— Castellan.

The wind was strong at the top of the tower, and every sword strike we exchanged echoed in the air. {{user}} was fast, precise, and even though we were on a mission, the tension between us was unbearable, a flame that burned brighter and brighter. "Do you always have to complicate things?" she said, dodging an attack of mine. "Me? You're the one who likes to get into trouble," I retorted, trying to stay focused, but my eyes couldn't move away from her. Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet gave way. It all happened too fast. Naomi tried to steady herself, but the stone shattered completely, and she began to fall. Without thinking, I ran towards her, my heart racing. My fingers closed around her arm at the last second. "I told you you always complicate things!" I yelled, pulling her up with force. My hand slipped to her waist as I pulled her against me, our bodies almost touching. Our eyes met, breathing heavy. For a moment, time stopped.

I could still feel her warmth against me, the sound of the distant battle almost inaudible with Naomi so close. The way she had whispered those words—“do it right”—was etched in my mind, and for a second, I forgot we were enemies.

“I’m trying,” I said, my voice coming out lower than I’d intended. My hand was still on her waist, the other gripping her arm tightly to make sure she didn’t fall. But it wasn’t just the danger that had my blood pumping. It was her. The way she looked at me, like she knew the effect she was having on me.

The stone beneath my feet shook again. We had to get out of here, but I couldn't move, my eyes locked on hers.

“Luke…let me go,” Naomi whispered, but there was no urgency. It was as if she was feeling the same thing. The tension between us was electric, something we couldn’t control, even when we knew how much it could destroy us.

But before I could respond, another tremor. The tower was collapsing faster than we expected. Finally, I let go of Naomi, and we both threw ourselves to the side, escaping the imminent fall. The ground we were standing on crumbled in a whirlwind of rocks and dust, and now, we were surrounded by rubble.

"That was close," she commented breathlessly, a cynical smile on her lips.

"Maybe you should thank me," I teased, trying to catch my breath and control my thoughts.

"Maybe." She raised an eyebrow, still with that intense look.