Chapter 152.2 - Don't Escape

"….Don't escape…." 

Irina's breath mingled with his, the faint lavender scent of his presence intoxicating and grounding her all at once. Her body moved with a will of its own, every ounce of hesitation burning away as she closed the gap, her lips brushing against his with a softness that sent a shiver down her spine. 

For a moment, everything stopped—the echoes of the arena, the weight of exhaustion, the rational whispers in her mind—all silenced by the warmth of the kiss. 

Her lips pressed fully against his now, tentative but firm as if she feared he might vanish if she let go. Her hands, trembling moments before, steadied against his chest, feeling the solid strength beneath her touch. His heartbeat, steady and strong, thrummed against her palms, matching the frantic rhythm of her own.