Elias sat alone in the marble-tiled bathhouse, steam curling around him like the breath of something unholy. The academy baths were supposed to be sacred space—quiet, reflective, a place to soothe the mind and body after intense magical sessions. But right now, Elias couldn't find peace even if he drowned himself in the scalding water.
He dragged a hand through his wet black hair, neck still marked faintly where Rael'Zhar had kissed him—no, devoured him—in that broom closet three nights ago. His body still remembered the demon's touch, how his hands had moved with sinful confidence, how his tongue had tasted like smoke and forbidden fruit.
"Why the hell did I let that happen?" Elias whispered to himself, curling his fingers over the edge of the bath.
But that wasn't even the worst part.
The worst part was that he wanted it to happen again.
The water suddenly rippled—then churned.
Elias stiffened.
"You smell like guilt," came the voice, deep and slick as molten gold.
He turned, and his blood spiked. There, stepping out of the mist like a wet dream soaked in danger, was Rael'Zhar.
The demon was shirtless, droplets gliding down those broad, glistening pecs like they were being seduced by gravity itself. His blonde hair was soaked and wild, his blue eyes flashing in the haze. Every muscle on his body flexed with sensual intent as he waded into the water.
"I'm starting to think you summon me with your thirst alone," he smirked.
"Don't flatter yourself," Elias snapped, shifting back instinctively as Rael'Zhar moved closer.
"Oh, come on. The way you moaned my name last time? That wasn't exactly platonic, sweetheart."
Elias felt heat surge below the surface—not just from the water.
"W-We agreed not to do that again."
"You agreed. I never signed anything," Rael'Zhar grinned wickedly. "Besides... I'm curious to see what you sound like when you're not trying to muffle your screams."
Rael'Zhar slid through the water with inhuman grace until he straddled Elias's legs, pressing their bodies close under the surface. Elias froze, pulse jackhammering in his throat as large, hot hands found his waist.
"You're trembling," Rael'Zhar murmured, leaning in, lips brushing the edge of Elias's ear. "Is it fear… or something sweeter?"
Elias clenched his fists. "Stop playing with me."
"I'm not," Rael'Zhar purred. "This is me worshiping you."
And then his mouth found Elias's neck again, slow and possessive. Elias let out a gasp, legs parting unconsciously as Rael'Zhar's hands slid up his thighs under the water, gripping with an almost reverent hunger. Their bodies pressed tighter, heat spiking.
Elias's mind was swimming—his morals tangled in steam and lust. And just when he leaned into the kiss, breathing out a soft, broken—
"Rael…"
A sudden knock slammed against the bathhouse door.
Rael'Zhar growled, sharp teeth grazing Elias's collarbone. "Who dares—"
The door flung open.
"Elias Wynn," a clipped, authoritative voice echoed.
In stepped Wyll Wynn, tall and regal in his navy-and-silver robes, his platinum-blond hair tied back in a strict braid, gloves tight on his hands. The air around him crackled with raw magic. His ice-gray eyes landed on Elias—and narrowed.
Rael'Zhar vanished in a hiss of black smoke and hot steam, leaving Elias flushed, panting, and nearly naked in the water.
Wyll raised a brow. "You're clearly not taking your training seriously."
"I—I was just finishing—"
"You're late. And as of this week, I've been assigned as your academic mentor. You'll report to me from now on."
Elias blinked. "Wait, what? Why you?"
Wyll's lips curled in disapproval. "Because the academy thinks you're a liability. And they need someone who knows how to handle uncontrollable power." He turned, cloak sweeping behind him. "Get dressed and follow me."
Elias climbed out of the bath, wrapping a towel around his waist as he trailed after him. But Wyll paused at the door.
His eyes drifted—just for a second—to Elias's exposed back, lingering longer than necessary. His jaw clenched. Then, almost too quietly to hear, he muttered:
"You reek of something unnatural."
He didn't look back again as he left.
But Elias's skin still burned from Rael'Zhar's mouth.
And somewhere deep in the academy, that same demon was watching—smiling.