Partial NSFW: Tethered Hearts
Liam’s POV
The familiar hum of magic permeated the air as I lounged on a pile of pillows in the Iele’s cavern. After three eons, the crystal formations and ethereal light no longer held the wonder they once did, but they still provided a soothing backdrop to my tumultuous thoughts. The soft glow pulsed in time with my heartbeat, a rhythm I’d grown accustomed to during my exile. The air was thick with the scent of night-blooming flowers and ancient magic, a heady combination that never failed to intoxicate.
Kate’s parting words echoed in my mind: “And who knows? Maybe later we can all… compare notes on proper grooming techniques.” A smirk played on my lips as I imagined Cyrus’s reaction to Kate’s newfound boldness. The poor sod probably had no idea what he was in for. If Kate had managed to exhaust even me, a Fae with centuries of stamina, how long could a mere mortal last?
My imagination, ever vivid and unhelpful, conjured images of Kate and Cyrus passionately entwined. I could almost see her lithe form moving above him, her head thrown back in ecstasy, her lips parted in a silent moan. The thought sent a confusing mix of desire and jealousy coursing through me. On one hand, the idea of Kate’s pleasure was intoxicating. On the other, the fact that it was Cyrus eliciting those reactions made my blood boil.
I could picture Cyrus’s hands, calloused from years of wielding weapons, tracing the curves of Kate’s body. Would he appreciate the softness of her skin, the way it seemed to glow in the moonlight? Would he notice the tiny birthmark on her right hip or how her breath hitched when you kissed that spot just below her ear? The thought of him discovering these intimate details about Kate, details I had prided myself on knowing, filled me with a possessive rage that surprised me with its intensity.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the images. “Focus, you fool,” I muttered to myself, annoyed at the mix of emotions. “You’ve got bigger problems to deal with.”
My eyes fell on the Temporal Tether, still stubbornly attached to my wrist. The delicate chain glinted in the dim light, its hourglass pendant swirling with iridescent sand that seemed to defy gravity. It was beautiful, in a maddeningly frustrating sort of way. The way the light caught the intricate etchings on the chain reminded me of starlight on a lake in winter, a sight I hadn’t seen in far too long.
“Alright, you stubborn piece of jewelry,” I said, cracking my knuckles. “Let’s see if we can’t persuade you to release your grip, shall we?”
I tried every trick I knew – and after centuries of mischief-making, that was quite the repertoire. I whispered ancient unlocking spells, their syllables rolling off my tongue like honey. The words of power echoed in the cavern, each one a promise of freedom that the Tether steadfastly ignored. I attempted to slip the chain over my hand, contorting my fingers into positions that would make a gymnast wince. The metal seemed to tighten with each attempt, as if mocking my efforts.
I even tried to cut it with a shard of crystal, the scraping sound echoing off the cavern walls. The crystal, sharp enough to slice through diamond, didn’t even leave a scratch on the delicate-looking links. Nothing worked. The Tether proved harder than dragon scales and twice as stubborn.
“Well, that was about as effective as trying to reason with a troll,” I grumbled, flopping back onto the pillows. The soft fabric embraced me, offering little comfort to my wounded pride. I stared at the ceiling, tracing the patterns in the crystal with my eyes, searching for inspiration that refused to come.
The Iele leader glided over, her movements as fluid as water. Amusement danced in her ageless eyes as she spoke in her native tongue. “Perhaps the Fae might know more about removing the Tether.”
I raised an eyebrow, responding in kind. The musical language of the Iele flowed easily after years of practice. “Ah yes, because my kin are renowned for their helpfulness and straightforward answers. I’m sure they’ll be delighted to assist the prodigal son who’s returned centuries early. Perhaps they’ll even throw a feast in my honor, complete with a whole roast swan for me to eat.”
Her expression turned serious, the shift as sudden as a change in the wind. The playful glint in her eyes was replaced by a gravity that made me sit up straighter. “You must return to the Fae court by tomorrow night. Two days of your three-day limit have passed.”
A chill ran down my spine as a troubling thought occurred to me. The implications of my early return crashed over me like a tidal wave. “Tell me,” I said, keeping my voice carefully neutral, “in all the negotiations about retrieving the Tether, did anyone clarify whether my little involuntary field trip to the court would be forgiven?”
The Iele leader’s smile was anything but reassuring. It reminded me of a cat that had just cornered a particularly juicy mouse. Her eyes sparkled with a wicked delight that made me distinctly uncomfortable. “We leave such matters to the Fae. It’s not our concern how they handle… internal affairs.”
I bit back a retort about their role in my unexpected appearance at the Seelie Court. Arguing with the Iele was as futile as trying to catch moonbeams in a jar. I’d learned that lesson the hard way over the past five decades. Instead, I changed tack, my mind racing to find a way out of this predicament.
“There’s another detail you’ve overlooked,” I said, my tone casual but my eyes sharp. “You neglected to mention to the Fae that Kate is a saint. That could cause.. complications when I bring her to ensure the artifact’s transfer.”
The Iele exchanged glances. Their expressions were unreadable, but I could feel the nearly sadistic gleam in their gaze. Finally, their leader spoke, her voice as calm as a still pond but the slightest hint of a cold smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “It wasn’t relevant. The Fae should know better than to try and keep one of ours against their will.”
The subtle threat in her words made me grateful, not for the first time, that I’d managed to somewhat stay in the Iele’s good graces during my exile. I’d seen firsthand what happened to those who crossed them, and it wasn’t pretty. The Iele’s power was as ancient as it was terrifying, and their idea of punishment tended to be both creative and eternal.
As the weight of their words settled around me, my hand subconsciously drifted to my face, fingers tracing the outline of my partially healed eye, the skin still tender to the touch. Kate’s words resurfaced in my mind: “Pain isn’t a currency you can trade for redemption.” Perhaps she was right. My sacrifice might ease my conscience, but it didn’t actually lessen anyone else’s suffering. The thought was a bitter pill to swallow, but one I knew I needed to face.
Kate’s entrance pulled me from my reverie. She moved with a sensual grace, her steps as silent as a cat’s. Her cheeks were still flushed, her hair artfully tousled in a way that spoke volumes about her recent activities. A pang of jealousy shot through me – those were marks I’d exclusively left until now. The sight of her, glowing with satisfaction, stirred a complex mix of emotions within me.
She curled up beside me with a contented sigh, her body fitting against mine as if we were two pieces of a puzzle. The warmth of her skin seeped through my clothes, a tempting distraction from my worries. “Miss me?” she purred, nipping playfully at my neck. The sensation sent shivers down my spine, awakening desires I’d been trying to ignore over the last few hours.
“Enjoy yourself, did you?” I couldn’t keep a hint of sarcasm from my voice, though I tried to mask it with a smirk. The image of her with Cyrus flashed through my mind again, stoking the embers of jealousy in my gut.
“Mmm, very much,” she murmured, her breath hot against my skin. “Though Cyrus should work on his stamina. He’s currently passed out in the forest.” Her fingers traced lazy patterns on my chest, each touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. “I figured I shouldn’t neglect you either. I was delighted by your generous surprise earlier, so plan to reward you appropriately… later.”
A hungry grin spread across my face, my jealousy momentarily forgotten in the face of her promise. The thought of what that ‘reward’ might entail sent a shiver of anticipation through me. “I can’t wait to see what you have in mind, love.”
Kate’s eyes fell on the Tether, still stubbornly attached to my wrist. “Still attached? I’m surprised you haven’t charmed it off yet. I was sure you would have some kind of trick up your sleeves.”
I sighed dramatically, holding up my wrist for her inspection. “It seems this trinket is as stubborn as it is beautiful. Perhaps it’s grown fond of me. Can’t say I blame it, really. I am rather irresistible.”
Kate rolled her eyes, but I could see the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. As our playful banter faded, a comfortable silence settled between us. I found myself studying her face, tracing the lines of her features with my eyes – at least my right eye, as I could barely see blurry shapes on my partially healed left eye – committing every detail to memory. The weight of tomorrow’s impending visit to the Fae court pressed heavily on my mind, and I knew I couldn’t keep it from her any longer.
Kate must have sensed the shift in my mood, her own expression growing more serious as she met my gaze. “What is it, Liam?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern. “What’s wrong?”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. The weight of my past pressed down on me, a burden I’d carried for far too long. “We’ll have to travel to the Seelie Court tomorrow, but there’s something I need to tell you before that,” I began, my voice low. “About why I was banished, and what we might be walking into at the Fae court.”
Kate’s eyes widened, but she nodded for me to continue. I launched into the tale of the Woodstock incident, explaining how my ill-conceived attempt to share the magic of the festival with both realms had resulted in chaos, injuries, and my banishment.
“I thought I was being clever,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. “I wanted to bring a bit of mortal wonder into our world, and share our magic with the humans. But I didn’t consider the consequences. The gate I opened… it let in more than just music and free spirits.”
I told her about the demons that had slipped through, the battles that had ensued, and the injuries sustained by my own people. With each word, I could see the sadness growing in Kate’s eyes, but I forced myself to continue. She deserved to know the full truth, no matter how much it pained me to relive it.
“My sister,” I started, my voice catching. The memory of the screams filling the halls of the Seelie Court still haunted me. “She was caught in the crossfire. The scar… it’s my fault. All of it is my fault.”
Kate listened in silence, her hand finding mine and squeezing gently. When I finished, she was quiet for a long moment, processing everything I’d told her. The weight of her gaze was almost unbearable, and I found myself holding my breath, waiting for her judgment.
“Oh, Liam,” she said finally, her voice soft. “I had no idea. That’s… that’s a lot to carry. No wonder you’ve been so reluctant to talk about your past.”
I nodded, unable to meet her eyes. The shame and guilt I’d carried for so long threatened to overwhelm me. “And now, thanks to the Iele’s intervention, I’ve returned 27 eons early. There might be… consequences. The Fae aren’t known for their forgiveness, especially when it comes to matters of pride, laws and tradition.”
Kate’s grip on my hand tightened. “I’ll be with you,” she said firmly, her voice filled with a determination that surprised me. “No matter what happens. We’ll face it together. You’re not alone in this, Liam.”
Her loyalty warmed my heart, chasing away some of the darkness that had settled over me. But worry still gnawed at me, a persistent voice whispering of all the things that could go wrong. “There’s one more thing,” I said hesitantly. “I was wondering if you might be willing to try healing some of the Fae who are still dealing with injuries from the incident. Particularly… my sister.”
Kate’s surprise was evident, but she didn’t hesitate. “Of course,” she agreed, her eyes soft with compassion. “I’ll try to heal as many as I can. Your sister included. If there’s any way I can help make this right, I want to do it.”
Relief washed over me, so intense it was almost painful. “Thank you,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. “You have no idea what that means to me.”
Kate reached for my face, her intention clear, but I gently caught her hand. As much as I craved her healing touch, I knew there were more important things to focus on. “Save your energy for tomorrow,” I said softly. “There’s no rush to fix me. We might need every ounce of your power when we face the Fae court.”
A devilish glint appeared in Kate’s eyes, chasing away the seriousness of the moment. “Speaking of tomorrow,” she said, her voice taking on a sultry tone, “why don’t you join Cyrus and me in the forest for some… rest? You could use a distraction, I think.”
Curiosity got the better of me, overriding the jealousy that threatened to rear its head again. The thought of what ‘rest’ might entail sent a thrill of anticipation through me. “Lead the way,” I said, my own voice low with excitement.
Kate led me through the familiar paths of the Iele forest, the moonlight filtering through the leaves casting dappled shadows on her skin. The night air was heavy with the scent of magic and possibility. We arrived at a mossy clearing where Cyrus lay passed out, a thin blanket draped over him. He looked peaceful in sleep, the usual tension gone from his face.
A wave of possessive satisfaction washed over me. There he lay, unconscious and oblivious, while Kate was about to bestow me with her undivided attention. The power of the moment was exhilarating.
Kate settled on the soft moss near the sleeping Cyrus, barely far enough away that her movements wouldn’t rouse him. She glanced up at me with a provocative, seductive smile and beckoned me closer, her knees pressing into the soft moss. As I stepped forward, she halted me with a tender touch, her hands roaming up and down my legs, her fingers tracing the contours of my muscles.
Warning: NSFW Section
“I want to make you feel good,” she purred, her voice a sultry whisper.
With a teasing glint in her eyes, she slowly pulled down my pants, freeing my already twitching cock. The cool night air sent a shiver through me, but it was swiftly replaced by the warmth of her touch. She began to play with my shaft, her fingers dancing along its length, making me throb and swell even more.
Standing there, towering above her, I felt a mix of arousal and dark euphoria. The sight of Cyrus sleeping peacefully nearby, completely unaware of what was transpiring, added a forbidden thrill to the moment. But it was more than that. Seeing Kate kneeling in front of me, her eyes filled with lustful devotion as her pure, saintly powers glowed subtly around her, was intensely erotic. The contrast of her sanctity and the raw, carnal act she was about to perform sent a jolt of excitement through me.
She took me into her mouth with a slow, deliberate motion, her lips wrapping around my cock and sliding down its length. A groan escaped my lips as she sucked, her tongue swirling around the tip, creating an exquisite friction that made my legs tremble. The sight of her, so focused and intent, made my knees feel weak, but I remained standing, my hand gently guiding the back of her head as she sucked.
Kate’s mouth was warm and wet, her movements both slow and deliberate, then quick and hungry, creating a tantalizing rhythm that drove me wild. She looked up at me with those stunning, blue eyes, filled with a mixture of lust and adoration, and I felt my control slipping. Her hands gripped my thighs, steadying herself as she took more of me into her mouth, the sensation almost too much to bear.
“Your mouth feels so good,” I murmured, my voice husky with desire. I watched her, entranced by the way her lips moved along my length, the way her cheeks hollowed with each suck. Her tongue teased the sensitive underside of my cock, sending electric shocks up my spine. She alternated between deep, slow sucks and quick, teasing licks, keeping me on the edge.
My hand tightened in her hair, guiding her movements as I thrust gently into her mouth. The pleasure was overwhelming, each stroke of her tongue, each pull of her lips bringing me closer to the brink. I could feel the tension building, my body aching for release.
Cyrus stirred slightly in his sleep, mumbling something incoherent. I secretly wanted him to wake up, to see that Kate came back for me as soon as he turned his back, but he remained fast asleep. I still felt a surge of dominance and satisfaction, knowing that Kate was giving all her attention to me though he was right there. The thrill of the moment was almost overwhelming.
Kate seemed to sense my impending climax and intensified her efforts. She took me deeper, her throat constricting around me as she swallowed, the sensation almost too much to bear. My breaths came in ragged gasps, the pleasure building to an unbearable crescendo.
“I’m going to come,” I warned, my voice strained. With a final, deep thrust, I came, my cock pulsing in her mouth as I spilled into her. Kate swallowed eagerly, her tongue continuing to tease and suck, milking every last drop from me. I groaned, my body shuddering with the intensity of my orgasm, my hand still tangled in her hair.
As the pleasure subsided, I looked down at Kate, still on her knees, her lips swollen and red from her efforts. The sight of her, so willing and eager to please, filled me with a deep sense of ecstasy. I gently pulled her to her feet, my lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss, tasting myself on her tongue.
“Thank you,” I murmured against her lips, my voice rough with passion. “You have no idea how much I needed that.”
Kate smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I think I have some idea,” she replied, her voice low and sultry. “And know that, no matter how much I enjoy Cyrus, I’ll always treasure our moments together. I’m yours just as much as his.”
I nodded, my heart swelling with a mixture of sinister satisfaction and possessiveness. “Always,” I whispered, my lips brushing against hers. “You’re mine, Kate. Always.”
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