There is no answer I can hear above the nocturnal sounds of the forest that surrounds us. If the God of Creation has heard me, he is silent. The mage said I made a bargain with him, but I do not remember the details. Part of me fears in asking Kyra to take no other mates, I’ve already broken our arrangement.
Chapter 26
Kyra
I wake in the morning with Cael’s head between my thighs. He drags his tongue through my folds, and I gasp as he reaches the small bundle of nerves at the top.
“Cael,” I barely manage. My mind is telling me we should stop because we need to get on the road, but my body wants him so badly, it wins the argument. “Don’t stop.”
He grins, then continues to lave the small pearl of flesh that drives me mad with desire. He inserts one finger into my core, stroking in and out. I moan as I imagine it’s his length filling my channel. I want him deep inside me, but I’m still a bit nervous.
He shifts back into his foxlike features, his ears becoming pointed as his beautiful white tail brushes against my leg.
When I come, it’s with a keening cry. He moves quickly back up my body and kisses me deeply and passionately as he rolls his hips against mine. His length rests just to the left of where I want it so desperately to fill me.
I reach down and stroke him as he moves against me. When he comes, he roars out my name as he paints my abdomen with his release. He smooths his hand up and down my body, covering me with his essence. He presses his lips to mine and breathes into my mouth.
“You are mine, Kyra. And I am yours.”
I hug him to me as he collapses atop my body, pinning me beneath him on the blankets. I love the weight of him covering me like this.
“I want you and no other,” I whisper into his ear. “I’m yours, and you’re mine, Cael.”
I lift my gaze to his. His eyes search mine as I reach up to touch his cheek. “Do you remember everything about us?” I whisper.
He closes his eyes and leans into my hand as if relishing my touch as he breathes out the words. “I remember our life together if that is what you are asking.” He turns his head and presses a tender kiss to my palm.
Placing his hand over mine, he gives me a pained look. “I also know that my love for you put you in danger, Kyra.”
I nod, because he is right. “You did not want me to take a harem. You couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else touching me.”
He clenches his jaw as he lowers his gaze. “I feel this way about the other four guards… even now,” he admits. “Forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive, Cael. It wasn’t just you. I did not want anyone else either.”
His eyes flick back up to meet mine. “And now? Do you still feel the same?”
“Yes, my love.” I cup my hand to the back of his neck and pull his lips down to mine. “I only want you. You and no other.”
Chapter 27
Cael
It has been three long days and nights of hard travel, but we are almost there. Nox says he can still feel the magic of the dark mages pursuing us, but they are far enough behind that we do not have to worry. Yet.
The Capital city—Valyra—is just barely visible on the hill up ahead. The forest gives way to several acres of tilled fields, and despite the rich color of the earth, only a smattering of green crops dot the landscape, perhaps because the ground is so dry. We traverse a road so devoid of moisture, the horses kick up tufts of sand as we approach.
A tall castle sits directly in the center of the city—four white towers spiraling toward the clouds, capped with silver peaked rooftops—like a medieval fairy-tale castle.
When we reach the entrance to the city, the gates are open wide, and the dirt path gives way to cobbled streets. Although not in as much a state of disrepair as the last village, it is easy to see the structures and roads are not adequately maintained, and I wonder why.
“Willow said the Light Mage’s Guild was located here, but I do not see it.” Even as the words escape my mouth, my eyes scan the area and notice a large domed structure beside the castle that looks similar to an ancient cathedral but not quite.
Tall towers and spiers of white stone reach toward the sky. Large multicolored panes of glass line the windows in a brilliant display of color as the sun beats down from overhead. Silver capped rooftops glisten beneath the light and I stare at it in wonder.
Kyra points to it. “I think that must be it.”
I nod. Willow told us to seek them out first before going to the castle or the ancient tomb. I am loath to be around more people, especially after what Nox told Kyra. I may not remember everything about this world, but I remember enough to know the inner light of the queen was one of the reasons she needed a harem. Many were drawn to her—some with good intent but many with that of evil.
Many wanted to steal her light and thus, her powers. The fastest way to do that was to murder her and absorb it as their own. That is why she had to be guarded and why I must guard her now. She is in danger from those who want to take her powers.
I think again about Lynx and Astra. Where are they? Why have they not come yet? I do not believe they are dead. Deep down, I feel as if I would know if something terrible had happened to
