The door to the private room clicked shut, sealing them away from the others. The air felt thick with leftover tension from the escape, but something else crackled between Liam and Laila now—the System's insistent quest pulsing in the back of his mind. *Transfer your energy.* Her eyes met his, dark and knowing, a faint swirl of shadow magic already dancing at her fingertips.
"I need it," she whispered, stepping closer. Her lithe body pressed against him, curves soft yet firm under the travel-worn fabric. "Your way. All of it."
Liam's hands found her waist, pulling her in. '*God, she feels right. Like she was made for this.*' Heat surged through him as their mouths crashed together, hungry and desperate. Her lips were full, tasting faintly of ozone and wild magic. He deepened the kiss, tongue exploring as her fingers tangled in his hair.
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**Liam's POV**
