Chapter 187: At Last
**Avery**
We descended slowly, the plane hovering like a colossal, silent bird over a landscape that took my breath away. Below, Azure Cove unfurled like a dream. The sand was a brilliant, almost blinding white, stretching in a graceful crescent between two towering cliffs draped in lush, vibrant green foliage. The ocean, a vast expanse of turquoise and sapphire, shimmered under the morning sun, its surface barely rippled.
No buildings marred the natural beauty, save for a cluster of elegant, open-air structures nestled discreetly among the palm trees at the far end of the beach. They were built from light-colored wood and glass, blending seamlessly with the environment. “Welcome to paradise,” James murmured beside me, his hand resting lightly on my waist.
The air, even through the filtered cabin, felt softer, warmer, carrying the faint, salty tang of the sea. It smelled of freedom. The plane settled gently onto a hidden landing pad behind the tree line, its engines powering down with a soft sigh. As the ramp lowered, a wave of warmth enveloped me, chasing away the last lingering chill of the nightmare.
“Ready to feel the sand between your toes?” Clint asked, his hand extended.
I took it, my heart light. “More than ready.”
We stepped out onto a path paved with smooth, sun-warmed stones, winding through a fragrant grove of flowering trees. The air hummed with the gentle buzz of unseen insects and the distant, rhythmic whisper of the waves. The ‘structures’ James had mentioned were not what I’d expected. They weren’t houses, but rather a series of interconnected pavilions, open to the sea breeze, with thatched roofs and flowing white curtains that billowed softly. Each pavilion seemed to serve a different purpose: a large communal living area, a dining space, and several private sleeping quarters, each with its own breathtaking view of the ocean.
“This isn’t just a beach,” I breathed, looking around in awe. “It’s a resort.”
“Our resort,” James corrected, a proud smile on his face. “Commissioned specifically for moments like these. Complete privacy, absolute comfort.”
“And plenty of space for… activities,” Conner added, winking.
Donn, who had been inspecting the outdoor kitchen, whistled. “This place is stocked. Someone anticipated our arrival with impressive efficiency.”
Vincent, ever efficient, was already moving towards one of the sleeping pavilions. “I’ll secure our quarters. Pick your view, Avery.”
“All of them are perfect,” I said, my gaze sweeping across the panoramic vista.
Cassius, however, had eyes only for the ocean. “Last one in is a land dragon!” he yelled, already shrugging out of his shirt, revealing his sculpted chest.
“Cassius, wait!” James called, but it was too late. Cassius was already sprinting towards the water, his laughter echoing across the sand.
Clint chuckled, shaking his head. “Show-off.” He then turned to me, a playful gleam in his eyes. “Shall we join him, my queen?”
“Not yet,” I said, still taking it all in. “I want to feel the sand first.” I slipped off my shoes, letting my toes sink into the impossibly soft, warm sand. It was like powdered silk, yielding beneath my weight, a comforting embrace that seeped into my very bones. The subtle warmth was a stark contrast to the biting cold of my dream, a physical manifestation of the healing that was already beginning. “Oh, this is heavenly,” I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment, letting the sun kiss my face.
Conner knelt beside me, scooping up a handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers. “It truly is. A little slice of magic, just for you.”
Donn joined us, looking out at the shimmering ocean. “Alright, I admit it. This beats a blizzard.” He took a deep breath, the salty air filling his lungs. “Though a good rum punch wouldn’t hurt.”
“Later, Donn,” James said, walking over to us. He extended a hand, helping me up. “Let’s get you settled. And then, perhaps, a swim.” We chose the largest of the pavilions, a spacious, airy room with a massive four-poster bed draped in sheer white fabric. The entire wall facing the ocean was made of glass, blurring the lines between inside and out. The sounds of the waves, a gentle shush-shush, filled the air.
“This is beautiful,” I whispered, walking to the edge of the room, feeling the breeze on my skin.
“Only the best for you, Avery,” James said, his voice deep and sincere. He came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. His scent, a mix of old books and something uniquely regal, enveloped me.
Clint and Conner were already rummaging through our luggage, pulling out clothes. “Swimsuits first!” Clint declared, holding up a brightly colored bikini.
“Or no swimsuits at all,” Conner murmured, his eyes sparkling.
“Conner!” I laughed, swatting at him playfully.
“Just stating a preference,” he said, feigning innocence.
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