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Luna arrived at the Sun Clan's palace as the golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting fiery streaks across the sky. The tension in the air was thick as she stepped into the grand hall, her gaze sharp, her posture unwavering.
Beside her, Ren stood quietly, her small frame hidden beneath a heavy cloak. The Sun Clan's guards lined the walls, their hands resting on their weapons, their distrust evident.
And then—Kael entered.
His presence dominated the room, his golden hair catching the last rays of sunlight, his piercing amber eyes locked onto her like a predator sizing up its prey. His jaw was tense, his fists clenched at his sides.
Luna tilted her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. Still resisting, I see.
Kael strode forward, his expression unreadable. "You came."
She arched a brow. "You summoned me."
His eyes flickered with something dangerous. "Follow me."
Without another word, he turned on his heel, leading her down a dimly lit corridor.
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Tension and Temptation
The room Kael led her to was a private chamber—vast, decorated with intricate carvings of the Sun Clan's history. A table was set in the center, parchments spread across it.
Luna's gaze shifted from the documents to Kael, who had yet to move farther into the room. He stood by the door, arms crossed, his body rigid.
"You trust me enough to be alone with me?" she asked, amusement lacing her voice.
Kael scoffed. "Trust? Hardly."
Luna stepped closer, feeling the heat radiating off him. "Then why this secrecy?"
He let out a slow breath, his expression unreadable. "Because this—" he gestured toward the agreement on the table "—is something my father wouldn't approve of."
Luna frowned, stepping closer to inspect the parchment. Her eyes scanned the contents, and understanding dawned on her.
"A blind agreement," she murmured.
Kael nodded stiffly. "Signed in my father's name."
Luna traced a finger along the document, intrigued. "And why would you risk doing this?"
Kael exhaled sharply, stepping behind her. She felt his warmth, his proximity, but refused to acknowledge it.
"Because I want you gone," he growled. "I want this… whatever this is—" his fingers ghosted over his chest, where the celestial mark pulsed "—to disappear."
Luna turned slowly, meeting his intense gaze. "You think signing an alliance will break the connection between us?"
His hands clenched into fists. "I don't know. But if aligning with you stops this madness, I'll do it."
Luna smirked. "You speak of madness, yet here you are, breaking your father's trust, making a deal with me."
Kael's nostrils flared. "Do not mistake this for kindness, Luna. I loathe you."
She tilted her head, stepping even closer. "Then why do you look at me like you want to devour me?"
His breathing hitched.
For a brief moment, something dark flickered in his eyes—something raw, unrestrained. His fingers twitched, as if resisting the urge to touch her.
Luna felt it too—the pull, the heat, the dangerous attraction coiling between them.
Kael moved suddenly, slamming a hand against the wall beside her head. "You think you can play games with me?" he hissed, his breath hot against her skin.
Luna remained unfazed. If anything, she leaned in slightly, watching the way his throat bobbed.
"I don't play games, Kael," she whispered. "I win them."
His jaw clenched. His entire body was taut, coiled with unspent energy. She could see it in his eyes—the battle raging inside him.
She reached up, her fingers grazing his chest exactly where the celestial mark burned beneath his tunic.
Kael inhaled sharply, his body shuddering from the touch.
A strangled groan escaped his lips. "Damn you."
Luna chuckled, withdrawing her hand. "Sign the agreement, Kael. And let's see if that eases your torment."
His breathing was ragged as he snatched the quill, his grip so tight it nearly snapped. Without hesitation, he pressed the tip to the parchment, signing his father's name with swift, angry strokes.
When he finished, he threw the quill aside and glared at her. "Now leave."
Luna smirked, stepping toward the door. But before exiting, she turned back slightly, her voice a soft, taunting whisper.
"See you in twenty days, Kael."
And then she was gone, leaving him standing there, panting, fists clenched, his entire body trembling with an emotion he refused to name.
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