Chapter Forty-Four

The grand dining hall was adorned with opulent tapestries and elegant chandeliers that cast a warm and inviting light over the polished wood table. As the inner circle of the Night Court gathered, a sense of camaraderie and intrigue filled the air. Each member exuded a distinct aura, and yet, an unspoken bond united them, creating an atmosphere that was both electric and enigmatic.

Kaden, his presence commanding attention, settled at the head of the table with a sense of regality that mirrored his role as the leader of this mysterious group. The air around him was tinged with authority, a palpable reminder of the power he held.

Callum, much like his counterpart, emitted an air of boldness and charisma as he took his seat beside Kaden. His laughter and boisterous demeanor filled the room, setting the stage for a lively evening.

Isodel's presence, cold and distant, was almost palpable, a stark contrast to the warmth of the room. She observed the gathering with calculating eyes, her silence speaking volumes about her suspicions and reluctance.

Elara, ever the diplomat, offered a friendly smile as she took a seat. Her warm demeanor radiated a sense of comfort, a quality that eased the tension that Isodel's coldness had created.

The table was set with an array of dishes, and the air was filled with the aromas of the Night Court's finest cuisine. Wine glasses sparkled, a testament to the luxury and refinement that defined this world. Yet, even amidst the opulence, an air of familiarity settled among them, as if this gathering was both a routine and a rarity.

Kaden's voice cut through the murmurs, a hint of annoyance lacing his words. "Callum, that's my best wine you're guzzling down. I have half a mind to throw you into the dungeons."

Callum's laughter was as rich and bold as his personality. "Kade, you've got a cellar full of the best stuff. It's a tragedy to leave it untouched."

Isodel's disdain was evident, her eyes narrowing in disapproval. "Can we get on with it? I have more important things to do."

Elara's smile remained unaffected, a warm contrast to Isodel's iciness. "Isodel always knows how to lighten the mood."

As the dinner progressed, conversation flowed, alternating between laughter and serious discussions. Kaden's leadership was evident in every interaction, his words holding weight and guiding the course of their discourse. And yet, amidst the interactions, it was clear that Isodel's gaze was never far from me, her suspicion and mistrust unwavering.

"Kaden, this food is incredible," I offered, my voice soft but genuine.

Kaden leaned back in his chair, he was not participating in the meal. "A family in the city prepares our meals, and we pay them a hundred times over for their efforts."

I was taken aback by his generosity, and my admiration for him deepened. "That's incredibly kind of you," I remarked, feeling a warmth in my chest at the thought.

Isodel's icy presence was palpable, and as I continued to savor the meal, her frustration seemed to radiate from her. It was as if a storm cloud hovered over her, casting a shadow even in the midst of the luxurious ambiance.

"Yes, food for our people," Isodel's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Not seven million of your people."

Kaden's reprimanding armor fixed on Isodel, a silent warning that was met with her scowl of defiance. "Isodel, don't."

I cleared my throat, my discomfort evident, but I couldn't stand by without addressing the tension. "We are indeed grateful for your hospitality," I said, meeting Kaden's eyes briefly before turning my attention to Isodel. "I want to thank all of you for opening your home to my people. It means more than you know."

Isodel's scowl remained, her response a bitter retort. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with. I need a drink."

Isodel's bitter retort hung in the air like a dark cloud, her desire for a drink leading Callum and Zade to immediately rise from their seats. Elara, ever the warm presence, extended an invitation for me to join them.

“Come with us,” Elara's voice was gentle, coaxing. “They just don't trust you yet. Come and have fun, they will come around.”

I glanced at Kaden, his helmet revealing nothing of his thoughts. Elara's kindness, though, tugged at my heart, and I offered her a grateful smile. “Maybe next time, thank you, Elara.”

As the others left the room, Kaden and I were left alone, the grand table stretching between us. The room was open to the outdoors, the arches framing the view of the night sky. The wind had picked up, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Come here,” Kaden's voice was a command, drawing me toward him. I walked to him, and he gestured for me to sit on his lap, his armor cool and commanding beneath me. He brushed my hair back from my jaw, his touch igniting a primal response within me.

“Sit,” his voice held that familiar authority, and I obeyed, settling onto his lap. His hands, large and possessive, found their place on my hips, and a moan escaped my lips as I shifted against him.

“Do you feel better?” he inquired, his fingers digging into my skin.

“I do now,” I replied, my voice a breathless whisper. His touch had a way of easing the turmoil within me, if only for a fleeting moment.

“You don't want to go clubbing? See what Nova has to offer in the nightlife?” he mused, his lips grazing my earlobe.

I met his gaze, a mix of desire and mischief in my eyes. “I think I'd find much better sources of adrenaline right here.”

“Is that so?” Kaden's question was followed by a swift motion. In an instant, he lifted me, my legs wrapping around his waist, clearing the table of its contents. Crystal and silver clattered to the floor, forgotten.

His kiss was fervent, filled with a deep yearning that ignited a fire within me. I moaned against his lips, his dominance over me heightening my need for him. My gown, once regal, was now in tatters, and he held a knife in his hand, the gleam of it catching my eye.

With his hand pressed over my mouth, he tore away the remnants of the dress. My body was exposed to him, his gaze devouring every inch of my skin. The sensation was electric, my heart racing as his hunger met my own.

The dim light of the room reflected off his armor, making his every movement seem otherworldly. “Sweet girl,” he whispered against my ear, his voice like a seductive promise, "I've been waiting for this moment."

My eyes darted around the room, taking in the luxurious surroundings that bore witness to our growing intimacy. “Here, Kaden?” The sheer audacity of it made my heart skip a beat.

Kaden pinched my left nipple every so slightly, lazily drawing the body of his blade against the perked flesh. “Here,” he growled against my breasts, “and now.”

Feeling emboldened, I replied, "Then what are you waiting for?"

He leaned in, his breath hot against my neck. "To see if you're as ready as I am," he teased, and I could imagine the wicked grin on his face even without seeing.

A soft moan escaped my lips. "Always ready for you."

He pulled me close, pressing me gently against the table, and whispered, "You are mine, Aurora.” His lips met my skin, tracing a tantalizing path that sent shivers down my spine. "Always and forever."

I closed my eyes, losing myself in the sensation. If to be owned was to be his, then submission was a thing of the gods. Each touch, each caress, became an affirmation of our bond.

"Kaden," I murmured, caught in the whirlwind of emotions he always managed to elicit.

Kaden knew me well enough to press his hand against my mouth as I came. His other hand, which had been rubbing fast circles around my clit, was now covered in my wetness. His helmet, inches from me, watched my face as I submitted to the pleasure he bestowed upon me. It was erotic, not to see his face, but my own in his reflection, to be forced to confront how wild he drove me.

“Good girl, stay put,” came from him, as I lazily sprawled on the table. I stared out to the night sky, there were no shooting stars tonight. Nothing but cosmics and distant planets.

He returned with several embroidered napkins in his hand. They were adorned with colorful flowers, a rather innocent design that was in stark contrast to their next usage. He kissed me roughly when he reapproached, his hand finding its way to my throat.

“Turn around,” he ordered. I stood and turned around. In a heartbeat, he bent me over the table. I felt his hands on my scalp, claiming a thick grip of my hair, as he raised my head and tied a napkin over my eyes.

He leaned in close, "Shall we try something different?" His voice was mischievous, a hint of the warrior's playfulness coming through.
Before I could respond, he gently tied the cloth around my eyes, casting me into darkness. It heightened every other sensation, every whisper of touch, every breath shared.

"I trust you," I whispered, allowing myself to be vulnerable in his presence.

I felt him move, his hands guiding me. He was deliberate, ensuring I was comfortable with each new sensation. The weight of his gaze was palpable, even without seeing it.

The world dissolved into darkness as the blindfold encircled my eyes. An electrifying anticipation danced on my skin, the vulnerability heightening every sensation. I welcomed it, feeling as my wetness began to shamelessly drip to the floor. He noticed, slipping a finger inside me as he kicked one leg open, then the other.

I felt his hand on my ankle and then my leg tied to the wooden leg of the table. His touch was gentle, guiding, and assured, his fingers tracing patterns of intimacy on my exposed skin. With a teasing kiss over my slit, he moved to the other side, but instead of tying my second leg, picked it up and settled it over the table.

"You are radiant," he murmured against my ear, his voice a velvety caress, sending warmth spreading throughout my being. I felt cherished, adored. We were lost in each other, every touch, every word was a testament to our love.

His size was even larger than I remembered, his thrusts strong and dominant. I gripped the side of the table, moaning out into the arched halls of Rega. He pressed into my back, his thumbs bruising into my flesh. I wanted him to spank me, wanted him to fuck me senseless.

“I-I’m” I barely managed to warn him before my second orgasm overtook me. He did not stop like he usually did, and the sensation brought me off into the planets. Pleasure-filled cries began to escape me, his grip offering no mercy. He was claiming me, I was his.

In a moment of passion, he untied my leg and turned me to face him. He pulled me onto the stone floor and I wrapped my hips around his. I felt him move closer, the heat of his presence radiating towards me.

His lips found mine, a kiss so profound and tender it felt like a collision of stars. Every nuance of the kiss, every soft press and tender pull, was felt more deeply without the distraction of sight.

My hands instinctively moved to his face, tracing the contours I had yet to see but had come to know so intimately. The curve of his cheek, the arch of his brow, the slope of his nose — every feature was etched into my memory, not from vision, but from touch and the countless nights we had spent entwined in each other's embrace.

"Do you see me, Aurora?" he whispered against my lips, his voice filled with raw vulnerability.

"In every heartbeat, in every breath," I whispered back, my fingers lingering on his face. Even shrouded in darkness, I could sense the intensity of his gaze, the depth of emotion it held.

As our bodies moved in perfect harmony, I felt surrounded by his love, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and safety. The world outside faded away, leaving only the rhythm of our hearts and the symphony of our joined souls.

When our dance reached its crescendo, I collapsed into his embrace, feeling both spent and invigorated. With my head resting against his chest, I managed to murmur, "You always surprise me, Kaden."

His laughter was low, the sound rich and full of warmth. "And you, Aurora, always enchant me.”