Naruto-ReBorn as a Baker

Chapter 316: Late Light

The quiet held.

Sacred.

Still.

Malik was deep in sleep. His breathing slow, soft, steady—the kind that came only after days of mental strain, divine encounters, and enough emotional weight to drown lesser spirits.

His golden-pink eyes were shut, brows relaxed, limbs slightly sprawled across the silken riot of quilts and cushions. The ice mirrors around him shimmered faintly, casting gentle reflections of the resting low crystal lights from outside and small glowing runes etched into their crystalline frames.

And then— She entered. Ranke slipped into the room like a whisper pulled from stormcloud silk—barefoot, her cloak discarded, her luminous, honey-gold hair cascaded in soft, tumbling waves, spilling effortlessly over one shoulder like liquid sunlight. Each strand caught the light just so, shimmering with warmth and movement, framing her face with a wild elegance that seemed both deliberate and untamed.

Her movements held something careful—not hesitant, but deliberate. She didn't stomp or stride or crackle. She simply arrived. Her violet eyes fixed on him, and something quiet stirred within her—tenderness, affection, and the unshakable ache of having waited too long for someone who meant too much. She knelt beside his sleeping form, the light catching on the curve of her lip, her fingers reaching gently to brush a lock of Malik's hair from his cheek. He stirred slightly. Not awake. Not yet.

She leaned in, pressing soft kisses against his cheek, his temple, the corner of his jaw. Another one against the pulse in his neck. A barely-there kiss below his ear.

And Malik… sighed.

Eyes fluttering open, he blinked once, dazed, then recognized her warmth pressed against him—the weight of her body curled around his, her form relaxed but firm.

Her arm was wrapped possessively around his waist.

One of her legs hooked easily over his.

She had invaded his bed with practiced skill.

"…Ranke?" he murmured, voice sleep-drunk and slightly confused.

"Obviously," she whispered back.

He glanced down, a sense of wonder and warmth flooding through him. The bed, which had initially seemed too small to comfortably accommodate two, had transformed. It now stretched out with plush space, the fabric beneath them humming softly with a gentle enchantment. Malik recognized the subtle work of his own subconscious magic, adjusting and expanding to make room for Ranke's presence, ensuring that every inch of the bed was perfectly sized for them both.

And yet, despite the added space, Ranke was even closer than before. It was as if the magic had not only expanded the bed but also drawn them together, erasing any distance that might have existed. Her body was pressed against his, fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle designed to interlock seamlessly.

Her very large bosom, soft and warm, was pressed against his chest as if it had always belonged there. The weight of her breasts was comforting, a physical manifestation of her presence that grounded him. They were full and heavy, their softness to the firmness of her muscles beneath.

The warmth of her skin seeped into him, creating a connection that went beyond mere physical touch. It was a reminder of the intimacy they shared, a closeness that transcended words and actions.

Malik could feel the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, her heartbeat a steady rhythm that synchronized with his own. The sensation was soothing, a lullaby of sorts that calmed his mind and eased the tension in his body. Her skin was smooth and warm to the cool air of the room, and it felt like a haven against the chill.

In that moment, the bed was more than just a place to rest. It was a sanctuary, a space where the outside world ceased to exist, and all that mattered was the connection between them. The gentle enchantment of the bed seemed to wrap around them, cocooning them in a bubble of warmth and comfort. It was a testament to the magic that existed not only in Malik himself but also between them, a bond that was as tangible as it was intangible.

And so, they lay there, entwined in each other's arms, the bed beneath them a testament to the magic of their connection. The world outside could wait, for in that moment, there was nowhere else they would rather be.

Her skin radiated warmth. Her touch was steady. Her heartbeat was calm—matching his own.

Malik blinked.

"You're… very here."

Ranke gave a quiet smirk and nuzzled closer. "Shut up," she muttered softly.

Malik's lips twitched in a tired smile, his eyes adjusting to the soft light. The ice mirrors cast gentle reflections of Ranke's form, their ethereal glow highlighting the delicate features of her face.

He shifted slightly, wincing as the movement stirs up a dull ache in his muscles. "Been watching me sleep long?" he asks, voice rough from disuse.

His gaze drifts to the windows, noting the pale light that filters through. "How long has it been?" Ranke's fingers trace idle patterns on his chest, her touch light as a feather. "Long enough to see you heal, slowly. Long enough to watch the strain in your body ease."

She presses closer, speaking directly into his ear. "I've been counting the days until you'd wake like this. Rested. Peaceful." The temperature in the room shifts subtly, the air growing warmer as Ranke's presence combines with Malik's.

He didn't tease.

Not yet.

Because her eyes—when they met his—were open in a way they rarely were. She stared into him for a long moment. Then she spoke. Slowly. Carefully.

"Malik… you're a reckless idiot." He smiled faintly, not denying it. "I mean it," she continued. "You go into magical temples like they're shopping plazas. You make deals with fox goddesses like they're bartenders. You die, practically, and come back like it's a damn party trick." She paused.

Pressed another soft kiss just under his eye. "I hate it."

Another kiss. This time on the line of his jaw. "I love it."

She shifted, her fingers tracing slow circles against his chest. "I love you. So much it makes me physically annoyed. So much that I've considered electrocuting Haku just so he'd stop looking so pure next to you."

Malik's eyes widened. "Wait, what—" Ranke shocked him. Lightly. A playful jolt. "See? You made me say it. You made me be soft." Malik winced, blinking through the static, his smile growing. "Okay, okay," he said quickly, catching her hand, "I love you too. Deeply. Irritatingly. Wholeheartedly."

Ranke stared into his eyes—those ridiculous golden-pink pools that shimmered even in low light—and smiled so gently it was almost fragile. He leaned forward slightly and whispered, "You know you're worse than Kamira when it comes to craving private attention, right?"

Ranke grinned. "Of course I am." She didn't deny it.

Malik sighed, melting back into the quilted silks, arms wrapping around her. They settled like they were made to fit—her body encircling his, his arms anchored at her waist.

The air around them glowed faintly, reacting to the closeness like the mountain itself approved. "We're staying here a few more days," Malik whispered. "The list I made is unnecessarily long."

"I read it," Ranke replied. "Kamira stole it and made annotations in glitter ink." Malik blinked. "Of course she did." Ranke rested her head against his chest. "So we get quiet mornings, stormy nights, hot springs and probably one fight with Zabuza?"

He smiled. "Yes. Plus pastries."

They lay like that. Talking. Whispering. Shifting between jokes and truths, sparks and silence. The moon rose high above the mountain they were deep within. The night deepened. And for once—just once—there was nothing urgent pulling Malik away.

Because the storm had come to find him. And she refused to leave.

The quiet of the room was a living thing, wrapping around them like a second blanket, warm and suffocating in the best way.

Malik lay there, his body relaxed, his mind drifting in that hazy space between sleep and wakefulness.

The weight of Ranke's body against his was a grounding force, her presence a storm he could feel gathering even in stillness.

Ranke pressed herself closer, her very large, warm bosom flush against his chest. He could feel the heat rising from her skin, a tangible warmth that seeped into him, making him acutely aware of every point of contact between them.

She kissed him again, her lips soft and insistent against his, each kiss a spark that ignited a slow burn within him. Her hands roamed his body, exploring the soft contours of his chubby frame, tracing the smooth expanse of his milk-chocolate colored skin.

Malik allowed her this exploration, his body yielding to her touch, his breath rising slightly as her fingers trailed over sensitive spots. She kissed him more and more, each kiss deeper, more demanding, her lips parting slightly to let her breath mingle with his.

Her hands were everywhere, mapping the landscape of his body with a familiarity born of countless nights like this.

"You're so soft," she murmured against his lips, her voice a low purr. "So warm. So mine."

Malik smiled, his hands finally moving to reciprocate her touch. One hand found its way to one of her large, soft breasts, his fingers gently squeezing, feeling the weight and fullness of her.

Ranke let out a soft gasp, her body arching slightly into his touch. His other hand slipped into her warm pajama pants, sliding past the toned plane of her stomach, his fingers tracing a path downward until he felt the thin strip of pubic hair above her hot core.

Ranke's breath grew hotter as his fingers found her, her body tensing slightly in anticipation. Malik knew her body well, knew exactly how to touch her to make her fall apart. His fingers played with her, teasing and stroking, finding the rhythm that made her hips buck slightly against his hand.

He could feel her growing wetter, her body responding to his touch with a urgency that matched his own. "You're so good at that," Ranke whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "So good at making me feel..."

Malik didn't answer with words. Instead, he leaned in to capture her lips in another searing kiss, his fingers continuing their relentless assault on her senses. He could feel her body tightening, her muscles coiling like a spring ready to snap. He knew she was close, could feel the way her body trembled beneath his touch. 

Ranke's breath came in short, sharp gasps as her body teetered on the edge of release. Her hips moved in tiny, desperate circles against Malik's hand, seeking that final spark to send her over. Her nails dug into his shoulders, her grip tight and possessive, as if anchoring herself to him in the storm of pleasure building inside her. "You're so close, aren't you?" Malik whispered against her ear, his words a soft growl.

His fingers continued their torturously slow circles, teasing the sensitive bundle of nerves at her core. He felt her body tremble, her muscles tensing like a bowstring pulled taut. "Come for me, Ranke. Let me feel you fall apart."

His words were like the final push, sending Ranke hurtling over the edge. Her back arched, her mouth opening in a silent cry as her orgasm crashed through her. 

And then, with a sudden, sharp jolt, Ranke shocked him again, her energy crackling between them like a live wire. Malik gasped, his body jerking slightly against hers, his fingers momentarily stilling inside her.

Ranke took advantage of his momentary distraction, her hand covering his, guiding his fingers back to their task. "Don't stop," she demanded, her voice a low growl. "Don't you dare stop."

Malik grinned, his fingers resuming their movements with renewed vigor. He could feel her body responding, her hips moving in time with his touch. He kissed her deeply, his tongue tangling with hers, muffling her moans as her body tensed and trembled. And then, with another shuddering breath, Ranke came apart in his arms, her body convulsing with the force of her next release. Malik held her close, his fingers gentling as she rode out the waves of pleasure, his lips never leaving hers.

He could feel her heart pounding against his chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she slowly came back to herself. Ranke collapsed against him, her body boneless and sated, her head resting on his chest.

Malik wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his own body thrumming with a mix of satisfaction and desire. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her back. "That was..." Ranke murmured, her voice muffled against his chest. "I know," Malik finished for her, a smile tugging at his lips.

Ranke let out a soft, contented sigh, her body melting further into his. They lay like that for a long moment, the quiet of the room wrapping around them once more, the storm of their passion giving way to a peaceful stillness. Outside, the night lights continued their slow ascent, casting a silver glow over the mountain. The night deepened, the world around them holding its breath, as if afraid to disturb the fragile perfection of this moment.

There was only Ranke, her body pressed against his, her heart beating in time with his own, her presence a storm and a sanctuary all at once.

The quiet of the room stretched on, punctuated only by the soft sounds of Ranke's breathing and the gentle sound of silence as she shifted against him. Her body was a furnace, her skin glistening with a fine sheen of sweat in the room's light. Malik's fingers continued their lazy exploration of her back, tracing the curve of her spine, feeling the way her muscles relaxed beneath his touch.

Ranke's head rested on his chest, her ear pressed against his skin as if listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. Her hand lay limp on his stomach, the warmth of her palm seeping into his skin. She was content, sated, but there was a quiet intensity in the way she held him, as if she was afraid to let go.

"You're amazing," she whispered, her breath warm against his chest. "The way you touch me... the way you make me feel..."

Malik pressed his hardness onto her stomach.

He smiled, feeling a flush rise to his face at her words. "You're pretty incredible yourself," he murmured, his fingers continuing their gentle caress along her back. "The way you respond to me, it's intoxicating."

Ranke shifted, her hips pressing against his hardness. She let out a soft, breathy moan at the contact, her body instinctively seeking more.

"I want you," she whispered, her words laced with need. "All of you."

Malik's heart raced at her words, his desire surging forward. He rolled her onto her back, his body pressing against hers as he leaned down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. Ranke's legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as her hands roamed his body, exploring every inch of him she could reach.

The world narrowed to just the two of them, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony, each touch sparking a new flame of desire.

Malik took the time to take off her pajama shirt, wanting to see her naked breasts. 

As Malik's hands caressed Ranke's newly exposed breasts, tracing delicate patterns across her skin, her body arched into his touch. The light streaming through the window cast a silver glow over her curves, each rise and fall of her chest a testament to her growing arousal.

Malik's fingers brushed against her hardened nipples, causing a soft gasp to escape her mouth. Her hands, previously still, now moved to grip his shoulders, her nails digging in slightly as her body tensed beneath him.

The gentle pressure of her legs around his waist increased, pulling him closer as if trying to merge their bodies into one. A bead of sweat trickled down Malik's back as he leaned in, his lips hovering mere centimeters from her breast. His hot breath fanned across her sensitive skin, making her shiver with expectation. With agonizing slowness, he lowered his head, his tongue darting out to trace a delicate circle around her nipple before drawing it into his mouth.

But Malik needed to focus as he pulled down her warm pajama pants.

Ranke lifted her hips slightly, allowing Malik to slide her pants down her legs. The cool air of the room hit her exposed skin, causing a shiver to run through her body.

Malik's hands gently caressed her thighs as he removed the final barrier between them, his touch both soothing and electrifying. Ranke's legs fell open naturally, an invitation that Malik was all too eager to accept.

He settled between her thighs, his body pressing against her in a way that made her gasp softly. His lips found hers once more in a deep, passionate kiss as his hands roamed her bare skin.

Ranke's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as her hips moved restlessly beneath him. The friction of their bodies, the heat building between them, it was all driving them both to the brink of desperation. Malik's hand trailed down Ranke's stomach, his fingers ghosting over the sensitive skin of her inner thighs.

Malik's gaze was drawn to the tantalizing sight before him, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the beauty of Ranke's exposed pussy. The thin strip of pubic hair, dark golden blonde and neatly trimmed, led his eyes downward to the glistening folds beneath. Her labia were plump and swollen with arousal, a vibrant pink that seemed to almost pulse with life. The outer lips parted slightly, revealing the glistening inner folds, slick with her arousal. Her clitoris, a small but prominent bump, peeked out from its hood, already taut and sensitive to the slightest touch.

The heat radiating from her core was intense, the air thick with the musky scent of her arousal. As Ranke shifted beneath him, her thighs fell open wider, giving him an unobstructed view of her most intimate area. The moisture coating her folds glistened in the light, catching the light as she moved.

Malik played with her small, sensitive clit with one finger as he asked her a question she had already answered before, "I know you've already told me a few times now, and you know I love a hairy pussy, but why do you only have a thin landing strip of pubic hair, I know you have your preference but . . .," Ranke rolled her eyes at the question, a playful smirk forming on her face. "Malik, we've been over this. I told you, I like the neatness of it. It's more comfortable for me, especially during missions when I need to move quickly. Plus," she added with a sultry whisper, "I think it makes my pussy look prettier this way. Don't you agree?"

Malik's eyes returned to her exposed pussy, his gaze hungry as he took in every detail once more. His fingers continued their gentle exploration, tracing the contours of her labia before dipping between her folds. A soft moan escaped Ranke's lips as his fingers made contact with her slick skin. "You're absolutely right," he murmured, his voice husky with desire. "You look stunning. And you feel incredible."

His fingers probed deeper, finding her entrance and teasing the rim with delicate touches. Ranke's hips bucked involuntarily, seeking more of his touch.

 Malik snapped his finger and his clothes puffed away in a cloud of pink smoke, he moved closer and over her, his hard black cock poking her inner thigh, "Ranke, do the honor of sliding me inside you, I want to watch your face," he told her leaning down to get one more kiss before leaning back up to watch. Ranke's hands moved to Malik's hips, her grip firm as she guided his thick, black cock towards her entrance. She looked up at him, her face set in a mask of intense desire and playful defiance. With a slow, deliberate movement, she positioned him at her soaked folds, rubbing the head of his cock against her clit to tease herself further. A shudder ran through her body, her back arching as she savored the sensation. Malik's eyes were locked onto hers, watching the myriad of emotions that played across her face - the anticipation, the need, the sheer pleasure of the moment. With a sultry smirk, Ranke began to slide him inside her, inch by agonizing inch. Her walls stretched to accommodate his girth, the tight heat enveloping him in a way that made his breath hitch. Her hips rose and fell in a slow, sensual rhythm, taking him deeper with each movement.

Ranke's eyes fluttered closed for a moment, a soft moan escaping her lips as she took Malik fully inside her. Her inner walls pulsed around his thick cock, the tight heat of her pussy drawing him in deeper still. She opened them again, locking gazes with him as she began to move in earnest, her hips rolling in a sensual, undulating motion. Each thrust of his cock into her sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body, her nails digging into his hips as she pulled him deeper inside her with every movement. The slick sound of their joining filled the air, a lewd symphony of their passion. Ranke's breasts heaved with each labored breath, her nipples hardening into stiff peaks as the pleasure built within her. She tilted her hips, changing the angle slightly, and Malik's cock hit a particularly sensitive spot inside her, causing her to gasp sharply.

 "Well, you're a master at this," Malik said, looking down at her face, Ranke moved again, making Malik shift and please her body, Ranke was lost in the feeling, her nails, sharp enough to dig and cut into his skin did so, as they increased their pace. Malik groaned in pleasure and slight pain as Ranke's nails dug into his hips, the sharp stings heightening the intense pleasure of being inside her. Her movements became more frenzied, her hips bucking up to meet his every thrust. The ice mirrors on the walls reflected the lewd scene, showing multiple angles of their passionate coupling - Ranke's face twisted in ecstasy, her breasts bouncing with the force of their lovemaking, and the obscene way her pussy stretched around Malik's thick cock.

Ranke's inner walls fluttered and spasmed around him, her arousal coating his shaft as he pounded into her. Her back arched off the bed, pressing her swollen breasts against his chest. "Fuck, Malik," she gasped, her words coming out in ragged bursts. "You feel so good inside me. So deep." Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him in even closer, urging him to go even deeper. Malik's pink and hot gold eyes locked onto her pretty glowing violet eyes, and he could see the flicker of electricity in them, "You're so damn beautiful," he told her, and she shocked him with a jolt.

The sudden shock jolted through Malik's body, causing his hips to twitch and drive his cock even deeper into Ranke's wet pussy.

She gasped, her inner walls clenching around him as the current of electricity coursed between their bodies.

The intensity of the stimulation made Ranke's eyes roll back, her mouth opening in a silent cry of pleasure. Her body arched off the bed, breasts pressing firmly against Malik's chest as she rode out the waves of ecstasy.

"Fuck," Malik groaned, "Please excuse my language," he finished as his muscles tensed from the shock and the tight heat of Ranke's pussy. He could feel her walls fluttering around his cock, the muscles in her legs and hips quivering from the intense pleasure. The ice mirrors surrounding them caught the sheen of sweat on their skin, the reflection showing Ranke's face contorted in bliss, her mouth open as she panted heavily.

And then she came, hard and hot, her body clutching onto Malik's as her power, rushed her body, sparks flying off her skin. The room crackled with the intense energy of Ranke's climax, sparks dancing across her glowing violet skin as she rode the waves of ecstasy.

Malik held her tightly, feeling her body spasm around him as her power surged through both of them. The ice mirrors reflected the spectacle of their coupling, showing multiple angles of Ranke's writhing form as she came undone beneath him. Her inner walls clenched rhythmically around his cock, the tight heat drawing him deeper with every pulse of her orgasm. The air was thick with the smell of sex and ozone, a potent combination of their physical and supernatural connection.

Ranke's nails, still embedded in Malik's hips, spasmed with the force of her climax, drawing beads of blood that mixed with the sweat on his skin. Her legs, wrapped tightly around his waist, trembled as she rode out the intense pleasure. Malik groaned deeply, feeling Ranke's pussy pulsate around his cock as her orgasm continued to wrack her body. The sparks of her power danced across both their skin, causing little jolts of pleasure that intensified the already overwhelming sensations. He could feel her inner walls clamping down on him, milking his shaft with rhythmic contractions as she came.

"Ranke," Malik gasped, his own hips stuttering as he fought to maintain control. The combination of her tight heat, the sparking energy, and the lewd sounds of their coupling threatened to push him over the edge. He leaned down, capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss as he continued to thrust into her, their tongues intertwining in a sensual dance.

Ranke's body arched up to meet his, her breasts pressing against his chest as she writhed beneath him.

As Ranke finally released Malik's body from her death grip, he pulled out of her as he erupted, many thick ropes of his seed painting her body, her skin turning from its violet back into its white creamy color. The warm spurts of Malik's cum coated Ranke's body, glistening on her skin as she lay panting beneath him. Her chest heaved with ragged breaths, the curves of her breasts rising and falling as she came down from the heights of her climax.

The scent of sex and ozone filled the air, mingling with the soft glow of Ranke's fading power. Malik's cock twitched, depositing the last few drops of his seed on her stomach, mixing with the sweat that covered her skin. Her violet irises, still slightly aglow, looked up at him with a satisfied, post-coital haze.

Ranke reached up, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across Malik's chest, her touch sparking little jolts of static that made his muscles twitch. She pulled him down for another kiss, her body still wrapped around his, her inner thighs slick with a combination of her own arousal and his cum. Malik pulled away from the kiss, "I forgot that when you cum sometimes, you turn into a thunder cloud, you know if I didn't know if you loved me, I would think you were trying to kill me, me, Malik, a fragile man." Ranke's laughter echoed through the ice mirrors room, a playful spark dancing between her fingers as she traced them down Malik's chest. "Oh, fragile man?" she teased, her violet eyes glowing with amusement. "You don't seem so fragile to me right now."

She ran her hands through the cum glistening on her stomach, her touch sending little sparks of static across Malik's skin. "Maybe I am trying to kill you with pleasure," she whispered, pulling him down for another kiss. "But I think you'd enjoy the journey to the afterlife."

Ranke's legs wrapped tighter around Malik's waist, her slick thighs pressing against his hips. "Besides, I've always heard that lightning strikes where it's wanted," she said with a coy smile, her hand sliding down to grip his still-hard cock. "And you definitely wanted this."

Ranke had been quiet for the last few minutes, her hand still playing Malik's cock, her other hand tracing lazy arcs across his stomach as his words lingered in the warm silence between them. The light in the mirror's reflection caught the faint shimmer in her violet eyes—not tears, not yet—but something close. Something vulnerable. 

When Malik spoke, his voice was soft, but grounded with the weight of certainty: 

"I'm going to marry you, and I'm never letting you go. I need you to know that, Ranke. You're mine. My own mostly sassy, high-maintenance, spoiled, hot-tempered—" he smiled as she stirred, "—love of my life."

Ranke didn't flinch at the possessiveness. She didn't roll her eyes or smirk or toss him across the room with lightning and sarcasm. Not this time. 

Instead—she shifted upward, just slightly, the bedsheets sliding against her skin like sighs. She hovered over him now, her body flush against his, her hair tumbling down like golden fire around both their faces. Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering.

"You idiot," she whispered—not with frustration, but with affection that cracked at the edges. "You reckless, foolish, dramatic idiot. Saying that like it doesn't make my heart do dumb things."

Malik's grin softened into something tender.

"I'm serious."

"I know you are," she whispered. Her hand found his cheek, thumb brushing slowly across his skin. "And that's the problem. You're serious, and you mean every word, and every time you say stuff like that, I remember just how much I'd burn down for you."

She leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose. Not playfully. Not teasing. Just quietly.

"I love you, Malik. So much it's infuriating. It's like… this ache that won't go away, but in the best way. And if you get yourself hurt—like really hurt—for being you, I swear on every piece of storm in me… I'll break your ribs and kiss every bruise twice."

Malik chuckled, whispering, "Only twice?"

She shocked him. A little bolt of teasing lightning rippled across his chest.

He winced with mock indignation and in real pain.

"Say it back faster next time," she warned sweetly.

"I love you too," he said quickly, obediently, lovingly.

They kissed again, deeper now, grounding the storm and the sparkle in something breathtakingly intimate. Then Malik chuckled beneath her, voice lower now.

"You know you're worse than Kamira when it comes to craving my attention."

She grinned. Didn't deny it. Just nestled in closer.

And outside the soft walls of the shrine room, the mountain was quiet, blanketed in moonlight and trust, while inside, Malik and Ranke talked late into the night.

Nothing could touch them here.

Not shadows.

Not fate.

Just two fools in love—each loud, chaotic, and utterly devoted in their own way.

Ranke's fingers traced lazy circles on Malik's chest, her head resting comfortably against his shoulder.

The soft glow of the ice mirrors cast a gentle light across their entwined bodies, still warm from their passionate encounter. Her breathing had steadied, but the occasional spark of her lightning ability still danced across her skin, sending little jolts of static that made Malik's muscles twitch.

"You're going to give me a heart attack with all these shocks," Malik murmured, though his voice was relaxed and content. He wrapped an arm around Ranke's waist, pulling her even closer. Her body fit perfectly against his, as if she'd been made for this moment.

Ranke chuckled, the sound rumbling softly in her chest. "And here I thought you liked the excitement."

She pressed a kiss to his collarbone, her lips tingling with residual energy. "Besides, it's not my fault you're so easy to rile up."