CHAPTER 35: CRACKS BENEATH THE FLAME
The warmth of Caelum’s breath still lingered on her lips when it happened.
A low snarl sliced through the air—sharp, unmistakable.
Catleya froze. Caelum stiffened.
The scent hit her next. Familiar, woodsy, with a subtle metallic undertone—like steel wrapped in moss. It wasn't hostile… yet. But it was possessive, territorial.
Footsteps padded across the wooden porch. Slow. Intentional.
Then the door creaked open.
Catleya didn’t have time to move.
The woman who stepped into the threshold moved like wind through a blade field—graceful, but dangerous. Her black hair was pulled into a tight braid, eyes sharp as obsidian. Her presence wasn’t loud, but it commanded every inch of space in the room.
“Caelum,” she said coolly, her voice like silk dipped
