19. Meera
Anight has come and gone since my encounter with Kavian in his study. I sit in his chair in the early morning, watching the sun rear its glowing head above the red horizon.
My mind continuously replays the previous evening, even my senses remind me of how they felt and what they experienced at the hands of Kavian.
I see his perfect body, remembering how smooth to the touch his skin was, how divine he smelled, smiling at the irony of him being a demon. I can still hear his moans of pleasure as he thrust into me, taking me for his rapture.
“Fuck,” I whisper, feeling a tingle run up my thighs as I imagine him inside me.
My lower body is sensitive today from how he fucked me, but it’s a pain I welcome. I run a finger along my lips, remembering how he had felt on mine, and the taste of his tongue.
The sun rises further into the sky, the sight of which reinvigorates my hope for this mission. Last night was a brief respite from everything going on, but I realize now the task must continue.
All I know is that I’m glad to have found an ally in Kavian. Two separate battles with a common enemy.
The door to the study opens. Turning around in the chair, I’m greeted by Kavian who enters with a mug of kaffo for me.
He sets it down on the table, our fingers brushing as he pushes the mug toward me. The sensation ignites a wave of goosebumps up my arm. I wrap my hands around the warm mug, using it to hinder myself from the bigger distraction which is Kavian.
“I’m in your seat,” I say without thinking, moving to get out of his way.
He throws up a palm and shakes his head, gesturing for me to remain seated. From behind him, he pulls out a rolled-up parchment of paper, flattening it out on the desk.
“Given your insistence on an active role in this mission, I have revised my plan,” he states in a clear and firm tone. His commanding presence is cemented by his perfect posture, with his chin reared high and chest puffed out.
I listen intently as he talks, paying attention to every word, every syllable that comes out of his mouth.
“An all-out battle is no longer a feasible ploy for sabotaging Gorran’s next slave auction. What you and I will be doing, Meera, is a covert operation, taking out the enemy and snatching what they think is theirs from right underneath their noses.”
Momentarily distracted by the smoothness of how my name slid off his tongue, I shake my head and lean closer in an effort to focus.
“Taking the stealth approach then, are we?” I ask, meeting his concentrated gaze.
“That’s right,” he says with an affirming nod. “This has the potential to work better than a direct assault.”
I drop my head to my shoulder, raising a curious eyebrow at the demon.
“I’d have thought a proper fight would’ve been right up your alley. I don’t take you for the silent type.”
“You’re right, I’d love to charge right in there and bash some xaphan skulls,” he says, taking a step closer to me. The heat rises between my legs. “But no offense, you’d be better suited to a role with less violent confrontation involved.”
His words come as a sting, a harsh reminder of my physical disadvantage against any given xaphan. But I can’t let my heart get the better of me. In my mind, I know he’s right.
In fact, I’m elated that he’s come up with a plan that considers my disadvantages. This is for the best, and I’d rather be in one piece to reunite with my family.
“None taken, Kavian. I’m keen on taking the xaphans down no matter the method.”
“And we will, Meera, together.”
The strength in his voice fuels the prospects of victory. I find myself motivated to proceed, almost wishing we were starting the mission already.
“So, what will you have me do?” I ask.
He points to the paper, tapping it with an aura of command.
“Take a look at the area of operations here, or simply put, a map for our mission.”
I pull the map closer, studying the circles and points of interest he’s marked on the sketch of a building.
“This is the auction house where they’ll be hosting the next public sale tomorrow. Of course, that sale isn’t going to take place, as you and I will sneak in there while they are making their preparations.”
I smile at the plan, looking forward to busting the party the xaphans think they’ll be having.
“There’ll be armed guards, more than two I reckon, but while they have the numbers game, we’ll have the advantage of the shadows.”
He raises his hand as a black silhouetted orb begins to float over them.
“When I handle the guards, you can free the slaves.”
I nod along, visualizing the scene playing out in my mind. The faces of relief on the slaves I imagine are more than enough to propel my faith in this plan.
Kavian lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and with his free hand, he raises my chin, our eyes meeting. I look into the gaze of a leader, a demon I can trust to help me get this done. I can see in his stare that he sees a useful ally in me. To have his confidence feels exhilarating.
“Any questions so far?” he asks.
I swallow hard, my stomach melting with a strange sense of headiness.
“Is there anything else I can do on this mission, other than freeing the slaves?”
He smiles.
“Your eagerness is admirable. The plan still needs further revision, so I’ll smooth out the details and let you know of any updates during our journey to New Solas. We’ll leave in an hour’s time.”
I’m standing waiting in the foyer when the time to leave comes. In my arms is Kavian’s cloak, and slung over my shoulder is a small sack of clothing and essentials.
The demon emerges from around the corner, wearing a fierce look of courage on his face. I almost feel sorry for the xaphans knowing this is their enemy. Almost.
I’m more than glad Kavian is an ally. As he approaches, I think of him purchasing me the other day, not knowing I was walking into the opportunity of a lifetime.
And the weirdest thought of all… a future with him.
Am I in over my head once more? I should be focusing on the mission, but…
“Kavian, before we go, I just wanted to say thank you for?—”
The rest of my sentence never makes it out of my lips, for Kavian presses his against mine. His strong arms grasp the small of my back, pulling me closer. He pulls back and runs a finger across my bottom lip as if savoring its texture for later.
He says not a word, but he doesn’t need to. His gesture has displayed a rare glimpse into the depth of his feelings, the tenderness he keeps veiled behind his hard shell of an exterior.
I pull him down for another kiss, his tongue putting a silent end to the train of thoughts in my mind. All I want to focus on is him.
With my hand in his, he leads us out of the mansion, departing on our mission.
A few hours later, I find myself mulling over the coming task, mindlessly watching the waves crash over themselves as the boat rocks over the sea.
I can’t stop my knee from bouncing, trying to collect myself while intertwining my fingers and rubbing my thumbs on sweaty palms.
“Meera, you need to calm yourself.”
Kavian joins me, his hand grazing my arm before resting on the deck to my side.
“I know but it’s easier said than done. I just can’t help thinking what if it all goes wrong.”
He nods patiently, looking away to the water for a brief moment of thought before answering.
“Have you stopped to contemplate on the plan going right?” he asks.
“Well I…. no,” I mumble in embarrassment.
“Don’t be ashamed. I understand your concerns, but worrying about failure won’t help.” He gestures for me to follow him, turning for the quarters area. “We’ll go over the plan again. The more we review it, the higher our chances of success will be.”
Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that I’m in capable hands with Kavian. He’s right. If I get caught up in my worries, I’m only doing myself a disservice.
He opens the door and allows me to enter first. I step into the private quarters, taking a seat on the double bed while he fetches the plans. After he lays it out on the table, he pulls from the bedside cabinet a small blanket and throws it over my shoulders.
Kavian pulls a chair over from the desk, seating himself facing me. Reaching out, he brushes my stray hair behind my ear, giving me the most intense gaze yet.
“Everything will work out. You can’t let your nerves get the better of you.”
I nod in acceptance, telling him I couldn’t possibly agree any more than I already do.
“Remind yourself of your goals with this mission,” he says.
Without intending, I say them aloud for him to hear, looking to the distance elsewhere.
“I hope not only to free the slaves but to disturb the enterprise of Gorran’s slave trade to its core, to send a message that humans will brave even the most terrorizing face of danger.”
His growing smile makes me realize what I’ve done, but no longer am I embarrassed. Instead, my resolve strengthens, doubling in anticipation of the mission’s success.
Kavian and I will see this through, and together, we’ll be one step closer to bringing Gorran down.