The sun had sunk low, casting a warm embrace over the secluded courtyard. Eleonora's breathing came in measured bursts as she danced with her blade. The slick skin glistened with sweat, and strands of her hair clung to her nape.
Finnian watched from the shadows, his eyes tracing every curve. He'd seen her in battle, fierce and unyielding, but this—this was different. This was vulnerability wrapped in strength.
"You should hold the hilt a little lower," Finnian murmured, stepping forward. "And grip it more firmly. It'll give you better control."
The courtyard held its breath. Eleonora's heart raced, not just from the exertion of training but from the proximity of Finnian—the man who had become more than a knight, more than a companion.
His fingers lingered on hers, his leather glove brushing her skin. "Lower," he whispered, guiding her hand. Soft, yet so intense, his touch was firing something deeper inside her. "And firmer."
Eleonora hiked in her grip as his fingers brushed against hers. The touch sent a shiver through her-a spark of awareness. The sword became an extension of her desire, its weight both weapon and temptation.
She swung, and Finnian's eyes never left her face. He stared at her as if she were the only star in his night sky. She lost herself in the rhythm of the sword.
But then it dawned on her how Finnian's eyes felt—the fire she traced inside of them. It was impossible to ignore it further. Putting the sword back in its sheath, she walked forward toward Finnian.
"Until when will you stare at me? At least until when?" she only challenged him, her intonation between bravado and curiosity.
"As long as you allow me to," he said firmly yet laced with desire.
"But I didn't allow you to," she retorted.
He came closer, their breaths mingling, "But you didn't forbid me to either."
She curved her lips up into a smirk at that response, then tugged him closer, close enough to feel his breath on her.
Their bodies pressed together, the boundaries blurred. Eleonora's hair brushed his cheek, and she tasted salt on his lips. The courtyard faded; there was only Finnian—the one who had seen her vulnerability.
Finnian's hands followed the arch of her back, branding the skin. Eleonora's, her fingers tangled in his hair, pulled him inside her even more brutally.
And when they finally broke apart, breathless and disheveled, Eleonora whispered, "Again."
Finnian grinned, his eyes a storm. "As long as you permit me."
9 years later
"Your Majesty," the soldier said, bowing deeply. "Knight Finnian is here, waiting for your orders."
"Let him in," the king replied, his voice echoing through the large room.
Finnian stepped forward, his armor shining like silver in the moonlight. His silver hair framed his face, worn from battles and secrets. He knelt before the throne, his eyes steady.
"I have a mission for you," King Eldric said, leaning forward. "You must destroy the Whole Spirit Eyes clan."
Finnian froze for a moment. The Spirit Eyes clan were known for their ancient magic. Their eyes could see through illusions and even manipulate time. But there was something darker—they could steal souls with their gaze, gaining power with every life they took.
"But why, Your Majesty?" Finnian asked. "What threat do they pose?"
The king's expression darkened. "Their power," he said, "and the dangerous sword they possess have grown too strong. If that sword ends up in the wrong hands, it could destroy our kingdom. We can't take that risk."
"And their agreement with you?" Finnian pressed.
"They've broken it," the king replied, his voice cold. "Lina was killed recently, and the evidence points to the Spirit Eyes clan."
"Lina? The head of the Imperial Knight's 2nd Platoon?" Finnian was shocked. Lina was one of the strongest fighters in the imperial family.
From what the king said, it was clear that the Spirit Eyes had become dangerously powerful, perhaps even planning a rebellion.
"They might be preparing to rebel when Eleonora takes the throne," the king said. "She's not strong enough yet to stop them, so wiping them out is the safest choice."
"As you command, Your Majesty," Finnian said with a bow. He turned to leave, but the king stopped him. "Leave no one alive," he said.
"Yes, your majesty" Finnian responded.