A Night of No Return

The tension had been simmering between them for months—a slow, irresistible pull neither of them could fight anymore.

And tonight, they wouldn't.

The Room of Requirement had reshaped itself to their needs, a private sanctuary draped in deep blues and silvers, a grand four-poster bed at the center. Candles flickered, casting a warm glow over the room, the scent of lavender lingering in the air. The soft sound of crackling fire filled the space, adding warmth to the intimate setting.

Daphne stood before Ezekiel, her emerald eyes dark with longing.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice husky with restrained desire.

Daphne's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

She stepped forward, her hands reaching for the buttons of his shirt, her fingers brushing against his warm skin as she undid each one slowly. Ezekiel's breath hitched at her touch, the anticipation making his pulse race.

He allowed her to take her time, watching her closely. The way her fingers trembled slightly as she revealed more of him only made him want her more.

Ezekiel reached for the clasp of her robes, his fingers grazing her shoulders before pushing the fabric down her arms. The robes slipped to the floor, revealing the smooth curves of her body, clad only in delicate lace beneath.

His breath caught. She was breathtaking.

Daphne smirked at his reaction. "You're staring, Lord Ravenclaw."

Ezekiel chuckled lowly. "Can you blame me?"

He stepped closer, his hands sliding around her waist, pulling her against him, the heat of their bodies meeting. He dipped his head, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder, his lips trailing upward to her neck.

Daphne let out a shuddering breath, tilting her head to give him better access. "Ezekiel…"

Hearing his name spill from her lips in such a breathless whisper sent a surge of hunger through him. He couldn't hold back any longer.

He captured her lips in a deep kiss, devouring her, savoring her. She melted against him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she responded eagerly.

His hands roamed, exploring the soft curves of her body, memorizing every inch of her. He felt her shiver under his touch, her body reacting to him in ways that only made him more desperate for her.

Daphne let out a small gasp as he lifted her effortlessly into his arms, carrying her toward the bed. The silk sheets felt cool against her flushed skin as he laid her down, his body hovering over hers.

She reached up, pulling him down for another kiss, this one more urgent, more demanding.

"I want you," she whispered against his lips, her voice raw with emotion.

Ezekiel's eyes darkened, his restraint crumbling. "Then you'll have me."

Their bodies entwined, touches growing more desperate, kisses turning more heated. The world outside the Room of Requirement ceased to exist—there was no duty, no contract, no expectations—only them.

Daphne gasped as pleasure surged through her, her fingers clutching at Ezekiel's shoulders as he moved against her, within her.

"Ezekiel…" she moaned, her voice a melody he would never tire of hearing.

He groaned in response, burying his face in her neck as he lost himself in her, their bodies moving in perfect rhythm.

They took their time, exploring, learning, savoring.

And when they reached the peak together, it was unlike anything either of them had ever felt.

They lay tangled beneath the sheets, skin damp, bodies still pressed against each other, hearts pounding in unison.

Ezekiel stroked Daphne's hair, his fingers running through the silken strands. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, a rare moment of tenderness after the intensity of their first time.

"Are you alright?" he murmured, his voice gentle.

Daphne let out a breathless chuckle, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "Better than alright."

She curled into him, their bodies fitting together perfectly. The warmth of his skin, the steady beat of his heart—it was comforting, safe.

For a while, they simply lay there, basking in the afterglow.

Then, reality settled in.

Daphne propped herself up on one elbow, her emerald eyes searching his. "You know what this means, don't you?"

Ezekiel nodded, the weight of their bond now deeper than just duty or contract.

"We're getting married before the year is over," she murmured, voice laced with quiet acceptance.

Ezekiel sighed, reaching for the letter his mother had sent earlier that evening.

> My dearest son,

The date has been chosen.

December 26th, during the Christmas break, you and Daphne will be wed in the grand ceremony that was always meant to be.

It is tradition, it is duty, and now, it is love.

Prepare yourself. Your life is about to change forever.

With love,

Your Mother.

Ezekiel let out a slow breath. "December 26th."

Daphne sat up slightly, resting her chin on his chest. "That soon?"

Ezekiel wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, pressing his lips to her temple. "It was always going to happen before my seventeenth birthday. The contract made sure of that."

Daphne's fingers lazily traced his jawline. "You don't regret this, do you?"

Ezekiel rolled them over, pressing her into the mattress, his weight settling on top of her.

"Does it look like I regret it?" he murmured, capturing her lips once more.

Daphne let out a soft laugh against his mouth before threading her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.

"Then let's make the most of the time we have before that day comes," she whispered.

Ezekiel smirked. "I was hoping you'd say that."

And with that, the night was far from over.

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