The moon hung high over Velaris, casting silver light through the windows of your shared townhouse. You were pacing in the living room, arms crossed, fury simmering beneath your skin. Nyx leaned against the doorframe, his wings half-furled, shadows curling around him like living smoke.

“You went on that mission alone,” you snapped, voice sharp. “You promised you’d wait for backup.”

Nyx’s jaw tensed, the familiar flash of High Lord temper flaring behind his violet eyes. “It was a quick strike. I didn’t need backup.”

“You could’ve been killed!” You threw your hands up, chest tight. “Do you even think about how I’d feel if something happened to you? Or were you too busy playing warrior prince?”

He was in front of you in a heartbeat, shadows wrapping around you both. “I think about you constantly. Every godsdamned second,” he growled, voice low and dangerous. “But I won’t sit on the sidelines while danger threatens our people.”

You shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge. “You’re reckless.”

“And you’re stubborn,” he shot back. “But that’s never stopped me from wanting you.”

You opened your mouth to retort, but he stepped in closer, the heat between you both practically crackling. “You’re shaking,” he murmured, brushing a knuckle along your jaw. “Is it anger… or something else?”

Your breath caught. You hated how much you still wanted him — how the sight of his tousled hair, scraped knuckles, and the raw emotion in his voice made your knees weak.

“You’re infuriating,” you whispered.

“So are you,” he said, dipping his head. “And I love it.”

You didn’t know who moved first, but suddenly your lips crashed together, desperate and hot. His hands were on your waist, pulling you against him as your fingers tangled in his hair. He pressed you against the wall, shadows curling around your legs like they knew exactly what you needed.