The kiss ended but the massage continued. Tash kneeled, his hands working a path down Mayr's hips to his thighs. When his fingers journeyed between Mayr's legs, they met his mouth as he swallowed Mayr's cock.
Mayr stifled a cry. Tash hummed and took Mayr deeper, his lips locking around the root. On his way back up, he tongued the underside of Mayr's cock to the tip and raked the swollen head with his teeth. He glided his fingertips downwards, over the tight skin of Mayr's sac to the entrance beyond.
Forced by a collision of instinct and need, Mayr leaned back on his elbows, granting Tash a better angle. Fingertips rubbed and teased, stretching the opening before one of Tash's slicked fingers entered him, cautious but steady. Mayr spread his legs wider and lifted his hips awkwardly.
"Wait," Mayr said, sitting up and lifting Tash's chin. He moved across the altar until he lay along its length. The altar was longer than he was tall, with almost a foot length of extra space left on either end. "All right, n—"
Before Mayr could finish, Tash was on the altar. Grinning as he crawled between Mayr's raised knees, he pinned Mayr with an arm on either side. The grin gave way to a quick kiss before Tash sat up, his legs bent under him. The vial was in his hands in the next instant. He poured oil into his palm, stopped the vial, and returned it to his pocket. Bent over Mayr on hands and knees, Tash massaged Mayr's entrance again. His finger slid in readily.
Even though they had only done it once before, Mayr's body remembered it well enough to immediately demand more. From the sensations shooting through his every limb, up every vein, across every nerve, it seemed as though his body drew Tash in and refused to let go, addicted to the pleasure it offered. He groaned as Tash's finger turned and went further, up to the knuckle. Hips rocking in gradual rhythm, Mayr rode Tash's touch as he withdrew, twisted, and pushed in again. Mayr's cock hardened until it hurt, vying for attention. Trapped between Tash and Mayr's stomachs, taunted by Tash's thick, rigid erection, it wanted a fist, a mouth, Tash's body—anything to relieve the building pressure.
Unable to obtain the other options, Mayr gripped his cock, stroking at an angle that allowed him to catch Tash's cock at the same time. Tash's breath hitched, and he sank lower, grinding into Mayr. The burn of a second finger entering Mayr lasted briefly, lost to the pressure of Tash's lips on his mouth and neck. Around them, Tash's red robe flowed and pooled on the altar, sensual in its softness.
The fabric was no match for the delectable pain that raced through Mayr's skin as Tash bit his shoulder. While Tash licked and sucked as he nursed the bruise, his fingers drove deep. Mayr rocked and pushed hard onto Tash's third finger, but it was not what he needed. To fulfill his rabid need, there was only one thing that would do.
"Tash," Mayr managed between groans.
Worry hit him as Tash sat back and withdrew his fingers. They could not stop, Mayr would have argued, had Tash not retrieved the vial from his pocket to pour more oil into his hand. After the vial was safe in his robe, Tash stroked his own cock, coating it with oil and drops of his pre-release. He leaned over Mayr, their gazes locked, a shared desire passing between them.
"Our first time," Tash murmured, "just as it should be. Just as you deserve."
Mayr wrapped his legs around Tash's waist, the robe pulling taut. "And we're alone, just like you wanted. Make me scream your name." He lifted his hips further in invitation.
His request was met with eagerness. Tash entered Mayr, his cock pushing deeper in increments, winning the battle between skin and sex. Mayr's back bowed against the sharp pain, driving him further onto Tash until Tash was inside him completely. They lay still, their shallow breaths finding a matched pace.
Arms and legs around Tash, Mayr shifted, Tash's cock settling in him. The pain subsided, but the other sensations remained, gnawing on need and pleasure. He felt full. Grounded. Found. Ready for more.
Playful, he wiggled his hips.
The message was well-received. Hesitation aside, Tash moved in and out, quickening the rhythm as he continued. The longer he thrust, the more Mayr was overwhelmed with the realization Tash had always belonged there, in him, around him, part of him. Their bodies responded as if they were meant for each other. What attraction Mayr had felt for anyone else was nothing compared to his feelings for Tash. They had never completed him.
Desire blazed inside Mayr again, ravenous for Tash's release. Taking Tash's dry hand, Mayr entwined their fingers and squeezed. Tash's thrusts intensified, driving hard and deep. His lips and tongue darted over Mayr's throat.
Need raged through Mayr's cock again. The shaft pulsed within his grasp, swollen to its full extent, ready to erupt. Each stroke pushed him further. When Tash's fist joined his, Mayr moaned and thrust into the touch. Together they rubbed and teased, bathing their fingers in his pre-release. At any moment, he would burst through the barrier between sanity and coming.
Tash freed his dry hand to caress the underside of Mayr's forearm.
Mayr's sanity crashed.
His breaths stuttered, loud and rapid. His heart raced. Feather-light and unexpected, Tash's fingertips danced up his arm. He wanted to run. He wanted to stay. He wanted to do everything all at once. But the ache, the need, the cock ramming into him, the musky scent of Tash all around him, the touch—
"Halataldris!" Mayr shuddered and contracted, tightening his hold on Tash. His release came hard and fast, shooting across his stomach. Wet and warm, some of it pooled while the rest flowed down his sides. He rocked into Tash's deep thrusts and drew his knees higher into his chest.
Tash curled around Mayr, cradling Mayr's head on his arms. "Mayr," he whimpered, burying his face in Mayr's neck as his body tightened. His hips plunged fast. He gripped Mayr as he moaned and thrust through his release until he was spent.
Still wrapped around one another, they recovered, breathing together. Once they were calmer, Tash pulled out from Mayr and sat back on his legs. Mayr pushed himself up and guided the red robe down Tash's arms. There were no words of protest; Tash allowed the robe to drape over the end of the altar behind him before lying beside Mayr. They faced each other, pressed together with their legs entangled. Tash's hand rested on Mayr's hip.
"I have to wonder what Emeraliss would think of what just happened," Mayr said, "because I'd like to think we did something good."
Tash's fingers glided over Mayr's smooth jaw. "It's one of the greatest offerings that can be made. Those who choose to make such an offering must have purest intentions and love in their hearts." He kissed Mayr's forehead. "And those we have."
Mayr's glance caught on Tash's scarred wrist; the right arm, with the unfinished cut.
Without thinking, Mayr brought Tash's forearm to his lips and kissed the scars. He worked his way up to linger on the most recent wound. "You will never have cause to finish this, ever. I promise. And you know how important promises are."
A small smile crept across Tash's lips. "I will never push you away again. Neither will I ever believe you are unworthy or not good enough. You are more than enough. You're the rest of me I've never had."
By the Four, I love the way you talk. Mayr kissed Tash softly.
As their lips parted, Mayr froze, staring over Tash's shoulder. Out of nowhere, four white feathers had materialized, bursting into existence in the space between the altar and the door. They drifted to the floor, scattered in different directions. When they reached the ground, they emanated a silver glow with a thin, white streak of blinding light at their core.
"Um," Mayr started, blinking. Had he not seen it for himself, he would have thought it was just a tale. After all the years of doubting the Four, questioning Their existence, he was starting to believe. The Uldana Trials had changed their lives completely, even in ways he could not fathom. "So, Emeraliss… How much is She keeping an eye on us?"
"Why?"
"Well… those feathers are a bit suggestive."
Tash followed Mayr's gaze. He laughed and turned back to Mayr with a wide grin. "I told you we were suppos
ed to be together. Now She's just proven it true. I'll take that as a sign our offering was appreciated. Shall we aim for a second?"
Between Tash's hopeful expression and the feathers from another plane of existence, Mayr could think of no other answer but one: Yes.
Epilogue
Torchlight reflected off the silver gilding of the Dahe estate's ballroom, the flames dancing with as much vigour as the guests. White, blood red, and bright pink flowers cascaded over the grey walls, their long, dark stems woven into wicker lattices hung between the tapestries. The spring tapestries had been replaced with those of summer, the scenes of merriment and romantic notions reflecting the atmosphere of Valaster's Feast in green and yellow threads. Music filled the ballroom with lively notes, drowned out by laughter. Around the long table spanning the length of the room, couples danced and mingled, their clothes creating a sea of colour.
There was only one colour Mayr's attention strayed to every few moments: a deep red that shimmered even in the faintest light, worn by a single person at the feast. The only one for whom his heart stumbled in and out of rhythm with the heated glances reserved for him.
Mayr turned his back to the guests and faced Tash. Standing near the wall, Tash looked every part the Uldana priest, his robes and veil falling gracefully, hiding the seductive body beneath. Only his talon ring could be considered out of place. One glance at it made Mayr shiver. The ring had grazed and punctured his skin more than a dozen times in the last nine months, leaving an unforgettable trail of pleasurable pain in its wake.
"Are we having fun?" Mayr asked, swallowing the desire pulsing through his body quicker than he could sort the memories dirtying his thoughts. He wanted to strip the pretty fabric away until all that was left was the supple body he held almost every night.
Tash tore his amused gaze away from the dancers. "Of course."
"Really?" Mayr arched a brow. "Even though you're standing here, watching people with me, unable to dance or do anything even remotely fun?"
One step brought Tash close enough to touch their hips together. "Especially since I'm with you. Everything else is irrelevant. Besides, you forget: I used to do this same thing."
Mayr let out a restrained, frustrated breath. The contact did nothing to assuage what was happening in his pants. "So," he started, mouth dry as he studied Tash's lips, wanting more than a simple taste. "Seeing as Emeraliss is your patron Goddess, would you say tonight's been acceptable? Or would every deity and Temple be absolutely horrified?"
"Yes, yes they would." Tash laughed, eyes sparkling as he teased. "Because Aeley and you—no sense of propriety at all." He clasped Mayr's hand. "It's perfect; a celebration worthy of Valaster the Unburdened. Any consort would be pleased with the pains you've all taken." He kissed Mayr's knuckles. "Now stop worrying and go back to staring like you want me."
The command made Mayr whimper silently. Would he always be that easy for Tash to read?
"Since you went there…" Mayr curled his arm around Tash's waist. "I was thinking maybe we should revisit the altar again. Make another offering. After all, it's the first of summer tomorrow. And tonight's a sacred night, especially since I hear Emeraliss particularly enjoyed Valaster in bed. You said earlier it's a time of renewal, rebirth, and new life—and that's what we gave each other," he said. "I've never been as happy as I've been these months with you. Nine months of something I'd kill to protect. Nine months of knowing I'd do anything for you. And we have much to celebrate. Us. Your priesthood and everything that comes with it—all those rites and meetings and the insane traipsing around Kattal that you do now, just like you wanted. The Council pardoning you. The fact the hunters have tracked down more of the Shar-denn members on your list, getting you some more protection." He slipped his hand under Tash's hair, following the curves of Tash's throat to cup the back of his neck. "I want to celebrate. Our way."
Tash did not hesitate. "All right."
"Really?"
"Really."
Recollection of their first time doused Mayr's rational thoughts. Driven by passion, pursued by need, he let his mind and mouth run rampant, taking Tash's lips in a hard kiss. "I'll lead this time, though," he said, breathless as they parted. "Oils, blindfolds, the entire thing. All for you." A twinge of doubt nagged him. "Assuming Emeraliss wouldn't be offended by it?"
"No," Tash replied, smirking. "She'd delight in it. Might just earn you more feathers."
"Good." Mayr nuzzled Tash's unshaven cheek. "Then I'll scream your name, Halataldris, so loud and so often, even Emeraliss's bird will lose his tiny, little mind."
Tash shivered. "Say it again."
"Halataldris," Mayr whispered against Tash's ear. Beneath his hands, Tash's body weakened and curved into Mayr. Tash clung to him as though Tash's knees were about to buckle.
"Keep this up and I'll haul you to our spot in the conservatory."
"Or maybe I'll take you right here. If I wasn't working, I'd be inside you right now."
Eyes wide, lips parted, Tash eyed Mayr with surprise before it shot to yearning. Mayr could not help but laugh and grind gently against Tash.
"Wait, you're together now?" a woman squealed from over his shoulder. "What in the Four is this? It wasn't going that well!"
Mayr spun toward Sarene. Dressed in a bright pink gown with her shoulders bared, wearing matching ribbons and small, yellow flowers in the numerous tiny plaits of her blonde hair, she stood with her hands clenched. Her face red, she gaped at Mayr and Tash's entwined fingers.
"Sarene," Mayr greeted from behind his strained smile. He had not seen her since she broke up with him, not even in passing in the village—mostly because he had not cared to look. "How are you? Where's your latest toy?"
Mouth opening and closing without sound, Sarene continued to stare. Her gaze flickered to the floor. "I'm not with anyone. Can't be with anyone when they keep leaving," she added quietly, wringing her fingers in the gauzy top layer of her gown.
"And what a shame that is." Mayr pulled on Tash. "Sorry, but we need to be somewhere."
As they brushed past Sarene, Tash stopped beside her and grasped her bare shoulder. "Thank you, for everything. Truly. Because of you, we finally found each other. Our search is finished. We are indebted to you." He kissed her cheek. "May your own search find such a joyous end. If you ever need someone to talk to, I want you to come see me."
Stunned and tearful, Sarene watched them as they walked away.
"And since you're you, you actually mean it," Mayr muttered, holding Tash to his side with one arm. They moved around the crowds with ease, taking advantage of the courtesy shown to Tash as people cleared a path.
"She deserves to be happy, too." Tash gazed at him lovingly even while scolding him. "She just isn't included in our happiness."
"I know." Mayr sighed, guiding them toward the other side of the room. Aeley and Lira were there somewhere. Probably causing troub—
"Mayr?" a quiet voice inquired from behind them.
A chill rushed down Mayr's legs from the knee. The unexpected voice belonged to his past, safe in his memories, not at a ball where Aeley could follow through on her promises.
Tash squeezed Mayr's hand. Swallowing back the nausea and anxiety combating his emotions, Mayr faced the owner of the voice. The blood rushed from his face, his body too numb to do anything else but stand rigid. Betta stood before him in a simple, light green gown with layered black lace cuffs, biting her bottom lip and rocking on her heels. While she still wore her wavy, brown hair long and her brown eyes were still haunting, she looked tired and run down, no longer vibrant and youthful. The years had stolen it all away.
"Betta." The name fell from his lips before his mind could fathom it.
She offered him a nervous smile and stepped closer. "Mayr. How are you?"
How could he answer that? How could she ask it? "Fine," Mayr replied without thought, "just… confused. Why? Why are you here, of all places, and now?" Your name wasn't on any invitation I saw. Aeley's going to hav
e a fit.
"I know." Betta lowered her gaze, her clasped hands trembling. "I shouldn't be here. I'll leave right away, I promise. I—I just wanted to—" Tears gathered in her eyes as she sighed. "I just wanted to apologize. In person. I—I've been thinking about you a lot lately. About what I did." Cautious, she neared Mayr and laid a hand on his arm. She immediately snatched her hand back. "I was wrong, Mayr, and I did you wrong. I know that, and I'm sorry. I know it doesn't make up for anything. I'm not stupid. What I did—it's unforgivable. Despicable." Betta fingered one of her cuffs, her head lowered. "I wish I could say I didn't know what I was thinking—that it was only because I was young and stupid or someone made me do it—but I'd be lying. I thought I could do better. I don't know why, I just did. But I didn't realize you were the better. I didn't appreciate you. I didn't understand."
To put it mildly, Mayr almost said, biting his cheek. "Well, thanks for sharing your newfound understanding. I'm so incredibly touched you'd finally think about me. Guess I'll just fall at your feet and kiss it all better." When Tash elbowed him gently in the ribs, Mayr grunted softly. Maybe he was being too harsh. Maybe he was being just harsh enough. Too many responses drifted through his thoughts. For every instinct telling him to hug her and forgive her, a doubt demanded he hold his ground and deny her the absolution of acceptance. She deserved many things—but he was still uncertain as to what they were, particularly when they were surrounded by people who could sense a matter of gossip from across the room.
Betta nodded resignedly. "You're right to hate me, no less than I hate myself. It hasn't been easy." She held up her hands, panic spreading over her face. "I'm not looking for sympathy, especially not from you. Just saying after I left, I learned all the lessons I'd overlooked the hard way. I found out just how difficult things could really be."
"My heart bleeds," Mayr mumbled.
"So did mine, especially when I found out men didn't want me because I was a mother." Betta smirked sadly. "They didn't want a family, and definitely not some other man's child. They just wanted sex. That was it. My child was a scourge. I could have her or them, but not both."
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