Page 255 of When Sisters Collide
The sky above faded from rose to deep indigo, the last threads of light stretching across the horizon. They remained silent, watching the lavender fields sway in the breeze, flowing like a gentle river.
Leukos pressed a kiss into her hair. “I didn’t think I’d ever have this. A future. A family. Not after everything.”
Alena slid her hands over his arms, grounding them both. “You do now,” she said, turning to face him. “You have me. Always.”
She breathed him in, letting the warmth of his presence carry her beyond the shadow of Katell’s absence. A year ago, her sister had sacrificed herself so Alena could have this life, this love. Tonight, she chose to honour that by holding on to what she had found.
The village had quietedunder the hush of twilight, the revelry winding down to murmurs. Leukos led Alena by hand through the darkness to the roundhouse Damona had prepared for their wedding night, his thumb tracing slow circles against her skin.
Alena’s heart thundered—both thrilled and terrified to spend her first night with Leukos.
Her husband.
The air was warm, heavy with the mingled scents of feast and flowers still clinging to her hair, but none of it calmed the wild fluttering in her chest.
The roundhouse was easy to spot with bundles of dried herbs and lavender tied beneath the eaves. Soft light spilled through the doorway, and smoke curled from the opening above.
Inside, a small fire crackled low in the hearth. Candles flickered on carved wooden shelves. The beams above were strung with bunches of sage, rosemary, and thyme. The air was thick with the scent of milk and honey, wildflowers blooming in every corner like scattered blessings. At the centre, a bed of furs waited, simple and inviting.
A smile tugged at Alena’s lips. The hut had the air of a sanctuary, warm and welcoming. “Did Damona really prepare all this?”
“She said it’s tradition,” Leukos replied, stepping inside. “To bless the newlyweds’ space.”
He closed the door behind them, and an immediate hush wrapped around them like a held breath.
Alena turned, still clutching the edge of his cloak between her fingers. He was already watching her.
No crown. No armour. Just Leukos in a loose white tunic, the collar open at the neck, his raven-black hair mussed from the wind. The hard edges of him softened in the firelight, but nothing dulled the intensity of his gaze. The same man who’d faced gods and defied an empire now looked at her as ifshewere something sacred.
He lifted a hand, brushing the curve of her cheek so gently it sent a tremor down her spine. Her heartbeat raced so fast she was sure he could hear it.
“I’ve never…” she began, then faltered, her face tingling with sudden embarrassment. “I mean—I haven’t… been with anyone.” Before he could speak, the words rushed out in a flurry. “Katell explained things to me. I know what to expect, and I’ve… well, you know…”
Leukos stepped closer, heat flickering in his eyes. “You’ve touched yourself?” he asked, far too pleased with himself.
Alena groaned, pressing her hands to her cheeks, which burned hotter than the hearth across the room. “By the Moon, must you say it out loud?”
A quiet huff escaped him, lips tugging into a smile that threatened to break through his calm. His hands found hers. “You don’t have to be nervous. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I’ll be content just holding you all night.”
“No, I’m ready,” she said, and meant it. “I just… I don’t want to disappoint you. You’ve clearly done this before.”
Leukos didn’t flinch. He stepped closer, close enough that her world narrowed to the press of his chest, the brush of his breath. His hands cupped her face, tilting her chin until her gaze met his.
“You could never disappoint me, love,” he murmured, the heat in his voice threading through her. “You’re my wife. And nothing—not a single thing—could ever change that.”
Wife. The word struck her like fire to dry kindling, sparking through her veins.
He leaned closer, his gaze consuming. “Do you think I care about anything that came before this?” His thumb brushed the curve of her lip. “Yes, I’ve been with others. But none of them ever mattered.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Not like you.”
His words stole her breath. Her heart fluttered wildly, chest tight with anticipation and longing. The way he looked at her made her feel both fragile and fierce at once.
Still, doubt lingered. “I don’t know what to do.”
Leukos’ hands slid down to her hips, anchoring her against him, his voice a low rasp against her ear. “Then let me show you.”
He kissed her again, harder this time, his control fraying at the edges. She curled her fingers into his tunic, pulling him closer, desperate for him.
He caught the backs of her thighs and lifted her, laughter spilling against his lips as he carried her to the bed. When he laid her down, it was with a tenderness that shattered her.
