Holy fuck.
I can’t even begin to process all of this.
Fischer isn’t Aria’s biological son? Ellie’s dad isn’t Fischer’s? That would mean… That would mean that Ellie isn’t related to Fischer. At all.
Fuck.
“That’s…That’s a pretty big leap to make, based on this alone,” I whisper, though it does make a twisted amount of sense. From what we gathered, The Divine One has always been from the same bloodline. Aria may not believe in the religion of Cassia, but she’s superstitious enough not to risk it by putting Fischer in charge.
Rage rises inside of me the way a storm does—slow at first, a pressure deep in my chest that warns of something coming. Then it builds, heat licking up my spine, tightening every muscle as if my body is bracing for an impact that never arrives. My thoughts narrow to a pinprick. The world becomes soundless, except for the thrum of blood pounding in my ears, steady and violent, like war drums beating from somewhere inside my skull.
It isn’t loud. Not at first. It’s a tremor, a crack in the surface. A single breath taken too sharply. But once it breaks through, it floods everything, turning my vision sharp at the edges.
This anger inside of me almost tastes metallic, as if I’ve swallowed lightning.
If Ryker’s theory is right, then Aria has always intended to have Ellie at her side. It has never been about Fischer. He’s nothing but bait designed to capture my girl.
And now that she’s been hooked…I wonder if The Divine One will ever let her go.
31
ELLIE
The hot water cascades over me, a welcome contrast to the chill that had settled in my bones. I lean my head back, letting the spray wash away the remnants of the day, the tension, the fear. My life has become a whirlwind since Aria…well, since Aria decided I was hers. I still can’t quite wrap my head around it. One minute, I was Ellie, just Ellie, and the next, I am… this.
A prisoner.
I close my eyes, letting the steam envelop me.
Downstairs, I know Zane, Dominic, and Beckett are probably huddled in the living room, discussing Aria's next move. They’re always strategizing, planning, trying to anticipate her. I appreciate their dedication, their protectiveness, but I’m exhausted. I don’t want to think about Aria right now. I just want a moment of peace.
One goddamn moment.
I love them fiercely, but I… I miss Ryker and Landon. So fucking much. It’s like I can’t suck in a full breath knowing we’reall separated. All I want is for the six of us to be together again, as inseparable as we were before things went to shit.
When I close my eyes, I can picture their faces.
Landon’s strong jawline, dusted with stubble, his brown hair haphazardly pushed away from his face. His silver eyes, winged with molten violet, the most enticing color I’ve ever seen. Maybe they’re actually a shade of light, light blue, but to me, they’ve always been silver. Metallic.
Ryker’s dark face peering up at me from the darkness of his hoodie. That soft, black hair, longer now than it has ever been. Icy blue eyes. Muscled body hewn from solid stone, riven here and there with old scars my fingers yearn to explore.
My hands drift down, tracing the curve of my breasts. They feel fuller, more sensitive than before. A consequence, perhaps, of the constant arousal that seems to be my new normal. I cup them, my thumbs brushing against my nipples, and a shiver runs through me.
Ryker’s strong hands, his possessive grip, the way he worships my body… I sigh, remembering his calloused palms on my skin. He’s a force of nature, a protector, a lover who consumes me with his intensity.
Then there’s Landon. My heart clenches at the thought of him. His gentle touch, his soft words, the way he looks at me with such adoration.
I miss them both so damn much. The ache of their absence is a constant companion. I miss Landon’s warmth, Ryker’s ice gaze, the way they both make me feel safe.
I’m grateful Dominic, Beckett, and Zane are with me, but this isn’t about them. Not right now.
My fingers move lower, finding the slick heat between my legs. I explore, teasing myself, reliving Landon’s fingers on my skin, the way he’d drive me wild with his touch. I imagine hismetallic silver eyes, his intense gaze, the way he’d whisper my name as he brought me to the edge.
My breath hitches. The water turns cold, but I don’t care. I’m lost in the memory, in the sensation. I close my eyes, picturing Ryker’s hard body pressed against mine, Landon’s tender kisses, the way they both make me feel so utterly desired.
My body begins to tremble. The pleasure builds, a slow, delicious burn that intensifies with each stroke. I bite my lip, lost in the moment, letting the sensations wash over me. I imagine them both, Ryker and Landon, their hands on me, their mouths on me, their bodies intertwined with mine.
A moan escapes my lips as the climax hits, a wave of pure, unadulterated pleasure that leaves me weak and breathless. I lean against the shower wall, letting the aftershocks ripple through me.
