Teasing her cousin

Orimus continued, his voice growing firmer. "I'm not like that dimwit who used to run around you like a dog. Don't mistake me for someone who'll fall for your games."

Elara's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile, the kind that sent a shiver down the spines of those who underestimated her. She stepped closer to Orimus, closing the distance between them until her intoxicating scent of jasmine and something darker, more elusive, enveloped him.

She tilted her head slightly, her golden hair cascading over her shoulder, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and menace.

"Oh, poor little cousin," she purred, her voice dripping with mock pity. "Do you really think I don't know what you're thinking? Or what you want?"

Her slender fingers brushed against his cheek in a gesture that was both tender and taunting.