The tower felt different now.
Not guarded.
Not braced.
Just warm.
Kael didn't realize how tightly he'd been holding himself together until Elara touched him again. Not in fear this time. Not in defense. Just a gentle press of her palm to his chest, right over his heart.
"You're still burning," she murmured.
"Only because you're here," he replied.
The words surprised them both with their honesty.
She smiled softly and leaned in, resting her forehead against his. The bond between them pulsed—slow, steady, intimate. No urgency. No command. Just need, quiet and mutual.
Kael kissed her like he had all night—carefully, reverently. But this time, he didn't pull away.
Elara's fingers slid into his hair, drawing him closer. His hands followed the curve of her back, warm and certain, as if he was finally allowing himself to touch her the way he'd been afraid to want.
The world narrowed to breath and heat.
They moved together without words, guided by instinct and trust. Kael lifted her easily, carrying her toward the window where Hell's distant glow painted their skin in firelight. He set her down slowly, as if every second mattered.
"Tell me if you want me to stop," he whispered.
She answered by kissing him again—deeper, slower, certain.
The bond surged, no longer just connection but communion. Every touch echoed. Every breath was shared. Kael's fire dimmed further, curling inward, no longer dangerous—just warm, alive.
Clothing became unimportant. Distance disappeared.
They lay together, learning each other in quiet, unhurried ways. Kael's touch was worship, not possession. Elara met him with softness and strength, her magic humming beneath her skin, responding not to hunger—but to love.
When they finally came together fully, it was not rushed.
It was chosen.
Kael buried his face against her neck, breathing her in as if anchoring himself to the world. Elara held him close, grounding him, keeping him there. The tower seemed to breathe with them, firelight pulsing gently as their bond deepened into something permanent.
After, they remained tangled together, hearts still racing, skin warm and familiar.
Kael brushed his thumb along her cheek. "I didn't know it could be like this."
She smiled, sleepy and content. "Neither did I."
He kissed her temple, then her hair, then rested his forehead against hers.
For the first time in his life, Kael did not feel like a weapon.
And Elara did not feel like a secret.
Outside, Hell waited.
Trials loomed.
The King watched.
But for this night—for this moment—they had chosen each other completely.
And fire, at last, had learned how to rest.