Page 118 of A Requiem of Fire and Ice

I sit on the bed and wipe the tears that traitorously fall. He crept into my heart without me knowing, burning it with fire, a different bite than Desmond’s. Despite my desire to block them out, this month’s cat-and-mouse hunt and time spent together have been my best experience yet.

He makes me feel alive again after years devoid of it all. For him and Desmond, I will fight until my last breath.

Chapter 47

Reen Kyong, July 26th

I wait at the ship’s exit, my finger tapping against my arm. It’s cold tonight compared to the other nights, as if the brisk wind wants to freeze my bones, shuddering them to the core. It sends an unsettling edge of irritation through me. I know the cause. My life isn’t the only one in jeopardy for the first time. I’m taking another, causing me to be consciously aware of my surroundings for her.

“Prince Reen,” she says, and it bothers me. When it comes out of her mouth, I hate the damn fucking title.

Pandora takes the steps down to meet me. Her blood-red dress flows, and I know that when I touch it, the fabric will slide across my fingertips, smooth like water.

Her hair moves down her right shoulder, pushed away from her face and elegantly spins into curls. Alad, from behind, beams a smile, proud of himself and the work he’s done for her.

But it’s not what she’s wearing that catches my attention. My focus settles on her face and the look in her eyes. They flutter, and a hint of blush creeps across her cheeks, pinching a rose red when her soft brown eyes lock onto me. All her traits resemble those of a succubus. Lethal. Deadly. Sexy. And the thing is, she knows it.

“You better be careful,” she says as she takes my hand. “Your dick is so huge that if you get hard, everyone will see it.”

And then she fucking speaks, losing all innocence and making it known that she’s vulgar to the bone.

Alad has a car for us when we leave the Tumul Hall Entrance—a slim, black Mercedes. There is no flashy powerhouse of a car I miss from Senri Toshiharu. Simple, elegant, and something that doesn’t stand out to the naked eye.

I open the door and follow Pandora as she shuffles into the car. It’s then that I notice her dress has a cut, revealing her knees and slender legs, which shine. In this confined space, she smells of coconut butter.

Her hands move over the dress, tugging it to conceal her skin. Noticing what she’s doing, I place my hand on hers to keep it steady while I stare out the window. Her jittery movements ease, and the sharp, erratic breaths slow with every passing minute.

“Are they aware of our arrival?” I ask Alad.

“Yes, Prince Reen. They assume you’re here for business, so they’ll watch you all night.”

“How many more couples?”

“Twenty-three. All of them awakened.”

As I turn away from the window, I see Pandora looking at our hands before I quickly avert my gaze. “So, she’s the only unawakened one?”

“Yes.”

I grimace. “You would think it would be better for them to contain someone without abilities.”

“Unless they’re using drugs.” Alad looks in the mirror, directing his attention to her. “Pandora, ensure you do not drink or eat anything there. If you’re hungry, I can get you whatever you want after the mission.”

She smiles. “I’ve done this kind of thing before, Alad. You don’t have to tell me twice. Unlike the missions my dad assigned me, this one seems the easiest. I’m nothing but a fawning, ignorant woman who wants Prince Reen’s dick.”

“It’s not too far from the truth,” I say, earning me a dagger of a look that could slit my throat.

Alad arrives at an estate behind golden gates. He tells the water elemny man at the gate who we are, and after a quick look inside the car, the gate opens, and he drives inside.

It’s a nice place. Something I could glance at once, admire, and move on. They likely conduct business here with no sentimental attachment. Alad and Astin might have difficulty finding information about whether this is a hired two-storey house.

Guards stand at the entrance to the open doors. Yellow light seeps out from inside, and murmured voices accompany it. Alad drives off, and Pandora and I move up the curved, black brick stairs. Both guards eye us, showing that they are watching me the most.

When we enter the house with golden finishes, large crystal chandeliers, and marble tables, the man gestures to the first door ahead. Elemny of all races, colours, and abilities mingle in a grand hall dipped in black and white.

Three men and a woman stroke the strings of musical instruments atop the lifted stand overlooking the hall. Music and murmured conversations fill the room, and the smell of warm food fills the air. A table with quiches, soft bread rolls, canapes, shrimp cocktails, champagne, and wine is set aside for all to enjoy freely.

“Two exits, so far, and I think a broom closet,” Pandora whispers, nudging her head towards the door without a sign.