Page 24 of Darkness and Deceit
He groans, his rhythm faltering for a moment before picking up speed. One hand grips my hip while the other slides up to cupmy breast, thumb brushing over my nipple through the fabric of my shirt.
I’m climbing higher and higher, chasing that peak again. Kai seems to sense it, angling his hips to hit even deeper. And when I come apart in his arms, gasping his name like a prayer, he holds me through it, before following me over the edge. I’ve never felt so claimed. And somehow, never more seen.
Both of us are breathing heavily as Kai rests his forehead against mine. His chest heaves with sharp, uneven breaths, yet his voice remains calm and steady when he speaks.
“I thought I was broken,” he whispers. “Numb. Beyond repair.”
His hand gently cups my cheek, treating me as though I’m something invaluable. His eyes—those dark, deeply haunted, eyes—search mine, as if he’s still trying to convince himself that I’m real.
“But then you touched me,” he exhales, “and I’ve never felt such a strong will to live.”
He pauses, his grip tightening just slightly, just enough.
“If the Keepers oranyoneever tries to take you from me… I won’t preserve the Balance. I’ll fucking shatter it.”
And gods help anyone who tries because I truly believe him.
Eight
VAUGHN
It doesn’t feellike the sun should be shining. Not with everything going on.
Yet it spills over the cliffs, anyway, reflecting off the academy towers and heating the black fabric of my cloak. Lately, the world feels unbalanced. The kind of calm before a storm, like it knows what’s coming and doesn’t fucking care.
Simon and I walk silently along the stone path, heading toward the perimeter where the Keepers have set up their camp. Kai and Lilith are supposed to meet us there, and I try not to think about why they’re late.
Simon’s beside me, quiet as always. His footsteps match mine, but he’s wound tighter than usual. Like every muscle’s one wrong word away from snapping. Shoulders back. Jaw clenched. That deep-thinking scowl carved into place.
Always the soldier. Always in control.
Unlike me.
“You ever think it’s weird?” I finally ask, breaking the silence. “Seeing Kai with a mate?”
Simon doesn’t answer right away. Just keeps walking like he’s weighing whether I’m serious or just poking.
“I’m happy for him,” he says at last.
“That’s not what I asked.” I smirk. “I asked if it’s weird. Because it is. Like watching your emotionally stunted little brother get engaged before you’ve had your first real kiss.”
Simon’s lips twitch. Barely. But I’ll take the win.
“It’s... surprising,” he admits. “But not bad. I think she’s good for him.”
“Good at wrecking him, maybe,” I mutter. “But yeah. You’re not wrong.”
We reach the base of the stone steps outside the academy and pause. Heat rolls off the stone, sweat already sticking my shirt to my back.
Simon exhales slowly. “I’m worried about her.”
I glance over at him. “You and me both.”
He looks surprised I said it. Hell,I’msurprised I said it.
“She acts like she’s fine,” I add, quieter this time. “Like none of it’s getting to her. But you and I both know what this kind of pressure does to people.”
Simon nods slowly, tension still carved into his jaw.
