But all I can think about is a pair of smoke-gray ones.
And burning hands. The way my stomach flipped when Thane pulled me in like he’d been waiting his whole godsdamn life.
But he hasn’t said anything since. Maybe it was just a one time thing?
What the hell is wrong with me?
Kieran tilts his head, his smirk slow, just shy of knowing. “You good, Thalor? You look like you have something on your mind.”
Yeah. Just the war. The dragon bond. The man I kissed likemy life depended on it. The man who kissed me back like he was drowning.
I blink, trying to focus.
“I’m fine.” I force a smile on my face.
His gaze sharpens, searching my face, reading something I don’t want him to. But before he can call me on it—Thane moves.
I don’t see him at first, but like always, I feel him.
The shift in the air, the weight of a gaze burning into me, the presence that has never once gone unnoticed. All those hours training together has made me extra aware of him.
One second, I’m standing beside Kieran—
The next, I’m consumed.
Thane grabs me, turns me, and kisses me.
Hard.
It’s not careful or slow. It’s not a question, but a godsdamn declaration.
His hands frame my face, fingers digging in like he’s been waiting too long. His lips move against mine with heat, purpose, and somethingrawunderneath. Something unrestrained.
A low, deep contented sound rumbles from his chest as he pulls me closer—like this was inevitable. Like I’ve always been his to take.
And the world falls away—Kieran, the outpost, even Lyra’s inevitable cackle. Gone.
Because all that exists is Thane—and the way he’s kissing me like he’s making up for every second we didn’t have like this. And I don’t hold back kissing him in return.
When he finally pulls back, I’m breathless, my heart slamming against my ribs. I stare up at him, stunned, unable to form a single thought.
Thane watches me, breath steady, eyes burning. Like he can’t believe he waited this long. Like he’s already decided he’s not waiting anymore.
I finally manage to choke out, “What the hell was that?”
He shrugs, completely unapologetic. “Figured I’d make myself clear.”
A beat.
“Just in case there were any questions.”
Clear. Right. As if clarity is possible when I can’t think straight.
I stumble back, breath ragged, heart pounding like it’s trying to punch through my ribs.
And Thane—he turns away.
Just like that.
