The aftermath of the battle lingered in the air like smoke—acrid, heavy, charged with leftover magic. Amber stood at the edge of the scorched clearing, her heart still racing, her skin buzzing with the residual power of what they'd done together.
They had faced trained Seekers—and won.
She should have felt triumphant. Untouchable. Instead, a chill crept up her spine.
"They won't stop coming, will they?" she asked, voice low.
Nate, crouched beside the fallen remnants of a Seeker's cloak, didn't look up. "No. They'll be back. Stronger. Smarter. The fact that we're still alive will piss them off."
Amber's fingers drifted to her mark. It still glowed faintly, the skin warm beneath her touch.
"I felt you, Nate. In the fight. Inside my magic."
He rose slowly, his expression unreadable. "That's the bond. The deeper it goes, the more we bleed into each other."
She took a step toward him. "I didn't hate it."
He looked up at her then, and something flickered in his eyes—something wild and possessive. "You should. It's dangerous."
"And thrilling," she said, daring to close the space between them. "Like kissing someone you know will ruin you."
Nate let out a soft, bitter laugh. "That's exactly what I am."
Amber placed a hand on his chest. His heartbeat jumped beneath her palm. "Too late. I'm already ruined."
He didn't resist when she leaned in. Their lips brushed, feather-light at first, but the hunger simmered just beneath the surface. Her fingers slid up his neck, into his hair, and then he was pulling her in, mouth crashing onto hers with bruising intensity.
The trees around them swayed in response, leaves rustling in a sudden gust of wind. Magic danced across their skin, heat pooling between them like a storm ready to explode.
Nate pressed her back against a tree, his hands roaming with urgency. "Amber… tell me to stop."
"Why would I lie?" she whispered, pulling him closer.
He growled into her mouth, hoisting her up until her legs wrapped around his waist. "This bond… it's turning me into something I don't recognize."
"Then don't fight it. Let it burn."
Their kiss deepened, hot and dangerous. She could feel him holding back again—barely. His restraint was a razor's edge, and she was dancing along it, daring him to lose control.
But just when it was about to spill over, he froze.
Amber blinked up at him, breathless. "What—?"
His eyes darted toward the trees. "We're being watched."
She slid down from him, heart pounding. "You're sure?"
"I can feel it. Someone's close."
Amber reached for her magic instinctively. The mark flared again, and her senses sharpened—like the bond was helping her see through the fog. The air was thicker now, laced with enchantment. A tracking spell.
"They masked themselves," she said. "But not well enough."
"Exactly," Nate muttered, drawing his blade. "Whoever it is, they want us to know they're here."
That's when the figure stepped into the clearing.
He didn't wear the robes of a Seeker. No, this one was different—tall, lean, dressed in black leather, a hood thrown back to reveal pale skin, silver hair, and eyes that glowed with unnatural light.
"Hello, lovers," he purred, voice silky. "Enjoying your little rebellion?"
Nate's stance shifted. "Kael."
Amber's eyes flicked to Nate. "You know him?"
Kael grinned. "Intimately."
Amber's stomach turned. The way Kael looked at Nate—it wasn't just familiarity. It was possession. Like something unfinished lingered between them.
"You bonded with her," Kael said, circling slowly. "Foolish. But predictable."
"Leave now," Nate warned. "Before I forget my mercy."
Kael laughed, low and cold. "You don't have mercy, Nathaniel. That's what made you mine, once."
Amber stepped forward, hands crackling with golden fire. "He's not yours."
Kael's eyes sparkled. "Oh, sweet girl. You don't understand. The bond between you may be strong—but I taught him how to wield that power. I made him who he is."
"He made himself," she snapped.
Kael's smile faded, replaced by something crueler. "We'll see how well that power holds up… when the Circle sends their best."
He lifted a small vial from his belt and tossed it to the ground. It shattered—and with it, the world exploded.
Smoke. Screaming wind. A magical flash that stole the breath from her lungs.
When the light cleared, Kael was gone.
Amber fell to her knees, coughing. "What the hell was that?"
"Shadowbomb," Nate said, offering his hand. "Coward's escape. But it means something worse."
"What?"
"He's not alone."
---
They camped that night deeper in the mountains, hidden in a hollow surrounded by thick brambles and illusion wards. Nate worked in silence, setting magical traps along the perimeter. Amber watched him, questions swirling.
When he finally sat beside her, she couldn't hold them in anymore.
"You were with him," she said quietly. "Before me."
Nate didn't deny it. "I was young. Reckless. Kael offered power, purpose, a place to belong. But it was poison wrapped in silk."
"He wanted to own you."
"He still does. But it's you I chose, Amber."
She looked at him, searching his face. "Why me?"
His hand brushed her cheek. "Because you don't try to cage me. You ignite me."
She leaned into his touch, her heart thudding. "Even if it kills us?"
A wry smile. "Then we'll burn beautiful."
They lay beside the fire that night, wrapped in each other beneath the stars. No more words were needed.
But somewhere beyond the hills, Kael watched the flames flicker.
And he smiled.