Page 10 of Her Fallen Angel

His wings rustle – the only sign my words affect him. His expression remains unreadable, but his eyes burn with an intensity that makes me shiver. He watches me like a predator studying its prey, calculating the perfect moment to strike.

And I know it is coming.

5

KAI’RIN

Iroll my shoulders as I stride into one of the open chambers after training, wings flaring wide before settling against my back. Unlike some of the xaphan, I live off the military compound but there are always rooms to use when I need them.

And today I will.

My little flame stands near the doorway, having been brought up at my request, head bowed in that deceptively submissive pose. But I've caught the fire in those deep brown eyes, the way she studies everything around her.

"Draw a bath." The command comes out rough. Sweat still clings to my skin from sparring, and the ache in my muscles demands attention.

Her steps are measured as she moves to the washroom. The sound of running water fills the silence. Steam curls through the doorway while I unbuckle my armor, letting each piece clatter to the floor. Let her clean it up later.

When she returns, I'm down to my training pants. Her gaze catches on my bare chest, tracing the scars that mark victories earned in battle. Most flinch away. She doesn't.

In fact, her eyes trace me like she doesn't want to look away. Like she wants to memorize my body. My cock jerks at the thought.

"See something you like, little flame?"

A flush colors her tan skin, but she doesn't look away. "I'm meant to serve you."

"Then serve." I close the distance between us, towering over her smaller frame. "Remove these." I gesture to my remaining clothes.

Her fingers tremble as she reaches for the fastenings, but her movements stay precise. Clinical. Like she's forcing herself to stay detached. It makes me want to shatter that careful control.

Especially when her eyes widen as I step out of my clothes and she takes in my body. She can act like nothing breaks her, but I see it there. She's at least attracted to me.

Which is good considering I can't get her out of my fucking head.

The water beckons, but I take my time stepping out of my clothes. Let her see exactly what she's dealing with. What owns her now.

I always like to start with psychological warfare. Shame and fear can eat away at the strongest resolve until nothing remains but an empty shell eager to please. But Aren... she keeps surprising me.

Her gaze travels the length of my body as I cross to the baths, lingering in ways that send heat through my blood. There's no fear in those eyes. Only a curiosity that makes me want to push further, see how far I can make her bend before she breaks.

"Attend me." I sink into the steaming water, stretching my wings out to their full span. The scarred edges catch the lamplight as water droplets trail down the ash-gray feathers.

And she does. Quietly. Carefully. She does everything I ask, but there's an underlying tension beneath it all as her hands glide along my skin.

I could take her. Use her. But breaking bodies has never been my strong suit. And I want her soul, her willing submission, before I have her. Because I know that there is no way I'm not going to take everything she is for my own.

The next morning,I drag my little flame to the training grounds. Her quiet footsteps trail behind me as other xaphan warriors gather for combat practice. Perfect. Time to remind her exactly what kind of monster owns her.

"Watch." I push her toward the stone benches ringing the arena. "Don't look away."

My opponent steps forward - some low-ranking soldier whose name I've never bothered to learn. His mottled brown wings mark him as common stock. Disposable.

I roll my shoulders, magic crackling along my skin as violet light dances between my fingers. The soldier circles, searching for weakness. Amateur. I let him come at me, waiting until the last possible moment before sidestepping. My elbow connects with his spine. The crack echoes across the grounds.

He stumbles but recovers. Determined. I'll fix that.

Lightning arcs from my hands, catching his left wing. Feathers singe and smoke. He screams - music to my ears. My gaze flicks to Aren. She leans forward, chin propped on her hand. Studying. Analyzing. Where's the horror I expected?

Growling, I launch myself at my opponent. My wings snap open, using the momentum to drive him into the ground. Bones crunch under my grip. Blood sprays as I slam his face into the packed dirt again and again.

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