Chapter 1

The morning sun shone through the light curtains, giving the kitchen a soft, warm light. kaito was at the counter, skillfully working the dough to make bread for the day.

His movements were calm and repetitive, quite calming compared to the busy world outside their simple home. He checked the clock—she would be home soon.

Footsteps could be heard on the stone path outside, loud and determined. Kaito knew who it was without looking up. The door opened with a creak, and there she was, standing with the light behind her. Hwaryn , the leader of the The One Guard , looked impressive even in her worn armor. Her sword, always with her, gleamed as she leaned it against the wall.

"It smells amazing in here," she said, her voice soft and smooth, sending a chill down Kaito's spine.

He turned with a gentle smile. "It's just bread. Nothing special."

She walked closer, her boots gently tapping on the wooden floor. "Don't underestimate yourself, Kaito. Your cooking is the only thing that keeps me grounded after dealing with arrogant nobles all day."

She reached out and gently moved a strand of hair from his face. Her fingers were rough from many years of holding a sword, but her touch was soft. It was so soft that Kael felt his heart beat faster.

"You're too kind," he whispered softly.

"Kind?" She laughed, a sound so warm it filled the whole room. "No, Kaito. I'm just selfish. Being able to come home to you is a luxury that not many people in my job can enjoy."

Her words lingered in the air, full of meaning. Kael felt his face get warm, but he couldn't look away. Her eyes, a stormy gray that seemed to see right through him, held him captive.

"Sit down," he said, pointing to the table. "I'll get you some tea."

She agreed, sliding into her seat with the grace of a predator. Kaito focused on the teapot, pouring the fragrant brew into her favorite cup. He placed it in front of her, along with a small plate of pastries he'd baked earlier.

"You treat me too well," she said, picking up a pastry and taking a bite. Her eyes closed in delight. "Oh, Kaito . If I could marry this pastry, I would."

He laughed, taking the seat across from her. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his. "You should. It's rare for me to find something—or someone—worth all of my attention."

The way she said it, the way her voice dipped, made Kaito's pulse quicken. He could feel the tension in the room, thick and electric. It was always like this with her, this push and pull, this unspoken understanding that something more lingered beneath the surface.

"Hwaryn," he started, but she held up a hand, silencing him.

"Don't," she said, her tone firm but not unkind.

"Don't overthink it, Kaito. You're here. I'm here. That's enough for now."

He nodded, though his mind raced with questions. What did she mean by that? What was she really saying? But he didn't press. He never did.

They sat in comfortable silence, the only sounds the clinking of cups and the occasional rustle of fabric as Hwaryn shifted in her seat. Kaito watched her, studying the way she moved, the way she held herself. There was a strength to her, a power that was both intimidating and alluring.

"Kaito," she said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Do you ever… regret it?"

He frowned. "Regret what?"

"This," she gestured between them. "Your life here. With me."

He hesitated, caught off guard by the question.

"No," he said finally, his voice steady. "I don't regret it. Not for a second."

She studied him, her gaze searching. Then, she nodded, as if satisfied with his answer. "Good. Because I can't imagine my life without you."

Her words were like a balm to his soul, soothing the doubts that sometimes crept into his mind. He reached across the table, his hand covering hers. Her skin was warm, and he could feel the faint pulse of her heartbeat beneath his fingertips.

"Hwaryn," he said softly. "You're my home."

She smiled, a rare, genuine smile that lit up her entire face. "And you're mine."

The moment stretched, their hands still intertwined. Kaito could feel the electricity between them, a spark that threatened to ignite. He wanted to say more, to tell her everything he'd been holding back, but the words caught in his throat.

Hwaryn stood suddenly, her movements fluid and deliberate. She rounded the table, coming to stand beside him. Kaito looked up at her, his breath catching in his chest.

"Kaito," she said, her voice low and husky. "I've been thinking…"

He swallowed hard, his heart pounding. "Thinking about what?"

She leaned down, her face inches from his. "About how much I want you."

The air left his lungs in a rush. "Hwaryn…"

Her lips brushed against his ear, her breath hot against his skin. "Don't make me wait any longer, Kaito."

Her hand cupped his cheek, turning his face to hers. Their eyes met, and in that moment,

there was no more doubt, no more hesitation. Kaito reached up, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her closer.

Their lips met in a searing kiss, the kind that left no room for second-guessing. Seraphine's hands were everywhere, on his shoulders, his chest, his waist, as if she couldn't get enough of him. Kaito kissed her back with equal fervor, his own hands exploring the hard lines of her body.

She broke the kiss, her breathing ragged. "Bedroom. Now."

He didn't need to be told twice. They stumbled through the house, their hands never leaving each other. When they reached the bedroom, hwaryn pushed him onto the bed, her eyes dark with desire.

"I've wanted this for so long," she whispered, straddling him. Her hands worked at the ties of his tunic, pulling it off and tossing it aside.

Kaito's hands trembled as he reached for her armor, his fingers fumbling with the straps. "Hwaryn…"

She smirked, a wicked gleam in her eye. "Don't worry, Kaito. I'll take care of you."

Her armor fell to the floor with a loud clatter, leaving her in a thin undershirt and leggings. Kael's breath hitched as she pulled the shirt over her head, revealing the toned muscles of her torso.

"Gods, you're beautiful," he murmured, his hands reaching up to trace the lines of her body.

She leaned down, her lips brushing against his. "And you're mine."

Their lips met again, this time with a hunger that bordered on desperation. Her hands roamed over his bare chest, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Kaito's own hands explored her body, learning every dip and curve.

Hwaryn broke the kiss, her eyes locking onto his. "Are you ready, Kael?"

He nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

She reached down, her fingers undoing the laces of his trousers. "Then let's not waste any more time."

Her hand slid inside, and Kaito moaned, his back arching off the bed. "Hwaryn…"

She smiled, her touch firm but gentle. "Relax, Kaito. I've got you."

Her lips trailed down his neck, her teeth grazing his skin. Kaito's hands gripped the sheets, his breathing coming in short, shallow gasps.

"I…" he started, but she silenced him with a kiss.

"Shh," she whispered against his lips. "Just feel."

Her hand moved faster, her thumb brushing over the sensitive tip. Kaito's hips bucked, a low moan escaping his lips. "Seraphine, I…"

"Let go," she murmured, her breath hot against his ear. "Let go for me."

And he did.

His body arched off the bed, a cry tearing from his throat as he spilled into her hand. Hwaryn held him through it, her lips pressing soft kisses against his neck.

When it was over, she pulled back, a satisfied smile on her face. "There. That's better."

Kaito lay there, his chest heaving, his mind reeling. "Hwaryn…"

She leaned down, her lips brushing against his. "Don't worry, Kaito. We're just getting started."

Her hand reached for her own trousers, her eyes never leaving his. "Are you ready for more?"