Page 80 of Lost Heir
Ronan leaned back on his hands and peered up at the sky painted in shades of deep orange and purple. “It is, and I’m glad I could share it with you. No matter where our paths take us, I hope you’ll always remember this day.”
I reached out and gently squeezed his hand. “How could I forget?” I whispered. No matter what happened next, this moment—this day—would be etched in my memory forever, a poignant reminder of life's simple beauties. “But my path will always lead me to you, Ronan. Don’tyouforget that.”
“I won’t,” he murmured, reaching his hand around my neck and pulling me toward him until our lips crashed into each other. His tongue met mine and I reached for him hungrily, needing to touch him and feel his warmth.
“Ronan,” I whispered against his mouth. “I need you.”
He laid me down on the grass, and then his hand glided up my leg and under the skirt of my dress, his touch blazing a trail of fire on my skin. Normally, I would be embarrassed since we were out in the open and anyone could come up here, but with the knowledge that my lifewas about to end, I didn’t care. I wanted him any way possible. It wasn’t just a want; it was aneed. A hunger I’d never felt before. And no matter how much I was fed, I always wanted more.
His fingers slid beneath my underwear and slid straight to the space between my folds, rubbing the wetness that pooled between my thighs. His finger slid inside me, making my breath hitch. He pumped in and out of me slowly before inserting another finger as his thumb rubbed my clit.
A moan slipped out of me and I wrapped an arm around his neck to bring him closer to me, feeling his hardness against my thigh as he laid partially on top of me. I felt an orgasm building and I was ready to explode when his hand suddenly stilled and his body fell on top of mine, unmoving.
“Ronan?” I croaked and shook him lightly, which was when I saw the dart imbedded in the side of his neck. “Ronan!” With unexpected strength, I pushed him off me, hurriedly adjusting my dress and searching the area for the threat. A threat I should have seen coming.
“Apologies for interrupting,” Chief Aryan simpered as he climbed up the hill with half a dozen Crimson Clan warriors at his back.
I scrambled to my feet and stood, my muscles coiled and ready for their attack while simultaneously trying to protect Ronan’s limp body on the ground. “What’s going on?” I gritted between my teeth.
Chief Aryan shrugged one shoulder. “I thought it would be good for us to speak … without Ronan. He seems very protective of you.”
I fought the indignant anger that coiled within my blood. “What’s in the dart? Is it poison?”
Chief Aryan scoffed as if the thought was distasteful. “You think I would poison my own son? What kind ofmonster do you take me for? No, he’s just asleep for a little bit. He’ll awaken tomorrow morning, no worse for wear.”
I gulped as the chief’s warriors surrounded me until I was stuck in the center with no way out. “You needed all of them just totalkto me? I don’t know whether to be insulted or flattered.”
“Definitely flattered,” he said. “You’re strong. We all know it. Just look at this as a precaution.”
I narrowed my eyes at Ronan’s unhinged father. “Fine. Then talk.”
Chief Aryan edged closer, his eyes glinting. “I’m hoping you and I can come to a business agreement without any fuss. Are you willing to hear me out?”
I nodded slowly.
“Perfect.” He rubbed his hands together eagerly. “So as you and my son may have realized, I agreed to do the sacrifice tomorrow night during a full moon.”
I raised my brow and spat sarcastically, “Let me guess, change of plans?”
The chief smiled, though it lacked humor. “Yes. I hoped we could complete the ceremonynow. Tonight. The witch doctor and elders are assembled and waiting to begin. It will be quick,” he assured me as he edged closer. “Ronan selfishly wanted one more night with you, but we really don’t have the time.” He offered a sly smile. “I understand the passion held by young hearts, but this is a business transaction of the utmost importance for my people.”
“Why does it have to be today? If we hadn’t showed up, this wouldn’t even be an option.”
He nodded, the deepening shadows of dusk turning his face into a macabre mask. “Very true, but the gods must be on our side. Keldara is scheduled to send an envoy tomorrow to collect our tributes. If the fox demon isawakened before then, we’ll be prepared to fight and save our people.” He crossed his arms menacingly and his warriors edged closer. “What do you say, Your Highness? Are you willing to play your part and complete the ceremony voluntarily, or will it have to be by force?”
I bit my lip and evaluated my chances against the Crimson Clan warriors. I could take on one or two using my blood magic, but that would give the others time to attack, and then I would be too tired to fight back. I was outnumbered and with no weapons, and my sworn protector was unconscious on the ground at my feet. This wasn’t how we wanted things to go. I wanted to spend my last hours with Ronan before the inevitable… Before my death.
While I trusted Ronan and knew he fully intended to bring me back with the demon fox’s wish, there was a small voice in the back of my mind that doubted just a bit. Especially considering how tricky Chief Aryan was.
I narrowed my gaze on him. “It doesn’t seem like I have much of a choice, now do I?”
He shook his head, his face grim.
I raised my head defiantly. “Can I ask a question?”
He nodded and motioned for me to continue.
I asked the question that had been gnawing at me; the one I was fairly certain I knew the answer to, and the one I didn’t want to hear. “Will you bring me back afterward by using the fox demon’s wish?”
