Chapter Fourteen: The Shadow’s Edge

The aftermath of the battle left the forest shrouded in a tense stillness. Seraphina wiped sweat from her brow as she surveyed the clearing, littered with remnants of Selene's forces. Though they had driven back the attackers, the victory was far from reassuring.

"Is everyone accounted for?" Seraphina asked, her voice hoarse from shouting spells.

The surviving witches gathered around her, their faces grim but resolute. Damian stood by her side, blood streaking his cheek, his expression fierce.

"All accounted for," said Kallista, one of the witches. "But we've got injuries."

Seraphina nodded, her eyes scanning the group. "Get them back to the stronghold. Lysandra will have the healers ready."

"What about you?" Damian asked, his gaze locking on hers.

"I'm staying to make sure Selene's forces don't double back," Seraphina replied, adjusting the shard in her belt.

"You're not staying alone," Damian said firmly, stepping closer. His presence was a steadying force, and she found herself grateful for it.

The others didn't argue. They moved quickly, helping the injured and retreating into the safety of the forest.

Once they were alone, Seraphina turned to Damian, her weariness showing for the first time. "We're not ready for what's coming," she admitted.

Damian stepped forward, his hands coming to rest lightly on her shoulders. "You can't carry this weight alone, Seraphina. You're strong, but even the strongest need help."

Her lips parted to argue, but the intensity in his gaze silenced her. The memory of their earlier kiss flashed through her mind, stirring something deep within her. She let out a shaky breath, her magic flickering in response to the closeness between them.

"We shouldn't—" she began, though the words sounded weak even to her own ears.

"Shouldn't what?" Damian asked softly, his voice low and inviting. "Feel this? Want this?"

Seraphina's heart pounded, her resolve faltering as his hands slid down her arms, his touch leaving a trail of heat in its wake.

"We're in the middle of a war," she whispered, even as her body leaned into his.

"And that's exactly why we shouldn't hold back," Damian murmured, his lips brushing against her temple. "When tomorrow isn't promised, all we have is now."

Before she could respond, he tilted her chin up, capturing her lips in a kiss that stole her breath. It was different this time—not the heated passion of before, but something deeper, more deliberate. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as his mouth claimed hers.

Seraphina's resistance crumbled. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers threading through his dark hair as the kiss deepened. The tension that had been building between them for weeks finally snapped, their emotions spilling over like a dam breaking.

Damian's lips left hers, trailing down her jaw and to the curve of her neck, where he lingered, his breath hot against her skin. Seraphina tilted her head back, a soft gasp escaping her as his teeth grazed her pulse point.

"You drive me mad," he muttered against her skin, his voice rough with need.

Seraphina's hands roamed over his chest, feeling the hard lines of muscle beneath his shirt. Her magic surged, reacting to his touch, and she could feel his own power responding in kind. It was intoxicating, a blend of energy and desire that threatened to consume them both.

But just as they were about to lose themselves completely, a sharp crack echoed through the forest, breaking the moment like shattered glass.

Seraphina pulled away, her senses snapping to attention. Damian was immediately on alert, his hand moving to his blade.

"Did you hear that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He nodded, his eyes scanning the darkness. "We're not alone."

They moved in unison, their earlier passion replaced by cold focus. The shadows shifted around them, and Seraphina's grip tightened on her dagger. Whatever—or whoever—was out there, they wouldn't go down without a fight.

And as the darkness closed in, Seraphina knew one thing for certain: the battle with Selene was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever.