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“Thank you,” I whispered, my heart swelling with affection for this man who had taken such good care of me.
“Anything for you, Noelle,” he replied, his fingers brushing against my skin as he rinsed the last remnants of our union from my body. The sensation sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of how close we had become.
“Your turn,” I said playfully, taking the sponge from him and running it over his chest and arms. As I cleaned him, I marveled at the strength of his body, the muscles beneath his skin rippling with each movement. It stirred a longing inside me, a desire to be closer to him in every way possible.
“Let’s get some rest,” Xanther suggested softly, the fatigue settling in after our passionate encounter.
“I don’t want to sleep,” I protested.
“Oh, yeah, what do you want?” He cocked an eyebrow playfully.
“Well, by my account, you still have one more hole to fuck.”
He swept me up into his arms and carried me back to our room. “Like I could say no to that.”
***
The following morning, anticipation filled the workshop’s vast cavernous space. Whispers and murmurs echoed off the icy walls as artisans gathered, their attention drawn to the center where the elders prepared to make a significant announcement. It was the time of year for the much-anticipated Toy-Crafting Competition, an event that showcased the pinnacle of Yulian craftsmanship.
Curious about the competition’s history and past winners, I turned to Jingle, a congenial craftsman I had befriended during my time on Yule. “Jingle,” I whispered, trying not to disrupt the elders’ preparations, “who usually wins this competition?”
Jingle’s eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and surprise as he responded, “Oh, that would be Holly! She’s an unparalleled talent. Out of the last seventy-three competitions, she’s clinched the title a staggering seventy times.”
I blinked in astonishment. While I was well aware of Holly’s exceptional skills, I hadn’t realized the extent of her dominance in the realm of toy crafting.
Jingle, noticing my surprise, elaborated, “Her creations are nothing short of masterpieces. Many in Yule believe Holly possesses a once-in-a-millennium talent when it comes to toymaking.”
Following Jingle’s gaze, I spotted Holly across the room, surrounded by her usual entourage. She radiated confidence, clearly relishing the attention and the reminder of her unparalleled status. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and she sent a self-assured, almost challenging, smile my way.
A surge of competitiveness welled up within me. Holly’s consistent victories in the competition were undoubtedly a significant source of her pride and self-worth. The thought of challenging her supremacy seemed audacious, even foolhardy.
But as the elders wrapped up their presentation and the crowd began to disperse, a daring thought began to crystallize in my mind. What if I, the newcomer, the outsider, dared to enter the competition? It would be a bold move…
Chapter Twelve
Xanther
The moment Noelle confided in me about her bold decision to participate in the Toy-Crafting Competition, a wave of apprehension washed over me. The intricacies and nuances of Yulian toymaking were vast, and for someone as freshly acquainted with our methods as Noelle, the challenge seemed almost insurmountable.
I regarded her with a mix of concern and admiration. “Noelle,” I began cautiously, “are you truly prepared to dive into such a demanding endeavor, especially given your relatively short time here?”
She met my gaze unwaveringly, her eyes alight with a fierce resolve. “Xanther, this competition represents the ideal opportunity for me to demonstrate that I’ve earned my place among the Yulians.”
While I couldn’t help but marvel at her audacity, a nagging worry persisted. Holly’s unparalleled expertise in the competition was legendary. I feared Noelle might be setting her sights too high, too soon.
But as I looked into Noelle’s eyes, filled with passion and determination, I realized that it wasn’t my place to dampen her spirit. She had already faced countless challenges, always emerging stronger and more resilient. If she felt ready to take on this new challenge, who was I to cast doubt?
Taking a deep breath, I nodded in agreement. “All right, Noelle. Know that you have my unwavering support in this endeavor.” I pulled her into a comforting embrace. “And remember, you’ve already proven your worth to me countless times. My belief in you is steadfast and unyielding.”
Tears shimmered in Noelle’s eyes as she looked up at me. “Your faith in me means the world,” she murmured. “Will you wish me luck?”
I smiled warmly, cupping her face in my hands. “Luck? My dear, you possess something far more potent than mere luck.” I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. “Now, go forth and dazzle them with your brilliance.”
With a beaming smile that never failed to warm my heart, Noelle hurried off, her mind undoubtedly already racing with ideas for her competition entry. Watching her, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. This remarkable woman had not only captured my heart but had also become the very essence of my existence.
The moment Noelle declared her intention to participate in the competition, Holly’s reaction was immediate and dripping with disdain. “Surely you jest,” she sneered, her laughter echoing with mockery. “The human can barely grasp the basics of our craft. This esteemed competition is a showcase of unparalleled expertise, something you are woefully far from possessing.”
I felt a surge of indignation on Noelle’s behalf. My hands tightened into fists, the urge to defend her almost overwhelming. But I reminded myself that this was Noelle’s journey, and my role was to stand by her side, offering unwavering support.
