Page 75 of Legacy of the Heirs
“I need something. I cannot sleep or leave this place without knowing I am yours in some way,” she murmured, while Caellum’s hand grazed down her waist to her thigh.
“That is the wine talking. You deserve more than one night in a tavern,” he said. She tilted her head back as his hand reached the inside of her thigh. His mouth moved to plant delicate kisses alongher neck, and when she swallowed, he pulled back, meeting her eye. Sadira watched him through her lashes, desire burning in her gaze. His hand fluttered closer, waiting for her to say no and take back what she said.
“Caellum, I want this,” she said. His name on his lips gave him all the permission he needed, and his fingers met her skin. Her mouth fell open, and she dropped her head into his hand, where he gripped her hair again as his fingers slid against her. He moaned into her neck, continuing his kisses as he pushed into her.
“Is this okay?” he asked against the curve of her collarbone.
“Faster,” she said between breaths, and he obeyed. He obeyed the woman who came into his life when he least wished it, who stood by his side although the throne belonged to her family, who proved every day that she was more than he ever deserved.
“More,” she breathed. She trailed her hand to his fingers, guiding him to where she wanted. He pushed his thumb against her, willing to do anything she asked. Gripping him tightly, she arched her back as her breaths quickened and buried her face in his neck. He held her as she clenched around his fingers.
“Is that good?” he murmured into her hair.
“Yes,” she groaned, and he felt her come undone beside him. His hand slowed as her breathing settled, her face hidden in the crook of his neck. When her hand grazed his length, he grabbed her wrist.
“You need to sleep,” he murmured into her hair, and Sadira withdrew her hand.
“You do not want to?” she asked. He chuckled.
“Trust me, Iwantto.” He loosened his grip on her hair and began stroking it. “But we have all the time to explore one another.”
Sadira smiled against his neck.
“Are you happy now?” he asked. “That you are leaving Albyn, knowing you are mine?” Sadira grinned.
“Yes, I am happy.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Elisara
The gods knew. Elisara sensed it as she crossed through the Vala gate to the Neutral City, the talisman tucked into the pouch at her side. Its power hummed, beckoning for Elisara to touch it, but she dared not risk it again. The gods knew they would be called upon today. She felt it in the deep chill that settled over the city, one which should have vanished the moment she stepped out of her realm and into the sanctuary of the city. Elisara glanced back at Vala to see if it was changed in any way with the talisman removed. It was not. She frowned.Growing up, history lessons taught the talismans maintained the distinct ecosystems of the four realms, but perhaps the transition took time. Kazaar brushed his shoulder against hers. Citizens closed their doors and tucked their shawls tight against their bodies, frowning at the sky.
Elisara was reminded of how different things were now. Elisara looked at Kazaar. During their last visit here, she was forced to leave with him for the Unsanctioned Isle, and on the visit before that, she could not imagine even sharing a room with him. He smiled, brushing his finger against the back of her hand. She nodded. They could do this.
During their short journey from the Vellius Sea, the realisation dawned on them: They might soon face their gods. It was difficult to comprehend and was a particularly uncomfortable thought for Elisara and Kazaar, who hid the powers beneath their skin—powers belonging to neither Vala nor Keres. For now, they ignored the power sparking between them as they marched into the soft fog drifting through the city along the cobbles.
Elisara tested her powers to confirm the revelation on their last visit remained true, that the rulers could access their abilities within the city. She twisted her fingers and her test proved successful as the fog at her feet twisted around her shins at her command. Warmth brushed her hand, and she glanced at the flames licking her palm. Kazaar could use his, too.
“Will you reveal that to the others?”Elisara asked. Vlad was close behind and did not know the extent of Kazaar’s hidden truths, but based on his constant jests with her commander, she did not think Vlad suspected anything, and if he did, it did not appear to bother him. In fact, Vlad and Kazaar appeared to be on a path to becoming friends.
“Do you think I should tell them?”Kazaar asked. The twists of fog at their feet slowly changed, forming a thick blanket that blurred the streets as they navigated towards the ruined temple.
“Only if you feel comfortable.”
“I am not sure my feelings are relevant given the state of things.”Elisara did not respond but felt his probing gaze.“You do not agree?”Elisara glanced down the cobbled street.
“Would you say my feelings were irrelevant if we discussed how much of our connection to share with the others?”she challenged.
“Point taken.”
“What if the gods reveal our connection to them before we can? How does that make us look when we all agreed to work together without secrets?”
“It would be too sudden to tell them before completing such a momentous task.”
“After then?”she asked, and Kazaar nodded.
Vlad tapped Elisara’s shoulder from behind, and she slowed to walk by him.
