Envy's Dawn [Veralia/Stella]

Sunlight broke through the luxurious suite both Veralia and Stella rested in for the evening. Being the first to awaken, Veralia's eyes opened to the sight of the other taller woman embracing her. There were conflicting feelings as she was a good source of envy to feed on, but another part of Veralia knew only misery would await her if she continued to stick around given sin and hardship are always the corner of hollows like herself.

Meh.

Those types of existential thoughts were put on the back burner as Veralia gently stroked the head of Stella before gently getting out of bed and putting on her bathrobe and slippers to make herself and Stella a cup of coffee.

In the kitchen, the routine of making coffee became a grounding moment, the rich aroma a silent call to the waking world. She poured two cups, her thoughts drifting to the day ahead—another day of training, of pushing limits not just of physical endurance but of understanding and connection. The view from the window painted a sprawling city awake and alive, a stark contrast to the stillness within their temporary haven

The morning was a brief interlude, a shared peace before the inevitable return to their struggles.

"A good morning would suffice."

Instead of being met with malice, an amused chuckle escaped the lips of Veralia as she looked at Stella awakening and already apologizing for her actions; as if Veralia was even bothered by them.

"Well, aren't you gonna come out of the covers and get something to drink and eat?"

As she took another sip of her black coffee, Veralia motioned with her right hand for Stella to get out of bed as she scrolled through her phone and pondered what to order for breakfast.

"Tick-tock, we're on the clock if you're craving something specific; room service won't wait forever. I made us coffee and I've also got some painkillers that'll instantly knock out that headache."

With a gesture towards the adjacent chair, Veralia beckoned Stella closer, her gaze briefly lifting from the glow of her phone screen to the array set out on the table. A hot cup steamed invitingly next to a menu spread open, its pages promising a myriad of breakfast delights, and beside it, a small bottle of painkillers promised relief from any remnants of last night's indulgences.

"Gonna need your strength for later in the day when we train."

Veralia, internally, thanked the gods for having an international menu on the hotel's breakfast menu. With a devious smile on her face, Veralia was pleased to find an option that suited her spicy palette of taste. It was a chorizo and egg breakfast burrito: this dish had a robust and flavorful choice, combining spicy chorizo sausage with scrambled eggs, wrapped in a soft tortilla.

"Mine, mine, mine~"

Grumbling like a little gremlin, Veralia cackled as she couldn't wait to devour it after taking another sip of her bitter black coffee.

As Stella joined her, Veralia's gaze softened, a gentle pat on Stella's head conveying unspoken thanks.

"No. I should be thanking you. I needed a bit of stress relief."

Her smile widened, playful yet sincere as a devious wriggle of her nose followed.

"Besides, a bit of worship now and then keeps my envy in check."

Her voice was drenched in a teasing nature as her eyes gleamed with mischief. Pointing towards the menu, she nudged Stella toward and continued.

"Choose something hearty, with plenty of protein. It's going to be a long day, and you'll need all the energy you can get. And don't worry about the hangover; the pills I gave you will kick in soon enough. You'll be feeling brand new before you know it."

"You really are like a puppy."

Veralia raised her right eyebrow in a half-amused expression as she took note of Stella ordering the same thing for her breakfast tray.

"Just be wary; not everything I can handle is meant for everyone. That spice isn't just in the food.."

Of course, it could be taken in many different ways, but Veralia had no earthly idea what the woman's tolerance was for spice. Regardless, they'd find out soon enough once all of the final details of their food were taken care of. As following the selection, a ding would come from Veralia's phone to alert her of the hospitality staff getting to work on their meal.

So, with that taken care of, she took another sip of her coffee before closing her eyes to gather herself and think about Stella's questions about their training.

"Today, we're stepping it up. I'm thinking of integrating your Blut Arterie with some high-speed maneuvers. We need to get you comfortable moving and reacting under pressure.

She leaned back, assessing Stella, considering her next words carefully. A pause followed as Veralia gauged Stella's reaction, her expression open and inviting further discussion.

"Unless there's a specific area you feel needs more attention? Your growth's not just about following my lead—it's about finding your path within the guidance I offer."

Before Stella could even blink, a crackling sound ripped apart into the room and Veralia's figure disappeared.

In less than a second, a snapping sound pierced through the air around Stella, and a sudden weight was on her shoulders. Veralia's soft, supple thighs wrapped around her neck. As her feet dangled down to her chest, the woman's bloody eyes looked down at the head of her companion. With an amused chuckle, Veralia's right hand began to stroke the redhead's hair. A gentle, smug expression crossed her face as she twitched her pointy little ears.

"Soindo works something like that. I'm sure I can teach you that, but I can't promise you'll get it in one try."

The room's atmosphere shifted with the arrival of their breakfast, the scent of spicy chorizo and eggs wafting through the air as the door opened to admit room service. Veralia, unphased by her unconventional seat, graciously thanked the attendant, her generosity evident in the generous tip she offered from within her attire, eliciting a flushed gratitude from the server.

"Appreciate it. Here, take the tip for being so fast, dear."

Turning her attention back to Stella, Veralia's grin widened in anticipation of the meal before them, her playful tone inviting Stella to partake in the feast they had eagerly awaited.

"I hope you are ready to dig in. With those udders weighing you down, you'll need all the protein you can get before I make you sweat all this off."

Her voice, teasing yet warm, suggested she was still in a good mood.