Page 75 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“You know we can’t do that,” she replied.

“I know. But gods, Asteri, watching the life leave your body…” I blew out a long breath.

“I know how you felt,” she replied. “If my mother hadn’t had that antidote…”

“No more poison, then,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

Tears fell down her cheek and she chuckled. “Agree. No more of that, either.”

I wiped her tears with my thumb, then kissed her cheekbones, hoping to send the tears away. She captured my face in her hands, then pulled, her lips meeting mine in a hungry kiss. I picked her up and she threw her legs around my waist, making me tumble forward slightly. She was pressed against the rocks on the edge of the spring, and I leaned into her, devouring her mouth with mine.

Our tongues clashed, and I felt her fingers reaching for my tunic. The sopping wet fabric was stuck to my body, making it more difficult to remove. I pulled away from the kiss, gasping for air and hurrying to strip my clothes. I tossed the sopping wet tunic outside the spring before removing my trousers.

Ara was working the fabric of her clothing and I stepped in, helping remove the clothes and throwing them with mine outside the spring. She was back on me the moment I released her soaking clothing from my hands.

I kissed her back with urgency, unable to shake how I’d almost lost her. I held her tight, unwilling to let her go. “Please, don’t ever choose me over yourself again.” I whispered against her ear. “I can’t lose you.”

“I can’t make that promise,” she said, her brow furrowed as she stared at me. “I would save you every time. You know that, don’t you?”

I did know that, because it was the same way I felt. I answered by claiming her mouth. She returned my passion with her own sense of urgency. The kiss demonstrated all our relief that the other was alive. I couldn’t get enough of her. I needed her.

She wrapped her legs around me again and a shiver ran down my spine as she brushed against my cock. Holding her tightly, I entered her, a groan passing through my lips as I did. She moaned into my mouth, then kissed me even more fervently.

The water splashed around us, cool against my hot skin. I leaned her against the smooth rocks and she layback, her chest rising and falling as she sucked in rapid breaths. Her hands trailed against my chest and I grabbed her hips, thrusting deeper into her. Her eyes closed and she moaned as her hands moved to my arms. She gripped me hard, her fingernails digging into my biceps. The bite of pain sent a rush of pleasure through me as I continued to thrust.

Leaning down, I kissed her again, desperate to maintain closeness to her. She threw her arms around me, holding me down close to her. I continued to thrust, breathing in the scent of her hair mixed with the sulfur of the water. I kissed her neck and collarbone before returning to her lips.

She was tensing under me, her breaths hitching, occasionally halting as little shivers of pleasure overcame her. I could tell she was holding back, resisting climax. I was close but I wanted her to give in. “Let go, Asteri. Don’t hold back.”

She whimpered, then gasped before a series of tiny cries escaped her lips in rhythm with her exhales. Her back arched and she closed her eyes, the sounds growing louder with each thrust. I leaned down and nipped at her nipple, then moved to the other, alternating between gentle kisses and using my teeth.

Her whole body tensed and she screamed, her hips bucking as she finally gave in to her release. It sent me over the edge, and I groaned as I joined her in climax, finishing as she began to tremble, her body responding to the pleasure.

I lifted her from the rocks again, pulling her close to me so I could change positions, putting myself against the rocks. She relaxed into me, her body melting against mine. I kissed her brow, then her cheek. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

She gave me a sleepy smile. “We’re both lucky.”

As she closed her eyes and took steady breaths, I said a silent prayer to the gods. They’d never responded to me, but if honoring them was something I could do to keep her alive, I’d do whatever it took.

“We should get back to the Oasis,” I said after we’d both caught our breath.

“It’s tempting to stay there, isn’t it?” she asked.

“I could do it, even if it meant dealing with Nona, but I don’t think you could,” I replied.

She was quiet for a moment, then looked up at me. I could see the sparkle of life in her eyes again. I wasn’t sure the last time I’d seen that look from her. “You’re right. I guess we better go defeat the king so we can go anywhere we want.”

I helped her out of the spring and we managed to get our sopping clothing back on. The walk out wasn’t nearly as long or tedious. I could walk behind this woman for the rest of my life and never get tired of watching her.

We were two steps out of the entry to the cave when Ara was tackled by Vanth. She laughed as he lifted her and swung her around in a circle. For the first time, I didn’t feel any jealousy. I saw friendship and love that I was gratefulfor. I knew if something ever happened to me, I could count on Vanth to support Ara.

I’m not sure what was in that water, but I was grateful.

Vanth released Ara. “I’m so glad you’re alive.”

“I’m happy to be alive,” Ara said. “What did we miss?”

Vanth glanced over at me, then looked back at Ara. “The fates left. Something about being needed for cutting a lot of threads.”

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