My arm still wrapped around her neck as I squeezed tightly. My body released my seed deep inside her.
Softening up my grip I heard Katara's panting body as mine did the same.
"Just admit you stole it... and I could stop tomorrow," I whispered in he...
"Make sure to walk behind me," I ordered, glancing over my shoulder as we moved down the hall. "Stay close."
Leaving my chamber, I could sense Katara's unease. Her breathing was uneven, each step uncertain as she tried to match my stride. The sharp clicking of the heels I'd chosen for her betrayed her presence more than her voice ever could.
Her fear was written plainly across her face, her eyes darting nervously to each guard stationed along the corridor. I had kept her confined to my chambers throughout the day, a guard posted outside the door, giving her time to come to terms with her new reality. A servant had dressed her under my instruction—my choice of how she should be seen.
Glancing back once more, I allowed myself a fleeting look at her—and was satisfied with what I saw.
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Katara wore a long dark green cheongsam, embroidered with intricate gold silk designs that shimmered under the torchlight. The stitchwork embraced the curve of her slender waist, while a daring slit along the left side revealed glimpses of her graceful stride. The garment balanced modesty with allure, veiling her in elegance while accentuating her softness and beauty.
Her hair, dark as polished mahogany, had been braided into two neat rows down her crown, tied neatly at the nape before cascading freely over her shoulders. Against the formal lines of the gown, it softened her, giving her the appearance of something rare—something untouchable.
To Zuko, she was perfection embodied.
"Fire Lord!"
The sharp cry cut through the corridor. Mai stormed forward, her two maids scrambling in her wake—one gnawing nervously at her nails, the other staring at the floor as though looking up would burn her.
Mai's usual detached gaze now burned with amber fury, her eyes narrowed like a blade's edge. "What the hell are you doing with her?!" Her voice trembled with rage, echoing through the stone passage. "I knew it. I damn well knew it!"
She closed the distance swiftly, raising her long, pale hand high, her fingers curled like talons—ready to strike down the prey she believed had trespassed into her rightful place.
Katara (Yami)
Stumbling back, I had no defense. The chain locked around my neck still cut me off from my bending, stripping me of everything that made me strong. The reality hit hard: I had never trained like a non-bender. Against someone like Mai—deadly, precise—I was helpless.
Zuko had done this on purpose. He knew exactly what he was doing, leaving me like this. Watching her advance made my blood boil; I hated how pathetic I was without my element.
With no choice, I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the strike that was sure to come.
Silence.
Nothing. No rush of air across my cheek. No sharp sting of flesh against flesh. Only an unnatural stillness.
