Chapter 663: Sunrise
The sun burst over the distant rim, flooding the caldera with golden light. Luke and I sat longer, watching it rise over the valley and bathe the city in the warmth of morning. The black stone soaked in the warm light. I shifted closer to Luke, my hand resting in the crook of his elbow. His tail brushed against mine, sending tingles prickling down my back.
"Beautiful," Luke said softly.
The sun reflected in his violet eyes, shimmering. They were so soft and warm. I idly snuggled closer, barely realizing as he took a quick, nervous breath. The black obsidian wasn’t the only thing soaking in warmth.
"The sun never rises in Haven. I hadn’t thought I missed, but..."
I trailed off as his fingers brushed my cheek, turning me to face him.
"I wasn’t talking about the sunrise."
My pulse quickened. Warmth spread through my chest, a pleasant, unfamiliar sensation. I let the moment linger, savoring the feeling. Then, a flicker of unease.
I pulled away slightly, my hand slipping from his arm. "D-don’t tease me like that."
His smile lingered, but nothing was mocking about it. If anything, it felt...genuine.
"Something precious to protect, hmm?" he murmured distantly, his gaze drifting to the horizon.
Luke gave himself a shake and stood, offering me his hand. I gingerly took it, gasping softly as he pulled me swiftly to my feet. The sharp rise of momentum carried me forward, but he moved his hand in a graceful arc, twirling me around and steadying me. I painted as my dress settled around my knees, staring into his eyes, our bodies an inch apart. My heart fluttered with a strange mix of excitement and unease.