The coppery scent of blood perfumed the air, teasing his senses until his head spun with it. The scent of his own blood seeping from the wounds the thorns had pressed into his back added a sense of mortality to the energy writhing around them. Their life essences trickled from them both in thin crimson rivulets, trickling over rose petals before seeping into the earth. An answering rush of power pulsed upward, bathing them in magic. Saamal’s body trembled, muscles expanding, growing as his broken control allowed the beast inside him to prowl to the forefront. His teeth grew sharper, more predatory, and his gaze fastened on Aiyana’s neck even as he continued to plunge into her body.
Aiyana writhed beneath him, thrusting her hips, scrabbling at his shoulders, trying to pull him closer to her. She focused heavy lidded eyes to him, her attention landing on his mouth. She raised a hand and brushed a finger over his sharpened canines. Her lips parted and her eyes rolled back and another moan spilled from her throat. She tilted her head to the side, baring the perfect column of her throat, and Saamal was lost. He surged forward, dipping his head to close his mouth around the silky flesh, sinking his teeth in until her blood seeped into his mouth. Aiyana cried out, nails digging into his shoulder. The briars responded as well, pressing harder into his back. The sharp points of pain drove his beast into a lustful frenzy, snapped the last shreds of his control.
He thrust faster, harder, rational thought abandoning him as he lost himself in the feel of her body, the delicious pain arcing down his back. The energy in the bower rose, crackling in the air, making the fine coating of fur creeping down his back and sides stand on end. His hands slid from Aiyana’s shoulders to the ground, claws digging into the earth as he tried with every thrust to get closer, to become one with his bride.
His pleasure sharpened, honed to a fine point. His muscles trembled and he tore himself away from her neck, eyes closed as he struggled to hold on. Aiyana screamed beneath him, her body tensing as if it would shatter and fly apart. Saamal allowed himself to fall over the edge into his own release, opening his eyes to stare down at Aiyana as he did.
Her eyes. Saamal held his breath, struck by the beauty of the roses he could see in her eyes, the image of vibrant blood-red flowers where her irises had been. Aiyana blinked at him, lips still parted as she struggled to breathe through her pleasure, a smile quirking the corner of her mouth. Her skin grew pale, lost the coppery tone and faded to the pale mint of a new sapling, the promise of new life.
He blinked, noticing for the first time that the briars coming from her body and wrapped around him had plunged into the earth below them. The briars were bright red, as though full of blood, and the earth drank it in. Saamal gently brushed a sweat-soaked strand of hair from her face.
“The land has chosen you.” His voice was low, full of awe.
“I am the new Spring Maiden.” She cupped his face in her hand. “Briar Rose.”
Saamal felt an answering smile on his own face as joy bubbled up inside him. He leaned down to kiss Aiyana, lingering at the sweetness of her lips. Something tickled his back and they both parted and looked up to find rose petals falling from the bower to rain down on them. Each petal fell faster, bringing more of its brethren with it. Patches of dark midnight blue sky appeared above them.
“I believe our time is up,” Aiyana observed.
“We will have more time,” Saamal promised, hunger stirring inside him even as he reluctantly pulled himself from the tight welcoming heat of her body. She hissed at the loss and he chuckled, a deep sound of satisfaction. He bent to nuzzle her cheek. “Much more time,” he whispered.
Aiyana shivered and laughed, wrapping her arms around him for another slow kiss. Saamal’s beast withdrew, fur melting back into his skin and his teeth losing their sharpened edges. He lost himself in Aiyana’s kiss, in the sweet caress of her lips.
The bower trembled as they parted and Saamal reluctantly got to his feet, drawing Aiyana into his arms. He pulled her close for another kiss, not yet able to let her go, not willing to let their time alone here end. The roses continued to shed their petals, and rich red velvet fell around them like a curtain. Magic shimmered in the air and Aiyana made a small sound of surprise against his mouth as the roses that fell on their bodies melted into fine velvet cloth and rich crimson silk. Saamal was now dressed in coal-black pants and a matching shirt with a crimson tunic. Aiyana was gowned in flowing rose velvet, the bodice hugging her curves before falling in a flowing skirt down to her bare feet. The material was softer than anything crafted by man, crafted from the best that nature had to offer and fitted perfectly to their bodies. When they finally stepped apart, the last of the petals fell and the briars melted back into the earth, leaving them facing the kingdom dressed in fairy finery.
Tenoch appeared beside them, his ghostly eyes wide. “What have you done?”
Saamal frowned at the apparition, his nerves tingling with increased awareness at the bewildering tone in his voice. He took Aiyana’s hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “What do you mean what have we done?”
Tenoch gestured behind him. “See for yourself.”
Saamal and Aiyana both followed the ghost’s motion. Saamal’s lips parted in wonder. The kingdom, a barren wasteland last he’d seen it, was teaming with new life. The brown grass that had been so dry and coarse beneath his feet was now green and ripe with moisture. The trees were vibrant, thick with healthy leaves that rustled in the breeze, a gentle, soothing sound completely unlike the crackling of dead leaves that had filled the air earlier. The stream that flowed past the castle was full of water again, rushing along in a healthy flow, licking at its banks. The only sign of what had once been were the bodies of fallen wolves and jaguars. Noble animals that had answered his call and lost their lives defending his castle. Saamal dipped his head, their loss weighing heavy on his heart.
A gasp beside him ripped him out of his solemn reflection. Aiyana tensed, her chest rising with a deep breath.
“It’s not over.” Her voice was hushed, heavy with promise.
The land rumbled beneath them, more of a purr than a growl. Briars rose from the earth and Aiyana sucked in a sharp breath as if she could feel them, as if they were connected to her as the others had been. Thorns drew across the bodies, shaking them as if the earth was urging them to wake. The wolves shuddered and raised their shaggy heads, golden eyes blinking blearily at the moon. The jaguars too were roused by the briars, stirred to waking as if pulled from a strange sleep. Before Saamal could speak, there was a shout from his right.
“Adonis!”
It was Ivy’s voice. Saamal whirled around to find Adonis flailing his arms, his wife Ivy still glowing beside him like a living flame, her golden eyes locked on her husband’s left leg. A briar had wrapped around his ankle, thorns sinking into his flesh and drawing thick droplets of blood. The demon raised a clawed hand to free himself. His body jerked, his hand still in the air, his eyes bulging. A tremor ran through the incubus’ body and his head fell back as he released a long, loud shout. An image of a demon with large onyx wings and fierce curving horns shimmered over his human form. Instead of the demonic image being extensions of the human form, the demon wavered and shifted, becoming a second being. The demon stumbled, staggering away from the human as Adonis split in two. Both figures hunched over, clutching their heads as they slowly regained their breath. Saamal stared in shock as they both stood and gawked at one another.
The demon blinked, crimson eyes glassy in the moonlight. “Ummm…”
The human gawked down at his body, patting it with his hands as if he could hardly believe it. “What has happened? Where am I?”
“Prince Adonis of Nysa, I presume?” the demon asked weakly.
The human nodded, hazel eyes as large and round as saucers. “I am.” His lips parted in shock and he took a startled step back. “Wait. Adonis?” He opened and closed his mouth several times before managing any sound. “I mean… Is your name Adonis?”
The demon shrugged help
lessly, wings twitching behind him. “It has been for…a long time.”
“I’m alive,” the human Adonis mumbled. “I… How is this possible?”
“Incredible,” Ivy whispered. She took Demon Adonis’ arm, her eyes widening as she ran her hands over his scarlet flesh, fingers tickling over his biceps.
Demon Adonis made a rumbling sound deep in his chest, raising an arm to pull Ivy into his embrace. A mischievous glint flared to life in his eyes.
Another shout cut off whatever he may have been about to say. A few meters away, Kirill leapt into the air to avoid a creeping briar, his body imploding into the smaller form of a bat. His clothes fell to the earth in a limp pile of velvet as the bat flew higher, screeching at the twitching briar now buried under his clothes. The briar twisted into the air, the prince’s tunic still dangling from its thorns, and Kirill flew into the sky. He made a beeline for the castle and vanished inside, no doubt to use the mirror to escape to Dacia. Irina’s laughter rang out in the air before going silent, signaling her return home with her husband.
Adonis burst out laughing. “I don’t believe our vampire wishes to be healed, Aiyana.”
Aiyana held out her hands. “I’m not trying to do it. The energy is working as it will.” Her voice echoed as it left her lips, reverberating with the power pulsing through her into the land.
A sharp bark sounded behind them, preceding the arrival of two giant wolves. The larger one, its fur a darker brown than its mate, bobbed its head in an awkward bow.
“Etienne, so pleased to see you’re all right.” Saamal bowed to his companion. “And you as well, Loupe.”
There was a thud behind them followed by slightly hysterical laughter. Amusement quirked up the corner of Saamal’s mouth as he found Patricio lying on the ground, holding his stomach as he rolled with laughter. His sword hung limply from his hand in the grass, covered in blood. More blood spatter covered the angel’s face, arms, and legs. His cerulean eyes glowed with a light to rival the fading moon, his hair appearing more golden as the sun started to send its first rays into the sky. Aiyana lifted an eyebrow at Saamal. He shrugged, his smile widening.
Adonis jogged over to the angel, putting his hands on his knees as he bent to inspect Patricio’s strange fit. After a moment, a grin split his face.
“He’s drunk,” the demon crowed. “Too much sin in too little time!”
Saamal chuckled and pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. “He will need help getting home.”
Adonis looked down at himself and back at the human Adonis who was still examining his body, hands on his chest as if he still couldn’t quite believe he was alive. “Kirill’s probably already back in Dacia, I can’t use the mirror for travel.” He tilted his head, eyes gleaming. “But if I’m not bound by flesh anymore…”
Saamal pulled Aiyana back as astral magic crackled in the air. Adonis’ body rippled and swelled, scales erupting as he grew larger and larger. His wings stretched until they nearly blocked out the light from the rising sun, and his snout extended from his face, serpentine tongue flicking out. He fell onto all fours, his back legs continuing to grow thicker as his front legs sprouted sharp bony points on the elbows and wrists. Saamal grinned as the demon blinked draconic eyes the size and color of massive rubies.
“My friend, you are most impressive,” Saamal complimented him.
“He’s beautiful,” Aiyana breathed.
She reached out a hand and Adonis slid his snout under her fingers, letting her stroke the fine scales. He exhaled and smoke drifted from his nostrils, scented with cloves.
Saamal grabbed one of Patricio’s hands. “Come on, Prince Patricio, it’s time for you to go home.”
“I feel amazing.” Patricio’s head lolled against his shoulder, his muscles as limp as wet noodles. “I hope you’ll have me back soon.”
“I’ll be sure to make many more enemies for you to slay,” Saamal promised wryly.
“Not too many, I hope.” Marcela approached the group, her arms full of clothing. Her blue-green eyes shone as she gave her husband a once over. “He’s going to be fun to carry, Adonis. Somehow I think we’re going to need help keeping him on your back.” She turned to the wolves and set down her armload of clothing. “I hope you don’t mind,” she said to Aiyana and Saamal over her shoulder. “I borrowed some clothes for those of us who lose them when we change forms.”
“You are welcome to any clothing I have,” Aiyana assured her.
They all turned their backs, giving the lycan couple some privacy to shift and dress themselves.
“Adonis, you’d better not be peeking,” Ivy warned him.
There was an indignant snort, following by a cloud of clove-scented smoke.
A few moments later, everyone was dressed and Etienne and Saamal grabbed Patricio by his arms and dragged him over to Adonis. Aiyana giggled as they struggled to shove the angel onto the dragon’s back, cursing as his giant white wings hindered their progress. Etienne’s muscles bunched as he gripped the angel and heaved him up and very nearly over the dragon’s back to the ground on the other side.
“Not quite so enthusiastic, my friend.” Saamal tightened his grip on Patricio’s leg, barely keeping him astride the dragon.
Etienne grinned. “Sorry. Feeling a little more energized than I expected.”
Saamal glanced at Aiyana, appreciating her curves, so beautifully cradled by the exquisite fairy dress. “I can empathize.” He regretfully pulled his attention from his wife and faced the human Adonis.
“Welcome back to the living, Prince Adonis of Nysa.” The words tasted strange on his tongue as he used them for something other than the incubus.
“What a strange day it’s been.” Human Adonis accepted Saamal’s hand, brow furrowed in confusion. “I still don’t understand how… How is this possible? I died, I know I died. I met…the other Adonis.” He blushed. “I’m afraid I don’t recall what his name was before… I met him before my death, I spoke to him. I was so grateful he agreed to help, but I never thought… I never thought I’d…” He shrugged helplessly, running a hand through his hair.
Saamal stepped back and put his arm around Aiyana. “It is not everyday that a new earth goddess comes into her godhood. Earth deities have powerful creation magic, and it is never so great as the moment they first come into their power.” He beamed down at Aiyana, pride swelling in his chest. “Aiyana was waking up the land, pouring everything she was into the earth.” He glanced back at human Adonis. “I’m pleased to say it had unforeseen benefits.”
Human Adonis bowed slightly. “I will be forever grateful.”
“Not as grateful as I think your parents will be,” Aiyana guessed.
Adonis stiffened, every muscle in his body appearing to freeze in time. “Mother and Father.” He whirled around and clambered up the dragon’s side, muscles trembling with an excitement Saamal could only imagine.
“I’ll help hold the drunken angel on,” Etienne offered, ambling up beside the dragon. “If you’ll give us a lift to Sanguenay?”
The dragon snorted and lowered itself to the ground. Etienne helped Loupe and Marcela onto his back before climbing up himself and settling behind Patricio where he was slumped over the dragon’s back. Etienne hissed and glared at Patricio for a moment before grabbing his sword. He pressed his lips together and wrestled the weapon into the angel’s scabbard.
Saamal gathered Aiyana closer to him as they waved his companions off. He couldn’t quite make himself let go of her, didn’t want to risk letting go and discovering that it’d all been a dream. As the dragon rose into the air and flew off in the direction of Meropis, a rush of sound poured from the castle. Saamal and Aiyana turned to find people trickling out of the front doors in a staggering wave of color.
“The curse is truly broken,” Saamal observed. “Everyone is awake.”
“Will they remember the Dreamworld?” Aiyana wondered aloud.
“No. Mortals remember no more than bits and pieces of the oth
er world. For them, it will be as if they slept for only a short time.”
“Then this is going to come as a shock.” Aiyana squeezed his hand.
“But perhaps not an unpleasant one.”
Tenoch’s voice came from behind them and the muscles in Saamal’s shoulders tightened. The ghost came to stand in front of him and Saamal’s lips parted in shock. The ghostly apparition that had become so familiar in the past hours was no more. Tenoch stood before him, still dressed as he had been at the time of his death, but with a body of flesh and blood. His color was a deep burnished copper, his eyes a rich chocolate brown. His hair hung down his back like glossy ebony feathers and the energy coming from him was no longer that of an ethereal being, but the warm hum of a mortal.
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