32. Chapter 32
N o sooner had we taken off than we’d landed.
I was still trying to get my bearings when I caught sight of our destination: high in the mountains, the wide, flat plateau took my breath away. Granite walls crowded in on three sides, broken up by the misty cascade of an enchanting waterfall dancing over rocks to fill a small pool before making its way more slowly to a second, calmer pool.
A thin layer of soil held a mossy carpet of mountain grass and wildflowers, and the mist from the mystical cascade turned the rays of the sun into a magical display of colour. The air was bitter and challenging to breathe, but after I concentrated and took several deep, calming breaths, it became easier.
As soon as we dismounted, Vahin took to the air, leaving us stranded. He caught a passing updraft and disappeared into the clouds. I didn’t mind. For a moment, I forgot about the world, drinking in the beauty before me.
‘Annika …’ Orm’s voice was raw as he spoke, grasping my shoulders to turn me around. ‘Did I scare you?’ he asked, then gently took my chin, tilting my head to see the cut. ‘I should kill the bastard that made you bleed.’ I couldn’t help but smile.
‘No, and no killing, maiming, or damaging your future soldiers. And make sure you provide them some dragon protection for that damned patrol—it should be a punishment, not a sentence. Please. For me?’ He sighed.
‘Fine. Now let me see your face.’
‘It’s just a scratch. I’ll let you kiss it better if you’ll relax,’ I teased, and his groan was that of a man who could no longer withstand his torment. Orm’s head dipped, but instead of the cut, his lips captured mine with a pained whisper.
‘I thought you were in danger. I’d only just landed, and the first thing I heard was that the fortress had been attacked. Then a messenger bursts in, telling me you were fighting in the tavern. I fucking hate my life sometimes. I hate being away from you,’ he ground out, peppering my face with little kisses. ‘If you want those bastards to live, they will, but don’t ask me to go easy on them because I’m going to beat the living daylights out of them until they understand no one touches my … any woman.’
I gasped, melting into his possessive touch. The strength of his arms pressing my body to his turned the gasp into a moan, my skin prickling with goosebumps. I gave in to him, smiling when his short beard caressed my cheeks. My arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer.
‘You taste so good … like spiced, forbidden pleasure. Fuck, I can’t think straight with you in my arms,’ Orm murmured, and when I parted my lips, his tongue darted in, dancing over mine.
We stood in a field of flowers, alone at the top of a mountain, while he owned me with a single kiss, commanding me to submit, to take him as mine. My warrior was battered and bloodied, but so breathtaking; I wouldn’t change him for anything in the world.
When our lips parted, and I could finally catch my breath, he refused to let go, as if touching me was the only thing that kept him sane. ‘I can’t believe I had to pull you out of a tavern brawl,’ he grumbled with such an obvious eye roll that I chuckled.
‘They needed to be taught a lesson.’
‘And it had to be you that gave it to them? Next time, please, for the sake of my sanity, let me know when you’re going to do it. I won’t interfere, I promise.’
‘Aww, you’ll take away all my fun if I do that. No one will fight me knowing you are watching,’ I joked before shivering at his thunderous expression. ‘I didn’t want to worry you. This brawl … you know I could have wiped the floor with them if I really wanted to. I just needed to vent some frustration. These last few days have been hard, and … I missed you.’
I smiled, seeing his eyebrows knitting together. ‘I really missed you … and your heartbeat.’ I trailed a finger along his tightening jawline. He groaned as my finger slid down over his neck, hooking onto his breastplate, pulling him towards me.
My eyes widened as the hands on my waist tightened their grip in response.
‘You beautiful vixen, you’ve turned me into a man possessed,’ he said, hands sweeping up my arms. ‘I was fighting biesy, and all I felt was regret that you weren’t by my side. I want us to happen. Will you take me, Nivale? As you’ve regained your past, can we have a future?’
The heat in his voice flowed like molasses over my skin. I was lost in Orm’s stormy green eyes, his fingers wiping the blood from my skin, but my silence seemed to bother him. ‘Annika, I know you and Ari—’ I cut him off, placing a finger on his lips.
‘First, apologise for leaving without me. You took Alaric, but left me behind—I’d hoped our little adventure with the olgoi worm had taught you better. How can I Anchor you if you don’t treat me as an equal?’
‘You’d just had your heart ripped to shreds when we got the message. I didn’t want you going from one battle to another. That’s the only reason I didn’t bring you with us. I won’t leave you aga—’ he paused. ‘Ani … did you say Anchor?’ Orm stuttered into silence, and I saw his pupils widen in disbelief.
‘You said you want us to happen. Don’t you want to be my Anchor?’
Orm breathed hard, fighting with more than just the clasp of his breastplate. When he finally threw it aside, his eyes were ablaze with wild magic, but he held himself back—or so I thought until he dropped to his knees and pressed his face into my midriff. ‘Gods, Nivale, want ? I crave it. I thought you’d never ask,’ he muttered, inhaling deeply.
‘What are you doing?’ I asked, taken aback by his actions.
Orm looked up, then took my hand and pressed it to his forehead. ‘I, Ormond Erenheart, swear my life to you, Annika Diavellar. My mind, my heart, and my strength are yours to command. I will follow you in this life and behind the Veil; wherever fate takes you, I’ll be there to protect you. May the gods above and below witness my vow. There will be no other for me but you.’
I knew Orm was from a ducal house of warriors and dragon riders, but I hadn’t expected this. I stroked a stray lock of hair from his forehead as my eyes sought even a hint of doubt, but all I found was heartfelt honesty and love.
Orm had just recited the warrior’s oath of marriage and fidelity; he had pledged himself to me, and it left me overwhelmed and awed. I swallowed hard, knowing he was waiting for my answer. ‘Before I accept, there is one thing you need to know,’ I said, and he frowned. ‘What is it?’
‘I … you hold a special place in my heart, but I can’t deny how I feel about Alaric and Vahin, too. I cannot choose one whilst denying the others. I’m sorry. I know that may be difficult to accept, and I understand if you want to take back your pledge, but I need you to know my heart.’ I couldn’t look Orm in the eye, feeling as if I stood on the edge of a vast precipice, but he reached up, capturing my chin to make me look at him.
The gentle smile that graced his lips melted my heart, but his next words? Nothing could have prepared me for them.
‘You scared me half to death, my Nivale. I know how you feel about those two rogues. I was already planning to talk to you about it when I returned from my patrol. During my time away I … I realised how unhappy it would make you if you had to choose. I can’t change my nature, but I care for Alaric, and knowing it’s him you want … well, strangely, it eases my heart. I don’t think I could share you with anyone else, but with Ari, I can, because, in a way, he is already a part of me.’
‘There will be no one else,’ I said firmly and was blinded by the brightness of Orm’s smile. ‘I accept your pledge, Ormond Erenhart, and I swear to the gods above and below to do all I can to be worthy of you.’
I meant every word. Since the moment I had met him, my magic knew Orm would become mine, even when I was too scared and lost in grief to acknowledge it.
I threaded my hands through his thick black hair. My warrior, bloody from his battle with the biesy, still knelt before me as I turned towards the waterfall, a mischievous grin lighting my lips as my gaze caught on the pools below it.
‘Come,’ I said, reaching for Orm’s hand. He looked at me with confusion but let me take the lead. We reached the edge of the pool, and I turned around, placing a hand on his chest. ‘Are you ready for a challenge, Lord Ormond? Will you let me command you for a short while?’ I asked, biting my lip to hide my grin.
‘I will, my lady. I am yours, am I not?’ His eyes sparkled with joy as his fist hammered into his chest as if challenging me to try him.
I slid my hand into the basin, whispering a simple incantation to heat the ice-cold water. While my magic worked, I nodded towards the rest of his armour. ‘Undress. I want to see what I’m working with. And before you complain, it’s only fair since you’ve already seen me naked.’
Orm smirked, but undid the rest of his armour without comment. Metal and leather plates piled up beside him. My jaw dropped as he pulled off his shirt—he was perfect. The scar I’d noticed before was crisscrossed by several others, highlighting his ridiculous muscles. I also didn’t miss his rich body hair, and I couldn’t wait to trace the narrow band on his stomach with my lips. As if sensing where my interest lingered, Orm kicked off his boots, and his trousers soon followed.
‘Oh!’ my stomach muscles involuntarily tightened at the sight of his cock jutting out, fully erect and standing at attention. ‘You were definitely blessed with all … that,’ I chuckled. A confident masculine smile bloomed on his lips before he slowly turned around, presenting himself without shame. ‘Gods, you are such a tease. Get into the water,’ I commanded, but he shook his head.
‘I can’t. My lady is too overdressed,’ he said, gaze sliding over my body, caressing me with his eyes.
‘You were supposed to listen …’ I started, but he chuckled.
‘I wouldn’t presume to disobey my lady’s order. However, I would be remiss not to seek my lover’s pleasure over mine.’ He stepped closer, gathering the laces of my kirtle.
‘But …’ I said, placing my hand on his chest, but before I could continue, he kissed me again.
‘I have waited so long, sweet Nivale; I just want to see you … touch you … taste you. Do you know how many nights I’ve spent touching myself, imagining this moment? Wondering how you would taste when I finally buried my head between your thighs? I burn for you, Ani, hotter than any dragon’s fire. Please, let me have you.’
With each word, the laces of my kirtle loosened until the garment fell soundlessly to the ground and I stood there in only a thin chemise. Orm smirked, then grasped the garment by the collar and tore it from my body. My breasts fell free, and he inhaled sharply as he captured them in his large hands. I gasped when his lips descended to my nipple, sucking it into his mouth.
‘Divine,’ he growled. ‘You are a fucking goddess.’ Orm’s lips locked around my nipple again, sucking hard while his tongue lashed over the sensitive bud. I moaned, legs buckling under me, unable to support my weight. Before I knew it, I was in Orm’s arms as he carried me into the pool.
‘Better?’ he asked when we slipped into the water. My magic had made the pool as warm as a hot spring, and I sighed in contentment. I turned in Orm’s embrace, a wicked gleam in my eye.
‘No, but you can make it better, can’t you?’ I moaned again, feeling heat rising inside me, a dangerous mixture of magic and desire, craving his touch. ‘I was supposed to be in charge. You are such a naughty man.’
Orm gathered my braid and moved it over my shoulder, lightly grazing my neck as he did before he bent, kissing the soft skin. ‘Hmm, I can be much naughtier. What will it be, Nivale? Will you let me take care of you, or do I need to fight for the privilege?’ Before he finished, I had straddled him, climbing his rugged body like the mountain he was.
‘Fight. I pick fight.’ I rocked over his cock, letting the tip of it graze my sex. Just enough to tease myself, as my magic, so close to the surface, sent sharp biting tingles over my skin. It was so eager to unite with Orm that it took little effort to manipulate the energy into raising some water to splash over his back.
I scratched his chest, feeling the pleasure building in me when he arched under my touch. The warm water and cold mountain breeze raised goosebumps on his skin, and I wanted to lose myself in him. I loved his body. His skin felt tough, a little coarse even, and when I leaned closer, my breasts rubbed over his torso. Soft black hair gently caressed them, creating an intense sensation that set my mind on fire. My hand instantly slid between us, trailing blindly until it locked onto his long, hard shaft.
He nipped my shoulder, growling as he did. ‘Fight? This isn’t fighting; it’s pure torture . I’m trying to take it slow, but you are goading me into taking you like a stallion in heat.’ He grasped my hand, removing it from his member.
‘Not a stallion. A bear, my Ursus. I want to goad you. I want you to lose control and unleash the beast whose eyes burn with yellow fire. You are mine, Ormond Erenhart. Accept my bond,’ I moaned, lowering myself onto him despite his hold. His cock pushed inside when I rocked, taking him in deeply.
‘Annika …’ His hips thrusted to meet mine. ‘The way you feel … Gods, your magic …’ he grunted, giving in to me. I kept rocking my hips, taking him in deeper, letting him fill me completely. A shiver of delight forced my back to arch. Orm’s hands squeezed my waist in his vicelike grip as he lifted me up, only to slam me back down.
‘You want a beast, then you shall have it, I can’t deny you … fuck, Nivale . It’s never felt so good,’ he growled, moving me up and down his massive length. He devoured my breasts, sending a flood of arousal down my spine, and I felt a tidal wave of primordial magic rise within me.
There were no doubts in my heart. I was finally ready. ‘Just like that, my Ursus.’ My abdomen tightened with my approaching climax. ‘I’m going … the Anchoring Oath … it will hurt a little.’ I panted, unable to hold my magic any longer.
‘Su Aetheram, vede aligname faleter.
Me tuor, la’coren datro, sa fallorn.’ 1
I recited the ancient spell before my pleasure crested, and the power within me responded, spearing into Orm’s chest. He gasped, and I felt his surprise through our new connection. ‘Fuck, that is so intense,’ he said with another tortured gasp, but I knew it would pass as the pleasure of our lovemaking eclipsed everything else. I felt Orm’s spirit fracture as the pain burst within my chest, my soul splitting under the onslaught of magic.
‘I accept you as my Anchor. Your life is mine, and my life is yours. I … I bind us.’ I opened myself fully and felt wild aether flood into my soul like an icy blade thrust into my chest. The world disappeared in an explosion of white light until a roaring inferno appeared, holding back the staggering power—Vahin’s fire, his unique bond protecting me from the wild magic of Orm’s soul. My breath shuddered in my chest, and the icy wind swirled around me, transforming the water droplets into tiny shards of ice before his magic settled, sinking deep into my soul.
‘Nivale,’ Orm hissed, bringing me back to reality as I fell forward, leaning against his shoulder, our bodies pressed together. ‘I can feel you inside …’ His voice trailed off, replaced by a low growl. Then, without warning, he lifted me up and flipped me over, pushing me against the pool’s edge as he held my hips, thrusting into me from behind.
His inner beast was in control, and gods, I loved it. My scream was drowned by out the sound of the waterfall as pleasure mixed with pain. He took me roughly, with primal desire, and I relished every second of it. My magic swirled around us, taking him in and sealing our connection while Orm pounded into me over and over again, each thrust marked with wild madness. My magic caressed it, and Orm roared, ‘You're mine!’
‘Yes, gods , yes.’ That was all I could manage as another earth-shattering climax approached. The mountainside trembled, cracks appearing in the granite, my power slipping from my control. I was panting hard, blinded by the steam that rose from the surrounding water.
For a moment, I felt his thoughts, the absolute euphoria of our joining, the pride at my courage, and the concern that he wouldn’t be enough, that I’d been harmed under his protection. Most of all, though, I felt his love. He saw me in a way I’d never seen myself, a woman of beauty and courage, a warrior and a lover. I was the goddess he would happily give his life and heart for.
His soulmate.
That glimpse of his mind was my undoing. Tears filled my eyes as Orm’s body stiffened. I felt him filling me so completely that I didn’t know where my body ended and his began as he once again roared, his pleasure pulsing inside me. It took us several moments to catch our breaths, but as I stirred, Orm kissed me between my shoulders and chuckled.
‘Gods, Nivale, I think I died a little. I could feel your emotions, and this … I’ve been with women before, but never like this. I will worship you in this life and the next. I may know your geas, but you own my soul,’ he murmured before gently withdrawing and turning me around.
A soft smile ghosted his lips when he gazed at my chest. ‘Is that how you see me?’ I looked down as he lowered me back into the water and settled me onto his lap. The dragon mark on my chest was now entwined with a longsword, its sharp, clean edges covered with frost and surrounded by mist. They were a striking contrast with my skin.
‘Yes, it looks like it,’ I chuckled, stretching lazily, satiated by our joining. I trailed my finger over Orm’s skin, enjoying the heat of his body wrapped around me. I felt power pulsing like a steady beacon, no longer unstable but blazing brightly within me.
‘I feel like I could break another keystone just by raising my eyebrow. You were so wild,’ I said, and he smiled, looking down at me.
‘Let’s avoid breaking any more of those for the moment. You certainly broke another mountain, though. Will this be an everyday occurrence, or is it the unexpected result of the Anchoring Oath?’ he said with amusement.
When I frowned, Orm held up his hands in surrender. ‘I’m not complaining. I’m just asking in case we have to be more careful with where we make love.’ I looked over his shoulder. A crack ran through the field of flowers, uncovering the hard granite bed of the mountain itself, and I grimaced with embarrassment.
‘If I hear you boasting that you gave me earth-shattering pleasure, I will fry that pert arse of yours,’ I said, and he threw his head back, laughing.
‘Can I at least tell Alaric, or even better, show him?’
Orm looked so relaxed and happy that I had almost forgotten the troubles that had brought us together. He was mine. Together with Vahin, I felt him deeply in my soul; and the gratifying soreness between my legs reminded me of how deeply he’d been in me.
As Orm sat in silence for a moment, stroking my back, I could tell he wanted to revisit our previous conversation. He didn’t last long. ‘Now, where were we with our argument? Ah, yes, care to tell me why you were bashing heads in the tavern? I hope you weren’t looking for a companion there. And why you didn’t send a messenger to tell me about the latawce attack?’ he asked, fingers dancing across my arm.
‘I can barely handle you three. I don’t need any more hairy, scaly, or pointy-eared trouble.’
‘I’m not that hairy,’ he said before pulling me even closer and kissing me behind my ear. I acquiesced.
‘I just needed to release some tension, and those new idiots were bullying Ian, so I decided to teach them a lesson. I like Ian. He makes a mean mead and truly cares for those around him. He helped me after the attack, and I found out that he had sheltered several families in his tavern … What happened to him? Do you know?’
‘He’s a rider who lost his dragon. We were in the Barren Lands scouting when spectrae attacked his unit. His dragon fell, and he was caught in the crossfire of another dragon’s fire,’ he explained. ‘When our dragons die, we lose their protection. It took him a long time to heal, but he insisted on staying here.’
‘I’m glad he stayed. I like him. He reminds me that no matter what scars you bear, you can still keep living.’
‘Careful, I’m getting jealous.’ Orm wiped the droplets of water trailing over my cheek before he sighed with resignation. ‘I need to revise our defences. I can’t believe they lured us out in order to attack the fortress. Ani … our lives may become even more dangerous soon. We are going to rebel against the king; my brother is rallying the nobles to dethrone the senile bastard as we speak. Please be careful and don’t let any strangers get within arm’s length.’
Orm’s words took me by surprise, especially since I could feel his anger rising with each sentence. I slipped my hand into his hair, trailing my fingers through the thick, black mess.
‘I will, but please don’t worry. We will live or we will die. Life is never certain, but I will fight for you, Ormond. For you, for the fortress, and for all the people of the Lost Ridge. Still, I have to tell you something. When the latawce attacked the town, the Lich King sent his projection through one of them. He promised to bring Tal and Arno back if I went to Katrass. He knew I was here and knew my weakness. I was never in danger of being killed; the latawce didn’t even scratch me. He wants me alive.’
Orm’s face paled, and he rose slowly, lifting me from the water. His hands drifted to my face, cupping my cheek as he gazed into my eyes. ‘Alaric told me he’s connected to that undead scum. What if his connection goes both ways? If he sent his minions for you, he must know about your abilities. Fuck, if that’s what’s happening, the situation just got even more complicated,’ he murmured, half to himself.
Orm helped me dress before he pulled on his shirt and trousers. He didn’t bother with the armour, simply tying everything to his breastplate before we walked to the edge of the basin. After mentally calling Vahin, he moved behind me, burying his face in my neck and inhaling deeply while I stared at the vast, open vista in front of me.
The translucent barrier rose high above the peaks in the distance. It shimmered in the sunlight, distorting the view on the other side. A smooth magical curtain that appeared gossamer thin, it was an impenetrable barrier for those of the Foul Order—everywhere along it, except for the one dark scar near a jagged peak where the Barrier looked torn. But as I peered closely at the Rift, I saw oily black tendrils spreading from the centre, weakening and widening the gap. The void seemed to absorb magic … It was no longer a mere tear, but a wide-open gap for the monsters to use.
‘Oh gods …’ I whispered as the realisation hit me. The Barrier was broken—truly broken—the terrors of the Barren Land able to pour out into our kingdom at any moment.
‘Shit. Look at me, Ani,’ Orm said, turning me around. ‘Don’t think about the Barrier right now. Together, we can handle anything. But first, let Vahin take us home before Ari curses us for worrying him too much.’
1. With aether aligned in this world and beyond. Forever united with our Anchoring bond.