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A cold dread settled in my chest as I realized just how close I’d come to losing her.
I didn’t want to lose her.
Not now. Notever.
I had been so consumed by my quest for power, so focused on the prophecy and the need to sacrifice her, that I hadn’t allowed myself to trulyseeher. Not until now.
She was powerful in ways I had never imagined. She had saved me, saved Helheim, and in doing so, she had proven that she was more than worthy of standing by my side.
She wasn’t just a means to an end. Somehow, she had become the very heart of my world. The idea of sacrificing her for the sole purpose of gaining more power now seemed unthinkable.
No, she was my equal, my match in every way. The power we could wield together was beyond anything I had ever dreamed of, and for the first time, I found myself imagining a future where she was not just a fleeting presence in my life, but apermanentone.
Together, we could rule Helheim with a strength that no one would even think to challenge, a union forged not just in power, but in something deeper, something that had begun to take root between us from the moment we first met in that dark alley back in Sungard not so long ago.
Aria was my salvation, my light in the shadows, and as I walked beside her, I knew that I would do anything to keep her by my side.
As myqueen.
Without a word, I led her down a darkened corridor, deeper into the castle than she had been before. The air grew cooler as we descended, the sound of trickling water growing louder witheach step. Finally, we arrived at a heavy wooden door, its surface worn smooth by the ages. I pushed it open, revealing a hidden grotto nestled deep within the castle walls.
The room was dimly lit by flickering candles, their soft glow reflecting off the smooth stone walls. Steam rose from a natural hot spring in the center of the grotto. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks was soothing, a stark contrast to the deafening battle we’d just emerged from.
I turned to her, my gaze dark and intent.
“You’re covered in blood,” I said, my voice low, the words carrying a weight that was more than just concern. It was an excuse really, just a reason to touch her and to claim what was mine.
Aria met my gaze, her eyes wide with both defiance and something deeper, something that mirrored the hunger I felt.
“So are you,” she whispered.
Without another word, I reached out, my fingers finding the clasp of her battle leathers. With one swift motion, I ripped the reinforced material apart, the sound of tearing leather echoing through the grotto like a thunderclap.
The armor fell away in pieces, scattered at her feet, leaving her bare before me, her skin flushed and glistening in the low, flickering torchlight. The sight of her, stripped of all of her defenses, sent a surge of primal need coursing through me, and I knew I could never get enough of her.
She gasped, her breath hitching as the cool air of the grotto kissed her exposed skin. I took a step closer, my eyes raking over her naked form, taking in the lush curves of her body, therise and fall of her chest, everything about her as she struggled to maintain her composure. I undressed quickly, discarding my bloodstained clothes in a heap beside hers.
“You belong to me, Aria,” I murmured, my voice rough with desire as I reached out and traced a finger down her collarbone, brushing away the dried blood that marred her perfect skin.
She didn’t respond, but the slight parting of her lips, the way her body leaned into my touch, spoke volumes. I didn’t wait for her permission—I didn’t need it. This was my right, my duty as her king.
I took her hand, leading her into the steaming pool, the heat of the water enveloping us both as we stepped into its depths.
Once we were submerged, I pulled her close, my hands sliding over her slick skin as I began to wash away the remnants of the battle. My fingers traced the contours of her body, each touch deliberate and sure.
She shivered beneath my touch, her eyes fluttering closed as I washed her, but I knew it wasn’t from the cold.
I tilted her head back, allowing the water to cascade over her hair, washing away the grime of battle. My fingers tangled in her wet locks, pulling her closer until her body was pressed against mine. I could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps as I continued taking care of her.
When her body was finally clean, I allowed myself a moment to just look at her, to take in the sight of her, standing before me in the steamy water. She was breathtaking, her skin glowing in the dim light, her eyes half-lidded with desire.
“You’re mine, Aria,” I whispered against her ear, my voice full of dark promise. “And tonight, I’m going to show you what that means.”
I moved behind her, my hands skimming down her sides, feeling the softness of her curves beneath my touch. The water lapped gently at our bodies, the heat from the pool mixing with the heat that radiated between us. I leaned in, my lips ghosting over the nape of her neck, where her pulse beat rapidly beneath the delicate skin.
“You’ve been defiant, little thief,” I murmured, my voice a low growl against her ear. “I should punish you.”
I felt her tense beneath me, her breath catching as I pulled her back against my chest, her wet hair clinging to my skin. My hands moved to her hips, gripping them firmly as I pressed myself against her, letting her feel the full force of my desire. She let out a soft gasp, her body arching involuntarily against me.
