Page 70 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

As we prepare for the grand dinner ahead, I can’t shake off the feeling of unease that the raven had stirred within me. I wonder if it was a mere coincidence or a sign of something more sinister lurking in the shadows.

But as we enter the grand hall filled with nobles and dignitaries, all thoughts of the raven are pushed to the back of my mind. I want to enjoy the few good moments left before this war. The room was a spectacle of opulence, with chandeliers casting a warm glow over the guests and tables swathe with lavish decorations. I feel a sense of pride as I stand by Eryx’s side, my hand resting in the crook of his arm as we greet our esteemed guests.

My dress was a stunning masterpiece, its deep blue shade perfectly matching the hue of my hair. Within the soft tulle fabric, flickers of golden sparkles caught and shimmered in the light. A regal crown, adorned with purple jewels, graces my golden locks as a symbol of royalty. The materialwas so delicate and intricate, it feels as if I was wearing a piece of art. As I twirl and move, the dress sways and flows around me like an enchanted spell. Each step I take feels like I am walking on clouds, as if transported to another world where beauty and elegance were magnified tenfold. It is definitely a Queen’s gown and I wore it with pride.

The evening progresses with music and laughter filling the air, but I still can’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. I glance around, catching sight of a hooded figure watching us from a dark corner of the room, their eyes hidden in the shadows. A chill runs down my spine as I try to catch a glimpse of their face, but they remain elusive.

As the music swells and the guests chatter around us, Eryx notices the tension in my posture and follows my gaze to the dark corner but no one is there now. His fingers tighten around mine, a silent gesture of reassurance as he scans the room for any signs of trouble. But the figure had disappeared now into thin air, leaving behind a trail of unease that lingers in the grand hall. For all I know, it was apart of my imagination.

After exchanging a few polite words with a nearby noble, Eryx leans in close to whisper in my ear. “Did you see something, my dear?” His voice is laced with concern, his eyes searching mine for answers.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure if I should voice my suspicions amidst the festivities. But the memory of the raven’s keen stare and the mystery savior from Aradon spurs me to speak. “There was someone watching us from the shadows,” I confess quietly, glancing around discreetly to ensure no prying ears overhear our conversation.

Eryx takes another glance around the room, speaking with a guard close by before looking at me. “It was probably a staff member. But I’ll have Hadeon check it out for us. Okay?” I nod, content with his answer, shaking it off to enjoy his company.

His hand around my waist rubs against the dress and I think of how handsome he looks in fighting leathers.

I squeeze my hand against him, trying to gain his attention but he continues the conversation with another noble.

The rubbing on my waist sends shivers down my spine and a buzz ofenergy to my core.

“Eryx,” I mumble and he catches my gaze. “My king. I am… exhausted.” I try to tell him with my eyes, wanting him to understand my meaning.

Recognition flickers within his own eyes and suddenly, he’s bidding goodnight to anyone who needs to know before he whisks me to our room. I giggle, giddy with excitement for what awaits me as he leads me through the halls.

Chapter 38: Impatience

Verena

With a burst of anticipation, he flings the door open with unrelenting impatience, his hands grasping at any surface they can find as he pulls me into the room. Our lips collide in a fiery kiss, his hand firmly holding my head against his as we melt into each other. My own hands feverishly work to undo his shirt, peeling it off him with eager haste before moving on to the buttons of his trousers.

My lips fall open in surprise as he gently brushes his tongue against mine. Our mouths move in a dance, each one trying to gain control over the other. My arousal intensifies and I feel the heat between my legs growing more intense. With a swift movement, he tears the dress from my body, exposing me completely to his hungry gaze. I respond by quickly unfastening his pants and watching them fall to the floor with a soft thud, revealing his own desire for me. The anticipation and heat between us is electric, like two forces colliding in a passionate clash.

My breath catches as I immediately fall to my knees in front of him. My hand wraps around his length, tracing the veins and contours with my fingers. As I run my tongue along the underside, I can feel his pulse quicken beneath me. Slowly, sensually, I flatten my tongue against the tip before taking him into my mouth and pushing all the way to the back of my throat. The taste of him is like an intoxicating elixir, driving me wild with desire.His fingers weave through my blonde hair, tugging tightly from my skull as exhilaration runs through him. A delicious moan falls from his lips and I smirk.

He guides me back and forth and I allow him to take control of my mouth, pounding in and out of me in quick succession as he hits the back of my throat with a light force.

I hold back the gag that hits, feeling my tonsils tighten around him and another groan leaves him.

He uses me, his rough movements causing tears to slip from my eyes as wetness seeps from deep within me. I can feel it trickling down my thigh, a physical manifestation of the desire he ignites in me. Desperate for some kind of release, I press my thighs together in a futile attempt to ease the tension coursing through my body. But nothing can satisfy me except him. As he reaches his peak, his ragged breaths matching the frantic pace of our bodies, I eagerly take him into my mouth further, pushing my boundaries, and swallow every last drop with insatiable greed. The taste of him only fuels my need for more, and I am left trembling and wanting as he comes down from his high.

He pulls me from him, out of breath but I can see the need in his eyes and know we are not finished.

He picks me up with ease before falling back onto the bed as I land in a straddle over him before he pushes my body up toward his face.

“Grab the headboard, Verena.” I know his tone means business and I can’t help but let out a whimper at it. “I want you to ride my face.”

“What if I suffocate you?” I ask, my breath raspy from the rawness of him taking me.

“Then I will gladly welcome the Gods in the afterworld. Now get up here.” His eyes convince me, full of dark greed and I position myself, hovering over him.

His strong arms wrap around my thighs, pulling me downward toward him. I am ensnared in his embrace, unable to resist the pull of his passionate desire. Suddenly, his warm mouth is upon me, sending shivers down my spine. I gasp in pleasure, my body instinctively grinding down against himin search of more. The intense need to climax overwhelms me, building with every movement he makes. As my hands find purchase on the smooth wooden headboard, I steady myself and surrender to his touch. His skillful movements guide me back and forth, while his tongue teases and explores my center. Waves of pleasure wash over me as his nose nuzzles against my sensitive clit and his tongue plunges deeper inside me. I can’t help but moan in pure ecstasy as he expertly brings me closer and closer to the edge of bliss.

I never can have imagined that anything could feel better than his touch, but as his hands wrap firmly around my legs, a sudden coolness envelops us, swirling around my vulnerable and exposed body. It creeps up my skin, causing goosebumps to rise and linger on my already taut nipples. The sensation is almost too much to bear and I can’t help but let out a gasp as I drop my head back in ecstasy, my fingers releasing their grip on the headboard. The air is alive with anticipation, electricity crackling between us like an invisible force pulling us closer together.

The sharp sting of his hand on my skin sends me jolting forward, my hips grinding against him with newfound urgency. A low growl rumbles from his chest as I respond eagerly to his touch, my body trembling with anticipation. He increases the pressure and I am consumed by a wave of pleasure, my entire being engulfed in ecstasy as I reach climax. My juices flow freely from within me, coating his face and slicking our bodies together as I shake with the aftershock.

Again, he moves my pliable body. I’m thankful for it considering I feel like gelatin. “You are a goddess, Verena.” His voice is a seductive mixture of honey and smoke, sending shivers down my spine as he speaks. His lips move languidly up my body, tracing a path from my lower stomach to my navel with feathery kisses. When he reaches my tender breasts, he lavishes them with his mouth, teasing and tantalizing until they are wet with desire. Finally, his lips continue their journey up to my neck, planting soft and leisurely kisses as he positions himself over me. My body writhes with anticipation, craving more of his touch.

---