The forest whispered in the fading light, every rustle of leaves stirring unease in Camilla's chest. She clutched her shawl tighter around her shoulders, her boots crunching over the narrow path as the sun bled into the horizon.
The clearing appeared just ahead, bathed in dying gold. Xavier was already there, leaning against a fallen log, the wind tugging at his dark coat. His gaze found her instantly, as though he'd been listening for her footsteps all along.
"You came," he said, voice low, almost relieved.
"I said I would."
His lips curved into something between a smile and a frown, like he couldn't decide whether to be pleased or furious. "And yet you're late. I thought perhaps…" He trailed off, his eyes darkening. "I thought they'd already gotten to you."
Camilla's pulse skipped. "Xavier, you can't just—"
Before she could finish, he closed the distance between them in three long strides, his hands gripping her arms. "There's someone following you. Tonight."
Her breath caught. "What?"
"I saw movement in the trees on my way here. Whoever it is, they're skilled at keeping distance, but they're here." His eyes searched hers. "I need you to trust me."
The air between them turned molten, the fear heightening everything — the sound of his breathing, the heat of his grip, the faint scent of smoke and rain on him.
"I do," she whispered.
Something in his gaze shifted — softer now, more dangerous in a different way. "Good."
Before she could react, his mouth was on hers, urgent and unrestrained, like the world could shatter around them and he'd still hold her there. Her fingers curled into his coat, clinging to him as if he were the only real thing left.
But then — a snap of a branch behind them.
Xavier broke the kiss, spinning toward the sound, his body moving in front of hers like a shield. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his tone a deadly mix of command and concern.
Camilla's heart pounded as a shadow detached from the treeline — tall, cloaked, face hidden. The figure stopped just beyond the light of the clearing.
Xavier's voice was like steel. "You've been watching her. Why?"
The figure didn't answer. Instead, they slowly lifted a folded piece of paper and tossed it into the dirt. Then, without a word, they melted back into the trees.
Camilla stared at the note, her hands trembling.
Xavier bent, picking it up. His eyes scanned the words — and his jaw tightened so sharply she could almost hear it.
"They know," he said finally, his voice a low growl. "About us."