“That sounds great. I’d love to learn more about this place.” Lila stepped into the corridor. “Has Draven mentioned how he’s feeling this morning? Any episodes overnight?”
Nyra’s expression grew thoughtful. “He seemed... restless at breakfast with Queen Serenya. But more energized than usual, if that makes sense. Like he has something to look forward to.”
Something to look forward to.The words sent a dangerous thrill through Lila’s system. She forced herself to interpret them professionally—of course he’d be anticipating their therapy session if he was serious about getting better.
But the woman in her, the one wearing his gift of a dress, whispered other possibilities.
“I should get going,” Lila said, glancing at her watch. “I don’t want to keep him waiting.”
“Of course. I’ll see you after your session.”
As Nyra disappeared down a side corridor, Lila made her way through the castle toward Draven’s office. The volcanic stone walls were adorned with tapestries depicting dragon battles and ceremonial scenes, and every step brought fresh waves of that strange familiarity, as if her soul recognized this place even though her mind insisted she’d never been here before.
Focus on the session,she commanded herself as she approached the wooden doors of his office.You’re here to provide therapeutic intervention.
But even as she raised her hand to knock, her pulse quickened with anticipation. Despite every logical argument she could make, every boundary she knew she should maintain, one truth burned bright in her chest. She was excited to see him.
Maintain professionalism,she reminded herself one final time, then knocked firmly on the door.
“Come in.”
His deep voice sent shivers down her spine as she turned the handle and stepped into whatever came next.
Lila stepped into Draven’s office and immediately regretted every fashion choice she’d made that morning. His sharp intake of breath cut through the air like a blade, and his golden-brown eyes darkened to molten amber as they swept over the flowing green dress. The fabric suddenly felt like liquid fire against her skin under his scorching gaze.
This is definitely not how I wanted to start a therapy session.
The professional distance crumbled in seconds. The air between them crackled, and she could practically feel the sexual tension radiating off him in waves.
“Good morning, Draven.” She forced her voice into clinical neutrality, clutching her notebook like a shield. “How are you feeling today?”
He cleared his throat. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and tension carved lines around his mouth. He looked like he’d wrestled demons all night—which, given his condition, he probably had.
“Better now that you’re here.”
The raw honesty in his voice sent heat spiraling through her chest.
She moved to the chair across from his massive desk, grateful for the solid wood barrier between them. “Let’s start with how you’ve been feeling the past few weeks.”
Draven’s broad shoulders sagged slightly as he settled deeper into his leather chair. “Worse. Much worse. The panic attacks have been increasing—sometimes three or four a day. The fire madness whispers constantly now, telling me I’m losing control and that I’m failing everyone.”
His vulnerability hit her like a physical slap. This powerful dragon king, who commanded an entire territory, was crumbling from the inside out.
“But yesterday,” he continued, his intense gaze finding hers, “after you helped me through that episode during your assessment, I haven’t had a single attack. For the first time, my mind feels... quieter.”
Lila scribbled notes, trying to ignore the way his voice caressed the word ‘quieter’ like it was a miracle. “That’s encouraging progress. Many patients experience immediate relief when they begin opening up about their struggles.”
“It’s more than that.” He leaned forward, his massive frame somehow making the imposing desk look small. “You have this calming energy. Just being in your presence makes me feel more... centered. More like myself than I’ve been in years.”
Heat rushed to her face.Professional deflection, now.
“That’s very kind of you to say. I’ve been told I have a naturally soothing presence—it’s helpful in my line of work.” The words sounded hollow even to her own ears. Because what she sensed between them transcended typical therapeutic rapport. Something deeper pulsed in the space between them, something that made her feel like she could read his very soul.
Which is impossible. And completely unprofessional to even consider.
“Let’s talk about your fears and past history,” she said, desperately steering the conversation back to safe territory. “Tell me about becoming king so young.”
Draven’s jaw tightened, and for a moment she thought he might retreat behind his royal mask. Then his shoulders dropped, and the words poured out like water through a broken dam.
