Dangerous Awakening

Seraphine lay still, her body betraying her as Kaelith's warmth surrounded her. His breath brushed against her neck, his grip firm as if daring her to slip away.

Last night had been inevitable. The fire, the tension, the battle of wills—it had all led to this. But now, in the quiet of morning, reality pressed down on her like a blade at her throat.

She was not just his lover. She was still his enemy.

And if Kaelith ever uncovered the full truth about her—about who she truly served—this moment, this warmth, would mean nothing.

"I can hear you thinking," Kaelith murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

Seraphine shut her eyes, steeling herself. "Then you should know I'm leaving."

His grip on her waist tightened. "No, you're not."

She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. His blue eyes were sharp now, fully awake. There was no teasing smirk, no lazy amusement. Only something deeper, unreadable.

"Last night changes nothing," she whispered.

Kaelith studied her, his fingers trailing over her bare back in slow, deliberate strokes. "Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"

Seraphine swallowed. "Let me go, Kaelith."

For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, with maddening slowness, he released her.

She pushed back the covers, forcing herself not to shiver as the cool air met her skin. She found her robe, wrapping it around herself as if that alone could protect her from the weight of what they'd done.

Kaelith propped himself on his elbow, watching her with a knowing gaze. "You can leave the bed, Seraphine. But you can't run from this."

She paused at the door, gripping the handle.

He was right.

But that didn't mean she wouldn't try.

Without another word, she slipped out of the room, leaving Kaelith behind.

To be continued…

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