#literare.

Kore froze, the words hanging in the air between them like fragile glass, shimmering with potential & danger. For a moment, she said nothing, her sharp, dark eyes narrowing ever so slightly as if dissecting Lana’s admission for any sign of weakness or deception. Her lips curved— not into a smile, but into something edged, a shape that spoke of power held precariously in balance.

“ You think, ” Kore repeated, her voice low & rich, carrying an almost taunting lilt. She tilted her head, her inky black hair cascading over one shoulder like a shadow given form. “ Such a careful choice of words, Lana. I wonder if you understand what you're offering— or if you're merely toying with something far beyond your grasp. ”

She took a deliberate step closer, the faint scent of night jasmine & something darker, something electric, lingering in the space between them. Kore’s gaze softened, just enough to allow a hint of curiosity to slip through. “ Do you love me, or do you love the idea of me? The danger, the intrigue, the allure of something forbidden? ” Her hand rose, brushing an almost imperceptible touch against Lana's cheek, her fingers cool as they lingered for just a breath too long. “ Love, my dear, is a perilous thing to claim. Especially with me. ”

But then, for the briefest of moments, the sharpness in her expression wavered, revealing something raw & unguarded— a crack in the polished armor she wore so expertly. “ If you think you love me, ” she whispered, her voice softer now, “ then I think you should be certain. Because love isn’t a game & I’ve had enough of games to last a lifetime. ”