Page 79 of One Last Wish

“Where are we?” I asked in wonderment.

“Svalbard. It’s near the top of Norway. It has some of the best Northern Light displays.”

“Darce, this...” I couldn’t finish my words. I noticed that his shadows were cocooning us a little, keeping the icy wind off my face.

“Earth definitely has a little magic of its own. I’ve grown to love this veil in the time you’ve spent here.”

“Veil?” I questioned. “Don’t we originate from Earth?”

“That is a conversation for another time.”

“You say that abouteverything! Can’t you give me a few hints? Surely, that’s not going to harm me.”

“You’ve never been patient, Alora. This is all for your own good if youarewaking up and coming into your power. I’ve told you that it could have dangerous consequences.” Darce was gazing up at the night sky as he spoke. “With how vivid your dreams are, I don’t think it will be too long.”

“Too long until what? Will I explode? Will I become a light monster? Will my form change at all? Will I look less dead?”

“Less dead?” Darce laughed out loud, and the sound echoed around the glaciers. “Why would you say that?”

“My skin has always been so pale. People in the morgue have better colour than me.”

That got a reaction from him. He turned to look at me, touching the side of my face with his hand. “You arebeautiful. Whatever those foolishboyshave said to you in the past is a lie. You bewitched me the moment I saw you. I have craved you forlifetimesbefore they ever even existed. You, Alora, are the most magnificent creature I have ever laid eyes on.”

“You certainly have a way with words,” I beamed before he crashed his lips against mine, taking the breath out of me.

This might be the best Christmas I’d ever had.

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WE STAYED AND WATCHEDthe lights for a few hours. Darce made an open top igloo out of shadows, with two seats that allowed us to watch the night sky comfortably. His arm was draped over my shoulder. I don’t think I had ever seen him so carefree. His dark hair was sprinkled with snow from the small flurry that had drifted in our direction. It really was the most magical sight as the lights of ribbon danced above us. Rays of different shades of greens danced with an aura of purple around them.

“Are you warm enough?” he asked, brushing his lips against my forehead.

“Toasty warm,” I replied, snuggling closer to him. “Have we spent many Christmases together like this?”

“No, this is a first for us.” Darce seemed lost in my eyes for a short while. “It’s a tradition that I would love to continue, but I’m not sure it will be possible.”

“Are we doomed, then? I have a feeling we are like one of those forbidden love tropes in the books I read. Is there no hope for us?”

“There is always hope. Giving you up isn’t an option for me anymore.”

“Was it an option before?”

“There was a time when I thought giving you up would keep you safe, but it didn’t work out for either of us.” I knew better than to ask him to elaborate. In time, I’d have all the answers. “It’s getting late. We should head back and get some food.”

“Can we stay a little longer?” I wasn’t ready for this to end. Something told me that Darce and I rarely got moments like this.

“We can stay as long as you want.” He sighed, resting his head against mine as the Northern Lights continued to shine.

This Christmas was definitely one to remember. When we finally returned to the apartment, Darce made us a feast. It made me wonder where he had learnt to cook. The roast chicken with all the trimmings was delicious.

I fell asleep pretty early, and woke up the next morning with Darce wrapped around me like a vine. It was as if his body couldn't get close enough to me. His chest was bare, but as usual, his pants were still on. I traced the lines of his face with my fingers as I studied his face, from his chiselled jaw line to the defined contours of his shoulder. I had an urge to run my tongue along every curve and dip of his body...to taste every single inch of him. Moving a little closer, I kissed along his jaw, testing to see if he was still asleep. He didn’t stir as I darted my tongue out, licking down the side of his neck. The earthy, sweet taste of him invaded my senses and ignited a need deep inside me. Moving to straddle his legs, I continued slowly down his chest, tasting every inch of him the way I had been yearning to. My fingertips grazed his toned muscles, and I couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t woken up yet. His breathing became sharp. When Darce spoke my name like a plea, I bit down softly on the snail trail on his stomach before moving lower to undo the buttons on his pants. All I wanted was a taste and to feel him hard in my hand.

“Alora!” He groaned, thrusting up towards me as I managed to pull his trousers partly down his legs. “What are you doing?”

“One taste.Please!” I begged, looking at the impressive bulge in his boxers.

“We...fuck...that feelssogood.” He was losing his train of thought as I rubbed him through his underwear. “You can touch me with your hand, but that’s it. If your mouth goes anywhere near my cock, Iwilllose it. It’s going to be hard enough controlling myself with yourhandtouching me.” I was giddy at the thought of Darce finally letting me touch him. “When I say stop you must obey, though. Do you understand? If you don’t, I’ll stop you myself.” Why was that thought making me overheat? “Are you listening to me?” he groaned. My hand was still on his bulge, but not moving as I straddled his legs.

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