun itself, and the huntress could do nothing but let it happen—wanted nothing more than to let it happen.

[color=#9BA7C3][b]“I—…”[/b][/color]

She tried to speak, only to feel her throat tighten, her nerves flaring with lightning at feelings she had only ever imagined. It was one thing to fantasize about moments like this—it was another to sit face-to-face with their reality.

She was silent for a good while, her eyes drinking in everything about Ren—notably with her so close. Those beautifully mismatched eyes, porcelain skin, matching raven hair, plump lips, alluring curves… gods, the amount of men or women Ren must’ve been able to seduce was probably staggering, with how stunning the vampire was, Lyselle thought. The huntress didn’t even know what she would do with herself if Ren got any closer; the only sure thing she knew was that her face felt extremely hot right now, and she had no doubt her cheeks were fully flushed. To top it all off, she was being asked to stay—not for study or instruction or duty, but because Ren wanted her company. That very notion sent a shiver down her spine, and she looked away purely out of embarrassment.

[color=#9BA7C3][b]“I d-didn’t plan on leaving.”[/b][/color] Lyselle finally squeaked out, making sure Ren knew she didn’t plan on pulling away. That circling digit on her palm was causing so much chaos—but the warm, heart-stirring kind.

[color=#9BA7C3][b]“... S-sorry… for making you w-worry… I was only… thinking… processing… everything… but I’m… not going anywhere. H-how could I? E-even as nervous as I am about this… being so new and foreign… I c-can’t walk away any more than you can… Miss Ren…”[/b][/color]