Page 46 of Of Withering Dreams
A sensual, garbled sound rumbled from his chest as he came, his seed spilling over my hand and onto his stomach.
As I released him, his body fell limp. I cuddled into his side, his arm wrapping around me protectively.
“Well, that’s one way to get rid of a headache,” I teased.
He laughed, kissing my forehead in between each word. “Best. Morning. Ever.”
“I think you’re just pleased that you finally joined me in the tub.”
“I won’t deny it. Unless you want to torture me some more.” He grinned as I swatted him on the chest and then placed a kiss on his jaw.
We snuggled for a bit atop the damp linens, neither of us wanting to leave the satiated bubble.
Contentment seeped into my muscles, relief working through each sinew. Any remaining feeling of being powerless was nudged aside. I sighed, kissing Kaden’s collarbone.
My stomach grumbled, breaking the silence.
“Ah, time to feed the monster in your belly,” he joked.
We cleaned up, and he wrapped a towel around his waist, taking his soggy trousers back to his room for a fresh pair.
I slipped my new dress over me, the fabric just as soft as my previous attire. I ran my hands down the black skirt, wishing it wouldn’t call attention to me.
“Hungry?” Kaden asked from the hallway. As he met me at the door, he took my hand in his.
“Always.”
18
FATED KHORDA
“Ah, new attire, I see. You’ve been branded a mystery, I dare say,” Rhaegar stated, taking a seat next to me and placing a plate of bacon and eggs on the table.
“Wonderful,” I grumbled.
“I’d look at it as an opportunity. Keeping others on their toes … oroffthem, in my case,” he joked, flashing me a broad smile.
I returned it and touched his arm briefly, grateful for his encouragement and sense of humor. “I’m sorry. I recall tossing you through the air.” My shoulders slumped.
“Ah, don’t vex yourself. It was bloody brilliant.” He chuckled, digging into his food.
“He’s right, you know. People may think twice before messing with you. I call dibs on you for the Winnowing Trials.” Breena pointed one finger at me, squinting. “That was a given anyway.” She took a big bite out of a banana.
“All right, spill. People keep dropping hints without saying much.” Letti looked around the table, her stare landing on Xeni, whose mouth quirked as she chewed slowly. Swallowing, she rested her spoon in her empty bowl.
Now that Xeni spent more time with the group—or rather, Letti—we had learned that she was part of Gavrel’s unit and had been for the last two turns. She was from the easternmost edge of Haadra.
“There’s often chatter about the festivities before the Elders gather everyone. Gossip spreads like Pyria fire throughout the training field.” Her voice was soothing and composed. “Basically, we celebrate the end of the Dormancy with various events, a ball, and a competition. The tournament is only for Druiks and Draumrs who wish to compete. There is often some sort of highly desirable prize for the victor.”
“Thank you,” Letti said, placing a kiss on Xeni’s cheek. Xeni smiled, embracing my sister’s hand on top of the table. Her rune tattoo, in the shape of three small interconnecting decagons, flashed silver between her thumb and forefinger.
“Whatever the prize is, we’re in. Dibs on you and you and you,” Breena insisted as she pointed the last bit of her banana at me, Kaden, and Rhaegar. “Xeni, I’d absolutely put dibs on you, but I heard we can only have four per team. You in to be backup?”
“Ah, I’ll probably sit this one out.” Xeni bowed, her mouth curving faintly.
“Feck. I’m gonna hunt down Gavrel for my reserve,” Breena mumbled, brow furrowing and fingers snapping as she left us.
Kaden plunked the cup he was holding on the table. “What in the ever-loving void just happened? Were we just volunteered for the tournament against our will?”
