Sweat clings to every inch of me as he powers over me, releasing my waist only to grab at my wrists, pinning them above my head.
I startle when my hands don't meet the ground. Looking up through my lashes, I find it's because my hands are through one of the little slats of the balcony railing, hanging over the side.
The height factor sends me to a whole new level, my muscles flexing of their own accord, and I shatter into a million pieces, screaming at the top of my lungs. The burn in my chest fuels the ecstasy clawing through every inch of my body. Just as I feel like I'm coming to the end, Thorne finds his release, and the shudder of his cock inside of me knocks me over the edge once more.
Delirious.
I try to catch my breath, perspiration clinging to us as we lie in a heap on the floor.
My fingers lazily glide through his hair as his fingertips stroke down the valley between my breasts.
It's everything and nothing.
His touch is enough to rattle my world, but it’s the understanding that we’re mentally on the same page that settles deep inside my chest. The information we read in The Fractured Book of Souls resonates with him the same as it did with me, and for the first time, I feel like he truly doesn't see me as the enemy.
I should tell him I love him too. It wouldn't be a lie, but I don't think now is the right time.
Instead, I blink at him, silently, obsessed by the look on his face. He looks lighter, less troubled, and more present.
Clearing my throat, I sigh. “Is it possible to fall asleep in a dream?” I ask, content, and he presses his lips to my forehead.
“You can try, but I'm going to wake you up so I can comfort you in real life now, Echo.”
20
KAEL
Time is a fickle thing.
Every second is stretched, elongated, like nothing else in the world matters as I stand with my arms folded over my chest, staring at the sleeping girl who continues to plague my thoughts.
I don't know how long we've been in here now, but I can't seem to tear myself away from the defensive stance I’ve taken as I hover in the room with her. Walker said it was mandatory to watch them, to make sure there was no chance of escape, but I saw the way that tank closed. The locking system makes it impossible for her to break through.
Besides, I’m not on guard ready for her to attack. I’m on edge, prepared to defend her if necessary.
My muscles ache with stiffness, the inability to relax my limbs getting the better of me as my mind wanders.
Did Elodie have to go in here?
Was she protected? Or was she simply guarded to ensure she didn't escape through their impossible barriers?
I shake my head, trying to focus on the present, but it still consumes me.
Blinking at the girl, whose cheeks look fuller and complexion brighter, I can't help but want to know what brought her here to begin with.
There are so many people I could ask that question to in the other room. Would any of them give an answer? Likely not, since they think I'm their enemy.
Every glance over the girl before me blurs my vision, an essence of Elodie coming through. I’m certain I keep seeing flashes of purple hair and a witty smile, but it’s all my imagination playing tricks on me. Or is it punishment, knowing she came here and I couldn’t save her?
It doesn’t make the pain subside, regardless.
The reality is, Elodie wasn’t here to protect anyone, she was here by force, but she believes her parents are here to protect her.
The thought alone makes me scoff.
That's done no good at all. They sacrificed it all, only for her to be brought right to their side. Another being under his control, his command.
Sighing, I relax my arms at my sides, only to drag my hand down my face a moment later.
