Maelis POV

The kiss grew hotter, igniting a fire I hadn't realized was dormant in my veins.

Lucian groaned into my mouth, the sound vibrating against my lips, and before I could catch my breath, the floor disappeared from beneath my feet. He swept me up effortlessly, his arms banding around me like steel. Instinct took over as my legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer until there wasn't a breath of space between us.

My heart was beating wildly, thudding against his chest in a chaotic rhythm that matched his own. I melted into his warmth, my fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of his neck,...