Page 32 of Her Fallen Angel

I nod. "I'd love to."

Kai's hand settles on the small of my back, guiding me away from the townhouse and through New Solas' gleamingstreets. Golden spires pierce the clouds overhead, their surfaces catching sunlight like captured stars. My steps falter as I take in the sheer scale of it all.

"Keep close, little flame." His wings curl forward, creating a protective canopy that shields me from the curious stares of passing xaphan.

A group of warriors pause their conversation to watch us pass. Their wings - mottled grays and browns - mark them as common soldiers. One leans toward another, whispering behind his hand. Kai's grip tightens on my waist. A low growl rumbles in his chest.

"See something interesting?" His voice carries an edge sharp enough to draw blood. The soldiers snap to attention, wings tucking tight against their backs as they hurry away.

My pulse quickens at this display of dominance. I should shrink from such possessiveness, but heat blooms in my chest instead.

"The architecture here..." I trail off as we pass beneath an arch carved with intricate battle scenes. The stone figures seem to move in the shifting light.

"Built by the first settlers." Kai's thumb traces circles on my back. "Each carving tells a story of our victories."

A merchant's cart rolls past, pulled by creatures with scaled hides and too many legs. The smell of unfamiliar spices fills the air. Everything here feels alien yet fascinating - like Kai himself.

"Look there." He points to a fountain where water flows upward in defiance of nature, forming shapes that dance and twist. "Magic woven into every stone."

Two noble xaphan stride past, their pure white wings marking their status. They cast disdainful glances my way. Kai's magic crackles in response, violet light flickering around us. The nobles quicken their pace, and he tugs me closer. I find myselfleaning into his touch, drawing closer to this dangerous creature who claims me so completely.

The street opens into a plaza where more fountains play their impossible games with water and light. Kai's wings shift, adjusting to keep me sheltered within their span as we walk. His power wraps around me like a cloak, marking me as untouchable to all but him.

A gleaming temple rises before us, its golden spires piercing the heavens like divine spears. The sight steals my breath - not just for its grandeur, but for how it reminds me of the only time Kai has ever taken me.

A moment that I think of over and over.

"It's beautiful," I whisper. "Like when we..."

Before I can finish, Kai spins me around. My back hits rough bark as he pins me against a massive tree, hidden from the main street. His hand finds my throat, familiar pressure making my pulse jump beneath his fingers.

"Remind me." His violet eyes bore into mine, glowing with barely contained power. "Pray for me, little flame. Right here."

I don't hesitate. My hands come together, trembling not from fear but anticipation. The prayer falls from my lips in a breathless rush.

"Kai, I offer myself to you." My voice catches as his thumb strokes my racing pulse. "To use. To let out your darkness…"

His wings snap forward, cocooning us in shadow. The ash-gray feathers brush my skin, battle-scarred edges a reminder of his lethal nature.

"More." The command rumbles through his chest. His free hand grips my hip, pulling me closer.

"I am yours." The words pour out, half prayer, half desperate plea. "I am yours to command, yours to..."

A pleased growl cuts off my prayer as Kai's grip tightens. The magic radiating from him makes the air crackle, violetsparks dancing in my peripheral vision. His power wraps around me, marking me as his in ways deeper than mere physical possession.

"Such a devoted little human." His lips brush my ear. "So willing to worship me as her new god."

I arch into his touch, lost in the heady mix of submission and desire as he brings his lips to my neck, across my collarbone. Never my lips, but I'll take it all the same. I'm close to begging him to touch me again, but I know better than to push him. He won't take orders from me - and I like being forced to wait, to serve him.

This is wrong - everything I was taught says this is wrong. But in this moment, trapped between his body and the tree, I can't bring myself to care.

17

KAI’RIN

Ihaven't seen the others in days, too consumed with keeping Aren close. When Vhex and Mykael arrive at my door, the familiar scent of leather and steel brings memories of countless training sessions rushing back.

And anger that they are here.

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