by Hannah888
"But Amelia hadn't pursued you."
A jolt ran through Hadaen and he stiffened momentarily at her words. He would have liked to think that Amelia had pursued him--not that he'd ever thought about it before--but she hadn't.
He frowned slightly. She hadn't.
"No." The word came out clipped and flat.
"I apologize, my lord," Esyth returned quickly, her eyes wide. "I didn't mean..."
"It's fine." Hadaen quickly shrugged off the tension between them. "You're right. It's quite the opposite."
Esyth swallowed loudly and gazed out into the thick woodlands. The night was fairly still. At least where they stood. Branches swayed gently in the wind, leaves fluttering lightly. The bright mass in the center of the sky shining down and around them.
"It seems like such an ordinary night, doesn't it?"
"Isn't it?"
Esyth took the time to study to him. His Lordship. The ruler of the Marujan kingdom. Her charge's intended. Hadaen Maruj.
He wore a hard mask, no hint of emotion. No sign of feeling. The only thing that gave away the fact that he was a living being at that moment was that she could see him breathing. She could see the cool mist oozing around his mouth when he spoke. And when he released silent puffs of air through his nostrils.
That was the only thing that separated the two brothers. Hadaen Maruj was stern and hard on the outside--not that she knew anything about what he was on the inside--and Gideon was warm and charming; he was amusing and fun. She wondered if His Lordship was anywhere close to that. But even if he was, she quickly decided that it would absolutely be none of her business.
"I spoke to the Elders. They believe that we can overcome Deorci’s advances."
"I know we can."
Esyth nodded and turned towards him, his body erect and still. "Amelia will get hurt."
That caught his attention. Hadaen spun around instantly, his face like stone. "What do you mean?"
She was silent for a long moment.
"We all will be."
Hadaen searched her thoughts for a minute until he looked away again. "We all are no strangers to hurt, to pain. And we all have something to fight for. And that will be our fuel, Esyth. But as long as I am still breathing, nothing will happen to Amelia."
A bell resounded through the night, causing Hadaen to look up curiously.
"The gathering will begin in a hour. The bell serves as a reminder."
Now he was really confused. "What gathering?"
"The Elders have gatherings occasionally around a fire at the center of the village. I'm assuming this one will be critical."
Hadaen nodded briefly and returned his gaze to the stars.
He was still hoping for those answers.
In. Out.
In.... Out....
She inhaled slowly, releasing the breath at the same rate as she felt her mana coursing through her body. Amelia could feel the immense power that was locked within her, just waiting to be unlocked and put to full use. Placing her palms on the knees of her legs that were crossed before her, she allowed her eyes to flutter close as she followed the simple instructions.
"In... and out. Now roll all that energy in one tight ball and center it deep inside."
Amelia listened and did accordingly, feeling the warmth running through her veins and settling in her abdomen. It felt good, she acknowledged it as that. A smile spread across her face as she opened her eyes to meet Sienna's intent gaze.
"I did it."
The woman smiled and then downed the rest of the wine she had been drinking.
"You'll do just fine." Sienna hunched back on her heels and then sat on the floor, stretching her legs out before her. She then burped loudly, clapping a palm over her mouth. Giggling, she met Amelia's gaze. "Wine always brought out the worst in me."
"We all have our...faults." Amelia stared at the woman, reaching for the bowl of nuts next to her. She popped a few in her mouth and crunched hard.
"It's obvious you're trying to say something else."
"Trying?"
"Trying." Sienna returned the look.
It was a few seconds before Amelia feigned a sigh of relief and wiped an invisible trail of sweat from her brow.
"It's about time..."
"Just get on with it."
Amelia almost laughed at the woman's audacity. She was grateful, of course, that Sienna had took the time out to train her and help her with centering her energy; but that had absolutely nothing to do with them liking each other.
"You want him, don't you?"
Sienna remained silent for a minute. She then shrugged and placed her empty cup down. "I had him."
"Did you really?"
"We enjoyed each other's company."
"You enjoyed his bed."
Sienna laughed. "What's the difference?"
"The difference is... that was a long time ago and Hadaen does not require you following him around like an attention-starved poodle."
Sienna quirked an eyebrow up at her and scowled. It was a couple minutes before even a word was spoken. The woman then chuckled lightly and shook her head.
"I'm no fool that I can't realize when I'm no longer wanted. And Lord Hadaen no longer desires me. He's labelled for another. More like stamped and sealed."
Amelia stopped chewing for a while and then met Sienna's eyes.
"Well, I'm sure everyone has reason for whatever they do in life. I won't hold you to it."
They looked at each other for a moment and then resumed the technique they had been practicing.
In..... out.....
In..... out.....
A wolf howled in the distance.
* * *
Fearing Deorci seemed to be a contagious disease that shook the souls of the villagers.
But they never showed it. Never revealed just how frightened they really were...or the worry that ignited within them whenever the name of the dark beast was uttered. They were good at concealing their feelings. Protecting their mental selves.
And so was he.
Amelia glanced over at Hadaen as he gazed at the bonfire blazing within the circle of villagers. His eyes were thin slits narrowing down on the flames as they writhed and twisted in a ritualistic dance. Around them, were the other villagers waiting silently as the Elders Marlak and Joséah made their arrival, taking a seat on a log.
The night was silent. Some would say too silent, perhaps.
"We should ask The First for His guidance throughout these last days," Elder Marlak said, his eyes blazing. Rubbing a palm over his bald head, he released a heavy breath. "Deorci must never have the upper-hand..."
"What do you suggest?" Hadaen queried, his gaze never wavering from the fire.
There was a brief silence.
"I believe we are indeed in the correct position," Elder Joséah interjected. "We have prepared ourselves enough. What we need is to ensure that Deorci is not successful."
"Where do I come in?"
All heads turned to look at Amelia. Elder Joséah beamed warmly despite the anxiety evident in his eyes.
"You, my dear, are our only hope in destroying that beast for good."
"I will shield you..." Esyth said. "Deorci will not be able to pick up on your energy."
"You'll be fine." Gideon spoke the words but only she knew the true meaning behind them. But all she heard was, Tell him! Tell him what you have planned to do!!
One of the male villagers stood at that moment, his large physique like a robust wall. Compared to Hadaen, this man looked like a monster. A handsome one, at the very least.
"Elders, I believe I can vouch for the rest of us when I say that it would an honour to fight alongside Amelia." The man turned to face her. "We will all protect you until what is to be done...is done."
Murmurs of approval came quickly, threading through the group as they all waited for her response.
"Thank you." She then glanced over at Hadaen who was watching her intensely. "I-I'm sure that after all of this i
s over, we will all find redemption."
Elder Marlak nodded and continued, "The First will protect us all. Sienna will--Sienna?" The Elder spun around slowly. "Has anyone seen Sienna?"
"Right here, Elder!" a voice came a good two meters away. Sienna then came trotting forward towards the group. "I'm sorry for being late. It's my night to scan the hills."
She cast a glance in Hadaen's direction and then took her seat.
"And how was it?" Elder Joséah asked.
"The trails are clean. We will need to sit tight tonight though as I'm sure you all can feel Deorci’s energy even though we can't really locate it."
"She's right," Hadaen muttered. "What he wants is to catch us at our most vulnerable moment and that cannot happen. We will need to be on guard at all times."
"When the time comes, we--Hadaen, Sienna and I--will be the ones to stand up to Deorci first," Gideon said, eyeing each and every one of the attentive faces around him. "We would be best able to keep him occupied while you surround him. We cannot afford losing any of you."
…..we cannot afford losing any of you.
The intensity of the words echoed through Amelia and landed like a stone in the pit of her stomach.
Chilled air threaded its way pass the flap of his tent and throughout the scant area. Hadaen had just refilled the oil in the lantern and now it was burning gently. In his bed, Amelia lay curled up like a ball, lost in the realm of sleep.
She had managed somehow to shield her mind from him even while she was not awake. For now, he still had no access to her thoughts. None whatsoever. And it enraged him for he knew something was not right with her. He could feel it.....taste it. And his instincts were always right.
Deciding to keep his jacket on, Hadaen kicked off his boots and strode towards the bed, easing down on it behind her. She shifted slightly and eased back against him. Amelia was warm to the touch; her slender curves heating him to the bones. His hand came up before he even realized he had moved it, reaching over her side and towards one small breast. Closing his palm over it, he squeezed gently.
She moaned softly and shifted once more.
Hadaen eased back--but only a little, creating space to roll her onto her back. Thick black lashes batted twice before her mesmerizing blue eyes to focused on him.
"Tired?" he asked, one warm palm slipping over her belly and beneath the waistband of her pants.
Amelia released a deep moan; music to his ears, really. "H-Hardly..."
Right answer. "Take off your blouse."
It hadn't taken her a minute to send the thin blouse sailing across the tent. And it hadn't taken Hadaen long either to lean towards her and close his lips over one hardened nipple, tugging teasingly. The grip of her fingers in his hair urged him on, pulling him closer.
Grasping her firmly by the hips, he yanked her further down the bed, flicking open the buttons of her pants quickly. He moved fast...rough perhaps hut he wanted her. Tugging the pants down and over her legs, he inhaled sharply as he felt her feminine juices...proof of her desire for him as he gently caressed her tightening bud through the cotton of her panties.
"Don't stop...."
The ripping sound of her underwear sliced through the silence. Amelia's eyes widened with shock. Anticipation.
"I cannot wait much longer," he muttered, surprising even himself at how much he desired her. She watched him eagerly as he shoved his jeans past his hips and crouched over her. "Open your legs for me." She did. "Wider."
Raising her knees, she noticed the glint that flashed in his eyes and fought against the embarrassment that bubbled in her gut at how exposed she was. And then in one quick thrust, Hadaen was inside her, forcing a high-pitched cry pass her lips. The muscles in her abdomen quivered as Hadaen held her thighs pinned down tightly as he slammed into her...over and over again. Amelia's mouth fell open, her breaths coming in rapid puffs as he slid in and out of her slickness.
Hadaen groaned throatily. He need this release...to bury himself deep inside her tight pussy and fuck whatever was troubling him away.
Amelia's shrieked slapped up and around him, her hands reaching out but only ended up gripping the sheets and thrashing her head from side to side. She felt like he was ripping her apart. And she loved it.
"You want this..." he grounded, thrusting harder and faster. "You want me! Tell me.."
"Yes, yes; I want you!" she gasped.
...don't let...
Hadaen slowed his pace a bit, thrusting deeply still. Her mind--her thoughts... Was that a break in Amelia's guard? Gently withdrawing, he yanked her up and flipped her over onto her knees until she knelt, butt jotting out towards his straining cock. He then pushed inside her again, moving quick and forceful.
"Hadaen!" she screamed. "Oh god!"
....shit! Be strong....
Grabbing her hands, he stretched both arms behind her towards him and pulled hard until her chest pointed outwards and head rose, her muscles straining painfully yet sensually.
......Fuck! Y-You can't let him know......
Hadaen went still and she almost landed flat on her face if he hadn't grabbed her in time.
"You can't tell me what?" he almost shouted in her ear.
Amelia shivered beneath him. "I-I can't--"
"Tell me, Amelia. Now. What are you hiding from me?"
"Hadaen--please!"
And he slammed hard inside her again, choking a groan from her.
"Start...talking..." he said between clenched teeth. Between thrusts.
She sucked in a breath as her eyes rolled over in her head. It was all too much for her to handle. He was punishing her, she knew. But the sensations that came along with it were all too mind-bogglingly good.
She could feel her vaginal muscles tightening, clenching tight around him as the oncoming spasms of her orgasm rocked her senseless.
His seed came spilling deep inside her.
"Damn you, woman!" he swore. In a minute he pulled her around to face him but was only startled by what he saw. Tears. Lots of it. Rolling thick and heavily down her face. He slowly reached a hand out to wipe them away--
Then a heavy crash resounded outside, shaking the ground around them. By instinct, Hadaen flew up off the bed and yanked on his pants.
"Stay there!" he cautioned. He was already moving towers the flap.
"No. Wait--"
"Amelia, I have to see what's--"
"Hadaen, please."
There was something about how she said those two words. They were so softly spoke he was sure at all if he had really heard them. Two words, filled with so much affection, passion...and guilt? So he stopped dead in his tracks and peered narrowly at her.
"What is it?"
The tears came heavier, much like a flood. Strengthening his resolve, he forced himself to remain looking at her without having to fall to his knees and begging her to stop crying.
"Deorci is here."
Chapter Sixteen
Fools! They were all fools!
Slumbering at a time like this. They should have been sitting up....awake...awaiting his arrival like the servants they'd be when he destroyed their livelihood. Not sleeping away like humans.
Deorci signaled his first in command, Malakai, who nodded his understanding. The man then nodded to the group of men crouched behind them in the bushes.
The first bomb was thrown, bringing down a few trees with its explosion. There was no movement within the village. No sign of life. But Deorci knew better. He knew they were there. Possibly cowering like children, he thought. He chuckled to himself. He could have easily just swept in and started breaking necks and taking hearts--their mana--but he needed not waste his energy. He intended on giving them the chance to stand up to him. He signaled to Malakai again.
The other bomb exploded just outside the village. Fire crackled, dust blew up and around, sizzling beneath the bright half-moon. Crossing his arms and widening his stance, Deorci waited silently until the fires died down.
Still no evid
ent movement in the village.
Rage burnt in his veins and he roared throughout the night; a fierce sound causing his men to whimper and slap their palms over their ears.
"Don't just stand there like idiots!" he yelled at them. "Move in! Wipe out everyone you see. But do not touch the girl. And leave the brothers to me!"
The men did not hesitate to move (not unless they wanted to feel Deorci's wrath). Stealthily but quickly, the group withdrew from the woods and towards the tiny village. Deorci watched them for only a moment before beckoning Malakai forward.
"What does the girl look like?"
You decide to ask that now? Malakai bit his tongue wisely and muttered, "Short black hair and blue eyes. She won't be hard to miss, Sir."
Deorci scowled at the man's poor judgement. "And why is that? I cannot imagine how black hair and blue eyes could ever be a unique characteristic in your eyes."
Malakai paled. "She's beautiful, Sir. And one of the Protectors belongs to her. A pretty blonde one."
"You obviously have been enjoying your job far too much," he sneered at the boy. "What else?"
"Ahh..um." Malaria flustered. "N-Nothing else...Sir."
Deorci swore, the intensity of it sure to be burnt into the skulls of whoever was brave enough to hear it.
"Get out of my sight!"
* * *
Amelia inched her way behind Hadaen as he stood just inside the flap....listening. The impact of the explosion had sent dirt and rocks crashing inside. She rested her hand against his back...reveling in his warmth, seeking some of his strength.
The time has come.
She would do what was best for all of them. She would defeat Deorci once and for all. Even if it meant making a sacrifice that she knew Hadaen would never forgive her for.
"They're moving in," he said, his voice steady; ever so controlled which she could not understand since she could already feel the sweat damming between her breasts. "Do not be frightened. I'll protect you." She didn't answer but only pressed her forehead against his back, praying silently to The First for forgiveness in advance. Hadaen looked over his shoulder at her. "Amelia?"