Heat builds between us—literal heat, my fire magic responding to hers, to the bond, to everything we are together.
Her shadows pulse around us—soft, rippling, alive. My magic flares in answer—controlled, but barely.
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.
