RECKLESS HEART

The night air was thick with the scent of rain, the dampness clinging to their skin as Xander led Ella through the narrow corridors of the manor. His grip on her hand was firm and urgent, but there was something else beneath it, a silent promise.

They had survived.

But survival wasn't enough. Not anymore.

Xander had spent years hiding in the shadows, planning, waiting for the moment he could reclaim what was stolen from him. Now, with Edmund on the run, the battle wasn't over but for the first time, it felt winnable.

The moment they stepped into his chambers, the tension that had been crackling between them since the night they met finally broke.

Xander closed the door behind them, his chest rising and falling with each uneven breath. Ella turned to face him, her wide eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight.

For weeks, they had danced around the fire that burned whenever they were close, the electricity that made her pulse quicken, the need that neither of them had dared to name.

But tonight, there was no space left for hesitation. Xander took a slow step forward.

The distance between them vanished in an instant. Xander's lips crashed against hers, claiming her with a hunger that sent shivers down her spine. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty, only want.

Ella melted into him, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as if she could anchor herself to reality. But reality had shifted, his was something different, something raw and unrestrained.

Xander's fingers traced the curve of her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. His touch was firm but reverent, as if memorizing the way she felt beneath his hands.

Ella tilted her head, deepening the kiss, drinking in the taste of him. He groaned against her mouth, his control unraveling.

He had wanted her from the moment he saw her in Evermere. But this was more than desire. This was need.

Ella gasped as Xander's lips traveled down her neck, his breath hot against her skin. She arched against him, her fingers tangling in his hair.

Every touch, every kiss, every stolen breath ignited something wild inside them both.

Xander lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed as if she weighed nothing. He hovered over her, his dark eyes searching hers.

"Tell me to stop," he rasped.

Ella reached for him, pulling him down until their lips met again. "Don't you dare."

His control snapped.

The world outside ceased to exist. There was no past, no war, no revenge.

Only them.

The first light of dawn seeped through the heavy curtains, painting the room in soft gold.

Ella stirred, her body still tangled with Xander's. His arm was draped over her waist, holding her close even in sleep.

For a moment, she allowed herself to breathe in the warmth of him, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the safety of being in his arms.

But reality was waiting for them outside this room.

She traced light patterns on his bare shoulder, lost in thought. What happens now?

Xander shifted beside her, his grip tightening as he buried his face in her hair. "You're thinking too hard," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

She smiled faintly. "I suppose I am."

Xander lifted himself onto one elbow, his eyes studying her. "Regrets?"

Ella shook her head. "None."

His lips quirked. "Good." He kissed her forehead, lingering for just a moment before sighing. "We should get up."

Ella nodded, but neither of them moved.

Outside this room, their enemies still lurked. Edmund was still out there, and the war for Evermere's future was far from over.

But for now, just for a little longer, Xander allowed himself to pretend that this was all that mattered.

And maybe, just maybe, it was.