I move my hand to remove the white barrier and she lays there, smiling up at me.
Quickly, I peck her lips and linger there before kissing her more deeply.
With a sigh, I pull back from her.
She nods slightly and blinks before her smile flickers, tightening in the corners.
I squeeze her hand and say, “I would linger here until the veil called us home, but unfortunately, we don’t have that luxury.”
She brings my hand to her cheek. “It’s alright, Kassiel. One day the realm will give us back more than it takes. For now, we have much to talk about.”
I turn to grab my clothing that’s been stripped off but Alora’s voice stops me mid air.
“Actually, I have an idea. The council can wait a little longer. I want to show you something.”
We walk with our hands intertwined as she leads me down a muddy path between tall grasses.
“This one is my favorite, you’ll see why!”
She rushes ahead of me as we pop out of the dense, meadowy greensward.
It’s unbelievable how clear the pool of water is, taking on an aqua hue. I edge closer to the embankment and peer over. The sand is coarse, a red clay color.
Alora splashes in and water flings at me as she jumps and submerges herself.
She’s so carefree, my heart soars witnessing her like this.
She bobs underwater with her chin lowered, only letting her eyes peer above the rippling pool.
If she were a siren, I’d gladly drown with her song if it promised an eternity with her arms around me.
Her eyes sharpen with mischief as she begins to swim closer to me. As soon as she’s within an arms length, she launches herself forward and spews water from her mouth at me, soaking my shirt.
I stand, stunned—too shocked to move or speak. It’s not that it’s offensive, it’s just that it feels so playful when I’ve known nothing but severity for too many turns.
Finally words bubble up, “You wretched little sprite!” The jest is playful.
She cackles, loudly as she makes for the other side of the pool. It shouldn’t be a pleasant sound but her full body laugh teases me enough to indulge her.
As soon as she’s farther away from me, she turns to look over her shoulder, her pale nude skin concealed by the shimmering surface in a way that makes me want to tear her from its watery grasp.
A darkened memory pushes to the surface.
“Promise not to let yourself be hardened by your magic.”
It’s as if Eiliorah knew I’d find myself again at the waters edge with the one I hold most dear.
“Join me, Kassiel.” The kittenish voice calls from the opposite end.
She would not have known how much I needed this, but gods if I really think about it, seeing her swim playfully, well it heals a little part of me.
I jump in then, fully clothed, surprised to find the pool comfortably warm and swim powerfully through the water until I reach the little siren.
Wrapping my arms around her, I lift her to my body. She wraps her legs around me and I’m very aware of her corepressing against my abs. If I look down, I’d even see her plump flesh peeking out below her delicate curls.
She smiles at me, her eyes bouncing between mine.
Without hesitation, I bring my mouth to hers and kiss her tenderly, letting my kisses roam over her lips.
