The forest had gone silent again, as though holding its breath after the chaos. Even the crickets seemed to retreat, leaving only the thrum of Elena's heartbeat in her ears. Adrian hadn't stepped back—if anything, he had drawn even closer.
His crimson eyes glowed faintly in the dark, pinning her in place. "Why do you tremble when I touch you?" His voice was low, velvety, but carrying an edge of hunger.
Elena's lips parted. "Because you—you're overwhelming."
His smirk tilted. "Good. Then you understand you can't escape me."
The words should have made her recoil, yet her knees weakened, her breath uneven. Adrian's hand still cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin like he owned it. The heat of his palm seeped into her, making her shiver for reasons she couldn't admit even to herself.
"You're insufferable," she whispered, though her voice shook.
Adrian's smirk faded, replaced with something heavier. His eyes softened, though they still burned. "And yet you're here. Still holding on."
Before she could respond, his other hand slid to her waist, pulling her against him. Her chest collided with his, her pulse hammering. The air between them grew thin, her every breath mixing with his.
Elena's mind screamed at her to push him away. But her body… her body betrayed her.
Adrian leaned down, his lips brushing hers in the faintest of touches, testing, waiting. The contact was barely there, but it sent shockwaves through her, lighting fire in her veins.
Her eyes fluttered shut before she realized it, her hands clutching at his coat as though to anchor herself. He deepened the kiss slowly, deliberately, his lips firm and claiming, yet devastatingly gentle. His darkness wrapped around her like a second skin, but it was his warmth—his very human warmth—that unraveled her.
For a breathless moment, there was no past, no Damian, no demons—only Adrian's mouth on hers, coaxing a response she never thought she'd give him.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers. His breath was ragged, his voice rough. "Do you understand now, Elena? You're mine. And I'll destroy anyone who dares to take you from me."
Her heart twisted at the possessive weight of his words. Part of her wanted to argue, to remind him she wasn't something to claim. But another part—a dangerous, treacherous part—thrummed with agreement.
"Elena," he murmured, almost like a plea.
Her eyes opened, meeting his. For once, she didn't see the devil's son. She saw a man—flawed, dangerous, but real. A man who burned for her in ways no one else ever had.
Her lips trembled. "Adrian…"
Before she could say more, a sharp sound split the silence. Branches snapped in the distance, the heavy thud of footsteps approaching.
Adrian's expression shifted instantly, shadows flaring to life around him as he pulled Elena behind him. His voice was ice. "We're not alone."
From between the trees, figures emerged—hooded, cloaked in silver-threaded robes. Their faces were hidden, but the air around them crackled with power.
Elena's blood ran cold. "Who—who are they?"
Adrian's jaw clenched, his shadows thickening. "Hunters."
The leader stepped forward, voice deep and commanding. "Son of the devil. You've lingered in this world too long. Tonight, your reign ends."
Adrian's crimson eyes narrowed, his arm tightening protectively around Elena. "Let's see you try."