**Chapter 16: Embers of Desire**

The air was electric with tension as Kaelin's eyes locked onto Riven's, the distance between them melting away with each passing moment. She could feel the weight of his gaze, like a gentle touch on her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Riven's eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, a flame that mirrored the one crackling in front of them. Without a word, Kaelin reached out, her hand brushing against Riven's. The touch sent a spark of electricity through her, and she felt his fingers intertwine with hers, a gentle caress that spoke volumes. Riven's eyes never left hers as he leaned in, his face inches from hers. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of desire. Kaelin's heart pounded in her chest as Riven's breath danced across her skin, sending shivers down her spine. She felt his lips brush against hers, a gentle, exploratory touch that left her wanting more. As they kissed, the tension between them dissipated, replaced by a sense of urgency. Their lips moved in tandem, a dance of give and take, as they surrendered to the passion that had been building between them. Kaelin's hands roamed Riven's chest, tracing the contours of his muscles, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips. Riven's hands were not idle, either. He gently pulled Kaelin into his arms, his fingers tracing the curves of her face, sending shivers down her spine. As they deepened the kiss, their bodies began to sway together, a slow, sensual dance that spoke of their growing desire. Their hands began to wander, tracing the lines of each other's bodies, exploring the curves and contours that had been hidden beneath their clothing. Kaelin felt Riven's fingers brush against the hem of her tunic, and she knew that they were on the cusp of something more. With a gentle tug, Riven pulled the tunic over Kaelin's head, revealing the soft, creamy skin beneath. Kaelin's eyes fluttered closed as Riven's fingers danced across her shoulders, tracing the delicate lines of her collarbone. She felt his lips brush against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. As Riven's hands roamed her body, Kaelin's fingers began to explore his, too. She felt the soft, coarse texture of his fur, the way it rippled beneath her touch. With a gentle tug, she pulled his tunic over his head, revealing the powerful muscles beneath. Riven's eyes locked onto hers, a fierce, primal glint burning within them. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the buttons of Kaelin's breeches, and with a deft touch, he undid them, pulling the garment down her legs. Kaelin felt a rush of excitement as Riven's eyes roamed her body, taking in the sight of her, half-undressed and vulnerable. Their gazes met, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the air thick with desire. Then, with a slow, sensual smile, Riven began to undress himself, his fingers tracing the lines of his own body, revealing the powerful, muscular form beneath. Kaelin's eyes roamed his body, drinking in the sight of him, and she felt her desire surge. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his chest, feeling the soft fur ripple beneath her touch. Riven's eyes locked onto hers, and with a gentle growl, he pulled her into his arms, their lips meeting in a fierce, passionate kiss.