“I may have gone hiking with Hollie, and we stumbled across some Fae soldiers, so we followed them,” I admit, noting his sudden concern.
“What were you two doing hiking so far from the villa? You must have been quite distant to run into soldiers,” he says.
I pull back slightly, his tone igniting a flicker of defiance within me. “I didn’t realize you intended to keep me locked up in the villa while you’re away,” I snap back more sharply than I intended.
“Lyra, that’s not what I mean. You know you can do whatever you want. But I worry about you,” he says quickly, trying to soften his previous implication. “I didn’t know you and Hollie were hanging out so much or venturing that far. The Dream Forest can be dangerous.”
“You don’t think I can take care of myself? You don’t think I can protect us if something were to happen? I think I’ve more than proven I’m capable,” I retort, my voice firm. “Plus, I’ve been practicing my dark magic even more lately. Hollie and I venture far from the villa, away from prying eyes. The last thing I need is for more rumors to spread.”
Then his words stun me momentarily, his admission an echo in the cool night air. “Gods, I want to fuck you so bad right now,” he breathes out, his eyes locked on mine, blazing with a fiery intensity. He’s trying to dodge this conversation.
“What did you say?” I laugh, surprised by his bluntness yet finding myself drawn deeper into his gaze.
“Oh, I think you heard me loud and clear, Princess. But I’ll say it again because I think you enjoy it,” he continues, eachword deliberate, punctuating the air between us. “I want to fuck you so bad right now.”
My cheeks burn with a flush of heat, my body responding despite the serious undertone of our conversation. “Don’t think for a second you’re going to distract me away from this conversation,” I manage to say, though my voice comes out breathier than intended, betraying my own desires.
He doesn’t miss a beat, addressing my earlier questions as he pulls me closer. “Yes, I know about the camps. Yes, Dorian is supplying them, and I’ve been helping him, working with Bim a bit too. Bim doesn’t like lying to Nyx about my involvement, but he knows he’s irrational when it comes to you,” he confesses, his words mingling with the misty air around us.
“It seems both of you make irrational decisions when it comes to me. Why did you keep this from me, especially after we agreed no more secrets?” I ask, the effects of the drink muddling my frustration.
“I wasn’t hiding it, honestly. We’ve both been so busy, and I only found out about it recently myself. They were reluctant to tell me because they didn’t want to provoke Nyx,” Colton explains, his voice earnest. “Things are getting serious in Cloudrum, Lyra. We’re all going to have to make tough decisions soon, especially you. I wish I could keep you hidden away here forever. If you asked, I might even try to find a way to make that happen.”
“All the more reason to cherish nights like tonight. Who knows how many we have left?” I say, gazing up at the slices of moonlight filtering through the canopy.
“Have you really been practicing your dark magic more? Why wouldn’t you ask for my help?” he suddenly asks, shifting the conversation.
“I didn’t want to unsettle you,” I whisper, avoiding his gaze.
He gently cups my cheek, compelling me tolook at him. “Hey, I’ve told you before—nothing about you could ever unsettle me.”
I look down, uncertain if I believe him. I’m not sure why I’m letting Nyx get to me, especially right now. Colton moves his hand to my chin, coaxing me to meet his gaze, and I finally do.
“I’ll prove it to you right now.” He pauses, and a wicked smirk starts to spread across his face. “Let your dark magic out right now. Let your dark side fuck me, and I’ll show you exactly how little it unsettles me,” he says, and I feel my shadows stir under my skin at the invitation.
His suggestion sends a thrill through me, a mix of fear and excitement. He watches me, his eyes intense, filled with an earnest hunger that leaves little room for doubt.
“Are you sure?” My voice is barely a whisper, the weight of my power pressing against the confines I’ve imposed on it.
“Absolutely, my shadow,” he breathes, his expression unwavering. “I want all of you, Lyra. Every shadow, every sliver of darkness. Show me.”
Emboldened by his acceptance, I let the darkness seep through the surface, my shadows spilling out of me and curling around us both like a tangible embrace. The air around us thickens, the atmosphere charged with the raw essence of my magic.
I let my shadows tighten around us, pressing our bodies closer together, and his smile widens.
“See?” he says, his voice rough. “Nothing about you could ever push me away. Let go—I’ve got you, always. Show me all of you.”
I’m wary, but his encouragement is all I need. I release my hold further, allowing the dark magic to intertwine with my desires. My need for him becomes frantic as I press my lips to his and drink from him as if I am dying of thirst. I clasp hisarms, and the feel of his muscles beneath my hands sets me off.
He pulls my straps down, freeing my breasts and taking them into his hands, massaging me before breaking our kiss and teasing my nipples with his lips and teeth. I let my head fall back, the tension in my body building for him.
I don’t know if it’s the Stardust drinks, my dark magic, or perhaps a potent mix of both, but I’m consumed with a fervent hunger for him. I thread my fingers through his hair, gripping tightly at the back of his head, pulling until his head tips back. This allows me the perfect angle to kiss him fiercely.
I bite down on his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, eliciting a deep growl from his throat. His response is instant. His hand finds my neck, pulling me into a harder, more desperate kiss, the taste of blood only spurring him on. As the intensity escalates, I close my eyes and channel us to the river’s edge, where his back hits the soft grass.
My shadows react, tearing my dress into shreds while Colton, with a wave of his hand, makes his pants disappear before I can rip them myself. I pout briefly at his quick action, but my frustration is fleeting—I need him too much, and I can feel my power stirring within, still holding back, not yet ready to surrender completely to its dark embrace.
There’s no time for foreplay. My body craves more of him, a desperate need to cling to what I have, to be closer to my mate. I can tell I’m ready, and without hesitation he steadies my hips as I lower myself onto him. The sensation of him filling me satisfies my deepest need. I brace my hands on his chest, beginning to ride him in a tantalizingly slow rhythm.
