Kage’s POV

  I stepped into the dimly lit common room, shadows clinging to my form as I solidified near the doorway. My chest was still tight from the rush of shadow-traveling, but I forced myself to focus. Zara was waiting for me, her green eyes glowing faintly in the lantern’s light, arms crossed as she sat curled up in one of the worn armchairs.

  “You’re late,” she said, her voice even, but there was an edge to it.

  I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. “I had to update Detective Hall. And… I found something.”

  Zara sat up straighter, concern flickering across her face. “What happened?”

  I hesitated for a brief moment before stepping closer. “The Sovereign Order. They aren’t just pushing their containment policies anymore. They’re taking magicals. Kidnapping them. And now, they’re planning something big.”

  Her brows furrowed. “Planning what?”

  I clenched my jaw, the image of the warehouse and the chanting crowd flashing in my mind. “An attack. On the university. They think it’s a breeding ground for magical corruption. They’re organizing, gathering weapons—devices that can detect magic, track us even if we hide in shadows.”

  Zara’s grip tightened on the arm of the chair, her expression darkening. “You’re sure?”

  “I heard it myself,” I said, forcing my voice to stay calm. “They’re going to act soon. And that’s why I need you to stay away from the university for the next few days. It’s not safe.”

  She scoffed, shaking her head. “Kage, I’m working at the hospital tomorrow, but after that, I’m going back. Someone has to be there. The students—”

  “Zara,” I interrupted, stepping closer, my voice quieter but firm. “I know how much you love teaching. And I hate asking you to stay away, but if you go back now, you’re putting yourself at risk. You could be a target.”

  She stared at me for a long moment, her green eyes searching mine. “And what about the students? Who’s going to protect them? If whoever’s behind this is targeting magicals, then they’re at risk too. I’m not leaving them defenseless.”

  My hands curled into fists at my sides. I had known she wouldn’t back down, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  Zara softened slightly, but her resolve didn’t waver. “And I don’t want anything to happen to them.”

  I let out a slow breath, knowing there was no changing her mind. “Just… be careful.”

  She offered me a small, knowing smile. “I always am.”

  I wasn’t sure if that was true, but I didn’t argue. Instead, I took the seat across from her, letting the weight of the night settle over us. Malrick was already asleep upstairs, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing just beyond our doorstep. For now, the night was still, but I knew better than to trust its silence.

  Zara studied me for a long moment before exhaling, her gaze steady. “You’ve been more closed off since Malrick got here. Talk to me, Kage. What’s going on?”

  I hesitated, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’m worried about him. About all of this.” I ran a hand through my hair, tension coiling in my chest. “By bringing him here, I might have put you in danger. I keep thinking about what happens if I fail, if I can’t protect you—protect him.”

  Zara’s expression softened, and before I could turn away, she reached for my hand, threading her fingers through mine. “Kage, you did the right thing. Malrick needed someone to believe in him, and you stepped up when no one else would. That’s who you are.”

  I clenched my jaw, fighting against the flood of emotions threatening to break through. “But what if that’s not enough? What if I can’t stop what’s coming?”

  Zara cupped my face, her thumbs brushing over my cheekbones, grounding me. “You don’t have to do this alone. We protect each other, remember? I trust you, and I am so proud of you for everything you’ve done.”

  My breath hitched at her words, the weight of my fears colliding with the comfort she offered. I closed the distance between us, capturing her lips in a slow, desperate kiss. She melted into me, her warmth chasing away the lingering dread.

  ? 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.

  Zara’s POV

  As we kissed, I could feel the heat building in my core, the desire I had kept coiled tightly for so long. I felt Kage’s need, his tension, and his fear. His horns brushed against my cheek as he kissed down my neck to my collarbone, and a thrill shot through me, making my eyes burn brighter. He groaned, his grip tightening on my waist as he stood, lifting me effortlessly into his arms. The shadows around us danced, swirling in response to our passion.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  He carried me into the bedroom, his steps silent despite his bulk. We had to be careful; Malrick was in the house now, a reminder of the world we had to protect. The thought of him hearing us, knowing what we were doing, sent a thrill of naughtiness through me, making me want to be louder, to claim what was mine.

  The fabric of my shirt whispered against my skin as he laid me down, his weight pressing me into the soft mattress. I could feel his arousal growing, his shadows stretching out like a living blanket, reaching for the hem of my shirt.

  I leaned up, my hands trembling as I began to unbutton his shirt. One by one, the buttons gave way to the softness of his skin. His muscles flexed beneath my fingertips, and the room grew warmer as my eyes began to glow with an emerald intensity. He leaned in, kissing me again, his teeth grazing my bottom lip. The pain sent a jolt of pleasure through me, making my eyes water with desire. His hands found the hem at the bottom of my shirt, and with a gentle tug, it gave way. The garment slithered over my body, revealing my lacy black lingerie.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against my skin. His breath was hot, sending goosebumps racing over my body. I arched my back, eager for his touch. His thumbs hooked into the fabric of my bra, and with one smooth motion, he peeled it away, exposing my breasts to the cool air. His eyes widened, and he leaned down to kiss the sensitive peaks. My nipples hardened against his lips, and a soft moan escaped me.

  He sat up, his eyes never leaving mine as he removed his shirt. The shadows around us grew denser, wrapping us in a cocoon of darkness. His hands slid to my hips, his fingertips tracing the curve of my waist before finding the button of my skirt. With a flick of his wrist, it opened, and the material fell away.

  “Kage,” I breathed, my voice trembling. His eyes darkened, and he leaned in to kiss me again, his tongue dancing with mine. His hands moved to my hips, gripping them tightly as he ground against me. The pressure was exquisite, and I could feel his hardness through his pants.

  I reached for his belt, fumbling with the buckle in my haste. He groaned into my mouth, his shadows coiling around my wrists, urging me on. Finally, it came loose, and I slid his pants down.

  He leaned back, his eyes never leaving mine as he removed his shoes and socks. His pants followed, leaving him in nothing but a pair of black boxers that clung to his muscular thighs. I reached up, my hand shaking as I traced the outline of his cock through the fabric. He hissed, his eyes fluttering closed, and my own desire grew stronger.

  I slid the boxers down, freeing him completely. The shadows caressed him, a dark and seductive contrast to the pale skin of his abdomen. He was mine, and I was his, and the power of that knowledge made my pulse race.

  The shadows grew restless, responding to the intensity of our emotions. They writhed around us, reaching out to caress my bare skin. Kage’s eyes went to my breasts, his thumbs circling my nipples. I moaned softly, biting my lip to keep the sound from escaping.

  He leaned down, taking one in his mouth, his teeth grazing the sensitive flesh. The sensation sent a bolt of lightning straight to my core, and I had to fight to keep from crying out. His shadows grew more agitated, reaching out to caress my thighs, sliding between them.

  I felt them, the cool touch of darkness that was so much a part of him. They felt like a phantom lover, stroking me in places Kage hadn’t yet reached. My eyes grew so bright they burned, and I knew the room was lit by the glow of my desire.

  “Kage,” I whimpered, my voice barely above a whisper.

  He looked up, his eyes black with arousal. “I know, love,” he murmured, his voice a dark promise. “I know what you need, but not yet.”

  I nodded, unable to form words, my breath coming in short gasps. He slid my panties down, and I kicked them away, feeling the coolness of the air against my wetness.

  He trailed kisses down my body, his teeth and tongue leaving a trail of fire in their wake. When he reached my clit, I couldn’t hold back anymore, my hips bucking against his mouth. The shadows grew darker, wrapping around my legs, my waist, holding me in place as Kage’s tongue danced over me.

  I felt the pressure building, my body tightening like a coil ready to spring. His horns scraped against my skin, and I knew I wouldn’t last much longer. The shadows grew thicker, the room seeming to shrink around us.

  With a final flick of his tongue, I shattered, my eyes blazing like twin emerald stars. The shadows surged, my orgasm echoing through the room, a silent scream that left me trembling.

  Kage pulled back, his eyes gleaming. He climbed onto the bed, his body covering mine. “Now it’s your turn,” I whispered, my voice thick with lust.

  He kissed me again, and the world disappeared. My hands roamed over his body, feeling the muscles ripple beneath my fingertips. He flipped us over and I reached for his horns, feeling the power that thrummed through them. With every touch, Kage grew more agitated, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

  I slid down his body, my mouth finding his cock, hard and eager. His eyes snapped to mine, and I knew he was fighting the urge to let the shadows consume us both. I took him in my mouth, my eyes locked on his, savoring every inch of him.

  The shadows grew more restless, reaching out to caress his thighs, his stomach. I knew he was close, the power in the room almost unbearable.

  “Zara,” he gasped, his hands fisting in the sheets. “I’m going to—”

  I swallowed him deeper, my eyes never leaving his. The shadows surged again, and with a deep moan, he came, the darkness spilling out of him in a wave that crashed over us both.

  I didn’t let him catch his breath as I kissed a fiery trail up his body before locking with his lips. I adjust so I am straddling him, my ass pressing against his once more hardened cock. His shadows caressed me, the coolness a stark contrast to the heat between us.

  Kage’s eyes went wide, and he whispered, “Zara…”

  “I know,” I murmured against his mouth, my hand reaching between us to guide him into me. “But we’re going to be quiet, right?”

  He nodded, his hands sliding down my back, gripping my ass. He flipped me onto my back without warning, his cock sliding into me with a smoothness that made me gasp. He didn’t move for a moment, just stared down at me, his eyes full of love and need.

  “I love you,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

  “I love you too,” I breathed, my eyes shining brighter than ever before.

  And then he began to move, slow and steady, our bodies fitting together perfectly. The shadows danced around us, a silent symphony of passion and power.

  The tension grew, our movements becoming more frantic, but we remained silent, our moans and gasps muffled by kisses. Each stroke brought us closer to the edge, our hearts racing in time with the pulse of our magic.

  Finally, with a groan that was almost soundless, Kage reached his peak, the shadows around us going wild as he filled me. I followed him, my eyes blazing, my orgasm crashing over me like a tidal wave.

  We lay there, panting and trembling, the shadows slowly retreating to the corners of the room. Our hearts slowed, the silence of the night enveloping us once more.

  We held each other close, our bodies still joined, our hearts beating as one. And in that moment, I knew that together, we could face whatever the world threw at us.