Page 17 of Crowned

Her simple utterance of my name unleashes a flood of emotions within me. I lean down and capture her lips in a tender kiss, pouring all of my feelings into it. This is more than just physical attraction; this is an unbreakable connection between two souls who have found solace in each other’s arms.

But even as we kiss and explore each other’s bodies with eager hands, there’s a voice at the back of my head whispering doubts and fears. Can I truly give myself over to this love? Can I protect Malia from whatever dangers may come our way if I do?

Malia must sense my inner turmoil because she pulls back slightly, concern etched on her features. “Are you sure?” I ask, wanting to make sure that she’s ready for this step.

She nods without hesitation. “Please,” she whispers urgently, her eyes pleading with me not to hold back any longer.

All doubts and fears disappear, as I realise that this is what we both need – to be fully connected physically as well as emotionally.

With gentle but deliberate movements, we shed our clothes, until we’re both completely bare before each other. Our bodies are bathed in moonlight filtering through the trees above us, casting us in an ethereal glow. One which is reminiscent of when she disappeared in the forest. It’s beautiful, but the memory makes me hold her closer.

I can’t help but marvel at the sight before me – Malia, beautiful and fierce, lying before me with her heart bared open.

The shadows around us seem to shift and recede, swallowed by the tender emotions playing out on our bodies.

As I lower myself onto her, I am acutely aware of the profound connection we share. With each touch, each murmur, I feel myself becoming more entwined with her spirit. It’s like an unspoken vow to protect one another – body, mind, and soul. With each thrust and caress, we sink deeper into each other, lost in a blissful frenzy of desire.

The night air is cool against our skin, but the heat generated by our passion is undeniable. Malia’s moans fill the air, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the faint echoes of our whisperings. Together, we explore each other, seeking out every hidden corner of every hidden longing.

Malia’s moans grow louder and more urgent, her nails raking down my back as her body trembles with pleasure. I can feel her release building within her, and I increase the intensity of our movements, wanting to send us both soaring over the edge.

And then it hits me – the sheer ecstasy of being with Malia in this moment. It’s as if all the pain and suffering we’ve endured has led us here, to this perfect union where nothing else matters but each other.

Time loses all meaning as we lose ourselves in the dance of desire. Our bodies move as one, guided by a force beyond our comprehension.

As we reach our climax together, our bodies shudder with the force of our release. Peace washes over me.

We collapse into each other’s arms, panting and spent but content. Our foreheads rest against each other as we catch our breaths, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking.

“We’ll find a way to defeat them,” Malia whispers against my lips.

I know she’s talking about the shadows that threaten to consume us – both literally and figuratively.

I press a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. “Together,” I say firmly.

“Always,” she responds with a smile that lights up my entire world. “But seriously, Vance,” Malia says, her smile fading slightly as she looks up at me with those soulful eyes of hers. “Do you think they’re okay? It’s been so long since we last saw them.”

I can sense the worry creeping back into her voice, the lingering doubt that gnaws at her even in moments of levity. The memories of our friends, separated from us in a twist of fate that still haunts my dreams, weigh heavily on both our hearts, despite the moment of bliss we just found with one another.

Taking a deep breath, I kiss her forehead gently before meeting her gaze with determination. “I believe they’re out there, fighting their own battles as we are. We’ll find our way back to them, Malia. I promise you that.”

Her eyes soften at my words, a glimmer of hope shining through the darkness that threatens to engulf us.

Malia’s voice trembles with relief as she whispers, “Thank you, Vance. I’m glad you’re here.” She looks up at me, her eyes searching my face for reassurance.

My own expression softens with affection as I reply, “You don’t have to thank me, Malia.” I reach out to gently brush a strand of hair from her face, my touch tender. “I love you.”

Malia’s breath catches in her throat, her eyes widening. “You really love me?” Her voice quivers with disbelief, her pulse fluttering in her throat. I skim my thumb over it, wanting to mirror the action with my lips, but forcing myself to refrain.

I reach out, my hand trembling slightly as I gently caress her cheek. “I’ve never said it before, but it’s true. I love you, Malia. Being here with you, in this place…it’s made me realise just how much I need you, how much I’ve always loved you.”

Malia’s eyes widen in surprise, but then soften with warmth and affection. “I love you too, Vance. More than anything.”

Her words wash over me like a soothing balm, filling me with a sense of peace and contentment I’ve never really known. We hold each other tightly, lost in the moment, our love binding us together even in the strange, ethereal realm of the afterlife. In her arms, I find my home, my sanctuary, my everything.

And as dawn breaks over the horizon, painting the world in hues of gold and pink, we cling to each other in the stillness of the dawn and I know that together we’ll continue to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Vance loves me. He really loves me.

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