Page 140 of Of Blood & Stone

Before she could reply, he pressed his lips to hers.

Yearning and desire spiked through every crevice in her body as she breathed him in. It was as if air no longer existed, only his calloused fingers as they caught on her smooth arms; his heartbeat pulsing in rhythm with her own; his scent of worn leather and earthy musk draping and melting into her skin.

Sylzenya gasped as Elnok pressed her up against one of the willows, its branches and leaves a thick canopy, enough privacy even if Kharis returned. He placed his thigh in between her legs, a whimper leaving her lips as she arched her back, his large hand pulling her closer to his chest while instructing her to do as she pleased. Desperation laced through his lips, his tongue, his hands; she grabbed his tunic and ran her fingers through his hair.

“Even if this is all the time we were given, I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Slowly, she reached for the waist of his pants. “Neither would I.”

He laughed, warm and deep, a yearning already building in her chest knowing she’d never hear it again.

“Tell me what you want, and I’ll give it to you,” he replied, running his hand along her rib cage, stopping just beneath the swell of her breasts.

“I want to remember this moment,” she whispered into his mouth. “I want to remember you like a new scar running along my body, opening whenever I think about you.” She brushed her finger along his stubbled jaw, “I want to remember how, even in these past few days during my darkest moments, you inspired me to live.”

“Sylzenya,” he breathed.

But no more words left his lips, nor did they leave hers. There simply weren’t enough words to describe this weaving together of their flesh as they stripped one another, the naked hardnessof his skin like an ushering home as he slid into her. They were no longer separate, sharing a moment holy and strong enough to mark their souls—one they both chose for themselves. She ran her fingers along the scars on his back, careful to keep her touch soft and delicate while his strokes inside her were anything but.

She whispered ancient prayers of devotion into his ear for the last time.

One last time.

She’d offer him her worship, because he deserved it more than anyone else. And maybe it was sacrilegious of her, the highest form of blasphemy she could partake in, but her entire life had been a single heresy, bowing down and praising death and destruction. Surely, worshiping this man who loved others more than he loved himself, was the most holy thing she’d ever done in her life.

Golden light peeled from her skin, wrapping around them both as his cries joined hers. Colors flashed before her—purples and yellows and blues—a life with Elnok playing across her vision. Everything they could’ve been if this life had been different; if she’d never been born in Estea. If the gods had never gone to war.

Hers and Elnok’s children dancing in the meadows while they sat underneath a lush willow, reading books and drinking sweet wine, laughing at whispered crass jokes and dancing under moonlit skies.

Everything burst into glorious light, Elnok whimpering her name as she held tight to his neck, grazing her lips on his throat. She bowed into him, pleasure like blooming flowers opening to the warm rays of sunlight. And then the pleasure gave way to calm, the visions of a different life fading, their last moment passing by them in fleeting colors and bitter whispers.

What they’d done together these last five days hadn’t been enough—would never be enough.

She could move on, but a piece of her would always be missing.

“Alright you two, I found the entrance,” Kharis yelled through the grove. “Please, don’t make me come in there and separate you both. I’ve suffered enough as it is.”

Staring into Elnok’s pale green eyes, she offered a sad smile. Elnok brushed her hair from her face, kissing her forehead for a long moment.

They quickly cleaned and dressed themselves, the euphoric moment slowly fading away, their final fleeting glances causing the new scar within her heart to break and bleed.

Sylzenya grabbed the heavy sword, its blade glowing brighter than any she’d ever seen. Elnok picked up his whip, and together, they walked through the grove. Kharis was waiting for them at the edge of the meadow, the golden light of the tree shimmering in the shape of a door. Without another word, they followed him out of the goddess’ willow, entering the darkness of Lhaal Forest once again.

Elnok stepped out last.

The tree vanished.

Kharis gripped Elnok’s shoulder. “May I have a quick word before we part ways?”

Elnok agreed, the two men discussing in hushed tones. Taking a deep breath, Sylzenya studied the hilt of the sword, the weight of its make causing her to feel off-balance. She readjusted herself, cracking her neck and reminding herself of everything Aretta had told her.

Her powers weren’t just that of a Kreena, but a Dynami as well. Perhaps she could discuss the skill with Kharis, learn some tips to access it again so she could overcome Distrathrus’ barrier.

The men returned, the two of them embracing for a moment longer than she’d anticipated. Despite the animosity she’dwitnessed on their way to the tree, it seemed they’d made up their differences.

“Syl,” Elnok said, releasing Kharis and grabbing her hand, “I believe in you—both of you.”

Chest filling with air and hope, Sylzenya nodded, words unable to find the tip of her tongue. They stared at their intertwined hands. Calling upon every point of will in her body, she let him go, her fingers slipping through his, her heart aching until she swore a part of it cracked.

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