So, I loved him the only way I knew how—fiercely, quietly, and without guarantee.
And when the fear threatened to overcome me, he’d reappear.
Always more beautiful than memory, always arriving like salvation.
That night had been especially cruel. I’d spent the entire day swallowed by dread, heart heavy, and thoughts darker than they should’ve been.
Then, he knocked.
“Hello, Balthazar,” I whispered, opening the door wide.
He stood beneath the moonlight, sharp-edged and radiant. “Are you coming with me?” he asked.
“Where are we going tonight?”
“Into the city,” he said, lips curving into a soft smile. “There’s no one about.”
I hesitated—but only for a breath.
I wanted more. Desperately.
But if stolen hours were all I could have of him…
Then I would take them—every single one.
He smiled—a gentle upturn of his lips—and I gave an eager nod before I had time to second-guess myself. He stepped forward, wrapping me in his arms, his warmth swallowing the chill of the night.
“I will never let you go,” he uttered into my hair.
“Nor I, you,” I whispered back.
We rode into the city on horseback, my arms wrapped tightly around his waist, my cheek pressed against his broad back. When we arrived, we tied the horse and slipped into the silent streets, free from watchful eyes and whispered judgment.
My heart pounded with anticipation as we sprinted through theempty lanes, our footsteps echoing off the stone. Wind tangled through my hair, and laughter burst from my chest—wild, unrestrained. This was the freedom I craved. I held on to him like he was my whole world, because in that moment, he was.
We reached a grassy clearing at the edge of town, and he pulled me beside him. The moon bathed us in silver light, and as I looked into his eyes, the blood in my veins surged. My entire body shivered with anticipation.
His warmth pressed against me, and I felt like I had waited my entire life for this moment. It was always like that between us—no matter how many times, it always felt like the first.
The heat of his skin against mine sent waves of pleasure rippling through me. His hands tangled in my messy hair, pulling me closer as our lips met in a kiss that burned through everything. His touch ignited every inch of my body, and we gave in completely, exploring each other with reckless abandon.
Beneath the stars, he whispered sweet things that made my heart flutter and my soul take flight. Together, we reached new heights of passion and love, lost in a world where nothing could touch us, where nothing else mattered.
As the night wore on, I knew I never wanted to leave this moment, never wanted to let go of him. I wanted to live wild and free, tangled in his arms for eternity.
But the sun always rose. And with it, the life I was expected to live returned.
My parents still hoped I’d follow the traditional path—marriage, motherhood, a life of quiet obedience. The very thought made my skin crawl. I dreamed of something else—of Balthazar, of a future that was only ours.
And every time they spoke of children, duty, and legacy, I felt the ache of rebellion pulse.
Because I didn’t want their version of love.
I wanted him.
My heart pounded as I tore across the grassy field and slipped through the house’s back entrance. I didn’t stop to catch my breath. I stormed through the kitchen, and my gaze made the cook recoil. Her face drained of color.
She remembered the warning I’d given her—the price of speaking a word about my midnight disappearances with Balthazar.
