Down

- Nikolai Volkov:

The night felt calm, almost surreal. I stood in Alexei's room, in front of the glass wall that stretched from floor to ceiling.

The view was breathtaking—an ocean of green twinkling like stars against the dark canvas of the night.

I had always loved this view. It made me feel grounded yet limitless as if the chaos of the world outside couldn't touch me here.

"You like the view too?" Damon's voice, low and teasing, sent a shiver down my spine.

I turned my head slightly, and there he was, standing so close that his breath warmed the shell of my ear.

Before I could respond, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me flush against his chest.

His chin rested on my shoulder, and his presence, solid and warm, made my pulse quicken.

"Yes," I murmured softly, closing my eyes as I leaned into him. "It's my favorite."