The training ring was empty save for Azriel, his shirt discarded, his muscles taut as he worked through a set of strikes. Shadows curled around him, retreating the moment they sensed you. He stilled, turning as you stepped forward.

"Back together then?" His voice was steady, but there was something tight in his jaw, something unreadable in his hazel eyes.

You shook your head. "No." The word carried weight—finality. You had gone, tried to be with someone else, but here you were. With him. Again.

Azriel’s expression didn’t change, but he crossed the space between you in an instant. His hands caught your waist, heat searing through your clothes. His lips hovered a breath away, his heartbeat thudding against yours.

Then you stopped him, pressing a palm to his chest. He stilled, muscles tensing beneath your touch.