I recited the Aurean words etched indelibly into his skin: “In my darkest nights, one guiding star will always remain.” They burned through me with the same intensity as when I’d first noticed them after treating his wounds nearly four moons ago.
Lyr, so much had changed since then. Despite my vows, I had let him back into my life. Because part of me recognized a truth in those elegant lines, a truth I could neither deny nor ignore.
My doubts whispered through my mind, as familiar as my guilt. “I fear he wants me to be his conscience, the one thing that keeps him on the right path. But how can I, when I struggle with knowing what is right myself?”
Briseis’s eyes softened, her amusement giving way to understanding. “It’s not about being perfect,” she said gently. “It’s about being there for each other, finding the right path together. Maybe that’s what he sees in you—a guiding star in his darkest nights, just as he is for you.” She took my hands in hers, pressing them gently yet firmly. “I won’t tell you what risks to take or if you should give him another chance. But I know one thing, my friend. In all the years I have known you, I have never seen you more alive than when you are with him.”
Yes, but what if that undeniable fire between us consumed us both—consumed the world—until there was nothing left but ashes?
“Varienand I will visit the village today,” Briseis said in an innocent tone as she let go of my hands and hung up the last piece of washing. “We need a few supplies, and we’ll bring back the wagon and thoselyr-stones Kyree is hoarding like a Dwarf his gemstones.”
“Briseis…” I murmured. The pain of my fight with the healer was still fresh, a dull ache in my chest.
She waved off my concerns with a casual shrug. “Don’t worry, I’ll be polite.”
Somehow, I doubted that.
Briseis winked at me, a broad smile spreading across her face. “And you won’t have to wait for us. We’ll stay the night.”
Seeing me breathe in deeply, she gave me no opportunity to protest. Her hands closed around my shoulders, her gaze locking onto mine. “Subjecting yourself to some strange self-imposed punishment will not bring back a single person who died in that war.”
“I am not—”
“Live while you can, or you might regret it.”
Her embrace was warm, a reassurance I hadn’t known I needed. Gratitude for her unwavering friendship swelled within me, and I had to fight the tears welling up in my eyes, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. “Thank you, my friend.”
I followed her into the house, cleaning the kitchen while she changed and gathered an excited Varien, who could hardly wait to see his friend Alona again. The door closed behind them with a resounding thud, sending a mix of excitement and apprehension through me.
We were alone.
I glanced out of the window at Noctis, who was still working outside. We were alone, and nothing would stop me if I decided to… If I just walked over and…
Stars above. I had lived for millennia, and now I was no betterthan a blushing maiden, unable to admit the truth even to myself.
Enough.
I wanted him. I longed to feel his skin against mine, to drown in his warmth, to surrender to the fire between us and let it consume me utterly. I wanted him to fuck me senseless until I could forget everything poised against us, everything threatening to tear us apart.
The door creaked open, revealing the very object of my thoughts, his hair tousled, his tunic slung over a naked shoulder, all that tempting skin still on display.
“Oh, you’re making lunch,” Noctis said cheerfully upon spotting me in the kitchen, completely oblivious to my raging thoughts. “Good idea. I’m famished.” He chuckled, noticing his sweaty state. “I’ll rinse off and then help you.”
I stood there after he left for the outdoor shower, my breath quick and shallow. Hovering at the edge, still so fucking afraid to fall.
My body moved before my mind caught up with my decision, propelling me toward the door. I stormed out of the house as if fleeing, only to come to a sudden halt when the wooden wall of the shower came into view.
He was already there.
My steps were soft and deliberate now, a hunter closing in on elusive prey. Noctis had once told me there was pleasure to be had in anticipation. He had been right.
Heat coiled in my belly, growing close to unbearable as I caught sight of him under the spray. I allowed myself to drink him in. His eyes were closed, the water cascading over him. Each drop seemed to caress the firm planes of his body reverently. My fingertips tingled, yearning to trace their path. For one more moment, I clung to my control, a deep breath lifting my chest as I stood frozen in the storm of all the desires I had kept in check for so long. Then I moved.
Noctis was too much of a trained warrior to not sense my approach. His eyes shot open just before my body collided with his. Water and heat engulfed me, a shock to my senses. I pressed on, claiming his lips in a kiss before he could speak. We stumbled backward until we hit the wall of the shower. Amid the drops raining down upon us, his gaze met mine—dark with want, flickering with a hint of disbelief.
“Baradaz,” he murmured, a question in his voice.
I pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him.
