Crowned (Santa Catalina University)

Chapter 13

Malia sits bolt upright with a shuddering breath, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

“What is it, my love?” I’m on edge, unable to sleep, unable to shake the feeling that there’s something out there, watching us. I’ve been guarding Malia while she sleeps but it seems I can’t protect her from the demons that come calling while I’m awake.

“I thought it was real.” Malia wipes her tears with the back of her hand, her eyes darting around the dimly lit room. “I…I had a nightmare,” she whispers, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. “It felt so real, Vance. Like I was being chased by something…something dark and malevolent.” Her hands tremble as she reaches out for mine, seeking comfort in the darkness that threatens to consume her.

I pull her close to me, wrapping my arms around her trembling form. “It’s alright, Malia. It was just a dream,” I murmur reassuringly, though I can’t shake off the unease that grips my own heart like icy fingers. The shadows in the grove seem to shift and writhe, whispering secrets that I can’t quite make out.

“I miss the others,” she confesses, the words sounding pained. I know she’s been pining for the others, whilst trying to hide it from me to spare my feelings. She needn’t have done that. I never want her to put me first.

“I know, love,” I murmur, holding her closer and cupping the back of her head in my hand. My thumb rubs small circles on her scalp, trying to offer silent comfort. “I do too.”

She surprises me by giggling.

“What?” I ask, pulling away slightly so that I can study her face. Tears to laughter isn’t unusual for Malia, but flipping between the two so fast is.

“You miss having sex with them?” She asks with a teasing smile. Her eyes still hold sadness and the shadows of her nightmare, but she’s trying to be brave and lighten the situation and I can give her that.

I smirk. “No, Miss Van Der Zee. I do not miss having sex with them, because you can’t miss something you never had.”

Malia chuckles softly, the sound a balm to the tension that had settled between us. Her laughter echoes, mingling with the rustle of leaves. I can’t help but join in, the heaviness in my chest lifting for a moment, as I revel in the connection we share.

“It’s more than just the sex that I miss,” she sighs.

“I know.”

I lean in slowly, capturing Malia’s lips in a tender kiss. It starts soft and sweet, a gentle reassurance of our love and bond. But as the moments pass, the kiss deepens, fueled by an unspoken need to feel alive, to feel connected in a world that seems intent on tearing us apart.

Malia responds eagerly, her nails digging into my shoulders as she pulls me closer. The taste of her on my lips is intoxicating, drawing me further into the whirlwind of emotions that swirl between us. Our kisses grow more urgent, more passionate, as if trying to convey all the unspoken words and desires that linger in the spaces between us.

The shadows around us seem to fade into insignificance, leaving only Malia and I entwined in our own world of shared solace. Her heartbeat is echoing mine, a rhythm that speaks of longing and belonging in equal measure.

As we break apart, breathless and flushed with desire, I gaze into Malia’s eyes and see a reflection of my own longing mirrored back at me. There are no nightmares haunting us, no doubts or fears creeping at the edges of our sanctuary. There’s only us, bound by love and passion that transcends the darkness that threatens to consume us.

The tension between us has dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of comfort and reassurance. Malia’s hand reaches for mine, and I take it, gently guiding her to lie back down.

As we sink into the softness of the mossy ground, I kiss her once more. Malia’s breath hitches, her fingertips trailing down my chest, her touch sending electrical shocks through me until she fists my shirt and pulls me closer.

My hands explore her body, tracing the delicate lines of her curves, as if to commit them to memory. I want to know every inch of her, to lock away these memories in my soul so that they might protect us both from the darkness that lurks beyond.

“Vance,” she pleads.

I gaze into Malia’s eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation or uncertainty. But all I see is a deep longing and trust, a silent plea to take her completely.

I take a deep breath, unsure if I can give her what she wants. Words fail me in this moment, my mind consumed by the overwhelming desire that courses through me at the thought of making love to Malia.

She must sense my hesitation because she reaches up to cup my cheek, her touch grounding me in the present. “Vance,” she repeats, softer this time.

Her simple utterance of my name unleashes a flood of emotions within me. I lean down and capture her lips in a tender kiss, pouring all of my feelings into it. This is more than just physical attraction; this is an unbreakable connection between two souls who have found solace in each other’s arms.

But even as we kiss and explore each other’s bodies with eager hands, there’s a voice at the back of my head whispering doubts and fears. Can I truly give myself over to this love? Can I protect Malia from whatever dangers may come our way if I do?

Malia must sense my inner turmoil because she pulls back slightly, concern etched on her features. “Are you sure?” I ask, wanting to make sure that she’s ready for this step.

She nods without hesitation. “Please,” she whispers urgently, her eyes pleading with me not to hold back any longer.

All doubts and fears disappear, as I realise that this is what we both need – to be fully connected physically as well as emotionally.

With gentle but deliberate movements, we shed our clothes, until we’re both completely bare before each other. Our bodies are bathed in moonlight filtering through the trees above us, casting us in an ethereal glow. One which is reminiscent of when she disappeared in the forest. It’s beautiful, but the memory makes me hold her closer.

I can’t help but marvel at the sight before me – Malia, beautiful and fierce, lying before me with her heart bared open.

The shadows around us seem to shift and recede, swallowed by the tender emotions playing out on our bodies.

As I lower myself onto her, I am acutely aware of the profound connection we share. With each touch, each murmur, I feel myself becoming more entwined with her spirit. It’s like an unspoken vow to protect one another – body, mind, and soul. With each thrust and caress, we sink deeper into each other, lost in a blissful frenzy of desire.

The night air is cool against our skin, but the heat generated by our passion is undeniable. Malia’s moans fill the air, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the faint echoes of our whisperings. Together, we explore each other, seeking out every hidden corner of every hidden longing.

Malia’s moans grow louder and more urgent, her nails raking down my back as her body trembles with pleasure. I can feel her release building within her, and I increase the intensity of our movements, wanting to send us both soaring over the edge.

And then it hits me – the sheer ecstasy of being with Malia in this moment. It’s as if all the pain and suffering we’ve endured has led us here, to this perfect union where nothing else matters but each other.

Time loses all meaning as we lose ourselves in the dance of desire. Our bodies move as one, guided by a force beyond our comprehension.

As we reach our climax together, our bodies shudder with the force of our release. Peace washes over me.

We collapse into each other’s arms, panting and spent but content. Our foreheads rest against each other as we catch our breaths, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking.

“We’ll find a way to defeat them,” Malia whispers against my lips.

I know she’s talking about the shadows that threaten to consume us – both literally and figuratively.

I press a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. “Together,” I say firmly.

“Always,” she responds with a smile that lights up my entire world. “But seriously, Vance,” Malia says, her smile fading slightly as she looks up at me with those soulful eyes of hers. “Do you think they’re okay? It’s been so long since we last saw them.”

I can sense the worry creeping back into her voice, the lingering doubt that gnaws at her even in moments of levity. The memories of our friends, separated from us in a twist of fate that still haunts my dreams, weigh heavily on both our hearts, despite the moment of bliss we just found with one another.

Taking a deep breath, I kiss her forehead gently before meeting her gaze with determination. “I believe they’re out there, fighting their own battles as we are. We’ll find our way back to them, Malia. I promise you that.”

Her eyes soften at my words, a glimmer of hope shining through the darkness that threatens to engulf us.

Malia’s voice trembles with relief as she whispers, “Thank you, Vance. I’m glad you’re here.” She looks up at me, her eyes searching my face for reassurance.

My own expression softens with affection as I reply, “You don’t have to thank me, Malia.” I reach out to gently brush a strand of hair from her face, my touch tender. “I love you.”

Malia’s breath catches in her throat, her eyes widening. “You really love me?” Her voice quivers with disbelief, her pulse fluttering in her throat. I skim my thumb over it, wanting to mirror the action with my lips, but forcing myself to refrain.

I reach out, my hand trembling slightly as I gently caress her cheek. “I’ve never said it before, but it’s true. I love you, Malia. Being here with you, in this place…it’s made me realise just how much I need you, how much I’ve always loved you.”

Malia’s eyes widen in surprise, but then soften with warmth and affection. “I love you too, Vance. More than anything.”

Her words wash over me like a soothing balm, filling me with a sense of peace and contentment I’ve never really known. We hold each other tightly, lost in the moment, our love binding us together even in the strange, ethereal realm of the afterlife. In her arms, I find my home, my sanctuary, my everything.

And as dawn breaks over the horizon, painting the world in hues of gold and pink, we cling to each other in the stillness of the dawn and I know that together we’ll continue to face whatever challenges lie ahead.