Here's Chapter 9: a tender, private moment between Kazriel and Aria that builds emotional and physical intimacy..
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Chapter 9: Firelight and Fingers
The moonlight spilled across the duchy's balcony, silver and soft. Inside, the hearth crackled gently, its warm glow brushing over their silhouettes.
Kazriel sat on the long velvet sofa, still in his black undershirt and half-buttoned collar, chest faintly rising with each breath.
Aria stepped out from behind the screen, wearing a soft white sleeping robe tied at the waist.
He looked up—and forgot how to breathe.
"You… look," he murmured, voice low, "incredibly dangerous like that."
She raised an eyebrow, walking barefoot across the rug. "Dangerous?"
"To my willpower."
That earned him a real laugh, light and musical.
She sat beside him, tucking her legs up and curling close. "You always speak like a warrior—even in love."
He turned slightly, hand brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "Maybe because I fight hardest when it comes to you."
They sat in comfortable silence.
Then—slowly—he reached for her hand. His fingers slid over hers, intertwining gently.
"You're not afraid?" she asked softly. "Of being close like this? So soon?"
Kazriel exhaled, thumb brushing her knuckle. "I'm afraid of how much I already want you. But I'm more afraid of rushing what we're building."
Her heart fluttered at his restraint. And his honesty.
She leaned in, resting her head against his chest. "Then hold me tonight. That's enough."
He wrapped his arms around her, firm and protective, pulling her fully into his lap. Her legs draped over his, and her cheek rested right over his heartbeat.
His fingers traced idle patterns along her spine—slow, calming, intimate.
No words needed.
Just firelight, soft sighs, and the gentle warmth of two souls growing dangerously close.