Page 97 of Of Blood & Stone

And yet, his anger and disgust remained.

He slammed his fist into the ground. No matter how he spun it, the truth remained—Druenia’s famines, droughts, and sickness were due to this kingdom’s godsforsaken magic.

And Sylzenya was at the helm.

He didn’t know what to do with this. All he knew is that he wouldn’t be able to look at her the same, and gods, he hated himself for it.

As he rested his head against the cave’s wall and spun his gold ring, he contemplated how Distrathrus’ existence and plan to dominate fuckinghumanitychanged Elnok’s goal.

But did it?

He’d meant it when he told Orym he would get his medicine, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to let this god get in his way.

The key to finding Aretta’s Willow wasn’t just the compass anymore, but making it through this forest; he needed Sylzenya’s magic as their protection, even if her utilizing it meant depleting resources in Druenia—even if it meant a few more people died. Distrathrus said Sylzenya wasn’t a hero, but neither was Elnok. Stealing was his occupation, and there was no room for mercy in such dealings.

All that mattered was his and his crew’s survival. He’d get Orym’s cure, get out of Estea, gather his crew, and then sail far away from this place.

Once Sylzenya woke, they’d escape this hell once and for all.

Part Two

Chapter 23

Not My Own

Red and gold flowers swayed in the warm summer breeze. Green grass poked at Sylzenya’s exposed legs, her white linen dress soft and light as she leaned her head against Elnok’s warm skin.

“I never knew days could be like this,” Elnok said, the smile in his voice causing her to look up.

Her stomach fluttered as she looked at his lips. Elnok surveyed the lake sprawled before them, his green eyes shimmering in the sunlight. She found it difficult to remember when they’d gotten here, or how they’d arrived. Yet she smiled, for it didn’t matter how, only that they were here—together.

“Like what?” Sylzenya asked as she leaned further into him.

He ran his calloused palm up her arm, cupping her jaw, bringing her gaze to meet his.

“Full of life,” he said.

Warmth flooded her body as she gripped his black tunic, bringing his lips to hers. He tasted of worn leather and musk, sending heat into her core, every part of her body wanting him.

Needing him.

He wrapped a strong arm around her waist. She giggled as his soft laughs feathered her mouth. She straddled him, deepening the kiss as she felt his hardness press against her.

“And I’ll make sure your people know nothing less,” she breathed, lightly biting his lower lip. His whimper sent heat between her legs.

“Ourpeople,” Elnok replied breathlessly, twisting her hair in his hand, a light tug causing her nipples to harden, “There’s no other woman I know who could provide Druenia with life like you can.”

“And yet I know next to nothing about any place outside of Estea.”

He gripped her neck, sending a delightful shiver up her spine as he leaned back, his green eyes searching her face.

“You’re Estea’s most renowned Kreena. Your very presence will calm storms and win hearts. You’ll be a beacon of hope.” He kissed her neck softly, slowly. “Just as you’ve been for me.”

Everything within her melted into his touch as he slid her linen dress up to her waist. Sylzenya gasped as she clung to his neck.

Suddenly, as if the grass was fake and the flowers were frauds, everything blurred, only to sharpen again as she smelled Elnok’s skin.

“How can someone say such sweet things and yet act in such a foul manner?” she teased with a grin, rocking against him slowly.

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