Page 53 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

When he’s satisfied with me, his hands grip my fabric, bunching it up over my legs, my thighs, and resting it around my waist as well before allowing himself to lower onto his knees, staring at the apex of my body. “You’re so beautiful,” He whispers as he bites my inner thigh, so close to where I need him. “I’m going to devour you, my Seren Fach, and when you come all over my face, I’m going to fuck you right here and fill you with all of me until you’re begging me to stop.” His words almost make me finish on the spot and I whimper at the promise as his mouth meets me.

My hand, still in his hair, tries pulling him closer and away at the same time— the sensation still foreign to me.

“Eryx,”

His name is a breathless whisper on my lips as his tongue explores every inch of my body, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I soar with pleasure as his strong arms slip under my backside, lifting me off the table and pulling me closer to him. His tongue dives deeper into my body, claiming me as if he can’t get enough. I moan in surprise and surrender to his desires as he devours me, his hunger insatiable.

With expert precision, he moves his mouth to my clit, teasing and tantalizing with each flick of his tongue. As he workstwo fingers inside me, replacing the previous place of his mouth, I cry out in pleasure and whimper for more. “Oh, gods,” I gasp, feeling his groans against me like vibrations that send me to another dimension.

“You taste so delectable, Seren Fach,” he murmurs against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His fingers continue their rhythmic movements, curving against the delicate spot inside me and bringing me closer to the edge of ecstasy.

And then it happens. I come undone in his embrace, my body jerking with pleasure as my mind goes blank and stars explode behind my closed eyelids. Euphoria washes over me, drowning out all other sensations except for the overwhelming feeling of being completely consumed by him.

Before I can enjoy it too much, or return the favor, a beating comes from the door. “Your Grace!” More pounding from the door sounds and I jump from the table, looking in haste to Eryx with wide eyes.

“Is that normal?” I ask and his face grows dark.

“No, its not.” He helps me adjust my clothing before we rush to the door and Eryx opens it. “What is it?” He asks, his tone commanding.

“There’s been an attack on one of our border towns.”

Chapter 27: As Fate Intended

Verena

“Go, lead your men. I’ll remain within castle grounds. Maybe go to the garden. You deal with this.” Despite my insistence, he looks at me with sorrow in his eyes. I smile softly and nod him off, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips before releasing my grip on him. He and his guard make their way out of the room and I turn to cross the hall, descending the grand staircase and exiting through the ornate double doors that lead to outside.

As soon as I step outside, I am struck by the beauty of the night garden. It is different from Zorya’s, but equally breathtaking. The flowers here bloom at night and remain open all day, filling the air with their sweet, intoxicating scent.

I make my way to a bench at the edge of the flower beds, accompanied by Ruelle. She greets me with a smile, but there is a hint of sadness in her eyes that doesn’t quite reach her lips.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask her as we sit down together.

Ruelle sighs and begins playing with her fingers in her lap, avoiding my gaze. “I don’t know how to explain it. It just feels…off,” she finally says.

My curiosity piques, I give her my full attention. “Off how? Is there something specific bothering you?”

She shakes her head, her expression troublesome. “It’s hard to pinpoint.There are emotions I’ve been feeling lately…anger, resentment…almost like betrayal.”

I look around us, suddenly feeling on edge. “Do you sense anything or anyone causing these feelings?”

Ruelle hesitates before nodding slowly. “Yes, I think so. But I can’t be sure.”

A chill runs down my spine as I try to figure out who or what could be causing this unrest among us. This was definitely not good news. Once again, the feeling of being watched surrounds me, sending chills to run down my spine.

“Should we try to find them?”

There’s hesitancy in her before she shakes her head, “It’s really dark, Verena. It feels dangerous.” She whispers. I stand now and reach my hand toward her.

“We definitely shouldn’t be out here, then. Let’s go inside and we’ll tell Eryx.”

She stands by my side, her hand tightly gripping mine as we approach the entrance. Suddenly, Hadeon steps through, his presence causing a chill to run down my spine.

“What’s wrong, ladies? You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he says in a strange tone.

Ruelle lets out a small gasp and clutches her stomach, her expression contorted in pain. I turn to her with concern, but before I can ask what’s wrong, Hadeon’s body begins to shift and change until a familiar female stands before us.

Ruelle suddenly goes rigid and her eyes widen in shock as the female injects her with an unknown substance. Before I can react, the female turns toward me with a sinister smile. “Did you miss me?” she taunts, catching me off guard. But before I can respond, someone from behind injects me with something and everything goes black. The last thing I see is the glint of malicious glee in the woman’s eyes before succumbing to unconsciousness.

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