The night after Mirella's failed trap was restless.
Seraphina lay awake in her chambers, staring at the ceiling as moonlight spilled through the tall windows. Her magic hummed beneath her skin, restless, alive, responding to something deeper than power.
Kael.
She felt him before she heard him—the subtle shift in the air, the pressure of his presence wrapping around her like heat.
"You should be sleeping," his voice came quietly from the shadows.
She sat up slowly, heart racing. "So should you."
He stepped into the light, dark clothes clinging to his tall frame, eyes burning with something dangerously close to hunger. "I couldn't."
Neither could she.
Silence stretched between them, thick and electric. Kael crossed the room in slow, deliberate steps, stopping just close enough that she could feel his warmth.
"You scared me tonight," he said, voice low. "When the shadows closed in… when I thought I might lose you."
Seraphina swallowed. "You won't."
Kael lifted his hand but stopped inches from her face, as if testing his restraint. "You don't understand," he murmured. "Every time you step into danger, it takes everything in me not to burn this world down."
Her breath hitched. "Kael…"
That was all it took.
His fingers finally touched her—just her chin, lifting her gaze to his. The contact sent a shock through her body, magic flaring instinctively.
"You feel it too," he said softly. "This pull. This fire."
"Yes," she admitted, voice barely steady.
Kael leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers, breaths mingling. "If I cross this line," he warned, "there's no turning back."
Seraphina's hands tightened in his clothes. "Then stop holding back."
For a heartbeat, the world stood still.
Then Kael exhaled slowly, like a man surrendering to fate. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him—not rough, not rushed, but deliberate, claiming.
The kiss was slow, deep, and devastating.
Not desperate—but controlled fire.
Seraphina melted into him, every thought scattering as his presence overwhelmed her. Power pulsed between them, responding to their closeness, their bond glowing like embers beneath the skin.
Kael broke the kiss just enough to rest his forehead against hers. "You're dangerous," he murmured. "You undo me."
She smiled softly, breathless. "Good."
His low laugh vibrated through her. "You have no idea what you've started."
They stayed like that for a long moment—entwined, breathing each other in, neither willing to step away.
Finally, Kael straightened, though his hand lingered at her waist. "Soon," he said quietly. "When the threats are gone… when I know you're safe."
Seraphina reached up, brushing her thumb along his jaw. "I trust you."
His eyes darkened with emotion. "That's what terrifies me."
He released her reluctantly and turned toward the shadows. "Rest," he said. "Tomorrow, everything changes."
As he disappeared, Seraphina touched her lips, heart pounding, magic humming brighter than ever.
She knew one thing for certain now—
This was no longer just about survival.
It was about love powerful enough to destroy kingdoms.