Page 38 of Chains of Love

He chuckles, meeting my gaze with those intense crimson eyes. "Is that so, little demon?"

Kissing me deeply, Darak pulls my body on top of his and gives me a playful slap on the ass.

"Then I am at your command," he says, his ash-gray features softening slightly.

I brace my hands against his scarred chest, cocking my head to the side as my silver hair cascades over one shoulder. "You swear it?"

The mischievous sparkle in his eye dances as he wets his lips, and I can see centuries of carefully maintained control beginning to slip. "I swear it."

A grin breaks out across my face, triumphant and satisfied, the scar on my cheek pulling slightly. "Good."

19

DARAK

My feet crunch against loose rocks as I follow Lirien up the mountain path. Her hips sway with each step, and the morning sunlight catches in her silver hair. The sight reminds me of how that hair felt wrapped around my fingers last night.

"The air's so clear up here." Lirien pauses at a bend in the trail, stretching her arms above her head. Her robes pull tight across her chest.

"Mhm." I'm not looking at the view she's pointing out. Not even close.

She turns, catching me staring. A blush spreads across her cheeks, but her smile is wicked. "What was that?"

"Just admiring the local wildlife."

"Oh? And what sort of creature are you tracking?"

"A rare silver-haired demon. Very dangerous. Known to ensnare unsuspecting warriors."

"Unsuspecting?" She laughs, the sound echoing off the rocks. "I'd say you're quite suspecting now."

I close the distance between us, running my thumb along the scar on her cheek. "Who would've thought that mark I gave you would become one of my favorite features?"

"You're getting soft, Dark Elf." She leans into my touch.

"Perhaps. For you." The words slip out before I can stop them. When did I start speaking without thinking? When did her presence become more intoxicating than wine?

She continues up the path, throwing teasing glances over her shoulder. Each look sets my blood on fire.

"Beautiful view out here, isn't it?" She gestures at the jagged peaks ahead. "Hard to imaging growing up anywhere else."

"Best I've seen." My eyes haven't left the curve of her hips.

Her laughter rings out again, pure joy in the sound. I can't remember the last time I felt this light, this free. When did everything change? When did this binding spell become something I never want broken?

The realization hits me, a knife slicing into my chest as though I'm nothing more than a cloud but burning like hell. Breaking the bond. That's why we're here, climbing this cursed mountain. My steps falter on the rocky path as memories of last night flood my mind - her skin against mine, her silver hair spread across my chest, the way she said my name.

Lirien walks beside a cluster of pale mountain flowers, their petals swaying toward her fingertips as if drawn by her magic. The morning light catches her hair, making it shimmer like starlight. The sight of her steals my breath more effectively than the thin mountain air.

Return to war? To endless battles and meaningless victories? The thought turns my stomach. When did killing lose its appeal? When did her smile become more valuable than glory?

"You alright back there?" Lirien's voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. She turns, those green eyes finding mine with genuine concern. "You've gone quiet."

I force my lips into what I hope passes for a smile. She's suffered enough because of me - my initial rage, my stubbornpride, my slow acceptance of feelings I never thought possible. I won't burden her with these doubts.

"All good," I lie, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "Just catching my breath."

The bond hums, warm and alive. How could I ever want to break something that feels this right?

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