Rhyland snorts, his hands running up and down my thighs in a way that makes me quiver. "You're a real fucking comedian, you know that? Keep it up, and I'll ensure the only action you get is from your right hand and a bottle of lotion."
Lucian grins, blowing Rhyland a kiss that's equally mocking and affectionate. "Aww, I love you too, big bro. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some unfinished business to attend to with my lady. These lips don't kiss themselves, you know."
Rhyland scoffs. "TMI, dude. Just keep it in your pants until we're done here. God knows you can't stay focused on the task at hand for more than five fucking seconds. Then you can go nuts, for all I care."
Lucian grins, giving Rhyland a mock salute that's more middle finger than respect. "That's a hell no, Captain Cockblock. Your wish isnotmy command. In fact, it's not even in the same zip code as my to-do list."
Erik rolls his eyes. "The incessant bickering between these two never fails to astonish me."
I can't help but laugh, caught in the crossfire of their ridiculous banter. Moments like these remind me why I love these idiots so much, even when they're driving me absolutely insane.
Danica
68
I'm perched on the side of the ship's deck with Seraphina, taking in the endless expanse of the sea as we make our way back to Driftwood Market. We desperately need supplies and a shower that doesn't involve salt water and fish pee.
With the Siren's Lyre being our golden ticket to breaking this underwater curse, we're obviously heading back to Calypso's place. Where exactly that is? Well, your guess is as good as mine. I haven't yet figured out how to send a magical underwater telegram to our favorite part-time mermaid.
I turn to Seraphina. "So, you and Lucian, huh?" I waggle my eyebrows suggestively.
Seraphina's eyes light up like a kid on Christmas morning at the mere mention of Lucian's name. "Yes," her voice as sweet as honey. "I can't quite explain it... it all happened so fast."
I laugh at her sudden bashfulness. "Don't be shy, Sera. You can't resist the pull of your mate; trust me, I know. I was very stubborn with Rhyland." I chuckle at the memory of my stubborn ass fighting tooth and nail against the inevitable.
Seraphina sighs dreamily, her eyes glazing over with that lovesick look. "It's just... everything," she gushes. "I never knew true love—finding your soulmate—would feel like this. And if I'm being honest, I couldn't be more thrilled to have been kicked out of Atheria to experience it."
I grin, patting her on the shoulder. "Can't say I blame you, sister. You've done your angelic duty, Sera. Now it's time to live a little and experience all the naughty, fun stuff you've missed out on."
Seraphina blushes, but her smile is radiant. "You're right, Dani. I'm ready for this new chapter in my life. But I will never stop protecting you."
"That's my girl," I say with a wink. "Just remember, if Lucian ever gives you trouble, I've got your back. I know where he sleeps."
Seraphina turns her gaze to the vast expanse of the sea. Her voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of guilt. "Do you think we... went too fast?"
I shake my head. "No, absolutely not," I reassure her, my tone firm but gentle. "What you guys have? It's not some run-of-the-mill, swipe-right-on-Tinder kind of deal. We're talking true love here, honey—the soul-deep, write-epic-poems-about-it kind of love."
I reach out and squeeze her hand. "Your soul recognizes him, and he recognizes you. It's like…your spirits do this cosmic happy dance whenever you're together. There's no expiration date on that kind of connection—no 'best if used by' stamp."
Leaning in, I catch her eye, ensuring she listens. "Look, Sera, when it comes to matters of the heart, there's no such thing as a rulebook or a timeline. You go with what feels right, and trust me, following your heart? That's never wrong. It's like…an emotional GPS. It might sometimes take you on some weird detours, but it always gets you where you need to be."
I grin, nudging her playfully. "Besides, have you seen the way Lucian looks at you? That man is so obsessed; I'm surprised he hasn't started leaving little heart-shaped clouds everywhere he goes. So stop worrying and enjoy the ride, sweetie. True love doesn't come knocking every day, you know."
"I know," Seraphina sighs, her eyes still fixed on the horizon. "I feel him on such a level that I never even thought was possible—the blood thing..."
I look over at her, knowing exactly where she's going with this. Her cheeks are flushed, and she's fidgeting like she's about to confess to stealing cookies from the cosmic cookie jar.
"It's so... dirty and... and..." she stammers, struggling to find the right words.
"Erotic?" I finish for her, unable to keep the smirk off my face.
Seraphina's blush deepens to a shade that would make a tomato jealous. "Yes," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, as if a dam has broken, she bursts out, "And it's crazy. I love it!"
I can't help but laugh at her enthusiastic confession. "Oh honey, I know," giving her a conspiratorial wink. "It's more addictive than chocolate-covered crack, isn't it?"
She nods eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "It just feels right and freeing and so much more."
"Oh, it is freeing," I agree, my mind drifting to my own experiences. "Allowing your man to take himself into you, to take away all your pain, your fear, your anxietywith his bite... it's like the world's most intense therapy session, only with way more orgasms."
