Chapter 65

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5 days later...

I RESTED MY hands on the cold, cemented railings of my balcony, my gaze fixed on the familiar view. The Ducal Palace stood in the distance, as majestic and untouchable as ever. The vibrant gardens, the towering spires—it was all just as I remembered, breathtaking in its unchanging beauty. A small comfort amidst the chaos. At least Sebastian’s ability had only affected the areas plagued by monsters, and thankfully, this manor was far removed from the Imperial Palace.

“Are you sure you don’t want the title of Grand Duchess, sister?”

The voice startled me from my thoughts. I turned slightly, catching sight of Darious standing in the doorway, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. He raised a hand and knocked on the doorframe three times, his tone playful. “Knock, knock.”

I rolled my eyes, turning my attention back to the garden. “Do you ever act your age?”

“Yes, I don’t want it,” I replied curtly, my voice laced with indifference.

I heard his footsteps draw closer, each step measured and deliberate, until he finally stood beside me. His ocean-blue eyes mirrored mine as they scanned the garden before us.

“I was sure you were more suited for that position, Your Grace,” I teased, my lips curling into a sly smirk as I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.

Darious ruffled his perfectly styled blonde hair with a sigh, the gesture disheveling his otherwise composed appearance. “Haa... It doesn’t suit me, sister,” he muttered with a faint smile, his voice softer now.

I turned to face him fully, mirroring his expression. “It’s strange,” I murmured, my gaze searching his. “You finally seem to see me as your real sister.”

His smile faltered slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. Resting his elbows on the railing, he tilted his head and stared at me, his ocean-blue eyes clouded with guilt. “I was out of my mind back then. When I heard the rumors that you weren’t truly Arthemice, that some wicked soul had taken her body... the thought of you not being my real sister consumed me.” He looked away, his gaze distant. “But I’ve had time to reflect. I was wrong. Mad, even.”

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips as he covered his mouth, shaking his head at himself.

Well, he wasn’t entirely wrong. On paper, we were siblings. But that hadn’t stopped him from acting in ways that could be construed as... less than brotherly. If anyone had seen us then, they would’ve drawn their own scandalous conclusions.

He straightened suddenly, turning to face me. His eyes, now clear and sincere, met mine. “I’ve realized something important,” he said softly. “I don’t love you romantically. I love you as my younger sister.”

The faint smile returned, but this time it was tinged with regret. “I’m sorry for what I did, for the madness that consumed me,” he continued, bowing deeply. Taking my hand in his, he pressed a gentle kiss to it.

The gesture caught me off guard. My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, I simply stared at him. Gods, he had grown into such a fine man! This character of mine... he had truly matured!

Without thinking, I grabbed his hands and pulled him into an embrace. “Apology accepted, brother,” I said warmly, burying my face in his chest.

He stiffened briefly but quickly relaxed, his arms wrapping around me hesitantly. His head rested lightly on my shoulder as his voice came in a near whisper. “I also want to apologize again for what happened here in this manor... for everything.”

I felt his body tremble slightly as he continued, his voice breaking. “I only did what I thought was necessary to protect Arthemice. But now... I realize how wrong I was.”

Ah, yes. I remembered it all too well—the dungeon, his cold demeanor, the pain of betrayal. But I also knew he had done it to shield Arthemice’s body from becoming a vessel for someone else. He had already explained it all to me back then, already apologized. And, in truth, it wasn’t entirely his fault. I had written his character that way.

I pulled back slightly, placing my hands on his shoulders and forcing him to look at me. Then, in a deliberately dramatic gesture, I cupped his face, giving it a light slap.

“You look awful,” I said with a laugh, noting the tear stains on his cheeks and the redness in his eyes. Though, truth be told, it made him look oddly endearing.

Darious chuckled despite himself, wiping at his face. “I promise to treat you right this time, my sister,” he said earnestly, though his voice still carried a slight sniffle.

“And I, you,” I replied, my voice firm with conviction.

He pulled me into another hug, and I let him.

Haa... It felt good to have a brother again.

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I stood at the Imperial Palace’s ground, my gaze fixed on the ruins below. Magicians moved like ants, their cloaks billowing as they chanted incantations to mend the shattered walls and broken towers. My brow arched as I watched them.

Magicians, huh? The Magic Tower and this kingdom have been at odds for as long as I can remember—or rather, since I wrote it that way. It’s ironic. The Crown Prince—no, the Emperor—has to conceal his abilities because of the kingdom’s disdain for magic users. Nobles, commoners, even servants—they all hate magicians. Why, though? I can’t recall my original reason for this animosity.

Funny, isn’t it? I created a Magic Academy for nobles blessed with special abilities, yet denied magicians—arguably the most powerful protectors—entry into the kingdom’s affairs. If they had joined the war, Sebastian wouldn’t have had to pull that reckless stunt. All for the plot, right? I rolled my eyes at my own storytelling decisions.

My musings were interrupted by the sound of a servant clearing their throat. I turned to find them bowing deeply. “We’re here, Lady Loughsin.”

I nodded as a response. The servants opened the door with a low creak, and I stepped inside. Lumine was seated at his desk, his posture regal yet relaxed. With a simple wave of his hand, the servants exited, leaving the two of us alone.

As the doors shut behind me with a resounding thud, I smirked, a sly idea forming. I dipped into an exaggerated bow, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Greetings to the radiant sun of the Empire—mph!” My words were cut off as a warm hand clamped over my mouth.

“Shut up, my lady. That’s embarrassing,” Lumine whispered, his breath tickling my ear. Startled, I realized he had teleported behind me.

I tapped his hand until he released me, my brows furrowing as I turned to glare at him. “You seem to have skipped etiquette lessons, Your Majesty,” I teased, my tone sharp but playful.

His face flushed a deep crimson, and he quickly covered it with his hands. I chuckled softly. I knew him too well.

Clearing his throat, Lumine straightened himself, his expression growing serious. “Let’s focus on the matter at hand.” He reached for a small envelope on his desk and handed it to me. “This is for you. Cecelia and I worked on it together.”

Curious, I opened the envelope. My eyes widened as I read its contents. A wedding invitation. I tilted my head, my finger resting on my chin.

“A wedding?” I muttered, shooting him a sharp side-eye. My gaze narrowed. A wedding so soon after the kingdom’s ruin? While I didn’t entirely disapprove, I couldn’t help but worry. Lumine was a red flag, after all. If he dared hurt Lady Cecelia, I’d—

“Yes,” he interrupted my thoughts, his voice soft yet firm. “Once the kingdom is fully restored, before my coronation, I want to marry Cecelia.” He smiled faintly, his eyes filled with quiet resolve. “I’ve wronged her in the past, but I intend to make things right. I made you a promise, didn’t I? I won’t break it again.”

Before I could respond, Lumine knelt before me, his head bowed. “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to you,” he said, taking my hand in his and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.

Startled, I snatched my hand back and wiped it on my dress. His eyes widened briefly, but he quickly masked his reaction with an awkward smile.

“If you’re truly sorry,” I said, my voice cold, “then don’t apologize to me. Apologize to Cecelia. She’s the one you’ve wronged most, even if she doesn’t know it.” My voice wavered slightly as I continued, “You...”

“I coerced you,” he interrupted, his voice barely above a whisper. “That kiss... I forced you into it.”

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Oh, that. I had nearly forgotten about it.

Leaning down, I cupped his chin, forcing him to meet my gaze. “If you’re truly sorry,” I said again, my eyes narrowing with menace, “then promise me this: Cecelia will be your one and only Empress. No concubines, no mistresses. If you break this vow, I will personally ensure you regret it.”

His mouth opened slightly, as though he wanted to protest, but then he grinned. “If that’s what you want,” he murmured.

Suddenly, a golden arcane circle appeared beneath him, glowing with an ominous light. The air in the room grew heavy as the wind howled, throwing the windows open and whipping our hair around.

His eyes glinted with determination as he stared at me. “I vow to honor my promise to Lady Arthemice,” he declared, his voice resonating with power. “If I break it, I will pay with my life.”

The glow of the circle intensified for a moment before dissipating into nothingness. The room fell silent.

Lumine stood, brushing himself off. “Satisfied?” he asked, his smile soft but tired.

I returned his smile. “Yes. Congratulations, Your Majesty. You’re no longer a red flag.”

He blinked, confused. “Red flag?”

“Never mind.” I waved off his question, heading toward the door. “Good luck, Your Majesty—both as an Emperor and as a husband.”

“Thank you,” he called after me. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, “And good luck with Sir Kyle.”

I froze, heat rushing to my cheeks. Spinning on my heel, I shot him a glare that only made him laugh harder.

“Goodbye, Lumine,” I snapped, hurrying out the door, my dignity barely intact. As I strode down the corridor, my escorts falling into step beside me, I allowed myself a small smile.

“You can leave me. I can manage on my own,” I said, my tone firm but not unkind. The knights exchanged hesitant glances, clearly unsure, but after a moment of pause, they gave respectful bows and stepped back.

Alone now, I continued my walk, my gaze drifting to the signs of restoration around me. The Imperial Palace was still marred by ruin, but the progress was undeniable. In just five days, the magicians had achieved wonders, their relentless efforts bringing hope to a once-shattered empire.

Perhaps this kingdom, like its new Emperor, still had a chance at redemption.

“Greetings, my lady.”

I stopped in my tracks as I spotted Zacharias standing in front of me. He was out of breath, a travel bag slung over his shoulder, and dressed in plain clothes that were already damp with sweat. Beads of perspiration trickled down his forehead as he wiped them away with a clean cloth, his chest heaving from exertion.

Where is he going in such a state?

“Zacharia—”

“Charlie, my lady,” he interjected before I could finish. His tone was soft yet insistent as he glanced up at me with a sheepish smile. “Call me Charlie.”

My brow furrowed for a moment before the memory clicked. Ah, yes—his real name was Charlie.

“Charlie,” I repeated, the name feeling foreign on my tongue. ”Where are you headed?”

He hesitated, then gave me a small, awkward smile. “To the South, my lady. I’m going to serve the Grand Duke Dousel.” He scratched the back of his head, his gaze shifting nervously. “I was planning to visit the Ducal Palace to bid you farewell, but when I heard you were here today, I rushed to find you.”

So that explained the sweat and labored breathing. But why go through such trouble just to find me?

“I see,” I said, offering him a genuine smile. “Be careful on your journey, Sir Charlie.”

His expression softened at my words, a subtle shift that revealed the man he had become. This was the same Zacharias who had once been fiercely loyal to Reynald, a man willing to cut down anyone who dared oppose his master. Yet now, standing before me, he was no longer that ruthless enforcer. Something in him had changed—something profound. He had defied Reynald’s plans, cast aside his unwavering loyalty, and chosen to stand by me instead. It was a transformation I hadn’t expected, but one I couldn’t ignore.

His cheeks flushed slightly as he returned my smile. “My lady,” he began hesitantly, “may I ask for a favor?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What kind of favor?”

“Could I... hug you?”

His words caught me off guard. My eyes widened, and for a brief moment, I was too stunned to respond. A hug? From him?

But I quickly composed myself, letting a sly grin spread across my face. I extended an arm outward in a casual gesture. “A hug, huh? I suppose I’ll grant you this little favor—considering I might not see you for a while.”

His face lit up like a child's as he set down his bag, stepped forward, and wrapped his arms around me. His hold was firm yet gentle, his head resting on my shoulder. I let out a soft sigh and returned the hug, patting his back lightly.

“Thank you,” I muttered. “For helping me... and Sebastian.”

His arms tightened around me at my words, and for a moment, the sincerity in his embrace caught me off guard.

“You’re always welcome, my lady,” he murmured, his voice low and earnest.

But then he lifted his head to meet my gaze, and before I could react, his lips brushed against mine—a fleeting, unexpected touch that froze me in place. My eyes widened in shock, my mind racing to process what had just happened.

He freaking steal a kiss from me.

When he pulled away, there was no hint of regret in his expression. “I apologize for that,” he said, smiling faintly. “But I have no regrets.”

My face hardened instantly. What the hell just happened?

Charlie laughed nervously, scratching his neck as if he hadn’t just crossed a line. “Well, that’s my last request, my lady. And don’t worry—I know Sebastian would kill me if he found out, so—”

Before he could finish, my clenched fist connected with his face with a satisfying thud. The force sent him sprawling to the floor, unconscious.

I shook my hand, wincing slightly at the impact. “Oops,” I muttered flatly. “My hand slipped.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught one of the knights staring, wide-eyed, at the scene. I gestured for him to approach, and he practically jumped to attention.

“Escort this idiot to his carriage and make sure he makes it to the South in one piece,” I ordered, my tone sharp but laced with indifference.

“Yes, my lady,” the knight stammered, his hands trembling as he bent to collect Charlie’s belongings. With great effort, he hoisted Charlie’s limp body onto his shoulder and began to carry him away.

I crouched down, tapping Charlie's swollen cheek lightly. “Next time, you’ll lose more than consciousness if you try something like that again.”

Unsurprisingly, he didn’t respond. He was out cold. I rolled my eyes and straightened up. “Goodbye, Charlie.”

The knight gave me a hurried bow before scurrying off down the corridor with his awkward burden.

Cracking my neck, I pulled out a handkerchief and scrubbed at my lips with vigor. Huh. Here’s hoping he doesn’t wake up anytime soon.

══ ◈ ══

⚠️WARNING R18⚠️

I pushed the door to my room open and let out a heavy sigh that echoed the exhaustion coursing through my body. My shoulders slumped, and I practically collapsed onto the bed, letting the soft fabric swallow me whole. “Huwaa! That was exhausting!” I mumbled, rolling onto my back. With a small flick of my feet, the heels I had been wearing all day clattered to the floor, giving me a moment of relief.

As I lay there, trying to catch my breath, a voice sliced through the stillness.

“Where did you go?”

I jolted upright, my heart hammering in my chest. My eyes darted to the balcony. The curtain billowed inward, carried by the soft evening breeze. Standing there, framed by the golden hues of the setting sun, was Sebastian. His dark blue hair swayed gently, catching the warm light, while his emerald eyes gleamed with sharp intensity. The faint scowl on his face only added to his striking features.

For a moment, I was rooted in place, my gaze locked onto his. As he stepped inside, his boots making soft clicks against the floor, I felt my pulse quicken. His presence always carried an air of mystery, but tonight, something about him seemed... different.

What is wrong with me? I slapped my cheeks lightly, hoping to snap myself out of it. “Get it together,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.

Sebastian stopped just a step away, his towering figure casting a shadow over me. Before I could retreat, he reached out, tilting my chin upward with his gloved fingers, forcing me to meet his intense gaze. My breath hitched.

“I’m the one who should be asking that,” I shot back, masking my nervousness with a defiant glare. “You’ve been gone the whole day. Where were you?”

A slow grin tugged at the corner of his lips, and he released my chin with a sigh. “I’ve been... taking care of something. But I can’t tell you.” He sank onto the edge of my bed, his posture casual yet exuding that same enigmatic energy.

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. “Of course you can’t,” I replied, sarcasm dripping from my tone.

Sebastian leaned back slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ugh, I’m tired, my lady.” Without warning, he rested his head against my shoulder, his closeness making my skin tingle.

I stiffened but managed to maintain a calm tone. “Me too. Shall we go to sleep then?”

His head tilted up, a playful smirk on his lips. “Together?”

“Yes,” I said with an exaggerated grin. “Don’t worry, the door’s locked.”

His eyes widened slightly, and he bit his lower lip, his teasing expression deepening as he suddenly pinned me down onto the bed.

I arched a brow, unfazed. “I meant sleep, Sebastian. Not... that.”

He laughed, a rich sound that filled the room. “Yes, yes, my lady.” Shaking his head, he rolled over, lying beside me.

As the quiet settled between us, he turned onto his side, his emerald eyes softening as he gazed at me. Gently, he twirled a strand of my hair around his finger, his smile faint but genuine. “You’re something else,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You don’t mind how I look?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My hands fidgeted with the hem of my dress as I avoided his gaze. He had seen my memories—he knew how I looked.

“Why would I?” he replied, his tone firm yet gentle. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his brows furrowed, as though offended by the very notion.

“Because—”

“Oh, I know where this is going.” He cut me off, a smirk tugging at his lips. I rolled my eyes, irritated by his confidence.

Before I could retort, his hands cradled my face, catching me off guard. His touch was warm, grounding me in the moment. His eyes softened as he gazed at me, his expression unreadable yet captivating.

“Listen carefully,” he began, his thumbs lightly brushing my cheeks. “You’re not just beautiful, Faerie. You’re captivating in a way that transcends this body. You’re the storm that shook my world and the calm that brought it back together.”

I blinked, my breath hitching. Was he serious?

“And for the record,” he continued, leaning closer, his lips just a whisper away from my forehead, “I don’t love a face. I don’t love perfection or appearances. I’m in love with you—the soul that entered this body and turned my life upside down.”

He kissed my forehead, lingering for a moment before resting his against mine. His eyes bore into mine, and I could feel the sincerity radiating from him.

“I mean every word, Faerie,” he murmured. “I love you, not for what the world sees, but for the fire inside you that refuses to dim.”

A soft gasp escaped me as he placed gentle kisses on my nose, my cheeks, and finally, my lips. ”And I will love you, always,” he whispered against my lips, the words caressing me like a promise etched into eternity.

This time, his kiss was deeper, more lingering. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us. I felt the heat of his body, the strength of his embrace, and for once, I couldn’t find the words to respond.

My cheeks burned as he pulled back, a sly grin playing on his lips. “You’re blushing,” he teased, his tone laced with amusement.

“No, I’m not!” I shot back, biting my lip and glaring at him in defiance.

“So adorable,” he chuckled, leaning in for another kiss. This one was softer, more tender, as though he wanted to savor every second.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes searched mine, filled with an intensity that made my heart race. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing, but the warmth spreading through my body betrayed me.

“Do you feel it too?” he asked, his voice a mere whisper, sending shivers down my spine.

I nodded, unable to form a coherent response, and before I knew it, he was kissing me again—slowly, deeply, as though trying to imprint the moment in both our hearts.

“W-We should do that again, s-shouldn’t we?” I stammered, my voice trembling as I avoided his gaze. Heat crept up my cheeks, and I bit my lip. Why on earth did I say that?!

A deep, rich chuckle escaped Sebastian, the sound sending shivers down my spine. ”If you say that, my lady,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing, “then I won’t be able to hold back.”

That made me snap my gaze to him. His emerald eyes were soft, almost tender, but there was something more—a spark of passion simmering beneath the surface. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, his lips curving into a gentle yet devilishly enticing smile.

I swallowed hard, taking a deep breath to steady myself. My heart hammered in my chest as I met his gaze. “Yes, Sebastian,” I whispered, a shy smile tugging at my lips.

His smile deepened, his eyes darkening with unspoken desire. “Then I’ll make sure to be gentle,” he said, his tone like a promise wrapped in silk.

Before I could respond, his lips captured mine. The kiss was slow at first, a soft exploration that quickly grew heated. He leaned forward, his weight pressing me into the bed as his hands cradled my face. My fingers found their way to his nape, tangling in his soft hair as I pulled him closer, deepening the kiss.

His tongue teased the seam of my lips, seeking entry. I gasped, and he took the opportunity to delve in, his tongue meeting mine in a sensual dance that left me breathless. The taste of him—warm and intoxicating—made my head spin.

When he finally pulled back, I barely had time to catch my breath before his lips began a slow, deliberate trail down my jaw and onto my neck. Each kiss was like a spark igniting a fire within me, and when he nipped at the sensitive skin, a soft moan escaped me.

“That sound,” he whispered, his voice husky and dripping with desire. ”So beautiful, my lady. Let me hear it again.”

His words sent a wave of heat through me, and I instinctively tugged at his hair, earning a low growl from him. His hands began their own journey, trailing over the curves of my body. When his palm settled firmly on my waist and slid lower, my back arched, a mixture of surprise and want overtaking me.

The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the room in warmth, casting an ethereal glow over Sebastian. He pulled back slightly, his chest rising and falling with every deep breath. Without breaking eye contact, he reached for the hem of his shirt and tugged it over his head, revealing a chiseled torso that looked like it had been sculpted by the gods themselves.

The light of the sunset kissed his skin, highlighting every defined line of his muscles. His deep blue hair caught the glow, making him look impossibly more attractive. My breath caught as my eyes traced over him, unable to look away.

He leaned down again, his bare chest brushing against me, the heat of his skin searing into mine. “Do I look acceptable to you, my lady?” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

“More than acceptable,” I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.

His smirk deepened as he kissed me again, this time with even more intensity. His hands roamed over my body with a possessive tenderness, leaving no part of me untouched. His lips left trails of fire wherever they landed, moving from my lips to my collarbone and back again.

“I want you to remember this,” he murmured against my skin. “Every touch, every kiss. You’re mine, my lady, and I’ll make sure you never forget it.”

As the sun dipped lower, painting the room in fiery oranges and soft purples, Sebastian continued to show me just how much I meant to him, each kiss and touch more passionate than the last.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling the heat of his breath as his hands moved slowly, deliberately, undressing me one piece at a time. A sly grin curled on my lips as I watched his focused expression falter, his hands trembling slightly as he struggled with the delicate fabric.

“Let me help you, Sebastian,” I whispered, my voice laced with teasing confidence. I gently held his hands, guiding them behind him, and stepped back. Never breaking eye contact, I let the fabric slide off my shoulders and pool at my feet, revealing myself to him in the fading golden light.

His breath hitched, and he raised a hand to cover part of his face, his other hand gripping his hair tightly as though restraining himself. “You’re exquisite, my lady,” he murmured, his voice a deep, gravelly whisper that sent a shiver down my spine.

As I removed the final piece of clothing, fully revealing myself, his intense gaze roamed over me, admiration and desire evident in every flicker of his eyes. My own breath hitched as he unbuckled his belt and let it drop, his movements slow and deliberate. When he removed the last barrier between us, I gasped softly, my cheeks burning.

Sebastian closed the distance between us, his hands finding the curve of my hips before sliding lower. His touch sent jolts of electricity through me, making me tremble. I closed my eyes as his fingers teased, igniting a fire that spread through every nerve in my body.

A low groan escaped his lips as he leaned down, his breath warm against my skin. Without warning, his lips found the most sensitive part of me, his touch sending waves of pleasure that left me breathless. My hips arched instinctively, a soft cry escaping my lips as my fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.

“Sebastian,” I moaned, my voice barely audible over the sound of my racing heart. His grip on my waist tightened, grounding me as his other hand explored, his touch both gentle and demanding.

“Just let go, my Faerie,” he murmured against my skin, his voice dripping with desire.

A surge of pleasure rippled through me, my legs trembling as he drew out every sensation, every sound. His lips curled into a satisfied smile as he tasted the evidence of my release, his emerald eyes gleaming with unspoken promises.

“You’re perfect,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from my flushed face.

I reached up, placing a hand on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palm. “I need you, Sebastian,” I said.

His lips brushed against my ear, his voice a husky whisper. “Then I’ll make you mine, completely.”

“I’ll be gentle,” he whispered again, his breath hot against the sensitive skin of my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. His voice was low, a tantalizing promise that made my heart race. Before I could process the rush of emotions coursing through me, he pressed forward, entering me with a slow, deliberate motion that left me breathless.

I gasped sharply, my fingers clutching the sheets beneath me as he filled me completely, an exquisite mix of pleasure and pressure blooming in my core. His hips began to move, each thrust measured, as if he was savoring every second. The sensation was overwhelming, pulling soft, uncontrollable moans from my lips that seemed to echo in the dimly lit room.

This is insane. The thought barely formed before another wave of ecstasy rippled through me.

His lips found their way to my chest, his mouth hot against my skin as he suckled one nipple, then the other. His teeth grazed the sensitive bud, eliciting a sharp cry from me. He groaned deeply in response, the sound vibrating against my flesh and sending a delicious jolt straight to my core.

His movements quickened, his hips rolling with more intensity now, and the friction became maddening. My back arched, pressing closer to him, needing more of his touch, more of the heat that threatened to consume us both. One hand gripped my waist firmly, holding me in place, while the other slid down my body, his fingers brushing against my thigh with possessive urgency.

I was lost, the world narrowing to just the two of us, the rhythm of his movements, and the fire building inside me. Every touch, every sound, every thrust pushed me closer to the edge, my breaths coming in ragged gasps as I felt the tension coil tighter and tighter.

“Look at me,” he commanded softly, his voice rough with desire. My eyes fluttered open, meeting his smoldering gaze. The intensity in his dark eyes sent me over the precipice, the pleasure crashing over me in a wave so powerful it stole my breath.

He followed moments later, a guttural groan escaping his lips as his movements stilled, his body shuddering against mine. The heat of him filled me, and we stayed there, tangled together, our breaths mingling as the world slowly came back into focus.

His lips brushed against my back, soft and lingering, as if savoring the moment. “Now, I’m so tired,” he murmured, his voice heavy with exhaustion. A faint laugh escaped me, barely more than a breath, my body too drained to do more.

He shifted closer, his warmth enveloping me as his arm slipped around my waist. With deliberate care, he pulled my chemise over my shoulders, the fabric cool against my skin. “Let’s go to sleep now, shall we?” he whispered, his words barely audible but tender.

I gave a small nod, my eyelids already too heavy to stay open.

“Good night, Sebastian,” I whispered into the quiet, my voice fading like a distant echo.

His reply was a soft rumble, the last thing I heard before sleep claimed me. “Good night, Faerie.”

fin.