Chapter 15

KIRA

I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and turned to find one of the council elders studying me. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he spoke. “Congratulations, my queen.”

“Thank you, Elder…” I trailed off, waiting for him to fill in the blank.

“Elder Vair,” he supplied with a small smile. His gaze never left mine, like he was trying to read my thoughts.

“Elder Vair, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for the kind words.”

He tilted his head, curiosity dancing in his eyes. “You’re from the Valon Dynasty, aren’t you, my queen?”

I nodded, wondering where this was going. ~Why did he care about my family history~? It was just that—history—since we no longer produced ice dragons.

“The Valon Dynasty is known for its ice dragons, isn’t it?” He paused, his tone heavy with something I couldn’t quite place.

I felt a chill run down my spine, despite the warmth of the room, my insides stirring as the word “dragon” left his mouth.

“I’ve heard they were incredible,” he continued, his eyes boring into mine. “Massive dragons that breathed ice instead of fire. Truly remarkable creatures.”

I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve only heard stories too, Elder Vair. It was nice chatting with you.”

“Good night, Queen Kira. Welcome to the Dani Dynasty.” He turned away, but not before I caught a flicker of…something in his eyes.

~There was something strange about that encounter,~ I thought, watching him disappear into the crowd.

“~Kira,~” a voice roared inside me, startling me to my very edge.

~You must be overthinking again, Kira~, I told myself. It was quite like me to overthink, especially with the ceremony looming over me. I would no longer be a virgin. I would be a queen, with a king for myself, and unburdened by my father.

But I sensed Cerion near me now, and I met his intent gaze. His eyes were carefully inspecting my body. I could hear his breathing shift from our proximity. The warmth from his breath tickled my skin as his lips neared mine. He placed his lips on mine and breathed his life into me with one soft caress.

Our dual hunger connected our bodies, and our lips ached with each other’s desire. We were stuck in a trance, enveloping each other’s essence, as the sound of applause reached our ears and retrieved us from our fantasy. We turned to meet the crowd’s joyful faces.

“Shall we make our way to the Dragon’s Entrance?” His words were inviting as I trailed my gaze across his body, raking in his alluring features.

~He’s attractive, there’s no denying that~, I thought as I admired his features. I soaked in the sight of his thick, clothed muscles, sepia-ridden eyes, the pale brown color of his skin, and his deep-brown hair and beard, along with his cunning smile.

He was impossible to resist. I was confident that women were unable to resist him, due to his calculated charm, impeccable looks, and the way he exuded confidence.

I was surprised I had resisted him as long as I did. I nodded anyway, riddled with my desire and surrounded with raw need. I had been deprived of him for too long, deprived of his love. My body was dying for him, to be united, connected once and for all. A drought had claimed my body, and it begged to be filled by him.

His eyes sipped me in as he waited for a response.

My anxiety riddled me for a moment, but I nodded just the same.

He smiled and offered my hand a place in his as he guided us toward the end. The completion of our forever. And soon, I’d be his, and he would be mine, and we’d ruin each other. Questions battered against my mind as we silently walked toward our ending—or our beginning. It was hard to tell which as my mind reeled with uneasiness. I wondered if I’d be enough for him, to satisfy the Dragon of Ruin.

I wondered if he’d love me, if he’d truly love me beyond our innate desire. If he’d be happy, if I’d be happy with our life ahead. I told myself it shouldn’t matter, that it should be enough for me regardless, because it was a much better life than the one I was born into.

Then the last question took over my mind. ~Will he be faithful to me~? That was a dreadful thought, of my husband, my king, having another woman besides me. I was ushered back quickly into reality by his sudden halt and the sound of my name leaving his handsome lips.

I looked up at him, then at our surroundings. ~We’re here. At the Dragon’s Entrance built into the stony outcrop that the castle stands on~. The Dragon’s Entrance was made of black stone, wide in girth, as if it were once an uncarved rock. The stones that lined the top of the entrance were jagged and pointed. The entrance was as frightening as the name made it sound.

I sucked in a deep breath, feeling the cool air hit my lungs and the breeze prickle my bare skin. Cerion’s fingertips traced along my neck, sending shivers through my body.

My body ached for his touch, begging for our bond to solidify, for us to become one. He gently slid the gown from my shoulders, his fiery eyes never leaving mine.

Tenderly, he brushed the strands of hair from my face, tucking them behind my ear. His lips found my bare neck, peppering it with soft kisses.

“My queen, are you ready?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

I started to nod but stopped myself. “Will you be mine?”

A smirk played on his lips, noticing the possessiveness in my question. “Of course. After tonight, we’ll belong to each other, connected by our bond.”

“But will you ~always~ be mine?” I asked, reluctantly tearing my eyes away from him.

He lifted my chin, our gazes locking once more. “Only yours?”

“Yes, that’s my question.” I sank into his eyes, feeling like I was diving into his soul.

“I’ve thought about it—if I’d be able to belong to anyone, especially you,” he said, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin.

I ran my fingers through his hair, savoring the silky texture. “And what’s your answer, my king?” I asked nervously.

“That it’s impossible.” He paused, and I felt a piece of me shatter. “It’s impossible ~not~ to belong to you, Kira. Every part of me craves you.”

His words washed over me like a soothing balm. “You weaken me, whether you’re here or not. I’m infected, and there’s no cure. You’ve done it, Kira—you’ve ruined me. The Dragon of Ruin has met his match.”

A devious smirk spread across his lips, lighting up his features. I couldn’t help but smile in response, pulling his face to mine and sinking into a deep, demanding kiss.

He melted into me, just as I’d hoped he would. His devotion was easy to read, easy to feel in every touch.

I reached behind me to untie the strings of my dress, and he moved to help. The dress fell effortlessly to the stone floor, leaving me bare and exposed to the cool air.

I was naked now, not just physically but stripped of all concerns. The feelings coursing through me were of forever. ~The final bond~.

His fingers traveled along my naked skin as his eyes roamed my body. He studied me as if it were the first time he’d ever laid eyes on me.

He unbuttoned his jacket, his gaze never leaving me. His eyes dug through my entire being, and my breath caught in anticipation. He quickly stripped himself of his clothing.

I admired his bare chest and sculpted muscles, noticing his pants were still on. “Someone’s eager, aren’t they?” He raised his eyebrows, a small laugh escaping his lips.

My face flushed pink at his comment.

“There’s no reason to be embarrassed, Kira,” he said softly.

His gentle touch caressed my breast, fondling my nipple between his fingers. Moans escaped my mouth, unbidden.

“There’s my good girl,” he muttered, bringing his mouth to suck my nipple. I arched into him, craving more of his touch.

He removed his pants, discarding them on the floor. We took in each other’s bare figures, allowing ourselves to become intoxicated with one another.

“Gods, you’re perfect,” he breathed, drawing his hand toward my stomach, teasing me. “Are you ready to be mine, my queen?”

I nodded eagerly, trailing my hand over his carved muscles, feeling his firmness. “Yes, Cerion,” I whispered.

He walked toward the elaborate bed, adorned in red silk bedding. I followed, lying back against the sheets and peering up at his large body as he towered over me.

I took a deep breath of cool air as he leaned toward me. He brought his body next to mine and ran his fingers down my stomach, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

Carefully, he inched my legs apart, allowing the cool air to tickle my sensitive parts. His fingertips fondled my folds, sending sparks through my body as bliss raptured through my very being.

Without warning, he inserted a finger into my opening, causing my back to arch in response. A loud moan escaped my lips as he brought his mouth to meet my vulva, his tongue moving along me in the most delicious way.

I couldn’t help but moan again, my emotions all over the place. He stopped suddenly, his lips grazing mine, a mischievous smile playing on his face.

“You’re so wet,” he whispered, his finger tracing along my most sensitive area. “I’ll start gentle, but by morning, you’ll feel me with every step you take.”

My eyes widened with anticipation, and I nodded, unable to form words. He positioned himself at my entrance, and I suddenly realized just how big he was.

The tip of him teased me, circling my opening, making me feel incredibly small. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but God, did I want it.

He pressed against me, and I moaned at the sensation. Pulling my legs apart, he inched inside, sending waves of pleasure through my body.

I glanced down and saw he wasn’t even halfway in yet. With a few swift pushes, he filled me completely, and I whimpered.

As he started to move gently, he stroked the side of my head. “Does it feel good?” he murmured between his own moans.

“Yes,” I breathed out as he pushed deeper. I felt like we were made for each other, like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.

He kept his pace steady, his eyes locked on mine. I could feel his body start to tremble, and then mine followed suit.

We came together, his warmth filling me up. As he slowly pulled out, I noticed how wet he was from me.

I pressed my body against his hot skin, craving more. Suddenly, he gripped my sides and, in one swift motion, he positioned me so that I was on top of him.

The sensation made me hum loudly as he started moving inside me once more. I followed his lead, moving up and down, feeling him mold to me perfectly.

His face was buried in my neck, kissing me passionately as I bounced on him. He held me tight, not letting me move an inch.

Then I felt him release inside me again, a soft whimper escaping his lips. I sat there, weak and sore but completely satisfied.