(Terence x reader)

Rising shadows

The cool night air did little to soothe the fire that burned between us. Terence's hands lingered on my waist, his fingers pressing just enough to remind me that he wasn't ready to let go. His forehead rested against mine, his breathing heavy, matching the wild rhythm of my heart. 

"I should probably head home," he whispered, though he made no move to actually leave. 

"Should you?" I teased, my voice still breathless. 

His lips curled into a smirk. "You're dangerous, you know that?" 

I smiled, running my fingers through his tousled hair. "So I've been told." 

He groaned playfully, pressing a final kiss to my forehead before slowly pulling away. The loss of his warmth was immediate, leaving me craving more. But there was something in his eyes—something deeper than desire. A silent promise, an unspoken devotion. 

"I'll see you in the morning?" he asked, his voice laced with something soft, something vulnerable. 

I nodded. "Of course." 

With one last lingering glance, he finally took to the sky, disappearing into the night. 

I leaned against the railing, my fingers ghosting over my lips. My whole body still tingled from his touch, my heart still fluttering in the most delicious way. But before I could get too lost in my thoughts, a cold prickle ran down my spine. 

Something felt... off. 

I glanced around, scanning the dark edges of the garden. The feeling of being watched crept over me like a shadow, making the hairs on my arms stand on end. 

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught the faintest flicker of movement. 

Near the treeline, just beyond the glow of the lanterns, a figure stood cloaked in darkness. 

My breath hitched. 

Even from this distance, I could feel the weight of their stare. 

Yvette. 

'dang it why can't she just leave me alone!'

She didn't move, didn't blink. She simply stood there, her presence as chilling as the night breeze. 

A shiver ran through me, but I refused to let fear take hold. Squaring my shoulders, I stepped forward. 

"Show yourself," I called out, my voice steady despite the pounding in my chest. 

For a moment, she didn't react. Then, slowly, almost eerily, she tilted her head to the side—as if amused. 

Then she was gone. 

Vanished into the shadows without a trace. 

I exhaled shakily, my fingers tightening into fists. 

Something told me this wasn't over. 

Not even close.

The next morning, Pixie Hollow was unusually tense. The air buzzed with nervous energy, and fairies whispered in hushed voices as they flitted about. Something wasn't right.

I barely had time to process last night's eerie encounter with Yvette before Terence arrived at my temporary shelter, his expression troubled.

"You felt it too, didn't you?" he asked, his voice quiet but urgent.

I nodded, recalling the way Yvette had stared at me, the way she had simply disappeared into the shadows. "She's planning something, Terence. I can feel it."