Apocalypse King: The Return of Lucian-Chapter 45: Blood and Desire

Chapter 45: Blood and Desire

The battlefield still smoldered, the aftermath of Lucian and Dorian's clash leaving the city in ruins. Dust and embers floated in the air like dying fireflies.

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Lucian stood over the wreckage, his chest rising and falling steadily, despite the brutal fight. He wiped the blood from his lip, crimson smearing against his pale skin. Dorian was down—but not out.

A soft, familiar voice broke through the tension.

"Lucian..."

He turned.

Evelyn stood there, her emerald eyes flickering with worry. She had fought her way through the carnage just to reach him. Her long silver hair was dusted with ash, her battle suit torn in places, exposing slivers of smooth skin.

"You're hurt," she whispered, stepping closer.

Lucian exhaled sharply. "It's nothing."

But Evelyn ignored him. Her fingers ghosted over a gash on his arm, her touch cool and delicate against his burning skin. She bit her lip, her frustration evident. "You act like you're invincible, but you're still human."

Lucian smirked. "Barely."

Evelyn shook her head. "Idiot." Then, without warning, she closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing her forehead against his chest.

For a moment—just a moment—the chaos faded.

Lucian felt her heartbeat, fast and unsteady. He hesitated before placing a hand on her back, fingers grazing the curve of her spine. She was warm.

"You could've died," she murmured. "I—" She stopped herself, as if saying the next words would make her vulnerable.

Lucian smirked, tilting her chin up with his fingers. "But I didn't." His voice dropped, teasing. "Did you miss me that much?"

Evelyn scowled. "Shut up."

Then she kissed him.

Her lips were soft but urgent, a mix of frustration and longing. Lucian didn't resist—he deepened the kiss, one hand tangling in her silver hair, the other pressing against the small of her back.

The taste of blood mixed between them, the rawness of battle making the moment even more intense. Evelyn shivered as his grip tightened, pulling her flush against him.

When they finally broke apart, she was breathless.

Lucian smirked. "Now, that's more like it."

Evelyn punched his shoulder, but her face was red. "Just... don't die, okay?"

Lucian leaned in, his lips grazing her ear. "I'm not going anywhere."

But behind them—

Dorian stirred.

The battle wasn't over.

To be continued...