A Kiss between Worlds

Chapter 2: The Fae in the Living Room

Ivy stared at the stranger standing in her living room, her mouth slightly open, her brain unable to form a coherent thought. One moment, she was mindlessly scrolling through her phone; the next, a tall, glowing man in an elaborately embroidered coat appeared out of thin air.

He was breathtaking. His silvery hair shimmered like moonlight, his teal eyes glinted mischievously, and his sharp jawline looked as though it had been sculpted by the gods. But despite his ethereal beauty, he was most definitely *not* supposed to be in her apartment.

“What… who… how?” Ivy sputtered, clutching a throw pillow like a weapon.

The man arched an elegant brow. “Is that how humans greet royalty these days? I’ve been away for too long.” He offered a sweeping bow, though his smirk undermined any sincerity. “Kael of the Autumn Court, at your service. Or rather, you at mine. You’re the one who summoned me, after all.”

“Summoned you?!” Ivy’s voice pitched, panic lacing her words. “I didn’t summon anyone! I just—” She froze, glancing at the silver ring on her finger. “Oh, no.”

“Oh, yes.” Kael straightened, his piercing gaze landing on the ring. “That artifact belongs to my people. You must have activated it, binding me to you until the curse is broken.”

“Curse?” Ivy echoed, backing toward the kitchen. “Listen, buddy, I don’t know who you are or why you’re here, but I am not part of some magical—whatever this is!”

Kael sighed, his expression turning weary. “Humans. Always so dramatic.” He gestured, and with a flick of his hand, the air around them shimmered. “Like it or not, you’re involved. The ring can’t be removed until we break the enchantment keeping me trapped between realms. And since you’re the one wearing it, I can't leave your side.”

Ivy looked down at the ring, tugging at it furiously. Of course, it wouldn’t budge. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Afraid not,” Kael said with a shrug. “But don’t worry. I’m an excellent houseguest—assuming you have wine and a couch that doesn’t creak.”

Ivy groaned. “This is a nightmare.”

Kael grinned. “Oh, it gets worse.”