Page 98 of Crimson Skies

Cassius pursed his lips at Morgan’s unapologetic grin.

“Good luck.” The seer’s expression softened. “May Atlanteia’s blessing be with you.”

She bowed and moved aside.

Beyond the arch was the mouth of a tunnel that burrowed into the trunk. A soft glow flickered within it. Morgan and Cassius headed inside.

Their footsteps echoed against the widening walls as they advanced into the bowels of the tree, their path lit by small lanterns on the ground. Steps appeared. They spiraled down into the earth. A pair of gilded doors covered in green shoots materialized at the bottom.

Beyond them was Esnant’s secret sanctuary.

Cassius’s eyes widened as they crossed the threshold into the sacred space. “This is beautiful.”

Morgan had to concur.

The roots of the tree curved to form the walls of the sanctuary and its dome-shaped roof. In its center was a hot spring, its turbulent surface swirling with steam. From the scent coming off it, the Dryads had put in herbs and other concoctions meant to rejuvenate tired bodies and minds. He spotted a row of small bottles standing next to the stone steps leading into the water.

A pair of alcoves full of shelves stocked with fresh fruit, seeds, bread, cured meats, and wine stood to their left. A stream gurgled between the recesses, bringing fresh water into the sacred space. Silk robes and towels were stacked on a shelf beside it, next to the hangers they would keep their wedding outfits on.

On the far side of the pool was a short corridor that ended in a door Morgan presumed led to the innermost chamber.

But it was the area to their right that held his gaze the longest. A raised platform surrounded by dozens of fat candles burning inside glass-jar lanterns occupied it. Gauzy curtains dropped from a gnarly branch above it, cocooning the large bed in its center. Morgan spotted white and dark flower petals scattered on the sheets and pillows through the gossamer drapes.

Color stained Cassius’s cheeks as he stared at the bed.

Morgan couldn’t help but smile at his expression. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re wearing the look of a maiden about to lose her virginity on her wedding night.”

Cassius’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “Any more talk like that and I’m eating the fruit alone.”

Morgan chuckled. “I know an empty threat when I hear one.” He kissed the side of Cassius’s neck. His dick stirred at the sound he made. He took the bowl from Cassius’s hands and carefully placed it next to the pool. “How about we take a dip?”

Cassius bit his lip and nodded, passion darkening his eyes.

They headed to the spring and started disrobing. Morgan raked Cassius’s body with his gaze as the demigod undressed, his heartbeat loud in his ears. Cassius similarly perused every inch of flesh Morgan exposed, his breath quickening. His mouth parted hungrily when Morgan’s thick cock sprang free.

Then they were naked and facing one another, the heat pulsing between their souls bright and strong enough to scorch his belly.

“So beautiful.” Morgan whispered. He bowed his head and kissed a spot over Cassius’s heart. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”

Cassius shivered at his gentle kiss. His hand found Morgan’s left wrist.

He touched his wedding cord before lacing their fingers together. “Me either.” His mouth skimmed the scar on Morgan’s chest, drawing a groan from him. “Thank you for being mine.”

Emotion clogged Morgan’s throat. “Let’s get in.”

He led Cassius down the steps into the pool.

The water was perfect. Hot enough to warm their muscles and let the essence of the herbs and potions it contained soak into their skin, but not so hot as to be uncomfortable.

Cassius scooped some water into his hands and inhaled the fragrant scents. “This smells divine.”

Mischief flashed in his eyes.

Morgan startled when he threw the water at him. “Why you—!”

He chased Cassius across the pool. The demigod laughed and darted away as fast as he could. Morgan finally caught him and pressed his back against the wall of the hot spring.

“You deserve to be punished for that little stunt,” he growled.

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