The fire in Kael’s quarters burned low, casting shadows that seemed to crawl along the walls. Ariana leaned against the far edge of the room, arms crossed, wishing she could disappear into the corner or dissolve into the shadows themselves. Every nerve in her body still hummed from the bond-breaking kiss from the night before.
She hated how much she wanted it.
Hated how much she needed it.
And she hated even more that she couldn’t stop thinking about his hands, his scent, the way his body pressed against hers. Her pulse jumped at the memory, betraying her resolve.
Kael watched her from across the room, seated in his chair with one leg propped casually over the other, but the way he was watching made it clear: he wasn’t relaxed. His eyes, dark and feral, pinned her in place, and every l
