The moon hung high above the enchanted forest, casting a silver glow over the ancient ruins. The air was thick with tension, magic, and something Liora couldn't quite name—desire, maybe… or danger. Perhaps both.
She stood still, her cloak fluttering around her as the wind whispered through the trees. Everything in her being told her to run, to hide from the creature that stirred within the shadows. But her feet were rooted to the moss-covered stones, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
And then… he appeared.
Ash.
The man who had haunted her dreams, the one with storm-gray eyes and power that radiated off him like wildfire. But tonight, something was different. His expression was tighter. His jaw clenched. And his magic—it pulsed with barely restrained chaos.
"You shouldn't be here," he said, voice low and hoarse. "The curse—it's growing."
Liora didn't move. "I came because I had to. I saw the flames again. The same dream. You were burning, Ash. I couldn't just stay away."
He turned his back to her, fists clenched. "That dream is a warning. The closer you come to me, the more dangerous it becomes—for both of us."
"I don't care," she said firmly, stepping closer. "You think I haven't felt it too? This bond between us? It's not just a curse. It's fate."
His shoulders tensed, but he didn't turn.
"I can't risk hurting you, Liora."
"You already are," she whispered. "By pushing me away."
That broke something in him. He turned, his eyes glowing faintly with magic, but it wasn't rage or darkness—it was heat. Pure, dangerous, consuming heat. He crossed the distance between them in three long strides, his hand lifting to cup her cheek.
"You don't know what I've done to deserve this curse," he said. "What I've lost. Who I've hurt."
"I don't care," she whispered. "Whatever you've done, you're not that person anymore."
He leaned down, his forehead resting against hers. "You don't understand. The curse is not just on me. It's on my bloodline. Anyone I love—"
His voice cracked. "Anyone I love dies."
Silence.
Liora's breath hitched.
Then, without a word, she rose onto her toes and kissed him.
It wasn't soft or cautious—it was desperate, fiery, and filled with every emotion she'd buried. Pain. Hope. Longing. Love.
Ash froze. For a heartbeat. Two.
Then he kissed her back.
And the world exploded.
The forest around them lit up in flames—not fire, but pure golden magic. It crackled through the trees, illuminating every leaf, every stone, like starlight had rained from the heavens. Their bond—ancient and forbidden—had awakened.
He pulled back, gasping. "What did you do?"
"I broke the seal," she said, eyes glowing with tears and power. "I felt it the moment we touched. The curse tried to stop me. But love is stronger."
His chest heaved. "Liora—"
Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the night.
They both turned.
From the shadows emerged a woman cloaked in emerald silk. Her eyes were blood-red, her fingers long and tipped with obsidian claws.
"Stupid girl," the witch hissed. "You've doomed us all."
Ash stepped in front of Liora instantly. "Soraya."
Liora blinked. "You know her?"
"She was the one who cursed me. My father made a deal with her. I was the price."
Soraya sneered. "And now your little love story threatens centuries of power I've built. No more."
She raised her hand, and a bolt of dark magic shot toward them.
Ash barely had time to react, summoning a barrier of shimmering silver. The blast hit, throwing them both backward. Liora cried out as her back hit the ground, the wind knocked from her lungs.
Ash groaned, struggling to his feet. "Run, Liora."
But she didn't.
She stood, hands shaking, blood on her lips—but her eyes fierce.
"No," she said, voice stronger than ever. "I'm not running."
Soraya's laughter echoed through the trees. "You think love can protect you? You think destiny can save him? Foolish girl. The curse lives in your blood now too!"
Liora's eyes widened. "What?"
"She marked you when you kissed him," Ash whispered, horrified. "Now it's not just me. You're bound to it."
But instead of fear, Liora lifted her chin.
"Then we fight it. Together."
She stepped beside him, her hand finding his. A glow sparked where they touched—bright, golden, eternal.
Ash stared at her like she was the only thing in the world.
And maybe she was.
"I love you," she said.
He closed his eyes. "I've always loved you."
And then, in perfect sync, they raised their hands—and the forest trembled.
A surge of blinding light exploded from their joined magic, slamming into Soraya. The witch screamed, her body unraveling into smoke and ash as the curse shattered like glass in the wind.
Silence fell.
Then a soft hum.
And the moon glowed brighter.
The curse was broken.
But their story?
It was just beginning.