The rune burns bright against my chest.
The bond hums between us—louder now, insistent, alive.
“Torric—” Her breath catches. “I’m close—”
“I know,” I growl against her throat. “I want to feel it, Kaia. Let me feel you come around me.”
I shift slightly. My hand slides between us, thumb finding her clit.
I press down. Circle. Match the rhythm of my thrusts.
“Kaia—” I groan her name against her throat, voice breaking. “Gods, Kaia—”
She shatters.
Her entire body shakes. She cries out my name and I kiss her through it, still moving, dragging it out until she’s trembling and gasping beneath me.
Her shadows flare—a soft, brilliant pulse that ripples through the room.
I follow a heartbeat later.
Buried deep. Her name on my lips like a prayer.
Heat floods through me—my magic, the bond, everything—and for one perfect moment we’re completely aligned.
I collapse on top of her, trembling, forehead pressed to hers.
Careful not to crush her even now.
She chose me.
For a long moment, we just breathe.
Then I shift carefully, pulling out. Roll onto my side and bring her with me.
I wrap my arms around her. Not trapping. Just… holding.
Safe.
My fire magic settles. Her shadows curl close but calm.
I press my forehead to hers.
“You can have all of us,” I say softly. “But this… this part of you? The part that chooses me? I won’t take it for granted.”
She reaches up. Touches my face.
“You didn’t take anything,” she whispers. “I gave it.”
Something in me shatters.
I glance up—and freeze.
Lined up along the headboard—perfectly spaced, eyes (If you can call them that) wide—are Bob, Patricia, Finnick, Carl, Linda, and Steve.
Just… watching.
“Um… Kaia?”
