Page 50 of Storms of His Wrath

The knowledge that she would leave when this was over carved through his chest with vicious claws, but he pushed it aside. He’d promised he wouldn’t stop her, and he’d meant it… in the moment. If letting her go was what she truly needed, even if it destroyed him, could he do it? Oppo had made that choice, leaving his mate and child to protect them from the dangers of his life. Had his brother understood something about sacrifice that Akoro was only now beginning to grasp? Whether he’d actually be able to honor that promise when the time came... he’d face the torment of that moment later.

His knot pulsed inside her, still thick and binding them together, and already his body was stirring with renewed hunger. When it finally subsided, he would have her again. And again. He wouldn’t be sending her back to the Omegas until they’d both taken their fill of each other, until they were both sated and exhausted and utterly spent. And that wouldn’t happen beforelur ennen.

She stirred against him, a soft sound escaping her lips, and his purr deepened. Her fingers tightened in his tunic, and evenin her drowsy state, her body responded to his, clenching around him in ways that made his vision blur.

The day was far from over.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Naya’s legs trembled slightly as she made her way through the winding stone passages toward the communal dining area. Her body ached—a delicious soreness that reminded her of hours spent tangled with Akoro, his hands mapping her skin, his mouth claiming every inch of her until she’d shattered again and again.

She’d returned last night as the canyon settled for the night. Despite falling straight asleep, exhaustion clung to her, but it felt distant compared to the satisfaction humming through her veins.

The arrangement they’d struck felt like claiming something that was hers by right—not forgiveness, not surrender, but acknowledgment. She would take what she wanted from her mate while maintaining the boundaries she needed. But even as she told herself this, the fire between them burned hotter than she expected. Keeping her heart guarded might prove more challenging than she anticipated.

The scent of morning bread and brewingkkermodrifted through the canyon air, mixing with the mineral coolness of stone and the faint sweetness of desert flowers. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she’d barely eaten yesterdaybetween negotiations and... other activities. Akoro kept trying to make her eat, but she was more interested in dragging her tongue over his skin.

As she rounded the final corner, raised voices echoed off the canyon walls. The communal dining area buzzed with more energy than usual; clusters of women engaged in animated discussions that quieted as she approached.

“—absolutely reckless to trust him after everything his family did,” Zhera’s sharp voice cut through the morning air. The young warrior stood near one of the low tables, her dark eyes blazing with conviction as she faced two older women. Her warrior’s harness was visible beneath her flowing garments, her locks pulled back, as though she was planning to train.

“You speak as though we have no agency in this,” said one of the women. “As though we cannot negotiate terms that protect us.”

“Terms?” Zhera’s voice pitched higher. “What terms could possibly guarantee our safety when dealing with the Sy Dynasty? They enslaved our ancestors, destroyed our families?—”

“And this king killed his own family to stop those crimes,” the second woman pointed out, her tone measured but firm. “Maybe it’s time to consider that circumstances have changed.”

Zhera’s jaw clenched. “You’re being naive if you think?—”

“Princess!” A small voice cut through the debate, bright with joy.

Naya turned to see Nnimi racing toward her, the little girl’s face lit with delight. She wore a cheerful yellow tunic that made her golden-brown eyes sparkle.

“Good morning, little Nnimi,” Naya said, crouching down to catch the child in her arms. Nnimi threw herself into the embrace with uninhibited affection. She wasn’t shy this morning.

“Will you play with me today?” Nnimi asked, pulling back to study Naya’s face with hopeful eyes. “And read, too? And draw? Mima said you might be very busy, but maybe just for a little bit?”

“We’ll see what the day brings,” Naya said gently, smoothing down a rebellious curl that had escaped Nnimi’s braids. “But I’ll try to find some time for you.”

Nnimi beamed and hugged her again before scampering back toward the other children, leaving Naya to rise and face the continued debate.

The argument between Zhera and the older women had drawn a small crowd, voices rising and falling in passionate discussion. Some showed excitement, others deep concern. A few women sat apart, clearly overwhelmed by the prospect of such monumental change.

“Naya.” Oshrun’s voice carried across the space, calm and authoritative despite the chaos. The Khesh approached with her usual measured grace. “When you’re ready, I’d like to speak with you.”

Naya nodded, accepting a bowl of porridge and a cup ofkkermofrom a passing server before following Oshrun toward a quieter alcove. It was close enough to see Nnimi but removed from the lively debate.

“King Sy agreed to the terms?” Oshrun asked, settling onto a carved stone bench.

Naya joined her and took a sip ofkkermo, the rich bitterness sending warmth spreading through her chest, chasing away the last of her fatigue. “All of them,” Naya said. “Recognition of Ilia as its own district, protection during integration, continued control over magical maintenance. He agreed immediately. I think he really wanted a solution that could protect his people.”

Something relaxed in Oshrun’s shoulders. “Good. That gives us a foundation to build on.” She paused, studying Naya’s face with those perceptive eyes. “Is there more?”

“I need to start learning how your magical tools work. If I’m going to find a way to stop the storm, I need full knowledge of your capabilities.”

“Of course. We can start with basic crystal resonance this morning.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the discord of voices continuing in the background. “I assume discussions didn’t go well yesterday?” Naya gestured to the dining area.

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