I never wanted this power. I just wanted to graduate, open a clinic in the lower wards, maybe fall in love quietly—like normal people do. But when the bomb went off in the subway, something inside me snapped awake.

Fire erupted from my hands, melting steel beams, shielding strangers without thought. And then he appeared—Kaelen Thorne, Commander of the Silver Oath, blade drawn, eyes blazing with duty… and something else. Hesitation.

He had me pinned against the rubble, his knee pressing between my thighs, breath hot on my neck. 'You’re coming with me,' he growled. But his voice wavered. 'Or I burn you here.'

I tilted my chin up, defiance flaring. 'Then do it. Unless you’re afraid of what you’ll feel when you touch me.'

His grip faltered. Just for a second. But it was enough.

Now we’re running. Through sewers, over rooftops, hearts pounding in sync. He says he’s taking me to prison. But his hand hasn’t left mine since we escaped.

And I can feel it—the heat between us isn’t just from my fire.