1. Midnight Lake

PROLOGUE

MORGANA

"Did you hear that?" A sharp voice spoke.

"No, what is it?"

"I thought I heard something?"

I covered my mouth, calming my beating heart as I hid behind a thick oak tree, I was almost out…

The guards walked past, as soon as they were out of sight, I continued running through the trees, a faint smile crossing my lips.

Finally!

The wind rushed through my hair, the moon peeked through the trees, and the distant sounds of forest animals reached my ears. My heart was beating with excitement as the sound of the gushing water and the scent of the lake reached my senses.

I slowed down, looking back over my shoulder to make sure none of the patrol had followed.

I stepped to the river edge, slipping my shoes off, removing my nightdress but staying in my lingerie, and getting into the water. I giggled. The wine in my system from earlier made me feel lightheaded and giddy.

I dipped my head under the water, holding my breath for a few moments, before breaking the surface gasping for air as I burst out laughing in breathless excitement. I splashed the water, then I lay back, swimming around as I stared at the stars above, humming a song.

I loved coming out here in the middle of the night. My mother used to bring me here as a child… I trailed my fingers through the water of the lake when I suddenly felt as if I wasn’t alone. The alcohol slugging my system made it hard for me to focus as I spun around, crossing my arms over my breasts, knowing my white lingerie was probably see-through as I scanned the trees.

"Who’s there?!" I called out; my voice echoed off the rocky hills that surrounded the area. I scanned the trees behind my back, the rushing waterfall drowning out any chance of picking up any other sounds.

I turned away, only for that intensity of something watching me to return once again. I swam to the edge of the lake and stepped out. Picking up my nightdress, I slipped it on, when suddenly I was yanked back into the lake.

My scream was cut off when a hand clamped over my mouth and I was pulled under for a second. I was pulled above the surface, slamming against a hard wall of muscle. My heart thundered in my chest as I struggled.

"Calm down." A deep, husky voice spoke, sending an odd sensation through me.

I stilled, my heart pounding, becoming hyper-aware of his touch and ironclad hold. One arm was wrapped around my waist, pinning my arms to my sides.

Whoever he was, he was strong, but why did I have this strong feeling that he wouldn’t hurt me?

Sensing that I wouldn’t scream, he removed his hand from my mouth, trailing it down my neck. His other hand grazed down my stomach, making me shiver with pleasure.

"Who are you?" I asked icily, trying to remain composed when my body was yielding to him.

"Hush…"

What was this? How was my body reacting to a stranger’s touch? My dulled senses couldn’t make out his scent properly, but it was rich, deep and seductive. I could feel his chest heaving against my back, feeling the bulge in his pants against my ass. The heat from his body told me he was not one of my kind…

But even then, no alarm bells of danger went off, and when his lips met my neck, I gasped as pleasure coursed through me, settling deep into my core. My eyes fluttered shut and I leant into him, a soft moan escaping from my lips as I arched my neck, allowing him better access. His hand reached for my right breast, squeezing hard. I didn’t seem to care that this was a stranger, something deep within telling me to trust him.

"Nh..." I moaned when his finger found my hardened nipple through the thin fabric of my dress.

He sucked on my neck, making me whimper louder, my hand gripping the wrist of the hand that was wandering lower, pulling my silk dress up.

His hand slipped down, cupping my pussy, and I gasped when he massaged me over my soaking panties. My core clenched at the sensation of burning pleasure that consumed me. I didn’t even realise when he had torn my underwear off. His fingers ran between my slit, finding my clit.

A delicious moan left my lips, and I pressed my ass against his now hard manhood. I bit my lip. All I wanted was him.

The moment his thick finger thrust into me without warning, my eyes flew open as I stared up at the starry sky, resting my head on his broad shoulder, the pleasure from his touch destroying all sense of logic or thoughts.

"Oh fuck." I mewled my own voice, unrecognisable to my ears.

His assault on my neck became rougher and hungrier. A second finger intruded into me, stretching me out as he sped up.

I reached behind me, cupping his head, my fingers tangled in the short, tight curls on top, as my orgasm ripped through me, making me cry out. The delicious spasms of pleasure that rocked my body left me feeling weak.

"Mine…" I thought I heard him snarl possessively, but I wasn’t sure.

He slipped his fingers out, massaging my pussy, and I knew if we weren’t in this lake, his hand would have been coated with my juices.

"W-who are you?" I whispered, trying to reach behind me for the hard shaft that was pressed against my ass, but he gripped my wrist, stopping me, pinning my arm to the small of my back and making me gasp.

I tried turning my head, but he held me in place, breathing hard, his nose buried in my neck. I was about to ask him again when the sound of a distinct bell made my eyes snap open, my heart thundering.

An alarm signalling danger, a threat, or death.

That bell was only used for extreme situations. My heart was thrumming against my chest like a drum, and I ripped myself from his strong hold, rushing from the lake.

"I-I need to go!" I cried, my voice shaking, fear spreading through me like poison.

I pulled my soaking dress down, turning back to the water, only to see he was gone… But I had no time to ponder over it.

The bell… I had heard it once before… years ago. The night my mother was killed.