Episode 12 — Smoke & Sin
316 Words
The underground shooting range beneath Blackthorn Estate smelled like metal, smoke, and violence.
Seraphina hated how naturally Kael belonged there.
Black gloves.
Black suit.
Cold instructions delivered in that dangerously calm voice.
Even the guards treated him like something untouchable.
Kael stood behind her while adjusting the weapon carefully inside her trembling hands.
“Lower your shoulders.”
His voice brushed against her ear softly.
Seraphina’s pulse immediately betrayed her.
“I know how to stand.”
“Clearly not.”
She glared at him over her shoulder. “You enjoy being irritating.”
Kael adjusted her grip again.
Too close.
Always too close lately.
“I enjoy keeping you alive.”
The words settled heavily between them.
Seraphina swallowed slowly.
Kael stepped behind her fully then, one hand covering hers while the other steadied the gun near her waist.
Warmth spread violently through her chest.
His body heat.
His scent.
His breathing near her neck.
Dangerous.
Everything about this felt dangerous.
“Focus,” he murmured quietly.
Easy for him to say.
Seraphina pulled the trigger.
The gunshot echoed through the underground chamber violently.
She flinched immediately.
Kael didn’t.
“Again.”
Another shot.
Closer this time.
Kael’s hand tightened over hers slightly.
“Better.”
Seraphina turned suddenly.
Big mistake.
She collided directly against his chest.
The air vanished from her lungs instantly.
Kael looked down at her silently.
Close enough to kiss.
Close enough to destroy reason.
Neither moved.
Neither breathed properly.
Then—
Cassian entered abruptly.
“Sir.”
The moment shattered instantly.
Kael stepped away first.
Cold composure returning immediately.
“What happened?”
Cassian hesitated briefly before speaking.
“We found who ordered the attack.”
Silence flooded the room.
Kael’s eyes darkened instantly.
“Alive?”
“Yes.”
Something terrifying flickered across Kael’s face.
Not relief.
Anticipation.
Seraphina suddenly realized someone was about to die tonight.
Episode End.
- Writer
