Chapter 383:Dragons(18+)
Eventually the urgency of their earlier reunion softened into something quieter. Lilith stretched beneath the sheets, the long lines of her body shifting against the silk.
Atheline propped himself on one elbow, white hair spilling over one shoulder, and simply looked at her. Purple eyes met golden ones and held.
His lips curled into a soft inviting smile.
Neither of them spoke at first. His hand drifted along the curve of her waist, slow enough that she could feel every inch of the touch. She turned fully toward him, one leg sliding over his hip, and guided him back inside her with the same unhurried care.
The sensation was different this time, deeper, fuller, almost meditative. They moved together in long, rolling strokes, foreheads nearly touching, breath mingling. Every time she lifted her hips he met her; every time he sank deep she exhaled against his mouth.
"Look at me," she whispered.
He never looked away. The slow grind of their bodies built heat in gradual waves rather than sudden fire. When she clenched around him he groaned softly, the sound low and open.
When he angled his hips just so, her lashes fluttered but her gaze stayed locked on his.
They stayed like that for a long time, trading soft kisses between deeper thrusts, until the pleasure crested for both of them in the same quiet, drawn-out wave.
Lilith’s fingers tightened in his hair; Atheline’s hand pressed between her shoulder blades, holding her close as they rode it out together.
Only after the last tremor faded did she stretch again, this time with a small, satisfied sigh.
"We should take a bath."
Atheline looked at her, still half-draped over her body. "That’s probably a good idea, the sweat will start to dry between us."
"uurgh... I hate that feeling."
They left the bed reluctantly. Warm water already filled the large stone bath in the adjoining chamber, someone had clearly anticipated their return. Steam rose in soft clouds.
Lilith stepped in first, the water lapping at her thighs, then sank down until it covered her breasts. Atheline followed, settling behind her so she could lean back against his chest.
For a while they simply floated in the heat, saying nothing just enjoying each others company. His hands moved over her shoulders, then lower, thumbs working into the tight muscles along her spine.
The massage was unhurried and thorough. He traced the line of her neck, the slope of her shoulders, the soft sides of her breasts, never quite lingering long enough to demand more, only enough to make her sigh and melt further into him.
When she turned in his arms he lifted her easily so she sat on the broad stone rim of the bath, legs parted. Water streamed down her greyish skin as he knelt between her thighs.
The first slow drag of his tongue made her head tip back. He took his time, licking through her folds with deliberate care, circling her clit, then sliding lower to taste her more deeply. Lilith’s fingers threaded into his hair, guiding without forcing. Soft sounds escaped her, half sighs, half moans, echoing off the stone walls.
He brought her close twice, backing off each time until she was trembling, eyes half-lidded with need. Only then did he stand, lift her back into the water, and settle her astride his lap.
She sank down onto him with a long, shaky breath. The water made every movement smoother, almost dreamlike.
She rode him slowly at first, rising and falling while his hands cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing the peaks. He leaned forward to take one into his mouth, tongue flicking, and she arched into the wet heat of it.
Their pace stayed sensual for a long stretch, rolling hips, soft kisses, quiet words spoken against skin.
"You feel so good like this," he murmured. "Soft... open..."
"Don’t stop," she answered, voice low. "I want to feel every inch."
Eventually the need sharpened. He gripped her hips and thrust up harder; she met him with equal force, water splashing around them. When she came it was with a sharp cry, body tightening around him in rhythmic pulses. He followed moments later, burying his face against her throat as he spilled deep inside her.
They stayed joined until their breathing slowed, then washed each other with the same unhurried care, soap and warm cloths, soft laughter when water got into eyes, lingering touches that promised more later.
When they finally stepped out, they dried one another and helped each other into fresh clothes. Atheline fastened the clasps of her simple dark gown; she smoothed the fabric of his tunic over his shoulders. The small domestic acts felt almost as intimate as what had come before.
They returned to the main chamber. Several documents had already been placed neatly on the table. Zelpher had clearly followed Lilith’s instructions. Atheline sat while Lilith gathered the papers.
"There are quite a few."
"Most of them can wait."
She separated the ordinary reports from the sealed document.
"This is the one we’re interested in."
The envelope was different from the others. A distinctive seal had been pressed into the wax: a dragon.
Lilith carefully broke the seal. Inside was a formal letter. She unfolded it and began reading. Atheline leaned closer.
The contents were surprisingly straightforward. The Dragonic Council was formally inviting the rulers of the major kingdoms to the Dragonic Island. The meeting was scheduled for one month from now.
The stated purpose was the discussion of a matter affecting the entire world: the emergence of a new variant of corruption.
Atheline’s expression immediately became serious.
"It seems it’s finally gaining their attention."
Lilith continued reading. The letter explained that several newer, unusual cases of corruption had been detected. They differed from the ordinary corrupted creatures and individuals known throughout the world.
The dragons had been monitoring the phenomenon and had determined that it warranted the attention of every major power. Because the threat had the potential to spread beyond borders, the dragons were calling for a joint discussion. Representatives were expected to attend.
The letter concluded with a formal request for their presence.
Atheline leaned back. "So that’s why they sent it to everyone."
Lilith nodded. "They aren’t asking one kingdom for help, they’re warning all of them."
"Exactly."
Atheline thought about the memories he had witnessed beneath the Doom Cave. His expression became thoughtful.
"Do you think it’s connected?"
Lilith didn’t answer immediately. "We don’t have enough information."
"But you think it could be."
"I think we shouldn’t dismiss the possibility."
Atheline nodded. The timing was certainly interesting. They had just returned from discovering ancient records concerning the Cataclysm and the original corruption. Now the dragons were reporting a new variant. Perhaps it was nothing more than history repeating itself, or perhaps something had changed.
Lilith folded the letter. "We should attend."
Atheline nodded immediately. "Definitely. One month gives us enough time. We can investigate the new corruption before then."
Lilith looked at him. "And perhaps speak with the dragons directly."
Atheline smiled. "That might be the most useful part."
The dragons were among the oldest surviving beings in the world. If anyone possessed information about the Cataclysm, the Sovereigns, or the corruption... it would be them.
There was another reason the invitation interested him. Dragonic Island was isolated, and the dragons rarely allowed outsiders to enter freely. If the continent’s rulers were being invited there, something significant must have happened.
Lilith placed the letter back on the table. "We’ll accept."
Atheline nodded. "And we’ll have to prepare."
"Yes." She glanced at the other documents. "But not tonight."
Atheline smiled. "Agreed."
They had already spent enough time traveling. There was no reason to immediately bury themselves beneath political reports. The remaining documents could wait until morning.
Lilith gathered them together and placed them neatly at the side of the table. Atheline stood and stretched.
"One month."
Lilith looked at him. "A lot can happen in a month, especially with us."
She laughed softly. "That’s what worries me."
He smiled. "Don’t worry."
"I’ll try."
Lilith gave him a skeptical look. "You said that before the duel."
"And nothing was destroyed."
"That was luck."
Atheline laughed.
They returned to the bed. The little fox was already curled up near the foot of it, apparently having decided that the day’s events were finished.
Lilith settled beneath the blankets, and Atheline joined her. For a while they simply remained together in silence. Lilith reached for Atheline’s hand beneath the blankets.
"We’ll deal with it when the time comes."
Atheline intertwined his fingers with hers. "Together."
"Always."
The quiet stretched. Outside, the palace remained peaceful beneath the night sky. Then Lilith shifted closer, her free hand sliding under the hem of his tunic to rest against bare skin. Golden eyes met purple ones in the low light.
"One more time," she murmured, already drawing him down to her. "Slow... or not so slow. I haven’t decided yet."
Atheline’s mouth curved as he kissed her, already moving to settle between her thighs again.