Their budding connection was threatened when the Lumina City Sentinels, an elite force tasked with policing magical beings, raided the bar. They were searching for shadowbinders, their hatred for the outlawed magic palpable.
Silas acted on instinct. He grabbed Kael's wrist and pulled him through the hidden exit behind the bar. They fled into the labyrinthine alleys of Lumina City, Silas guiding Kael through shortcuts known only to locals.
"Why are you helping me?" Kael asked as they ducked into an abandoned warehouse, the Sentinels' shouts echoing in the distance.
"Because you don't deserve to be hunted for existing," Silas replied. "And because…" He hesitated, then sighed. "Because I care about you."
Kael stared at him, his usual stoicism cracking. "You're risking everything for me."
"I know."
Kael stepped closer, his hand brushing Silas's cheek. "You're reckless," he murmured, his voice soft. "But thank you."
Their lips met, a kiss charged with the same electric energy that had sparked between them the first night they met. For a moment, the chaos of the city faded, leaving only the two of them.