Storm-Staria POV
Azanlin's fingers traced lazy patterns across my back as we lay tangled in the silk sheets of his massive chamber. He was still inside me, his breathing slowing, but his eyes filled with thoughts I couldn't read yet.
"You know," he said, his voice low, "I feel different when I'm with you. Like I'm safe. Like I can finally let my guard down."
I smiled weakly and turned to face him, brushing my fingers against his chest. This was the moment I had been waiting for—time to plant the lie.
"I think it's because we're connected," I whispered. "More than you know."
He raised an eyebrow. "How?"
"My parents… they were part of your clan."
Azanlin blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
I nodded slowly, keeping my face soft and believable. "They died during the gr
