The winds howled outside, rattling the ancient windows of the mansion as Elena stood by the window, her eyes fixed on the full moon that hung high in the night sky. Tonight marked the fifth year since her world had been upended-since her parents' deaths, shrouded in mystery, leaving her alone in the sprawling estate that had been in her family for centuries. The town had always whispered about the place, spinning tales of ancient curses, dark magic, and secrets buried deep within the mansion's stone walls. Elena had never given much thought to those stories.

But tonight, something felt different.

She couldn't shake the feeling that someone-or something-was watching her. The air in the room felt thick, heavy with an unspoken tension that set her nerves on edge. And then she saw it-a small, blood-red envelope resting on her bedside table. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't noticed it before.

The wax seal was unbroken, bearing no address or name, only a single, crimson letter: D. Curious and apprehensive, she tore it open. The letter inside was brief, the words etched in gold ink:

"Come find me beneath the moon, where shadows meet the dark."

Her breath caught in her throat. There was no signature, no further explanation, but somehow, she knew exactly what it meant. The garden. The place where shadows twisted and bent in the night.

Against her better judgment, Elena slipped on her coat and made her way outside, the cold night air biting at her skin as she stepped into the sprawling garden. Moonlight bathed the landscape in a ghostly glow, casting long shadows that stretched across the ground like claws. She followed the path, her heart racing, until she reached the center of the garden, where the tall, twisted hedges met to form an almost perfect circle.

And there he was.

A figure stood in the center, half-shrouded in darkness, the moonlight catching the sharp angles of his face. His presence was unmistakable-an aura of raw power and danger that made her pulse quicken. Elena froze, her breath hitching in her throat as he stepped closer, the shadows peeling away to reveal him fully.

He was tall, his features sharp and impossibly beautiful in the way only something dangerous could be. His dark hair fell in messy waves over his brow, and his eyes-those deep, almost-black eyes-locked onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach twist with equal parts fear and desire. She had seen him before, though never like this, never in the flesh.

"Elena," he murmured, his voice a deep, velvet growl that sent a shiver down her spine. He stepped closer, and she could feel the heat radiating off his body even in the cold night air. "I've been waiting for you."

Her lips parted, but no words came out. She wanted to ask him who he was, why he was here, how he had entered her life so silently and completely-but all she could do was stare. There was something magnetic about him, something that made her body hum with anticipation even as her mind screamed at her to run.

"I don't understand," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He smiled, a slow, predatory curve of his lips as he closed the distance between them. His hand reached out, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch sending electricity through her skin. "You don't need to understand," he whispered, his voice low and intoxicating. "Not yet."

Elena's heart raced as he leaned in, his lips grazing the shell of her ear. "I've come for what's mine."

His words sent a wave of heat coursing through her, her body responding before her mind could catch up. The scent of him-dark and intoxicating-filled her senses, making her knees weak. She tried to pull away, to regain some semblance of control, but his hand was already on her waist, pulling her flush against his hard, muscular body.

"Damien..." she breathed, not knowing where the name had come from but knowing, somehow, that it was his.

His grip tightened on her waist as his lips brushed the corner of her mouth. "I see you remember me," he murmured against her skin, his breath hot against her throat.

Memories flooded back in flashes- dreams, visions, all of them centered around him. He had been haunting her for months, his face appearing in her dreams, in the darkest corners of her mind. She had felt his presence, his touch, even when she was alone. And now, here he was, flesh and bone, standing before her as if he had stepped straight out of her fantasies.

Her breath hitched as his mouth trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing her skin in a way that made her blood sing. She pressed her hands against his chest, meaning to push him away, but instead, her fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer.

"Damien," she whispered again, her voice trembling with equal parts fear and desire.

"I've been watching you," he murmured, his lips ghosting over the pulse point at her throat. "Waiting for the right time. You're ready now, Elena."

"Ready for what?" she asked, her voice barely more than a breath.

"For me," he growled, his mouth crashing down on hers in a kiss that was as fierce as it was possessive.

Elena gasped against his lips, her body igniting at the feel of him. His hands were everywhere-on her waist, her hips, pulling her closer until there was no space between them. The kiss deepened, and she could taste the dark promise in it, a hunger that matched her own. His tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her in a way that left no room for doubt-she was his.

Her body responded instinctively, arching into him, her hands fisting in his hair as she kissed him back with equal fervor. His hands roamed over her body, exploring her curves with a rough, possessive edge that left her gasping for more.

When he finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard, their bodies pressed tightly together. His eyes burned into hers, filled with a darkness that both terrified and thrilled her.

"You're mine, Elena," he whispered, his voice rough with desire. "In this life and the next. You belong to me."

She should have been scared. She should have run. But instead, all she could think about was the way his touch made her feel-alive, on fire, like she was meant to be his all along.

And in that moment, beneath the light of the full moon, she knew there was no turning back.

The moment stretched between them, electric and undeniable, as Elena's breath caught in her throat. The truth of Damien's words weighed heavy, but it wasn't fear she felt-not the kind she expected. His presence, though dark and commanding, ignited something primal within her, something she hadn't known existed.

Damien's gaze remained locked on hers, the intensity burning into her soul as though he could see every secret she had kept hidden-even from herself. His fingers, rough but deliberate, brushed the side of her neck, trailing down to her collarbone, and her skin tingled under his touch.

"You feel it too, don't you?" he whispered, his voice thick with desire, as he leaned closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "This... connection. It's been there all along, waiting for you to surrender."

Elena's body trembled, her thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. The logical part of her screamed to resist, to question why this man seemed to own every part of her without ever having touched her before. But there was a part of her-a darker, secret part-that wanted nothing more than to give in.

"I-" She tried to form words, but the heat radiating between them made thinking impossible.

"You don't need to speak," Damien murmured, his fingers trailing down the side of her arm before they slipped around her waist. He pulled her against him, their bodies fitting together as though they were made for each other. His lips brushed the sensitive skin of her neck, just beneath her ear, sending a shiver of anticipation down her spine. "I can feel what you need."

His hand slid down her back, possessive and firm, guiding her closer until the hard lines of his body pressed fully against hers. The night air was cold, but the heat between them was almost unbearable. Elena gasped as his other hand cupped her face, tilting her head so their lips were only a breath apart. Her heart hammered in her chest, her pulse a wild drumbeat she couldn't control.

"You've been waiting for this, haven't you?"His voice was a low growl, full of promise and danger. His thumb brushed her bottom lip, and the sensation sent a wave of warmth through her. "Waiting for someone to take you. To show you what you really are."

Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers with an intensity that left her breathless. The kiss was unlike anything she had ever experienced- demanding, consuming, and entirely too addictive. His mouth moved against hers with practiced precision, coaxing a response from deep within her that she hadn't known she could give. She moaned softly into the kiss, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders as though she might fall if she let go.

His kiss deepened, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, tasting and claiming her as his own. There was no hesitation, no gentleness. Just raw, unrelenting desire. The world around them seemed to blur, the wind, the cold, the garden-none of it mattered. All that existed was the feel of his lips, his hands, the hard planes of his body pressing against her own.

Damien's hands roamed lower, his fingers brushing the curve of her hips before settling on her waist. With one swift movement, he pulled her tighter against him, making her gasp as the heat of his desire pressed against her stomach.

"Elena," he breathed against her lips, his voice rough with restraint. "You're driving me mad."

The sound of his voice-so raw, so desperate-ignited a fire in her that she hadn't known was there. She wanted more. She needed more. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as their kiss became even more frantic. Every brush of his lips, every touch of his hands sent shockwaves through her, setting her entire body ablaze with desire.

Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging just hard enough to make him groan against her mouth. The sound vibrated through her, making her knees weak. But Damien's arms were already around her, holding her up, his strength the only thing keeping her grounded as they lost themselves in each other.

With a sudden, almost brutal need, he backed her up against the cold stone wall of the mansion, pinning her there as his mouth moved from hers to her throat. His teeth grazed her skin, and she gasped, her body arching into him as though she couldn't get close enough. His hands were everywhere now- roaming over her body with possessive certainty, tracing the curves of her hips, the dip of her waist, as though he were memorizing every inch of her.

"Elena," he whispered again, his breath hot against her neck. "You're mine."

The words, spoken with such conviction, should have terrified her. But instead, they sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins. She was his. Somehow, she had always known that. From the moment she had seen him, from the moment their eyes had met, she had known she belonged to him in a way she couldn't explain.

And it was exhilarating.

His lips moved lower, tracing a hot path down her throat, over her collarbone, until he reached the neckline of her dress. He tugged the fabric aside, exposing the soft skin of her shoulder, and pressed a kiss there, his tongue teasing the sensitive flesh. Elena's breath hitched, her body responding to him in ways she had never experienced before. Every touch, every kiss, sent her spiraling deeper into a haze of desire that consumed her entirely.

"I've waited so long for this," Damien growled, his hands tightening on her waist as though he were barely holding himself back. "To taste you. To claim you."

Before she could respond, he captured her lips again, his kiss even more urgent than before. His hand slid down her body, slipping beneath the hem of her dress, his fingers brushing the sensitive skin of her thigh. The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure through her, and she gasped into his mouth, her hips instinctively pressing against him.

"Damien," she breathed, her voice trembling with desire. "Please..."

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes burning with the same fire that raged inside her. "Tell me what you want, Elena," he demanded, his voice rough and commanding. "I need to hear you say it."

Her heart pounded in her chest, her body aching for him in a way that was almost unbearable. She had never wanted anything more in her life. "I want you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I need you."

His eyes darkened at her words, and without another moment of hesitation, he swept her up into his arms, carrying her back into the mansion, where their fate-sealed by passion, desire, and the darkness that bound them-awaited.

The door to Elena's bedroom slammed shut behind them, the echo of it swallowed by the silence of the mansion. Damien carried her across the room, his eyes never leaving hers, the intensity in them burning like a fire that refused to be extinguished. Elena clung to him, her body already alive with sensation, her skin tingling from every touch, every glance. She didn't care about the warnings, the stories, the past. All she could focus on was him-the raw, primal need that surged between them.

Damien placed her down on the bed with surprising tenderness, though the hunger in his eyes betrayed the restraint he was holding onto by a thread. Elena lay back, her chest rising and falling rapidly as he stood over her, his dark gaze taking in every inch of her body. His fingers traced the curve of her jaw, a gesture that seemed almost reverent, though the tension in his frame spoke of a desire barely contained.

"You have no idea what you've done to me," Damien growled, his voice thick with need. His hands slid down her arms, his touch igniting sparks on her skin as he leaned over her, his body hovering just above hers. "I've waited for so long to touch you... to make you mine."

Elena swallowed hard, her breath catching as his mouth descended, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her lips. It was different from the kisses they had shared in the garden-softer, but no less consuming. His lips moved over hers with expert precision, coaxing her into submission, and she responded without hesitation, her hands sliding into his hair as she pulled him closer. The taste of him was intoxicating, filling her senses as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into her mouth in a way that made her moan softly against him.

He growled in response, a deep, guttural sound that vibrated through her, making her entire body ache for him. His hands roamed down her sides, his fingers teasing the hem of her dress before slipping beneath the fabric to explore the softness of her skin. Every touch sent waves of pleasure through her, each caress pulling her deeper into the haze of desire that surrounded them.

"Damien,"she gasped as his lips left hers, trailing down her neck, kissing, biting, and teasing the sensitive skin there. Her body arched beneath him, her hips pressing up against his as his mouth worked its way lower. She could feel the hard line of his desire pressing against her thigh, and the sensation sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins.

"I want to hear you say my name again," Damien murmured against her skin, his voice a dark, seductive command that made her breath hitch. His hands pushed her dress higher, exposing more of her skin to his hungry gaze. "Say it, Elena."

"Damien," she whispered, her voice trembling with need as his hands slid up her thighs, teasing her with slow, deliberate movements. The anticipation was unbearable, her body aching for him in ways she hadn't known were possible.

With a satisfied growl, Damien's mouth descended on her chest, his teeth grazing her skin as he pulled down the straps of her dress, exposing her to him. He pressed hot, open-mouthed kisses to her breasts, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peaks, and Elena cried out, her back arching off the bed as waves of pleasure coursed through her.

"You're perfect," Damien murmured, his voice thick with desire as his hands continued to explore her body, memorizing every inch of her. "So beautiful... so completely mine."

His words ignited something deep within her, and Elena's hands fisted in his hair, pulling him closer, urging him on. She wanted more-needed more. The desire was overwhelming, burning through her like wildfire as his hands slipped between her legs, his fingers teasing the sensitive skin there before dipping lower.

Elena gasped,her hips bucking against his hand as his fingers slid through her folds, stroking her in slow, deliberate movements that made her head spin. "Damien, please..." she moaned, her voice barely more than a breath as he continued to torment her with his touch.

"Patience," he whispered against her skin, his voice a low growl as he watched her with dark, hooded eyes. "I want to take my time with you."

But Elena wasn't sure she could wait any longer. The need for him was unbearable, her body aching for release as his fingers moved in slow, torturous circles. She whimpered, her nails digging into his shoulders as he pushed her closer and closer to the edge, the sensation building inside her until it was almost too much to bear.

"Damien, please..." she begged, her voice trembling as she writhed beneath him, desperate for more.

He grinned wickedly at her, his eyes gleaming with dark satisfaction as he finally gave her what she craved. His fingers slid inside her, filling her with slow, steady strokes that made her cry out in pleasure. Elena's hips moved against his hand, her body instinctively seeking more as he built a rhythm that left her gasping for air. Every movement, every touch sent shockwaves of pleasure through her, her entire body responding to him as though she had been made for this for him.

His lips found hers again, capturing her cries of pleasure as he drove her closer and closer to the edge. The pressure built inside her, tightening, coiling, until it was too much. And then, with one final stroke, she shattered.

Elena's body arched off the bed as waves of pleasure crashed over her, her release hitting her with a force that left her trembling. Damien didn't stop, his fingers continuing their slow, deliberate movements as he guided her through her climax, his lips never leaving hers as she cried out his name over and over again.

When the waves finally subsided, Elena lay back on the bed, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Her body felt boneless, completely spent, but the fire inside her was far from extinguished.

Damien pulled back, his dark eyes smoldering as he looked down at her, his lips curving into a satisfied smile. "You're incredible," he murmured, his voice thick with desire as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips.

Elena's heart pounded in her chest, her body still buzzing with the aftershocks of her release. She reached up, her fingers brushing the side of his face as she met his gaze. "I want you, Damien," she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of her words. "All of you."

Damien's eyes darkened, his expression turning predatory as he growled low in his throat. "You have no idea what you're asking for," he murmured, though the hunger in his voice told her that he was just as desperate for her as she was for him.

"Then show me," Elena whispered, her fingers trailing down his chest, her touch igniting a fire in him that she could feel through every inch of his body.

With a low, dangerous growl, Damien stood, pulling her up with him. His eyes never left hers as he slowly undressed, revealing the hard, muscled planes of his body. He was perfect, every inch of him a testament to power and raw desire. Elena's breath caught as she took him in, her body trembling with anticipation.

Damien didn't waste any more time. With a single, fluid movement, he positioned himself above her, his body pressing down on hers in a way that made her feel both vulnerable and completely safe. His lips brushed hers as he slid inside her, filling her completely.

Elena gasped at the sensation, her body arching beneath him as he began to move, slow and deliberate at first, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through her. His pace quickened, their bodies moving together in perfect sync, the friction building between them as they lost themselves in each other.

The room filled with the sound of their labored breaths, their moans of pleasure mingling as the intensity between them grew. Elena's hands roamed over his body, her fingers tracing the lines of his muscles as he drove her higher and higher, her release building again with every thrust.

Damien growled her name, his lips brushing her ear as his movements became more frantic, more desperate. "You're mine, Elena," he growled, his voice rough with need. "Say it."

Elena gasped, her body trembling as she felt herself teetering on the edge once again. "I'm yours," she whispered, her voice trembling with pleasure. "I'm yours, Damien."

With a final, powerful thrust, Damien sent her spiraling over the edge, her release crashing over her in waves of pure ecstasy. He followed moments later, his body tensing as he buried himself inside her, their shared pleasure filling the air around them.

When it was over, Damien collapsed beside her, his arms wrapping around her as they lay tangled together in the aftermath of their passion. The silence of the room was filled only by the sound of their heavy breathing, their bodies still connected, still burning with the fire of what they had shared.

But even in the quiet, Elena knew this was only the beginning.