Elegbede_Habeeb

The first time they met, it felt like fate. The second time, it felt like a warning.

She was running from a past that refused to die. He was chasing a future that seemed just out of reach. When their worlds collided, it was more than just love—it was an obsession, a wildfire that threatened to burn them both alive.

But love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes, it’s destruction in disguise.

Bound by Fire: Ashes of Desire

The city never truly slept. Even after blood had been spilled on the docks, life continued. People went to work, traffic buzzed, neon lights flickered. For the rest of the world, nothing had changed.

He stood in the penthouse, the dim city glow filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. His shirt was off, the deep gash on his side freshly bandaged by Elena, but he barely noticed the sting. His mind was elsewhere—stuck in the past, lingering in the future, unable to settle in the present.

Behind him, Sofia sat curled up on the leather couch, a glass of whiskey in her hand. She hadn't spoken much since they left the docks. The fear in her eyes was gone, replaced by something else—something unreadable.

Dante leaned against the kitchen counter, swirling a drink in his hand. "Adrian's empire is crumbling. His people are either scattering or turning on each other." He took a sip. "We should be celebrating."

Luca only let out a humorless chuckle. "You think this is over?"

Dante exhaled, shaking his head. "I think we bought ourselves time. But yeah… someone's gonna want to take Adrian's place."

Elena, sitting on the arm of the couch, tapped her nails against the glass in her hand. "The question is who."

Luca already had an idea. Power vacuums didn't last long. If Adrian had left any loose ends, they'd be tying themselves up right now. And if someone was smart, they were already planning their next move.

Sofia finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "Then we strike first."

Luca turned to her. She met his gaze head-on, no hesitation.

"You think Adrian was the end of it?" she continued, setting her drink down. "Whoever comes next will be worse. They always are."

Luca studied her. He had spent so long protecting her, keeping her away from this life. But now? She wasn't running. She wasn't afraid.

Luca sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. He hadn't even processed Adrian's death, and already another fire was burning.

Sofia stood, stepping toward him. "I don't want to live in fear, Luca. Not anymore."

His fingers grazed her jaw, tilting her face up to his. "And if it means war?"

She didn't flinch. "Then we burn them all."

Next Chapter: Smoke and Shadows – A new enemy moves in the dark, and Luca realizes that keeping Sofia by his side may be the most dangerous thing he's ever done.

A New Fire