“Come here,” she said softly, bringing his lips closer to hers before she shotgunned the Greenwood smoke into his mouth. The smoke was sweet. His heart fluttered. Even without touching him, she sent chills down his spine and he loved it.
“C’mon, let’s get outta here,” she said tenderly.
“Where to now?” Caiden asked.
“Star Hills,” she replied.
“Fine by me.”
***
The ride up to Star Hills was winding and scenic. It was one of the few places in the mega-city that had been left untouched by modern society. Yvora, enamored with the clear starry sky held Caiden’s waist tighter as they rode on the large secluded hill. The light of the silver moon added to the magical ambience and breathtaking view of the city.
“Pull over right up there,” Yvora instructed.
Caiden pulled over to an incline that was hidden from the dirt road that led to the hill. They dismounted and secured the hypercycle and walked over to the private outlook. Yvora pulled out a small, thin camping sheet and spread it on the grass for them to sit on. True to its name, the hill provided a clear view of all the stars in the sky. It helped them forget about the ills of the city and the rest of the world. They laid back and enjoyed the view.
Unable to cope with her feelings, Yvora sat up to physically control them. Caiden sat up as well, and they locked eyes once again. Stepping further outside of his comfort zone, he leaned forward and kissed her. She slowly leaned back. He’s beautiful, she thought to herself as she ran her fingers through his hair. She kissed him again, This time deeper, more intense, hungrily.
Urgency and eagerness consumed them both as their hands began to explore. With the tips of his fingers, he softly traced the curves of her body in anticipation. Every caress sent her to another world. She couldn’t wait any longer. They tore at each other's clothing.
Every solicitous connection of his caress on her skin sent her to another world. They shared with each other the bareness; the core of human impulse and ardor which brought the level of intimacy to a place Caiden has never felt before. Compunction be damned , she inadvertently mumbled in quivering pleasure.
“I think I'm falling in love with you,” Yvora said. Caiden froze.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry,” she said, sobering up from her rapturous daze. She blushed. She hadn’t meant to say it out loud.
Caiden had just been hit with the realization of what she said. He was astonished that a woman as wonderful as Yvora could feel anything like that for him. He tenderly stroked her cheek and rested his forehead against hers.
“I think I feel the same about you too,” he whispered.
Relieved by his reciprocation, she slid her arms around his neck. She pulled him close and smiled, knowing that nothing could ruin their one perfect moment.
***
Some time had passed, and they were laying together on the hills looking at the last of the stars as dawn slowly crept into the sky. Her head rested on his chest.
“You are something else,” she told him as she tapped her finger on his nose.
“So are you,” he replied. “Time to go?”
“Yeah, I’m kinda hungry. And a little worn out, thanks to you,” she said, playfully nudging him.
“I was thinkin’, you should stay over. Don’t want you riding home tired. Maybe I can cook up some brunch or something when we wake up?” she asked with a hint of embarrassment and a nervous smile.
“I don’t have anywhere to be. I’d like that,” he said.
By that time, they were fully clothed save for their jackets. As soon as they were ready, Caiden geared up his hypercycle and they took off into the morning sun toward her place.
***
“Whatever is your will shall come to fruition,” a familiar voice echoed from the darkness.
“Who was that?” Caiden asked.
“Your truth,” the voice replied.
“I don’t understand,” a confused Caiden called out into the darkness.
“If you let them; your eyes shall see more. If you will it, your flesh shall be strengthened. You are more than what you think you are. The power lies deep inside you,” the voice said as it faded out.
“I don’t get it. Wait! Wait! Wait! Wai—”
To his left, he saw a turquoise glowing light getting brighter and brighter. He looked down and saw that his entire left arm was the source of the light! The appearance of the powerful glow frightened him.
“No! No! No! No! What is happening to me?” Caiden yelled.
The light kept getting brighter and more intense.
***
Caiden woke up in a cold sweat. His chest felt heavy and his heart was pounding.
“You okay, Caide?” Yvora asked in a hoarse voice as she slowly sat up and caressed his shoulder.
“Yeah, I…It’s okay, go back to sleep,” he assured her.
“Oh, man. You’re sweating. Are you sure you’re okay?” she persisted with more concern.
“Yeah, I’m okay. Believe me. Rest now, okay?” he calmly told her.
She lazily nodded, kissed him on the cheek and went back to sleep. What the fuck was that dream all about? It felt so real, he thought. Eyes see more? The power? What was that light? What in the world? Gotta be the after effects of the Greenwood I smoked. Shit! he thought.
They got back to Yvora’s place around two a.m. The intense intimacy they shared at Star Hills didn’t end there. They were drawn to each other when they got back, and went until they passed out. Caiden couldn’t even remember what time they fell asleep. Yet, there he was, wide awake; wired from yet another bizarre dream. He looked around her room searching for the time. There was an antique clock on the dresser. One thirty p.m. Damn. We really did get crazy, he thought to himself.
He sighed and smirked to himself. Thinking of the previous night filled an emotional void he never knew was there. He tenderly laid back down, facing
