~~Lunaris Citedal.~~Arianna didn’t let go of Brigid’s hand. Not even once.Hours had passed. Brigid was quiet now, lost as she sat on the floor while the mage continued the ritual.Toran’s lifeless body was wrapped from head to toe.“He doesn’t deserve you, Brigid,” Arianna whispered, and she slowly turned her head to her.“I know,” she whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek. “I just... I just couldn’t take it in. He took me in when I needed someone the most... and I just couldn’t see the cracks. He hurt me so much, and I just can’t stop my heart from beating for him. It’s wild... I feel so trapped. And I feel so stupid for that.”Brigid lowered her head, shame washing over her face.“Well, I’m not sorry for doing this. But I hope you find the one who truly deserves you.”“Thanks for... helping me through this,” Brigid shook her head. “I hope you’ll forgive me, Aria. I’ve wronged you in so many ways. I really hope you do.”Arianna gave a small nod.Brigid let out a shaky breath of r
Oh yes, she does.Wasn't just going to say it loud.She stayed quiet, forcing her gaze to meet his."Say it, Lylah," he collared her neck, raised her so their breath mingled. "Tell me you like what you see."His second hand gripped one thigh up, resting it on his shoulder. Then slid down to his length, to position it at her entrance. The head teased her, moving up and down, rubbing her slick, wet folds in the most torturous way.Her pulse caught fire."Yes... I do, very much," plea etched in her voice. "Please, Lucas… I need you.""How much?" "So damn much. Fill me up."And he did.Slamming right into her walls with a hard, deep thrust.Lylah screamed, pleasure and pain mixing so well. His mouth took hers wildly, his groan vibrating her throat. His cock striking into her core was primal. Addictive. Vicious.And just like that sinful night that had ingrained her mind, her soul—her body took it like sin."Fuck!" he cursed. "Look at the way you're taking all of it. The way your walls ar
Lylah held his gaze for a little longer. Her throat thick. Then she slowly let go, letting the cloak slide down her shoulder and drop silently to the floor.He stilled, eyes roaming over the dark ink that kept her scars hidden. Even at that, one could still see them—the way they wickedly ran across her arms.Lylah didn't stop. She reached for the rope that held her tunic. Let it loose. Her trouser came next.Each scar tells its story. The survival of the barricades that bound her, and the blood, screams, and deaths in the arena.She was left with just a bind on her breasts and a thin fabric that covered her already damp most intimate part.Slowly, she met his gaze. Those crimson eyes were slowly turning into gold.She recalled when Arianna saw all of it. Her sister had cried, blaming herself, apologized, and pulled her into a hug—promising to fix everything.She bit her lips, averting her gaze to the floor. “They are ugly… aren't they?” she whispered.“No, they are not,” he said quick
When her bloodline was first exposed, Selene had once talked about Brigid. The head maid was worried that the girl she took in as a daughter might be facing some challenges.“Brigid has always been the type to stay away from people. Stubborn but soft-hearted. Ever since her parents died, she’s hardly been able to get used to people. Hardly likes or lives, but once she does—she gets obsessed.”Even though Arianna had been mad about what Brigid did, for Selene's sake, she slightly understood her.Soft clicks echoed as Arianna’s boots stopped in front of the sobbing Brigid, who had her hands clamped over her ears.Nyra's words echoed in her head. Perhaps by doing this, it would set Brigid free from the cruel chain she called love and teach her to live again. That is, if she ever healed—something that might be the hardest thing to do.She had been there. Had loved wrong before. Blind to see the cracks, even when they were slightly obvious.Arianna outstretched a hand to Brigid, who slowly
Words spread—echoes of how redemption was slowly creeping into the realm. Rogues heard terrifying stories of how their own were burned alive.Greedy leaders heard how their power was slowly slipping from their grasp.The starving were surprised the soldiers were no longer lashing out at them.Shocked to find sudden grains in the home.Fear for the devious. Hope for the lost.They spoke of the Dragon Queen and her unbelievable increase in army—the one they had cast out, called the devil—had come back stronger to save them.Guilt seeped into some. The realm's eyes had cleared. They should have known people shouldn't be judged by what they are, but by what they do.Among the saved, hope stirred—perhaps Duncan Thornevale was also alive.The true guardian and ruler of the realm. They had once opposed his judgment, and now they had learned their lesson.Arianna was based in her pack, the one she had grown up in, and that’s where the people sent their gratitude.Fruits, food, expensive wine.
Brigid had seen everything. That time Toran shot Arianna from the sky—in hindsight, she had wanted to stop him. She didn’t want Toran to have Arianna’s blood on his hands. But she had frozen... and watched everything happen.Everything fall. And now, it all came back to haunt her.But nothing could have prepared her for this twisted shock. Toran hadn’t been hallucinating when he said he had seen her—the devil who came to hunt them.Arianna was alive.Or perhaps she was hallucinating too."How...?" A broken whisper left her lips."The heavens saved me," Arianna replied, stepping away from the shadows.The slow echo of her boots mingled with the soft cry of her child.Brigid didn’t move. She couldn’t. The power froze her. Emotions swirled inside her, crashing and breaking the parts of her she thought had long gone numb."Aria..." she sobbed. "I'm sorry.""Save the apologies. That’s not what I’m here for," Arianna said, crouching to her level.Those eyes held no warmth like they did seve