"Again."
Sienna's arms trembled as she raised them to block Daemon's next strike. His movements were sharp, calculated — not cruel, but controlled, like he was testing her.
She met him blow for blow, her breath coming fast. They were alone in the old training ring, hidden behind the healer's garden, where no one would see them.
He had offered to train her "to control the curse," but they both knew it was an excuse.
He just wanted to be near her.
And she… she didn't know how to stay away anymore.
⸻
"Too slow," Daemon muttered.
She lunged. He spun.
And suddenly, she was off-balance — falling.
He caught her before she hit the ground.
Her breath caught. Her hands were pressed against his chest, his arms wrapped tight around her waist. Their eyes locked.
The bond pulsed like fire between them.
For one breathless second, the whole world went quiet.
His face was so close — his scent overwhelmed her — and she didn't pull away.
Daemon leaned in—
Then froze.
His jaw tightened.
He stepped back like she burned him.
"This is a mistake," he growled. "We shouldn't… I can't."
Sienna's heart cracked a little, but she held her head high. "Why? Because I'm cursed?"
"No." His voice was low and pained. "Because if I let myself want you… I won't survive losing you."
⸻
He left without another word, disappearing into the trees.
Sienna stood alone in the fading light, her lips still tingling from the kiss that almost happened.
⸻
From behind a tree, a pair of eyes watched them both.
Victor clenched his jaw.
"She's getting to him."
He pulled something from his coat — a black bottle, filled with dark herbs and root oil.
He smiled coldly.
"Time to make them both suffer."