Later That Night, Kaelion's Private Quarters—
The fire crackled low in the hearth. Kaelion stood by the window, unfastening the leather clasps of his coat. His jaw was tight, his hands trembling just slightly.
"You didn't have to do that," Elira said softly from across the room.
He turned to face her, eyes unreadable. "Yes. I did."
"They'll talk."
"They already do."
Elira stepped closer. "You showed them mercy."
Kaelion gave a short, dry laugh. "That was mercy to you?"
"Exile instead of execution," she said. "For a man like you, it is."
His gaze locked onto hers.
"I wanted to kill them," he admitted. "But then I remembered how you looked at me… the first night. Like I wasn't a monster."
"You're not."
He stepped closer, slow and steady. "Don't be so sure."
"I've seen monsters," she whispered. "They hide behind smiles. You… you never hide."
His hand came up, fingertips brushing the side of her face. It was the first time he'd touched her without formality.
"I don't know how to do this," he said. "This… partnership. This… care."
"You don't have to know yet," Elira replied, voice soft as the flames. "Just don't shut me out."
His thumb paused at her cheekbone.
"You make me… vulnerable."
"Good," she said. "Then you know how it feels."
A breath passed between them.
Then, without warning, Kaelion leaned down—his lips brushed hers in the lightest touch. Barely a kiss. More like a question.
And Elira answered it.
She wrapped her fingers around his wrist, pulled him closer, and kissed him like fire meeting frost—slow, hesitant, but full of heat waiting to rise.
When they pulled away, his voice was hoarse. "You'll undo me, Elira."
She smiled against his chest. "Maybe you need a little undoing."