CHAPTER 28

Chapter 28 – A Promise in the Moonlight

The city never slept, but in this moment, it felt like the world had stilled just for them.

Serena stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, wrapped in one of Elias's crisp white shirts, the silk draping loosely over her body. The skyline stretched before her, glowing with a million lights, but none of them compared to the warmth in her chest.

Behind her, she could hear the quiet rustle of sheets, the sound of Elias shifting on the bed. A moment later, strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against his bare chest.

"Couldn't sleep?" His voice was husky, laced with the remnants of sleep and something deeper—something that made her heart race.

Serena leaned into him, resting her hands over his. "Just thinking."

Elias pressed a kiss to the curve of her neck, his lips trailing lazily down to her shoulder. "Dangerous."

She smiled, tilting her head slightly to give him better access. "Maybe."

His fingers brushed along her wrist, tracing small, absent patterns against her skin. "What's on your mind?"

Serena hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Us."

Elias stilled, his breath warm against her skin. Then, slowly, he turned her in his arms so that she was facing him, the city lights casting soft shadows across his sharp features.

"And what about us?" he murmured, his hands resting firmly on her hips.

Serena swallowed hard, meeting his gaze. "This… you. It's real, isn't it?"

Elias's expression softened, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "It's the most real thing I've ever known."

Her chest tightened.

She had spent so long running from love, from anything that could tether her heart to someone else.

But Elias… he was different.

He didn't just see her. He knew her.

And, despite everything, he had stayed.

She exhaled shakily. "I'm afraid."

Elias's hands tightened ever so slightly, his eyes searching hers. "Of what?"

Her voice was barely a whisper. "Losing this."

Something flickered in his gaze—something raw and unguarded. "Then don't."

Serena bit her lip, but before she could speak, Elias lifted her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.

"I'm not going anywhere," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. "And neither are you."

A lump formed in her throat. "Elias…"

His grip on her tightened, his voice steady. "No more running, Serena. No more walls."

Tears burned at the edges of her vision, but she didn't look away.

Not this time.

Instead, she nodded. "No more walls."

A slow, knowing smile spread across his face. "Good."

Then, before she could take another breath, he kissed her.

And just like that, the rest of the world faded away.

---

A Night of Forever

Elias kissed her like he was claiming her, like he was rewriting every fear she had ever held.

Serena melted into him, her fingers tangling in his hair, her body pressing flush against his. Every touch sent fire through her veins, every whispered promise sealing something unspoken between them.

She wasn't just falling anymore.

She had already fallen.

Elias pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, his breath uneven. "Stay."

Serena's heart pounded. "I'm already here."

He shook his head slightly, his fingers tightening against her skin. "Not just for tonight. Stay with me, Serena. For as long as we have."

Her breath hitched.

For as long as we have.

He wasn't promising forever—not in words.

But in his touch, in his gaze, in the way he held her as if letting go wasn't an option…

He was promising everything.

And for the first time, she didn't need anything more.

She cupped his face, her thumb tracing the sharp line of his jaw. "I'm not going anywhere, Elias."

A slow exhale left his lips before he kissed her again—

And this time, it wasn't just a kiss.

It was a vow.

A silent promise that no matter what came next—

They were in this together.

---

Dawn and a New Beginning

When morning came, Serena found herself exactly where she wanted to be—wrapped in Elias's arms, her head resting against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

The sunlight spilled through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow over their tangled bodies.

Elias stirred beside her, his grip tightening as he pulled her closer. "Tell me you don't have anywhere to be," he muttered sleepily.

Serena smiled against his skin. "Nowhere but here."

He exhaled in contentment, pressing a lazy kiss to the top of her head. "Good."

Silence stretched between them, comfortable and warm.

Then, after a moment, Elias murmured, "Move in with me."

Serena stiffened slightly, her heart skipping a beat. "What?"

Elias shifted so that he could look at her, his expression unreadable. "Move in with me," he repeated, his fingers tracing circles against her bare shoulder. "Stay. Not just for a night, not just for a few stolen moments—but for real."

Serena stared at him, a thousand emotions crashing into her all at once.

This was real.

This was happening.

Elias wasn't just asking for her presence—he was asking for her heart.

For everything.

She inhaled sharply, her pulse racing. "Are you sure?"

Elias let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

Serena's throat tightened.

She should have hesitated.

Should have overthought this, should have let fear get in the way.

But she didn't.

Instead, she whispered, "Okay."

Elias stilled, his gaze locking onto hers. "Okay?"

A slow smile spread across her lips. "Okay."

His expression softened, something unspoken passing between them.

Then, without another word, he kissed her—

And just like that, her future was no longer a question.

It was him.

It had always been him.

And now, finally, she was ready to accept it.

To be continued....