The halls of the palace were alive with whispers. Every torch flickered, every shadow seemed to twist closer, drawn to the tension between Seraphina and Kael.
They moved through the corridors, side by side, but the air between them was taut—electric, heavy with unspoken words.
"You're tired," Kael said softly, voice low, his hand brushing hers. Not accidental. "We should rest."
"I can't," she replied, keeping her gaze forward. "Not when they're plotting."
He stopped abruptly, pulling her gently to face him. "Look at me," he ordered.
Her eyes met his, heart racing. "What?"
"You're burning," he said quietly, dark heat rolling off him. "Not from training. Not from fear… from me."
Her cheeks warmed. "And if I am?"
He closed the distance between them. Every step he took made the world shrink to the space between them. "Then I will fan that fire… whether you like it or not."
Seraphina swallowed, pulse hammering. The tension between them was almost unbearable. Every movement, every breath made her body ache in a way she didn't understand but wanted to.
They reached the council chambers where whispers had summoned them. Lady Mirella stood waiting, eyes narrow, lips tight.
"Prince Kael," she said, voice dripping venom. "You should leave your… pet alone. The court is not a playground for indulgence."
Kael's jaw clenched. He moved in front of Seraphina, protective, possessive. "She is no one's pet," he growled.
Mirella's gaze flicked to Seraphina. "She is weak. Fragile. Unprepared."
Seraphina straightened, lifting her chin. "I am neither. And I won't be told otherwise."
Kael's hand slid to her waist, grounding, possessive. His fingers brushed lightly, but the message was clear: She belongs to me.
Mirella's smirk faltered. "We shall see," she hissed before vanishing down the corridor.
Kael's eyes darkened, lips brushing her ear. "She will regret crossing us."
Seraphina shivered at the closeness, the heat in his voice. "Let her try."
He pulled back slightly, still holding her hand, eyes locked on hers. "You're dangerous," he whispered. "More than you know."
She tilted her head, daring him. "So are you."
The air around them seemed to crackle, shadows leaning closer as if drawn by the intensity between them. Kael's grip tightened, not rough, but firm—possessive, warning, protective.
"Soon," he murmured, voice low and dangerous, "you will learn just how far I will go to keep you alive… and to keep you mine."
Seraphina's pulse raced. "I don't need saving," she said softly.
"No," he admitted, lips brushing her temple. "You need me. And I… need you more than I can bear."
The hallway grew silent, the night holding its breath.