The fiery expanse of Ignatius's domain was disrupted by an unexpected visitor. A swirl of shimmering wind carried the Goddess of Elegance, Selene, into the heart of the molten terrain. Her entrance was dramatic, her flowing silver robes contrasting starkly with the infernal backdrop. She radiated grace and confidence, her aquamarine eyes sparkling as she approached Ignatius.
"Well, well," Selene purred, her voice like honey, "it's been far too long, Ignatius. Your domain is as breathtaking as ever."
Ignatius, who had been adjusting a fissure in the lava flow, straightened at her approach. His expression, however, remained cold. "Selene, what brings you here?"
"Oh, do I need a reason to visit an old friend?" she replied, her tone coy as she drew closer.
Sara, who had been perched on a nearby ledge, paused mid-task. She narrowed her eyes at the newcomer, her chest tightening with an unfamiliar emotion. Jealousy, unbidden and unwelcome, bubbled up within her as she watched Selene reach out to touch Ignatius's arm.
"You've been working so hard," Selene continued, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Surely you could use a moment to relax. Perhaps we could spend some time together, away from all this… fire and brimstone."
Ignatius stepped back, his amber eyes blazing with irritation. "I'm fine, Selene. And I'm quite busy, as you can see."
Selene pouted, clearly unaccustomed to being dismissed. "Oh, Ignatius, don't be so cold. I've missed our conversations."
From her vantage point, Sara felt a surge of anger. Conversations? What conversations? She jumped down from the ledge, landing with a firm stomp. "Ignatius isn't available for… casual visits," she said, crossing her arms. "Maybe you should try somewhere else."
Selene turned, her delicate features twisting into a polite smile. "Ah, the Chief God," she said, her tone laced with condescension. "How charming to see you here. I wasn't aware you were so… involved in Ignatius's affairs."
Sara's jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. "More involved than you, clearly."
Ignatius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Selene, if you're here for anything other than to distract me, say it now. Otherwise, leave."
Selene feigned hurt, placing a hand on her chest. "Distract you? Ignatius, I came here out of genuine concern for you."
"Concern noted. You can leave now," Ignatius said, his tone firm.
Selene huffed, clearly annoyed. "Fine. But don't forget, Ignatius, there are those who appreciate you more than you realize." She shot Sara a pointed look before disappearing in a swirl of silver light.
The silence that followed was tense. Sara avoided Ignatius's gaze, her earlier jealousy now tinged with embarrassment.
"You didn't have to do that," Ignatius said, his voice gentler now.
"She was annoying," Sara muttered, kicking at a pebble.
Ignatius chuckled softly, a rare sound that made Sara's heart skip. "She was. But I appreciate you standing up for me."
Sara looked up, her cheeks flushed. "Someone has to."
Ignatius smiled, his gaze lingering on her longer than usual. "Thank you, Sara."
And with that, the tension between them shifted, their connection growing stronger despite the interference of others.