Page 108 of Thanatos' Craving

“You haven’t told me where we are going!” She argued back, wrestling against my hold.

My shadows intertwined around her, casting a blinding veil over her, obscuring her vision and guarding her form. With a graceful movement, I unfurled my wings, the rush of air propelled me upwards. Amidst the chaos, Juniper’s piercing screams echoed around us, her fingers gripping my robes with an iron grip. Her body stilled beneath me, embracing me tightly, fearing the imminent fall.

Not that I would ever let her fall. She was safe and would always be in my arms and within my grasp.

We ascended high above the majestic palace, the wind rushed through our hair as we swiftly traversed the haunting landscape of the Underworld. We spiraled through the vast expanse, her gasps and screams reverberated in my ear and mingled with the exhilarating sensation of the air swirling around us. A mischievous chuckle escaped my lips, while I relished in the fleeting moments of fear that bring me joy, knowing there is nothing to be afraid of in our daring flight.

“Thanatos! Put me down! Gods what are you doing?!”

“Taking you somewhere, now hold on.”

The heat of the Underworld threaded between my feathers. I relished the flight, and fought away the anger of the demon, of other eyes seeing my mate’s body. Juniper may be used to baring her body to others because of her previous life, but she is now mine and I will not have her showing it to anyone else but me.

My shadows kept her blindfolded, and we soared higher on the mountain of our home. I had one spot in mind as I flapped my wings to land. It was the perfect spot to show her, the perfect place to gift her after the Hecate fiasco.

As foolish as it sounded, I was quite prideful that she would be jealous of another woman.

I smirked as we land and wrap my wings around her. She shuffled her feet, her anticipation growing by the minute.

“Can I move now?” she asked and her body glowed brighter now that we bask in the darkest corner of the Underworld.

“In a moment.” I cupped the back of her head and pulled her to my chest. I concentrated and willed the light that my mate radiated through her soul and pushed it into the sky. As I held her, I felt the warmth of her body around me. With her hands placed on my chest, I felt something that can only be describe as–maybe joy? It felt like it could be so much more than that. Having her here in my arms was far more contentment that I have ever felt.

When I finally released her, the bikini she once wore was long gone. She now wore a gold gown that sparkled as the stars. She waved the shadows from her eyes and she blinked, adjusting to the sudden burst of light from her skin. Her gaze followed the path of her radiant energy as it danced among the stars I have, mirroring her soul that now illuminated the night sky. Juniper’s breath caught in her throat, a mixture of awe and wonder painted across her face.

“Thanatos,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of the Underworld. “It’s beautiful.”

A surge of pride swelled within me, knowing that I have brought her to a place that holds such significance and beauty. This hidden spot, nestled high above the realm of darkness, is my sanctuary, my refuge from the burdens of my duties as the god of death. And now it is a place I shared with Juniper.

Before us, a breathtaking wild meadow bloomed in vibrant colors, contrasting against the eternal darkness of the Underworld. Flowers of all kinds stretched as far as the eye can see, their petals glistening with a soft, ethereal glow from the light my mate protrudes.

Juniper stepped forward, her fingers grazed the petals delicately. “Oh, Thanatos-- It’s stunning,” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

“These flowers are not like any other,” I explained, a hint of excitement in my voice. “Each flower represents a soul that has passed through the Underworld. Their essence lingers here, forever memorialized in the beauty of these blooms.”

She looked at me, her eyes wide with amazement. “You created this?”

“A part of a person’s soul has, I just materialized it.” a soft smile played at my lips. “I didn’t know why, but I knew it would be important one day. And now I understand that it was intended for you. To show you that even in the realm of death,there is beauty and life.” I took her hand in mine and led her further into the meadow and guided her through the sea of flowers.

As we walked, I can see the weight of the world lifting off her shoulders. The worries and doubts that had plagued her just moments ago seem to fade away in this enchanting place. She breathed in the sweet scent of the blossoms, her eyes filled with gratitude and adoration.

“Were they always in the dark, these flowers?” she asked.

I nodded solemnly and squeezed her hand. “That is until your soul has lit the way. Now they can be seen and appreciated.”

We found ourselves in a small clearing, surrounded by a small grove towering trees that whisper secrets to the wind. The starlight filters through their branches, casting an ethereal glow upon us.

She turned to face me, her eyes sparkled with countless stars mirrored in their depths. In this moment, I see her vulnerability laid bare before me. Neither of us no longer consumed by jealousy.

“Are these enough flowers for you, my treasure? Better than the weeds I grew for Hecate?” I pulled off my hood and bury my face in her neck.

Her body stiffened, but her arms did not let go of my body. “Y-you know about that?”

I chuckled. “Yes, Ember told me you were upset I haven’t given you flowers yet. All you need is to ask for things, and I will give them to you.”

“Oh, hmm,” she gripped me tighter. “That’s embarrassing.”

“Now you have a field of them, more flowers than I have ever given Hecate. And you must know— “I pulled away from her. “I have never been in a relationship with her. I only grow them for her witchcraft.” I swiped my thumb across her cheek. “You arethe first and last female I will ever give flowers to that hold any meaning.”

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