Cassian
Her soft hands reached out, tentative at first, as if unsure of their place. Her touch against my arm sent a current through my body, her thumb tracing patterns that felt like whispers against my skin.
As she climbed onto the bed, a fragrance of rosewood and vanilla enveloped me, a scent that felt like coming home after years in exile. At first, she tried to maintain a respectable distance. But when I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, she didn't resist.
She shifted in my arms, turning to face me. In the dim light, her eyes were luminous, searching mine. "Kiss me," she breathed, barely audible.
Everything in me went still. Did I hear her right?
"Aria..."
"Please," she whispered. "I need to know what it's like... when it's my choice."
Those words shattered my res
