Page 50 of Sweet Dominion

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless.

He rested his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. I relished in the warmth of it. It felt like a moment suspended in time—a coming together of two souls.

Soft and reverent.

Like a butterfly’s kiss upon a rose petal.

His breath mingled with mine and my mind strayed to thoughts about butterflies and how when they visited flowers in search of nectar, they inadvertently triggered pollination, ensuring the growth of countless future blooms.

How crazy that. . .the smallest, most delicate of interactions could have such far-reaching results.

And even crazier. . .Lei's forehead against mine felt like it was triggering our future, not just a fleeting moment, but a destiny aligned.

New thoughts came into my head like seeds being planted.

Dynasty.

Legacy.

Bloodline.

Because in his touch, I felt truly at home.

In his touch, I saw the future of us.

Our love.

Eternal.

Timeless.

Unbreakable.

He lowered his voice to a soft whisper. “I’m going to need you tomorrow.”

I pushed thoughts of butterflies and flowers out of my head and considered tomorrow’s upcoming battle with his father. “I’ll be right there with you Lei. . .even if I have to grab a sword and step out on the battlefield with you.”

A sad chuckle left him. “You better not.”

“I won’t let you get hurt by him. I can’t. . .lose you.”

We continued our conversation with soft murmurs mingling with the helicopter blades like the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind.

Like we were sharing secrets that we didn’t want the pilot to hear.

Lei whispered, “You won’t lose me, Moni.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Can you just. . .get out of it.” I closed my eyes and kept my forehead against his. “Can’t you kill him another way? Another time? Maybe. . .think of a different way. . .”

“I have to do it tomorrow. This has to end.”

Fearful sadness washed over me.

Lei’s words brushed against my skin. “I have to kill him. There’s no doubt in my mind, no. . .pause that can come with my sword. . .he must die. . .if only for the sake of keeping you safe. . .and giving the East peace.”

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