Page 66 of The Fractured Veil

I awoke with a gasp, my heart pounding, my body covered in a cold sweat. The room was dark, the only sound was the soft rustle of the curtains as a breeze drifted in from the open window. I sat up, my hands trembling as I ran them through my hair, trying to shake off the chilling echo of Astaroth's voice.

The door creaked open, and Zarek rushed in, his eyes wide with worry, his face etched with concern. "Thalia? Are you okay? I thought I heard you scream."

I looked at him, my eyes still wide with the remnants of the nightmare, my breath coming in ragged gasps. "It... I'm fine," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Zarek crossed the room in an instant, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He reached out, his hand warm and comforting on my shoulder. "It was just a dream," he said, his voice gentle, soothing, his eyes searching for mine, trying to reassure me.

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing. "It felt so real," I admitted, my voice breaking. Zarek pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me tightly.

The door opened again, and Nox and Damon appeared, their faces mirroring Zarek's concern. Nox's eyes softened as he took in the scene, his usual quiet demeanor replaced with a gentle worry, while Damon stepped closer, his expression guarded but his eyes betraying a flicker of worry. "Nightmare?" Damon asked, his voice quiet, unusually soft.

I nodded, pulling away from Zarek slightly, though his arm remained around my waist. Nox stepped forward like he wanted to comfort me, but stopped—hesitant—his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.

Damon's jaw clenched as he forced out, "It was just a dream."

I took a deep breath, "Sorry to freak you guys out," I apologized, my voice still shaky. "This is why I should've just gone to my dorm. I'm fine, I promise."

Damon nodded curtly, his gaze intense. "Get some rest."

Nox and Damon turned to leave, but Zarek stayed, his arm still around me. "Do you want me to stay? Just until you fall asleep?" he asked softly, his voice a gentle caress.

I hesitated for a moment, weighing the comfort of his presence against the fear of burdening him, before nodding—unable to deny the solace his presence offered. "Yeah… I think I'd like that."

Zarek smiled—a small, reassuring smile that chased away some of the lingering shadows, as he moved to the other side of the bed, pulling me back against him. I closed my eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breathing, the warmth of his arms around me, the solid reality of his presence anchoring me to the present. Slowly, the tension began to ease, the fear began to recede, and I allowed myself to drift back into sleep.

Chapter27

Thalia’s POV

The sun filtered through the window, waking me up. Zarek was still sound asleep beside me, his arm wrapped around me in a tight, possessive hold. I was nestled against his side, feeling small in comparison to him. He looked so peaceful—his lips parted slightly, his dark hair tousled into a charmingly messy bedhead. I found my gaze drifting to the tattoos that covered his chest—a mesmerizing web of designs that started just below his collarbone, flowing down and across his pecs and shoulders. The black ink moved fluidly across his skin, some spiraling down his muscled arms, wrapping around his biceps like dark vines, and trailing down to his forearms, disappearing beneath the edge of the sheets. The tattoos seemed to tell a story, a silent narrative etched across his body. I couldn't resist the urge to gently trace my fingers along the lines, captivated by the artistry and the way the ink seemed to suit him so perfectly.

Zarek stirred, his eyes fluttering open as a lazy smile formed. "As nice as this feels—and as much as I don't want you to stop—you better be careful before this escalates," he teased, his voice a low rumble against my fingertips.

I felt my cheeks flush instantly, realizing he was turned on, my fingers freezing mid-trace. "Oh, uh—sorry," I stammered, trying to pull away, but Zarek's hold only tightened.

"No need to apologize, Firefly," he said, his thumb gently stroking my back, sending a wave of tingles through me. "I just didn't expect to wake up like this. Not that I'm complaining."

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment, but the heat in my cheeks betrayed me. Zarek's grin widened, and he gave a dramatic sigh, his bare chest rising and falling beneath my hand. "We should just stay like this all day." His tone, laced with playful suggestion, made my blush deepen.

I pushed against his chest, attempting to put some space between us, but Zarek held me firmly in place, his expression softening. The playful glint in his amber eyes faded, replaced by something softer, more sincere. "Hey," he said gently, his eyes locking onto mine, all traces of teasing gone. "You doing okay? After last night?"

I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I think so. It was just... intense. I just have a lot to process."

His smile softened, and he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "Good. I'm here if you need me to scare away nightmares or just... be a pillow." He chuckled.

His thumb brushed against my cheek as his eyes studied my lips. I could feel my heartbeat quicken—his touch gentle but firm, sending a tingling sensation through my skin. Those mesmerizing amber eyes locked into mine, like he was searching for... permission, maybe?

My body moved on its own, drawn in by an irresistible force. I closed the distance between us, pressing my lips to his. A spark ignited the moment our lips met, a wildfire of heat spreading through me, consuming me. His arms tightened around my waist, pulling me closer as he deepened the kiss. It began as a soft exploration—tender and hesitant—but quickly escalated, fueled by a hunger neither of us could deny. The way his lips moved against mine—soft yet firm—melting me against him. His fingers tightened on my waist, eliciting a moan from deep within me. The kiss grew more demanding, more urgent—each touch, each movement a testament to the growing need between us.

His hand slid down my back, dipping lower, cupping my ass, pulling me flush against the undeniable evidence of his arousal. A gasp escaped my lips, a jolt of pure electricity shooting through me at the feeling of him against me. He groaned, his lips trailing down my neck. His scent—that intoxicating mix of ocean and cedar—filled my senses, making it hard to think, hard to breathe.

"Zarek," I breathed, my voice barely a whisper, my fingers tangling in his dark hair, holding on as if he were my lifeline.

He hummed against my skin, his hand moving between my legs, his fingers finding my center through the thin fabric of my boxers. A light moan escaped my lips, my body already thrumming with anticipation, craving more. He slowly started to tease me, circling my clit with his thumb, the heat radiating from his touch almost unbearable.

"Tell me what you want, Firefly," he murmured, his voice husky, sending a wave of goosebumps across my skin. The words were a challenge, an invitation—but I couldn't think straight, the words caught in my throat, trapped by the rising tide of pleasure. A strangled whimper escaped instead, a desperate plea. The pleasure was a sharp, sweet ache, coiling low in my belly, tightening with each passing second, each tantalizing touch. I felt him chuckle against my neck, the vibration a delicious torment as he continued to tease me, the friction building the fire within me, higher and higher.

A gasp left my lips as Zarek flipped us, him now hovering over me, his amber eyes burning into mine—filled with a mixture of desire and amusement. His hand moved back to my center, his fingers sliding inside the waistband of my boxers, his touch sending a fresh jolt of electricity through me. His head dipped back down to kiss my neck, his lips trailing fire as they moved lower, nipping at the sensitive skin just above my collarbone. Another whimper left my lips—his touch consuming, all-encompassing, blotting out everything but the feeling of him.

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