Page 4 of Celestial Shadows

Shut up.

CHAPTER TWO

DRAGAN

Mortal Ruins

My instincts cause me to stir when I sense the sun rising. But it’s Myerdoth’s presence that forces me to awaken. The gargoyle shouldn’t be moving at sunrise. For a moment, I fear we may be under attack and that he’s come to warn me. But my panic subsides when I see the cuff around his wrist. A cuff which allows Myerdoth to freely walk in the sunshine. I smile at him. “Tell me, how does it feel to walk in daylight?”

Myerdoth scowls down at the runed metal. “It hurts my eyes.”

I bite my tongue to withhold my laughter. “Yes, it does.”

“I thought to watch the coming of dawn, but my vision blurred.”

“You will get used to it.”

He nods. “I’ve come to tell you your presence is requested in the war room,” Myerdoth announces. I take in a big breath and nod, moving to follow him.

***

DRAGAN

Mortal Ruins

“I need Zir’s assistance if our artificer isn’t needed by Cambion,” I announce as Variant is shackled and escorted out of the war room.

I suspect it takes a great deal of restraint for the powerful being to allow himself to be restrained after just gaining his freedom. But we must be sure he won’t be a danger to the people in our care. The people who have lost everything due to Morrigan’s hold on Variant. We won’t allow his actions to go unpunished. If we’re lenient, they may see us as weak and unableto protect them. The last thing I want is for them to question Eilish’s judgement so soon after naming her their leader.

Where I failed as a king, Eilish has the strength to succeed.

Eilish releases Baron and allows him to leave with Pyre and the others. She gives me a look that causes my cock to twitch. I lean over to Myerdoth. “I must consult with our queen on matters of the ritual. Rest this morning and meet with me in the courtyard tonight.” Ever the loyal companion, Myerdoth doesn’t question me. He leaves with the others, closing the door on his way out. It shuts with a bang that echoes through the room.

I lick my lips as Eilish turns to face me, lust festering in her gaze. “I’ve missed you, Dragan,” she purrs, causing me to swell in the confines of my trousers. “And you’ve accomplished your mission to obtain the Grimoire. Don’t you think you deserve something... special? Perhaps a gift from your queen?”

“I believe I deserve exactly that,” I respond.

She climbs into my lap and trails her tongue along the curve of my ear. Then she nips the tip and runs her hands down my chest. Those tantalizing fingers tease the throbbing length of my member through the fabric.

A low growl emits from my lips before I pull her in for a kiss.

Her wicked tongue swipes against my teeth before swirling with mine. I tangle my fingers in her hair and taste the sweetness of her mouth. She sucks my tongue and I yank her back. I inhale sharply as her deft hands release me from the chafing cloth. Long, elegant fingers wrap around my length and stroke from the base of my cock to the leaking tip. She moans at the sight of my seed and I know she hungers for me.

“No,” I whisper. “Perhaps tonight I will let you taste me, but not now.”

She shivers at the dark tone of my voice as I slip my hand inside her pants. Strong thighs tremble at my touch and I teasethe tip of my finger against her entrance. Eilish’s eyes flutter shut.

“Look at me.”

I thrust up into her hands. She releases me, lifting up to push her pants town. I stare at the glistening folds of her sex as she bares herself to my gaze. She climbs back into my lap and I hiss as her heat brushes against my erection. She bites down on her lip as I hold her hips and slowly lower her onto my cock. I feel the way her muscles stretch to accommodate my invasion, swelling and convulsing as I slide against her walls.

Eilish’s breath hitches and she begins to ride me. Her hands move to my shoulders, using them as leverage as she bounces and grinds. “You feel so good,” she moans against my cheek. “And I’ve missed you. I’ve missed… this.”

When her rhythm falters, I lift her higher before yanking her back down. I thrust up to meet her descent and rock my pelvis. Her back arches. I release her hips and tear open the front of her tunic. Succulent breasts bob within her corset. I lean forward and suck the beads of sweat from her flesh.

The pull of her hunger leeches the strength from my body even as her magic fills me with renewed energy. I stand and press her chest against the table. Eilish gasps as I enter her from behind. My palm rests at the center of her back, holding her steady as I pound into her with relentless thrusts. She reaches beneath the table and I feel her fingers prodding between her folds.

I lean forward and bite the back of her neck.

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