Page 4 of Trial By Fire

Aric’s breath hitched as Malekith’s mouth descended, a scorching brand on his fevered skin. Down the firm swell of Aric’s chest, the hard tiles of his abs, then lower, into the golden hairs that trailed almost from his navel to the root of his cock. Malekith’s lips, so full and soft, closed around the head of his shaft, already stirring to hardness, and Aric’s hips bucked involuntarily, seeking more. Malekith’s hands rested on his hips, holding him still as he swirled his tongue, tasting, teasing. A low groan escaped Aric’s throat, and he threaded his fingers into that silky black hair, guiding Malekith’s mouth down, down, until he was fully sheathed in that wet, velvety heat.

Malekith hummed in response, the vibrations sending shivers of pleasure through Aric’s body. He moved with slow, deliberate languor, sucking and laving with practiced skill. Aric’s head fell back, his eyes fluttering closed as he surrendered to theonslaught of sensations. He was keenly aware of every stroke of Malekith’s tongue, every scrape of teeth, every gentle tug of his hair. It was too much and not enough, a sweet torture that left him breathless and desperate.

He wanted to thrust, to take, but Malekith held him firmly in place by the hips, dictating the pace. Aric’s muscles quivered with the effort of holding back, his entire body thrumming with pent-up desire. He was acutely sensitive, every nerve ending singing, and he felt each touch, each caress, like an electric shock.

Malekith’s hands slid up his thighs, stroking and kneading, his mouth never still. His thumbs brushed the sensitive skin of Aric’s inner thighs, and Aric’s breath hitched, his hips twitching. Malekith’s eyes, dark and hooded, met his, and Aric saw the promise there. A silent plea formed on his lips, and Malekith responded, his mouth working Aric’s cock with renewed fervor.

Aric’s hands tightened in Malekith’s hair, his knuckles white as he struggled for control. He was teetering on the edge, his entire body coiled tight, and then Malekith’s fingers, slick with oil, pressed against him, seeking entry. Aric’s eyes flew open, his breath catching as he felt that first burn of penetration. Malekith’s finger pushed past the resistance of his body, and Aric’s back arched, a strangled cry escaping his throat.

Malekith’s mouth left his cock with a wet pop, and he murmured words of encouragement, his breath hot against Aric’s sensitized skin. His finger thrust slowly, carefully, scissoring and stretching, preparing him. Aric’s body trembled from holding still, his cock leaking against his abdomen. He wanted more, needed more, and his hips bucked restlessly, seeking friction.

Malekith added a second finger, stretching him further, and Aric bit his lip to stifle a moan. It burned, but the pleasure was indescribable, a white-hot brand that seared through him. Hefelt exposed, vulnerable, and yet, he trusted Malekith to take care of him. Malekith’s fingers worked him open, each thrust hitting that spot that made his vision spark and his cock twitch.

“Please,” Aric gasped, his voice hoarse and desperate. “I need?—”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but Malekith understood. He withdrew his fingers and positioned himself at Aric’s entrance, the thick cock Aric had only experienced once before even more impressive for the experience: subtly ridged, broad and long, with precum beading like pearls at the tip. Aric’s eyes met his, searching, questioning, and Malekith’s expression softened. He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Aric’s lips, before pulling back to look into his eyes.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured. “I won’t let you fall.”

Aric nodded, his throat tight with emotion. He trusted Malekith, even as he feared the depth of his own feelings. With a slow, steady thrust, Malekith entered him, every ridge of his cock a shuddering sensation that rippled across Aric’s hole, and Aric’s breath stuttered. He was big, and Aric had to adjust, his body stretching to accommodate him. Malekith gave him a moment, their foreheads resting together as they breathed in unison.

Then, with a slow, relentless rhythm, Malekith began to move. Each thrust was deliberate, claiming, and Aric’s body responded, opening and welcoming him in. The stretch burned, but it was a good pain, a pleasure so intense it bordered on agony. Aric’s hands clutched at Malekith’s shoulders, his fingers digging into the hard muscle as he met each thrust, rising to meet him.

Malekith’s mouth found his again, their tongues tangling in a desperate, hungry kiss. Aric could taste the salt of himself on Malekith’s lips, and it sent a jolt of desire straight to his core.He wanted more, craved it, and his hips moved in time with Malekith’s, their bodies moving as one.

“My golden mage,” Malekith growled. “My star. Mine alone.”

“Make me yours,” Aric said, hoarsely, and he would beg for it again and again until it was so.

The pace quickened, growing frantic as their need escalated. Malekith’s thrusts became sharper, more insistent, and Aric met him with equal fervor. He was lost in a haze of pleasure, his entire body on fire, every nerve ending singing. Malekith’s name fell from his lips in a litany, a prayer, as he chased the peak that beckoned, just out of reach.

“You are mine,” Malekith said. “Always.”

His claws found Aric’s back, and dug in, though it didn’t feel quite like he was merely raking at Aric’s flesh. It was something magical, dark and elegant beingetchedonto him, infusing him with something that tasted and hummed with Malekith’s power that by now he knew so well.

And then, with a final, deep thrust, Malekith found that spot again, and Aric’s world exploded. His release crashed over him, a tsunami of pleasure that left him gasping, his body shaking uncontrollably. Malekith followed, his own release a hot rush deep within Aric, and he buried his face in Aric’s neck, his breath coming in harsh, ragged gasps until he sank his teeth into the side of Aric’s neck with a ferocity that pierced even Aric’s delirious haze.

They stayed like that, locked together, their hearts pounding in unison. Aric’s body felt boneless, sated, and he wanted nothing more than to stay in Malekith’s arms, to lose himself in this moment of connection. But even as he clung to the demon prince, he knew it was an illusion. Their worlds were still at war, and the future they sought was so very far away.

But for now, in this moment, he could pretend. He could pretend that Malekith’s arms were his sanctuary, that theirbodies could communicate what their words could not. And as he listened to the steady beat of Malekith’s heart, he allowed himself to hope, just for a little while.

Even if he was only fooling himself.

Sometime later, Malekith’s breath ghosted over Aric’s ear, warm and intimate. “I have a plan,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “A way to end this. But I can’t reveal more yet.”

Aric’s heart leapt, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. He turned his head, searching Malekith’s face in the dim light. Malekith’s eyes were dark, unreadable, but there was an intensity there that made Aric’s breath catch.

“What do you mean?” Aric asked, his voice hoarse. “End what, exactly?”

Malekith’s fingers traced idle patterns on Aric’s skin, sending shivers down his spine, and once again Aric felt that intricate magic from Malekith’s claws flare to life along his back. “All of it,” he murmured. “The same thing you want, my star. I need you to trust me.”

Trust. Such a simple word, yet so fraught with meaning. Aric wanted so desperately to believe him. But doubt lingered, a cold knot in the pit of his stomach.

“Why can’t you tell me more?” Frustration edged into Aric’s voice. “If you have a plan, let me help. I’ve already given you everything I have.”

Malekith’s expression softened, a flicker of something like regret passing over his features. “Not everything, little mage. Not yet.” His hand cupped Aric’s cheek, thumb brushing over his lower lip. “There are ears everywhere, even here. The less you know, the safer you are.”

Aric closed his eyes, leaning into Malekith’s touch despite himself. Hope warred with doubt in his chest, leaving him breathless and uncertain. He wanted to believe that Malekith truly meant to end the war, that there was a way out of this tangled web of politics and bloodshed. But he couldn’t shake the nagging fear that this was just another manipulation, another layer of Malekith’s grand design.

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