Page 114 of Unbound

"I know," he says, voice rough with desire. "We need to stop."

But he doesn't stop. His mouth finds mine again, and I meet him with equal hunger, our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm. His hands slide lower, cupping my ass and pressing me harder against him as my legs tighten around his waist.

The friction is delicious torture, making heat spiral between my legs. I roll my hips, desperate for more, and he breaks the kiss with a hiss.

"Fuck, Nessa," he breathes, forehead pressed to mine. "If we don't stop now?—"

But I don't want to stop. I want to feel him everywhere. Want to drown in the fire of his magic and the heat of his body until everything else falls away.

He closes his eyes, jaw clenched tight as he battles for control. With obvious reluctance, he slowly lowers me to my feet, but keeps me caged between his body and the pillar.

"You have no idea what you do to me," he says, voice rough. "No fucking idea."

I look up at him, still breathing hard as a wicked smile plays at my lips. "I think I have some idea."

His mouth quirks in a half-smile, but his eyes remain dark, hungry. "I'll walk you to your room." He steps back, putting space between us, but his hand finds mine, fingers lacing together. "And I'll stay outside your door tonight. Make sure no one bothers you."

The simple gesture makes my heart ache more than the kiss. This connection between us, whatever it is, runs deeper than just physical attraction. And I know, no matter what dangers are coming for me, having Raith at my side means I won't face them alone.

"Okay," I say, squeezing his hand.

"I'm not going anywhere," he promises, and for the first time since arriving at Confluence, I almost believe I might survive this.

24

"Good," Rector Voss says. "Very good."

I exhale, the magic hovering above my hands dispersing into the air like morning mist over water.

Every time I channel, I'm reminded of the storm three years ago. The image of my father's hand briefly rising above the churning, black waters—reaching for a life that was already gone.

The guilt comes fresh and hot, burning like acid under my skin.

But this same power that stole everything from me is now my only path to redemption. As the energy flows through me, I feel the chains of fear falling away. For years, I've been terrified of what lurks within me—the destructive force that turned my mother and sister against me. I try to focus on the future instead of the past. A future where I might master this power, make amends, and maybe even protect others instead of destroying them.

The possibilities feel endless.

"Limitless except for keeping your quarters in reasonable order,"Typhon grumbles through our bond."With the meager possessions they allow you students, your ability to create absolute chaos is truly remarkable. Undergarments were hanging from above your window this morning. How does something such as this happen?"

"I don't recall asking for commentary from grumpy dragon grandpa,"I shoot back silently.

"There are humans who would prostrate themselves before me. Who would sacrifice limbs for the chance to tether me. And you call me a 'grumpy dragon grandpa?' Insufferable, ungrateful..."

Despite his complaints, a current of warmth flows through our tether. Typhon may grumble, but he can't hide the emotions that pass between the tether. It makes his constant complaints and chiding feel amusing rather than obnoxious.

Thank the gods for that.

"Your control is improving,"Typhon concedes."For a fragile, insignificant human, at least."

Voss scribbles furiously on his parchment, leaving me in one of those painfully long silences that Typhon typically fills with unsolicited wisdom.

"The fact that you're too foolish to solicit my guidance doesn't diminish its value, angry human."

My lips twitch into a smile. I've grown accustomed to having him respond to every stray thought that crosses my mind."My control may be improving like you say, but I'm still miles behind everyone else at Confluence."

"The power of an unbound is different."

"Different,”I repeat.“So far, the difference seems to be that I have far less capacity to channel than my peers, but I can touch every element. Maybe it would feel useful if I could openly show my powers instead of searching for subtle uses that won’t be noticed.”

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