Page 11 of Court of Aether and Shadows

That it’s allowed in this entity’s presence.

He chuckled, the sound dark and rich like the finest chocolate.

"Understanding will come in time, my love. For now, simply feel."

It’s easier said than done, but I urge myself to heed his words.

To try it this one time…

His hand cupped my cheek, tilting my face up to his. His touch was impossibly gentle for a being of such obvious power, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheekbone with a reverence that left me breathless.

I knew I should resist — should push him away and demand answers. But the pull between us was undeniable, a force as inexorable as gravity. It was too hard to not submit to its tempting pull, giving me this bold chance to gain that yearning I always deny myself in the real world.

The touch of a man. A kiss of temptation. The enjoyment of following those instincts of lust rather than worrying about the ifs and whats.

To be free with the emotion buzzing vibrantly between us.

Our lips met in a kiss that was anything but gentle.

It was possession,pure and simple,his mouth claiming mine with a ferocity that left me gasping. I responded with equal fervor, pouring all my confusion and longing into the kiss.

As if this was right…like destiny made no mistake tonight.

My hands tangled in his hair, marveling at its silken texture even as I used it to pull him closer. This pushy dominance wouldn’t get me far in my reality, but here, I feel deep within, this prince of a monster enjoys my bites of dominance.

That I’m not afraid to explore and indulge as a man would do with the woman he wholeheartedly desires.

He tasted of midnight and storm clouds, of forbidden fruit and ancient magic. There was a hint of something metallic, like blood or lightning, that should have repulsed me but instead only fueled my desire.

The pounding need for more.

I was drowning in sensation, lost in a sea of pleasure that threatened to consume me entirely.

And this was just a kiss…

His tongue swept into my mouth, dominating and exploring, and I welcomed the invasion. Every stroke sent jolts of electricity through my body, awakening nerve endings I didn't know I possessed.

I moaned into the kiss, my body arching against his, of its own accord. His warmth seizes hold of me, wrapping me up in a blanket of endless comfort. It’s a sensation I can fall in love with for all eternity if I grasped the privilege to do so.

The Monster Prince growled in response, the sound vibrating through me and settling low in my belly. His hands roamed my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. He cupped my breasts through the thin material of my gown, thumbs brushing over sensitive peaks and drawing a whimper from my throat.

But even as I surrendered to the kiss, a sharp pain lanced through my body. As if I recognize this agony, I suddenly realize what’s happening.

The real world was calling, tugging me back with brutal insistence.

I cried out, breaking away from the kiss, my body tensing in his arms.

"No," I whimpered, clinging to the Monster Prince with desperate strength. Tears stung my eyes, born of frustration and a bone-deep longing I couldn't explain. "I don't want to go back. Please, let me stay here with you. I belong here. Here…where ever here is."

I look pleadingly up to him as if he can steal me away from all those responsibilities. To sweep me from the horrendous world that has never shown mercy my way.

If only he could be my knight in shining armor, but I’ve accepted long ago that wishes are simply that. Fables of hope that the wheel of fate will finally spin in your favor.

So far in my short life, I’ve been disappointed every single time.

His expression softened, a glimpse of tenderness beneath the predatory hunger.

For a moment, the mask of the terrifying monster royal slipped, revealing something achingly vulnerable.

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