The corridor was silent as Hinata followed the Raikage through the corridors of his private wing. Tapers flickered in iron sconces, casting wavering light across polished stone. Each footstep echoed softly, heralding their approach to a chamber reserved for honored guests—though tonight, it served a far more intimate purpose.
He paused before a heavy oak door. Turning to her, his dark eyes glowed in the candlelight. "Are you certain?" he asked, voice low.
She met his gaze, steady despite the tremor in her chest. "With you, I am certain."
He opened the door. Inside, a canopy bed draped in silken crimson awaited, candles arranged on low tables casting warm pools of light. The air smelled of sandalwood and rose—an intoxicating promise.
Hinata crossed the threshold and he closed the door behind them. For a moment, they simply stood, silhouettes entwined in the soft glow.
He reached for her, drawing her into his arms. Her hands slid up his broad back, fingertips tracing the ridges of muscle beneath his robe. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was at once tender and urgent.
She responded, pressing into him as his hands roamed the curves of her waist and hips. The candles flickered, shadows dancing across their entwined forms. Her robe fell open, slipping from her shoulders, revealing the gentle lines of her collarbone and the swell of her breasts. He paused, drinking in the sight, eyes filled with reverence and desire.
Gently, he lowered her onto the bed, guiding her onto the soft linens. Candlelight kissed every inch of her skin as he knelt beside her, hands caressing the gentle planes of her body. Hinata arched, breath catching as his lips followed the path of his fingers—across her neck, down her shoulder, tracing the curve of her waist.
She reached for him, drawing him closer until their bodies met in a slow, languid embrace. The world beyond the chamber ceased to exist—the war, the politics, the obligations—all faded into silence. Here, there was only the heat of their shared breath and the soft glow of candlelight.
Their movements were unhurried, each touch a conversation of longing and trust. He whispered her name between kisses, and she whispered back her need. The candle flames danced, as if celebrating their union.
When their hearts finally stilled, they lay entwined beneath the canopy, bodies flush and spirits sated. Hinata's head rested on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart—strong, sure, and entirely hers for this stolen night.
Outside, the corridor remained silent. Inside, the chamber held the echo of their passion—an unbreakable vow bound by flame and shadow, until the next candlelit embrace.
To Be Continued…