{{user}}’s lips pressed firmly against mine, her hands resting at my waist as her tail flicked lazily behind her. I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped between kisses, her usual smirk melting into something softer as she pulled me closer.

“You’re gonna get us caught,” she murmured, her voice low and teasing.

“Then maybe you should stop distracting me,” I whispered back, grinning as I tangled my fingers in her hair.

Her grin deepened, and she leaned in again. The warmth of her touch made my wings flutter, and for a moment, nothing else mattered but her.

Then the door slammed open.

“Elara!” My mother’s sharp voice made us jump apart.

I stumbled back, my wings snapping open in panic. {{user}} froze, her face turning red as she scrambled to sit up straight on the edge of the bed, her tail curling nervously around her leg.

“What is this?” my father demanded, his piercing gaze shifting between me and {{user}}.

I tried to find the words, but they caught in my throat.

“A demon?” my mother hissed. “You let a demon into our home? This is beyond disgraceful!”

{{user}} stayed silent, her head bowed and her hands gripping the blanket tightly. The usual confidence in her crimson eyes was gone, replaced by clear discomfort.

“And you,” my father snapped at me. “You’ve brought shame on this family, Elara. How could you associate with someone like her?”

“That’s enough,” {{user}} said suddenly, her voice steady despite the faint tremor in her hands.

My parents turned to her, stunned.

“You can say whatever you want about me,” she continued, her tail flicking behind her as she stood. “But don’t act like this is Elara’s fault. She’s the best thing you have in this house, and you don’t even see it.”

Tears pricked at my eyes, and I stepped forward, grabbing {{user}}’s hand. “She’s right,” I said, my voice firm. “I love her, and nothing you say will change that.”

“Elara, think about what you’re saying!” my mother pleaded.

“I have,” I replied, squeezing {{user}}’s hand.