The air was thick that evening, heavy with the scent of blooming nightshade. Luna crept once more to the river's edge, heart hammering in anticipation. Every step whispered betrayal, every glance over her shoulder reminded her that if Selene—or worse, her father—caught her, the punishment would be merciless. Still, she went.
Kael was already there, waiting. His cloak had been discarded, his tunic unlaced at the throat, and the moonlight kissed the strong line of his collarbone. He looked less like a shadow that night, and more like a man carved from danger and longing.
"You came," he said, his voice softer than the rustle of leaves.
"You doubted me?" Luna teased, though her smile trembled.
"I doubted myself." His eyes searched hers, burning with something she could no longer deny.
Before she could answer, a branch snapped in the distance. Kael tensed, his hand flying to the dagger at his belt. From the trees emerged another figure—broad-shouldered, with pale eyes that gleamed like frost. He was looking shocked as he gazed at both of them, staring more intensely at Luna. She simply swallowed.
"Kael." The newcomer's tone was sharp, reprimanding. "Do you court death, meeting her here?"
Luna stiffened, stepping back, but Kael held her arm. "This is Aric," he said. "My brother in arms… though he fancies himself my keeper."
Aric's gaze pierced Luna more, this time, assessing, almost cruel as though she came into light now. "A Forest girl? Have you lost your mind? If the Umbra council discovers this—"
"They won't," Kael cut in, steel in his voice. "This is not their business."
Aric's jaw clenched, but he said no more. With one last scathing look at Luna, he melted back into the shadows, muttering, "Shadows always reveal what light tries to hide."
Luna exhaled shakily. "He hates me." Her fears were already whispering to her. Perhaps she should head back. Perhaps, this was all not worth it. They can never be together. A forest girl and an Umbra boy. No.
"He fears for me," Kael corrected. Then his hand found hers, rough fingers brushing delicate skin. "But I don't care."
Her breath caught as he drew her closer, until the warmth of his body pressed against hers, until every law and warning dissolved into the night air. Until her fears were suddenly hushed, and the danger of their being together waved aside.
"Kael…" she whispered, though the word was more plea than protest.
His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her lower lip with maddening slowness. "Tell me to stop, Luna. Tell me to turn away."
But she couldn't. Her silence was its own answer.
His lips found hers, tentative at first, then urgent, devouring. The kiss was fire and storm, burning away every ounce of reason. Luna's knees weakened, and Kael's arm tightened around her waist, holding her as if he would never let her fall.
When at last they broke apart, breathless, their foreheads touched. Luna's skin tingled where his mouth had been, and she clung to him as though afraid the forest itself might tear him away.
"This is madness," she murmured.
"Yes," Kael agreed, his lips brushing her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "But it is ours."
His mouth trailed down the curve of her jaw, lingering at the hollow of her throat. Luna's pulse thundered beneath his lips, and her body betrayed her, leaning into the dangerous sweetness of his touch. For a heartbeat, the world ceased to exist—only shadow and fire, only the promise of forbidden love.
Yet beyond the clearing, another pair of eyes watched.
Selene.
Hidden by silver leaves, she bit her lip until blood welled. Her heart churned with fury and something darker—envy. The Umbra boy's hunger was clear, and it was not for her.
"Foolish sister," Selene whispered, her voice like venom. "You've tied yourself to your own ruin. And I will be there when you fall."
The forest rustled, as though shivering at the storm that had just been born. Selene turned back carefully and made her way back in fury. Noiseless though. Luna had always been the one. The one every boy wants. And now, even with a forbidden stranger?
She clenched her fists and bit her lips, her jealousy growing with every step she took back to their father. Though she had always been the perfect daughter, her hatred for Luna still lingered.