Page 28 of Court of Aether and Shadows

But I couldn't.

Not yet.

She wasn't ready. Wasn't fully awakened to her true nature.

To rush things now would be to risk everything I had worked over centuries for. The prophecy was clear –only when shecame into her power— of her own free will could our union truly reshape the realms.

Nothing would be forced. No wars and tragic loss.

I wouldn’t lose her in my arms a second time…

Still, the ache of unfulfilled desire throbbed within me, a constant reminder of what awaited.

No matter how many times I had brought myself to completion in the shower, stroking my length with desperate fervor, it hadn't been enough. Nothing would be enough until I could bury myself in her warmth, and mark her as mine for all eternity.

My wandering feet led me to a balcony overlooking my domain.

I stepped out into the perpetual twilight, breathing deeply of the magic-laden air that was brisk and relaxing. Below, my city sprawled out in concentric circles, each ring separated by canals of softly glowing water.

The architecture was a blend of organic and geometric forms, buildings that looked as if they had been grown rather than built. Streets of mother-of-pearl wound between structures of crystal, living wood, and stone that pulsed with an inner light.

Everywhere, there was movement.

My subjects –beings of all shapes and sizes– went about their business. Winged creatures soared between towers, aquatic forms glided through canals, and things that defied easy categorization slipped through shadows deeper than they should be.

It was a realm of wonder and danger, of beauty and nightmare.

And it was mine to rule, mine to shape as I saw fit.

But for all its marvels, it felt incomplete without her by my side.

My sweet Starlight. My lighthouse that always sought me out of my darkest nightmares.

"My Lord?" A deep voice cut through my reverie, pulling me back to the present moment.

I turned, feeling a flash of annoyance at the interruption.

Kaelon,my Second in Command,stood in the doorway, head bowed in deference. His midnight blue skin seemed to absorb the twilight, making him appear almost two-dimensional against the backdrop of the palace interior.

My anger subsides just a pinch. Despite the interruption, Kaelon was my right-hand man who never led me astray. If he was present, it meant something that required my utmost attention.

"Speak," I commanded, letting a hint of power seep into my voice.

I may be merciful due to the soft spot I carry for my friend, but in times of authority, you still have to emphasize the reins of power you carry in your grasp at all times.

Kaelon raised his head, revealing eyes that swirled with galaxies.

Like all members of my court, he was a creature of shadow and starlight, beautiful and terrible. But next to me, he seemed almost diminished, a candle flame beside a raging inferno.

"The Shadow Knights await your presence in the throne room, my Lord," he reported, his tone carefully neutral. He understands the power one’s tone carries in our world. He respects his position, just like he acknowledges and submits to mine. "They bring news of the humans who dared to harm your chosen queen."

Ah. The peasants who dared to hurt my little Songbird.

I felt my eyes flash with golden fire, the intricate markings on my skin pulsing with barely contained rage. The shadows around me deepened, responding to my emotions.

The mere idea of the upcoming scallops of torture these weak beings would endure kindled a sense of anticipated glee within my depths.

"Excellent," I purred, knowing the sound was more menacing than comforting. "It's time they learned the price of touching what is mine."

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