Chapter 14
FINN
With my shirt returned, I peek at the large scar across my chest.
I can still feel Arden's fingers on my face. The quiet determination kindling her verdant eyes. She glowed like a star towering above me. With her to guide my magic, it had been a thing of wonder.
It had strengthened her and cleared away the danger.
She possesses tendrils of it as we travel deep into the Deadlands. Golden fire eats away at the Void's rot, clearing us a safe path. The terrain is more manageable thanks to my magic. Arden expertly eradicates any obstacle that sprouts.
She burns away a poll of boiling goo with a hiss.
I like that a part of me is inside her. Not the part I'd prefer but a piece of me nonetheless.
I'm not a religious man, but I pray that a fragment of my soul will remain with her. To be her strength, to help her when I’m fully human, and my great and terrible power is purged from this world.
She is welcome to as much of my magic as she needs. All of it, in fact. I'd gladly give it to her if she wished.
We continue our journey quietly. The weight of what lurks ahead sours the tenderness of the moment. Arden glances at me from the corner of her eye, and I return her stare, needing to look at her.
I don't know how many chances I have left to bask in her beauty.
While my power may be vast, the Void is unlike any foe I've ever come across. My magic may not be enough to make a difference. The thought of using my ability makes me sick, but I promised Arden I'd save her realm. I have my wish to earn, but more than anything, I have Arden to protect.
She loves her kingdom, her subjects, and I love—
"This used to be the Sun Palace."
Her soft voice cuts through my dangerous thoughts. My boots pause in the fresh grass. I breathe in deep, savoring the sweet scent of roses and night air. Wispy fog clings to the ground.
Up ahead, I can make out the towering series of obsidian structures between the trees.
They are much larger than any we have come across. Black oil and goo spill down their sides into deep pools of decay. Green steam curls over the lips of the wriggling puddles.
Oppressive power presses against my magic. The golden flames flicker but hold fast. They will protect us as long as we remain inside their circle.
Obsidian glimmers in the darkness. Their tops are erected high into the sky. There must be at least fifty towering peaks. Oily leaves drip from gnarled branches of deadtrees that overlap like broken fingers. The stars and moon can’t penetrate the darkness.
A palace of death and gloom. How wonderful.
"Seems a rather ironic name."
I turn towards Arden with an arched brow. The Queen wraps her arms around her middle. Sadness creases her lovely face.
"This was my betrothed's kingdom of Goldren. It is where the first obsidian tower appeared."
I wish the ground would swallow me whole.
"I—I'm sorry, Arden. Truly."
Moisture beads in her eyes.
"They were peaceful people. Unprepared for such an attack. Their powers came from the sun, and when the towers began to blot it out, they had no recourse. It consumed everyone quickly. There was no time to warn the rest of the realm."
My hand finds her shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"The royal family was first," she breathes. "Then the Void laid siege to their kingdom, reaping the souls of all in its path. My parents came to aid, but they too were swiftly overwhelmed and lost to the darkness."
Sliding my palm down her back, I trace over the tips of her wings. Arden shudders, stepping into my body. My heart warms as she absorbs my comfort. She’s endured more pain than anyone ever should. I’m in awe of her strength.
Tracing the delicate slope of her shoulder, I delight in her soft moan
"We should make camp. Your magic will protect us. The Void's fortress is in the ruins of the old palace. At dawn, we will face it," she says.
I nod but don't remove my hand.
Arden looks up at me, and something shifts between us. Our connection has deepened. I can feel her, not just physically beside me but in my heart. The imprint of her touch is seared into my bones.
After living for decades with my magic as a gnawing, thrashing beast, it’s unsettling to feel it at peace. In her presence, it is not an all-consuming rage that seeks to destroy. It practically purrs as she wields it.
"Can you take more?" I grin, tugging on one errant curl. "My magic, I mean."
Dark green sweeps over her lovely face as her teeth sink into her lip.
"I—I suppose I could try."
Letting her go, I extend my arms wide.
"Tell me where you want me, Queenie."
Arden’s smile is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
"Sit," she commands.
I sink down onto the plush grass.
With my magic strengthening hers, she was able to cleanse us off after healing my wounds. I feel fresher than I have in days. The grass stains on Arden's feet and knees have been wiped away. She sparkles like a polished gem.
Her scent is richer than before. I'll be hunting for it on the wind for the rest of my life.
"Magic resides in our hearts,” she explains. “I need you to remove your shirt."
"Thank the gods."
Arden rolls her eyes, but her indulgent smile stretches.
I shed my mended shirt and toss it into the grass. Trying not to flex my muscles, I hold my breath as Arden shuffles closer on her knees. My breath catches as she places her palm on my chest.
My blood races, traveling south and thickening a part of me I hope she doesn't notice. The Queen, to her credit, is entranced by my chest. Power flutters under her palm as she presses it harder against me.
I smell her everywhere. I can taste her on my tongue, and I need more.
"Spirits, Finn—"
"You should see me with my pants off, Queenie."
A giggle bursts from her lips as she shakes her head.
My pride fills the clearing around us at the small triumph of making her laugh. Arden's knees sink further into the grass. Her thigh presses against mine. Pink curls tickle my naked chest.
"I was talking about your magic.” Amusement dances in her eyes. “Not your impressive array of muscles."
"Compliments from you, Queenie? What have I done to deserve such a treat?"
"Not die."
"My Queen commands me to live, and as her humble servant, I happily oblige."
Arden laughs again. Her pink freckles are more pronounced when her face is flushed.
My creature preens under her touch, giving in to her quiet demand for more. Power leaves me in a rush and pulls through Arden's palm. Golden light wraps around her arm, making her shimmer. It seeps into her heart, tangling with her green magic.
A groan slips from my lips as Arden hums low in her throat.
The sensation is decadent. Whether from Arden's touch or a part of me flowing into her, I can’t be sure. If she wants all my power, she can have it as long as she keeps touching me. I've never been this desperate for release in my life.
One brush of her lips and I'll come in my trousers like an untried youth.
The longer I stare at her face, the more I realize just how isolated the Queen has been.
There is a reason my flirtatious remarks land so well with her.
Given all that I've come to know about her, I am the first male to ever treat her with such interest. Elwood no doubt wanted her for her title, for the power she wields.
I could give a fuck about that, I just want her.
Innocence drips from her, but there is a simmering fierceness I want to tease out. To taste it straight from the source between her lithe thighs. I hunger for her not as a human would but as I really am.
A fairy.
More than my need to give her pleasure, there is the desire to be there for her. Surely, many of her subjects have laid down their lives for her out of honor, but I want to do it because she is important to me.
This need to protect her has been inside me since the beginning.
That's why I agreed to her bargain. She's been alone for a long time. Centuries. I want to be her confidante as well as her lover. To show her through words and actions that I care.
That I want her, Arden. Not a Queen, but the female who consumes my every thought.
It's why, despite my vows, I can’t face the Void tomorrow without at least one kiss from her perfect lips. One fleeting taste of her is all I need. She needs it too. I can tell by the way her eyes stray to my mouth and linger on my chest.
Tomorrow we may die, and my chance at freedom will die along with us. If we manage to defeat the Void, I will be gone all the same. Tonight is my only chance to indulge in her and give us what we both seek.
My power flows from her, rippling over the ground. Flowers blossom around us in an array of silvers, pinks, and blues. Glowing insects weave through the trees and illuminate the dark clearing. The branches pull back, bathing us in pale moonlight. Every inch of Arden sparkles in the glow.
Happiness coats my tongue. Arden's joy is palpable as life returns in the meadow.
She is beautiful, brave, and the most enchanting female I've ever met. If we are successful tomorrow, perhaps I can delay my wish by a few days. Give us an adequate amount of time to celebrate our triumph before I return to my world.
"I've never felt power like this," Arden whispers.
I cover her hand with my larger one, locking her to me. Pink lashes flutter as her lips part.
"Take it all."
Arden’s smile falters. Wild curls cling to her shoulders as she shakes her head.
"I can't. It's not born of me. Too much would burn me alive." Her fingers press into my chest before pulling back. "This is more than enough. Thank you."
With my hand still on hers, Arden rises to her feet. I quickly scramble up after her, locking our fingers together. Her head tips back. Hard nipples bead through the front of her silk dress.
Gods spare me, it is a temptation no man can resist.
"I made a vow at our first camp. To keep my hands off you, no matter how badly I've wanted you."
"Finn—"