Page 159 of Dark Fate

"Fuck, baby, you're so close... you gonna come for me?" I mutter, my voice heavy with lust.

Her breathless whimpers, her golden eyes blown from pure lust, and the desperate grip she has on me tell me that she's hanging on by a thread.

"Y-yes...I need you inside me, Rhyland—fuck—" She pants as she tries to regain control of her breath and her body.

I make no apologies as I pull my hand away and slowly suck her arousal off my fingers, giving her a smug look that says, loud and clear, 'I fucking win.'

Then, as if it is nothing more than a minor distraction, I change the subject, "Sorry, baby—we'll have to continue this later. We gotta chat with King Alinar, make damn sure Amara’s keeping her ass right where it’s supposed to be."

Dani stands there in shock, trying to process what just happened. Seconds later, her face morphs into pure anger. I can't help but smirk, anticipating her reaction.

"You…" she starts while zipping up her tunic, but I cut her off, fully aware of what's coming.

"You what, Angel?" I look her right in the eyes, challenging her, ready to put her fiery temper on full display. "Let's hear it; I'm dying to punish that filthy mouth of yours again."

Dani's expression shifts drastically; her face is etched with unmistakable frustration, resulting from my deliberate edging game. It's a look I know all too damn well and a testament to our unique dynamic. The underlying tension only heightens the anticipation, ensuring that when release finally comes, it'll be fucking explosive.

She might surrender to her fury momentarily and let loose a torrent of curses. But then, she pulls it back, seething as she fixes me with a glare full of suppressed wrath.

"Oh, we're playing with fire now, is that it? Fine. Let's dance, babe, and see who burns up first. Just don't be surprised when it's not me."

The challenge is issued with a sizzling combination of ire and sharp wit that leaves no doubt she's up for whatever confrontation this game may bring. She glares daggers before storming out of the room, leaving me with a satisfied smirk.

I practically sprint after Dani, my feet moving faster than my brain can keep up. As we burst out of the room, we were greeted by Lucian's shit-eating grin, his expression practically screaming, "I'm about to say something stupid."

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the lovebirds themselves," he coos, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Did you two finally kiss and make u—"

The words die in his throat as he catches sight of Dani's face, which is currently sporting a glare that could melt steel beams.

Lucian's eyes widen, and he takes a step back, holding his hands up in a gesture of surrender. "Whoa, okay, backing up now," he laughs nervously, his self-preservation instincts finally kicking in. "I'm taking that murderous expression as a hard 'no' on the reconciliation front."

I shoot him a look that clearly says, "No shit, Sherlock," but he just shrugs, his grin never wavering. "Hey, can't blame a guy for trying to lighten the mood, right?" He chuckles, completely oblivious to the fact that he's about two seconds away from getting his ass handed to him.

I let out a heavy sigh, silently praying for the patience not to strangle him with his own intestines. "Lucian, I fucking swear if you don't—"

"Let's go," Dani says, her voice firm as hell. She shuts down any more talk and flips the switch to go-time.

Striding through the castle dungeons, the foul stench and the wails of the caged bastards corrupted by Amara grate on my nerves. She's huddled like a beaten mutt against the cell bars at the row's end.

"Well, well, ain't karma a bitch," I sneer.

Amara's head snaps up; her eyes blaze with pure hate. "You'll pay for this humiliation."

Dani doesn't hesitate; the air hums with her iron-clad will. She locks eyes with Amara, her voice sharp and unyielding. "Game's up. Count yourself lucky we're not stooping to your level of barbarity."

Her cool-headed stance knocks me back a bit—gotta give her props. Amara continues to mouth off, hurling every dirty word she's got, but we leave her behind. She's just a toothless tiger now, as screwed over as the poor bastards she used to crush.

Dani's still fuming with me, giving me the cold shoulder as we climb back to the surface. There's Alinar in the throne room chatting up some glittering Fae straight out of the Sun Court.

We stop dead in our tracks, then Alinar clocks us and gives us the nod. "Ah, at last, you've returned. I must admit, a twinge of concern for your journey had taken hold. It pleases me greatly to see you both safe. Rest assured, my word stands firm—Amara remains untouched by sunlight, as she will for all days to come.

"We appreciate it, Alinar," Dani states. "Got a report for you," she spills the whole deal from Cal—those ethereal creatures are game for a comeback to stand with the Fae again—but only if we can kick Azrael to the curb and make sure Amara rots in her hellhole.

Alinar rejoices, clapping his hands with a hearty laugh echoing through the chamber. "Splendid news! Indeed, the reign of this vile sorcery is at its breaking point. You have my solemn vow, Savior—she shall never step beyond the walls of her prison cell."

Dani shifts on her feet, almost worried, before speaking again, "There is one more issue that needs to be resolved, Your Highness."

What is she doing? What other issue?

---