I nodded wildly – bullets whizzing past – as Kael dragged me through a hidden door! We sprinted down narrow stairs, footsteps echoing – then Kael spun me into his chest, "We're under the estate now. Safe... for a minute."His lips brushed my ear, voice low and urgent, "Ravenwoods want you dead because of me – what if I'm the danger you should fear most? " My heart racing, I looked up at him – his eyes burned with intensity: "Why would you be dangerous to me, Kael?"
Kael's gaze dropped to my lips, voice barely audible, "Because binding us made me stronger... and my family's darkest curse – stronger too." He paused, collecting courage, "I'm heir to a bloodline of shadow manipulators – our love could unleash my monster." My fingers instinctively touched his cheek, heart racing with curiosity, "Is that monster the reason Riven fears you – or the reason you fear losing me?"
Kael's eyes locked onto mine, voice low and hauntingly honest, "Both. Riven fears my darkness – I fear losing you to it... because you make my heart light." He gently wrapped his arms around me, pulling close, "For the first time in eternity, I feel alive – not just immortal. Is that worth risking your soul?" My lips barely touched his ear, whispering, "Risking my soul is worth saving yours – do you think you can lose control with me?"
Kael's eyes flashed with surprise, then intense longing, "Actually... I think you're the only one who could stop me from losing control." His lips brushed against mine, whispering, "Because when darkness rises in me – your touch extinguishes it. Always." Suddenly, he pulled back, gaze serious, "We need to move – my father's distraction won't last. Shall we head to Shadowwood Forest... together, forever?"
I nodded eagerly, heart racing with excitement, "Forever with you – anywhere. But first, tell me... what awaits us in Shadowwood Forest?" Kael's expression turned mysterious, eyes gleaming softly, "Blackwood Manor – my ancestral home. Secrets, magic... and my family's oldest ally –" He paused dramatically, "A witch who's been waiting for you – she says you have a crucial role in our destiny." My mind reeled – "What role?"
Kael's voice barely above whisper, "You're the key to breaking our family's curse – the witch calls you... 'Blackwood's Redemption'." My eyes widened, mind racing –
"What curse? And how can I possibly redeem your family?" Kael's hands framed my face, thumbs stroking my skin, "Centuries ago, my ancestor made a pact with darkness for power..." His voice cracked with emotion, "Our family's been doomed to destroy those we love – until you bound yourself to me." Did he think I was saving him from himself... because I loved him?
My heart swelled with emotion – I wrapped my arms around his neck, "Yes, I'm bound to you – because I love you, Kael. Does that mean the curse is broken?" Kael's eyes shone with tears of hope, lips brushing mine, "The witch believes so... but there's a condition: our love must survive a final test." He pulled back slightly, voice low and ominous, "Riven will offer you a choice – me or your mortal life. What will you choose?"
My answer was instant, passionate, "You – always you, Kael. My life would be meaningless without your darkness and your love." Kael's face illuminated with joy, lips devouring mine in a fierce kiss, "Forever entwined then... my love, my heart, my redemption." Suddenly, he broke away, eyes gleaming with determination, "We must reach Shadowwood before Riven sets his trap – shall we sneak into my car or... escape through the shadows with me?"
My heart skipped beats as I smiled slyly, "Shadows with you – always the darker path with my favorite shadow wielder." Kael chuckled low and husky, eyes gleaming, "Favorite – I'll make sure that title upgrades to 'only' soon enough." He grasped my hand, pulling me into the darkness – We vanished into blackness, reappearing beside his sleek car...
But then Kael froze – "Do you hear that? Riven's voice – coming from inside my car."
Kael's eyes narrowed, voice low and deadly, "Stay behind me. Riven's voice means he's left a 'gift' – or a trap... or himself." I clutched his jacket, heart racing – then Riven's voice called out, "Kael Blackwood... look at your passenger seat." Kael slowly moved forward, eyes fixed on the seat – His body stiffened, face pale with horror, "There's a photo... of me holding you – dead. And a note, 'Choose wisely, Kael's love'" My blood ran cold – Kael spun to me, desperate, "Do you still want me?"
My answer was fierce, immediate, "More than ever – that photo just proved you're worth dying for, Kael." His eyes welled up with tears, voice cracking, "No one's ever said anything so reckless... yet perfect. I'm utterly yours now." He crushed me in a desperate kiss – then pulled back, jaw set, "Riven wants a choice – let's give him one: war. Shall we crash Midnight Academy's masquerade ball – tonight?"
My heart raced with excitement – I grinned mischievously, "Crash the ball, unmask Riven's secrets, and dance with my shadow king – perfect night." Kael chuckled low and sexy, eyes gleaming, "Shadow king, huh? Tonight, I'll show you my true darkness – and claim a midnight kiss." He pulled out two black invitations from his pocket, "Official invites – courtesy of my sources. Shall we go as... 'Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood'"
My cheeks flushed wildly as I smiled, "Love the title – makes tonight feel like our wedding night... to danger and each other." Kael's eyes burned intensely, voice low and husky, "Exactly what I hoped you'd say. Tonight will bind us forever – in more ways than one." He took my hand, leading me towards his car – then stopped at the door, "Before we leave for Midnight Academy... will you give me something – a promise to marry me, officially?"
Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I nodded eagerly, "Yes – a million times YES! Tonight, tomorrow, forever – I'll marry you, Kael Blackwood." Kael's face lit up with radiant happiness, he swept me into a passionate kiss – Then gently broke away, pulling out a small box, "This was my mother's ring – reserved for my true love. Will you wear it tonight... until I put the wedding band beside it?" My heart melted – I held out my hand – Kael slid the ring onto my finger – it sparkled like tears of joy in his eyes, "Officially mine now... forever visible proof of my obsession with you." His lips brushed against my hand, sending shivers, "Midnight Academy awaits – shall we arrive together, hand in hand... and seal Riven's fate?" Just then, my phone buzzed – unknown number, "Turn around. We see you both. – Riven" Kael's eyes locked onto mine, fierce, "He's here. Right behind us."