chapter 3

Hwaryn's fingers tangled in Kaito hair as he teased her mercilessly, his tongue working in ways that made her arch off the bed. Her breath came in short, desperate gasps, her body trembling beneath him. "Kaito, please—" she begged, her voice breaking.

He pulled back just enough to smirk up at her, his lips glistening. "Please what, love? Use your words."

Her eyes narrowed, but there was no real heat behind it. She yanked him up by his hair, crashing their lips together in a searing kiss. Kaito groaned into her mouth, his hands sliding down to grip her hips as she rolled them over, pinning him beneath her.

"You're insufferable," she muttered, her lips trailing down his neck.

"But you love me," he replied, his voice smug even as he gasped when her teeth nipped at his collarbone.

Hwaryn pulled back slightly, her eyes locking with his. "I do," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "More than anything."

Kaito's heart skipped a beat, a guilty pang twisting in his chest. She doesn't know, he thought, his smile faltering for a moment before he forced it back in place. He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Good. Because you're stuck with me."

She chuckled, leaning down to kiss him again, but a sharp knock at the door interrupted them.

"Lady Hwaryn!" came the urgent voice of one of her soldiers. "You're needed at the fort immediately. Commander Simon is requesting your presence."

Hwaryn sighed, resting her forehead against Kaito's . "Duty calls," she murmured, disappointment clear in her voice.

"Go," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll be here when you get back."

She hesitated, her eyes searching his as if she could sense the weight of the secrets he carried. But then she nodded, kissing him one last time before slipping out of bed. Kael watched her dress quickly, her armor clinking softly as she fastened it in place.

When she was ready, she turned back to him, her expression soft. "Don't let the bread burn while I'm gone," she teased, her lips curving into a smile.

He laughed, the sound genuine despite the ache in his chest. "I wouldn't dare."

With one last lingering look, she was gone, the door closing softly behind her. Kaito stayed in bed for a few moments longer, his mind racing. 

This is getting too complicated, he thought, running a hand through his hair.

Finally, he forced himself to get up, dressing quickly before heading to the kitchen. He busied himself with the bread, the familiar motions calming his nerves. But his mind kept drifting back to Hwaryn , to the guilt that gnawed at him every time he looked into her eyes.

A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Kaito froze, his heart skipping a beat. Who could that be? He set the dough aside, wiping his hands on a towel before moving to answer the door.

As soon as it opened, his stomach dropped. Standing there was a hooded figure, their face obscured but their posture unmistakably familiar.

"Master Kaito," the figure said in a low voice.

"We need to speak."

Kaito stepped aside, allowing the figure to enter before closing the door behind them. He crossed his arms, his expression grim. "What is it?"

The figure lowered their hood, revealing a woman with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes. "The Shadow Council is growing impatient," she said, her tone clipped. "They want to know why you've delayed your plans."

Kaito jaw tightened. "Tell them I'm handling it," he said, his voice firm. "These things take time."

"Time we don't have," she snapped, glaring at him. "The council isn't pleased, Kaito. If you don't act soon, they'll find someone who will."

He turned away, pacing the length of the kitchen. "I'm aware of the consequences," he said through gritted teeth. "But rushing this will only lead to mistakes. Do you want to risk everything we've built?"

She hesitated, her expression softening slightly. "No, of course not. But you need to understand—the council's patience is wearing thin."

Kaito stopped pacing, turning to face her. "I'll handle it," he said again, his voice calm but firm. "Tell them I'll have news soon."

She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But don't keep them waiting much longer."

With that, she pulled her hood back up and slipped out the door, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts. He leaned against the counter, his head in his hands. What am I doing? he thought, guilt twisting in his chest. How can I betray her like this?

But deep down, he knew the truth. He had made his choice long ago, and there was no turning back.

The sound of the door opening again pulled him from his thoughts. Kaito straightened, plastering a smile on his face as Hwaryn stepped inside, her armor clinking softly.

"That was quick," he said, trying to keep his voice light.

She shrugged, setting her sword down by the door. "Commander simon just wanted to go over some patrol routes. Nothing urgent."

Kaito nodded, turning back to the bread as if everything was normal. But out of the corner of his eye, he saw her watching him, her expression thoughtful.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft.

He forced another smile, turning to face her. "Of course. Why wouldn't it be?"

She hesitated before shaking her head. "No reason. Just… you seem a little off today."

Kaito's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his expression neutral. "Just tired," he said, shrugging. "It's been a long day."

Hwaryn studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Well, maybe I can help with that," she said, a sly smile spreading across her face.

She stepped closer, her hands sliding up his chest as she leaned in to kiss him. Kaito's breath caught, his hands instinctively gripping her waist as he kissed her back, pouring all his emotions into it.

But even as she pulled him closer, he couldn't shake the guilt that clung to him like a shadow.

"Hwaryn," he murmured against her lips, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hmm?" she hummed, her hands sliding under his shirt.

He hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. I should tell her. I should tell her everything.

But instead, he pulled her closer, his hands tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss. She moaned softly, her body pressing against his as they stumbled back toward the bedroom.

As they fell onto the bed, Kato's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I love her, he thought desperately, his hands trembling as he pulled her closer. But how can I love her and keep this from her?

Hwaryn's lips trailed down his neck, her touch setting his skin on fire. "Kaito," she whispered, her voice filled with need.

He closed his eyes, losing himself in the moment. But even as he gave in to her touch, the guilt didn't fade.

It only grew stronger.