The air was heavy with the promise of chaos. Hazel stood at the edge of the canyon, her heart pounding as the horizon darkened with Garrickâs approaching army. The twisted creatures from earlier were only a glimpse of what was to come.Behind her, the soldiers worked tirelessly, reinforcing barricades and sharpening blades. The weight of the impending battle pressed down on everyone, but none more than Damon and Hazel.âTheyâre getting closer,â Evelyn said, appearing at Hazelâs side. Her face was pale, but her voice was steady.Hazel nodded, her gaze never leaving the horizon. âWe have to be ready.âEvelyn hesitated before placing a hand on Hazelâs shoulder. âYouâve come so far, Hazel. Whatever happens, youâre not the same girl who stood in the shadows of this kingdom.âHazel managed a faint smile, the warmth of Evelynâs words cutting through the chill of fear. âThank you.âAs Evelyn stepped away, Hazel felt Damonâs presence before she saw him. His hand brushed against hers, grounding
The castle was alive with activity as Damonâs forces prepared for the battle ahead. The plan was risky, but Hazelâs resolve was unwavering. The thought of luring Garrickâs army into the canyon was a gamble, but it was one they couldnât afford to lose.Hazel stood on the battlements, her eyes scanning the horizon. The skies were heavy with dark clouds, an ominous sign of what was to come.âYouâre deep in thought again,â Damonâs voice came from behind her.Hazel turned, finding him leaning casually against the stone wall, his eyes fixed on her. Despite the chaos brewing around them, he looked composed, though she could see the tension in his jaw.âJust thinking about the plan,â Hazel admitted. âItâs a lot to risk.âDamon stepped closer, his presence grounding her. âEvery battle is a risk. But this one? This one we win.âHazel managed a faint smile. âYouâre confident.ââI have to be,â Damon replied, his hand brushing against hers. âFor you. For this kingdom.âTheir fingers intertwined, a
The room was quiet, save for the soft crackle of the fireplace. Hazel lay nestled against Damonâs chest, her breathing steady as her fingers absently traced the lines of his muscles. His hand rested on her waist, his grip possessive even in rest.âYouâve ruined me, you know,â Damon said suddenly, his voice low and amused.Hazel glanced up at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. âI doubt that.âDamon chuckled, his fingers brushing along her spine. âYou think Iâm joking? I canât even imagine a life without you now.âHazelâs cheeks flushed, but she didnât look away. âGood. Because I donât plan on going anywhere.âHis gaze softened, the usual intensity in his eyes replaced by something warmer. But before either of them could speak again, a sharp knock echoed through the room.Damonâs expression darkened instantly, his hand tightening on Hazelâs waist as he called out, âEnter.âThe door creaked open, and Evelyn stepped inside, her expression a mix of urgency and relief. âIâm sorry to in
The first rays of sunlight spilled through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow across Hazelâs skin. She stirred, her body still humming with the memories of the night before. A faint ache in her thighs reminded her of Damonâs intensity, and a soft blush crept across her cheeks.Before she could shift fully awake, she felt a hand slide across her bare waist, firm and possessive. Damonâs warmth pressed against her back, his breath tickling the curve of her neck.âGood morning,â he murmured, his voice low and velvety, sending a shiver down her spine.Hazel turned slightly, meeting his dark gaze. His eyes glinted with that familiar hunger, the same one that had left her breathless just hours ago.âGood morning,â she whispered back, her voice still thick with sleep.Damonâs lips curved into a wicked smile. âYou look tempting like this,â he said, his fingers tracing lazy circles along her hip. âItâs dangerous to wake up beside me, little one.âHazelâs heart raced as he pulled her closer
The mark on Hazelâs neck pulsed with a faint heat, a tangible reminder of the bond Damon had just forged between them. She shivered beneath him, her heart racing as his lips returned to hers, hungry and insistent.Damonâs hands slid down her body with deliberate precision, his touch both possessive and reverent. âYou donât know how long Iâve waited for this,â he murmured against her lips, his voice rough with barely restrained desire.Hazelâs breath hitched, her body arching into his touch. âThen donât hold back,â she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation.Damonâs eyes flashed with something primal. âYou have no idea what youâve unleashed.âWith a low growl, he captured her lips again, his kiss searing and demanding. Hazel melted beneath him, her fingers tangling in his hair as his hands explored every inch of her body. He made quick work of the remaining barriers between them, his movements swift and practiced.âDamon,â she gasped, her voice catching as his mouth traveled
The air in the room was thick with tension and unspoken emotions. Hazel lay beneath Damon, her body still trembling from the heat of his touch. His gaze bore into hers, dark and unreadable, but the hunger in his eyes was unmistakable.Yet as the intensity of the moment swelled, Hazel felt something deeperâa pull in her chest, an overwhelming urge to speak the truth that had been burning inside her for weeks.âDamon,â she whispered, her voice barely audible.His movements stilled, his attention fully on her. âWhat is it?âHazelâs throat tightened as she tried to find the right words. âI⌠I need you to know something. Before this goes any further.âDamonâs brows furrowed, his hand coming up to brush a stray lock of hair from her face. âTell me.âHazel took a shaky breath, her heart pounding in her chest. âI didnât think it was possible⌠not after everything. But somewhere along the way, Iââ She broke off, her cheeks flushing as the words caught in her throat.Damonâs gaze softened, his