The space between them lingered as they talked to each other, a warm, comfortable atmosphere spreading between them, charged with a kind of energy that neither Jax nor Orianna felt the need to rush or break.

As they were relaxing, Orianna’s hot breath brushing lightly against Jax’s lips, almost tickling him all the while their foreheads remained nearly touching affectionately.

The Dragon Queen’s prismatic eyes were softer than Jax had ever seen before, and that softness was primarily focused on Jax.

"...Yeah," she repeated quietly, answering his earlier question, though now it carried more weight than anything she had said before.

Hearing that response, Jax’s smirk eased into something gentler, knowing both of them were now paired with each other, at least slightly.

For a moment longer, neither of them moved, simply basking in the incredible environment that formed between them, occasionally taking bites of the delicious food.

Then, after a while of this relaxation, Orianna leaned back slightly, just enough to create space between them again, though her alluring gaze never left his.

"...Careful," she murmured, a faint teasing edge returning to her tone as she looked at the Demon King, "You keep doing that and I might start expecting it."

Jax chuckled as he heard that, staring at the Dragon Queen confidently, "Would that be a problem?"

Her lips curved, charmed by his boldness, "...No."

A brief silence followed before she shifted, glancing down at the spread between them.

"...We should probably finish this before it gets cold."

Jax followed her gaze, then nodded, "Yeah."

The two of them settled back into place, though the atmosphere had undeniably changed as they were softer and closer than before, more familiar.

Orianna picked up another piece of food, though this time she wasn’t as focused on the taste. Every now and then, her eyes flickered back to Jax, lingering just a fraction longer than before and admiring his handsome looks.

Jax noticed this, as of course he would with his exceptional senses, but he decided not to call it out, instead allowing it to happen, letting her have the space to do what she wanted.

The duo ate pretty slowly, lacking any for of urgency as they chatted while taking bites of the delicious snacks.

The conversation that followed was lighter, small comments, quiet remarks, the kind that didn’t carry the weight of kingdoms or war.

Instead, it carried the warm presence of both of them in their element, not worried about their work and just chatting about random stuff like the stars, their hobbies, favorite types of food and drinks, alongside a-lot more.

They lost track of time with how enjoyable this conversation was, but eventually, they regained themselves as they realized that the last bites of the food was gone, and all the various drinks Jax had prepared were done.

All the plates and cups were completely empty, and the moment, as perfect as it was, had begun to reach its natural end.

Orianna let out a small breath, leaning back on her hands as she looked out across the horizon one more time.

"...That was good."

Jax nodded.

"Yeah."

She tilted her head slightly, glancing at him again.

"...You weren’t kidding when you said you had plans."

"Told you."

A faint smirk tugged at her lips.

"...You did."

There was a quiet pause.

Then—

"...We heading back?" she asked.

Jax looked out across the sky one last time before pushing himself up to his feet.

"Yeah."

Orianna followed a second later, rising smoothly. Her dress shifted with the motion, catching the light once more as the wind brushed past them.

For a brief moment, they stood side by side again, looking out at the world below.

Then, the space around them quickly folded, the air peeling back and the mountain vanished, replaced by the familiar Demon Capital.

The towering structures, the flowing mana and the various forms of life. It welcomed them back like nothing had changed, and yet, for both of them, something had.

They appeared just outside the Demon King’s Palace, on one of its high terraces overlooking the city.

Orianna exhaled softly as her eyes adjusted, her gaze sweeping across the familiar sight.

"...Back already."

Jax stepped forward slightly.

"Everything good has to end eventually."

She glanced at him.

"...Doesn’t mean I have to like it."

Jax smirked.

"Fair." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

They walked together through the palace halls, side by side. Servants bowed as they passed, though neither of them paid much attention to it now.

The atmosphere between them remained quiet, but not empty as they walked.

By the time they reached Jax’s chambers, the sun had shifted further across the sky, casting longer shadows through the palace windows.

They stopped just outside his door and for a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Orianna looked at him.

"...So."

Jax raised an eyebrow.

"So?"

A faint smirk returned to her lips.

"...That’s it?"

Jax stepped closer.

"Depends."

"On?"

"How you want it to end."

Her eyes flickered slightly.

Then, she didn’t answer with words, instead she stepped forward, closing the distance. Her hand came up, resting lightly against his chest as she leaned in, and kissed him first this time.

Jax didn’t hesitate. His hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer as he returned it. This time, there was no pause or hesitation.

Just mutual intent. The door behind them opened as Jax guided her inside, the space closing off the outside world completely.

The kiss deepened, not rushed, not overwhelming, but filled with a growing warmth that neither of them held back.

Orianna’s hand slid from his chest to his shoulder, gripping lightly as she pressed closer.

Jax’s arm tightened around her waist, steady and firm.

When they finally broke apart, it wasn’t far.

Their faces still close, breath mingling.

"...You’re trouble," Orianna muttered quietly.

Jax smirked.

"You don’t seem to mind."

Her lips curved again.

"...Not even a little."

He pulled her in again, and this time, there was no need for words at all.

The world outside faded once more.