The shadow box was flawless, seamless, no cracks for light or prying eyes.
Kael's breath caught as the silence fell heavy, his vision blinded, the sudden containment making the air feel denser, charged with anticipation.
His heart raced, pounding in his ears like a drum.
The shadows moved around the inside edges—snaking slowly like they were watching him, tendrils brushing the air with a whisper.
"Wh-What is this?" Kael asked, pressing his hand to the black wall.
Solid.
Unyielding, cool to the touch but pulsing faintly with her power.
Lital stepped close again, watching his reaction with interest, her black eyes gleaming in the dim, self-contained light her shadows allowed.
"What?" she said, her voice low, teasing, a hint of challenge in it.
"Scared of me now?"
Her shadows curled along his limbs like silk restraints—binding gently but firmly, not hurting, just holding him in place with a possessive tenderness.
She smiled, that sultry curve returning.
