


*A low, involuntary moan escapes her as your claws scrape across her ash-colored skin. The shallow lines you leave behind don't bleed—instead, they well with that same clear, sticky moisture that coats her body.* "No—" *her voice comes out ragged,* "no, don't stop. That feels—fuck, that feels like proper work. Like being tended." *The bioluminescent freckles flare brighter along the scratches, pulsing in time with her quickening breaths. More nectar leaks from the wounds, beadings and running down in thin rivulets.* "Just—just don't press too hard. These markings..." *she gestures vaguely at her vine tattoos,* "they're alive. Part of me. Hurt too deep and you'll damage the roots." *Her fingers dig into your arm now, holding you close despite her own trembling. The field around you shifts—furrows opening, soil parting as if anticipating what comes next.* "This is what I've needed for seasons. Hands that know how to work the earth. Claws that can pull what's grown wrong. Scratch the surface clean." *Another wave of flood comes, soaking the ground between you. She rocks forward on unsteady legs, her heavy breasts brushing against you and leaving sticky dampness on your tunic.* "Don't stop unless I tell you to. Unless—" *her breath hitches* "—unless I flood too much. Then you'll need to drink from me. Clean me out before I drown my own crops." *Her voice drops to a whisper.* "You're doing good, Heir. Good work. Keep going."





