Court of Aether and Shadows (Crowned Monster Trilogy #1)

36. Shadow Embrace

Shadow Embrace

~ A ETHERON~

The silk sheets whispered beneath me as I joined my Starlight in her academy bed. My shadows wrapped around us both, creating an intimate cocoon where time itself seemed to pause. She was ethereal in the moonlight, her skin glowing with that inner radiance that marked her as something more than mortal.

"I felt your call," I murmured, tracing the curve of her cheek with reverent fingers. "Your yearning echoed through every shadow, pulling me from my duties, my restraint." My power reached for her instinctively, shadows dancing across her skin in patterns of ancient devotion.

Sparrow arched into my touch like a flower seeking sunlight, though the comparison amused me – here she was, reaching for shadow instead of light. Her power rose to meet mine, creating auroras where they merged. "I missed you," she whispered, her hands exploring the markings on my chest with curious fingers.

"And I you," I breathed against her skin, pressing kisses along the column of her throat. Each point of contact sent sparks of magic through us both, our powers recognizing each other on a level beyond physical. "The court feels empty without you. Even the eternal twilight seems dimmer."

Her fingers traced one of my scars, the one that curved across my heart. The touch sent shivers of electricity through my entire being. "Then why stay away?" she asked, vulnerability clear in her voice.

"Because," I said between kisses that traced constellations on her skin, "you need this time. To discover yourself, to grow into your power without my shadows constantly surrounding you." My hands found her waist, drawing her closer. "No matter how much it pains me to keep my distance."

She made a small sound of protest that turned into a gasp as our powers merged more fully. Shadows and starlight danced around us, creating patterns that spoke of destiny and desire. The three moons cast their blessing through the window, their combined light making her skin shimmer with otherworldly beauty.

"My queen," I murmured against her lips, pouring centuries of longing into the kiss that followed. "My Starlight." Each endearment was punctuated with tender exploration, our bodies and powers moving in perfect harmony.

Time lost all meaning as we lost ourselves in each other. The physical world faded until there was only sensation – the cool silk of shadows against heated skin, the taste of starlight and power, the way our magics merged and danced in increasingly complex patterns above us.

In these precious moments, we were more than Lord and Lady, more than prophecy and destiny. We were simply us – two souls finding completion in each other's embrace, while the very fabric of reality shimmered in response to our union.

The moons continued their eternal watch as shadow and starlight became one.