"You like that, Firefly?" he whispered, his voice rough, edged with desire.
I nodded slightly, unable to speak—lost in the sensation of his touch, the world narrowing to just the two of us: the feel of his hand, the sound of his voice, a symphony of sensation. He chuckled, his fingers working their magic, building the pressure, the pleasure, bringing me closer and closer to the edge, to the point of no return.
"Use your words and maybe I'll let you come," he whispered in my ear, nipping at it, sending a fresh wave of heat through me—a jolt that shattered my last bit of control.
"Y... Yes," I managed out in a moan, my mind spinning, my body arching into his touch as I felt myself getting closer, the edge drawing near—a precipice I was about to tumble over, willingly, eagerly.
"Good girl," he said, his voice a low growl as he twisted his fingers up, his thumb pressing my clit again. A wave of pure bliss washed over me, my body tightening around his fingers. My breath hitched in my throat, a strangled cry escaping my lips as the pleasure intensified, spreading through me like wildfire, consuming me entirely.
His thumb continued to stroke my clit, drawing out the last tremors of my orgasm, milking every last drop of pleasure from me. My breathing came in ragged gasps, my body still tingling with the aftershocks, the echoes of pure bliss. Zarek leaned down, his lips brushing against mine, soft and tender.
After what felt like an eternity, the world slowly started to filter back in, the fog of pleasure receding, leaving me flushed and breathless.
"We should probably get up before Nox or Damon come barging in. You know how they are," he whispered, his voice husky, a hint of amusement in his tone.
I blinked a few times, the reality of what just happened between Zarek and me slowly sinking in. A blush crept up my neck, staining my cheeks as I nodded, suddenly shy.
Zarek chuckled as he moved off of me, sitting up with his signature smirk. For a moment, everything felt almost normal—almost peaceful. As if the dangers lurking beyond these walls, the threat and the unsettling mystery surrounding my own past, were just distant worries. It was a welcome release I didn't know I needed, a brief respite from the constant tension that had become my new normal.
"Come on," Zarek said, standing up and offering me his hand, his amber eyes sparkling with warmth. "Let's get some breakfast before class."
* * *
Walkinginto Fundamentals of Magical Theory, my steps faltered slightly under the weight of countless eyes on me. The air felt thick, heavy with judgment, the whispers loud enough to prickle my skin. Rumors, some subtle and others not-so-subtle. I took a deep breath, scanning the room, hoping to spot the familiar comfort of Nox's presence—but he wasn't there. My heart sank a little, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. I moved to find an empty seat, when Mira—surrounded by her usual entourage of puppets—deliberately blocked my path.
"Well, if it isn’t the infamous Thalia," Mira sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. "Thought you were dead? God, I was hoping you were. Would've made things so much easier."
A ripple of laughter spread through the small group surrounding her, a few students snickering nervously while others stared with open disgust. "I heard she only got into the academy because she's been spreading her legs for the right people," another student called out, his voice loud enough to carry across the lecture hall. "Pathetic, isn’t it? Sleeping her way in."
My heart pounded in my chest, anger and humiliation clashing in a violent wave. I forced myself to stand my ground, keeping my expression carefully neutral despite the heat rising to my face—the sting of their words like a hit to the chest. "Move aside," I said evenly, refusing to give Mira the satisfaction of seeing me falter.
Mira’s eyes flashed dangerously, a predatory gleam in their depths, and the circle tightened around me—a pack of wolves closing in on their prey. "Why don't you show us what makes you so special, huh?" She stepped closer, invading my personal space, her eyes narrowing into slits. "Or maybe you need someone to remind you of your place, slut." Her voice dripped with malice, a tangible threat hanging in the air.
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, the urge to lash out—to unleash the raw power I've discovered simmering beneath my skin—was almost overwhelming. But Damon's face flashed before my eyes, his stern voice echoing in my ears—Control, Thalia, always have control over your emotions, even when provoked.
The taunts grew louder, more bold, fueled by Mira's lead. Other students, eager to join the spectacle and curry favor with her, chimed in. Their laughter echoing around me like a pack of hyenas.
"Maybe she's hoping to get through the whole Shadow Brothers lineup," one sneered.
"Is that how you got the Shadow Brothers to take you in as their pet?" another added, the words dripping with envy and resentment.
"You'll never be good enough for them, bitch," another voice spat, raw and venomous. Mira looked like she was ready to snap, her patience wearing thin, her fingers twitching. Just as she reached out—her hand extended as if to grab me, to inflict some physical mark of her dominance—a voice, cold and sharp as shattered ice, cut through the tension, silencing the room in an instant.
"Back off. Now." Nox, his voice low and laced with a deadly calm.
His presence was like a thunderstorm breaking over the scene. His emerald-green eyes had darkened to a dark forest green, blazing with anger. Every head snapped toward him, and the crowd instinctively parted as he strode forward. There was a raw power in his movements, each step a warning.
Mira hesitated for a moment, her bravado wavering under Nox’s piercing gaze. "We were just?—"
"I don’t care what the fuck you were doing," Nox interrupted coldly, stepping directly between Mira and me. "If I see anyone trying to mess with her again, I will personally handle them." He locked eyes with each of the students. "Is that clear?"
Silence fell over the group, the tension suddenly replaced by an uneasy fear. Mira’s expression shifted from anger to reluctant submission, the irritation evident as she mumbled something unintelligible before she and the others slowly dispersed.
Once the crowd cleared, Nox turned to me, his anger softening. "You alright?"
I nodded, "I can handle them."
He gave a slight nod, but the storm in his eyes hadn't completely faded. "I know you can. But I won't allow this bullshit anymore. Come on—sit up there with me." Nox nodded towards his usual seat.
