Page 61 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

Imaterialize beside Colton’s home, adjacent to the pool. Rain cascades from above, its rhythmic patter a soothing backdrop to my turbulent thoughts. I pause, allowing myself a moment to recalibrate. Looking up, only a handful of the brightest stars manage to pierce through the angry clouds tonight.

Outstretching my arms, I let the rain embrace me, hoping its touch will cleanse the weight of the night from my soul. I lower my shields, opening that intimate mental window, and project my raw yearning for Colton. The atmosphere around me responds, and the familiar tang of his citrus scent wafts to me. Within moments, he materializes mere steps away, his torso bare and those loose-fitting pants that seem to be his favorite.

Our eyes lock, and the magnetic pull is undeniable. No words are needed. With a sudden surge of desire, I bridge the gap between us, wrapping my arms around his neck and surrendering to the urgent kiss that follows.

I press my tongue to his lips, and he yields, allowing me to explore him further. My fingers weave through his damp hair, pulling him even closer. A low growl vibrates from his throat, and I’m compelled to be even nearer. Without breaking our kiss, his hands deftly work to unlace my bodice. I pause and leave a trail of lingering kisses down his rain-dampened chest. Reaching his pants, I tug them downward.

He steps out of them, revealing himself fully to me. I tentatively reach out, feeling the warmth of his considerable arousal before taking him into my mouth. I revel in the taste, drawing him deeper until he reaches the back of my throat. My hunger for him is insatiable, and I find myself wanting even more.

His head tilts back, my name escaping his lips as his fingers weave through my hair, guiding my movements. A deep yearning surges within me, prompting me to seize his hands and tug him down to the forest floor. As he sinks to his knees, our eyes lock in a mutual understanding. Pushing my hands against his chest, I guide him to lie back.

With a swift movement, I gather the fabric of my dress, positioning myself atop him. Guiding his cock to my entrance, I’m overwhelmed by the depth of my longing, a soft moan slipping past my lips as I lower myself onto him. The cool, damp earth presses against my knees, while he fills me, eliciting a raw exclamation from him.

“Fuck,” he murmurs, his hands feverishly tracing the contours of my body, desperate for a closer connection. In a sudden move, he seizes the front of my gown, tearing it open. My dress falls away, and without hesitation his hands latch onto me.

He grips my hip firmly with one hand, accentuating my rhythm with a push and pull of his arm as I move above him. His other hand gently traces my collarbone before cradling my breast, his fingers teasing and pinching my already taut nipple. Our bodies glisten, slick from the rain, and the soft, wet sounds as I ride him only intensify my pace. Strands of my hair cascade over my shoulders, brushing against his chest as I lean in, captivated by his glowing emerald eyes. The fervent hunger I see in his stare mirrors the fiery passion burning within me.

Locked in his gaze, I rise and descend, savoring the overwhelming yet delightful fullness of our connection. Colton, with newfound urgency, grasps my hips, urging me to meet him with even more fervor. I tilt my head back, allowing the rain to trace cool paths down my face and over my sensitive nipples. But, as if the forest sensed our passion, the nature of the rain shifts.

The once heavy droplets soften, and upon opening my eyes, I’m greeted by a surreal sight— a shower of flower petals descending from the sky.

Each petal glows, illuminating the surroundings in hues of light blue and purple. I’m awestruck by the sight around us. This is something I’ve never witnessed before. It feels fantastical, as if I’ve stepped into a dream. Extending my hand, I watch in awe as the petals settle upon it, creating a delicate mosaic against the rain-soaked earth.

Suddenly, Colton captures my hand, drawing me close before gently flipping me onto my back. My gaze leisurely travels over him, admiring the sculpted muscles of his chest, stomach, and then lower, anticipation mounting once more as I study his thick cock.

“Look at me, my shadow,” he commands with a hint of urgency. Our eyes lock in an intense connection, made even more profound as he pushes inside me. The world slows, each movement is deliberate, and each thrust is deep and teasing. As I hold his gaze, Colton drops the barriers around his emotions, and an overwhelming surge of feelings envelops me. The intensity of our shared desires becomes palpable, our emotions intertwining so closely that the line between us blurs. Drawn irresistibly to each other, our lips meet, further deepening the bond that has forged between us.

I tease his mouth with mine, drawing his bottom lip between my teeth and eliciting a low growl that vibrates deep within him as I bite down on it again. His rhythm quickens in response. Suddenly, our kiss breaks. One of his hands anchors into the sodden ground, supporting his weight, while the other ventures downward, finding the sensitive apex of my desire. He watches our union intently, his touch bringing me to the brink of exquisite pleasure.

Gazing upward, the sky seems almost otherworldly, with dark clouds serving as a backdrop for the mesmerizing dance of rain and luminescent petals. As my orgasm nears, my focus returns to Colton. Our hands reach for each other, and as he leans down I embrace him, his damp hair creating a curtain around us.

“I’m close,” I breathe, and he meets my eyes, holding the connection as an overwhelming rush of pleasure overtakes me. My cries are captured by his lips, and he follows me over the edge, finding his own release.

He remains inside me, his fingertips grazing my dampened skin. Gently, he sweeps the wet tendrils of hair from my face, his palm tenderly cradling my cheek, his thumb skimming my bottom lip.

“With the stars as my witness, I promise you, Lyra, no one will ever hurt you again,” he murmurs, eyes intent on mine. Drawing my bottom lip between my teeth, I realize he must have sensed my emotions before.

“I know,” I whisper back, finding comfort in the sincerity of his vow.

He pulls out of me gently and collapses beside me, pulling me close. I nestle into his side, resting my head on his shoulder, both of us catching our breaths.

“Colton,” I say, exhausted, “why are petals falling from the sky?”

He strokes my back tenderly, drawing me even closer. With his free hand, he retrieves a glowing petal from my tangled hair, inspecting it closely. “It’s the Celestial Blossom,” he says with a hint of wonder. “It’s an extremely rare phenomenon. It occurs when the emotions shared between two souls in this forest reach such an intensity, such depth, that the very spirit of the Dream Forest responds. The petals? They’re its tribute to that bond.”

I take the petal from him, studying it for a moment before letting it drift onto his chest.

“So the forest is...echoing our emotions?” I venture.

He nods, his eyes shimmering with intensity. “Exactly. The Dream Forest is bearing witness to our connection, celebrating it alongside us. Our tether must amplify its effects. I’ve only heard tales of this, never experienced it.”

“It’s breathtaking,” I murmur, staring up at the vast night sky. As I listen to the rhythmic beating of Colton’s heart and feel the comforting rise and fall of his chest, a sense of serenity washes over me. I drift into sleep, feeling an undeniable sense of belonging — as if even the forest itself confirms that this is where I’m meant to be in this moment.

I wake up nestled in the comfort of Colton’s bed, his arms securely wrapped around me, Chepi snuggled at my feet. I don’t recall how we ended up here, but it’s clear Colton channeled us back after I’d drifted off in the forest. I shift to face him, finding his eyes already on mine.

“You’re awake,” I comment, a hint of surprise in my voice.

“It hasn’t been long,” he replies. The dim light accentuates the details of his face, and I realize the events of last night are somewhat of a blur.