Mixed blood

Chapter 29 : Gravity

Their lips finally parted. Their chests rose and fell in sync, both trying to process what had just happened.

They kissed each other.

This wasn't like before.

Not a kiss of obligation, like the one they shared on their wedding day.

Not a kiss of necessity, like the ones they had used as shields, quick distractions to slip past enemies, to maintain a façade, to escape danger unscathed.

No.

This was different.

And that terrified them both.

A real kiss. A passionate one. Like they meant it.

But... did they?

William was the first to react, exhaling sharply as if breaking free from a spell. He blinked, pushed himself to his feet, running a hand through his tousled hair.

Luana, on the other hand, stayed perfectly still, her fingers pressed against the floor, as if grounding herself.

A beat passed. Then another.

He looked down at her, hesitating for only a second before extending a hand. "Need a hand?"

She glanced at his outstretched palm, scoffed, and pushed herself up without his help. "Please! I can stand by my own, thank you very much."

William smirked, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he rocked back on his heels. "Clearly. That independent streak of yours is truly something."

She shot him a glare before smoothing her hair back into place, her lips pressing into a thin line. "This didn't happen."

He arched a brow. "Oh? Which part? The part where you quite literally fell for me? Or the part where you kissed me back?"

Her nostrils flared. "I did not 'fall for you.' You tripped, and I just happened to be caught in the crossfire of your clumsiness."

"Ah," he hummed, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "So, the kiss was also just an unfortunate accident?"

She crossed her arms, her posture defensive. "Exactly."

William chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. Total accident. Completely unintentional. Just a bizarre, freak event caused by—what? Gravity?"

"Yes," she said, dead serious. "Gravity. The laws of physics. Nothing else."

"Got it," he said, nodding sagely.

She let out an exasperated sigh. "Goodnight, William."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode away, her head high, her steps firm, as if the kiss hadn't rattled her entire world.

William watched her go, a slow grin tugging at his lips.

This didn't happen.

Right?

I didn't kiss her out of passion. I didn't.

He had a feeling that was going to be very hard to believe.

---

The next morning, Luana was gone before William even woke up. Not that he cared. Not that it mattered.

She had left a note on the kitchen counter—short, to the point. I have work. No good morning, no explanation, just that single sentence scribbled in sharp strokes.

William scoffed as he set it down, shaking his head. Of course. She was running.

Not that he wasn't doing the same.