Page 51 of Stars in Halo

They dined on flavourful dishes and sipped on unique and delicious cocktails.

They discovered a new world, and their connection grew deeper with every novel sight and experience.

As the sun began to set, the sky transformed into shades of pink, orange, and purple, painting a breathtaking panorama from their table.

Katya and Xion had a great view as the city came alive in a wash of twinkling lights, illuminating the skyline like a constellation of stars. The sound of laughter and music filled the air, and the soft hum of conversation created an ambience Xion wanted to bottle.

At one point, Katya turned to him, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. ‘This is magical.’

Xion’s eyes smouldered. ‘You’re magical,’ he rasped. ‘You’ve shown me a side of myself that I didn’t know existed. I’ve lived hard and closed off for so long, hanging out with criminals and underground tunnel kinais, that I’d forgotten what it was to enjoy life. Sante for this experience.’

Later, they wound up back at her suite, seated on the balcony, staring at the glittering skyscrapers and bright neon signs illuminating the city at night.

They sunk into a loveseat lounge on the terrace.

He tucked her under his arm as Katya pointed out the sparkling lights that adorned every building and street, the colourful displays of the bio-luminescent gardens, and the grand architecture of the famous landmarks.

There was a moment of stillness, Enia lulling them into a trance.

With the moon casting its silver glow on them, Xion turned to Katya. ‘I like you,’ he murmured.

Katya’s eyes widened.

She opened her mouth as if to respond, but she could only manage a soft smile, her eyes never leaving his.

He leaned in. ‘May I return the favour from last night?’

She nodded.

His lips settled over hers.

At first, with an aching tenderness.

Then, with a sudden urgency that left her breathless. The kiss was like a fierce, relentless storm sweeping her away in a whirlwind of intensity and desire.

Katya melted into him, her hands finding their way to his locks, pulling him closer as if trying to merge their souls.

The world around them faded into oblivion. Leaving only the two of them locked in a dance of passion, exploring each other with a hunger that bordered on desperation.

Xion’s touch sent electric shocks through her body, igniting a fire that burned hotter with every passing second.

When they broke apart, gasping for air, she was reborn. Xion’s eyes bore into hers, dark with desire and something deeper, something she couldn’t quite name, but it infused her with deep longing.

‘I’ve never felt this way,’ he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. ‘With you, it’s different.’

Katya could only nod in agreement.

He bent again with a sudden intensity, and a surge of electricity arced through her body. Katya melted into the kiss, her hands reaching Xion’s strong shoulders as he pulled her closer.

The world around them faded away, leaving only the sensation of his lips on hers, igniting a fire within her that she had never experienced before.

Their embrace deepened, becoming a passionate dance of desire and longing. Xion’s hands moved to cup her face, his touch both gentle and possessive, as if he never wanted to let her go.

Katya’s heart raced as she surrendered to their intoxicating connection, losing herself in the moment.

Their breaths mingled in the cool night air. Katya’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining with emotions she couldn’t quite name.

Xion gazed at her with a hunger that matched her own, his dark eyes reflecting the moonlight above.

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