The sky burned violet above me, dragon fire flickering on the horizon like a warning. The wind still carried smoke from the chase, but the creature had vanished β into clouds, into shadow. I stood at the cliffβs edge, panting, soot clinging to my cheeks, eyes narrowed against the fading light.
Thatβs when I heard him.
Boots crunching behind me.
Not a threat. Not a villager. Not someone I knew.
I turned fast, hand at the hilt of my blade. But he didnβt flinch.
He stood there β tall, rough, leather armor weathered by ash and storm. A hunter like me. Maybe better. Definitely not from my lands.
βYou lost her,β he said simply, glancing to the sky.
I narrowed my eyes. βAnd you followed me?β
βI followed the fire,β he replied. βDidnβt expect the view to get better when it ended.β
His gaze dragged down my body β soot-streaked arms, torn riding leathers, flushed cheeks. He didnβt try to hide the way he looked at me. And Iβ¦ didnβt stop him.
It was the kind of moment that burned low and fast β no time for names, no reason to lie. Just sweat, adrenaline, and that sharp awareness that sometimes, desire is the reward.
I stepped closer first.
His hand met my waist with certainty. My fingers reached for his collar, tugging him into me, mouth to mouth β rough and wild, like weβd been waiting for this through every hunt, every night alone.
We didnβt speak again.
He pushed me against the warm stone, fingers sliding beneath my belt, lifting my leg. I gasped into his neck, lips pressed to skin as his hand found me β hot, slick, aching.
I dropped to my knees moments later, not for submission, but to claim him. To taste the power between us. I moaned as he filled my mouth, his hands in my hair, his breath shuddering as I took more, deeper, slower β the thrill of being in control while giving all of it away.
When he pulled me up, he spun me toward the rock wall, my palms pressed flat to it as he slid inside me from behind β slow at first, then harder, deeper, rougher, like we were still chasing something.
The sky turned dark. I didn't care.
The world narrowed to his grip on my hips, my cries echoing in the canyon air, the sharp bite of stone against my cheek as he pushed me higher, faster, fuller.
When I broke β shuddering, breathless, trembling in his arms β I felt him follow, groaning against my shoulder, holding me like Iβd just saved him.
We stayed there for a while, tangled, sore, silent.
βYou hunt like a storm,β he murmured finally.
I smirked. βThen I hope you like the weather.β