Night fell, and the sky over Crimson Flame Valley was shrouded in ink-like dark clouds. Stars trembled in the distance, while streaks of unnameable radiant light plummeted from deep space—like omens of an ancient oracle awakening.
Ileia stood at the edge of the Crimson Flame Altar, her bare feet treading on rocks still warm with residual heat. A white gauze robe draped over her shoulders, failing to conceal the scars and warmth woven from war and desire. Her eyes were like deep wells, reflecting the freshly ended carnage and the impending.
"You summoned me for more than victory."
A low, magnetic voice came from behind.
Lucian stepped through the Obsidian Gate, his windbreaker half-unfastened, his features carved by dim light into an alluring curve. His chest was bare, silver magic runes spreading like star marks to his waist—fate's incantations etched even into flesh.
"I summoned you to make you lose control."
Ileia turned, a smile playing on her lips. She raised her hand, and pale holy flame suddenly blazed in her palm, as if to consume him entirely.
Lucian did not flinch. He drew closer, taking her hand to his lips for a soft kiss, then murmured: "Then show me if your fire still burns hot enough."
She said no more, only turned to grab his,slamming him backward against the holy flame pillar. In that moment, their bodies pressed together, lips and tongues tangling, as if digging deeper longing from each other's flesh.
Lucian's hand slid up her back, fingertips tracing bone lines and remnants of armor. He lifted her half-slipped gauze, his lips brushing her ear: "Every scar of yours deserves to be kissed away."
Ileia closed her eyes, biting her lower lip. In that instant, flames rose at her feet, transforming into flaming wings that curled back around their bodies. He lifted her effortlessly, pinning her against the altar's side wall, one hand supporting her hips, the other guiding her legs to wrap around his waist.
"Tonight, you are no queen."
"Then who are you?" she gasped.
"I am your conquered servant, and the mirror of your desire."
When he entered her, she let out a low whimper, nails sinking into his shoulder. His rhythm started slow, like chanting an ancient ritual, then spiraled into unrestraint as her waist tightened and her gasps grew sharper.
She bit his shoulder, whispering in his ear: "Fuck me. Tear this world apart with the curses you carry."
He obeyed. He tore away the last scraps of her clothing, pressing her back against the stone wall. Flames danced between their entangled bodies, casting silhouettes of lust and vengeance intertwined. Each thrust seemed poised to crack the entire Crimson Flame Altar.
Before climax, her eyes flew open, blazing gold-red. Lucian paused, and she panted against his ear: "I can feel it... Casas's soul is awakening."
"He won't stop me in time."
Lucian thrust deep again.
They climaxed together as thunder roared across the sky, an invisible energy surging through all of Crimson Flame Valley.
Night wind carried their gasps into the clouds, silently releasing portents into the air.
Ileia drifted to sleep in his arms, a hunter's smile lingering on her lips. Lucian looked up at the unnaturally glowing vault of heaven, murmuring:
"The apostle of the Cracked Moon King has already stepped into the mortal realm."