Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Twenty-Five

As Eulee and I approach the grand gates of Endia, Theo’s formidable physique emerges from the bustling crowds. His wings shimmer in the last rays of the day’s sunlight, his golden eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that shudders me to the core. In that moment, the world fades, leaving only us two amidst the sea of people.

Eulee lets out a joyful howl and bounds forward, her tail wagging furiously. Theo and I close the distance between us in a heartbeat, his arms encircling me in a tight embrace. I bury my face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent of earth and fire. “Miss me?” I murmur .

“Terribly,” he deadpans. “I was starting to forget what it’s like to have someone roll their eyes at me every five minutes.”

I chuckle softly, pulling back just enough to look up into his golden eyes. “Well, I guess I’ll have to make up for lost time then,” I tease, a playful glint in my eyes. “But first, how about a kiss to remind you exactly what you’ve been missing?”

Theo’s lips curve into a mischievous smile as he leans in closer. “I think I can manage that,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.

His lips crush against mine, urgent and desperate, his tongue invading my mouth without hesitation. I moan into the kiss, tasting our combined lust and longing. His hands roam up my thighs, gripping my ass as he lifts me off the ground, grinding his hardness against my aching core.

“I need you,” he growls against my swollen lips, “I need you now.”

Without another word, he spreads his wings and takes to the air, carrying us effortlessly to the balcony of our bed chambers. The instant we are inside, Theo grabs my hand and leads me to the bathroom. He turns on the faucet and hot, steamy water cascades from the showerhead. I peel off my heavy fur coat and kick off my boots, relishing in the warmth that surrounds me.

Theo starts unbuttoning my blouse with quick, deliberate movements. My heart races with anticipation as he nibbles on my collarbone, sending tingles down my spine. He then moves lower, teasing my breasts through the fabric of my lace bra before unhooking it and freeing them for his touch.

I arch into his grasp as he cups my breasts, his thumbs circling over my nipples until they harden under his ministrations. My breath hitches as he dips lower still, trailing kisses down my stomach until he has reached the waistband of my trousers. He slides them down along with my panties, leaving me completely exposed to his heated gaze. His eyes devour me with a hunger that causes a pulsating desire to pool between my legs.

Unable to resist any longer, Theo rids himself of his own clothing and proceeds to pull me under the hot water. He teases a single finger along the slick length of me, eliciting a sharp gasp as he breaches the entrance, sinking slowly before pulling out again.

“Please…” I whisper, desire lacing every syllable.

Theo gently lowers himself to his knees, his lips eagerly meeting my most sensitive areas. I feel liquid desire flood my core as his tongue dances around me, and I moan with pleasure, my hands grasping at his shoulders for support. Theo’s fingers join his tongue, moving in a slow and deliberate rhythm. He teases and tantalizes me, building up my pleasure until I am panting with need. I can feel the orgasm building inside me, a gathering storm of pure sensation.

My legs tremble, and I know my orgasm is close. I clutch at the shower wall, attempting to steady myself. “Gods Theo, I’m so close... ”

I whimper with pleasure, my body vibrating with anticipation. Theo’s mouth returns to my nub, sucking and licking with an intensity that threatens to overwhelm me. I can feel his fingers sliding inside me, curling upwards to hit that sweet spot deep within.

His gaze locks with mine, his eyes burning with desire as he continues to tease me. He knows what I’m feeling, he knows what I need. And then, just as I’m about to break apart… he stops. He pulls away, leaving me gasping and trembling in the hot water.

I glance down at him, panting and aching for release, and he grins. It’s a wicked, seductive grin that sends a thrill straight to my core. “Not yet, my sweet,” he whispers, a seductive promise in his voice. “There’s more to come.”

“I can’t wait anymore,” I beg, my voice hoarse from passion.

Theo stands up, his eyes glowing with desire. In a single, fluid motion, he lifts me up and impales me onto his thick, hard length. I cry out in pleasure, my eyes rolling back in my head. His thrusts are slow and deliberate at first, but soon grow faster and harder, each one driving me higher and higher.

I cling to him, my nails digging into his broad shoulders as he takes me with unyielding passion. The water cascades down our bodies, mingling with the sweat and desire that coats our skin .

From the depths of our passion, I feel a new sensation course through me. It’s like nothing I have ever experienced before, a rush of power that seems to flow from Theo’s wings and into me, filling every cell with energy and ecstasy. Our minds link, and I can feel his emotions in my own heart.

“Come with me, my sweet,” he growls, his voice rough with desire.

My muscles clench around him and I can feel him pulsating inside me as he climaxes with a deep groan. We stay like that for a moment, panting and spent, before he slowly pulls out and lowers me to the ground.

He leans down to catch my lips in a kiss, our tongues intertwining as the world around us fades away. I’m lost in him, in this moment, in the love and passion that consumes us.

Loud footsteps, yelling, and shattering glass suddenly fill the air outside the bathing room.

“What is that?” I gasp, my voice barely audible over the chaos.

Theo’s eyes widen in alarm, and he pulls me close. I feel his wings unfurl, and I know that he’s trying to protect us. We step onto the cold stone floor with haste.

The door bursts open, and a group of guards storm in, led by Prince Ruvyn. Theo rushes to put on his pants as I manage to quickly wrap a towel around my wet and naked body. My heart sinks as I see the dark expression on Ruvyn’s face.

Theo’s eyes flash with anger, and he thrusts me protectively behind him. “Back off, or I’ll show you what it means to mess with my mate,” he growls, his voice deeper and more dangerous than ever.

Ruvyn sneers, revealing his true intentions. “You’re just a lowly Elf, Theo. You can’t protect her from me.”

“I am not a lowly Elf,” Theo says, his voice low and full of determination. “I am the chosen mate of the rightful heir to the throne. And if you dare touch her, I promise you’ll be fighting for your very existence.”

Ruvyn’s eyes flicker to me, taking in my disheveled appearance and the flush of passion still on my skin. A smirk curves his lips. “Oh, Theodas, you think being the chosen mate of some usurper gives you power? How naive. Power in this world is taken, not given. And I intend to take everything from you, starting with her.” He points a finger at me, his voice dripping with menace. He gestures to the guards, and they press forward, their swords drawn.

I feel a surge of fear and anger ripple through me, and I know that I have to act. I clench my teeth and focus on the rage coursing through me, my eyes burning with a fire that even Ruvyn can’t ignore.

With a deep breath, I raise my hand, and a burst of energy explodes from my fingertips, shattering the guards’ swords into millions of pieces. I glance at Theo, my eyes wide with surprise. He looks equally shocked, but the grin that spreads across his face tells me that he is proud of me.

Ruvyn’s face twists into a snarl, and he lunges at me, but Theo is quicker. He moves in front of me, wings outstretched, blocking Ruvyn’s path. The prince halts momentarily, caught off guard by the unexpected move. With a snap of his fingers, he releases a dark energy, similar to what I had just used, but far more powerful. It crackles in the air, forming a dark, tangible barrier between Theo and I. Dark tendrils of energy reach out, ensnaring Theo.

Not again… not like Meemaw...

Then without warning, Ruvyn lunges at me, grabbing me by the arm and yanking me back. I cry out in pain, tears stinging my eyes as Theo watches helplessly.

“Let her go!” Theo roars, his wings beating furiously as he struggles against the invisible chains that hold him captive. Desperation flickers in his eyes as he fights to break free from the force that restrains him.

But it is too late. Ruvyn is dragging me out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him. I hear the sound of metal clashing and know that Theo is fighting for his life—and mine.

“Rosanhi,” he calls down to me through our soulspeak bond, his voice filled with determination. “Get out of here, now!”

Reaching the entrance to the manor, I hear a loud crash, and then a low growl from behind us. I turn around, my eyes widening in shock as I see Eulee, standing before me and the prince. Her fur is bristled, and her eyes are full of fierce purpose.

Ruvyn sneers, “Didn’t I take care of you already? You have no idea what you’re meddling with, little wolf. ”

I stand there, my heart pounding in my chest as his grip tightens around my arm. The pain is sharp, a stark reminder of the reality I’m trapped in. Ruvyn’s eyes are cold, devoid of any compassion as he looks down at Eulee.

“You think you can protect her?” he sneers, and with a cruel twist of his hand, a surge of dark energy levitates her in the air as a single arrow appears before Ruvyn and he sends it surging towards Eulee. Piercing her thick fur coat.

She doesn’t even flinch, doesn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain. But I see it, the way her body trembles, the way her eyes dim. My heart aches, tears welling up, blurring my vision. “Eulee, no,” I whisper, my voice breaking.

The prince laughs, a sound devoid of joy, and with a flick of his wrist, he throws Eulee against the wall. She slumps to the ground, her body limp, her breaths shallow. I scream, a raw, guttural sound that fills the room, echoing off the walls. “Let me go!” I cry out, struggling against Ruvyn’s hold.

Eulee’s eyes meet mine, a world of emotions conveyed in that single glance. There’s pain, yes, but also a fierce power of will, a silent promise that she won’t give up, not while I’m in danger. Her gaze is unwavering, even as her strength wanes.

A crash from above us startles Ruvyn, causing him to loosen his grip. I seize the moment, managing to wrench myself free from his grasp and rush to Eulee’s side.

My heart shatters as I fall to my knees next to her, my trembling hands reaching out to touch her matted fur. Crimson stains cover my palms, as I watch life slowly slip away from her.

“I’m so sorry, Eulee,” I choke out through sobs, my tears falling to mix with the blood on her muzzle. Her once bright eyes are now dull and lifeless, and I can’t bear the thought of losing her like this. My chest aches with grief as I whisper a final goodbye to the only friend I have ever truly known.

Ruvyn drags me away, his laughter a distant noise as I cling to Eulee’s fading presence. “You’ll pay for this,” I vow, the words hollow, powerless. And as the door slams shut behind us, I’m left with the haunting image of Eulee’s still form, the silence of our broken bond, and the crushing weight of my grief.