Chapter 39: The Calculated Kiss

As they stepped out of the bustling cafeteria, the clamor of voices and clinking trays dissolved into the sterile quiet of the sleek, metallic corridor leading to Daphne’s office. The faint glow of overhead lights cast long shadows between the polished walls, amplifying the weight of Zaeryn’s growing unease.

"So, why do you need me to tag along if you’re just going to work?" Zaeryn asked, his tone light but probing, hands shoved deep into his pockets as he matched her purposeful stride.

Daphne shot him a look, a challenging grin playing on her lips "You’re the work I’m talking about."

Zaeryn’s step slowed down slightly, a small frown crossing his face. "I think you forgot, but I’m free now. You’re not allowed to—"

"Relax, Your Highness," she cut him off, her voice teasing yet pointed as she invoked his title as Queen Athena’s grandson. "I’m not running those tests anymore."

"Then what’s the plan?" Zaeryn asked, suspicion threading through his voice as they rounded a corner where the air grew noticeably cooler.

Daphne kept her gaze fixed ahead, her steps never wavering. "I’ve come up with something."

"Oh?" He tilted his head, feigning casual interest.

"Yes." She stopped abruptly, pivoting to face him with an intensity that made his breath catch. "You said you don’t know how you absorb others’ abilities? Well, I think I do."

He had lied about that. He knew exactly how his power worked. He just didn’t want her to know.

"Do you, now?" Zaeryn’s tone dripped with skepticism, but his pulse hammered against his throat. ’She might be too close to the truth,’ he thought desperately. He already knew exactly how his power worked. But he was planning to keep that a secret. If Daphne had figured it out, his carefully maintained facade could crumble.

"Yes." Daphne’s voice softened to barely above a whisper, but her eyes held the razor-sharp focus of a scientist on the verge of breakthrough. "When we kissed, there was this sensation. Not just physical. It was like..." She paused, her fingers absently touching her lips. "Like I was losing a piece of my vitae. But it didn’t weaken me. It felt shared, almost electric."

Zaeryn remained motionless, his jaw clenched so tight it ached. She’s too damn smart, he thought, a mixture of admiration and unease bubbling under his skin. She’d sensed the truth he’d buried deep. How had she pieced it together so quickly?

He raised an eyebrow, forcing confusion onto his face. "That’s a ridiculous theory. You’re saying..." He let out a scoff, trying to sound dismissive—though he knew better. "What, that I just kiss people and steal their powers? That’s your grand hypothesis?"

Daphne rolled her eyes, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. The fact that he was trying this hard to brush her off only confirmed she was close to the truth—and he clearly didn’t want her to get there.

"Not exactly," she said, her voice calm and maddeningly confident. "But close. I think physical contact acts as a conduit. Intimacy might be the key. I want to run some controlled experiments in my office—see if we can isolate the exact trigger."

Zaeryn’s stomach dropped like a stone. ’Oh, hell,’ he thought, forcing his expression to remain neutral despite the urge to frown. ’She’s already figured out I can manipulate vitae, but if she learns the full truth about how I actually gain it...’

He stole a glance at her as they walked. ’If she confirms her theory, I won’t have the upper hand anymore.’

They reached her office door, and Daphne swiped her keycard with practiced efficiency. The lock disengaged with a soft click, and the door swung open to reveal a meticulously organized space that smelled faintly with a unique smell—the distinctive scent was nothing like he had imagined.

He had thought it would be smell like an advanced laboratory equipment since she was a scientist who was clearly obsessed with her work. But actually, it smelled very pleasant, just like her.

"Experiments, huh?" Zaeryn leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed in what he hoped passed for casual amusement. "What kind of experiments are we talking about? More kissing?"

Daphne shot him a playful glare over her shoulder. "I bet you’d like that. But no, at least not yet." She moved behind her desk with fluid precision, opening the top drawer and reaching inside. When she turned back, she held a gleaming syringe, the sterile metal catching the harsh fluorescent light.

"I just need a blood sample to—"

"Absolutely not," Zaeryn cut in, his voice sharp with real alarm as he took an instinctive step back. The sight of the needle sent a chill racing down his spine. He hated needles."You’re not stabbing me with that thing."

"Don’t be so overdramatic. It won’t hurt," Daphne said, her tone laced with exasperation, but her eyes gleamed with a calculated spark. She stepped closer, twirling the syringe between her fingers like it was harmless. . "Unless you’re scared of a little needle... or maybe you’re scared of what it’ll show?"

Zaeryn’s eyes narrowed, catching the bait in her tone. "I’m not scared. I just don’t like being poked. And I also don’t trust you, how do I know that it doesn’t have some harmful chemicals?"

She tilted her head, her smirk turning sly as she closed the distance between them, her voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "What if I made it worth your while?" Her gaze flicked to his lips, lingering just long enough to make his pulse spike. "Maybe a little... incentive?"

’She’s playing me,’ he thought, his instincts screaming trap. He saw through the flirtation, the way her body angled closer, her breath warm and deliberate. But before he could sidestep, Daphne moved with startling speed.

Her breath ghosted over his skin as she leaned in, her eyes locked on his with predatory focus. Before he could sidestep, Daphne moved with startling speed.

Her free hand brushed his cheek—fingertips cool, deliberate—tracing the edge of his jaw as if she had every right to be there. Then she leaned over and kissed him.Soft. Hot.

Caught by surprise, Zaeeyn didn’t mind it. He grabbed her face and kissed her back—her lips were plush and parted just enough to pull him in deeper. For one reckless second, he let himself sink into the sensation of her. His other hand moved across her body, exploring the curve of her waist beneath his palm.

And that’s when he felt it.

A sharp sting, quick and surgical, against his upper arm.

The needle slipped in, drawing a bead of blood before he could react.