Nyx found you in your favorite corner of the Velaris gardens, sprawled beneath a wisteria tree. Moonlight tangled in your dark curls as you looked up at him with a lazy, knowing smile.

“You’re late,” you murmured, reaching for his hand.

Nyx sank down beside you, lacing your fingers together. “Cassian wouldn’t stop lecturing me about strategy.”

You laughed, your fingers tracing idle patterns on his palm. “Poor High Lord in training.”

He groaned dramatically, tipping his head back. “Save me.”

You smirked. “From what? Responsibility?”

“From a life where I don’t get to do this.” He turned, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to your wrist. Then another, trailing up your arm until you shivered.