THREAD OF DESIRE

Chapter 17 – Tangled Threads

Lucian’s POV

The studio lights burned too brightly tonight, almost mocking the shadows still clinging to my skin. Nareth stood by the piano, hands buried in his pockets, expression unreadable.

For days now, our words had grown heavier—filled with things we never said aloud. I could still feel the warmth of his touch from that night, the way he’d whispered my name like a secret.

“Lucian,” he said, voice low. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

I swallowed hard. “You’re imagining things.”

Nareth took a step closer, his scent—amber and smoke—curling around me like temptation. “No. You’re just scared I’ll find out what you’re hiding.”

He was right. If he knew whose soul lived inside this body, what would he do? Would he hate me… or still look at me like this?

My fingers trembled as he brushed them with his. Electricity sparked between us, sharp enough to make me forget who I really was.

“Even if you hate me,” he murmured, “I’ll still find a way to reach you.”

His lips brushed my temple. The world tilted. I almost believed him. Almost.

---

Seliora’s POV

Kaelyn’s laugh broke through the quiet hum of the city rooftop. She leaned back on her elbows, hair tumbling over her shoulders, eyes reflecting the neon skyline.

“Do you ever think we were meant to find each other?” she asked.

Seliora smiled faintly. “I used to believe destiny was cruel. But maybe it’s just... complicated.”

Kaelyn turned to face her fully. “Complicated is fine. As long as you don’t run from me again.”

The memory of that night—Seliora’s escape, Kaelyn’s tears—still lingered between them. But this time, Kaelyn reached out, fingers brushing Seliora’s wrist gently, grounding her.

“I’m done running,” Seliora whispered.

Their lips met softly under the city lights, a promise born from chaos and quiet understanding. Neither of them knew that their world was slowly intertwining with Lucian’s and Nareth’s—that every thread of desire, every secret, was pulling tighter.