Elias had always associated demons with cold.
But Varian's kiss that night had been warm—too warm. Like a fever spreading from the inside out. He hadn't meant to lean into it. Hadn't meant to want more.
But he did.
Now he was back in his room, pacing, trying to smother the burn that lingered on his lips. His heart thudded against his ribs like it didn't know what side it was on anymore.
He didn't want to love Varian.
He didn't even know if he could.
But somehow, in the cracks of pain and fury, affection was beginning to bloom.
And that terrified him more than any of Varian's trials ever had.
A soft knock broke his thoughts.
He opened the door to find a tray on the floor: a teapot, two cups, and a small dish of honey-drenched pastries. Next to it, a card, folded once.
It read:
> "I remember you said you liked these.
—V"
Elias stared at the handwriting for a long time.
He hadn't said it here. He'd said it once, long ago, to someone at a tavern—when he'd been drunk and tired and scraping by.
So Varian had been watching him even then.
That should've disturbed him.
And yet…
He took the tray inside.
Later that evening, Varian came to his door—not as a demon king, but quiet, human-shaped, coatless. His white shirt was half undone, his hair a little messy. Still dangerous. Still devastating.
But not hunting him, not tonight.
Elias opened the door just enough for his eyes to meet Varian's.
"You remembered," Elias said.
"I remember everything about you."
"Still creepy."
"I'm working on it."
Silence.
Then Elias sighed and stepped aside.
They sat on the rug beside the fire, sipping tea. No magic, no force, no sharp commands.
Just two people, tangled in a quiet that was almost comfortable.
Varian reached forward once, slowly, and brushed Elias's hair behind his ear.
Elias didn't stop him.
"You confuse me," Varian whispered. "You burn and soothe at the same time."
"You want control," Elias said. "But I'm not something you can own."
"I'm starting to understand that."
Another pause.
Then Varian asked, softly, "Can I kiss you again?"
Elias hesitated.
He looked at Varian—not at the fangs or the strength or the madness—but at the man underneath, trying so damn hard to be less.
And Elias leaned in.
He kissed him first.
But it didn't stay soft for long.
Varian pushed forward, hand on Elias's jaw, mouth hot and desperate. There was hunger in it—desire. A dangerous edge that said I could ruin you, and I want to.
And Elias, to his horror, let him.
Only when Varian bit his lip a little too hard did Elias shove him back, breathless.
"Careful," Elias warned.
Varian grinned, eyes gleaming red. "I said I'm learning. I didn't say I was done being bad."
-