Chapter 190: The Power of Touch
**Avery**
I awoke slowly, sunlight streaming through the windows, painting golden stripes across the rumpled sheets. I was a delicious tangle of limbs – Cassius's arm draped possessively over my waist, Clint's leg intertwined with mine, Conner's head nestled on my shoulder. James was curled against my back, Vincent's hand resting gently on my thigh, and Donn, somehow, was spooned behind Vincent.
A contented sigh escaped my lips. The air was thick with the scent of sex and sleep, a potent, comforting aroma. There was no lingering chill from my nightmare, only the warmth of their bodies, the soft rhythm of their breathing. I stretched, feeling every muscle deliciously sore, and a soft groan of pleasure escaped me. This was love, in its most raw, beautiful, and utterly overwhelming form. I rested my hand on my belly. Soon, even magic won’t hide my eggs, will they see me differently? No, they won’t. I have to stop assuming the worst. I am not the same girl anymore. Most of her is gone; only the best bits should remain.
Later that morning, after a shared, languid breakfast, I found myself walking along the deserted beach, hand-in-hand with James and Vincent, while the others explored further down the shore. The cool sand between my toes, the endless horizon, the rhythmic crash of the waves – it all filled me with a profound sense of peace. "It's… It's like a different world here. My dream… it felt so real. But here, there's no fear. Just… freedom."
James squeezed my hand. "This is your sanctuary, then, sweetheart."
Vincent, stoic as ever, simply nodded, his gaze sweeping over the vast ocean. "We understand." They saw it, the way my shoulders relaxed, the light in my eyes. The beach wasn't just a vacation spot; it was a balm for my soul, a stark contrast to the darkness that had haunted me.
That evening, gathered around a crackling bonfire, the conversation naturally turned to our return to the Kingdom of Talos and their responsibilities there, and to Salvation Academy in Naga. Donn, with his usual wit, grumbled about "the oppressive weight of academic expectation." But then Clint, ever intuitive, turned to me. "We have to come back, don't we? This place… It's good for you."
Conner, usually reserved, chimed in, "Indeed. Consider it a mandatory therapeutic retreat, Avery. Prescribed by us."
Cassius simply wrapped an arm around me, a silent promise. James nodded decisively. "We'll make it a regular thing. Every holiday, every break. This place is yours, Avery. Your escape." My heart swelled. They didn't just understand; they embraced my need, my vulnerability, and made it their collective mission to protect my peace. Their love wasn't just passionate; it was deeply, profoundly caring. Nothing will change it, not even if I end up bigger than a blue whale.
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