Page 43 of Heatbound Hearts

The streets are alive with activity, vendors hawking strange fruits and glowing trinkets. The air is filled with the buzz of a hundred different languages, some of which sound more like music than speech.

As we round a corner, I gasp. Before us stands the most beautiful garden I've ever seen. Plants of every color imaginable sway in a non-existent breeze, their leaves shimmering with an inner light.

"The Harmonic Gardens," Zyx says softly. "They say the gardens reflect the current balance of power among the gods."

I step forward, mesmerized by the swirling colors and ethereal beauty. Zyx's hand in mine anchors me, a reminder that this isn't a dream. This is my new reality, and as I turn to meet his silver gaze, I know I wouldn't have it any other way.

Next, he leads me to the heart of a bustling marketplace, my senses assaulted by a cacophony of unfamiliar stimuli. The air is thick with exotic aromas - spices I can't name, strange fruits, and something that smells like ozone and magic.

My eyes dart from stall to stall, trying to take in the riot of colors and shapes. Glowing crystals pulse with inner light, while what looks like living metal twists and writhes in intricate patterns. Vendors call out, their voices blending into an overwhelming hum that makes my head spin.

I feel my breath quickening, my heart racing. It's too much, too fast. Suddenly, I feel overwhelmed, closed in, and panic sets in. I need an easy escape. I need room to breathe. The world starts to tilt, and I stumble slightly.

Suddenly, Zyx's strong arm is around my waist, steadying me. Without a word, he guides me through the crowd, his body a shield between me and the sensory onslaught. We duck into a quiet alcove, partially hidden by a curtain of shimmering, ethereal fabric.

"I've got you," Zyx murmurs, his deep voice cutting through the chaos in my mind. He pulls me close, enveloping me in his arms and the protective cocoon of his wings. The familiar scent of him helps to ground me along with his touch.

Maybe I don't need air. I just need him.

I press my face against his chest, focusing on the steady beat of his heart. His hand rubs soothing circles on my back as he continues to whisper reassurances.

"Breathe with me, Bronwyn," he says softly. "That's it. Nice and slow."

I match my breathing to his, feeling the tension slowly start to ebb from my body. Zyx's presence is like an anchor, keeping me tethered as the world around us fades into the background.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice muffled against his shirt. "It was just..."

"Overwhelming," he finishes for me, understanding in his tone. "I know. It's a lot to take in, even for those of us who grew up here."

Once I finally calm down, I look up at him. "I'm okay."

He nods, his hands still running along my body. "What do you want to do now?" His eyes track over my face. "Do you want to go down to the coast? Back to the inn? We don't have to go back to where it's so busy."

I shake my head. I spent so much of my life running and hiding that I don't want to do that now.

"I want to go back to the festival."

Zyx's eyes widen. "Are you sure?"

I lean into him, letting his scent and warmth ground me. "I'm sure."

All I need is him.

Still seemingly skeptical, he leads me back into the market. I lean into Zyx's side as we wander through the bustling streets of Caelus. The air is electric with anticipation for the upcoming Nati celebration, and I can't help but feel caught up in the excitement.

Zyx's arm around my waist is a constant, comforting presence as we navigate the crowd. He helps keep my panic at bay, and any time it feels too overwhelming, then I lean into him. It's all it takes.

We stop at a fruit vendor's stall, marveling at the array of exotic produce. My hand brushes against Zyx's as we both reach for a strange, spiral-shaped fruit with iridescent skin.

"What's this one called?" I ask, tracing the fruit's curves with my fingertip.

Zyx's hand covers mine, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "That's a celestial spiral," he explains, his breath warm against my ear. "It's said to taste like starlight."

The second it touches my mouth, I moan, and Zyx's eyes dart to my mouth. They darken, and I know he is thinking of our night together.

So I am.

I turn to face him, our bodies close in the crowded market. His silver eyes meet mine, filled with warmth and something deeper that makes my heart race. Without a word, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to my lips.

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