Page 25 of Of Wind and Terror

An audible ripping sound echoes through the tiny hut, and then Blaze throws my wet panties to the side. Embarrassment floods me.

I feel so incredibly vulnerable right then and there. I can’t help but think of every male in the past who took from me without my consent.

But yet Blaze isn’t taking from me.

He’s giving me something.

I gasp as the Fall Prince buries his face in my pussy.

I press my palms flat against the wall as I jerk my hips up, trying to capture all of the pleasure he’s willing to give.

Yet Blaze doesn’t speed up, doesn’t give in to my silent pleas. He continues to lick my center slowly and sensually—teasing me.

Heat kindles in my lower belly when Blaze grazes his teeth along my clit.

I'm so close.

So close.

And then Blaze thrusts a finger deep inside my channel, and I explode. I drown in a maelstrom of sensation so intense I’d be surprised if I didn’t black out for a tick.

When I come to, I see Blaze holding me through the length of my orgasm. Caring for me. Loving me. He strokes my long, sweaty hair out of my face and whispers my name softly. I want to respond, but my body’s too heavy. I can’t lift my hands to sign.

Blaze bundles me against his chest and then carries me to the bed. My eyelids feel like lead weights, and they droop as I settle my head on his chest, directly over his rapidly beating heart.

And that’s how I fall asleep.

In the arms of the villainous prince.

9

KASSANDRA

Iknow almost immediately that I’m dreaming. The grass is too soft, the sky is too blue, and the air smells too fresh.

I wear a snow-white dress that I’ve never seen before in my life. It cups my breasts and hips before flaring out in an explosion of tulle and ruffles.

Another indicator that this is nothing more than a dream is my lack of gloves. For the first time in forever, my hands are bare, able to touch the grass beneath me.

I take a moment to study my surroundings.

I appear to be sitting in the middle of a clearing surrounded on all sides by colorful wildflowers. Wind combs through the fields and stirs my loose blonde hair. In the distance, I can see snow-capped mountains glimmering in the rising sun.

It seems to be a mismatched creation of all four seasons. The sweltering heat of summer. The unfurling flowers of spring. The snow of winter. The orange and red leaves of fall.

I lower my hand and allow blades of grass to run through my fingers. The potent scent of freshly bloomed flowers permeates the air.

And for a moment, I feel complete and utter bliss. All of my worries fade away, dissipating like vapor in the air. I can’t remember why I was upset in the first place.

And also why I was so incredibly happy and warm.

Where am I in the real world?

I suppose that question doesn’t matter. Nothing matters but this pocket of paradise isolated from anyone who may seek me harm.

“My child…” A soft, lyrical voice carries on the wind, and tiny bumps erupt on both of my arms. “You have suffered so much, and I’m afraid you’re fated to suffer more.”

The voice envelops me like a warm hug. I never knew my mother, but I can’t help but think that it’d be like this. I feel safe and secure and loved.

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