Page 35 of Heatbound Hearts

"What was that for?" he asks, his voice low and husky.

I shrug, even though he can't see it. "Do I need a reason?"

Zyx turns in my arms, his silver eyes shimmering with warmth and something deeper. His wings curl around us, creating a cocoon of intimacy. My breath catches in my throat at the intensity of his gaze.

I start to doubt myself, though. We slept together once. That doesn't entitle me to anything. But when a smile plays on his lips, I start to relax.

"Never," he murmurs, cupping my face in his hands.

I lean in, capturing his lips with mine. The kiss is soft at first, a gentle exploration. But it quickly deepens, igniting a fire in my veins. Zyx's hands slide down to my waist, pulling me flush against him. I tangle my fingers in his silky white hair, marveling at how right this feels.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily. Zyx rests his forehead against mine, a smile playing on his lips.

"You keep surprising me, Bronwyn," he says, his thumb tracing circles on my hip.

I grin up at him, feeling lighter than I have in years. "Get used to it, big guy."

Zyx chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I look forward to it."

As we reluctantly separate to finish setting up camp, I catch Zyx stealing glances at me, his expression a mix of wonder and joy. Each look sends a thrill through me, reaffirming that I've made the right choice in embracing this new chapter of my life.

19

ZYX

Ilead our group towards the southwestern coast of Terramyst, my senses alert for any potential dangers. The familiar landscape gradually shifts, and I can't help but smile at Bronwyn's wide-eyed wonder.

"Look there," I point out, gesturing to the horizon where the terrain begins to undulate. "The living mountains are waking up."

Bronwyn gasps, her hand tightening on mine. She's really enjoyed seeing these kinds of sights so I've made sure to mark them for her.

We pause, and I wrap my wing around her shoulders as the distant peaks slowly stretch and yawn. The ground beneath our feet trembles slightly, and I steady Bronwyn with a gentle hand on her waist.

"Holy shit," she breathes, her green eyes sparkling with amazement.

I chuckle, loving how her Earth expressions slip out when she's excited. "Wait till you see what's next."

As we continue our journey, the air grows thick with a deep, resonant hum. Bronwyn tilts her head, trying to pinpoint the source.

"It's coming from everywhere," she says, puzzled.

"That's the song of Terramyst," I explain. "Some say it's Oltyx's heartbeat."

"Maybe the source of his magic," Kairos weighs in. "It feels…similar to the magic in the air on Galmoleth."

We round a bend, and I grin as Bronwyn's jaw drops. Before us stretches a vast canyon, its walls glittering with exposed gemstones. But it's the river at the bottom that truly captivates – a flowing stream of liquid sapphires and emeralds.

"Is that... are those real gems?" Bronwyn asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, guiding her closer to the edge for a better view. "Rivers of flowing gemstones. One of Terramyst's most breathtaking features."

Bronwyn leans into me, her eyes never leaving the mesmerizing sight below. "It's incredible, Zyx. I never imagined anything like this could exist."

I press a kiss to her temple, my heart swelling with pride and affection. "There's so much more I want to show you, Bronwyn. This is just the beginning."

I guide our group towards the coastline, my heart racing with anticipation. Bronwyn's excitement is palpable, her hand gripping mine tightly as we crest the final hill.

"Almost there," I murmur, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze.

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