The love of me

imed softly as Selene step

aming through the high windows. The scent of old paper, in

strap of her bag nervously, scannin

a

a worn leather book. He looked... timeless. Not just handsome-but carved out of something older than time itself

et, something in

'd change your mind," he sai

ed closer. "

ng the book aside

whispered.

ring about stories they once loved. Kael let her lead the way, asking small questions, letting her s

dn't tell her w

t

l rediscovering the pa

his blood still hunte

bright. So pure. So untouch

hen he stepped close. She didn

hed for a book on the

asked, already

ack at him.

stretched-

n the shelf, his body inches from hers. He reached past

r thic

h touched

ne... di

her cheek to brush his shoulder. "You're

didn't reach his

catching the shado

ho's lived a thousand l

fted, just slightl

eat loud in her ears. "What a

as the king of a hidden realm. That she was born to sit beside

the closest thing to tru

voice low, almost trembling. "But

deeper this time. Like her soul w

carved into every muscle and memory, sud

w who you ar

l like someo

. Eyes glowing with someth

ment, he wante

erat

d... he pu

efu

ed her now-he'd nev

ow?" he asked, vo

ded. "I'd

tood frozen in the doorway, watching

qu

cu

could keep the monster inside h