Ashes
400 Words
The rain hammered the tent’s canvas, relentless and sharp like a battle cry. Outside, thunder rolled low, but inside the world had narrowed to the heat radiating between them.
Kain’s breath was uneven, fingers still tangled in Seraphine’s hair as his lips traced a slow path down her jaw. Her skin prickled under his touch, every nerve alive and aching.
“You’re reckless,” he murmured, voice rough with something that wasn’t quite anger or desire—something deeper, more dangerous.
She tilted her head, exposing her throat. “And you’re too disciplined.”
His hands slid beneath her tunic, tracing the curve of her ribs. “That’s why we fit.”
Seraphine’s pulse thundered, but a voice, sharp as a blade, cut through the haze.
“Kain.”
They froze. The name came not from outside the tent, but from within—the cold, smooth voice of Thorne.
Seraphine blinked, and there he was, leaning against the tent’s entrance, the flickering firelight catching the cruel set of his smile.
“You didn’t think I’d let you have her to yourself, did you?”
Kain’s jaw tightened. “We’re not here to play games.”
Thorne stepped inside, uninvited, the storm’s wetness dripping from his dark cloak.
Seraphine’s gaze flicked between the two men—one fire, one shadow—both fighting for her in ways she hadn’t asked for but couldn’t ignore.
“Enough,” she said, voice steady but edged with command. “This isn’t a contest. I decide.”
Kain’s eyes darkened, a storm barely contained.
Thorne’s smile widened, dangerous and knowing.
Seraphine pushed herself up, willing herself to appear in control of this situation
“You want me, both of you. Fine. But know this—no one owns me. Not yet.”
Her words hung heavy in the tent, louder than thunder.
Thorne moved closer, the scent of rain and leather mixing around him. “Then maybe we can share the prize.”
Kain’s response was a hard shove, pushing Thorne back a step, tension spiraling between them like a drawn blade.
Seraphine’s heart hammered, torn between the steady flame of Kain’s loyalty and the wild fire in Thorne’s eyes.
She huffed at the two of them and marched out into the storm to claim Thornes tent for herself and leave the two to argue amongst themselves. She knew this night was only the beginning.
- Writer
