Page 44 of Pisces Rising

“Fuck, Starfish,” he growled low as his body rippled and thrust on top of her.

She was nearly biting the sheets, frenzied with the power of his thrusts, when he suddenly flipped her onto her back and fell over her like a collapsing fortress. His large hand brushed golden strands from her face before his mouth came crashing down on hers, stealing her breath while he drove his length into her once more.

“Aries,” she gasped between his fiery kisses and demolishing thrusts. Her legs wrapped around his waist, drawing him closer, flesh to burning flesh, as his energy whirled around them like a tornado.

The intensity of his movements increased as he grunted and pinned her arms above her head again. She rolled her hips with him, wholly devoured by the fiery warrior. No part of her was her own as he claimed every inch of her flesh, inside and out.

“Oh, my gods,” she cried, feeling his fire start to pool within her core, and as he dragged his teeth along her neck, her orgasm detonated, expanding through her like a million tiny stars through the universe.

Aries released her hands and rode the waves with practiced intensity as her body tried to seize his length inside her forever. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life as he plunged with the force of a supernova, and when he finally exploded, she cried out as another orgasm wracked her body to the point of total oblivion.

As his movements finally slowed and his fire receded, he rested between her legs and scattered hot kisses along her sensitive flesh.

Her chest heaved for air, pressing her breasts into the molded planes of his chest.

When they finally parted, exhausted and bodies slick with sweat, Aries rested his forehead against hers. His eyes shone with a vulnerability that was new to her— as if he had just revealed a piece of his innermost essence to her alone.

"No matter what fresh hells await us..." he rasped in a low, ardent rumble. "I will always find my way back to you, my celestial siren. This..." He trailed off, pressing another lingering kiss to her swollen lips, "...is my cosmic vow."

Pisces could only nod, rendered breathless and weightless by the magnitude of the promise imbued in his words...and the harrowing implication that they may not survive the battle ahead to honor it.

They eventually emerged from his chamber with reluctant, leaden steps. Straightening their clothes, they rejoined the others as the countdown to their journey to the mirror realm continued.

Pisces felt exhilarated, anchored by Aries’ unshakable devotion...but she couldn’t ignore the persistent, gnawing sense of foreboding lending a bittersweet edge to the all-consuming moment they'd just shared. There was a very strong chance that one of them might not make it out intact.

Chapter

Thirty-Five

Tension hung thick in the celestial staging ground as the Zodiacs assembled, each figure exuding an aura of grim determination. Virgo worked in focused silence, his deft fingers dancing over the cosmic controls as he initiated the sequence to forge their gateway.

Taurus stood at the ready nearby, his massive frame poised like a monolith. "Just give the word, Virgo," he rumbled, his deep baritone resonating through the chamber. "I'll hold that rift steady, no matter what tries to tear it apart."

Virgo glanced up from his calculations, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Your strength will be the anchor we need, Taurus. Without it, we'll be lost to the chaos before we even begin."

Aries paced like a caged wolf, his body humming with power. He caught Leo's eye, the two warriors sharing a look of blazing resolve. "You ready to unleash hell on that twisted witch?" Aries growled, his fists clenching at his sides.

Leo bared his teeth in a feral grin. "Born ready, ram. We'll rip through her illusions like they're gossamer threads."

Aquarius drifted over to them, her crimson tresses swirling like liquid fire. "Remember, this realm is a labyrinth of deceit," she warned, her melodious voice edged with steel. "Trust nothing but your instincts and each other."

Scorpio and Capricorn worked in silent, grudging tandem nearby, the air around them practically crackling with intensity. "Your power will be key in draining Dark Gemini's strength," Capricorn murmured, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Can you handle it?"

Scorpio's lips curved in a mirthless smile. "I was born to unravel the essence of my foes. She'll be a husk of herself when I'm through."

Libra glided over to Pisces, her luminous features a mask of serenity. "Remember, my friend," she whispered, clasping Pisces' hands. "When the mirrors threaten to overwhelm you, focus on the truth within. Your soul's resonance will guide you true."

Pisces nodded, drawing strength from Libra's unwavering faith. She turned to Cancer, the maternal spirit's presence a relief to her fraying nerves. "Stay close to me?" she asked, hating the tremor in her voice.

Cancer's eyes softened with understanding. "Always, my dear. My power is yours to draw upon whenever you need it."

Sagittarius nocked another shimmering arrow, his gaze fierce with determination. "I'll blaze us a path through that madness," he vowed, his voice ringing with conviction. "No matter how deep the darkness, I’ll leave a trail so we'll find our way."

As Virgo's data streams flowed and the cosmic forces aligned, a shimmering rift split the celestial veil before them—a tormenting glimpse into the fractured mirror realm's innermost core. Pisces felt her breath catch in her throat as the undulating portal stabilized, its coruscating tendrils glimmering with promises of both wondrous revelation...and untold cosmic peril.

"It's now or never," Virgo declared, his voice strained as he tried to maintain the rift. Everyone, assume your positions!"

The Zodiac sprang into action, each member taking their place around the pulsing gateway. Aries and Leo took point, their stances poised for battle. Aquarius and Libra flanked them, ready to lend their cosmic sight and chaotic force to the fray.

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