Chương 21: Tattoo(s)

Selene and I returned to our room, both feeling the weight of the naming ceremony still lingering in the air. We decided to take a shower to wash away the remnants of the ritual and the day's events.

As I stepped into the bathroom and removed my shirt, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and froze. Two intricate tattoos adorned my arms and upper torso, one with a purple hue and the other a more daunting design. They looked so realistic, as if they were alive and pulsating with energy. I was speechless, my eyes wide with wonder and excitement.

Selene must have heard my gasp of surprise because she rushed into the bathroom, her eyes immediately drawn to the tattoos. She reached out a hand tentatively, tracing the intricate lines with her fingers.

"They feel so cool, it's like they're alive," Selene said in awe, her eyes wide with wonder.

In a trance-like state, I whispered the names of my serpents, "Tenebris, Raijin," and suddenly the tattoos began to move. It was as if the serpents were awakening from their slumber, their forms twisting and writhing across my skin.

Selene's eyes widened in amazement as she watched the tattoos come to life before her eyes. I could feel the energy coursing through my veins, a surge of power and connection to my beasts.

"This is insane!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. In response to my mood, the serpents in my arms began to wriggle and hiss excitedly, their presence tangible and real.

After my shower, I noticed Selene was pouting, her arms crossed tightly across her chest as she avoided making eye contact with me. Confusion swept over me as I tried to think back to what could have caused her to get mad.

"Nathaniel, why do you get the cool snake tattoos? And I get none?" Selene's voice was laced with annoyance as she finally spoke up, her frustration evident.

I was taken aback by her question. How was it my fault that I received the tattoos? I loved my serpents, but I also loved peace, so I nervously tried to defuse the situation.

"I... I don't know what to say. It's not like I asked for them," I stammered, feeling guilty even though I had no control over the tattoos.

Selene simply looked away, her expression unreadable as she headed to the bathroom to take her shower. I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt for inadvertently causing her distress.

As she emerged from the bathroom, still clearly upset, I mustered up the courage to apologize. "I don't know what I did, but forgive me," I started, hoping to make amends.

"Why do you get the cool snake tattoos? And I get none?" Selene asked angrily, her frustration evident.

Before I could respond, I noticed something peaking out from the lower back of her shirt. Her movements had caused the fabric to shift, revealing a glimpse of a tattoo.

"I... I think I see something," I said, pointing to her lower back.

Selene's eyes widened with surprise, and she sat up excitedly. Rushing to the bathroom mirror, she strained her neck trying to get a clear view of the tattoo.

"I still can't see it clearly!" Selene exclaimed in frustration, her voice echoing from the bathroom.

An idea sparked in my mind, and I quickly joined her in the bathroom. "Come on, I have an idea," I said, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the bathroom.

After our little discovery in the bathroom, I couldn't shake off the feeling of envy for Selene's stunning tattoo. I fetched a quilt and a piece of paper, determined to recreate the intricate design on her back.

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, I scrutinized every detail of her tattoo. Her back was adorned with a large snake, elegantly wrapped around a delicate branch, with three phases of the moon delicately woven into the design. It was mesmerizing to behold, and I was determined to capture its beauty on paper.

With a pencil in hand, I carefully sketched the outlines, trying my best to replicate what I saw. The tattoo seemed to have a life of its own, the lines shifting and glimmering in the soft light of our room. I was completely absorbed in my task, my focus unwavering as I worked diligently to recreate the intricate patterns.

After what felt like hours of intense concentration, I finally put down the pencil, satisfied with my work. The paper in front of me was filled with intricate lines and curves, a replica of Selene's stunning tattoo.

"Selene, I'm done," I called out, my voice filled with excitement and pride. She sat up from where she was lounging on the bed, wearing just her undergarments, and moved closer to inspect my drawing.

As she leaned over my shoulder to get a better look, her bare skin brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel the warmth of her body radiating against me, and it was intoxicating. Stupid teenage hormones.

"It's so beautiful," Selene murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. I felt a surge of happiness at her words, knowing that I had captured the essence of her tattoo on paper.

"Thank you," I said, my heart swelling with pride. Selene hugged me tightly, her arms wrapped around my neck as she pressed a kiss to my cheek. I could feel her soft breath against my skin, and I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

After a few moments, Selene pulled back and studied the drawing intently. She traced her fingers over the lines, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Wow, you really captured it," she said, her voice filled with awe. "It's like looking at my tattoo in a mirror."

I grinned at her words, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I'm glad you like it," I replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having replicated her tattoo so accurately.

Unfortunately, the late hour reminded us that we had class in the morning. I reluctantly interrupted Selene's inspection of the drawing and gently guided her towards the bed.

"Come on, let's get some sleep," I said, pulling back the covers and urging her to lie down. Selene complied, slipping under the covers and curling up beside me.

As we settled into bed, I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, Selene's soft breaths lulling me into a peaceful slumber.