Approaching full moon

Callisto is sitting at the table, watching quietly as Rhea delicately cuts a piece of meat and brings it to her mouth. He takes a moment to appreciate how her lips open and move, and how she sometimes licks them in subtle ways. Even though they're considerably apart, each at one end of the table, he's able to smell the soft scent of jasmine that makes his chest warm.

Rhea notices and raises her eyes, staring directly into Callisto's, and they keep up eye contact for a few moments. The silence is already starting to become uncomfortable. Since Callisto ran away last night, after the Bonding Ceremony, they have not exchanged a single word. Still, occasionally, their eyes meet — only to him look away the next instant.

She puts down the silverware gently, without breaking eye contact. She brings the wine-filled glass to her lips, keeping her blue eyes locked on his. As she knows, he's watching the way her throat moves, swallowing the reddish liquid that, even without touching his lips,