Page 28 of Ashes to Ashes

Ashe paced back and forth, her boots scuffing against the wooden floorboards. She couldn’t shake the vivid memories of Leviathan’s piercing dark gaze and possessive hands from her mind. Desire twisted in her gut as she ran a hand through her tangled hair, desperate to find some relief from the persistent ache in her heart and thoughts for a fucking demon.

Ashe couldn’t understand why her body and mind were betraying her like this. She had fought against being down here, but found herself consumed by thoughts of Leviathan. Her heart beat erratically as she thought of Leviathan, his tall form looming over her, his powerful voice whispering that she was his.

She slammed her fist against the nearby plush chair arm, trying to shake off the thoughts. She refused to give in to the desires, no matter how tempting he may be. But as she pacedback and forth, a small part of her wondered if she should just give in. If she got her ring back, she’d be the demoness again. Could she trade freedom for pleasure?

Ashe glanced at the old clock on the mantle, its ticking echoing in the quiet cabin. It was almost time for Lily to return from her nightly patrol around the perimeter of their secluded safety home.

Moving to the kitchen, Ashe forced herself to stop pacing to rid herself of the thoughts.

Every fiber of her being told her to focus on cooking a meal for Lily and herself, but her mind refused to listen. It kept drifting back to thoughts of Leviathan - his deep, rumbling voice, the way his eyes seemed to sparkle when he smiled. The scent of his cologne lingered in her memory, tempting her to abandon all responsibilities and seek him out. She shook her head, trying to clear it of these distracting thoughts, but they persisted like a persistent itch she just couldn’t scratch. How was she supposed to concentrate on cooking when her heart felt like it was about to burst with longing?

With a frustrated sigh, she forced herself to push aside those thoughts and grabbed a knife from the drawer and pepper off the counter. She chopped until there was nothing left and moved to pull an onion from the bowl Lily had filled yesterday.

Ashe’s hands shook as she tried to concentrate on her work. But every time she closed her eyes, the image of Leviathan’s intense blue gaze burned into her mind. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, swearing she could feel his eyes on her even though he was nowhere near.

Was he thinking about her, too? Did he feel the same restlessness and anxiety that she did? She couldn’t stop wondering.

Ashe shook her head, trying to clear it of these forbidden thoughts. She had made a promise to herself that she wouldn’t give in to his desires, no matter how tempting they may be.

But as she bent down and opened the cupboard to bowl out an iron pot, Ashe couldn’t help but remember their passionate encounters. The way he had claimed her body as his own, leaving her trembling and wanting more. The way his touch had ignited something deep within her that she hadn’t felt before.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to stay strong and not give in. She couldn’t afford to let herself become consumed by him again.

The small creak from the far side of the cabin was the only sign that Lily had returned. The angel had voiced her displeasure over Ashe’s actions and basically gone silent unless speaking was necessary.

Ashe heard the soft rustling of wings grow closer, followed by a gentle sigh that she learned only angels could produce—a sound that oozes peacefulness.

“Ashe, it seems all hope is not lost,” Lily’s voice rang out.

Ashe turned to face her and was surprised to see something in her hands.

Lily held out a piece of parchment with the same seal on Leviathan’s invitation to the ball, her eyes gleaming with hope and determination. Not a scroll, this time, it was still apparent it came from the same place. “It’s from him.”

Ashe took the parchment from Lily’s hand, feeling the coolness seep into her bones. She didn’t need to ask who he referred to.

The letter was sealed with a green wax emblem bearing the image of an eight-pointed star—a mark of power and deceit, nonetheless.

She slowly broke the seal and read. The words were written in eerie cursive script etched onto the paper in what appeared to be blood, making her skin crawl with unease.

“I see,” Ashe murmured quietly as she handed the parchment back to Lily.He is thinking of me.

“I did not read it as I heard others speaking as I patrolled. The prince has your necklace after all - and he wants the owner back. He has issued a test.”

“Yes,” Ashe could read just fine. Her family had seen to her education before her mother passed.

“You will not be able to enter the castle as a human, but you can go to the grounds and make your case. You will describe the necklace.”

“And then he will claim me as his mate.” Ashe hissed, though thoughts of staying had already been swimming through her mind.

“No, you will have your freedom.”

“He touched me everywhere a few nights ago and managed not to kiss me.”

“Yes, but you will kiss him first. His attraction will take care of the rest, ensuring he kisses you after you pull away, thus granting you your freedom. And if not, then you will have seduced him enough to earn his attention in time.”

The thought of his lips on hers sent a rush of pleasure washing over Ashe. If he tried to fuck her before all the realm she had no doubt she’d allow it if his kiss was anywhere near as intoxicating as the rest of him.

But you’d still be free.

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