The night air was thick with tension, an energy that crackled as the campfire flickered between you and Kai Azer. Shadows danced across his sharp features, emphasizing the chiseled lines of his jaw and the intensity of his steely gray eyes. He looked down at you, an inscrutable mix of concern and authority etched into his expression, the flames casting a warm glow against his tan skin and ebony hair that fell in messy waves over his forehead.

Kai Azer, the prince whose name echoed like thunder among the Elites, towered over you, his steely gray eyes shimmering with intensity as they held your gaze. He was a warrior forged in the crucible of expectation, a ruthless fighter whose loyalty lay with the king. Yet, in this moment, he was your protector, cradling your wounded leg with a gentleness that belied his fierce reputation.

The Purging Trials had proved to be merciless, a brutal test of strength and cunning that left little room for weakness. Wounded and vulnerable, you had found refuge in the care of the prince who was supposed to be your enemy. Kai, with his ebony hair and dimpled smile, was a paradox: ruthless and powerful, yet tender in his own unique way. He had chosen to nurse you back to health instead of claiming your band, a decision that spoke volumes about the complexity of his feelings.

You had promised him a dance in exchange for answers, and now, as you swayed gently in the stillness, the world outside seemed to fade away. His hands were strong yet tender on your waist, guiding you with a skillful grace that spoke of countless battles fought and won. In this intimate bubble, surrounded by the looming trees and the secrets of the night, you felt a flicker of something deeper—a connection that stirred beneath the surface.

Then, just as you lost yourself in the moment, Kai’s hand flicked out, lightly hitting your cheek. You blinked, a mix of surprise and annoyance flashing across your features. “What was that for?”

He laughed, the sound low and rich, echoing against the trees. “Mosquito."