a's

an said, his voice hard and

. His tone chilled me, even though the morning sun was warm. There were mottled shadows on the ground betwe

lowing me to be here." Feeling uncomfortable and out of place in this strange spot,

he tint of a winter sky. The scar that ran over his temple was partly hidden by his d

leeding. In sharp contrast to his brown skin, the red line stretched from

d down at his hand. At his feet, blood

are. I learned from my mother. Despite my nervousness,

he muscle in his cheek twitches. I briefly believed he would

ere, but it seemed like crossing an important border. His house was bigger than mine, positioned a

d through a single window, lighting dust particles floating in the air. A rack stood agains

things. His arrangement was flawless; everything had its place. I found

I cleaned the cut. The water in

n to shake as I felt his strong, heavy eyes. I tried to ignore how close we we

in a quieter tone. The sharp edg

ank you. My mother... she was a healer." I gently wiped the wound to get ri

my finger on what was in them. Something that he was trying to hide, a spark,

. Warmth spread through me as my fingers stayed on his skin. He had hard scars on his hand, w

n angry voice. He had nev

been holding back for too long because of the intense and passionate kiss. With my hands tang

against my chest, matching the pace of mine. His lips traveled to my neck, and I gas

thed, my voice b

hirt. He pulled it over my head after I nodded, his eyes getting gloomy as he took

inst my hot skin. His hands were everywhere, touching, exploring, as if he couldn't get enough of me. I exper

ery touch was emphasized in the silent room as his skin felt electric against mine. B

body. My back rose off the bed as he hit sensitive spots, and I ga

rawing him closer. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world stood still.

. It was pure, powerful, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. The beat we

g into his skin as I gripped his shoulders. His chest vibrated with the sound of his g

his body as I called his name. Shortly after, his br

fingers drawing lines on my skin. I felt safe, for the first time in what felt like

maybe too risky. I studied his face, relaxed in the wake, and

yes, the light had changed. Kian stood by the window,

his voice bland. The same coldness I'd first

ickly. I turned to check behind me as I got

moment was

inning. My legs failed me as I tried to get out of bed, and I fell to the gr

crawl toward the door, black dots danced in my vi

the last sound I heard was

flooded with the antiseptic smell of medical plants. Too brig

rown hair streaked with gray. After giving me a s