Chapter 20

A KISS IN THE MOONLIGHT

The portal left Amara and Lysander in the heart of a dense, ancient forest. The air was heavy with the scent of pine and wildflowers, and the sky above was a canvas of stars, a crescent moon casting silver light over everything.

For the first time since entering the Forbidden Realm, the world around them felt still.

Amara sat on a smooth boulder by a gentle stream, her reflection rippling in the water as she stared at the locket around her neck. Its glow had dimmed but still pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat.

Lysander stood a few feet away, leaning against a tree. His golden eyes watched her carefully, a mix of worry and longing etched across his face.

"You should rest," he said softly.

Amara turned to him, her expression weary but resolute. "How can I? Every moment I stop feels like I'm losing time—time I don't have."

Lysander walked toward her, his steps slow and deliberate. When he reached her, he crouched so they were at eye level. "You've been fighting so hard, Amara. You've earned this moment. Let it be enough for now."

She met his gaze, and for a moment, the weight of their struggles seemed to dissipate.

They sat together by the stream, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. Finally, Amara broke it.

"When I was in the Forbidden Realm," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I saw things—memories, fears. I felt like I was drowning in everything I've lost."

Lysander reached out, his fingers brushing hers. "The shadows prey on pain. They know where to strike."

Amara hesitated, then turned to him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I don't know if I can do this, Lysander. What if I fail? What if I lose you?"

"You won't," he said firmly, his hand fully enveloping hers now. "Amara, you're stronger than anyone I've ever known. You've fought harder for me than I deserve."

"That's not true," she said, shaking her head. "You're worth everything to me."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Lysander's expression softened, and his golden eyes darkened with something deeper, something unspoken.

"I've tried to keep my distance," he admitted, his voice low and rough. "Tried to protect you by staying away. But the truth is, I can't."

Amara's breath hitched as his hand slid to her cheek, his thumb tracing her jawline.

"I need you, Amara," he murmured. "More than anything."

The tension between them finally broke as Lysander leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a tentative, almost hesitant kiss.

Amara's hands found their way to his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt as she deepened the kiss, her heart pounding in her chest. Lysander responded with equal fervor, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her closer.

The world around them seemed to fade, the only sounds the gentle rush of the stream and their mingled breaths. The kiss was electric, charged with all the emotions they'd been holding back—fear, longing, desperation, and love.

When they finally broke apart, Lysander rested his forehead against hers, his breath ragged.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he said, his voice rough with emotion.

Amara smiled, her fingers trailing up his neck to tangle in his hair. "Then don't stop now."

Lysander kissed her again, harder this time, his hands exploring her back and waist with reverence and urgency. Amara responded in kind, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw, the curve of his neck, and the hard planes of his chest.

The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as the heat between them intensified. Lysander's lips moved to her jaw, then her neck, trailing fire wherever he touched. Amara gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders as her body pressed against his.

He pulled back slightly, his golden eyes searching hers. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Amara nodded, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "I've never been more sure of anything."

With that, Lysander laid her gently on the soft grass, the moonlight casting a silver glow over them. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, every touch and kiss a silent declaration of the love they'd fought so hard to protect.

As their passion reached its peak, the locket around Amara's neck flared to life, glowing brighter than ever before. The ground beneath them trembled, and the air crackled with energy.

Amara gasped as the power surged through her, a wave of heat and light radiating outward. Lysander held her close, shielding her as the energy exploded around them, illuminating the forest in a dazzling display of light and shadow.

When the light finally subsided, they were left lying together in the aftermath, the world around them silent once more.

Amara looked up at Lysander, her fingers tracing the curve of his cheek. "What just happened?"

"I think…" Lysander began, his voice tinged with awe, "you unlocked something. A part of your power, maybe."

Amara's locket was still glowing faintly, its pulse synchronized with her heartbeat. Whatever had just happened, it felt like a turning point—like they'd crossed a threshold they could never return from.

But for now, in Lysander's arms, Amara allowed herself to feel at peace.