Page 125 of Oath of War
Orm grunted, his eyes filling with golden fire, and my pleasure crested as he roared, erupting inside me. His beast, the berserker, stared out from his golden eyes, but all I could see in his gaze was his love and promise to guard me until the end of time. ‘Mine,’ he growled, his voice softening into a purr, the beast within him subdued by love.
Alaric’s movements became frantic, his hands grasping at my body as he, too, surrendered and his cock swelled inside me. Together, we all fell into the storm, our bond solidified by strange force, and the promise of forever.
Then I felt it—a piece of something, the spirit of the shattered kingdom embedding itself in my soul. It was mine to love, mine to protect, a kingdom as broken as I once was. Now, it was mine to mend.
When the last waves of pleasure ebbed, I collapsed onto Orm’s chest, sobs wracking my body as emotion overwhelmed me. They both withdrew and I saw the concern on Ormond’s face when he brushed the strands of my hair stuck to my forehead.
‘Annika, what happened? Are you hurt?’
I laughed through my tears, shaking my head. ‘No, I’m fine, but I think I just Anchored the kingdom.’
Alaric fell onto his back, arms outstretched, as he laughed. ‘Only you, Domina. Only you could casually Anchor a kingdom.’
‘Do you think it’s real?’ I asked.
Ari nodded solemnly. ‘I felt it. A power like no other, the aether of the land and sea. I don’t know how you did it, but whatever happened, its power merged with our bond.’
A shiver coursed through me, and I clutched the blanket tighter, wrapping it around my suddenly chilled body. ‘I didn’t know that could happen, but . . . I felt its need.’ My voice softened, my words more a confession. ‘It called to me.’
‘And you answered,’ Orm said gently, his gaze steady and warm. ‘You opened your heart to another. If this land—however impossible it sounds—chose you, it knows what’s best for its future. We’ll deal with it if any problems arise.’
His smile, soft and reassuring, eased the tightness in my chest. He tugged the edge of the blanket, pulling me closer. ‘I, for one, am not worried about it. But for now, we’re exhausted. Rest is the only thing we need tonight.’
His gentle scolding prompted Alaric to close the gap between us, his arms wrapping around me like a protective barrier. ‘Yes, sleep, my heart,’ he murmured. ‘I’ll seek answers in the morning.’
Sandwiched between their warmth, the steady rhythm of Orm’s heartbeat in my ear, I had no choice but to succumb. Soon, my worries faded into nothingness.
‘My lady, it’s time to wake up. It’s almost noon, my lady... Annika, don’t make me splash water on you!’ Agnes’ voice broke through the haze as she removed the warm blanket that covered me.
‘Don’t you dare, or I’ll hex you,’ I grumbled, grasping the edge of the blanket and pulling it over my head. Then her words registered. ‘Noon?’
‘Yes,noon. You slept through breakfast, and Master Alaric told me to check on you when you didn’t show up to the morning meeting,’ she responded as she grasped the blanket and yanked it from my naked body with one smooth pull.
‘Agnes!’ I shrieked, clutching at the now-empty air.
‘Perfect. The bath is ready,’ she announced triumphantly, ignoring my protests as she ushered me to the adjacent room.
The steaming water enveloped me, but Agnes didn’t stop there, scrubbing my skin until it was raw. Her sharp tongue accompanied every stroke. ‘Tell Master Alaric to bite below the neckline next time. What will people think when they see those marks?’
I glanced down at the faint crescent impressions left by Alaric’s fangs, memories of last night flooding back. Lust, magic, and love—everything blurred together. And then the realisation hit me.
I had Anchored the kingdom.
‘Oh shit!’ I said, bolting upright in the water.
‘What? Did I say something wrong? What is it, my lady?’ Agnes asked, startled by my outburst.
‘No, but I need to see Vahin. I’ll finish up here. Please get my riding leathers ready,’ I said, desperate to see my dragon.
When Agnes left, I closed my eyes, submerging myself fully under the water. I focused on my core and the thin barrier that divided me from the vast, wild power that filled this world. I felt the three soul shards within me, guarding the essence of my being and tethering me to this world. But I could sense something else threading its way through us all, too.
We were all connected to the Chaos of Life.
It pulsed in rhythm with the sea, the soil, and every soul tied to the land. The awakened aether of Ozar resonated with me, its energy vast and patient.
Gasping for air, I surfaced, wrapping a towel around myself as Agnes returned to help me dress.
‘Can we fly somewhere?’ I asked Vahin.
