Page 98 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
When I finally reach my peak, I call out his name as ecstasy crashes into me like a Wind Blast. He follows soon after, burying his face into the crook of my neck as he lets out a low groan and shudders.
We lie tangled together on the furs for a few moments, catching our breaths and coming back down from our highs. He pulls out of me gently and rolls onto his back beside me.
“That was...” I trail off, unable to find the words to describe what we just shared.
“Amazing,” he finishes for me with a smirk. “You’re amazing.”
I blush at his praise, not sure how to respond. We lie there in comfortable silence for a long while, until my eyes close and I have the best sleep I’ve had in a long time.
41
Vaylen
Istare into the mirror, a stupid smile plastered on my face. Last night keeps playing inside my head on repeat, Rhealyn’s naked body writhing under me as my cock slipped into her wet warmth. I can still taste her on my lips, feel the ghost of her fingers raking down my back.Goddess, she’s everything I imagined she would be and more.
I run my fingers through my tousled hair. Her scent lingers on my skin, and I’m loathed to wash it off, but I have to. After that, I’ll need to enter the mess hall and pretend my world didn’t just change forever because my mind, trained for strategy and order, now finds itself consumed by thoughts of her. The Sky Order’s mandates war with my need to be with her. I already want a repeat of our too-brief moment, but I don’t know when we’ll have another chance.
With a reluctant sigh, I step into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over me. As I lather up, my mind inevitably drifts back to Rhealyn—the softness of her skin, the little gasps and moans she made. I have to force myself to think of something else as my cock begins to harden.
Dressed and somewhat composed, I make my way to breakfast. The usual chatter and clatter of utensils greets me as I enter. I take my place on the Prime table, finally scanning the room. She sits with her mates, laughing at something one of them said. Our eyes meet for a brief moment. The hint of a secret smile plays across her lips before she looks away.
Prime Emberstone is staring at me.
I blink. “Did you say something?”
“I asked if you read the Commander’s new message yet,” she says with a frown.
“I haven’t had the opportunity yet.”
Her frown deepens.
It’s unlike me to be distracted, and even more not to be abreast of everything that goes on in the Sky Order. I need to be more careful. One slip could jeopardize everything—not just my position, but Rhealyn’s and my Clutch’s safety as well.
I clear my throat, forcing myself to focus. “Anything of concern?”
“She wants us to leave tomorrow and indicates the special team will travel to Hearthdale the day after.”
“Tomorrow?” We had three more days. “Why the urgency? We haven’t even had time to practice combined maneuvers.”
“I know.” She takes a sip of her tea, shaking her head. “Her message didn’t go into detail. I thought you might be able to coax more information from her.”
Since I’m High Prime, Commander Voltguard often provides me with more detailed reports, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I can discuss them with the others. I nod, however, and say, “I’ll see what I can do.”
As I mechanically shovel food into my mouth, I ponder the situation I’ve created. My distraction is both unexpected and unacceptable. Since I woke up, my every thought has been of Rhealyn. Can I really keep this secret? The thrill of this forbidden liaison is intoxicating, but the danger of being discovered is real. If anyone were to find out... I risk another glance at Rhaelyn. She’s engaged in animated conversation, but I notice the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers fidget with her ring. She feels it too—this electric current between us, crackling with both desire and trepidation.
I have the urge to wrap her in my arms and soothe her. I want to protect her, make sure she’s safe. The honor I’ve so fiercely guarded for so long feels… different now. Protecting her eclipses even the most sacred of the Sky Order’s laws. Yet, I’m the one who dragged her into this situation.
Dragon’s breath! What am I doing?!
Every glance at her is a rebellion against everything I swore to uphold. The stalwart High Prime falters at the sight of her. My thoughts and emotions are in chaos. I wonder if this is what the beginning of falling in love feels like.
I force my gaze away from Rhealyn and back to my plate. I need to get a grip. There’s no room for distractions, not with the mission looming. And thoughts of love are ludicrous.
I quickly finish my meal, excusing myself from the table with a nod to Prime Emberstone. I need to read my messages. As I stride out of the mess hall, my mind races. The change in our departure timeline is concerning. What could have happened to prompt further urgency? And how will this affect my fledgling relationship with Rhealyn? I shake my head. That should be the least of my concerns.
The Screechclaws are up to something, and the safety of Embernia and my entire Clutch take priority.
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