Lust, Burning Like Fire.

Elias descended the grand marble steps of the royal court, through the many shocked gazes staring at him. He was a new marvel, a rising power they must analyse. Elias did not show any affection or courtesy, he behaved cold and distant as she walked through them. 

The crisp breeze tousled a strand of his dark hair as he adjusted the coat over his shoulders, He passed the garden's iron-wrought gates without a single glance back.

The group of traders were fuming behind them. They had expected Elias to gloat, to return to them seeking help with logistics or allies or carriages. At the very least, they had expected him to ask for a carriage from them. After all, his estate was far away. How was he planning to return?

 "He doesn't even have a bloody carriage," one sneered under his breath, his voice edged with scorn, though it rang hollow. "Why did he leave with such a proud face!" 

"Maybe he is waiting down the lane," muttered another, still holding onto hope. "He will come back asking for help, after all he looks like a beggar right now. He will realize he can't return to his estate alone."

But the longer they waited, the more unsettling the silence became. After ten minutes, two of them finally broke off from the group to investigate. They strolled through the exit garden, glancing around, expecting to find him near the outer courtyard gates or perhaps speaking to an attendant.

But Elias was nowhere to be seen. He had vanished completely.

Confused and rattled, they returned to the others, murmuring, "He is gone. He didn't even leave through the main gate."

"What do you mean gone?"

"He just disappeared."

"How is that possible! We are going to look for him again. Everyone, let's split and find him. Then offer him a carriage and discuss the matter again."

—---------

"What if someone had seen us disappearing from there? You could have chosen another spot to teleport both of us." Elias sighed and took a step back as he looked around but she did not let him. He was getting better at this. He did not feel dizzy anymore as she made the unannounced spells.

The room smelled faintly of herbs, ash wood, and blood. The fireplace crackled quietly in the background, its glow casting golden shadows across the floor. Her lean figure leaned against the stone wall with her eyes gleaming. She wore tight black leather pants that clung to her long legs like a second skin, tucked into worn riding boots.

 A white buttoned shirt, clearly once belonging to a man, was tucked into her waistband, the fabric slightly open at the collar, revealing a teasing glimpse of pale skin and the edge of a lacey black undergarment. The shirt was loose around her shoulders but taut at her chest, the swell of her breasts emphasized beneath the stretched fabric. Her crimson hair was tied in a loose braid over one shoulder, and her eyes gleamed like liquid fire.

As Elias stared at her in confusion, her lips curled into a knowing smile. "Congratulations, Baron Crestford, you have achieved your first success today." she purred.

Her arms were still around his waist, and her eyes scanned his face with quiet satisfaction.

"You did well," she said, her voice low and smoky. "That little scene at court made the baron humiliated. But why did you save him from imprisonment?" She licked her lips slowly, deliberately. "The scent of blood lust on you is stronger than ever, It suits you."

Elias didn't reply. He was still catching his breath from the sudden shift, but he didn't move away now. His gaze dropped briefly to the curve of her chest pressing into his coat, then back to her mouth as she leaned in closer.

"You reek of control, Elias," she whispered, her lips brushing his jaw. "And that makes me thirsty."

She leaned in further, her nose grazing the side of his neck. "Can I taste it?"

He didn't answer because it was not a question. She rubbed the spot on his neck as she leaned closer, Her lips parted as she sank her fangs into his neck with practiced grace. The sharp sting was followed by the rush of heat that coursed through his veins, a strange intoxicating connection that made his breath hitch. Elias moaned softly, his body hot with desire burning like fire.

His hand slid into her hair, fingers curling tightly in her braid as he held her there tightly letting her drink.

She pressed closer to him in return. Her one hand sliding up his chest, feeling his heartbeat pound beneath the fine cloth. Her fangs pierced deeper, but instead of feeling pain, all he felt was a strange pleasure that made his breath hitch as if savoring him.

His grip on her hair tightened as the heat inside him unfurled like fire licking beneath his skin.

"You enjoy this too much," he murmured into her ear, voice thick with arousal and restraint.

Seraphina withdrew her fangs slowly. her tongue flicking over the wound to seal it. Her lips glistened red as she pulled herself back a little so that she could meet his gaze with her eyes half-lidded.

"So do you!" she whispered back.

She didn't move from his chest. Her fingers played with the lapel of his coat, idly tracing the lines of his body beneath. Her mouth still hovered close, and her breath felt warm against his skin.

"I knew you would win," she added, dragging a nail down his chest in a slow and possessive manner. "They were never prepared for someone like you. Just like they never are for me."

Elias exhaled slowly, the fire in him simmering rather than fading.

"You brought me here just to drink from me?" he asked, arching a brow.

Seraphina's smile deepened. "Maybe or maybe I wanted to be the first to celebrate your victory, Elias."

She leaned up and brushed a soft kiss just beside the wound.

"After all," she whispered, "we both know this is only the beginning."