Zara’s POV

  The city felt different at night. Quieter, the usual tension dulled by the dim glow of lanterns lining the streets. I stood outside the small restaurant, arms crossed, waiting for Kage to arrive. When he finally appeared, his hands shoved in his coat pockets, I arched a brow.

  “You’re late, Detective.”

  Kage smirked. “By two minutes.”

  I tilted my head. “Still late.”

  He exhaled, shaking his head as he pulled the door open for me. “After you.”

  The restaurant was small, tucked away from the more crowded streets, and bathed in candlelight. No loud voices, no side glances—just quiet warmth and the low hum of conversation. After everything we had been through—near-death encounters, fear, exhaustion—this was the first time in a long while that life felt calm.

  We were seated near the back, the flickering candle casting shifting shadows across Kage’s face. His dark eyes swept the room out of habit, and I smirked. “You look uncomfortable.”

  “I’m not uncomfortable,” he said, leaning back.

  I rested my chin in my palm. “You keep scanning the room like you’re in the middle of an investigation. You’re allowed to relax, you know.”

  Kage sighed, rolling his shoulders. “Force of habit.”

  I didn’t push, just let the silence stretch between us, letting him adjust. When our drinks arrived, I traced the rim of my glass. “We never really did this before.”

  “No,” Kage admitted. “It’s different.”

  “Good different?”

  His eyes met mine, steady and unwavering. “Yeah.”

  A small smile tugged at my lips. “Alright, tell me something about yourself. Since this is an actual date and all.”

  He lifted a brow. “Like what?”

  I shrugged. “Something normal. Something not shadow-related.”

  Kage thought for a moment. “When I first moved to the city, I didn’t know anyone. Didn’t trust anyone. Took a long time before I stopped thinking everyone around me was just waiting for me to screw up.”

  I tilted my head. “What changed?”

  He exhaled. “I found people worth trusting. Not many, but enough.”

  I smiled slightly. “And now?”

  Kage took a sip of his drink, watching me over the rim. “Now I trust you.”

  A warmth I wasn’t expecting settled in my chest, but before I could say anything, I found myself talking.

  “My father was a telepath,” I said, my voice softer than before. “It was just him and me growing up. My mother died giving birth to me, so he was all I had.”

  Kage didn’t interrupt, just listened, letting me continue at my own pace. “He could hear everything I thought, but he never invaded my mind. Never forced his way in. He always said I deserved the right to my own thoughts.”

  I smiled slightly, staring at my drink. “He was good to me. Taught me everything. Not just magic, but how to survive, how to think for myself. How to be strong when the world wanted me to be weak.”

  Kage nodded slowly, as if weighing his next words carefully. “Sounds like he gave you exactly what you needed.”

  “He did,” I said, glancing at him. “And now? What do you need?”

  Kage exhaled, considering. “Something different than what I used to. For a long time, I was alone and I preferred it like that. Now… I’m not so sure.”

  We talked about everything and nothing after that. For the first time, we weren’t just two people surviving—we were living.

  When we stepped back out onto the street, the night air was crisp, but not unpleasant. We walked side by side, neither of us speaking right away. Finally, I glanced at him. “So? Was it a good date?”

  Kage looked at me, his usual guarded expression softening. “Yeah. It was.”

  I smiled. “Good. Because I’d hate to think our first real date was a disaster.”

  Kage stopped walking, turning to face me fully. The street was empty, the lantern light casting long shadows around us. Then, before I could even process it, his hand was on my face, warm, steady.

  My breath hitched slightly, but I didn’t pull away. His dark eyes searched mine, and I let myself get lost in the quiet intensity of his gaze.

  Then he kissed me.

  It was slow, deliberate—not desperate, not rushed, just real.

  I melted into him, my hands resting lightly against his chest. The world outside didn’t exist for those few fleeting moments—just the warmth of his lips, the way he fit so perfectly against me.

  When we finally pulled apart, I smirked up at him. “So, second date?”

  Kage exhaled a quiet laugh. “Yeah. Definitely.”

  I grinned. “Good. Because next time, I’m picking the place.”

  He huffed but didn’t argue.

  I hesitated for a moment before tilting my head at him. “Do you want to come back to my place?”

  Kage’s lips quirked into a smirk, mischief flickering in his dark eyes. “I usually don’t put out on the first date… but for you, I’ll make an exception.”

  I rolled my eyes, laughing as I nudged his arm. “You’re impossible.”

  “And yet, you’re still inviting me over,” he teased, his voice low, warm.

  I shook my head, amused. “Come on, before I change my mind.”

  ? Content Warning: The rest of the chapter contains explicit sexual content and intense romantic themes. Reader discretion is advised. If you prefer to skip, you can move to the next chapter without missing crucial plot details.

  The walk to my house felt longer than ever before, filled with anticipation and a quiet excitement that had been missing in my life for too long. Kage’s arm wrapped around my waist, his touch gentle and reassuring—it was a stark contrast to the powerful, shadowy figure he usually presented.

  Once we were inside, we didn’t bother with the lights. The moon was full tonight, casting a soft silver glow through the windows that danced with the shadows that clung to him. He looked at me with those dark eyes, the shadows around his horns swirling with desire.

  “Your eyes,” he murmured, his voice thick with want. “They’re so…beautiful.”

  I stepped closer, reaching up to trace the line of his jaw with my fingertips. His skin was warm, and the shadows around us grew more intense as our bodies came closer together. I run my hand up through his hair nearing the base of his horns “You know what happens when you touch my horns,” he whispered.

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  I smirked. “I do.”

  He leaned in, his breath hot against my skin. “Then do it.”

  My heart racing, I reached up and cupped the base of one of his horns. It was smooth, the material of his shadow form shifting under my touch. His eyes snapped shut, a shiver running through his body. The shadows grew thicker, wrapping around us like a lover’s embrace.

  Kage’s hand slid down my back, pressing me closer, until there was no space between us. His other hand found the zipper of my dress, pulling it down with agonizing slowness. The fabric fell away, leaving me in nothing but my underwear. His gaze swept over me, and I watched his shadows pulse with his arousal.

  My own eyes grew brighter, the necromantic energy inside me responding to the passion that simmered between us. I could feel it, a warm, pulsing presence just beneath my skin.

  He kissed me again, this time deeper, slower, his tongue tracing the outline of my mouth before delving in to dance with mine. His hands roamed over my body, exploring every curve with a tenderness that was new and exhilarating.

  I let out a soft gasp as he slid his hand under the band of my panties, his thumb brushing against my clit. I arched into his touch, my body already begging for more. His shadows grew darker, more tangible, caressing my skin as if they had a mind of their own.

  I pushed him backward, towards the bed, our kiss never breaking. We tumbled onto the soft mattress, his weight pressing me down, his shadows curling around us like a blanket.

  He pulled away just enough to remove my panties, tossing them aside. His eyes never left mine as he settled between my legs, his shadows retreating for a moment. Then, with a look of pure hunger, he leaned down and kissed me—not my mouth, but the very core of me.

  My eyes snapped wide open, the pleasure so intense it was almost painful. I felt the heat of his breath, the brush of his shadows, and the warm, wet pressure of his tongue. My hands tangled in his hair, grabbing onto his horns, urging him on as I moaned.

  His eyes grew darker, the shadows around us thickening. He took his time, savoring every moment, every sound I made. And when I finally came, the shadows around us pulsed with power, the room momentarily plunged into darkness before the candles flared back to life, casting our entwined forms in flickering light.

  I watched him, my breathing ragged, as he slowly made his way back up my body, planting kisses along the way. When he reached my mouth, I tasted myself on his lips, and it was strange, but intoxicating.

  I wasn’t going to let him have all the fun, he was still fully dressed. I began to unbutton his shirt, one button at a time, my eyes on his the entire time. With each button, his shadows grew more impatient, reaching out to assist, but I swatted them away. “Patience,” I whispered.

  Finally, his shirt was open, revealing his broad chest, the muscles taut with restrained power. I leaned down to kiss him there, my teeth grazing his skin. He hissed in pleasure, his hands tightening on my hips.

  I sat up, straddling him, my eyes never leaving his. His shadows reached out to caress my breasts, playing with my nipples as I slid his shirt off completely. His skin was hot, his heart pounding beneath my touch.

  Our eyes met again, and there was something in his gaze that was new—something vulnerable, something that made my heart ache with tenderness. He reached up to cup my cheek, his thumb stroking gently.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice hoarse.

  I leaned down to kiss him, our bodies pressed together. His cock was hard, straining against his pants, and I could feel it through the fabric.

  I slid off him, standing at the edge of the bed to remove my bra. When I looked back, Kage was watching me with a hunger that made me feel like I was the most precious thing in the world.

  When I was fully naked, I slid back onto the bed, moving down to his belt. I undid the clasp, his shadows whispering around us as I pulled his pants down, revealing his erection.

  He was beautiful, all shadow and muscle and desire. I took him in my hand, stroking him slowly. His eyes fluttered shut, his mouth parting on a groan.

  He reached down, his thumb sliding over my bottom lip. “Take it,” he breathed.

  I didn’t hesitate, wrapping my lips around him. His shadows grew darker, more agitated, swirling around us as I took him in, inch by inch. His hand found the back of my head, guiding me, urging me deeper.

  Kage’s moans grew louder, his hips bucking slightly, but he never lost control. His eyes remained on me, watching my every move, drinking in every expression of pleasure that crossed my face.

  Finally, he pulled away, panting. “I want to be inside you,” he whispered.

  I slid off him laying back on the bed spreading my legs wide for him. He took his time, sliding into me with a slowness that was pure torture. Our eyes never left each other’s as we moved together, the shadows dancing around us in time with our passion.

  Each thrust was deliberate, each kiss tender. The world outside didn’t matter anymore—only us, wrapped in darkness and light.

  His shadows grew thicker, more intense with every passing moment, and I felt a strange, thrilling power building within me. My eyes grew brighter, my body arching as the pleasure grew, threatening to consume me.

  When we reached climax together, the room was filled with the pulse of shadow and necromantic energy. It was like nothing I’d ever felt before—like we weren’t just two people, but a storm of power and emotion.

  We lay there for a long time, our breathing gradually evening out. Kage’s shadows had retreated, leaving us in the soft moonlight. His arm was thrown over my stomach, his hand resting on my hip.

  “That was…” I began, not quite sure what to say.

  Kage kissed me gently. “A start.”

  I nodded, smiling against his lips. “Yeah. A very good start.”

  Her hand slid down my chest, tracing the line of my abs before wrapping around my hardened length. I couldn’t help the hiss that escaped my lips as she began to stroke me with a gentle, yet firm hand. The shadows around us grew darker, swirling with every beat of my heart.

  “Zara,” I murmured, my voice hoarse with need.

  Her eyes never left mine as she pushed me onto my back and slid down my body. Her lips brushing against the head of my cock. I felt the warmth of her breath, and grazing of her lips, and it was all I could do to keep from bucking my hips up into her touch.

  Then she took me in, her mouth enveloping me, her tongue swirling around the tip, tasting me. My shadows grew thicker, reaching out to caress her cheeks, her neck, her breasts. The sensation was exquisite, a symphony of pleasure that resonated through my entire being.

  I watched as she moved, her eyes never leaving mine. It was as if she could see into my soul, and all I could do was hold onto her, my hands gripping her hair, guiding her as she took me deeper. Her eyes grew brighter, the light within them illuminating the room, and I knew she was feeling it too—our connection, our power.

  Her pace was slow, deliberate, and it was driving me mad with need. I could feel the tension building, my body tightening, my muscles coiling like a spring ready to release. And when I did, when I came, it was with a roar that shook the very foundations of the house.

  Our eyes remained locked, and I watched as she swallowed, her eyes shining with satisfaction. She climbed up my body, placing a soft kiss on my chest, her eyes still alight with the power of my climax.

  But we weren’t done yet. The energy between us was still there, still pulsating, begging for more. I rolled her over, my shadows wrapping around her like a lover’s embrace.

  “Kage,” she breathed, her eyes shining with excitement.

  I kissed her, my tongue delving into her mouth, tasting myself on her. Her legs parted willingly, inviting me in, but I wanted to do more to her first.

  My hand slid down her body, my shadows caressing her skin. I felt her tremble as I touched her clit, my fingers working in slow circles, teasing her. She moaned into the kiss, her body arching into my touch.

  I slid one finger into her wet heat, then two, feeling her tighten around me. She was so wet, so ready for me, and the sight of her, the feel of her, was more than I could handle.

  I curled my fingers, hitting that spot deep inside her that made her gasp. Her eyes grew brighter, the green light almost blinding in their intensity.

  “Again,” she panted.

  And I did, over and over, watching her face contort with pleasure, her eyes shining like emeralds in the darkness. Her breath grew ragged, and her nails dug into my arms, leaving half-moon marks that would likely be there in the morning.

  Her hips began to buck, and I knew she was close. I slid my fingers out of her causing her to whine, then I thrust three fingers into her and I picked up the pace, my shadows coiling around her hips, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

  When she came, it was like a supernova, her body shaking with the force of her orgasm. I watched her ride it out, her eyes never leaving mine, her teeth digging into her bottom lip to keep from screaming out.

  And when she finally collapsed against the bed, panting and spent, I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. But I wasn’t done with her yet.

  I leaned down, kissing her neck, my teeth grazing her skin. She shivered beneath me, her eyes still bright with passion. I kissed my way down her body, my shadows following, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

  My mouth found her breasts, sucking on the hardened peaks, my tongue flicking over her nipples. She moaned, her hands tangling in my hair, holding me to her.

  Her hips began to move again, and I knew she wanted more. So, I gave it to her.

  I slid down, my mouth finding her clit again, my tongue flicking over it as my fingers delved into her once more. She was so wet, so ready, and I lapped up her essence like a man starved.

  Her legs began to tremble, and I knew she was close again. I didn’t stop, didn’t let up, until she was screaming my name, her eyes so bright they were almost blinding.

  And when she finally stilled, her breathing returning to normal, I kissed my way back up her body, my cock still hard and demanding.

  “Again,” I whispered, my voice low and filled with need.

  And she nodded, her eyes still shining with the aftermath of pleasure.

  I slid into her, slow and deliberate, feeling every inch of her warmth envelop me. Her eyes grew even brighter as I filled her completely, her nails digging into the horns on my head.

  The pleasure was so intense, it was almost painful. I’d never felt anything like this before, never been so connected to another person.

  Our movements grew more frantic, our breathing more ragged. The room was filled with the sound of our lovemaking—her moans, my growls, the slap of our skin.

  But we never lost eye contact. We never stopped caring for each other. And when I finally spilled inside her, it was with a roar that echoed through the room.

  Her eyes grew so bright, I had to look away, but I felt her release, felt her tighten around me as she came once more.

  When it was over, we lay there, our bodies tangled together, our hearts pounding in unison. And in that moment, I knew that I’d never felt more alive.

  Her hand found mine, our fingers interlocking, and we stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, our breaths mingling in the stillness of the room.

  “I love you,” she whispered, her voice soft and filled with emotion.

  “I love you too, Zara,” I responded, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

  And in that moment, surrounded by our shadows, our magic, and our love, I knew that nothing could ever come between us.