The festival’s laughter faded into the night as Kael’s hand closed firmly around Ariana’s wrist. His grip wasn’t bruising, but it was iron, unyielding. She stumbled to keep up as he cut through the celebrating crowd, ignoring the curious glances, ignoring the calls of his name. The warmth of the bonfires dwindled behind them, replaced by the cooler breath of the forest.
“Kael—” she began, but his sharp glance over his shoulder silenced her. His eyes gleamed under the silver wash of moonlight, darker than the shadows between the trees.
He didn’t stop until they reached a small clearing, bathed in pale light. The distant hum of drums was only a faint heartbeat now. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, mingling with something warmer—his scent, thick and heady, wrapping around her unt
