Page 67 of Burned to Obey

Istand on a sweeping balcony of pale stone, the roar of the ocean rising from the cliffs below. The salt-laced wind brushes my fur, carrying the scent of sea brine and wet rock. Behind me, our new home stretches in graceful arches, a stark contrast to the Bastion’s imposing fortress. It’s more open, more welcoming—an ancestral estate I once avoided for fear of old memories. Now, with Naeva at my side, those shadows recede. This place feels alive.

I turn to see her stepping into the balcony’s glow, the late afternoon sun carving soft angles across her features. My heart pounds as I absorb the reality of her presence here, truly free, no Senate decree chasing us. The once-raw scar on her arm has faded into a smooth, quiet mark. It’s no longer a prison, but a promise we both uphold. Her gown drapes soft and sand-colored around her, hair falling in loose waves. When her eyes find mine, the current between us hums—thick with memory, thick with want.

For a moment, we stand in companionable silence, leaning against the balcony rail, overlooking the crashing waves far below. The estate’s design echoes older minotaur architecture:tall columns, airy corridors, mosaics depicting maritime legends. Yet nothing here feels oppressive. The sea is our constant chorus, singing of endless horizons. I take in a slow breath, letting the salt tang fill my lungs. My leg still twinges from the arena duel, but the pain is manageable. I survived. We survived.

Naeva inches closer, until her arm grazes mine. “I still can’t believe how different it is from the Bastion,” she murmurs, voice hushed in awe. “The wind, the open sky... It’s like stepping into a new world.”

I nod, my horns tipping in agreement. “I spent years avoiding this place, thinking it was steeped in regrets. But with you, it feels reborn.”

She presses a hand gently to my chest, right where the fresh scars from the final arena battle lie hidden beneath my tunic. “You claimed me as your mate in that ring, battered and half-dead. I was so afraid you’d never stand again.” Her voice trembles. “Yet here we are.”

My throat tightens at the recollection. A swirl of images: the champion’s blade slicing my flesh, the roar of the crowd, her tear-streaked face in the stands. I place my hand over hers, lacing our fingers. “I had a promise to keep: keep you alive. Keep us together.”

The ocean surges below, sending a gust of wind that tugs at her hair. She blinks against it, laughing softly. The sound is light, unburdened by the Bastion’s gloom. I can’t help but stare, heart pounding with renewed realization that she’s no longer marked by fear, but by possibility. We stand on the edge of a future shaped by our vow, not by Senate forces or old castes.

A discreet cough from behind startles us both. Vira, my sister, stands in the archway leading back inside. Her horns tilt in a wry smile. “I see you’re enjoying the balcony.” She steps forward, offering Naeva an acknowledging nod. “I was headingout, but wanted to give you an update.” Her gaze flicks to me. “The new law has passed: Nullborn humans, once enslaved or hunted, are officially protected in Milthar. The Senate approved it under pressure from House Rhek’tal’s alliance.” She beams at Naeva. “You inspired this change.”

My chest expands with pride. I glance at Naeva, see her eyes widen, tears threatening. “Protected,” she whispers. “No more secret hunts, no more fear that my trait marks me for exploitation?”

Vira’s expression softens. “Yes. It’s official. Saru’s vow in the arena, plus your actions in saving him from chaos poison, demonstrated that your gift is no threat to minotaur honor. The Senate wants to avoid another confrontation with House Rhek’tal, so they approved the measure.”

Naeva’s hand squeezes mine, face shining with disbelief. She looks at me, tears trembling on her lashes. “Your sister truly?—?”

Vira lifts a shoulder. “I only set the stage. You two did the rest.” A faint smirk touches her lips. “I’ll head back to the Senate soon, continue reforms. For now, though, I wish you both peace.” She dips her head in a half-bow, then departs, leaving the balcony hush behind.

Silence resonates, broken only by the sea’s roar. Naeva trembles, unsteady with relief. I pull her into my arms, pressing my forehead to hers. “We did it,” I murmur. “No fear of condemnation for who you are, no forced brand. You’re free. Protected by law.”

She exhales, tears slipping. “I never dreamed this day would come.” She half-laughs, half-sobs, burying her face in my chest. “And it’s not just me. Others like me might be safe now.”

I hold her close, masking the sting throbbing along my side. “Yes. We can build a future free from secrecy. You can stand in the open, forging your path. And I want to forge it with you.”

She nods, pressing closer, her breath hitching against my tunic. We remain entwined, the wind and waves witnessing this raw joy. My heart swells. For so long, we fought battles on every side—now the fight transitions to forging a life beyond the Bastion’s stifling walls. The brand was once a chain, now it’s a shared vow recognized by goddess and law alike.

At length, she lifts her head, wiping tears. “Tonight,” she says softly, “I want us to celebrate in a way that belongs to us alone. No watchers, no Senate. Just you and me.”

Warmth pools in my chest at her invitation. I tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Then we shall. Our new home has more than enough space for a private dinner... and beyond.”

She smiles, a flush rising to her cheeks. “Lead the way, Warden.”

I snort in mock annoyance. “Call me that if you must, but I’m simply Saru, your partner, your mate.”

Her eyes gleam. “Saru,” she echoes, voice filled with promise.

We step back inside, drifting through wide corridors lined with sea-themed tapestries. Servants offer greetings, but we wave them off, preferring our solitude. A simple meal is laid out in a smaller dining hall—a corner of the estate that overlooks the ocean through arching windows. We dine on spiced fish and roasted vegetables, sipped with honeyed wine, speaking in low voices about the next steps. Whether we’ll remain here or travel. She suggests we might visit the southwestern villages to ensure dark elf smugglers stay at bay, or consider sailing to smaller islands to see how the new law helps Nullborn there. The possibilities feel endless, a far cry from the Bastion’s daily survival.

When the meal ends, the sun has dipped low, painting the horizon in fiery oranges. We meander back toward the living quarters, exchanging soft touches that stoke a growing anticipation. My leg throbs with each step, but I grit my teeth,determined not to let discomfort hamper this night. We enter our private suite—a large chamber with an open window that frames the sea. Lanterns flicker, casting warm light across polished floors. A broad bed stands near the window, draped in linen to match the coastal air. My pulse beats faster, recalling the vow we made at the altar, the nights we’ve shared, the future we’re forging right here.

She moves deeper into the room, running her fingers along a carved wooden trunk. The faint breeze from the open window ruffles her gown. I approach behind her, resting my hands gently on her shoulders. She inhales sharply, leaning back against me. “I’m yours,” she whispers, voice trembling with emotion. “No brand. No forced vow.”

I bow my head, pressing a reverent kiss to her temple. “And I’m yours, by choice. By love.” The word flows unbidden, but it feels right. She stiffens slightly, turning to me.

“Love?” she breathes, eyes shining. “That’s what this is, isn’t it?”

I nod, throat tight. “I see no other word for what we share.”

She gives a shaky laugh, tears glimmering. “Yes… love.” Then she slips her arms around my neck. “We’ve come so far.”

I cradle her cheek, horns angled to avoid bumping her. “Then let’s mark it together.” Without another word, we slide into a deep, lingering kiss that tastes of sweet wine and sea salt. Her mouth parts beneath mine, a soft gasp escaping. My heart pounds with reverence and desire, a heady mix that vibrates through my bones.

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