The tension between Ezekiel and Daphne had shifted. No longer uncertain. No longer restrained.
Their relationship had evolved into something deeper—a quiet understanding, a mutual craving, and an undeniable connection.
And yet, neither of them spoke about it outright.
It wasn't necessary.
Their actions spoke for them.
---
The library was nearly empty at this hour, with only the occasional flicker of candlelight illuminating the vast space. Ezekiel sat at one of the secluded tables, pretending to read, though his attention was constantly being pulled toward the girl sitting across from him.
Daphne.
She was completely at ease in his presence, her quill gliding smoothly over parchment, strands of her blonde hair slipping forward as she worked.
Ezekiel smirked, unable to resist.
With a flick of his fingers, a tiny swirl of frosty air danced along the edge of her paper, forming intricate ice patterns before melting away.
Daphne stilled.
Slowly, she raised her gaze to meet his, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Bored?"
Ezekiel leaned forward, his voice smooth. "You've been ignoring me for an hour. I had to do something."
Daphne sighed but didn't hide her amusement. "Unlike you, I'm actually trying to finish my work."
Ezekiel smirked. "I'd rather distract you."
She hummed, pretending to consider before shaking her head. "Try harder, then."
A challenge.
And Ezekiel never backed down from a challenge.
---
Later that night, the halls of Hogwarts were bathed in shadows, the torches flickering as Ezekiel and Daphne walked together, their steps slow and unhurried.
They had spent the evening like this many times before, but tonight was different. The air between them was charged—thick with tension and something darker, something neither of them wanted to resist anymore.
Daphne stopped in front of an alcove, turning to face him. Her expression was unreadable, her blue eyes glinting in the dim light.
She knew exactly what she was doing—drawing him in, making him wait.
And Merlin, was it working.
"You like playing with fire, don't you?" Ezekiel murmured, his voice low.
Daphne stepped closer, her perfume—subtle and intoxicating—wrapping around him. "You seem to enjoy the burn."
Ezekiel exhaled slowly, watching as she reached out, her fingers skimming down the buttons of his shirt, tracing the fabric-covered muscle beneath.
She wasn't touching him directly, but he could feel the heat of her fingertips.
A tease. A temptation. A promise.
"Tell me, Ezekiel," she whispered, tilting her head slightly, "how much do you want me?"
His control wavered.
Ezekiel moved in a blur, grabbing her wrist and spinning her so that her back was against the cold stone wall. His body caged hers in, his hands resting on either side of her head.
Daphne's breath hitched, but her smirk remained. She wasn't afraid. She was enjoying this just as much as he was.
"You already know the answer."
Daphne hummed, arching a brow. "Say it anyway."
Ezekiel leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear.
"More than anything."
Daphne's smirk wavered slightly, her breathing shallow. Then, she closed the distance, pressing her lips to his in a slow, deliberate kiss.
Not rushed. Not desperate.
Just them. Just this.
Ezekiel responded instantly, one hand sliding into her golden locks, the other pressing against her waist, pulling her closer—so close that not even air could pass between them.
The kiss deepened, their movements growing hungrier, needier. Daphne's hands found their way under his cloak, her fingers tracing the firm lines of his chest through his shirt.
Ezekiel growled lowly, his grip tightening as his mouth moved from her lips to her jaw, then lower, nipping at the delicate skin of her neck.
Daphne shivered. "Ezekiel…"
Hearing his name fall from her lips like that—**breathless, desperate—**made something snap inside him.
He wanted more. Needed more.
He pressed against her, trapping her between him and the cold wall, his lips devouring hers once again. Their bodies molded together perfectly, her fingers tangling into his hair, tugging just enough to make him groan against her mouth.
Ezekiel's hands slid lower, gripping her hips, pulling her flush against him. He could feel every curve, every soft, warm part of her against him.
Daphne gasped against his lips, her nails digging into his shoulders, her body arching into his as if she wanted to get even closer.
Damn, she was intoxicating.
A fire that burned through his veins.
And yet, just when he was about to lose himself completely in her, Daphne pulled back slightly, her breathing ragged, her eyes filled with heat and amusement.
"We should stop," she murmured, but the way she was still pressed against him said otherwise.
Ezekiel chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. "You're the worst liar, Greengrass."
Daphne smirked, her fingers still tangled in his hair. "I know."
Ezekiel exhaled, forcing himself to regain control, despite the raging fire inside him.
He pressed one last lingering kiss to the corner of her lips, whispering, "This isn't over."
Daphne's smirk widened. "I certainly hope not."
And just like that, the game continued.
---