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Her expression softened. “Like it was meant to.”

She bit her lip, and my eyes tracked the movement before I could stop myself.

Warmth flooded me.

“Kind of like now…”

The air between us felt charged, crackling with possibility. My magic stirred restlessly, wanting to reach for hers—not just power calling to power, but something deeper. Something that felt like destiny and danger all at once.

I reached out, taking her hands in mine, and my portals steadied. The shimmering silver light pulsed in time with my heartbeat, the way it had before the therapy sessions became so frequent.

“You make me better,” I said, not knowing exactly what I meant by it. I found myself lifting my hand to brush a strand of hair from her face. Her skin was warm beneath my fingers, alive with necromantic energy that called to my own power like a siren song.

“Keane,” she whispered, her voice grounding me like a tether. I pressed my forehead to hers, trying to memorize her scent, her warmth, the feel of her body against mine. This had to last.

“Don’t forget me,” I said quietly, the words slipping out before I could stop them. She blinked, surprise flickering in her eyes.Don’t let me forget myself.

When our lips finally met, it felt like every portal in the world opening at once—that same rush of power and possibility. But where our first kisses had been gentle exploration, this held deeper hunger. Her fingers tangled in my hair as I pulled her closer, need overwhelming caution.

Our magic rose to meet our passion—my portals shimmering with silver light while shadows deepened around us, responding to her power. The combination should have been discordant, but instead it felt perfectly balanced. Like two halves of something ancient finally reuniting.

I shouldn’t be here. Every second spent with her tightened the noose around my neck. Tomorrow, my uncle would sense this. He’d press harder, push the therapy harder until my magic bent completely to his version of stability.

But tonight? Tonight was mine. Marigold was mine. Even if I had to pay for it tomorrow in blood.

Marigold made a soft sound against my mouth, threatening what remained of my control. My hands slid down her back, tracing the curve of her spine as she pressed closer. I guided her into my lap, wanting—needing—to eliminate any remaining space between us.

“Tell me to stop,” I managed between kisses, though it nearly killed me to say it. “If this is too fast…”

“Don’t you dare,” she said. “I want you.”

Those words, more than anything physical, broke the last of my restraint. I caught her mouth again. But this wasn’t just passion—it was recognition. Understanding. Two people who’d grown up in the shadows of dead parents, finally finding something real in each other. And I needed this moment.

Our magic surged around us—portals gleaming silver, shadows deepening in response. The air pulsed with raw energy, something that belonged to us alone. My uncle’s taint couldn’t reach here. Not now. I kissed her fiercely, daring the world to break this moment.

She responded with equal fervor, her hands slipping beneath my shirt to trace patterns that felt like fire against my skin. Each touch sent sparks of magic dancing between us.

My lips trailed a path down her neck, my fingers gently undoing the buttons of her shirt. Then I spread it open, and traced the delicate lace edge of her bra reverently. She was here and she was real. I needed this.

Marigold’s breath quickened as I stroked her nipples through the thin material, her body arching towards me in response. When she did that she rocked herself against my hardening dick, and I swallowed hard.

“You’re so beautiful,” I murmured, meeting her gaze.

She smiled and removed the rest of her shirt and bra, tossing them aside. I watched her, tracing every curve with my eyes.

“Do we need a condom or something?” she asked softly. “I’ve never done it with a witch.”

A warm chuckle rose in my chest. “Then you’re in luck, because there’s a spell for everything.” I traced the rune on her lower belly, and she took note of the details, then I leaned closer to her ear and whispered the words.

“Just that?” she asked in surprise.

Nodding, I said, “Protects from pregnancy and from disease. Not that I’m…” I blushed.

“I know,” she said. “I trust you.”

Desperately I wanted to be worthy of that trust, but I wasn’t sure if I could. Uncle… I pushed the thoughts away, needing to be here, now, with her.

Then her hands reached up to help me with my shirt. As my skin was exposed, she leaned in, pressing soft kisses across my chest, her fingers tracing the contours of my muscles. Each touch sent warmth skittering through me.