Lorik Draventh was forbidden. And yet, this felt devastatingly right.
The truth of it shattered through me as an electric wave surged up my body, hot, overwhelming, until he tipped me over the edge.
He released my nipple, and I pushed him back just enough for him to see me, flushed, trembling, aching for more.
“Once I’m like this with you, I can’t let you go,” he murmured.
“Then, don’t,” I whispered.
The last thread of any control I had left snapped raw and definite within me.
I moved again, using my hands on his muscled chest as leverage. I rode him relentlessly one last time, determined to undo us both. My unrestrained moans spilled into the night as I felt him finally lose control for me.
We shattered together, heat, breath, and release, collapsing into one blinding moment. I leaned forward for onelast kiss, slow and lingering this time, before giving in to the pull of gravity on the sand beneath us.
I fell beside him, still trembling, his hands coming to rest on me as if to make sure I was real. The night closed in around us, quiet and vast, while my heartbeat slowly found its rhythm again, every nerve still humming with what we’d just done.
My hand trailed over his body slowly; over his core, his chest, and finally, finding his only inked skin besides his legion sigil. I stayed at his serpent tattoo, knowing I had fallen for a Moonveil, a Moonveil with many secrets, many I still had yet to learn.
Yet the thought didn’t unsettle me. Deep in my core, I knew I could trust him. And when the time came, I would welcome every secret we would choose to share. But not today. Today, it was only us, our bodies, our mingled scents, and the uncontrolled need pulling us toward each other.
My eyes drifted to him, finding his gaze already on me. Lorik took me for a moment as he pulled my amber-brown hair off my face.
“I know you want to know what the ink means,” Lorik said softly, his silver eyes darker than usual. Of course, he knew. “And I want to tell you everything if I could. But believe me when I say this: this is real, you and me. And there won’t be anyone else.”
I didn’t respond. I let the words sit between us, heavy and unfinished. My mind drifted unwillingly to the note I had read on his book.
“To my love, O.S.”
But then his fingers laced gently with mine, warm and certain, and the thought slipped away.
We lay beneath the open sky until midnight claimed the hour. Then he portaled us back to his room, where I slept beside him, knowing the calm would not last.
Chapter 34: Dragontail Trials
By sunset the next day, I stood in the arena with the Dragontail Legion first-years. The day we had all awaited had come, the day to prove we were worthy of being in the Dragontail Legion.
We lined up, the stone beneath our boots warm from the lingering sun.
Shakari stood beside me. Our eyes locked for a moment, and I could feel her determination in her gaze.
The stands were packed, more than ever for a Dragontail trial. The whole academy gathered. Nobles, court members, and journalists filled the rows.
As I glanced through the stands, I found my mother in her white gown. Beside her stood General Barret in a white tunic, his silver hair shining in the light. His presence was intimidating as always. When I looked at him, I felt strength and order. Onmy mother's other side stood Zeci Aric, Camelia’s mother and my mother’s right hand in court. She wore Emberkeep colors as well, looking poised, composed, and beautiful. Her long brown hair and porcelain skin made her resemblance to her daughter all the more vivid.
My mother and I locked eyes. She didn't move or reveal any encouragement or fear for what lay ahead.
My gaze lingered on General Barret. Just then, I noticed Thalen beside him. Neither met my eyes. They spoke quietly, seriously, and unreadable as they watched. Thalen looked composed, even refreshed, no sign of any consumption of Auroric potions.
I pulled my gaze and thoughts from the stands, the observers, and the politics, though it was nearly impossible. The expectation pressed down on my chest anyway, heavier than armor. This wasn't just another trial. It had never been. Everyone knew it, this was the deciding test. If I would be able to keep my spot at the academy, and if I would be able to rule Rionis. Not passing the trials would mean I couldn't finish my studies—Dragontail or Emberkeep —which would disqualify me completely from the crown. And today the whole Kingdom was watching.
Just months ago, all I wanted was not to rule. But now, desperation fought with hope inside my ribs. Now there was something I wanted more than anything. I ached to defend our island with my legion. I needed to confront the wildweavers and end this war, no matter what it cost me.
Across the arena, the second-years stood ready for the trials. They'd be called one by one to fight. Lorik told me yesterday that they didn't know their pairings and joked that he wouldn't go easy on me if we fought.
Scanning the second-year line, I spotted Lorik standing tall and relaxed wearing his green uniform. His sun-kissed skin was radiant and his honey-brown hair shone lighter in the flickering sunlight. At my glance, he gave me a half smile and nodded, giving me strength and confidence. That I had everything it took to pass these trials.
Then, Professor Hog walked the line of first-year Dragontails, giving each a map to our three trials. When he gave me mine, I just nodded in appreciation.
