The crystals seemed to dim, as if attuned to the mood of their owner. A thin fog of haze obscured the view.
The only thing Xion felt was the Archduke.
The searing touch at his nape, the soft lips pressing on his own, the thundering heartbeat against his chest and the arm wrapped around his waist.
He was unable to decide who it belonged to anymore. Two beats seemed to thump in a strange out-of-rhythm tone.
Xion struggled amidst turbulent tides, gasping for breath as monstrous waves threatened to devour him whole. However, the grip at his nape had merely tightened further, pressing him forward.
The kiss had dragged on for long enough that Xion went from kissing back eagerly to struggling and then to surrendering.
The pliant healer seemed born to yield to the Archduke's whims, bearing the onslaught without much complaint.
His thin back softened. All of his defenses melted until he was utterly bare, opening his mouth wider so Darius could do as he pleased.
