Page 101 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Her scent grew stronger, more intoxicating with each passing moment.

It reminded me of twilight itself — that perfect moment between day and night when all things are possible. But there was something else there too, something uniquely Sparrow that made my ancient power surge with recognition and need.

"You smell of starlight and shadow," I told her, nuzzling against her neck where the scent was strongest. "Of power and possibility. Of things even older than my reign in this realm." It took everything to try to think and speak with my mind and not with how desperately I yearned for her.

I wanted to relish in this moment, or maybe, I was trying to prolong it just a little longer — knowing if I got a taste of her, I’d become addicted all over again.

My lips brushed her pulse point, feeling the rapid beat of her heart.

"But beneath it all, you smell of yourself. Survival and untamed spirit."

My shadows wrapped around us both now, creating a cocoon of intimate darkness shot through with points of light from her awakening magic. Where our powers met, reality shimmered and distorted, creating auroras of energy that danced through the air.

Her hands came up to trace the silver and gold markings on my chest, sending jolts of pleasure through my entire being.

"I've dreamed of this," she whispered, her voice carrying harmonics that made my power surge in response. I can see that layer of blush that began to swarm upon her luscious cheeks.

Even in the depthsof her dreams, I always enjoyed the sight of her flushed cheeks, especially when she was moaning and screaming my name.

The anticipation makes me restless with excitement and agonizing desire.

"Sometimes…I’d see things. Scenarios play in my mind when I think of whether I’d meet you when I slipped into slumber. I never admitted it to anyone. That I yearned to see a different scenario unravel in my head like some sort of replay.”

I feel this is such a rare confession, and having her share this with me and not even that wolf made my ears perk with immense interest.

“Now that this is all happening, I realize that was memories with you…which leaves me to wonder…if the ones I’d imagine between…us…could become a reality as well. Or maybe a peek of the future.” Her cheeks get redder, but she doesn’t back down from admitting what she’d been craving back then. “When you began to visit my dreams, I wondered whether it was wrong for me to begin craving you. To be excited to sleep and fall into the arms of slumber, knowing for a few hours, I can run away from the stressful world of violence and uncertainty and enjoy the bliss you always delivered. The…safety…I felt when I was in your arms.”

I can’t help but let my hands trail along her body, pulling her even closer as if she wasn’t practically pressed against me. I still wanted to peer into her face. To seek every emotion in the depths of her eyes.

“So now…that you’re here. That you’re real…and I can feel your warmth. Your touch. I realize…maybe I was starting to wish you could be mine? That I could enjoy what this other me did?” She doesn’t sound as sure, but I grasp what she’s trying to portray.Understand why she needs to speak these confessionsout loud.“I guess…I’m trying to conclude that I want this. That I have my own wants when it comes to you."

The admission made something fierce and possessive rise within me.

This wasn't just about ancient bonds or prophecies fulfilled. This was about her — this remarkable woman who had fought her way through one world only to revolutionize another.

My hands slid up her body, until they framed her face, thumbs tracing the delicate bones of her cheeks as I drank in every detail.

The shadowsilk had all but dissolved now, transformed into pure energy that danced around her form like a second skin of starlight and darkness intertwined.

Her eyes held flecks of gold now, echoing the dancing burn of molten-gold of my own, but maintained that fierce independence that made her uniquely Sparrow.

"Do you know what you do to me?"I growled softly, feeling my control slipping as her power pulsed against mine. I hoped the power vibrating in my speech didn’t frighten her, but I couldn’t control the raw truth oozing out of my words."How the very shadows of my realm reach for you? How every fiber of my being aches to claim you, to worship you, to show you exactly what you mean to me?"

Her breath hitched at my words, her own power flaring in response.

The air between us grew thick with possibility, with centuries of longing and new desires perfectly merged. Where our skin touched, patterns of light and shadow played across the surface, creating designs that spoke of ancient magics and new beginnings.

"Then show me," she challenged, tilting her chin up in that defiant way that made my heart clench with admiration and desire.

How I’d watched in the distance, desperate to fight her battles for her when men of insignificant value fought to bring her down. She’d tilt her head at their loud mockery, eyes blazing with every intention of ruining any doubt they portrayed when it came to her potential.

To her worth in a world that wished to see her fail countless times.

"Show me what it means to be loved by the Lord of Shadows and Twilight."

The last threads of my restraint snapped at her words.

I pulled her against me, claiming her lips in a kiss that felt like the collision of galaxies.

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