Ding!
A crisp system notification chimed in Marcus's ear.
"Player Stonehaven, please be advised: Although the Wyvern Saint Knight Lyanna holds you in high regard with an Intimacy Level of 85, you cannot engage in intimate contact until this level reaches 90 or higher. Warning: If you proceed with your current action, you will incur a system penalty."
'What the hell?'
Marcus almost choked on his own breath. His hand had been inches away from Lyanna's slender fingers, close enough that he could practically feel the warmth of her skin. He had only meant to brush her hand, nothing outrageous, but just as he was about to close the distance, Lyanna's brow tightened almost imperceptibly and the system's cold, mechanical warning cut through the moment like a blade.
He resisted the urge to curse out loud.
'This damned system.'
