The aftermath of the morning's council meeting left Sara feeling both drained and restless. The weight of the upcoming ritual loomed over her, yet her thoughts were consumed by Ignatius. The connection between them had grown undeniable, and every glance, every touch, seemed to set her nerves alight.
Seeking solitude, Sara retreated to the private sanctum within the celestial gardens. The air was cool, the scent of starlight flowers mingling with the faint hum of divine energy. She had barely settled into the tranquil surroundings when a familiar presence stirred the air.
"I thought I'd find you here," Ignatius said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine.
Sara turned, her heart skipping at the sight of him. The glow of the garden seemed to frame him perfectly, his amber eyes burning with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"I needed some space," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "You've been carrying the weight of this realm on your shoulders, Sara. You deserve more than just space."
Her breath hitched as he closed the distance between them, his presence overwhelming in the best way. "And what do I deserve, Ignatius?"
He reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. The touch was gentle, but it ignited a fire within her. "You deserve someone who sees you—not just the Chief God, but you. The woman who's stronger than she realizes, yet soft enough to care about everyone around her."
Sara's heart raced as his words washed over her. She opened her mouth to respond, but he didn't give her the chance. His hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer until their lips met in a searing kiss.
The world around them seemed to blur, the only thing that mattered being the heat between them. Sara's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic as she pressed herself against him.
Ignatius deepened the kiss, his other hand settling on her waist, pulling her even closer. His touch was firm yet reverent, as though he were memorizing every curve, every inch of her.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other.
"This isn't just a fleeting moment, Sara," Ignatius murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "You're everything to me."
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Instead, she cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs brushing against his cheekbones. "You mean more to me than I ever thought possible, Ignatius."
He kissed her again, this time slower, deeper, as though savoring every second. And in that moment, surrounded by the glow of the celestial garden, Sara knew she had found something far more powerful than duty or divine power—she had found love.