Page 30 of Fire & Ice

I increased the intensity of our lovemaking and felt the familiar hum of ecstasy travel throughout every nerve ending in my body. Everything around us seemed to fade away until all that remained were our soft cries of delight echoing in the night.

Arousal surged through me as my hands grasped her plush curves. She felt soft and inviting beneath my fingers, and I increased the force of each thrust, driven by a primal instinct. Tempest quickly rolled me onto my back and straddled me, locking her eyes with mine as she slowly lowered herself onto me.

Our bodies joined together in perfect harmony—my cold to her warmth. I savored every inch of her tightness around me, encouraging her movements with a firm grip on her hips. Our rhythm rose steadily until I could feel her trembling with pleasure.

"Tempest, my blazing fire," I groaned. "Take everything."

My tongue explored her body, tasting the sweet saltiness of her skin before finding its way to one of her hard nipples. I bit down lightly and felt a surge of energy between us as she gasped in delight. With each thrust, I drove deeper into Tempest's fiery depths, feeling the intensity of our connection grow more powerful with each passing moment. Her moans reverberated through the room as we came closer and closer to blissful climax. As she let out a guttural scream full of raw emotion, I felt myself shatter in ecstasy.

The flames licked Tempest's body, their tongues a mix of blue and orange as my skin grew cold. Our eyes connected--a current shot between us, binding us together. Every emotion she felt ran through my veins--happiness, pleasure, desire and a deep connection I had never before encountered.

We both trembled with anticipation, the world seeming to still around us in that moment. Then it was on us like a storm--all-consuming and powerful, shaking everything in its path. My teeth latched onto her neck, claiming her forever while her body convulsed with wave after wave of pleasure.

Eventually our breathing slowed and our bodies stilled, yet our minds raced with emotion. This wasn't just about physical gratification or completing the Mating Ritual--this was something deeper. The fire inside Tempest seemed like it had been crafted especially for me. Her sultry smoky scent filled the air as I caressed her back gently in reverence.

"I'm so happy that I found you," I murmured breathlessly.

Chapter 32

Sara

I could feel it—the intoxicating allure of lust washing over me like a thick fog. The ring on my finger seemed to pulse, and I swore that I could feel its heat radiating throughout my body, turning everything into a brazen haze.

My decision to attend this gala had been questionable, for with each step I took I was reminded of Tempest and how she had taken Beau away from me. However, I knew that by coming here, I could find someone who would help further Charlie's and my mission. Or at least, I could test out the ring on one of them.

The ballroom was practically abuzz with activity as fragiles and halflings roamed free, indulging in every pleasure imaginable. Despite the carnal chaos, it was the perfect opportunity for me. All I'd have to do was give someone an impish smile and they'd cave right in.

For a few days, I had been able to forget my heartache by pretending Beau was mine. But soon after, the aching in my soul grew exponentially and even Charlie's charade could no longer dull its intensity. My desperation was rising, and I knew that we needed help from someone on the inside.

Standing atop the elevated dais, surveying the lavish room before me, I began to look around for my target. Someone high enough to be trusted within their inner circle. Someone whose power we needed to gain access to more secrets. Soon, people began melting away from my line of vision until only one face remained. My gaze settled upon a dark-haired halfling—Deakon Lacey. He wore a suit of black and silver, his family crest adorning his right breast. No matter how meticulously tailored the suit may have been, it was nothing compared to the suit Beau had worn during the Mating Ritual, an exquisite creation that accentuated every muscle in Beau's body.

This halfling wasn't Beau. He was average and lean while Beau was tall and muscled. Deakon's eyes were a bland green compared to the depths of the ocean that flowed through Beau's eyes. Despite him appearing to be having fun, I noticed an air of loneliness about him—presumably why he had come here in the first place—and I realized this halfling might be just the weak link we needed. He was my opportunity, and I smiled mischievously as I made my way towards him.

I grasped the ring tightly, feeling its energy swell and rise. I focused my gaze on Deakon, and the power of the ring crashed into me like a wave, burrowing its way into his psyche, entrapping his body in a haze of desire and lust. His dull green eyes flashed with longing as he was pulled to me by the ring's invisible tether.

He walked towards me, as if in trance, and settled across from me at the table I had sat at. His eyes feasted hungrily on my cleavage, and I let him, reveling in the thrill of conquering someone so powerful.

With a flick of my wrist, I cast the privacy spell Charlie had taught me, making sure our conversation remained just between us. I smiled sweetly at him and opened my mouth to speak. "Glad you could join me, Councilman Deakon Lacey. It seems we have much to discuss."

My eyes sparkled as I watched him slowly succumb to the ring's influence. His body relaxed and his eyes widened in lust, showing no awareness of what was happening.

I leaned forward slightly, "You look like you're in need of my company, Deakon," I purred in a low voice.

Deakon's gaze hadn't left mine since I had begun to weave my magic around him. He shuddered under the intensity of it, and I felt a smug satisfaction rush through me. I could sense his desire for me, and it planted the tiniest seed in my heart. It was soil that had been long barren since Beau.

I smiled to myself as I felt his finger trace the bodice of my dress. Memories of what could have been with Beau flooded my mind, yet I forced them away, knowing that none could compare to him, not even under the false pretense provided by the ring.

No matter. All that mattered was getting Deakon under my spell and onto our side.

"Wow," he moaned, sliding his seat closer to mine and pressing up against me with intensity.

"Even more impressive without all these clothes." I said seductively, leaning forward to reveal my ample bosom. The heat of his desire bathed me as he pulled me closer to him. The smell of his arousal was bitter, far different than Charlie's which at least had been palatable. Deakon was... disgusting, just like all the other halflings and gifted who were here.

“Get over it and do what needs to be done!” I chastised myself.

"You would be on my arm?" he asked.

I grinned slyly as Deakon leaned in close, my slender arm slinking around his back and pulling him flush against me, pressing my breasts against his chest. I could feel the power radiating off him. It ran in his bloodline for sure. Even though he disgusted me, the thought of having a powerful ally such as Deakon thrilled me All the possibilities for what he could help me accomplish ran through my mind.

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