The meaning of his words rang in my head like a symphony of bells, familiar yet the voice that spoke them felt unreachable. I couldn’t remember where I’d heard those words before, but vividly I relived the final moments I spent with the White Bull, along with the words I spoke before casting it out.“It was my choice to throw the White Bull out, that’s how I did it.” I murmured to myself, glancing up in time to see Dain’s lack of reaction to my realization. It didn’t surprise me that he already knew, not in the slightest. “If I’m so strong, then why did it take me this long to get rid of it? Why couldn’t I just choose to throw it out at any time?”“That’s a question only you can answer, as it’s different for us all. I couldn’t let go of my need for vengeance, just as Apollo couldn’t face the atrocities he’d committed and the lives he’d claimed. In the end, he helped me let go of enough rage to free myself. I like to think my forgiveness for his hand in my family’s deaths is what freed

He held onto me for dear life, like a man stranded in the middle of the ocean with nothing more than a makeshift raft keeping him afloat.I was what he needed—what he’d been waiting so painfully long for, the thing that kept his head above the waves, and allowed him his first breath of fresh air.With his forehead pressed against my own, and our chests rising and falling in sync, he smiled. It was full of joy and anguish, dripping with awe so pure that I wanted to freeze this moment and cement it deep within my memory.Never would I forget the way he looked at me, like I were the Moon Goddess herself fallen from the sky, and never would I forget the sweet words he whispered before he claimed my lips with a hunger that would rival my own.“I have wanted many things in my long life, darling, but you are the only thing I would die without.”I understood now why Dain had regretted not marking me sooner, before the Bull managed to slip into my thoughts. Nothing bad or evil could exist with

Even with his husky command, I couldn’t seem to move.“My fiery little mate feeling shy? Oh no, that can’t do.”Dain’s laughter was warm, but only lasted a few short seconds before he placed his hands beneath my thighs and lifted me off his chest. I had no choice but to hold onto the headboard as he put me in the position he wanted. Bent at the knee’s, my thighs rested on either side of his head, while the most private part of myself hovered inches above his mouth.Feeling his heavy breaths hit my panties, I began to tremble.He made a sound of pure satisfaction deep in his throat, and much to my absolute horror, I swore I heard him inhale deeply. There was nothing rushed about the way he touched and teased me, dragging his fingers along the curve of my ass and down my thighs.“I can’t tell you how much I’ve thought about this moment, how much I’ve anticipated it.” He purred, his eyes twinkling as they peered up at me from between my legs. “I knew the moment you gave me that first tas

Without elaborating, he guided me into a sitting position and said softly, “Turn around, beautiful.”I was clueless about how this would give me a better view until I turned and faced the headboard. Dain waved his hand and dark magic rippled in the air, shimmering like heatwaves under the baking sun.The headboard vanished, and so did the marble wall behind it. In its place was a mirror, one that climbed the walls and stopped a few inches short of the arched ceiling.I watched the blush creep across my face, staring tongue tied at my own reflection. Dain hovered over my shoulder, his eyes glittering with a wicked light. In between my legs was his cock, swollen and angry.He nudged my legs further apart, staring hungrily at my pussy through the mirror. There was no pain as he slid it through my folds and buried it to the base.With Dain’s hand on my breast, both toying with my nipples and keeping me upright, I arched my back to meet his gentle thrusts.He’d been right. Not only could I

The air was thickening between the two of us, ripening with all of the things we couldn’t or wouldn’t say. With today’s events plaguing my mind, I wasn’t sure I wanted those sacred thoughts out in the open. Instead, I chose to lighten the tension.“I’m going to take that as a compliment. Be careful though, insulting your bride on your wedding day could spell disaster.”His lips twitched, perking up into a taunting smile. “Would you run in the middle of the ceremony, darling? I can hear the gasps now. The people of this kingdom would have a field day. The newspapers will read, ‘Cursed King left at the altar, abandoned by the flame-kissed goddess.’ I’m not sure I’ll ever live the scandal down.”I felt my cheeks heat at his description and swatted his hand away as he grazed his knuckles over the curve of my cheek. “Oh, you won’t. It will be cemented in history forever, along with the picture of your face, which will be on the front cover.”“I’ll be the epitome of regret, I’m sure. Starin