Serene’s POV

I quickly got up and straightened my dress. Zeph untangled my hair before combing his own with his long fingers. He had a mischievous smile on his face while I was glowing red.

I quickly opened the door and found Ayrden standing there with my bag. "Hey!" she smiled at me. "Kilamin Sensei told me to bring you some basic necessities. I guess you will be staying here." Her lips pouted, indicating she was sad at the prospect.

"Come in so we can talk. Shumal Sensei is not here." I smiled back at her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She stepped inside and spotted Zeph.

"Hey! Zeph," she waved at him.

"Hey! How are you doing Ayrden?" Zeph asked while sitting down on a chair.

"I am good, had a great time at the party. You sang so beautifully, I had no clue you could sing." She handed me the bag and settled down on the other chair.

"Thank you, I like to sing for my loved ones." He glanced in my direction and my heartbeat went berserk as our eyes met, I couldn’t help but feel shy.

"Ahm," Ayrden cleared her throat, breaking the trance between us. While I began to rummage through the bag to take out my nightdress and toothbrush. Zeph diverted his focus towards Ayrden.

She stayed for a few more minutes then she took her leave. I hugged her and said: "I wish I could stay with you but Senseis believe it is too much pressure for you. You need your rest and I agree with them. Hopefully, in the future, we would be able to stay together." She nodded at me, feeling emotional, her eyes seemed watery.

"We are still going to see each other all day long, so don’t be sad." I touched her face, trying to reassure her. She hugged me once again before leaving.

I closed the door behind her and made my way to the wall mirror. I wanted to take off the jewelry and head accessories before changing into my night dress. Before I could remove the chained necklace, I felt Zeph’s hands on my shoulders.

"Let me," he whispered in my hair, making me go stiff as a log. I nodded stupidly at him as our eyes met in the mirror. While mine held awkwardness, his held desires. He then collected my hair in his hand and moved them to my left shoulder. My whole back was bare to him now and I was blushing like a tomato.

He fumbled with the lock for a while, finally opening it, he it took off and placed it on the table. He left the locket he has given me and moved to my hair. One by one he removed all the hair accessories, while I watched him, he on the other hand was focused on the task.

Once all the accessories had been removed he wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck. I saw him close his eyes and rest his head on my shoulder. His warmth and touch were so soothing, my mind felt so relaxed, and I felt safe in his arms. Nothing mattered right now. Not the Dark Realms, not what lurked there, not the dangers. It was just him and me.

We stood there for quite a while, then I whispered to him that I should change. He opened his eyes and pouted at me, making me smile. He didn’t want to let me go. I patted his arms and turned to face him. He slipped his hands to my back and pulled me closer before his lips came crashing down on mine.

His fingers left sparks on my bare back as he caressed his fingers along my backbone. My back arched as he kissed me right below my neck. "Ahhh!!!" I moaned slightly, my mind was shutting down again. His warm hands were setting my back on fire, smouldering me.

"Zephy..." I called him. He stopped and looked up into my eyes. His eyes were even a darker shade of black and I couldn’t read his expression, it was solemn, and the veins in his neck were sticking out. I couldn’t help but trace my hands on his veins and he smiled at my touch, kissing my arm.

"I should go change now, Shumal Sensei can be back any minute." He nodded at my words but didn’t let me go. He hugged me once more and said: "You look so beautiful today, I don’t want to let you go."

"I know," I ruffled his perfect hair and pinched his nose. That made him smile again, that hauntingly mesmerizing smile. He finally let me go and with a heavy heart, I made my way to the bathroom with my nightdress. I felt so warm, the feeling was indescribable. It was all so new for both of us and I had no clue how he must have reigned in all his emotions.

I washed my face and changed into a pajama shirt. I carefully folded my dress and stepped outside the bathroom. I placed my dress in the bag and faced him. He was calmly sitting on the chair with his hand under his chin, waiting for me. A smile curved on his sensual lips. I went ahead and sat down in his lap and placed my head on his chest. He wrapped me in his sturdy arms and patted my head.

"Thud, thud," his heartbeat was strong as it thudded in my ears like musical notes. I placed my hands around his waist and closed my eyes. I felt such peace and security in his arms. Before I knew it I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up with a jolt. "Zeph..." I whispered, rubbing my eyes. But I was alone and his warmth was missing. Shumal Sensei quickly made her way to my bed.

"Serene, you ok?" She stroked my head, there was concern in her voice, she appeared worried.

I turned towards her and asked: "Where is Zeph? Where am I?"

"He is gone back to his room, sweetie. You were sleeping when I arrived. He took his leave then. You are here in my room. Remember we shifted you here?" She told me in a loving tone.

"Oh, yes. Sorry, I forgot." I missed Zeph, it was peaceful in his embrace.