Their mouths met with violence, no hesitation—just fire. Her fingers tangled in his wet hair as he pushed her back against a tree, lips claiming hers like a war he had to win. She bit his lower lip, drawing blood, and he growled against her mouth.
She wasn't submissive. She fought for control, even as her cloak dropped to the forest floor and her blades fell forgotten.
Kael gripped her thighs, lifting her effortlessly. She wrapped her legs around his waist, lips parting to moan as he pressed against her through the thin barrier of her leathers.
"What's your name?" he demanded again, breath hot against her ear.
"Nerra," she gasped.
"Say it again."
"Nerra," she moaned, clutching at him.
His mouth trailed to her neck, teeth grazing the skin just above her collarbone—the spot glowing faintly with the same mark that burned on his chest. She arched against him, panting.
"You feel it," he said. "The Seal. It's not just lust. It's magic. Power. Purpose."
"It's control," she said breathlessly. "And I don't want to belong to anyone."
"Then don't," he growled. "But fight me all you want—you're already mine."
With a sharp rip, he tore open the front of her bodice, hands rough but reverent as he explored her curves, her scars, her heat.
Nerra cried out as he entered her—not gentle, but claiming.
The forest trembled.
Magic flared through the trees, pulsing with every thrust, as the Seal on her skin seared to life. Their cries echoed with power and pain and pleasure tangled together.
When they finally collapsed, tangled and gasping, the glow between them dimmed.
Nerra rested her forehead against his chest, lips swollen, eyes half-lidded.
"You've bound me," she whispered. "Whether I wanted it or not."
Kael cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Then help me break this world apart," he said. "And we'll decide what comes next."
She stared at him—then, slowly, nodded.