Chapter 34: Claimed by Fire
The bond hadn’t calmed.
If anything—it had gotten stronger. Wilder. Hungrier.
As they walked through the quiet corridor to Lucien’s chambers, Aria’s body thrummed with heat. Every brush of his fingers sent tingles down her spine. Every look he gave her made her thighs press tighter. There was no fear anymore. No hesitation.
Just need.
Desire.
And this impossible fire curling in her gut that only one man could satisfy.
Lucien opened the chamber door with one hand, his other still wrapped around hers. The door clicked shut behind them, but neither of them moved.
Aria turned first, facing him. Her eyes locked with his, glowing faintly amber under the firelight.
Lucien’s voice was low. Rough. “Do you feel that?”
She nodded slowly, stepping closer. “It’s li
