The courtyard was quiet except for the faint ripple of water settling behind them.
Sebastian did not say a word as he stepped out of the pool, droplets sliding down his skin, sunlight catching on his shoulders like molten gold. He turned, extending his hand toward Aliena without hesitation.
"Come," he said softly.
Not a command this time.
An invitation.
Aliena placed her hand in his. The moment their palms touched, warmth spread through her chest again, that strange, undeniable pull that felt deeper than desire, deeper than fascination. It felt like fate tightening its hold.
He lifted her effortlessly from the water.
Her breath caught as she felt the solid strength of him, steady, warm, grounding. For a moment, she didn't move. She simply looked at him.
He looked back.
There was no court. No whispers. No shadows.
Just them.
Sebastian brushed wet strands of hair away from her face, his thumb grazing her cheek slowly. Not rushed. Not demanding.
Reverent.
