Fated

Chapter 30

I clutched the blanket around me and turned on my side to face him. He took my hand in his, his thumb tracing soft reassuring circles over my skin.

“You’re nervous,” he said, his thumb now brushing over my knuckles.

“Yes,” I admitted, my voice fracturing slightly. “Not about you or my choice—I’m just afraid … I’ll disappoint you.”

Ash gave me a look of disbelief. “How could you possibly do that?”

I halfheartedly laughed, nerves bubbling up to the surface. “Ash, you’re … well, you’re you. You’re sexy and gorgeous. You command an entire kingdom with such ease. You’re a little … intimidating.” I bit down on my lip. “You’ve probably been with hundreds of drop-dead gorgeous women who knew exactly what they were doing, and I—I don’t know.”

My chest tightened. “I’ve struggled with my self--esteem my entire life, and my mom, she used to remind me every single day to believe in myself, and now that it’s just been me …”

I shrugged, blinking back tears.

“Areya,” he said firmly, making me meet his gaze. “I love you.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I love you too, Ash.”

He cupped my face. “I don’t care if we do nothing but talk and hold each other like we have so many nights before. You’re my best friend, and while, yes, I want to claim every part of you and make it clear just how sexy I think you are …”

I swallowed hard.

“All I really want is to be with you.” His fingers stroked my cheek.

“I haven’t been with hundreds of women, and never with someone I truly cared about.” He paused. “One day, you’ll see yourself the way I do. Everything I once found beautiful in the world pales compared to the sight of you. And I don’t just mean how gorgeous you are.”

He tapped a finger against my chest, right above where my heart was thrumming furiously. “I fell in love with the beautiful soul inside here.”

His voice wavered as he continued. “I would do anything to bring your mom back to you, but since I can’t do that, I’ll make sure I’m here to remind you to believe in yourself every damn day until you believe it.” He gave my hand a firm squeeze. “And you are not alone, Areya. It’s you and me together, always.”

I wiped away the tears that had silently slipped down my cheeks.

“It kills me you think I’m somehow better than you,” Ash admitted. “I’m nothing more than a foolish boy turned king after killing my father. But you, you’ve been through hell, and still, you’ve stayed kind, good, and somehow still able to see the magic in this shitty world. You’re a light, a beacon. My beacon.” His eyes turned glassy as he continued. “Being with you, hearing you laugh, watching you smile, nothing brings me more joy. You have my heart and soul, Areya. Everything I am is yours.” He wiped his eyes, a chuckle escaping him. “And now you’ve got me fucking crying.”

I laughed, and he laughed with me. Everything instantly felt raw, beautiful, and overflowing with love—the moment impossibly perfect.

A quiet minute passed as Ash stroked my face, his eyes locked on mine.

“Earlier today on the yacht, I practically had to pry you off me, and now tonight, you’re hiding from me. What’s changed?”

A fierce blush came over me. “What’s changed is that I saw thousands of people kneel before you today, Ash.”

“And yet I willingly kneel before you ,” he murmured, his words sending a swarm of butterflies through my stomach. The weight of the crown suddenly bore down on my head. I reached up, carefully lifting it off and setting it aside on the bedside table.

“Can it just be us right now? No kings, no queens—just Ash and Areya?”

His smile was warm, filled with affection. “I love just Ash and Areya.”

I let go of the thoughts of crowns and kingdoms, focusing entirely on him. Ash was more than titles or power; he was my best friend, the man who knew me better than anyone else. We were fated, bound by something far greater than those things.

He loved me, and I loved him. In the end, this was all that truly mattered.

With that thought came a surge of boldness. I sat up, letting the blanket slip off my shoulders and fall behind me. I pushed Ash onto the bed just as I’d done earlier today and straddled him.

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he looked up at me.

“There you are, Areya,” he murmured, his hand grazing my cheek just before my lips crashed into his. His hands shot to my waist the same way they had on the yacht, gripping me possessively, but this time, there was no restraint between us. I poured everything into that kiss—my heart, my need, my desire. His tongue explored my mouth, and I pushed back, just as hungry for him, letting the kiss deepen until it seemed impossible to breathe without him.

I rocked my hips against him, his arousal hard beneath me.

This time, he didn’t hold back.

His body moved in perfect sync with mine. When I pulled back slightly to look at him, an unintentional giggle escaped me as I caught sight of the absolutely feral look in his eyes.

In one swift, heart-stopping motion, he flipped us over, pinning my back against the mattress, his body settling firmly between my thighs.

“Something funny, Areya?” His voice was low, dark, and dangerous—no trace of humor, only predatory hunger. My stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and excitement.

His lips dragged down my neck, slow and deliberate, his breath teasing my skin. When he reached my breast, he paused, his tongue swirling in slow, torturous circles around my nipple, while his other hand gripped my other breast. I gasped softly as I squirmed beneath him, every nerve alive under his touch.

His lips continued their slow, agonizing descent, trailing down my stomach and lingering at my hipbone, leaving me quivering and out of breath.

He pulled back slightly, sitting on his knees between my legs, his dark eyes sweeping over my body. The sight of Ash there, between my legs, sent a dizzying rush of desire through me.

I was completely at his mercy, wanting him more than I had ever wanted anything.

“You’re the most breathtaking thing I’ve ever laid eyes on,” he murmured, his gaze drinking me in. Heat rushed to my cheeks, deepening into a crimson flush under his scrutiny. His hands gripped my thighs possessively, as he lowered his head, his dark, burning gaze locking onto mine. The sight of him—those thick lashes framing his intense stare as his lips brushed against my inner thigh—sent a shudder through me, my back arching instinctively.

His lips trailed slow, teasing kisses along my inner thighs, igniting a fire with every featherlight touch—never quite reaching the place where I ached for him most. My breathing grew ragged, my chest rising and falling as the tension inside me coiled tighter with every maddening second.

“Ash,” I whimpered, his name escaping me like a prayer, soft and desperate. The sound seemed to ignite something primal in him. His movements paused for the briefest moment before a low, guttural growl rumbled from his chest.

Then he moved. His mouth found my core with devastating precision, his tongue gliding through my wetness, slow and deliberate, each touch sending shockwaves through me. When he flicked the perfect spot, a gasp tore from my throat, my back arching off the bed as pleasure surged through me—sharp and all-consuming.

My hands scrambled against the sheets, gripping them in a futile attempt to anchor myself, but I was already unraveling beneath him. The need for him overwhelmed me, consuming every thought, every breath. Another broken whimper escaped me, and I felt the curve of his mouth against me—a wicked grin that only stoked the fire burning inside me.

“No more giggles, Areya?”

My head shook frantically, suddenly unable to form coherent words. His eyes burned as he watched me squirm beneath him, the weight of his gaze making me feel utterly exposed and helpless under his control.

When he lightly sucked that tender spot, his teeth grazing just enough to send a gasp tumbling from my lips, I nearly screamed. Moments later, his tongue followed—soothing, teasing, tracing slow, torturous strokes that left my entire body shuddering.

He paused, his breath hot against my skin, humming low in his throat—a sound that sent shivers racing through me. “Fuck, Areya,” he murmured, his voice rough and drenched with need, “You taste even sweeter than I imagined. I could stay here forever, worshiping you, savoring every sound you make.”

The undiluted hunger in his words made my body tighten in response, a desperate whimper escaping me as I tangled my hands into his now-messy hair, holding on as though he were the only thing keeping me grounded.

“Ash,” I moaned, his name falling from my lips like a plea, broken and breathless. The wild sensations coursing through me were too much—overwhelming, relentless—stripping me of every ounce of control I thought I had.

“That’s it, Areya,” he murmured, his voice dark and commanding. “Let go, beautiful. I’ve got you.”

His words shattered the last fragile thread holding me together, and my body obeyed. I came undone, pleasure exploding inside me like a tidal wave, crashing over me again and again. My back arched as I bucked against his mouth, unable to contain the cries spilling from my lips—wild, unfiltered, and untamed.

“Areya,” I heard Ash murmur through the haze of my release. He held me through every pulse, every tremor, his hands firm on my hips, grounding me even as I unraveled under his touch. When he finally lifted himself to meet my gaze, he looked at me like I was something precious, something he couldn’t quite believe he had the honor of holding.

A sudden wave of shyness washed over me as our gazes met. I had just completely unraveled beneath him, losing control in a way I never imagined. The rawness of the moment—the sounds escaping my lips, the way my body moved—was overwhelming.

Without thinking, I raised my hands, covering my face, hiding from his intense stare. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

“What in the world are you doing, Areya?” He laughed, gently pulling one of my hands away. Amusement flicked across his face, watching me squirm. “Why are you hiding from me?”

“I … You … It…” I stammered, trying to make sense of the rush of emotions, but instead, I covered my face again, too shy to finish my thoughts.

“Are you ok?” His voice lowered.

I nodded beneath my hands.

“Did you like it?”

Another nod.

His eyes widened in amusement. “Are you embarrassed?” He practically shouted, his grin widening as I peeked through my fingers, catching the playful sparkles in his eyes.

When I lowered my hands just enough to peek at him, he burst into laughter.

“Areya, watching you squirm and lose control to my body is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

I hesitated, but eventually, let my hands fall away. “I wasn’t … terrible?” My voice was small, and the vulnerability in the question made my cheeks burn again.

He chuckled, the sound low and warm, shaking his head as his eyes roamed over me. “Terrible?” He leaned in closer, his gaze smoldering. “You were a fucking goddess. And you better get used to it, because I plan on doing many, many unspeakable things to that beautiful body of yours.”

The sincere affection and promise in his words made something inside me melt, the embarrassment slowly replaced by a warmth that left me smiling despite myself.

“You’re adorable,” Ash muttered, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Adorable?” I scoffed, narrowing my eyes with playful indignation. “I thought I was a goddess.” Before he could respond, I shoved him back onto the bed, his laughter breaking free as I climbed on top of him, straddling his hips again. “So, which is it, Ash? Adorable or goddess?”

“Both,” he said without hesitation, his hands sliding up to rest on my thighs, his grin wicked. “But I prefer my goddess like this—on top of me, exactly where she belongs.”

I smiled, a flicker of confidence sparking under his heated gaze. But when his eyes roamed over me, taking in every inch of my bare body, his breath hitched. A flicker of heat crossed his face, and his expression softened into something almost reverent. “You’re an adorable goddess,” he murmured, his words sending a strange mix of warmth and amusement through me.

I snorted, unable to keep a straight face, and dropped my head, bursting into laughter. Ash joined in, his deep chuckle filling the room until we were both clutching at our stomachs.

“Oh my God, I’m terrible at this!” I admitted through my laughter, wiping at my eyes.

Ash leaned back casually, propping his hands behind his head, his grin still firmly in place as he watched me with an amused glint in his eye. “I beg to differ.”

I rolled my eyes, still chuckling as I tried to catch my breath. “Ash, you’re so sexy and smooth, and I’m just … me.”

“I love that you’re you,” he said simply, the sincerity in his voice cutting through the lingering laughter. His smile softened, so full of affection that my heart skipped a beat.

I huffed a small laugh and sighed, shaking my head. “I’m sorry.”

“Why would you be sorry?”

“For ruining the mood, I guess.” I said, biting my lip.

Ash’s grin grew wider, his eyes twinkling with humor.

“Ruining the mood? Areya, this is the most fun I’ve ever had in bed. It’s real. It’s just Ash and Areya. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

His words, spoken with so much warmth and adoration, stole the breath from my lungs.

I chewed on my lip even more, considering him, trying to absorb the fact that he allowed me to be my shy, awkward self, and still looked at me like that—like I was the only thing that mattered.

God, I was so in love with him.

Summoning a bit of confidence, I leaned forward, fingers fumbling as I attempted to unbutton the first button of his shirt. But the stupid thing wouldn’t come undone.

“What are you doing, Areya?” He watched me, clearly amused, stifling his mirth.

“I’m trying to take this stupid shirt off!” I muttered, biting down on my smile as I struggled with the button.

I didn’t give up, though, determined. Finally, the first button gave way, then the next, until his chest lay bare before me.

He shrugged off his shirt, tossing it somewhere with the rest of my clothes. My eyes widened as I took in the sight of him—his broad chest, the perfectly carved muscles of his abs.

“What am I supposed to do with all of that?” I motioned to his bare chest, half teasing, half awestruck.

His lips curved into a playful smirk.

My head shook, a soft laugh slipping out. “I think you may actually be a god, Ash.”

He snorted, a brief laugh slipping out, but the humor in his expression quickly gave way to something deeper, more intense. His gaze drifted slowly over me, lingering on my curves, his eyes darkening. The weight of his stare made me shudder, heat pooling low in my belly.

Lowering my head, I let my lips trail all along his muscled chest, kissing my way down, savoring the feel of his skin beneath my mouth. I dragged my kisses lower, all the way down until they were teasing along the V just above his briefs. His breath came ragged now, and the intensity in his eyes never wavered, locked on me as if I were the only thing in existence.

I scooted down, unbuttoning his pants, smoothly this time, trying to keep my hands from shaking as I slid them down his legs. My eyes traveled over his solid black briefs, and I swallowed hard at the sight of the generous bulge straining beneath them. I reached for the waistband of his underwear, but before I could tug them down, his hand shot out, grabbing mine.

“We don’t have to go any further tonight,” he murmured.

“I know,” I whispered back and with a steadying breath, I slid his underwear down, freeing him fully.

My eyes widened, a wave of nervousness washing over me. I swallowed down my nerves and wrapped my hand around him, his body tensing immediately at my touch.

Glancing up, I met his gaze, and the primal, unrestrained hunger in his eyes sent my heart racing. His chest rose and fell with uneven breaths, his lips parted as if to speak, but no words came. Without breaking eye contact, I leaned in, letting my tongue glide along his length in a slow, deliberate stroke.

“Shit, Areya,” he groaned, his voice strained and thick with pleasure. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, his jaw tightening, and a wicked thrill rippled through me. The sight of him like this—completely undone—was captivating.

I moved my lips over him, taking him fully into my mouth, letting him hit the back of my throat. His growl of pleasure reverberated through the room, low and guttural, the sound sending a surge of heat straight to my core. His hand reached out, tangling roughly in my hair as his hips bucked involuntarily.

“God, you’re perfect,” he rasped, his voice cracking with need. “The way you’re taking me—fuck—it’s driving me insane.”

The tension in his body coiled tighter with every steady motion of my mouth, his control slipping away little by little. My name escaped his lips in a hoarse whisper, his head tipping back as he tugged at my hair, guiding me with growing urgency.

“Look at me,” he commanded, his voice rough and thick with need. When my gaze locked with his, the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver racing through me. “You have no idea how fucking good you look right now. I can’t—” He groaned, cutting himself off, his grip tightening. “You’re going to kill me, Areya.”

A few moments later, his restraint shattered completely. In one swift motion, he pulled me up, his lips crashing against mine before flipping me onto my back. His body hovered over mine, every inch of him pressed against me, radiating heat and need.

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t think—his words, his touch, the ravenous look in his eyes had stolen every thought from my mind. All I could do was tremble beneath him, my breath hitching as his mouth claimed mine again, desperate and consuming.

His hard length pressed firmly against my core, sparking a deep fire inside me. The overwhelming desire for him to fill me became impossible to ignore, an ache so fierce it bordered on pain. It was as though the bond between us had grown impatient, pulling us together with an undeniable force.

“Ash, I need you.”

My voice gave away my desperation.

He stiffened above me, his jaw clenched tight.

“Do you feel it? The pull between us?” I whimpered.

He nodded, his voice strained. “It’s taking every bit of control I have not to take you right now,” he ground out through gritted teeth.

“Then do it.”

He hesitated, his eyes flicking over my face, his body shaking in his effort to hold back.

“I’m sure,” I said breathlessly.

He reached down, his fingers slipping between my legs.

My body responded instantly, my hips tilting toward him, craving more of his touch. Then, with excruciating slowness, he let the head of his length glide against me, teasing and deliberate, each brush sending a jolt of pleasure through me. The anticipation was maddening, and I trembled beneath him, every nerve alive and desperate for more.

The intensity was too much to bear, and my nails dug hard into his arms as I gripped him tightly, trying to steady the uncontrollable tremors.

The usual restlessness whenever I wasn’t near Ash was now magnified a thousand times.

The bond was driving us together like an urgent, irresistible force demanding to be sealed.

It felt as though something was crawling beneath my skin and I knew if we didn’t seal this bond soon, I might break.

My breathing became ragged, teetering on the brink of panic.

“Areya, look at me and breathe,” he said, his voice gentle but firm.

Doing as he asked, my gaze locked with his. The intensity of his emerald-green eyes calmed the storm within me. The restlessness dulled, and I focused solely on him, the ache easing enough to bring me back to the present. He pressed against my entrance, slow and deliberate, allowing my body to adjust, stretching to accommodate him. His movements were measured, each shift filled with care, but his eyes never left mine—intense, unrelenting, and impossibly full of emotion.

With one smooth, deliberate thrust, he was fully inside me. I inhaled sharply at the sudden, overwhelming fullness, the initial sting melting into a flood of relief so profound it stole my breath. The restless ache that had consumed me moments before vanished, replaced by something deeper—something warm, consuming, and impossibly perfect.

Ash’s eyes roamed over my face, searching for any sign of hesitation or discomfort. Without a word, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down into a kiss that was as desperate as it was tender. Our lips moved in perfect sync, our bodies following suit, finding a rhythm that felt as though it had been carved into our souls.

He broke the kiss, his lips trailing to my ear, his breath hot and unsteady against my skin. “You feel so perfect,” he groaned, his voice low and rough, vibrating through me.

His words, raw and unrestrained, sent a shiver racing down my spine. Instinctively, my body tightened around him, pulling him deeper, and the reaction dragged a guttural moan from his lips. The sound was primal, filled with unrelenting desire, and it sent a cascade of butterflies through my stomach, igniting a fire I couldn’t contain.

His mouth found mine again, the kiss deeper this time, hungrier, filled with an urgency that mirrored the rhythm of his hips moving against me. My fingers dug into his arms, nails biting into his skin as I struggled to steady myself against the overwhelming waves of pleasure coursing through me.

“Ash.” I whispered, my voice trembling as I tried to find words. “You’re everything.”

He pulled back just enough for his lips to brush against my ear. “You undo me, Areya.” he breathed, his warm breath sending sparks across my skin. “Every time I touch you, every sound you make, I feel like I’m losing myself—and I don’t care. I want to be lost in you. Completely.”

The unfiltered need in his words stole the air from my lungs, and the way his hips surged forward sent shockwaves of sensation coursing through me. I arched into him, my cries spilling free, every inch of me trembling beneath his relentless gaze.

“Look at me,” he rasped, his emerald eyes locking onto mine, dark and wild. “I’m yours, Areya. Every fucking part of me belongs to you.”

“Ash,” I whimpered, my voice shaking, my need for him burning hotter than ever. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he murmured, his lips brushing against mine as his movements became slower, deeper, deliberate. “You’re everything, Areya … my heart, my soul, my entire existence.”

The depth of his words unraveled me completely, and when his mouth claimed mine again, it felt like he was pouring every ounce of himself into me.

As he kissed me, something else stirred deep within—the place where my magic lived. It started as a hum, faint at first, but quickly built into something far more powerful. The golden river of power inside me surged against its barrier, desperate to break free.

“My magic, Ash,” I gasped.

My voice faltered as the sensation intensified, barely able to hold back.

“It’s ok, let go,” he whispered against my lips.

The moment he spoke those words, I released the dam holding my magic.

An overwhelming relief washed over me as streams of light burst from my fingertips, from every part of my body, filling the room with a golden glow. And then I saw it, the bright light pouring from Ash, glowing green like his eyes, blending with my golden streams.

These living rivers of intertwined magic surrounded us, flowing and swirling around us as if possessing a life of their own.

The magic twisted and danced in the air, almost as if it were celebrating the bond we were sealing. As it swirled around us, the energy slowly began to pour back inside, filling me with something far more profound than just magic. It was Ash. A piece of him was filling my soul, merging with my essence.

My eyes watered copiously, not from sadness, but from the sheer intensity of the moment.

I felt Ash giving himself to me completely, holding nothing back, laying bare his soul before me.

And in return, I surrendered every part of myself to him, our connection deepening in ways I had never imagined. The magic around us continued to dance, shimmering in the air before slowly pouring back inside. Time itself seemed to pause, and in that moment, there was nothing but us—boundless, infinite, and utterly complete.

Ash pressed his forehead to mine, his breath warm and unsteady, his voice quaking with emotion as he whispered, “I love you, Areya. More than anything. More than life itself.” His words, heartfelt and filled with love, seeped into my heart. Every syllable wrapped around me, tethering me to him in a bond that felt eternal.

He moved faster, more urgently inside me, his control slipping as the fire between us burned brighter. My lips found his in a desperate, heated kiss, pouring every ounce of my need into him as the pleasure in my core built to an impossible peak. His hands gripped my hips tightly, his touch possessive and grounding.

The dark intensity of his eyes told me he was close too, the tension in his body coiling tighter with each thrust. His lips claimed mine again, hungrier, more passionate than ever, and I lost myself completely in him, in us.

“Ash,” I moaned his name, breaking the kiss as my head tipped back, the overwhelming sensations stealing my breath. My gaze flicked to his, and the burning intensity in his eyes was so overpowering that I instinctively looked away, my cheeks burning.

“Look at me, Areya,” he whispered, his voice both commanding and tender, “You don’t have to hide from me. I want to see all of you. I want all of you.”

His words were like a lifeline, pulling me back into the moment. I met his gaze again, and this time, I held it, unable to look away. The fire in his eyes consumed me, kept me captive, as he thrust harder, deeper, the connection between us obliterating everything else.

Ash’s hand slid between us, finding that most sensitive spot. His fingers moved in slow, teasing circles, and the sensation sent me spiraling. The pleasure became unbearable, a force too powerful to resist, and moments later, it slammed into me with devastating intensity. My body convulsed beneath him as waves of ecstasy ripped through me. I cried out his name as the overwhelming release swept over me.

The sound of my cries seemed to unravel him completely. His body jerked in response, my name tearing from his lips. I clenched around him instinctively, drawing every drop from him as our bodies moved together in perfect harmony, sealing the bond that tethered us in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend.

The last wisps of magic flowed between us, weaving through every part of our beings, electrifying the air around us. Time seemed to slow, the world around us alive with energy. When the last tendrils of power settled, reality resumed its normal pace, yet everything felt irrevocably changed.

Ash’s gaze lingered on me, his eyes filled with an adoration so deep it made my heart ache.

“My queen,” he whispered, his words laced with reverence and love as his hand brushed tenderly against my cheek. The depth of his emotions stole my breath, and I couldn’t help but smile back at him, feeling more complete in that moment than ever before.

He lay down, pulling me into his arms, my cheek resting against his chest. Ash looked as if about to speak when suddenly, a sharp, searing pain shot through the top of my forearm. I gasped, grabbing my arm with my other hand.

My eyes shot to Ash, who was also staring down at his own arm.

A white line began to form on my skin, intricate flowers blooming along it as it curved from the center of my forearm, headed down and around toward the top of my inner wrist.

Then, as if guided by an unseen hand, the name Sebastian Augustine slowly etched itself into my wrist.

The burning slowly subsided, leaving behind the mark of the fated on my arm. I glanced up at Ash, and he turned his wrist to show me my own name— Areya Silverton —engraved into his skin.

My heart stilled as I stared at the name. Silverton . It felt vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place it. “Does that name mean anything to you?” I asked Ash.

He hesitated, his expression cautious.

“What is it?”

“It may be just a coincidence,” he began slowly, “but do you remember hearing about the King of Titan?”

I strained my mind, searching for the name, coming up blank. I shook my head.

“King Aldo Silverton,” Ash said, watching for my reaction.

I blinked, stunned. “Do you think my father was a descendent of King Aldo?”

He nodded thoughtfully. “It wouldn’t be much of a leap. Powerful princes and princesses were often married off to strengthen alliances.”

Ash paused, his eyes widening as a realization seemed to dawn on him. “Do you know what this means?”

I had no idea.

“Not only are you the Queen of Ambrosia …” My heart skipped a beat at the weight of my new title. “But you’re also a blood heir and princess to the Kingdom of Astern—and possibly Titan. That makes you a very powerful person, Areya.”

A sudden thought shot through me. “Do you think my father may still be alive?”

“Of course, it’s possible,” Ash said.

The idea I could have a father out there somewhere, a link to my past, ignited a spark of hope.

“And if I’m really a descendent of King Aldo, does that mean I could wield some of the power of Titan?”

Ash considered it for a moment. “We won’t know the full extent of what you’re capable of until you start training, but yes, you should be able to tap into that power.”

“What happened when our magic was floating around the room while we were, um …”

Ash chuckled.

“Our magic merged. It came together, sealing our souls and the bond between us.”

I blinked, processing his words. “So, does that mean we have a piece of each other’s magic now? Can I make you see a room full of unicorns and rainbows whenever I want?”

Ash laughed. “Well, since you’ve replaced Xanth as the sole heir to my Heir power, technically, yes, you can wield my magic. But since I’m not an heir to yours, it only goes one way.”

My eyes widened, stunned by the revelation, not just that I could now use his power, but also that I was the new heir to his Heir power.

“But there hasn’t been a fated pair in this kingdom … Well, not for my entire life. The library in Cresinthia would be the best place to learn about the bond,” Ash added.

That bit of information sent a ripple of shock through me. Madam Pearl had stated it was rare, but I hadn’t realized it was that rare. “So why us? Why now?”

“I don’t remember much, but from the little history I remember learning about as a child, fated pairs appeared when the world needed powerful leaders to guide it. Once peace returns, the gift can go dormant for long stretches of time.”

“So, we might be the first of a group of other fated pairs?”

Ash shrugged. “It’s possible. “

A moment later, a spark of curiosity danced in his eyes. “You know what my magic feels like. Can you sense it inside you?”

I focused on my own golden river, then imagined the way Ash’s power felt filling me. And then, I found it—an emerald-green river of magic, unmistakably Ash’s, sitting beside my own.

“I found it.” I smiled excitedly.

Ash’s smile mirrored mine as he took my hand, lifting it toward the vanity.

“Command that hairbrush to come to you.”

My heart raced. Could I really do it?

I chewed my lip and concentrated, opening my hand, letting a sliver of Ash’s magic flow out of me as I focused on the brush. I watched in awe as the hairbrush responded to me, soaring through the air and landing perfectly in my palm.

“Incredible! Your control is absolutely phenomenal.” Ash’s voice brimmed with pride.

I blushed at his praise, feeling warmth blossoming in my chest.

Still smiling, Ash wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as if he couldn’t bear even a whisper of space between us. “You’re spectacular,” he murmured into my hair, his voice filled with awe as he pressed a tender kiss to the crown of my head. “I don’t have the words to tell you how much you mean to me.”

“Tonight was …” I began, struggling to capture the enormity of the moment.

“It was everything,” he finished softly, his hand tracing soothing circles along my back as I rested my head against his chest.

Ash tightened his embrace, his voice dropping to a reverent tone. “No, it was more than everything. It was the best night of my life, Areya. Nothing has ever come close to this. To us.”

“Mine too,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. Before I could say anything more, a yawn escaped me.

“Sleep, my queen,” Ash purred, his voice gentle—a soothing balm that wrapped around me like the warmest blanket. “Let me hold you.”

“I’m so happy, Ash. I don’t think I can sleep,” I protested, though another yawn escaped before I could stop it.

He chuckled softly; the sound rumbling in his chest beneath my cheek and tightened his arms around me. “Then just rest here, in my arms, knowing you’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

A deep sense of peace settled over me, unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The restless magic that had always simmered beneath the surface, urging me toward Ash, had finally stilled, as though it had found its home.

It felt as though my soul had found its missing piece. Everything inside me was at ease, perfectly aligned, perfectly whole. I melted into Ash’s embrace, his scent enveloping me, the familiar, calming comfort of him wrapping around my heart.

It had never been compulsion drawing me to him. It had always been him. Always Ash. He was mine, and I was his. This wasn’t just where I wanted to be—this was where I was meant to be. My heart swelled with the realization that I had found my true home.

Not a place, but a person. Him.