Dark, page 10
She glanced up at me through her thick lashes, then flicked her tongue under the head of my cock. I groaned, “You look so fucking pretty kneeling before me. Now suck my cock into that pretty mouth of yours like a good girl.”
Her eyes were molten, and she popped her mouth into an O before taking me down her throat with a single bob of her head. My abs tightened as I watched my shaft disappear completely, the suction created by her throat causing me to moan. She repeated the motion until her gags were too violent and she came up coughing for air. The water sprayed all around us, and she blinked droplets from her lashes, chest heaving, looking up at me like I was all she needed in this world.
Threading my fingers in her wet hair, I guided her head back to my erection. “Open wide because I’m not going to be gentle,” I growled, and she sucked in a breath before obediently dropping her jaw. I buried myself in her mouth, not stopping until I hit the back of her throat, and then I began my relentless pace, her teeth grazing the underside of my cock and driving me wild.
Spit dripped down her chin as I fucked her face, and her nails dug into my thighs, but she did not tap them or ask for a reprieve. The sight of my mate taking everything I could give her had my balls tightening, and I knew I was close.
“Get ready to swallow me down,” I grunted, my thrusts becoming erratic as waves of pleasure started at the base of my spine. With a groan, I emptied hot cum into her mouth, my cock throbbing and jerking with each subsequent release. I watched her throat bob as she swallowed it and then she stuck out her tongue, showing me what she had done. Releasing her hair, I pulled her to her feet and kissed her deeply, my tongue sweeping across hers and tasting the saltiness leftover from my release. “You’re so fucking good, sprite.”
“Does this mean I win the archery competition?” she grinned against my mouth, and I released her so I could gaze at the sparkle in her eyes.
“If there was a competition for sucking dick, you’d definitely get first prize,” I told her.
She grabbed soap for herself, washing quickly while I did the same. Drazen would return any moment, and if he found us fucking, I’d never hear the end of it. But as the high of coming wore off, that fear crawled its way up my spine, constricting my lungs and robbing me of air. Izidora seemed almost as out of sorts as I did, her eyes glazed over as if she were deep in thought while she rinsed her hair. I exited the shower, grabbing towels for both of us, and we dried and dressed quickly, entering the living space at the same time as Drazen.
“Ready?” the half-Dragon asked, a thick, black brow raised in our direction. With his heightened senses, there was no doubt he knew what we’d been doing in his absence.
“Let’s go,” I confirmed, striding toward the door with kingly, purposeful steps. I snatched the Iron Crown from where I’d carelessly tossed it earlier and placed it on my head as we exited into the hallway.
“Who do we have representing the Iron Realm?” I asked Drazen.
“Kriath, Artur, Savich, and myself from your guard, and I believe Anton and Slavian have also thrown their names in. There are some of the lesser nobles and a few members of the Iron Realm’s archery unit participating as well. All in all, maybe forty?” he responded.
“Wait, who am I representing?” Izidora jumped in, and my heart sang. She didn’t default to representing the Night Realm, and that gave me hope.
Drazen responded before I could open my mouth. “Well, since the Night Realm nobles have made it clear they still see you as their leader, I would say the Night Realm.” I sucked in a breath as we entered the stairwell leading us to the main floor. “But if you’d rather represent the Iron Realm, I don’t think we’d oppose it,” Drazen added.
Our footsteps echoed around the stone staircase as Izidora considered her options. “Why does the representation matter anyway?”
“The games we’ll play over the coming weeks determine an overall winner of the friendly competition. There will be group and individual prizes for each event as well. It’s mostly about bragging rights and an opportunity for the host realm to flaunt their wealth and wares,” I said, stepping onto the landing and holding the door open for my cousin and my mate to pass through.
“Prizes?” Izidora beamed with a twinkle in her eyes. “What sort of prizes?”
With an amused huff, I captured her waist and pulled her into me, planting a kiss on her wet hair. “Not the kind of prize I’d give you, sprite.”
Drazen rolled his eyes and shouldered past. “The Iron Realm most often awards gems and metalwork as prizes.”
“I do like gems,” Izidora sighed, and my stomach dropped because the one precious ring I had given her had been ruined by my selfishness and impulsiveness.
“Then I’ll have to get you some more, mate,” I whispered in her ear. “I want you to be dripping in more ways than one.” Her cheeks flamed as I pulled away from her, and a smirk played across my face as I received the reaction I wanted. Then, I dropped my hands and followed Drazen down the hall, leaving Izidora to jog to catch up with us as she recovered.
“So, what’s the rest of the schedule going to be?” she asked, slipping her hand in mine, and the ache in my chest that was always there eased immediately.
“Well, the first few days are competitions, like archery, swordsmanship, strength, horsemanship,” I elbowed Izidora, knowing that would be her favorite, “and tomorrow we’ll have a hunt for the males, and the females can go to the spa. Then there are a few days of celebration of the Goddess and her lasting peace, including a ritual offering, masquerade ball, artisanal fair, and lantern release. After that, we’ll have an entertainment show, and the last two days are spent celebrating from dawn until dusk,” I explained.
“And whoever wins the most of these competitions gets awarded a grand prize?” Izidora asked.
“Exactly,” Drazen replied. “So, who do you want to represent, the Night or the Iron Realm?”
Izidora chewed her lip, and my heart galloped in my chest as I waited for her answer. If she chose the Iron Realm, that meant I was one step closer to sealing our mate bond. But if she chose the Night Realm…
“Can I remain neutral?”
Fuck, if those four words didn’t both wound me and reassure me.
Drazen shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”
“Then that is what I will do,” she declared as we joined the throng of people bustling down the main hall and out into the afternoon sun.
Horses were tacked and ready to ride, and those staying in the citadel departed in droves down the long, sloped path into Radence. As we mounted and joined the fray, I observed just how many residents trekked to the arena set on the outskirts of the city, with rows and rows and rows of seating climbing toward the sky to give all in attendance a view of the competitors. The hum of excitement was palpable, given that these next two weeks were filled with drink, food, and fucking, a much-needed reprieve from the long, harsh winters and the back-breaking work in the mountains.
Izidora waved to people she knew as we passed them, and many Fae and Félvér stopped their progress to bow to their king. The lightheartedness and joy of my people managed to lift a little of that tightness from my shoulders, and by the time we reached the arena, I’d relaxed into my role.
A stage had been erected to one side, the wood planks creating a shelter from the wind that blew down from the nearby glacial peaks. The Demon Dragon sigil hung from a beam at the back, showing everyone in attendance exactly who was in fucking charge of the Iron Realm. The maw of the black dragon dripped blood, matching its fiendish ruby eyes and bright red horns. It was intimidating and powerful, which was exactly why I’d abandoned the sigil of my father, the late King Azim, in favor of it.
“Good luck, sprite.” I bid Izidora goodbye after we secured our horses, squeezing her hand before ascending the steps to the platform. I braced my arms along the back of the throne in the center of the stage, Queen Viktoria already seated off to my left. I nodded to the pregnant monarch, her hands resting across the furs piled over her belly to ward off the chill.
Then I turned my attention to the crowd of competitors and onlookers.
Five stations had been set up, each fully stocked with quivers filled with arrows, though each competitor brought their own bow. The throng of people filled me with joy as I saw Fae of every race, Félvér who lived in the Iron Realm, and the Telivér who had remained behind after I released them from their magical chains to the Iron Realm, mixing and laughing with one another.
This was how the continent should be.
Swallowing down my smile in favor of a smirk, I stepped forward, shooting a blast of black fire into the air to garner the attention of the crowd. A hush fell over it, and all eyes were on me.
“Béke is a time of peace, where all the races of Fae gather to celebrate our benevolent Goddess and her infinite wisdom. However,” I paused, allowing my expression to shift into a devilish one, “that doesn’t mean our friendly competition has to be boring. The Iron Realm plans on winning this year, so don’t hold back, because the competition will be fierce.”
Cheers erupted from the gathered Iron Fae and Félvér, while teasing boos resounded from everyone else.
With a casual, indifferent air, I leaped from the platform, landing lightly in the space below, and strode toward the closest station. Drazen had already laid out a ceremonial bow and iron arrow for me, and I notched and drew it, taking aim at the target. Black flame erupted along the bolt as it flew straight and true to the center, flaring briefly before extinguishing completely.
“Let the games begin!” I shouted.
10
Béke Day Two
Ruslan fired four more iron arrows into the target, his aim near-perfect. Cheers erupted from the Iron Fae and Félvér watching as our king set a high bar for his subjects to follow. When he finished, he returned to the stage at the far end of the range, joining Queen Viktoria to survey the competition below. The high-backed chair where he lounged glittered with precious gems, and he looked every bit the ruler he was. I bit my lip and blushed as he caught my eye and winked.
Drazen nudged me forward, and I realized I was being herded toward a quickly forming line where contestants queued to give their names and realms in exchange for a number. Liliana was ten paces ahead of me, and as if she could sense my attention on her, she turned, waving.
The line moved quickly until suddenly we stood before the booth.
“Izidora Valynor,” I said to the male who marked names.
“What realm?” he asked, not looking up from his paper.
“None,” I said, though my voice did not hold much conviction. I couldn’t choose – not yet, not when the pressure of my bigger choice loomed over me like an executioner’s blade.
He handed me a number – ninety-four. “Strap that around your arm,” he instructed.
Drazen fastened it for me, then secured his own place in the competition. He fetched a bow for me, this one much smaller in size than the ones wielded by the large males in front of me. Zuriel joined us in line, along with a few of the Demons I had begun to recognize as they emerged from their cocoon of safety.
“What realm are you representing?” Drazen asked them.
The taller male Demon, whose black hair seemed to suck in all the light around it, replied first. “We decided to represent our continent, Keleti, rather than any realm.”
Drazen nodded, not seeming surprised by their choice.
“Each Telivér has chosen to represent their respective continent as a way to show worldwide unity,” Zuriel explained, and I knew my cousin well enough now to know that pride filled his voice.
Before, it had struck me as odd that Zuriel had not hated or rebelled against the Iron Realm that kept him chained to this continent with magical binds, but there was something about the way he spoke of the continent of Angels and Demons, Keleti, that made me think he was happy to leave it behind.
Around us, conversations were loud and filled with laughter, and I opened my empath magic to absorb the positive energy buzzing in the air, replenishing my stores for whatever may lie ahead. Ruslan constantly reminded me to keep up my strength, and I loved that he chose to empower me so often. It helped me remember just how powerful I was when moments of self-doubt crept in.
Absentmindedly, I played with the string on my bow, letting my thoughts drift, but when we were about halfway through the line for the archery stations, it broke, stinging my finger as it whipped to the side. I cursed, and Drazen looked it over. “There are more bows around the corner there.” He pointed in the direction of a small building overflowing with various goods and leftover building materials. “Test out a few until you find one that you can pull. I don’t think there are any smaller ones left.”
“Hold my spot!” I tossed over my shoulder as I jogged away. Dozens of bows lay against the wall, and I picked up the smallest one I could find, pulling back on the string and testing its flexion. I tried two more before the hairs on the back of my neck rose, causing me to pause and scan my surroundings. All I heard were the shouts and cheers of the archery competition in the distance. Otherwise I was alone.
But Kazimir had to be nearby, otherwise this tug low in my belly would not be so insistent.
The last bow I tested was sufficient, and I hurried back to the safety of where Drazen, Zuriel, and the Demons waited in line, that sense of being watched never leaving me, even as the line grew shorter. I craned my neck, searching the crowd for any sign of Kazimir, but he never appeared.
“Who are you looking for?” Drazen asked.
“Kazimir,” I whispered under my breath, knowing his keen senses would pick up on my words while the Fae around us would not.
Drazen whipped his head around, searching for the male. “I don’t see him. Why are you looking for Kazimir?” His voice dropped into a serious tone, a hint of concern peeking through. Zuriel took a step closer after making his own scan of our surroundings.
Blowing out a breath, I decided to admit the truth to them. “Because I can feel him like I can feel Ruslan. When I went to get a new bow, I felt like someone was watching me, and I felt that tug like he was around. But there was no one over there, except for me.”
Drazen’s dark brows pinched above his lapis lazuli eyes. “What’s his Night Fae magic?”
I chewed my lip, debating about revealing Kazimir’s magic to someone who could be a possible foe, depending on which mate I chose. I decided on vagueness. “Other than offensive blasts and such? He uses shadows.”
“And you searched the shadows too?” Zuriel questioned, giving me a light nudge to step forward in line and close the gap I’d left in my absentmindedness.
I nodded.
“Well, Ruslan, Zuriel, and I have trained you well. I do not doubt that you can hold your own these days. But we’ll watch out for you, Izidora.” Drazen’s mouth was pressed into a firm line, and reaching out with my empath magic, I read his worry.
“Thanks, Drazen.”
Liliana stepped up to the free slot on the range, and I turned my attention to my friend, watching the smooth way she notched her arrow and drew the string back, blowing out a breath as she loosed it. She sank five arrows into the center of her target, better than the two males on either side of her. With a wry grin, she winked at the Crystal Fae who gaped at her – High Lord Tukka, if I remembered correctly – and strutted away from the slot.
My eyes were still on my friend when Drazen nudged me forward again. Gripping the new bow, I trotted to the slot on the end, feeling a prickle on the back of my neck again. My eyes darted around the space, but most onlookers were focused on the contestants readying their bows. Ruslan caught my eye from across the range, giving me an encouraging nod. Drawing a deep breath, I snatched an arrow from the quiver and notched it, trying to ignore the anxiety skittering across my skin.
The arrow left a twang in its wake as it sailed across the range toward the waiting target, burying itself in the highest ring. I cursed the feeling that had me on edge and tried again. Again the arrow flew toward the target, landing just below the first. The third attempt resulted in a similar placement, and I paused my firing to center myself. I allowed the world to drop away as I focused on my breath, shutting out the sight, sound, and smell of everyone around me until I was only aware of the smooth wood of the bow in my left hand, the firm feathers brushing against my right fingers, and the string in between them.
Insidious bloom.
Lifting the bow and arrow, I drew back with all my strength, looking down the tip of the bolt to the black circle in the very center of my target. The dark dot morphed into the tangled mess of feelings I had about my choice and the burden I’d never asked for. When the surge of anger and grief rose in me, I let it fly along with my arrow, both burying themselves in the center of the target. Before I could be shaken out of my focused state, I grasped and notched the next arrow, firing it straight and true, reuniting it with its brethren in the center.
The Iron Fae manning the targets unclipped mine and wrote my number down, signaling the end of my turn. Ruslan caught my eye again as I slipped through the crowd to the waiting contestants, finding Liliana amongst a trio of males.
“Your last two shots were incredible, Izidora!” she grinned, pulling me in for an embrace.
“All five of yours hit the center,” I shrugged as I squeezed between her and the Crystal Fae. “High Lord Tukka, so nice to see you again.”
“Likewise, Princess Izidora. I’ve heard so much about you these past few months,” the male responded, smoothing his long blond hair away from his face. My stomach dropped because I knew all of his information had come from Kazimir, and the female he saw before him was so different from the one I had been the day I had left the Night Realm with Ruslan.
“Where are the others?” I asked Liliana. Where was Kazimir?
“Endre, Viktor, and Vadim went off with Kaztar and Domi to check out the leaderboard. I haven’t seen Kazimir since you both returned from your date.” Her voice dropped low and she tilted toward me. “How was it?”
