Page 44 of Court of Twisted Angels

"I watched you fight today, watched you bleed, and it felt like every wound was carved into my own flesh." I press my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent of steel and magic and life. "The thought of anything happening to you, of me losing you in any way – it's been killing me."

The conduit band on her palm glows brighter, responding to the surge of emotion. Tendrils of magic weave around us, gold and shadow intertwining in the space between our bodies.

"You made me feel whole again," I whisper against her skin. "Not cursed, not fallen, just... alive. For the first time in so long, I want more than duty and redemption. I want you."

Magic swirls faster around us as my control slips, manifesting my feelings in waves of power that make the crystal orbs flare and dim. My wings curl tighter, creating an intimate darkness where nothing exists but us.

"I love your fierce heart," the words spill out like a prayer. "Your stubborn spirit. The way you look at impossible things and decide to conquer them anyway. I love you, Kyrie, and I should have told you every day since I realized it."

Our lips clash, a storm of pent-up desire unleashed. Kyrie's fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer, her mouth hot and insistent. I wrap my arms around her, lifting her off the ground, and carry her to the bed. She gasps as I lay her down, her auburn hair fanning out against the sheets.

I kiss her jaw, her throat, feeling her pulse race under my lips. She sips up for me to pull off her tunic, and my eyes roam her skin. My hands glide down her body, tracing every curve, every scar. I unfasten her pants, and she lifts her hips to help me slip off her pants.

"Azrael," she whispers, her voice a mix of anticipation and vulnerability.

"Trust me, little bird," I murmur against her skin, trailing kisses down her stomach. I hook my fingers into her undergarments, tugging them down, baring her to me.

I kneel between her legs, looking up at her. Her eyes are wide, pupils blown with desire. Holding her gaze, I lower my mouth, tasting her for the first time. A groan rips from my chest.She's sweet and musky, a heady mix that goes straight to my head.

"Fuck, Kyrie," I growl, my voice vibrating against her. "You taste incredible."

She moans, her back arching off the bed. I grip her hips, holding her steady as I explore her with my tongue. I trace her folds, circling her clit, feeling her tremble beneath me. Magic pulses through her, the conduit band glowing soft and golden, casting shadows that dance on the walls.

I feast on her, losing myself in her taste, her scent, her sounds. Her breath hitches, her fingers clenching in my hair. I can feel her climax building, her magic responding to the pleasure, wrapping around us like a living thing.

"Azrael, please," she gasps, her body tensing.

"Let go, little bird," I command, my voice rough with need. "Come for me."

Her orgasm hits her hard. She cries out, her body convulsing, magic bursting from her in waves. I ride out her climax with her, licking and sucking, groaning as she comes all over my face.

She falls back against the bed, panting, her body limp. I press a gentle kiss to her inner thigh before moving back up her body. She looks up at me, her eyes glazed, a soft smile on her lips.

Kyrie's fingers dig into my shoulders as I kiss my way up her body, tasting her skin. She arches against me, her breath hitching when I linger on the scar curving around her neck. I want to memorize every line, every contour of her.

She tugs at my shirt, impatient. I reach back and pull it off, tossing it aside. Her hands are on me then, tracing the ridges of my stomach, the curves of my chest. She pauses at the mark over my heart, the curse sigil dark and ugly. I cover her hand with mine, feeling the conduit band warm against my palm.

"Don't," she whispers, looking up at me. "It's part of you."

I nod, swallowing hard, and guide her hand down to my lacings. She understands, undoes them quickly. I kick off my pants, kneeling between her thighs. Her eyes widen as she takes me in, but there's no fear, only desire.

I lean down, capturing her mouth in a slow, deep kiss. She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. I reach between us, guiding myself to her entrance.

She's hot and wet, ready for me. I ease in, inch by inch, watching her face for any sign of discomfort. She gasps, her nails biting into my skin, but she doesn't tell me to stop.

"Fuck, Kyrie," I growl, burying my face in her neck. "You feel incredible."

She's tight, so tight it's almost painful. But the pleasure, gods, the pleasure is unlike anything I've ever felt. Even though we've had sex before, the bond makes it that much more intense.

I start to move, a slow rhythm that stretches her open for me. Her breath comes in short gasps, her body arching to meet mine.

Her hand reaches up, tracing the edge of my wing. I freeze, a jolt of pure pleasure shooting through me. "Shit," I hiss, looking down at her.

She grins, mischief in her eyes, and does it again. "Azrael," she whispers, her voice husky with desire. "Fuck me. Show me how much you want me."

I grip her hips, a low growl rumbling in my chest. "Careful what you ask for, little bird," I warn, my voice barely recognizable. "I've fuck you like you are mine and I want to make sure you know."

She lifts her hips, taking me deeper, challenging me. "I am. So take me," she dares, her eyes locked onto mine.

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