I let out a small laugh. “No, though it does feel enchanting. It grows here, presumably due to the humidity from the natural springs. It’s a wonder how it can thrive in such darkness.”
I continue to watch his hands delicately touch the mossy walls, occasionally dancing over a lit mushroom.
“Sometimes befriending the darkness helps us to not be scared of the monsters within I suppose, like these plants have.” I pause my sentence and think of my words before beginning again. “If something so simple as these can thrive in the darkness, maybe we just need someone willing to endure our own void to coax us out, or find a way to continue enduring until we find our own shine again.”
His chin comes to my nape and his breath lingers behind my ear.
“How is someone who’s survived such pain not hardened by the hurt?” His inhale causes my neck to crane towards him and he starts again. “You surprise me, Alora. Not because you’re not incapable of being magnificent, but because you choose to be good despite suffering so.”
His pointer finger begins to tap against my leg rhythmically and I start rubbing them, reassuring him.
“Your empathy is perhaps the most beautiful thing about you. I’m not deserving of it.”
He kisses my neck and my nipples harden with the soft ministration.
The hooveclops of the horses behind us conjure a soft melody in unison with the drop of water. If I could bottle this memory I’d drink from the intoxicating allure long after these moments have passed.
His hand snakes deliciously across my throat, throwing my body into anticipation so electric I’m practically humming.
“Let me in, little warrior. Let me see those sacred parts of you.” His whisper sends ripples through my core and need fills my veins. The thrill of knowing that there’s a possibility of being caught, even though Leeson and Caym are far enough away to not be in hearing distance, has a low throb forming between my thighs.
“I think at this point I’d let you devour me afterall.” It’s the truth, even if it feels scary to reveal.
“Oh, I’d have you for supper if you’d let me, and then suck your sweet come from my lips before plunging so far into you that you’d think I was your only god.” His breathy confession is full of want, sending my arousal soaring.
His feathery grasp along my throat tightens, constricting my breath ever so slightly. A flush begins to form over my whole body, and I’ve never been more thankful for the dark than now.
I shift uncomfortably on my knees. If there was a way to expire from lust, this might just be it.
His hands settle back over my hips, fondling my curves. It feels like eternity passes stuck in this purgatory of lust.
“We must ride on, I’m afraid we’re almost caught by Caym and Leeson.” I whisper into his ear and feel his hair dance across my cheek.
“If we must,” he sighs, “but I do rather like being caught too.”
My cheeks blaze as I push upwards and make my way towards Dahla.
He does the same, prowling behind me as the sound of Caym and Leeson gets closer.
We quickly get seated atop my mare again and I urge her forward until we finally see the trail widen. New light filters in from the distant opening, a warm yellow of lantern light, thousands of them.
The entrance to the cave city is huge, easily big enough to fit war ships through, masts and all.
“Gods.” The low rumble of Kassiel’s voice reverberates through my bones.
“Impressive, huh?” His silence confirms the sentiment.
I remember walking through this very opening for the first time, it was before I had Dahla so the trek lasted me much longer, my boots soaked by time I got to the village of The Hidden.
Springs and pools lay in expanse beneath my gaze, surrounded by reeds and grasses, concealing a few of the smaller ponds.
I pause on the edge of the entrance and steep trail behind me and casually wait for Leeson and Caym to make their way down to us.
“What will you do when we meet the rest of your council?”
Kassiel’s question doesn’t surprise me, I’ve been wondering the same thing too. What will become of our captive?
I can’t help but wage war with my thoughts. On one hand, he is close to the king and has committedatrocitieson his behalf. In the same breath it is clear that he was forced into doing such heinous crimes.
