Page 71 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

As if we have all the time in the world, his plush lips meet mine in a slow,unhurried movement. Each kiss is filled with passion and longing, drawing us closer together with each breathless moment. I feel him harden back up, pressing into my sensitive nub, forcing shivers to run through my body once more.

Impatiently , I reach between us to take him in my hand before lining him up to my entrance, our eyes meeting in the intimate moment as he pushes against me, meeting initial resistance before his tip slips fully into me. A soft gasp leaves my throat. “You’re so perfect,” He professes. Another gasp falls from my lips as he continues, “I want you to take me all the way, Verena. Relax your body.” I try as he commands, relaxing. But as soon as he moves again, my body tenses up, wrapping around him tightly. He groans, “If you keep doing that, I’m not going to last long.” Another gasp as he continues moving in and out, sliding his cock all the way out as his tip rubs the entrance of me before pushing back in to the hilt.

Once my body adjusts, he moves quicker as if he can’t get enough.

I wrap my legs around him, pulling him closer, matching his rhythm, our bodies moving in perfect synchronization. The sensation is intense, overwhelming, a full-body experience that leaves me breathless and weak in the knees. His thrusts become more fervent, his pace unrelenting. Sweat glistens on our bodies, mingling with the salty taste of our passion.

He leans down, crushing his lips to mine in a fervent kiss, his hands exploring my body as he thrusts, deep and hard against me. My own desires build, growing more and more urgent, the need for release becoming almost unbearable.

“Fuck me harder,” I gasp, my voice barely audible over the sound of our heavy breathing and the slap of our bodies meeting.

His eyes blaze with heat, and he obliges, increasing his pace, his hips pounding against me with intense ferocity. I cry out in pleasure, my fingernails digging into his back as a white-hot sensation takes over, coursing through me. My body convulses, shaking violently, and I feel my climax rising up from within me, threatening to overwhelm me.

With a roar, he thrusts deeper into me, his hips moving with wild abandon. The pleasure is too much to bear, and my body shivers and twists as anindescribable release washes over me. I feel my muscles clench, gripping him tightly, and I scream his name, the sound drowned out by the pounding of my heart and the ragged breaths that escape my lips.

My body goes limp, my muscles resigning to the pleasure that has overflowed them. He pulls out, and I can feel his warmth slipping away from me. He collapses beside me, spent, and huffing out ragged breathes.

“You are amazing,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. I can feel his satisfaction in every single breath he takes. A slow, grateful smile spreads across my face as I lay my head on his chest, feeling the rhythm of his beating heart next to mine.

This…this is what love feels like. This is what it is to be truly desired, and I am grateful for every moment, every touch, every caress.

As we lie spent on the bed, our bodies glistening with sweat, our breaths slowing down to a more manageable pace, I can’t help but wonder how we got to this point. How did we find each other in this vast, indifferent world? Was it fate or chance that brought us together?

It doesn’t even matter. Nothing can change my feelings for him. But now, the only thing that scares me is losing him.

Chapter 39: Prepare Our Defenses

Eryx

Istare out from the balcony of the throne room; the sun setting behind the distant mountains casting a golden hue over the sprawling kingdom of Khyrel. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming florals and the distant hum of the bustling city close by, a stark contrast to the looming threat that now hung over us. Verena was close by, going over details of our home with Mama Zen.

As I watch the last rays of sunlight fade away, a hushed voice breaks through my reverie. I turn to see Hadeon walking with a loyal scout, Garret, a look of urgency in their eyes. Without a word, I motion them over to the throne where Verena is standing, also watching the duo. Garret rushes forward with Hadeon hot on his heels.

“Your majesties,” He greets my wife and I, bowing kindly in front of us. “I come bearing terrible news. The Zoryan army, led by King Dryston Whitewell, advances toward our dear castle. I fear war looks upon the horizon.”

My heart sinks as I listen to him speak. The time for peace talks had long passed. I glance at Verena, who stands with steely determination.

She meets my gaze with a nod, her indigo eyes flashing with a fierce resolve. I know then that she is prepared to defend our kingdom at any cost.

I turn back to the scout, “Thank you, Garret. How much time do we have?” I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil in my heart.

“I estimate him being just past the border in a day.” He informs me.

I nod, “Prepare our defenses. Send word to our soldiers. We will not go down without a fight. Hadeon, find Esmeray and meet us in the war room.”

As the castle springs into action, the once tranquil atmosphere is now charging with adrenaline and tension.

Verena and I barricade ourselves in the war room once Hadeon and Esmeray arrive too, walls lined with maps, charts and battle plans. We pour over every detail, strategizing our next move with a sense of urgency and desperation. The weight of lives hang heavy on our shoulders as we consider our options, calculating the risks and sacrifices that must be made. Each decision is met with tense silence and furrowed brows, our minds consumed by the gravity of the situation at hand.

In the midst of our planning, a soft knock interrupts us. Mama Zen enters, her wise face etched with concern. She approaches us slowly, as she pushes a cart of refreshments and light snacks before leaving it here and making her way back to the kitchen after Verena voices her thanks.

We huddle together in the darkness, our faces illuminated by the flickering oil lamps as we pour over every possible outcome. Esmeray’s knowledge of the terrain proves invaluable as she traces potential paths for attack and retreat with her sharp eyes. Hadeon, his body tense with memories from his time serving alongside the Zoryan army, offers valuable insights into their tactics, honed over years of bloody battles. We strategize until the early hours of the morning, with each passing moment bringing us closer to a final plan that will determine our fate on the battlefield.

As the first light of dawn creeps over the horizon, casting a pale glow over the war room, we finalize our strategy. Verena’s leadership shines as she assigns roles and responsibilities to each member of our small council.

Hadeon, his expression grim and determined, clasps my shoulder in silent solidarity before heading out to rally our troops. Esmeray nods in silent agreement with our plan, her eyes ablaze with a fierce loyalty to our kingdom.

I take a moment to gaze out the window, watching as the kingdom stirs awake under the morning sky. The air is crisp with the promise of battle, and I draw in a deep breath, steeling myself for what is to come.

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