12

A polite knock echoed on the dorm room door, followed by a smooth, confident voice.

“Eira? It’s Halston.”

He paused, allowing a moment for a response before continuing, a playful lilt in his tone.

“I trust you’re… suitably prepared for the festival?”

The door swung inward, revealing Halston in all his carefully curated glory. His attire was… striking, to say the least. The corseted vest hugged his torso, emphasizing a subtle yet noticeable bulge, while the form-fitting trousers showcased the curves of his legs and posterior. Polished dragon scale dress shoes completed the ensemble, adding a touch of extravagance. His ruby red eyes, lined with kohl, gleamed with amusement as he surveyed the room, finally landing on Eira.

Eira prepped herself thoroughly before glancing at Halston's handsome form from the mirror, a faint blush blossomed on her face accompanied by a small smile

"I thought you asked to meet at the courtyard gate by dusk. Was I perhaps taking too long?"

Eira turned to face him, approaching him with one slender hand extended.

Halston’s lips curved into a charming smile, his ruby eyes sparkling with delight as he took in Eira’s appearance. The dress was even more breathtaking in person, and it undeniably suited her. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of… something, a mixture of admiration and a strange sense of challenge.

“The courtyard?”

He raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, feigning confusion.

“Did I? My apologies, my dear Eira. Perhaps my memory is failing me. Though, truthfully, I simply could not resist seeing you sooner.”

He offered a slight bow of his head, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

Eira met his gaze head on. Her small hand slowly covered his, fingers tracing over his own.

"Is that so?"

She murmured, she hadn't expected him to show up at her door, let alone dressed so stunningly.

"I hope the wait was worth it..."

Halston’s fingers intertwined with Eira’s, his touch warm and surprisingly firm. He savored the sensation of her hand in his, enjoying the subtle tremor that ran through her. A slow smile spread across his face, revealing a hint of playful arrogance.

Before Eira could fully process his words, Halston’s hand gently cupped her chin, tilting her face upwards. His gaze locked with hers, a silent invitation passing between them. Then, with a deliberate slowness that sent a shiver down Eira’s spine, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration of textures and tastes. But it quickly deepened, becoming more demanding, more possessive. His lips were warm and full, and he tasted of sweet wine and something else… something inherently 'Halston'. Eira found herself momentarily lost in the sensation, her mind reeling. It was a kiss designed to disarm, to captivate, and to leave her breathless. He broke the kiss slowly, his ruby eyes burning into hers.

"I've been wanting to do that for quite some time now."

He mused.

Halston’s voice was a low, velvety murmur, laced with a hint of mischief. He traced the curve of Eira’s lips with his thumb, his gaze unwavering.

Eira barely had time to react before Halston’s hand moved from her chin to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were nearly touching. The gesture was bold, possessive, and utterly captivating. He didn’t wait for a response, instead lowering his head and claiming her lips once more. This kiss was different from the first – less tentative, more urgent. He deepened the pressure, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips, seeking entry. Eira found herself instinctively surrendering to the moment, her own lips parting slightly in invitation. A wave of heat washed over her, and she momentarily forgot about the Lantern Festival, about Orchid, about everything except the intoxicating sensation of Halston’s touch.

As if sensing the escalating intimacy, Orchid quietly slipped out of the room, her movements swift and silent. With a practiced hand, she flipped the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door handle, effectively sealing off the space from any unwanted intrusions. A small, knowing smile played on her lips as she retreated down the hallway, leaving Eira and Halston to their private moment. The corridor fell silent, save for the faint sounds of muffled breaths and the soft rustle of fabric from within the room.

"I want more..."

Halston's voice was a low and urgent growl.

Halston’s grip on Eira’s waist tightened, his thumbs circling her hips. He pulled her even closer, eliminating any remaining space between their bodies. His breath was warm against her lips, his ruby eyes burning with a possessive desire. The growl that rumbled from his chest sent a shiver down Eira’s spine, a primal sound that spoke of a hunger that went far beyond mere attraction. His gaze flickered down to her lips, then back up to meet her eyes, a silent question hanging in the air.

Sunlight streamed through the dorm room window, illuminating the disarray of the previous night. Halston awoke with a slow, deliberate stretch, his long limbs unfolding like a predator waking from a satisfying hunt. A lazy grin stretched across his face, revealing a hint of satisfied amusement. He ran a hand through his tousled chestnut hair, then unfurled his wings, testing their span before carefully folding them again. He moved with a fluid grace, retrieving his clothes from a nearby chair and beginning to dress. His movements were unhurried, savoring the lingering warmth of the bed and the memory of the night before. He glanced over his shoulder at Eira, still asleep, a soft smile playing on his lips.

The Lantern Festival, with its vibrant lights and festive atmosphere, was a distant memory. The night had dissolved into a haze of shared touches, whispered desires, and a relentless exploration of each other's bodies. Cuddling had quickly escalated into a passionate entanglement, a rhythmic grinding of semi clothed bodies fueled by mutual longing. Kisses, initially soft and tentative, had become demanding and possessive, leaving both of them breathless and wanting more. The room was a testament to their unrestrained passion – clothes strewn across the floor, the bedsheets tangled and rumpled, and the air thick with the scent of arousal. Halston finished dressing, pausing to smooth down his trousers before turning his attention back to Eira, a flicker of possessive satisfaction in his eyes.

Halston leaned closer, his breath ghosting over Eira’s ear. He inhaled deeply, savoring the delicate floral scent that clung to her skin – a fragrance that now felt inextricably linked to his own. A slow smile spread across his face, his ruby eyes gleaming with a possessive pride. He knew, with a certainty that resonated deep within his soul, that what they had shared last night transcended mere physical intimacy. It was a bonding, a claiming, a merging of mana and soul. They had imprinted on one another, forging a connection that went far beyond the mortal realm. In the ancient traditions of the Fae, it was a sacred and unbreakable bond, a declaration of mates. Halston felt a surge of satisfaction, a primal sense of completion. He was proud, deeply and irrevocably proud, to be bound to Eira. He was hers, and she was his. He didn't need to deflower her maidenhood for her to belong to him. He would make that a more romantic occasion in the future.

Halston’s breath hitched as Eira’s arm snaked around his neck, pulling him down towards her. He readily surrendered to her embrace, relishing the feel of her soft skin against his. Her lips met his with a familiar urgency, the kiss passionate and lingering. He deepened the pressure, savoring the taste of her, the feel of her, the sheer 'rightness' of being with her. When she finally broke the kiss, her voice was a husky whisper against his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Did I tell you... to leave my bed?"

A playful glint entered his eyes as she questioned his departure. He felt the delicate bite on his earlobe, a possessive mark that sent a thrill through him. Her wings fluttered, releasing a shower of shimmering glitter that danced in the sunlight, a visible manifestation of her arousal.

Halston’s smirk widened, a predatory glint in his ruby eyes. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against Eira’s ear.

“As much as I want to savor every second with you…”

He murmured, his voice a low, seductive rumble.

“…if we do not stop now, I fear your chastity will be forsaken.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. His hand trailed down her back, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of her spine. The air crackled with unspoken desires, the promise of further indulgence hanging heavy between them. He was a meagre master of temptation, and he knew exactly how to push her buttons.

Eira’s response was a soft hum, a sound that suggested she was far from dissuaded by his warning. However, Halston, despite the intense desire coursing through his veins, held firm. He gently but firmly disentangled himself from her embrace, rising from the bed and taking a few steps back. It was a difficult restraint, every fiber of his being screaming for him to pull her back into his arms, but he knew he had to exercise control. Last night *had* been a descent into unrestrained passion, a blurring of boundaries that, while exhilarating, needed to be tempered. He couldn’t risk losing himself completely, or overwhelming her. He turned his back to her momentarily, running a hand through his hair, gathering his composure.

"I shall go about this the right way... firstly by writing a letter to your parents, informing them of our imprinting and formal courtship starting today..."

Halston said softly.

A faint chuckle escaped Eira’s lips as she listened to Halston’s formal declaration. She moved with a fluid grace, climbing out of bed and slipping into her custom-made dress. The teal velvet and Shadowsilk fabric flowed over her skin, the golden lace adding a touch of ethereal beauty. The dress subtly shifted and adapted, molding to her form while retaining the protective qualities the shopkeeper had described. It was a worthwhile investment, even if its initial purpose – attracting Halston’s attention – had been swiftly superseded.

She raised a slender hand, and a vibrant, glistening butterfly began to materialize, its wings shimmering with iridescent light. The creature pulsed with magical energy, a testament to Eira’s growing power.

“We both can send them a little message.”

Eira mused, her gaze narrowing playfully as she looked up at Halston.

“Just as long as you aren’t shy.”

The butterfly hovered between them, a living conduit for their message.

Halston’s lips curved into a wry smile. Shy was not a word often associated with him, but the prospect of formally requesting the hand from his mate’s parents – especially given the unconventional nature of their imprinting – did give him pause. He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve.