The Hidden Flame

for the one who walks in every chapter I’ve written

He found me where the moonlight stirred

beneath the cloak of spells and smoke,

among the witches, veiled in words—

and yet, his gaze undid my cloak.

The world stood still. The world still knew.

But I, with breath half-lost to stars,

pretended calm, pretended cool—

while fire leapt behind my scars.

He said, Let’s go, like time was kind.

I nodded slow, though wild inside.

For fifteen years he’s lived confined

in every vow I’ve had to hide.

I dreamed him real. I dreamed us near.

But even dreams I must defend—

a lover shaped from whispered fear,

a story I could never end.