Page 151 of Elysian

There was always the potential for corruption, but now there were many of us who knew the truth.

And knowledge was power.

Tabby waddled to the couch and sank next to Branwen.

“This ‘heat’ undertaking is much too daunting.” Branwen shivered.

The grimoire had not made it sound less frightening when mentioning a searing agony if not sated. Such that it could kill a redblood.

“Mine was tiring,” Tabby muttered. “I remade my bedding area too many times to count.”

I believed the only thing stopping me was the weight of the iron bed frame and all the other furnishings in our chamber.

“You both smell of spun sugar,” Branwen commented.

“It makes us attractive to our Warlords,” I quipped. Especially since it was the time of fertility. Heats were not on a cycle, but a season. A span of a moon rotation once an annum.

More than the cold nights without him, I regretted sending him away to help the Resistance with the Hollows. He had to bridge the divide between them and the Guard, of which there continued to be more. Those who battled at his side seemed grudgingly willing to make peace in service of destroying the flesh-eating creatures.

“How many times will this happen?”

I fiddled with my hair. I could not remain still.

“Once an annum,” Tabby answered Branwen.

A knock thundered on the wide door. Velma ran to open it, revealing her husband. “His Highness was seen riding through the village.”

Velma shouted with joy. “Thank Saints!” She whirled and rushed over. “Did you hear, m’lady?!”

I heard it and I felt it. My belly turned and flopped.

“Bring me the contraceptive!” I exclaimed.

Velma ran off, and I hovered near the steps. She scurried back in and handed me a slim vial with green liquid. I uncorked it and tipped it into my mouth. The sour taste coated my tongue. I wrinkled my nose, forcing myself to drink.

Resonating hoof beats boomed near and cut off. Cassiel pushed through the door, shoulders heaving.

“I am here.”

Blood and dirt spattered across his battle leathers. He barreled in my direction, pinning me with his intense focus. As I stood on the third step, he easily hoisted me over his shoulder and climbed the steps. At my breastbone, warmth spread down to my belly, setting things right. My stomach pressed into his shoulder, forcing a harsh breath out.

“Cassiel!” I yelped, sucking in a breath.

The scent of leather and metal filled my nose. My limbs tensed.

He didn’t slow until he carried me to our chamber. The first chamber I had been brought to and chained in. I had spent a healthy amount of time staring at the skulls embedded in the polished stone.

He was intoxicating. Desire swelled with an intensity that made me cry out. At the apex of my thighs, hunger collected in a rush of moisture.

A sound rumbled in Cassiel’s chest, and he tossed me on the bed. I bounced on my bottom. The large window framed him, allowing me to see into the dusklight. The golden, purple light fell over his face. He tossed the satchel with one hand, and a very familiar cover caught my eye.

“Doing some light reading,” I breathed.

“I will never be done wooing my bondmate,” he retorted, shucking off the leather straps and the protective spaulder. He bared every inch of skin.

“Ravish me,” I whispered, desperately taking my gown off until I lay nude.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR