The silence remained between the three of them for a few more minutes, strange and comfortable at the same time. The vampiric capital continued below them, made of black towers, crimson lanterns, and secrets too ancient to fit inside a single night. Umbra kept her head resting on Kael's left shoulder, quiet as a satisfied shadow. Inari remained on his right, her nine golden tails moving slowly behind her, shining like threads of warm moonlight against the dark sky.
Kael almost managed to believe the moment would remain calm.
Almost.
Inari was the one who broke the silence.
Not with words.
She slowly raised her face, touched his chin with two fingers, and turned Kael's face toward her. There was an amused gleam in her golden eyes, but also something deeper. Hunger, longing, gratitude, and a trust too ancient to seem like simple desire. Kael opened his mouth to ask what she was doing, but Inari did not give him time.
She kissed him.
