My orgasm builds swiftly, a storm raging through my core. I force myself to withdraw my fangs, reluctant but knowing I can’t take too much. I lap at the wound on her neck, savoring every drop, my bound hands pressing her harder against me. The wyvern bones tighten, digging into my wrists, but I don’t care. I just want more of her, all of her.
Everly’s lips find mine, hot and desperate, her kiss a blend of sweetness and fire. Our bodies melt together, her inner wallsclamping down around me as I thrust upward, meeting her every movement. My control shatters as she takes me deeper, her slick heat driving me to the edge.
“Fuck,” I snarl, the word ripped from me as my climax hovers just out of reach, the tension unbearable.
Everly tips her head back, a sweet cry tearing from her lips as she trembles around me. Her walls spasm, gripping me like a vice, and I explode inside her, my release rushing through me in waves so powerful I see stars. My cock pulses as my body shudders. Her name falls from my lips in a broken whisper. A faint golden light washes over us and my mind clears completely. Has her blood been healing more than my physical wounds?
Then I feel it—the way her form begins to flicker, to fade. Panic lances through me. I don’t want her to leave. Not yet. Not like this.
I need to tell her about the attack, but how many days have passed? Does she already know?
Her fingers trail softly across my cheek, her touch featherlight as her edges blur further.
“Maxon,” she breathes, her voice a faint whisper, a ghost of a sound.
And then she’s gone, leaving only the lingering scent of roses and the ache of her absence.
Chapter sixty-seven
Everly
Istand in the snow at the edge of the village, my eyes glued to the horizon. The sun is just beginning to crest over the jagged peaks in the east, casting a golden glow that sets the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink. Despite the breathtaking beauty, my heart feels unbearably heavy. My thoughts linger on Maxon, his weakened form from last night etched permanently into my mind. Whatever they’re doing to him, it’s taking a toll.
Yet, amidst the heartache, there’s a faint solace—a constant hum in my chest. After my visit, our bond feels stronger, more present again. I draw a slow breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs.
A flash of movement catches my eye, and I spot Nymeria and Anika bounding up the slope toward me. The wolves slipped away early this morning, likely hunting in preparation for our departure. Their silvery white coats are dusted with snow, their tongues lolling in apparent satisfaction as they frolic in the powder,carefree and wild.
I sense someone approaching from behind, and peer over my shoulder. Kaden. He’s bundled against the cold, his sharp features softened by a smile as he lifts a hand in greeting. I force myself to return the gesture with a small smile of my own, though I know it doesn’t reach my eyes.
He stops beside me, watching the sunrise. The silence between us feels mutual, comfortable.
“I’m coming with you,” Kaden says, speaking first.
I frown and look up at him. “Why?”
“I can help. I want to help.”
I pull my cloak around me tighter as I turn to face him. “We don’t know what we’re up against.”
“All the more reason to have me come along. I know the luxaryn, I have bonded with my own. We will accompany you.”
I bite my lip and glance out over the snow-capped mountains, an icy cold wind whipping my hair across my face.
“I’d love all the help I can get,” I whisper.
“Good. Now, do you wish to fly to Escalle?”
I snap my head back to him, my eyes going wide. “Fly?”
“Yes. You and I can fly on the luxaryn. The others will have a guide to the base of the mountain, and it’s a straight two-day ride from there. But we can be in Escalle by nightfall.”
The weight of indecision presses down on me. “I . . . I can’t leave my friends.”
Nymeria and Anika bound over, rubbing against my body, jolting me slightly.‘We can get them to Escalle safely,’Nymeria offers.
‘I know you can, but I’m not going to simply take the easier path because I’m able to.’
Kaden’s kind eyes watch me, as I struggle with the decision.
