A Tempting Trap

Kaelith did not pull away.

If anything, he leaned closer, his presence a deliberate invasion of space.

His fingers traced along the delicate fabric of her gown, just above the swell of her shoulder. Not forceful. Not demanding.

But calculated.

A slow unraveling of the defenses she had so carefully built.

Seraphine knew this was a trap.

A dangerous, seductive trap.

But two could play at that game.

She tilted her head slightly, her lips a breath away from his. "Is this your new tactic, my prince?" she murmured. "Distraction?"

Kaelith chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Is it working?"

Seraphine let her fingers ghost over the fabric of his tunic, trailing lightly along his chest before retreating—just enough to leave him wanting.

She saw it then.

The flicker of hunger in his gaze.

He might have been the predator in this game, but she was not prey.

She smiled, slow and knowing. "Not quite."

Kaelith's smirk didn't falter, but his grip on her chair tightened—a subtle sign of restraint.

Seraphine had tested him.

And he had nearly taken the bait.

But this was not just seduction.

This was war.

And tonight, neither of them had won.

Kaelith exhaled softly, stepping back. "Sleep well, my love."

Seraphine watched as he left, the heat of his touch lingering against her skin.

She had survived this round.

But next time…

She wasn't sure if either of them would stop.