Page 47 of Traithorn

It’s a town of gothic isolation marking its borders. Architecture looming with the weight of horrors, sorrows, and love. Narrow streets that call upon all that we have lost yet become a comforting hug when everything becomes unbearable.

Vexglade is as haunting as it’s beautiful, and oh, how much I’ve missed it.

With winter comes familiarity, and with its people comes comfort. And reuniting with Celine and Vernon comes a new chapter of my life where I will find who I amafterthem, while being with them.

I was sad to leave Janet behind, but we still talk from time to time, and she promised to visit sometime.

Swallowing hard, anticipation thrums through me like something eccentric and alive. The castle looms before me with its massive structure. Arched windows give way to vaulted ceilings that pierce the sky like needles, linked with a sense of antiquity stamped by how long this place has stood. Gargoyle watches over my every move as if they are living, breathingsentinels.

Mayhem Castle is as dark and foreboding, yet oddly cozy, as the town it belongs to. Hidden deep in the forest, far from the main roads, and forgotten by the world.

And I’m standing right by its gates again after so long, a rush of energy tingling my fingertips with the nervousness eating me up alive. I’m seeingthemagain for the first time in three months.

We spoke, all those months ago in Silver Creek. It was a much-needed conversation that lasted until the next day, setting boundaries, unraveling truths, and talking through everything. And then, they left.

But they never once left me alone.

I didn’t see them, but I could feel their presence. Always watching me. Letters came, tucked in those elegantly stamped envelopes, reminding me that I was never truly alone. They gave me the space to wrap my head around this all. The space I needed to heal and to focus on myself in a way that Casper never allowed.

I don’t miss him, but I did visit his grave, allowing myself to forgive him for everything he put me through.

Isolde and Vernon have always put my wishes before anyone else’s. They’ve respected every choice I’ve made. And now, I’m back where it all began.

Ready to start yet another chapter of my life.

This time, it’swiththe people that I was always supposed to end up with. My heart wove me to them as if by fate.

The doors to the castle open as if by a gust of wind. Inside stands Vernon in a pair of sweatpants that reveal his V-line, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. Messy brown curls frame his face, and his chest is bare, showing well-honed muscles. Celine is beside him, wearing red lingerie, sitting in just the right places while forming her curves, matching herburgundy hair.

Their brown eyes take me in with predatory gazes, leaving me almost giddy as a smile splits my lips.

I have no idea what I’m getting myself into, but I know I need to start living. For so long, I was afraid and paranoid of even my own shadow, and I can’t keep living like that.

Irefuseit.

Taking the final step into the castle, the doors close behind me with a loud thud, marking my fate.

“I’ve missed you,” Celine says, instantly claiming my lips in a heated kiss.

They lead me upstairs to the same fireplace where everything began. Slowly undressing me, I’m left shivering, a little awkward and shy. Vernon ties me up in blue ribbons again, the color of icicles littering the branches outside.

I’m left bare and vulnerable on a fluffy carpet now positioned before the stone hearth, feeling safer than ever.

“You’re the prettiest gift ever,” Celine whispers, leaning in closer.

Her breath whooshes over my nipples, causing a shiver to claim me as I shudder.

I don’t know where to go. How to act. But I know thisfeelsright.

Taking my nipple into her mouth, she sucks gently. Vernon shrugs off his sweatpants and boxers, settling on the fluffy carpet beside me. They both pay me attention, Vernon nibbling on my neck. I can’t help the moans escaping me.

He curls his body around me, hugging me to him before turning my head and claiming my lips. Sandwiching me between the two of them, I groan in pleasure.

“Please, use me. Show me how much you’ve missed me.Please.Love me in the only way you know how, because loving means you’ll stay.”

They’re both quiet for a second, Celine’s eyes glazing over for just a split second before it’s gone. “We’ll always stay.Always.”

She wastes no time, grabbing something from a drawer that has my heart picking up its pace when I see what it is. It’s the same strap-on she used the first time. I clench my thighs together, but she tuts.

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