Bound by Fire

Episode 4: The First Test

Seraphina knew Kieran Blackwell wouldn’t waste time pulling her into his world.

But she didn’t expect his first move to be this bold.

The invitation arrived at her apartment the next evening—an elegant black card embossed with silver lettering.

“You belong to me now. Come to me. Midnight.”

There was no address. Only a key.

Seraphina stood in front of the sleek black door in a private, high-rise building, gripping the key between her fingers.

This was dangerous. Walking into his territory. Letting him set the rules.

But she had played cautious long enough.

She slid the key into the lock.

The door clicked open.

Inside, the space was dimly lit, warm golden light spilling across dark marble floors. It was quiet. Too quiet.

Then—

The door shut behind her.

And he was there.

Kieran leaned against the bar, watching her like a predator who had just caught his prey. He had ditched the suit jacket, his black dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms.

Seraphina refused to be intimidated. She took a slow step forward, her heels echoing.

“What is this, Blackwell?” she asked coolly.

Kieran tilted his glass of whiskey, watching the liquid swirl. “Our first night.”

Her pulse spiked. “First night of what?”

His lips curved. “Your training.”

Heat licked up her spine. She should have expected this. Kieran wasn’t a man who played games halfway.

She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t take orders.”

Kieran smirked. “You do now.”

Before she could snap back, he set his drink down and started toward her. Slow. Deliberate. Hunting her.

Seraphina stood her ground, but when he stopped just inches from her, her breath faltered.

“I told you what this deal meant,” he murmured, lifting a hand to brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was light, but it sent a dark thrill rushing through her. “You belong to me. That starts tonight.”

Her stomach clenched.

She had walked into his world willingly.

Now, there was no turning back.

And the worst part?

She didn’t want to.