Amber stood at the edge of the still lake, moonlight spilling over the water like liquid silver. Her pulse raced beneath her skin, and not just from the cool night air brushing against her bare arms. Something about tonight felt… different. Electric. As if the world was holding its breath.
She'd never wandered this far from the estate before. But after dinner, when the tension between her and Nathan had become too thick to bear, she'd needed air. Space. Time to forget how his eyes followed her every move like a secret he couldn't wait to unravel.
Only, she wasn't alone.
Across the water, a figure knelt at the shoreline. Amber froze. Her breath caught in her throat.
Nathan.
His dark hair was tousled, damp from the lake, clinging to his sharp cheekbones. His shirt clung to him, soaked and molded to his body in all the wrong—or right—places. He looked up, and even in the distance, his eyes found hers.
"Amber." His voice slid over her like a warm touch, low and smooth.
She stayed still, heart pounding. "You scared me."
"You're the one sneaking around after dark," he said, standing slowly. Water dripped from his fingers as he held up a small glass vial. "I could say the same."
"What is that?" she asked, stepping closer despite herself.
He tilted the vial, letting the moonlight catch the shimmering silver liquid inside. "An old remedy. Enhances feeling. Every sensation. I thought you might like to try it."
Amber hesitated. "Why me?"
Nathan's lips curved in a half-smile. "Because you're the only one I'd trust with something this intense."
The way he said intense made her knees a little weak. And despite the voice in her head warning her to be careful, she stepped closer until they were just inches apart. Her breath mingled with his, the heat between them wrapping around her like a spell.
He opened the vial and touched a single drop to her lips.
Amber gasped softly. The world shifted. The breeze suddenly kissed her skin like silk, the grass beneath her feet hummed, and every inch of her felt awake—aching, almost.
Nathan's fingers brushed her cheek. "Do you feel it?"
She nodded, eyes fluttering shut. "Yes…"
"Look at me." His voice was a command, but gentle.
When her gaze met his again, his eyes were darker, hotter. "I want to kiss you," he said, voice husky. "But I'll wait if you tell me to."
Amber's whole body was on fire. She'd never been touched like this, never wanted anything so badly.
But she wasn't ready.
"I…" she whispered, stepping back. "I should go."
Nathan didn't stop her. But he didn't look away, either. His eyes burned into her as she turned, cloak swirling around her legs. She felt the heat of him long after she'd gone.
And even as she fled back to the manor, her lips still tingled from that single drop.
Nothing would ever be the same.