mpkarina

[mpkarina]

Karina's heart skipped a beat as Hyunseok approached her, his smile strained but polite. Despite the passage of time, the sight of him still stirred a flurry of emotions within her—nostalgia, longing, and perhaps a hint of resentment.

Suppressing the tumultuous storm of feelings raging inside her, Karina accepted his hand with a graceful nod, her own smile remaining composed but distant. The touch of his hand against hers sent a shiver down her spine, a reminder of the intimacy they once shared.

"Thank you for understanding," Karina replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil churning within her. "I'm sure my grandfather will appreciate your sentiments."

As their eyes met, Karina couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the distance that now lay between them. She had once thought they would conquer the world together, but fate had other plans.

"It's been quite some time since we last saw each other," she remarked, her tone carefully neutral. "I hope life has treated you well in the interim."

Internally, Karina cursed herself for the coldness of her words. She had rehearsed this meeting in her mind countless times, but now that it was happening, she found herself at a loss for words. How could she convey the depth of her emotions without revealing too much? How could she maintain her composure in the presence of the man who had broken her heart?

For now, all she could do was maintain her façade of indifference and wait for the meeting to unfold. She also wondered if Koshei knew exactly what he was doing when he made her take this meeting. Perhaps he was not as forgiving as she thought?

As Hyunseok and his secretary finalized their conversation, the air in the upscale Seoul restaurant seemed to subtly shift. A new presence made itself known, commanding attention without effort. Karina, prodigy of Koschei, entered the private room with an aura of confidence and poise.

Draped in an elegant ensemble that exuded sophistication, Karina offered a polite nod to Hyunseok and his secretary before taking her seat. Her sharp gaze, the color of steel, assessed the room with a calculating intensity before settling on Hyunseok. Deep down however, Karina was a bundle of nerves. This is the first time her grandfather had let her meet one of his potential business partners. All the way to Seoul no less. She had an entourage, but for this meeting, she preferred to gather her courage on her own.

Her clothes were chosen precisely for that reason. And for the first time since in a long time, Karina had abandoned the spectacles and wore contacts, enough for her eyes, almost reptilian in their color shine through.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Cho," Karina greeted in a voice as smooth as silk, her Russian accent lending an exotic allure to her words. Thankfully the accent helped hide her actual nerves. "My grandfather apologizes he could not be here today, at his age, the doctor recommends he stay in Moscow. I am surprised your own father suggested Seoul, but I can understand the appeal." The smile was polite almost discerning.

[mpkarina]

As Lio's groan broke the silence, Karina felt a pang of relief wash over her. She had been holding her breath, waiting for any sign of his recovery, and now that he was stirring, she allowed herself to relax just a fraction.

Slowly, Karina shifted back into her human form, her muscles protesting the transformation as she settled beside Lio. She felt his arm wrap around her waist, a gesture that filled her with a sense of warmth and reassurance.

But as she met his tired gaze, Karina couldn't help but notice the confusion flickering in his eyes. She knew she owed him an explanation, but the words caught in her throat, tangled in the web of uncertainty and fear that still lingered within her.

Eirwen's hurried intervention broke the tension, as she rushed to cover Karina's nakedness with a flurry of clothing pieces. She tried not to smirk, amused by her friend's scandalized voice. Karina wasn't at all embarrassed by her nakedness. The feel of his warm body beneath her was both relief and pleasure, even as she cursed her mind for immediately jumping to admiring his muscles after he nearly died.

Languidly, both due to the strain of her muscles and to reassure Eirwen that she wasn't bothered by showing skin, Karina straightened. Rising from laying atop Lio, she gave him a secret look, as if words were not enough. And for a moment a flush coated her cheeks at their positions now.

"Funny that I didn't think I'd end up naked with you tonight, lyubmiya." Her smile was sly as she stretched, pushing her long blonde locks away from her skin. Playfulness put aside for a bit, her eyes raked down his chest, a brief frown appearing at his wound.

"We need to go to the hospital," She dismounted from him, putting on her clothes as she met Eirwen's eyes. "I apologize for having to call you here, Eirwen. I am grateful, beyond even." Her eyes were sincere.

venoms

[mpkarina]

Karina's lips quirked into a wry smile at Eirwen's playful banter, a rare moment of levity amidst the weight of their conversation. She took another sip of her coffee, savoring the warmth that coursed through her veins.

"Ah, yes, the bill," she replied with a hint of amusement, her gaze meeting Eirwen's with a mixture of gratitude and understanding. "I'll make sure to send that over promptly."

As Eirwen delved into the details of the incident with Lio, Karina's expression grew somber, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on her shoulders. She listened intently as Eirwen explained the nature of the attack and her role in saving Lio's life, a sense of awe mingling with her gratitude.

"I see," Karina murmured, her mind racing as she processed the information. The realization that Lio's life had hung in the balance, saved only by Eirwen's quick thinking and her own unique abilities, filled her with a sense of humility.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation. "I... I didn't realize the severity of the situation until now. And to think, it was your quick actions that saved him."

Karina's gaze softened as she met Eirwen's kind smile, a warmth blooming in her chest at the reminder of the bond they shared. "Revenge..." She mused thoughtfully, as if her thoughts were somewhere else entirely.

"I never thought I would reach the point that it would exhaust me." She shook her head. "Not for the prize that I had to pay." Her eyes drifted close. "Almost had to pay. If you weren't there..." She shook her head as if dispelling the thought.

"As for Lio...well, I am avoiding him." She shrugged almost sheepish if she weren't Karina.

❛ ah, so you're not heartless after all. ❜

"And please do not let anybody know," Karina scoffed, rolling her eyes as she took a sip of her coffee. She had finally managed to track down Eirwen after that incident off-island, and even Karina in her usual heartless situation, knew she owed quite a lot to her friend.

"I am thankful you managed to get there in time." Her expression was now serious, the glint of her eyes flashing into that reptilian gaze from her lineage. She hadn't spoken to Lio after they had returned to the island, telling him to recover quickly. She was still a bundle of stress that couldn't be shown to anybody. At least until she managed to ravel herself back together.

"Your skills are amazing, I apologize if I did not show my thanks at that time. And my own powers..." She trailed off, before sighing and taking another sip of coffee. "How do you even know to reverse such things? I had not been exposed to those kind of bullets, even in Koschei's arsenal."

[mpkarina]

❛ ah, so you're not heartless after all. ❜

"And please do not let anybody know," Karina scoffed, rolling her eyes as she took a sip of her coffee. She had finally managed to track down Eirwen after that incident off-island, and even Karina in her usual heartless situation, knew she owed quite a lot to her friend.

"I am thankful you managed to get there in time." Her expression was now serious, the glint of her eyes flashing into that reptilian gaze from her lineage. She hadn't spoken to Lio after they had returned to the island, telling him to recover quickly. She was still a bundle of stress that couldn't be shown to anybody. At least until she managed to ravel herself back together.

"Your skills are amazing, I apologize if I did not show my thanks at that time. And my own powers..." She trailed off, before sighing and taking another sip of coffee. "How do you even know to reverse such things? I had not been exposed to those kind of bullets, even in Koschei's arsenal."

[mpkarina]

As Hyunseok and his secretary finalized their conversation, the air in the upscale Seoul restaurant seemed to subtly shift. A new presence made itself known, commanding attention without effort. Karina, prodigy of Koschei, entered the private room with an aura of confidence and poise.

Draped in an elegant ensemble that exuded sophistication, Karina offered a polite nod to Hyunseok and his secretary before taking her seat. Her sharp gaze, the color of steel, assessed the room with a calculating intensity before settling on Hyunseok. Deep down however, Karina was a bundle of nerves. This is the first time her grandfather had let her meet one of his potential business partners. All the way to Seoul no less. She had an entourage, but for this meeting, she preferred to gather her courage on her own.

Her clothes were chosen precisely for that reason. And for the first time since in a long time, Karina had abandoned the spectacles and wore contacts, enough for her eyes, almost reptilian in their color shine through.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Cho," Karina greeted in a voice as smooth as silk, her Russian accent lending an exotic allure to her words. Thankfully the accent helped hide her actual nerves. "My grandfather apologizes he could not be here today, at his age, the doctor recommends he stay in Moscow. I am surprised your own father suggested Seoul, but I can understand the appeal." The smile was polite almost discerning.

[ H & Karina ] A Lover’s Broken Oath

With @mpkarina

In the past…

It had only been months since the failed wedding, and Hyunseok was already back in the grind of his work. Meetings done left and right with suppliers and those they supply parts, software, and other things. It was easy to return back to his life, especially now that he’s not locked to an engagement anymore. His parents are still unhappy about what had happened, but he’s learned to just… move on with his life.

With him still being the sole heir to the company, he’s still the one to meet with their future business partners, learning the ropes and such.

Hyunseok, now clad in his suit, walks into one of the high end restaurants in Seoul with his secretary to meet a foreign business partner that his parents had asked him to meet with as they are currently out of the country. He had reserved a private room for them to have their meeting in.

He speaks with the waiter to ask them to wait until their guest arrives before coming to take their orders, then turns to his secretary as they leave to finish up the conversation they had on the way to the restaurant straight from their office.

[mpkarina]

aespa_official

[mpkarina]

Namaste | Open Starter

any new student in Zero to Hero's yoga classes

In the tranquil confines of the Zero to Hero yoga studio, the scent of incense and the soft sound of flowing water filled the air, creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace. Karina, daughter of Wadget and esteemed yoga instructor, moved gracefully among the students, her movements fluid and effortless like the dance of leaves in the wind.

As the newest student entered the studio, Karina approached with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with something different from kindness.

"Welcome, dear one," she greeted softly, her voice a soothing melody amidst the tranquil ambiance of the studio. "I am Karina, and it is an honor to guide you on your journey into the realm of yoga." It was the greeting that they suggested she do, but she could even feel the sneer in her own voice. Still, she looked competent enough, with her blonde hair pulled away from her slim face in a braid that snaked down her back. The yoga outfit also left very few to the imagination, and most of the other students had already gazed their fill. Karina didn't mind, she was actually pleased with the attention, since more and more students took her classes.

With a graceful encouragement, Karina led the new student to a comfortable spot on the studio floor, where a soft mat awaited their arrival. Karina on the other hand took her spot at the front of the class, where her own mat lay.

"Yoga is not merely a physical practice, but a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation," Karina explained, her words sounding quite practiced, but her soft lilt made it believable. "Together, we shall explore the depths of body, mind, and spirit, unlocking the divine potential that resides within you."

"Shall we?"

[mpkarina]

It was not something Karina showed anybody---the ability to shift into her viper form. Primarily because while snake abilities were powerful, Karina's own abilities were far from powerful. In her snake form she was vulnerable, and it was difficult to do much besides move.

She raised her reptilian head and slithered over Lio's recovering body to press it atop Eirwen's hovering hand. A silent nod of thanks, before Karina wearily turned to the open vial. The snake-Karina tried her best drink the liquid, only pulling away after her forked tongue was able to lap at Eirwen's concoction a few times.

Karina tried to straighten, but it seemed their diamond head felt too heavy, that she lowered it just as quickly and curled right atop Lio's chest, ignoring the still healing wounds in her exhaustion.

Her eyes blinked slowly, forked tongue tasting the air before Karina curled up once more. She knew she would return into her human form soon, but it would take time, and rest. Now that Lio was on the mend, she could relax for a bit. Hopefully before she woke up...

venoms

[mpkarina]

[mpkarina]

Karina watched Eirwen work, her expression tight as her eyes remained fixated on the dark oozing wound that was Lio's chest. She could only stare at him as he lapsed into unconsciousness, her expression going blank.

Her eyes drifted towards the vial on Eirwen's hand, as if not understanding. "My venom--what?" She could only stare at the other woman, finally fully realizing that Eirwen was not just a baker of treats.

How did she even come to that conclusion? Her surprise turned into confusion now as her hand grasped the vial. How was she supposed to without---? Karina frowned, even as her eyes drifted towards Lio. While unconscious he looked innocent, even if it seemed to Karina he was writhing in pain.

"Fine," She muttered and took a deep breath as if bracing herself. She never shifted in front of others, especially her friends. The shifting had been traumatic enough, but any use of her powers still put her unconscious for hours.

Seconds later, the svelte Russian heiress had disappeared and replaced with an Orlov Viper . The snake lifted her diamond head, tongue darting out to taste the air, before propping its head atop the open vial. A few beats later, the vial was filled with venom and its raised its head again, this time towards Eirwen and Lio. It bowed it's head almost tiredly, before slithering over and curling right next to the unconscious form of Lio.

venoms

[mpkarina]

"Ill will?" The rose bud mouth of hers pouted into something that would normally make a man (or woman) pause and take note. A slim hand pressed against her chest, that made the whole image of her positively regretful.

"I don't have ill will against you, zayka." She pouted some more, deliberately ignore his wishes to drop the pet name. To her Arwyn had always managed to bend to her will. There really wasn't much a challenge when it came to those grey eyes and soft cheeks. And that was why she had just as easily lost interest. Well until she found out he too was a demigod. And she was curious.

"And why would you pissed off?" This time, there was a hint of challenge in those eyes and tone, a flash of malice in that sly smile. "From last I remember you were quite willing to give me everything that I desired, and I did give you quite a ride didn't I. And you're not grateful at all."

This time the look of remorse turned into something dangerous as she stalked closer. He was barely taller than her, and her eyes flashed into something quite reptilian before settling back into her usual cold look.

"You really want to hide behind your new girlfriend?" And a sneer flashed across Karina's face. "You are less of a man than I remember, zayka."

Karina wasn't used to losing, not even during those months of exile and on the run from her grandfather's minions. She was used to certain things, and certain behavior from people. Arwyn standing up to her was certainly not one of those things.

The frown appeared on her face at his apparent anger at her. As if she had completely destroyed his life. Were it not for her, her grandfather would have instead captured Arwyn for his own sick amusement and not to be around her as an artist. Granted Karina was bored and Arwyn available, those sweet, innocent silver eyes just begging to be poisoned.

At the threat of Hel, Karina smirks, eyes briefly flitting towards the one-side glass windows of Hel's office. "You would set a goddess against me? Weak, defenseless me? How cruel of you, zayka."

Karina could hardly care if Arwyn's current lover was an all-powerful goddess. She was not a sharing type of person. Not even to an immortal.

[mpkarina]

❛ i don't even remember why we started fighting. ❜

"How can you forget Милый? It involved shoes, and caviar." Her smile was playful and warm despite her words, even as she stood to cross the distance between Alexios and herself. Why was she surprised her first ever boyfriend was also a demigod? Most of the people in her life were one. Since coming to the island she had tried to not be amazed at how intricate the connections of her divinity with those of others.

Giving him air kisses, Karina sauntered back to her seat, her blonde hair gleaming a burnished gold under the warm lights of Noona. She definitely looked quite different when he first met her---gone were the preppy clothes and gold-rimmed glasses. "What do you think?" She flicks her hair over her shoulder. "Do I look mature enough now?"

[mpkarina]

❛ oh, don't be cute. ❜

"Why not? It seems to catch your attention," Karina's smile was more of a smirk, as she tossed her blonde ponytail over one shoulder. Just a few weeks after that injury and Lio seemed to be good at new. At least, Karina new better. She could still sense her own venom lurking in his veins, and she wondered how long would he actually carry her scent like that.

But the heiress was not one to show her concern overtly. Instead, she went out of her way to tease her boss, smiling to herself when she felt his eyes on her whenever she walked past him in her yoga outfit to class. Case in point, she had just managed to wrangle a few more sessions out of a beginner student who had stared at her most of the class instead of following the poses.

"I bring good business, you should be thanking me," Her smile was playful.

[mpkarina]

Karina smiled, the tilt of their lips the affirmation Giselle needed that she indeed planned on living properly now. While her goal was still to take revenge against her grandfather, Karina knew more than anyone just how such an operation required time and thought. Countless had tried to dismantle Koschei's empire throughout the years. And there was a reason he was still standing.

For now, Karina was content to bid her time, that includes getting a normal job. "Now, I honestly didn't think of that," Karina replied mock-innocently but the glint in her eyes told otherwise. The job was uncomplicated and only took a few hours in a week.

"You wouldn't believe who I work for though..." She wiggled her eyebrows conspiratorially.

Naked Truths and Lies / Karina & Giselle

[mpkarina]

❛ do you honestly think this is easy for me? ❜

"Hmm, I don't think I should answer that," Karina's voice was amused, standing behind the other as she surveyed him. "But since this is the beginner's class, no flexibility is required." She muttered under her breath so only he could hear.

"Try to bend a bit deeper please," Karina was all business, her palm hovering just above the other's spine as the rest of the class bent into the pose.

[mpkarina]

&. 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬?) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  various  dialogue  prompts  to  send  to  your  worst  enemy  (affectionate).  feel  free  to  change  how  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ oh great, it's you again. ❜

❛ you? kill me? that's funny. ❜

❛ for being someone you hate, i'm sure on your mind a lot. ❜

❛ you're the last person i wanted to see, actually. ❜

❛ do us both a favor. stay away from me. ❜

❛ you really are an asshole, you know that? ❜

❛ i'm the asshole? what does that make you then? ❜

❛ sometimes i think you must hate me. ❜

❛ i thought you said you never wanted to see me again. ❜

❛ if you want me to go, then you have to tell me to leave. ❜

❛ well, someone's cranky today. ❜

❛ well, someone needs to shut the fuck up. ❜

❛ just stay out of my way. ❜

❛ of all the idiots in the world, i'm stuck with you. ❜

❛ what is it you want this time? ❜

❛ sometimes i wonder if you're in love with me. ❜

❛ do you honestly think this is easy for me? ❜

❛ why would i ever want to be friends with you? ❜

❛ can we please just talk? ❜

❛ there is nothing for us to talk about. ❜

❛ you can yell at me later. just let me help you. ❜

❛ touch me, and you're dead. ❜

❛ oh, so now you care? ❜

❛ there is something deeply wrong with you. ❜

❛ i know i'm the last person you probably want to see, but... ❜

❛ you don't think we could be friends, do you? ❜

❛ i'm tired of fighting against you. ❜

❛ don't pretend you give a shit about me. ❜

❛ you're an idiot, but... i trust you. ❜

❛ oh, don't be cute. ❜

❛ wait, did you just say that i'm cute? ❜

❛ we're not good for each other. ❜

❛ if i say yes, will you shut up? ❜

❛ don't you have to be stupid somewhere else? ❜

❛ maybe we should kiss just to break the tension. ❜

❛ i'm sorry i can't turn off my feelings as easily as you. ❜

❛ maybe there's a universe out there where we're friends. ❜

❛ how can you be so smart yet so dumb at the same time? ❜

❛ don't think this changes anything between us. ❜

❛ you look ridiculous in that outfit, by the way. ❜

❛ if you die, i'll kill you. ❜

❛ is that a challenge? ❜

❛ ah, so you're not heartless after all. ❜

❛ i don't think i've ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ you never cared about me, so why now? ❜

❛ why didn't you kill me when you had the chance? ❜

❛ i don't even remember why we started fighting. ❜

❛ i don't have time for distractions right now. ❜

❛ you're not as bad as everyone says you are. ❜

❛ enemies make the best lovers, you know. ❜

[mpkarina]

Karina laughs softly at Giselle's pronouncement and she gives a nod of acceptance.

"Well, as you have declared it so, how else can I be able to live?" She teased but there was still a gratefulness in her eyes as she looked at her. "Oh please, you are telling me, Giselle doesn't have any gossip? Even on an island paradise such as this?" She adds with a wink, before sinking back unto the massage bed.

"Well, I've taken a job, if you can believe it. As a yoga instructor." She wiggles her eyebrows as if it was the most ridiculous thing ever.

Naked Truths and Lies / Karina & Giselle