The sun hung low in the sky, painting the horizon with shades of pink and gold as Kael led Opal through the dense forest. The air was cool, tinged with the scent of pine and fresh water, the soft rustling of leaves echoing around them.
Opal's heart raced, her chest tight, her mind spinning. Alone... with Kael... in his territory... what am I thinking? She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, his tall figure relaxed, his broad shoulders at ease, his dark hair tousled by the breeze. He looked peaceful, confident... and completely unaware of the chaos swirling inside her.
Kael's lips curved into a soft smile, his blue eyes sparkling. "You're quiet."
Opal's face turned scarlet, her heart skipping a beat. "Just... taking it all in."
Kael's face softened, his eyes gleaming. "It's beautiful here... but it's not why I brought you."
Opal's chest tightened, her heart racing. "No?"
