Page 104 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

My vision blurs and I can hardly discern who it is until they wrap their arms around me. In an instant, I know it's Az, and my heart swells with emotion as I recognize his unmistakable scent and the warmth of his embrace that cocoons me like a protective shield.

"Where the fuck have you been?" Az's voice is rough with emotion as he squeezes me, his fingers digging into my flesh. I wheeze as I sink into his embrace, letting out a gasp.

"I-I'm okay," I manage to say, trying to reassure him as he sets me back down. He takes a step back, and his gaze trails down my body before he meets my eyes again.

"We got stuck in—" I begin, but my words are cut off by a frantic voice calling from outside.

"Is she here?!" Emeric rushes in, his face a mask of panic and relief. He pulls me into his arms, squeezing me tight before releasing me, his eyes wide with worry.

"You're okay," he breathes, his palm against my cheek.

"Yeah." I smile, feeling a sense of comfort in his touch. "King Valtorious tried to prevent us from coming home," I add, regretting the words as soon as they leave my lips. I feel Az stiffen beside me, his eyes narrowing.

But this is home, for now.

"Did he hurt you?" Az's grip on my shoulders is tight, and his eyes scan every inch of my body.

I shake my head, my fingers playing with the necklace at my throat. "He can't," I say, my voice a whisper.

Relief floods Az's face, and he takes a deep breath before pulling me into another hug. "You have no idea how happy I am that you're alright," he murmurs into my hair, his arms wrapped tightly around me.

"Aggonid is back to being a major asshole to me." I groan. "So I told him I was going to give Caius my virginity."

Emeric chuckles, but Az doesn't. Instead, he pulls back, studying me. "Is that what you want?"

I shrug. "It might make me feel better," I hedge, but then I remember the rules stipulate I can lose it to anyone, provided he's present. And if the Wild Pursuit will happen whether I want it to or not, I may need to take things into my own hands. "Although ..."

Az cups my chin, tilting it so I'm looking him in the eyes. "What is it?"

"The Wild Pursuit is tonight, right?"

"Yeah?"

"And that's when everyone goes feral?"

He narrows his eyes. "Yes ... except for those members of the royal court who choose to wear a suppression bracelet to prevent them from doing so."

"So our beasts will do what they do best?"

"Fuck or fight?" He grins, and it's a beautiful sight. "Yeah, but only if your beast finds a worthy opponent."

Interesting.

I turn my attention to Emeric, who looks enraptured by the conversation we're having. "Can you get word to Caius I need to see him at Az’s house? And then come back here when you're done?"

He gives me an easy smile, all charm now. "Yeah, I can do that."

* * *

Az has a much largerhouse than mine because he used his favors from Aggonid to make his stay more comfortable, so we decide to ride out the Wild Pursuit there.

I stand in awe as I take in the room. The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of paintings and sculptures, crafted from all types of metal. Vibrant tapestries, woven from vorpal blades, hang from the windows and sway gently in the warm breeze that wafts through the slats in the bars. The bright red color of the tapestries contrasts against the dark metal of the room, creating a mesmerizing effect.

The furniture is crafted from thick wood and rich velvets, the colors deep scarlet and amber. In the center of the room is a huge fireplace, the flames casting rippling shadows on the walls.

The single bedroom is quiet—for now—except for the occasional crackling of the fireplace. The kitchen is alive with the sound of bubbling pots, clanking utensils, sizzling vegetables and meat where the three of us cook. The knock at the door cuts through the noise like a bell.

"That'll be Caius," I whisper, my smile growing wide.

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