The city lights flickered dimly through the sheer curtains, casting long shadows across the room. Cassian stood at the window, the weight of the night pressing down on him like the darkness itself.
Behind him, the soft rustle of fabric announced Riven's approach. Barefoot, wrapped in nothing but the remnants of last night's silk, he moved with quiet confidence that made Cassian's breath hitch.
"You're thinking too much," Riven said softly, closing the distance.
Cassian turned, eyes dark with storm and need. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm scared."
Riven smiled, the kind of smile that could melt steel and stir wildfires. "Then surrender."
With that, he crossed the room, fingertips tracing the sharp lines of Cassian's jaw before sliding down his throat. The heat of his touch burned away the cold edges of doubt.
Cassian's hands found Riven's hips, pulling him close. Their bodies pressed together, skin against skin, a desperate rhythm that needed no words.
Kisses deepened, slow and fierce—each one a silent confession, a promise, a challenge.
Cassian's fingers tangled in Riven's hair, tugging gently as their mouths fought for dominance and devotion.
The night stretched and contracted around them like a living thing—breathless, urgent, and raw.
When Cassian finally lowered Riven to the bed, shadows danced across their naked forms, tracing every curve and muscle, every tremble of need.
They moved together, a dangerous game of control and release, pushing limits, breaking barriers.
Riven's moans were a melody that fed Cassian's hunger, driving him harder, faster—until they both tumbled over the edge in a frenzy of sweat and whispered names.
Lying tangled in the afterglow, Cassian pressed a kiss to Riven's temple.
"Only in surrender do we find strength," he murmured.
Riven smiled, fingers brushing over Cassian's chest.
"Then I'll surrender to you, always."