My nipples press against the silk sheet. Liquid arousal streams down my thighs as I clench them together. The ache there is building into a crescendo I won’t be able to ignore for much longer. Qurill’s own breathing has turned ragged. His nostrils and gills flex with each deep inhale.
I would let him take me—on this bed or on the floor, it matters little. Whatever command he gave me, I would follow, if only to know what it meant to be close to another. Only he will do. I’ve never wanted someone this much, and I know in my heart I never will again. I want to celebrate being alive by giving myself over to the pleasures I’ve never experienced.
Tomorrow, I will return to the cautious woman who never takes risks, knowing it’s safer to remain alone and unseen. Tonight is all I have to revel in my desires—to shed my fears and silence the mind that begs me to be careful.
This evening, with Qurill’s help, I will be the one thing I’ve never been allowed: wild.
The Prince of the Darksea holds his palm out towards me, his eyes swirling like whirlpools.
“Come.”
4
ASTRYD
Holding tightly to Qurill’s hand, he carefully guides me along the cool tile floor of the palace.
His skin is warm against mine. His scent invades my lungs, tormenting my desire. Keeping the silk sheet tight to my chest with only one hand is a challenge. My bare feet have tangled in the fabric more times than I can count on the short journey we’ve made.
My breath catches once we reach the massive front doors. They are hewn from pale marble. Clam shells with glistening pearls are carved into their fronts. Golden handles rest above them, glimmering in the light. Qurill drops my hand, and I immediately itch for it back.
With a wave of his arm, the massive doors groan and peel back. Beyond the threshold is shimmering water. There seems to be an incandescent layer covering the surface of the water that ripples before my eyes. I turn towards the Prince of the Darksea and find that his gaze is already on mine.
My face warms under his intent stare.
“My magic keeps the sea out, but make no mistake, we are deep underwater.” His eyes stray to my neck. “To keep you safeat these depths, I’ll need to impart some of my magic on you as well.”
Before I can ask what he means, something cool glides along my throat. Sandalwood fills my nostrils. I gasp as a sharp sting pierces my skin. My hands raise instinctively to the area. Instead of finding an injury, I find slick slivers of skin. They flutter against my fingers, the sensation unsettling and thrilling all at once.
“The gills will be temporary,” Qurill confirms. “They will fully dry up once you return permanently to the surface.”
“Is that what would happen to yours? If you stayed on land for too long?”
Qurill shakes his head.
“My mother is human—my father is of the sea. I am a child born to both worlds. I can exist fully in each without having to forsake my gills or human lungs.”
I nod.
“That’s handy.”
Qurill chuckles softly before pressing his hand to my back. The soft touch of his palm against the silk sends prickles of awareness through my body. He urges me towards the open doors. My eyes widen as I take in the majesty before me.
Schools of colorful fish swim in synchronization, unaware of the small sharks close behind, navigating the water with their pointed noses. Seaweed floats by while coral and seagrass cover the jagged rocks of the ground below. The water is bright blue and barely looks real. Qurill must be awfully powerful to keep all this at bay.
As if in a trance, I lift my hand.
My finger pierces through the incandescent layer separating the palace from the sea. The water is cool and molds around my hand. I gasp as I pull my hand back, watching droplets ofsalt water fall to the tiles at my feet. I look up at Qurill, who’s watching me carefully, amusement dancing in his gaze.
My lips suddenly feel dry, and I snake my tongue out to lick them. Heat kindles in Qurill’s gaze as he takes a step closer to me. Our bodies are nearly flush. My pulse pounds in response to his nearness.
“I thought we could explore some of my favorite coves. Swim with the fish and discover hidden places no human has ever seen before.”
Qurill’s voice is soft and rough all at once. Slowly, his hand lifts to my cheek, tracing along the smooth curve. My breath catches as his hand slowly lowers. Goosebumps erupt on my flesh as his fingers tease the top of the silk sheet still gripped in my hand.
He leans in. His lips find my ear, and my eyes flutter close.
“You might want to leave this behind,” he whispers. “It’ll tangle in the corral.”
