And then, just when I'm starting to wonder if this fucking tunnel is ever going to end, we emerge into a vast, open chamber that takes my breath away. The walls are lined with shimmering crystals, each pulsing with a different color—blue, green, red, and purple. And in the center of the room, rising from a raised dais, is a sight that makes my heart skip a beat.
It's the coral bridge. The second landmark on Mirella's list. And it's even more breathtaking than I could have imagined.
The bridge is a masterpiece of natural beauty. It is a delicate arch of living coral that spans a chasm so deep and dark that it seems to have no bottom. The colors are vibrant and alive, shades of pink, orange, and red that seem to glow from within.
"Holyshit," I breathe, my eyes wide with wonder. "Would you look at that?"
Dani nods, her long chocolate brown hair laying like wet silk down her back, her expression of pure awe. "It's incredible. I've never seen anything like it."
Even Erik seems impressed, his stoic facade cracking just the tiniest bit as he takes in the sight before us. "It is a marvel," he agrees, with genuine appreciation.
I step forward, my boots crunching on the rocky ground as I approach the chasm's edge. The bridge looks sturdy enough, but I know better than to take anything for granted in this fucked-up place.
"Alright, listen up," my voice low and serious. "We cross this thing one at a time, nice and slow. No sudden movements, no fucking around. Got it?"
Dani and Erik both nod, their expressions grim but determined. They know what's at stake here and are not about to let anything stand in our way.
So, with a deep breath and a muttered prayer, I step out onto the bridge, my heart pounding as I begin to make my way across the chasm. The coral is surprisingly sturdy beneath my feet, but I can feel it shifting and swaying with each step, a reminder of just how fragile this whole fucking setup is.
The howling winds roar up from the dark chasm beneath my feet, their force nearly knocking me on my ass.
But I keep going, my gaze fixed straight ahead as I put one foot in front of the other. And then, when I think I might make it to the other side without incident, I hear a sound that makes my blood run cold.
A crack. A fucking crack in the coral echoes through the chamber like a gunshot.
Before I can react, the bridge crumbles beneath my feet, the once-solid surface giving way to a gaping void of nothingness. I lunge forward, my hands scrabbling for purchase on the rocky ledge, but it's too late. I'm falling; Dani's scream is all I hear as I plummet into the darkness below.
"RHYLAND!"
Lucian
64
"Iswear on my impressive collection of limited edition comic books, Cupcake, I would never even dream of hurting you," I declare solemnly as we cuddle up in our cabin, waiting for the signal to dive into the Atlantean ruins.
Seraphina, being the irresistible minx that she is, straddles my lap as I sit in a chair, her arms snaking around my neck like a sexy boa constrictor. Her skirt pools around us, and I can feel the scorching heat of her body pressed against me. It's like a goddamn inferno, and I'm ready to play firefighter.
"I know, Sparky McSnark. I trust you with all my heart," she breathes against my neck, her angelic voice sending shivers straight to my already needy erection. We may have just had a wild romp between the sheets a couple of days ago, but I'm already itching for rounds four, five, and—hell, let's throw in a round six for good measure.
Seraphina started calling me "Sparky" because of our electric connection and, well… my snarky mouth. She says I ignite a fire in her, and who am I to argue with a gorgeous angel who thinks I'm the hottest thing since ghost peppers? I've been called many things in my life—most of them not fit for polite company—but"Sparky"?It's growing on me like a fungus but in a good way. A sexy, tingly fungus that makes me want to do unspeakable things to this celestial beauty in my arms.
"I promise I'll be as gentle as a fluffy bunny at a tea party. It should feel like a little slice of heaven, or at least a really good hickey," I reassure her, trying to keep my cool as Seraphina grinds against me. She's wiggling like a sexy worm on a hook, and it's taking every ounce of my gentlemanly resolve not to dive in and feast.
I'm trying to take things slow, not wanting to rush my heavenly desire or push her too fast. But damn, she's making it hard (in more ways than one) with her enthusiasm and willingness to let me sample her sweet nectar.
When I turned down Dani's blood offer before they departed for Tempest Isle, Seraphina stepped up like an absolute goddess and offered me her crimson ambrosia. Holy hell, I am drooling at the thought of tasting her essence—it's like being handed a golden ticket to the chocolate factory, except instead of candy, it will be the most delectable blood I have ever had the pleasure of sinking my fangs into.
Dani is only half angel, and her blood is like crack to all of us—so I can only imagine what Seraphina will taste like.
I'm determined to be a gentleman about it, even if it means enduring the sweet torture of her body pressed against mine, teasing me with the promise of ecstasy. I'll take my time, savoring every moment and making sure Seraphina's first blood-sharing experience is nothing short of magical. After all, a lady like her deserves nothing less than the utmost care and devotion from her dashing, albeit slightly deranged, vampire lover.
I run my tongue along the silky smooth skin of her neck, tracing a tantalizing path from her collarbone to her earlobe. She shivers beneath my touch, her skin erupting in a constellation of goosebumps. I grin against her flesh, knowing I'm the one making her body sing like the finest instrument. She tightens her grip around my neck, her fingers digging into my skin, silently urging me. I take my time, savoring the moment, peppering her pulse point with kisses and gentle nips. Her skin is like silk beneath my lips, and I can't resist sucking on that tender spot, marking her as mine.
"Lucian…please…." Seraphina whispers. "Bite me. Take me into you."
I groan, and with deliberate slowness, I sink my fangs into her delicate flesh, piercing through like a hot knife through warm butter. She lets out a gasp that's half "oh, fuck yes" and half "holy shit, that hurts," and it's like music to my ears.
She's clinging to me so tightly that you’d need a map and a compass to find where one ends and the other begins.
