Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)

Shadow Reckoning - Chapter 139

Ruby'ck's voice wavered with uncertainty as she gathered the courage to speak up. "Um... Zach..."

Zach turned his attention to her, his eyes curious. "What is it, Ruby'ck?"

With a deep breath, Ruby'ck steadied herself, her gaze meeting Zach's with unwavering determination. "Zach," she began again, her voice gaining strength with each word, "will you be my partner... forever?"

Zach's expression softened into a tender smile as he reached out to gently grasp Ruby'ck's hand in his own. "Ruby'ck," he replied, his voice filled with affection, "I have longed to be by your side, through every joy and every challenge that life may bring. Yes, I will be your partner... forever."

Tears of joy welled up in Ruby'ck's eyes as she squeezed Zach's hand tightly, feeling the weight of his words wash over her like a warm embrace. "Thank you, Zach," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

With a gentle smile, Zach brushed away a stray tear from Ruby'ck's cheek, his touch sending a shiver of warmth through her. "No, thank you, Ruby'ck," he replied, his eyes shining with love. "For choosing me to be your partner... forever."

"And also Zach, I've been thinking... about what happened at Seraphina's hut," Ruby'ck began, her words coming out in a hesitant rush.

Zach listened intently, waiting for her to continue.

"And... well... I... I want to..." Ruby'ck's cheeks flushed pink as she struggled to find the right words.

Zach's heart skipped a beat as he realized what she was trying to say.

"Ruby'ck..." he murmured softly, his own heart racing with anticipation.

"I... I want to experience... our first kiss," Ruby'ck finally confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zach's breath caught in his throat, his mind reeling with a whirlwind of emotions. He had dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here, he felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

"Ruby'ck..." Zach's voice was laced with playful teasing as he reached out to ruffle her hair. "Well, well, well, someone's feeling bold today, huh?"

Ruby'ck's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she tried to suppress a giggle. "Um, yeah... I guess so..."

Zach chuckled softly, his expression softening as he looked into her eyes. "But you know what? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping you'd ask."

Ruby'ck's eyes widened in surprise, a smile tugging at her lips. "Really?"

Zach's grin widened, his gaze warm and sincere. "Of course, Ruby'ck. You mean the world to me, and sharing a moment like that with you... it would be unforgettable."

Ruby'ck's heart fluttered at his words, a surge of warmth flooding through her. "Zach..."

With a gentle smile, Zach leaned in closer, his voice soft and earnest. "So, what do you say, Ruby'ck? Shall we make a memory that will last a lifetime?"

Ruby'ck's breath caught in her throat as she met Zach's gaze, her heart racing with anticipation. "Yes, Zach. I would love that."

Zach leaned in closer, his heart racing with anticipation as he brushed his lips against hers in a gentle, tender kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they savored the sweetness of the moment, lost in the magic of their first kiss.

As they pulled away, a sense of warmth and contentment washed over them, their hearts entwined in a bond that felt stronger than ever before. They gazed into each other's eyes, sharing a silent understanding and a promise of love that would endure through any challenge they may face.

Ruby'ck's cheeks flushed even deeper as she mustered the courage to speak again. "Um, Zach... Can we do it one more time?"

Zach couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable request. "You want an encore, huh?" He teased, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Ruby'ck nodded shyly, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yes, please..."

Zach's smile softened, his heart swelling with love for the girl before him. "Alright then, Ruby'ck. One more time, just for you."

With a tender caress, Zach leaned in once more, their lips meeting in a sweet, lingering kiss that seemed to stop time itself. In that moment, there was only the two of them, lost in the warmth and sweetness of their affection.

As they parted, their smiles mirrored each other's, their hearts overflowing with happiness. For in that simple gesture, they had found a connection that would endure any trial or tribulation.

With a soft sigh, Ruby'ck nestled into Zach's embrace, her heart singing with joy. And as they basked in the warmth of their love, they knew that this was only the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Ruby'ck's cheeks flushed even deeper as she met his gaze, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. "I... I love you, Zach," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Caught off guard by Ruby'ck's unexpected confession, Zach's eyes widened in surprise. "Ruby'ck..." he murmured, his voice soft with emotion.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still as Zach processed her words. Then, a warmth spread through his chest, filling him with a profound sense of happiness and contentment. "I love you too, Ruby'ck," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity and love.

With a radiant smile gracing her lips, Ruby'ck gently cupped Zach's face in her hands, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Now, you're mine," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of joy and vulnerability. "Promise me, Zach, that we'll truly be a couple."

Zach's heart swelled with tenderness as he looked into Ruby'ck's eyes, feeling a deep sense of warmth and devotion wash over him. "Of course, Ruby'ck," he replied softly, his voice laced with sincerity. "I promise."

As they gazed at each other, the weight of their unspoken vows hung in the air, binding them together in a bond that felt as timeless as the stars above. And in that moment, Zach realized that he had found something truly precious – a love that was as pure and enduring as the dawn.

"But isn't kissing and saying 'I love you' to someone what couples do?" Zach teased playfully, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.

Ruby'ck's cheeks flushed a rosy hue as she giggled, her heart fluttering with delight at Zach's words. "Yes, but it feels different when it's with you," she confessed, her voice filled with warmth.

With a tender smile, Zach leaned in closer, his lips hovering just inches away from Ruby'ck's. "Then let's make every kiss feel like the first," he whispered, his breath mingling with hers in the sweet, balmy air of the village.

And as their lips finally met in a soft, lingering kiss, time seemed to stand still, the world around them fading away until there was only the two of them – bound together by a love that was as boundless as the sky above.

Zach's lips parted from hers, a sudden intensity flickered in his eyes, igniting a fire within Ruby'ck's heart that sent her pulse racing. With a swift yet gentle motion, he began to peel off his shirt, his movements deliberate yet tender, as if each touch carried a silent promise of passion and desire.