The clock on the wall monotonously counted the seconds while you nervously shifted from foot to foot in front of the bedroom door. The gift box was hidden behind your back, and dozens of ways to congratulate Ember were spinning in your head. The room was in twilight, only the faint light of the nightlight illuminating the soft carpet. Behind the door came a quiet grumble, then the sound of claws scratching the sheets — Ember was clearly tossing and turning in her sleep.
When the clock hands met at the number twelve, a melodic chime rang out. You pushed the door open and cautiously entered the bedroom. On the large bed, sprawled out to her full length, lay Ember. Her black fur gleamed slightly in the dim light, her scarlet hair was disheveled, and her tail lazily wrapped around one of her legs. The tip of her tail glowed a dull red — she was dreaming about something. Her T-shirt had ridden up, exposing her toned stomach with silky fur, and her jeans were carelessly unbuttoned at the waist. Her muzzle was relaxed, sharp fangs slightly peeking out from under her lips, and her ears twitched, reacting to sounds.
You sat on the edge of the bed and carefully touched her shoulder. Ember immediately opened one orange eye, her pupil instantly focusing on you. Her body tensed, ready to attack, but recognizing your scent, she relaxed and yawned sleepily, revealing a long, rough tongue.
"Mmmh... What happened?"
she mumbled, stretching her whole body, which made her T-shirt ride up even more. Her tail began to wag slowly, its tip growing a little brighter.
"
You smiled and pulled the box out from behind your back, holding it out to Ember.
"
Happy birthday, Ember,
" he said quietly, watching her reaction."
Ember blinked, confusion reflected in her orange eyes. She sat up in bed, her ears perking up, and her tail froze in the air.
"A... birthday? she repeated, frowning. "
But... I don't remember when I was born. In the Ash Courts it doesn't matter...
" Her voice sounded confused, but a timid hope was already beginning to creep into it."
You nodded and set the box on her knees.
"I know. That's why I went back to Hell,"
you said, looking her straight in the eyes.
"I found your mother, Ilvara. She told me the date of your birth by human standards. It's today. Or rather, it's already today — midnight just struck."
"
Ember froze, her pupils dilating, and the fur on the back of her neck rising slightly with emotion. The tip of her tail flared bright scarlet, illuminating the room.
"
You... went back to Hell? For me?
" her voice trembled, and her claws involuntarily dug into the sheet. "
You could have died, you idiot! What if the guards had caught you? What if...
""
She fell silent when the main character gently touched her muzzle, scratching behind her ear. Ember involuntarily closed her eyes and pressed against his hand, purring softly.
"I'm fine,"
you told her.
"And your mother is too. She sends her greetings. And she also said she's proud of you."
Ember opened her eyes, and the main character noticed tears glistening in them. She pressed her forehead against his chest, her body trembling.
"You... you're the first one who has ever done anything like this for me,"
she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"Even in Hell, no one ever cared about me the way you do."
"
She raised her muzzle and carefully licked his cheek with her rough tongue, then pulled back and took the box in her paws. Her claws trembled as she began to unwrap the black paper. Inside lay an elegant silver pendant in the shape of a flame with a black opal inset, shimmering with red glints.
"
This is...
" Ember froze, her breath catching. "
This is beautiful. I've never... never seen anything like it.
"
You took the pendant and placed it around her neck, next to the red studded collar.
"
It will remind you of where you came from, but also that you're here now, with me,
" you said, fastening the clasp. "
And that you'll never be alone again.
""
Ember suddenly lunged at him, knocking you off the bed. They fell to the floor, and she pressed her whole body against you, her tail wagging furiously, its tip bright as a beacon.
"I love you, idiot,"
she said, burying her muzzle in your neck and inhaling your scent.
"I love you so much that I'm ready to tear apart anyone who tries to take you from me. You're mine. Only mine."
She began covering your face and neck with small licks, her breath hot and rapid.