They had returned to Iria after Iona was finally reunited with Cilas at the Hanging Gardens. The city held bad memories for the maiden, making it emotionally trying to walk its streets once more. Only, this time Cilas remained by her side, protecting her, and comforting her. He explained that their stay would only be temporary, for all he needed was to find the location of a special magical artifact he wishes to obtain. He believed to have discovered the place of its location, but more research was in order to be sure they weren’t to be sent on a wild goose chase. Iona stayed at the Academy with him, aiding in every way that she could, although she was not entirely certain what they were looking for. And, she supposed it was good that they had returned to the city. Cilas took her to the tavern she had once worked at to ensure her fellow workers and friends that she was alright—it was quite a shock to everyone. Saeldor accompanied them to Iria, but he was called away shortly after their arrival. Before he had left he had assured her and Cilas they would cross paths once again soon enough, but said no more and answered no questions.

Iona and Cilas stayed in the city for many months. Until, Cilas finally found what he was looking for. Supposedly the artifact could be found in ruins within a city known as Kurayo. They began their journey as swiftly as possible, choosing to go by foot just as before. Iona was grateful for the long trek, as it was the perfect opportunity for her and Cilas to grow closer without research becoming their main discussion. Iona had longed for it since the Hanging Gardens. However, parts of her still seemed to be fearful after what the hunters had done to her. Most of the time, she had no issue with him touching her, or even kissing her. Being held within his strong arms was one of her favorite things to do. But whenever she was caught by surprise, her mind instantly jumped to assumptions that she was being attacked again. He couldn’t stand behind her without her fearing she would be forced upon.

And, such fear often made her wonder. She knew she couldn’t remain afraid forever—as Saeldor said, she needed to choose whether to heal or not, and in order to heal, she must fight her fear. Iona did not want her fear to strip Cilas of his options—she didn’t want to deny him anything. Not his needs, and not his pleasures. Iona wanted to build the courage to talk to him about it, so that she may learn what he desires from their relationship, or if he was content with how it was. But, something always held her tongue whenever she tried asking him, and he hardly brought it up. Even now, he keeps his distance and is careful when he touches her. She knew he must have been waiting to see what she wanted, if she was ready, or even willing, for something more. She did, she truly did. If not to face her fear, then it was to be as close to him as she possibly could. It would be a learning experience for both of them, especially her, and she loved learning about Cilas.

Along their way to Kurayo, they arrived at a beautiful and large lake, known as Jasmuin Lake. The surrounding area was absolutely fantastic, a pallet of reds and oranges and yellows. The air had a permanent chill to the breeze, as if promising summer was finishing and winter was on its way. But it wasn’t—the area was trapped in endless autumn. Fallen leaves danced to the ground and swooshed with the soft breeze as it swept by. They made their way up north, until the sound of a waterfall reached their ears. By the time the beautiful running water came into view, night had fallen, and they decided to stop for the night. The sky was dotted with a few clouds, with some covering the light of the brilliant full moon occasionally, hiding it entirely from sight. Iona took in a deep breath of the autumn air as she stood by the lakes edge. Her arms were crossed over her breast, keeping her cloak closed around her torso. A soft smile was on her lips, her eyes gazing at the waterfall.

Then, the breeze swept over her, carrying the scent of the wet rocks and the fresh water. Something flashed in her mind, yet another image. It was one she’d seen before, of her and Cilas. They kissed passionately, their naked bodies colliding. It was only a heartbeat before it vanished, but it caused Iona to burn as a shiver shook her spine. Her cheeks were warm, and she bit her lip to keep from making any sounds. Iona refused to turn and face Cilas, fearing he would see her reddened face.

Cilas decided to head back to Iria after the events unfolded in The Gardens. His journey back was not alone though as fate had decided to reunite him with her, Iona, the woman who now held his heart and he hears. He knew that going back to that city would probably be one of the biggest hurdles for her, but he would stand by her side and be her light through the darkness so as long as she allowed it. If he did not have his own business to finish up in Iria, he would not have brought her there.

Though he wanted her to go there, to allow her eyes to see that city again. To allow her heart and soul to start healing.

Once they arrived he took her through the city once again, so that way she may retrace the steps she once had walked. He even took her back to the tavern she had once worked, those who knew she was gone had looks of surprise and disbelief on their faces when they laid eyes on her again. He helped Iona collect the things that were left there and then moved on. That tavern, and that room she once called a home was something she did need to leave behind. Something in his mind told him that room would just cause her fears to escalate. He brought her with him to the Academy where she could stay and even hone her magic if she wished.

Months had passed and he had finally found a lead in a lost scroll. Just as soon as they had got there Cilas had them back into the open air again. He had felt guilty about it but Iona seemed to not mind as long as she was with him. Their new journey would lead them to Kurayo home to the forgotten and tossed aside. At least that that was their final destination, Cilas had another plan though and led them more north and out of the main path to the forgotten island.

Closer they got to their destination, the further the temperature dropped and the more the grass around them turned to a golden auburn. Jasmine lake, the land of eternal fall. He wanted to take Iona to a more romantic spot, as he knew the academy wasn’t the best spot. Night had soon fallen upon them when they reached the northern end of the lake. The crash of the nearby waterfall could be heard, and the mist in the air was illuminated by the flow of the full moon. Iona walked over to the water's edge to look at the waterfall as Cilas made camp for the two of them.

He noticed when the breeze picked up Iona got a little more unnerved and he barely managed to glimpse the bright red that stood out upon her cheeks. ”Was it another vision?” he asked resting his arm upon his knee as he stared into the fire he finally got lit. He closed his eyes and finally stood up and walked over to where she was. Of course he was careful with his movements, like he had been as to not frighten her. He stopped next to her and looked over at her before he took of his cloak and gently placed it on the ground and waded into the water so it came up to mid shin. He took a deep breath in, the cold waters piercing through his leather boots and pant legs.

”You acted this way on the airship…same bright red cheeks and flustered body.” he spoke softly, he no longer doubted her vision as she spoke about Cilas holding someone dear who had died, and those exact events happened when she passed. He turned his body to the side to face her. ”Was it about us…you know…intimately” it was not like he had not thought about it, he had. He had wished for it at times even. But with what she went through he never acted on impulses. He would have been fine with her kiss and holding her, things which she didn’t fear him for.

He looked up at the moon again and a slight smile appeared on his face. ”My wish was granted you know, to be able to tell you I love you and you love me back…remember on that day? My love I will always give you.”

Iona tensed when Cilas’ voice spoke up. She wondered briefly how he was able to guess she’d had another vision. Perhaps he learned how to notice by now, after she’d already had so many. Staring off, seeming lost in thought could have been a dead giveaway, she supposed. Her arms tightened around herself, her face turning away when his approaching footfalls sounded. Unable to lie, or even hide the truth, she nodded, confirming that she had indeed seen another vision. Inwardly, she hoped he would not notice her flushed cheeks. If he asked, she would be forced to tell him what she had seen. It was too embarrassing for her, and she feared it would seem more like her imagination than a vision she can’t control.

Cilas removed his cloak and set it upon the ground, then walked out into the water. Iona hoped he would turn his attention to the scenery instead, or even comment on how beautiful the water was. But her heart dropped when, instead, he mentioned she had once acted this way. Face flushed, her embarrassment too great to even look at him. She supposed the first time he didn’t have much reason to question what happened, probably assuming it was just a dream since she had been sleeping at that time. But now, she was awake, and it happened again. Too much to be a coincidence, she guessed. The sound of water rippling sounded and drew her eyes up to view Cilas standing ahead, his silver pools watching her. Then, her heart thumped, and the redness in her face spread to her ears and neck. Her eyes widened, as if she had seen something embarrassing but was too shocked to avert her gaze. How did he know?!

Her eyes dropped to the water before her feet, humiliation washing over her like a powerful wave. How could he have guessed what the vision was? Was it that obvious? Perhaps avoiding his gaze with a flushed face made it apparent the vision involved him, and it was less than modest. It wasn’t just a lucky guess—it was brilliant observation mixed with knowledge. Iona took in a deep breath and released it shakily. Reluctantly, she unlocked the brooch holding her cloak together and allowed it to slide off her shoulders. It piled on the ground around her legs, and then she stepped into the water. Her movements were so smooth and slow that the cold liquid made no sound, the little ripples glistening under the moonlight when a cloud finally uncovered it. He lifted his gaze to look at the beautiful light in the sky, his lips forming a soft smile. In response to his words, she finally forced herself to gaze upon his handsome face, her hands loose fists over her thrumming heart.

“I remember,” she muttered, her lips forming a loving smile of her own as she recalled that night. All she had wanted was for him to be happy. She had intended on leaving him so she wouldn’t hold him back, only to learn that she was all he wanted. Even during this moment her heart fluttered and warmed. “I… I did see us,” Iona finally responded, albeit hesitantly. “It was only a moment, but… the image was very clear. You and I were…” her voice trailed off, eyes blinking away for a moment as she took another breath to steady her nerves. It was not only an embarrassing subject, but also a difficult one for her. Her only sexual experience was a horrible one that caused her such pain. It wasn’t clear to her how people enjoyed the activity so much, but she knew it was loved anyway. It is meant to bring pleasure to those involved. She wasn’t sure if it was her, or the method the hunters chose that made it anything but enjoyable. Either way, she wanted to learn how it’s meant to be, learn how to fight her fear so that she may heal.

She shook her head and smiled sadly at him, “I am certain it was nothing more than a figment of my imagination. We need not put too much thought into it.” Her smile vanished at her own words. Once again, she could bring herself to ask him about it. She was turning out to be quite the coward.

He looked down at his reflection in the water, he had never seen himself smile as much as he did now. Even her simple presence brought him happiness that he never thought he would have. His heartfelt full, almost overflowing and yet lighter than the air itself. She joined him in the cold waters, the water itself barely even moving as she entered it. It was almost as if it welcomed her to its grasp. He remembered her telling him that water was the closest thing to the spirit realm, perhaps it still could sense what she was. She then answered the question he had asked and even his cheeks got red at it.

It was them

He rubbed the back of his head as she couldn’t finish the statement fully. He didn’t know if was from the embarrassment of even seeing that or cause of what had happened to her. She tried to brush it aside, but Cilas caught the glimpse of sadness in her eyes especially when the smile faded from her lips. Why was she sad that she didn’t want to talk about it? Did she, did she actually want to experience that what she saw? So many questions filled Cilas mind that he just didn’t know how to respond to her. He did not even know what felt right to do.

He walked over to her, standing only a couple of inches away. ”Back when we first met, you saw the men and women all over themselves. I told you to hide, to let no one see,” His words once again talking about something of the past, ”No one besides the one you love is what I should have said.” He moved closer even closer to her. ”Those in love crave each other. The warmth of their bodies, being held, no longer feeling alone,” He ran his hand tenderly down through her hair as he brought a few strands up to his nose, ”Even the smell they leave behind.” He said and closed his eyes and took a breath in.

He opened his eyes again and put a hand on her slender waist, his hand running up and down the curve of her body. ”The crave everything about them… He whispered and leaned in to kiss her, far more passionately than any kiss before. The hand on her waist moved around to the small of her back as he pulled her into him. He broke the kiss on her lips to kiss down her jawline and down her neck. His mind was slowly fading to lust. He bit at her neck firmly but gently sucking a little. He waited to see if his advances were rejected but no sign of that came yet.

He ran his other hand up her arm, pulling down the sleeve of her dress. He let her neck go and proceeded to kiss the exposed flesh softly, like a brush of a feather across it. His nose picking up nothing but her natural scent of lavender and pine, intoxicating him. He stopped kissing her and leaned back up his eyes staring into hers as he rested his forehead against hers. Bot of his hands this time around her waist. It didn’t take long before he kissed her again, tongues dancing with each other’s as his hands moved from her waist down over his covered cheeks. When they reached the bass of her legs he gripped firmly pulling her up and against him.

He knew no strings held her dress against her, he broke the kiss with her as he let go and grabbed the fabric of her dress rather and pulled it up and over her head. Her naked figure now stood before him as the water from the lower end of the dress fell upon her. It glistened upon her skin from the moonlight and soaking her hair as it pressed against her shoulders and face.

Iona watched, motionless, as Cilas approached her. Once again he reminded her of something he’d once said, a warning he laid out for her when they first met. On that fateful night beneath the full moon, just like now. When he took her through the town of Blackmore and explained how inappropriate the townsfolk were acting. It seemed long in the past now, as if years went by to get to this point. But in reality, it hadn’t. And now, he was correcting himself by admitting he hadn’t told her the whole truth. Perhaps he feared telling her back then because it would have been easy for her simple and oblivious mind to misunderstand and be fooled. Such a thing could have resulted in her being taken advantage of. For a Wisp that knew not what love it was he spoke of, all it would have taken was for someone to say ‘I love you’, and they would’ve had her. But now she understood, and she wasn’t so simply deceived. He was telling her that they were in love, that it was alright for them to partake in such activities together. It made her heart flutter yet dread filled it all the same. He continued as he moved closer, and he raised his hand to gently slide it through her silver tresses. Her breathing paused as she watched him bring a few strands up to his face and breath in its scent.

Thump.

When his silver eyes opened to look upon her once again, her breath hitched, for his hand was placed on her waist. A shiver crawled down her back like the legs of a spider, and her knees wobbled. She was not so blind as to not see where he was going. And she was afraid, very afraid. It had hurt to have those men inside of her, touching her without any intention of being gentle. Cilas was surely different—a powerful dragon he might be, but not once had he harmed her in any way. Every touch brought her warmth and joy, not pain and cold fear. Whether or not it felt differently to have him take pleasure in her body than it did with the hunters, she wasn’t sure. But she couldn’t help being curious either way. She would never know if she never gave him a chance. His hand caused her more shivers when it moved along her frame, slowly and gently rising and falling. Even his whisper, the hotness of his breath touching her skin as he leaned in made her nearly lose her balance.

Thump.

Cilas closed the space between them with a kiss far different from all others they’ve had. His tongue slipping past her lips was a surprise that almost caused her to shy away, but she didn’t. Albeit a muffled hum escaped her, almost as if she had intended to speak but couldn’t bring herself to break the kiss to do so. Her eyes fluttered closed. The warmth in her chest started to slowly spread. And the moment he pulled her body against his, her arms lifted to loosely wrap around his own waist. Her slender fingers curled to grip the fabric of his tunic for a false sense of stability. Then he broke the kiss, allowing her to shakily release a breath. Cilas’ lips moved to tend to her jawline, each touch like fire against her skin. Her heart beat louder, the sound reaching her ears as he dropped his head and kissed her neck. A small whimper slipped past her lips at the electrical feeling. It was like his lips had the power to ignite every nerve beneath her skin. She never expected such a simple thing to feel so intense, and so glorious. Her fear moved to the back of her mind, preventing her from being able to stop him. In fact, most thoughts seemed to gradually fade away. Was this the fog of lust?

His teeth met with the flesh on her neck and pressed. She gasped, her body tensing. In response to his firm bite, yet maintaining a gentleness that prevented any harm, her grip on his waist tightened. He proceeded to suckle the skin, making her blood rush to the spot. The touch on her arm was slow and careful as his hand rose to the top of her sleeve. She titled her head towards the arm that was gradually exposed, the cloth sliding down her limb. He dropped his head to take his wonderful lips and their kisses to her shoulder and arm. She released her grip on him to give him access down to her hand. Something inside her was ignited. Her blood raced through her veins, spreading heat across her body as quick as wildfire.

And then, he stopped kissing her.

Curiosity opened her eyes. She was met with Cilas’ silver gaze looking down at her momentarily, until he leaned forward and pressed his forehead against her own. It gave them both a second to breath. And, it gave Iona time to prepare for what she had seen coming. His hands moved in unison to wrap around her waist before their lips were dancing together once again. She melted into the kiss. Using her tongue was not something she was accustomed to, but she performed her best by mimicking Cilas. Her eyes had closed for a second time. But his hands—their naughtiness was very evident, even while she was drowning in his scent and touch. They snaked their way down her back and over her round bottom, only stopping once they reached her thighs. Instantly, fear struck her. The fire within almost turned cold with the sensation of the hunters forcing her legs apart and touching her. But Cilas did no such thing. She managed to resist her urge to move away from him long enough to be pulled closer and upwards. Her body clashed against his. Her delicate figure was soft like a pillow in comparison to his strong and sturdy frame. She lifted her arms to curl them around his neck, aiding with keeping her close to Cilas.

He broke the kiss again and released his hold on her. She abruptly dropped back to her feet, the water beneath her splashing quietly. He took hold of her dress, and her eyes lifted to gaze into his. The uncertainty was clear on her face as her fear rose and she fought it. He gradually lifted her dress, up, up, up. She broke their eye contact to stare at his chest. It was becoming harder to look at him the more he exposed her. Fear stilled her, yet, when the time came, she lifted her arms for him to completely remove the dark dress. The wet half drizzled water onto her pale flesh, streaming down and glinting under the moonlight. Her skin formed tiny bumps without the piece of clothing there to protect it from the wind. Her heart was hammering, and her face flushed. Then, her embarrassment grew too great. Instinct drove her arms to cross over her bare chest to shield herself from his eyes, her knees drawing closer together. She trembled lightly, although she couldn’t tell if it was caused by fear, nervousness, or excitement.

It did not take long for Iona to shield her bare bosom from him and to bring her knees closer together. She was afraid, and he did not blame her for such a thing, after all, that she had been through even getting as far as this was something he did not foresee. He tossed the discarded dress up onto the shore and placed his hands upon her upper arms. He could feel the goosebumps on her delicate skin. She was afraid, and it was his job to show her what the touch of a true lover was, to break down the iron fortress that she built up. He could not rush it, this much he knew, she had to give herself to him and he would wait no matter how long it took.

He leaned over, the side of his head pressing against hers. ”You need not hide from me,” his words a soft whisper lined with lust into her close ear, ”I want to take all of your beauty in. I want it burnt into my mind.” He blew his hot breath into her ear as he went and bit the lobe of her ear softly. His words and actions seemed to be the key though as her arms slowly moved away from her chest. Had she herself given into the primal lust that Cilas had already fallen into? His hands moved from her arms back around her, his finger tracing her spine all the way down. It was unbelievable to him how soft and smooth her bare flesh was, and it only made him crave her more. He went after her neck again, as he did on the other side a little more fierce than before but still gently enough.

His hands once again found their way to her bare bottom, as he grabbed and caressed her cheeks in his hand as he continued to suck upon her neck. The sounds escaping her caused him to grab harder, just so he could hear them more. He finally released her neck to take a breath himself, his breathing labored more as he was driven by his primal desires. They couldn’t stay in the water that much he knew. So he stepped to the side a little as he bent over his hands releasing the grasp one sliding up and the other down. He swiftly lifted her from her feet as she lay in his arms and slowly he moved from the water to the shore.

He knelt to lay her upon the damp grass close enough to the fire to feel its warmth. He allowed his eyes to look over her body before reach over his head and pulling his own tunic off. He dropped it to the side and straddled over her, leaning down to kiss her lips again. He let her hands this time explore his bare chest and arms. Even though the discomfort of his erect member pressed against his pants, he knew it wasn’t time to strip completely he would let her be the one to do that when she was ready.

He ran his hands up her sides up beneath her armpits and slowly pushed her arms up above her head. He kissed her deeply letting out a small groan himself, as he traced back down her outstretched arms with just the tips of his nails. Scooting back of her waist he broke the kiss once more and looked down at her exposed breast. He could see the slight scars that lined the side. He placed a finger softly over the top of the scar and followed it down. He looked back up into her sapphire eyes. His curious hand moving down her stomach to the navel before slowly sliding back up this time taking her breast into his hand. He leaned over and kissed the area above her bosom. He kissed down to her other breast, his mouth hovered over her stiffened nippled. Light kisses followed around the tender flesh around it before he let his tongue circle it.

The tip of his tongue flicked it and then he put his mouth around it sucking on it, his teeth grinding softly on it. Her body was reacting in ways that he wanted it to, as the hand caressing her other breast pinched the other side. A few moments later he switched mirroring what he had done to one side to the other.

Her dress was thrown aside, leaving her with no chance of covering herself with it. She took it as a sign that there was no going back. Iona needed to push through—she needed to fight. If not for herself, then for Cilas. The fear which had been planted within her affected him just as much as it did her. She would not hold him back, deny his wishes. His happiness was all that truly mattered in her eyes. He gingerly laid his hands upon her arms and leaned closer. She allowed him to press his head against hers, resisting to pull herself out of his grasp. It would be so simple with how lightly he held. But she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. The husky whisper shook her body with a shiver, and she released a breath shakily. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and quickly was accompanied by a growing warmth. Her weak knees almost caused her to lose her balance. He wanted to see her. He wanted the sight of her naked body permanently stuck in his mind. Cilas blew on her ear and burned it, a heat which instantly spread throughout her body. Another whimper slipped past her lips as his teeth gently bit down on her earlobe.

Her fear told her not to—it screamed it. Yet, her body reacted the way Cilas wanted it to. Her arms slowly fell as if she’d lost control over them. Her small and humble breasts were exposed to the cool air, allowing her nipples to visibly harden. Even still, Iona could not bring herself to meet his gaze. She quivered lightly from his hands moving around to her back where they then followed the curve of her spine, down, down, down… His lips and teeth met her neck. She gasped louder than before, eyes fluttering closed as she melted into him. He was more fierce this time as he bit and sucked her skin, sending waves of fiery electricity through her veins. A new side of him had been awakened—she could see it clearly. With every move he made, she felt his lust, his primal desire to ravage her, to make her his. And she also felt his restraint. It was as if she was hearing him constantly remind himself to be gentle, not to harm her, or frighten her away. A powerful but gentle beast indeed. Even while he was slowly submitting to the pleasures of their bodies, he remained aware of his every action.

His hands soon found themselves on her bottom. She was groped, then tenderly caressed. Her breathing became huffs as her heart raced and blood pounded. It was like she had been running, but she was not growing weak and weary. No, the adrenaline was pumping, soon overthrowing her fear with excitement and curiosity. Her knees pressed together as if to douse the heat growing between them. She didn’t understand how, but Cilas had successfully brought her enjoyment. The hunters touched her, but not in the same way. They didn’t make her skin tingle, nor did they cause her body to burn and her heart to hammer in her chest like he did. But, would the rest be this way? When Cilas touches her, when he enters her, will the flames burn out? Before she could stop it, a quiet moan left her as he suckled her neck more roughly. Her hands raised and palms were pressed upon his chest. Slender fingers pressed into the cloth of his tunic, scraping with the urge to remove it. The urge to no longer be the only one naked was very sudden, catching her off guard briefly.

Then he stopped. He took heavy breaths as he paused, Iona one more moment to prepare herself. The fear in the back of her mind tried to resurface by bringing up questions, making her wonder what would happen next. Would he lose himself in his lust? Could he maintain his tenderness? Her arms wrapped around his neck when she was lifted into his arms. His steps ripples the water as he carried her to the lakeside. Soon enough, the flickering fire’s warmth reached her, her only external source of heat. Soft, wet grass tickled her back until she was completely laid down beneath Cilas. He took a second to look over her bare body, water trickling down her pale flesh. She pushed down the urge to hide again. Instead, Iona allowed him to examine her, body shivering from it as if his eyes had caressed her like his hands once did. She pulled her knees together, but the gap between her thighs wouldn’t allow her to fully cover herself with the act.

Then, he began lifting his tunic. Instantly, curiosity drove her eyes to his bare torso, wide with amazement. She’d never seen a male’s bare chest and stomach. It became very clear to her how she’d always felt his strength, for what he’d kept hidden were powerful muscles. Each one told her how much he cared for his body, working it and building it. Iona’s watery blue eyes gradually fell down his frame. But her examination was cut short when he moved and straddled her. Her heart thumped in her chest, however her fear finally managed to break through to the surface once again. She was pinned beneath him. Trapped. Restrained. The feeling of helplessness washed over her, just like it had in that cabin. Her breathing quickened as her anxiety grew. So she took a few deep breaths, until she was able to steady herself. He won’t hurt her. He won’t hurt her. He won’t…

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. She forced her eyes shut. Not to force out the feeling of his touch like she had with the hunters, but instead to focus on it. She wanted to pay close attention to everything he does to her, and spot the difference between his ministrations and those she’d already experienced. His lust drove him, but she still noticed his tenderness as he ran his hands up her sides, leaving burning, tingling flesh in their wake. They rose to her arms, and pulled them over her head. And, as he brought them back down, brushing her with his nails, a deep groan from him sent a shiver down her back. She kept her arms in place while he repositioned himself. A few moments of nothing passed. Curiosity and, admittedly, impatience reopened her eyes for Iona to see Cilas staring down at her breasts. It was then that she started becoming very aware of how small her bosom was. It reminded her of the hunter’s words: “I like them bigger. They were an eyesore.” She couldn’t suppress her wonder if Cilas felt the same, or if he didn’t mind. He lifted his hand and caressed one of the scars he’d discovered. She flinched at the touch unintentionally, and then their eyes locked.

She held his gaze while his hand dropped down her figure, flesh tingling until he reached her mid waist. Then, it rose back up. Cilas groped a single breast, taking the whole mound into his large, warm palm. Iona’s mouth gaped as she drew in a sharp breath. He leaned down and kissed her beneath her collarbone and added another kiss, further down, making his way to her unattended breast. He hovered over her nipple, allowing his breath to burn the tender spot. It was teasing, making her bodily urge long for him. It was a little frightening. When he finally planted his lips upon her, she gasped at the intense, burning, electrical sensation. He built on her urge further by circling her pink nipple with a trail of kisses. His tongue followed suit, wetting her sensitive flesh. A whimper escaped her as her legs pressed closer together. A fire blazed within her, growing in her stomach and between her thighs. There was a craving that accompanied it, an ache, a throb that begged for him to touch her further below. Her body released a liquid she was unfamiliar with, which trickled down to the grass below her. Was this how her body was meant to react?

His tongue flicked her nipple briefly before he took its entirety into his mouth. At the pressure from the first suck, a moan sounded from her. Her back arched just a tad, and she finally moved her arms. Her hands found themselves in his hair, nails digging lightly into his scalp as a way of keeping him from moving away from her breasts. His teeth gently ground her, his fingers pinching her other nipple. She found herself moaning again from it all, and then yet again when he switched to give her other breast the same beautiful attention from his mouth. Iona was beginning to squirm a little, her knees bending into the air. “Mmm, Cilas,” she moaned.

Iona finally made a move that told the dragon she wanted it. Her arms lowered, sliding her hands through his hair her nails lightly digging into his scalp, as he sucked, ground and caressed her breast and nipples. Her hands commanded holding his head to where he was and he did all put comply with their orders. Every time he caused a moan to escape her lips it drove him further and further into his lustful desires. His name was called out and her body arched, her knees rising ever so slightly off the ground. He wanted to take her so badly, just to her her moans and his name escape her lips even more.

His pants grew tighter, and the uncomfortable state he was in driving him insane, but he had to endure and sure, oh so surely he hoped he would be reward for his patience. He let go of the nipple he had been working on and kissed the top of her breast as he slide back up, pushing himself against her so that she may know how aroused she had gotten him. His kisses moving up her chest were nothing but feather shot, his hot breath escaping between them as he enjoyed her ever perfect skin.

His arm wrapped underneath her shoulders as he kissed her lips again. His body pressed tightly against hers as he felt her bare skin upon his own. He moaned slight against the kiss, and decided now was the time. He moved his hand off her breast and down her stomach to her thigh and knee as he slowly pushed it away from the other opening her legs up. He was to blindly by his lustful desire to see how she would react before he let his hand drop to her womanhood. He rubbed her with all 4 fingers together, pushing against her lips. He could feel that she had gotten a little wet from him playing with her breasts.

”is this what you had envisioned? Do you crave more, want more, need more?” He whispered softly, hot breath escaping his lips as he broke their kiss. His ring and middle finger moved up the edges of her lips till he hit her nub and he pressed them against it gentle moving them in a swirling motion and switching to a side to side motion the speed changing depending how she cries out to his touch. He leaned over her to the side of the neck he had originally bite and bit down on the tender spot he had before. He sucked on it briefly before letting go and licking at it. He wanted to know what she felt like and after playing with her for a bit his fingers slid down to her opening and he slid his ring and middle finger into her.

A warmth, tightness and wetness washed over his fingers as he reached deep in. He hovered his mouth over her ear, his hot breath grazing past it. ”Lose yourself to me, give me everything.”. He moved his fingers against her as he drew them back out and back in again. His thumb rubbing against her nub as his fingers moved. He was hoping to hit the spot that would cause her to lose herself.

Cilas had somehow made her a mess. Restraining her voice became impossible, as did keeping her body still. She couldn’t stop squirming, arching her back with a moan whenever he sucked or bit her nipple just right. Her hands were lost in his hair, her head pressed against the ground beneath her. She rubbed her knees together awkwardly as if it would shake the throbbing between her legs. The precious area was aching terribly, and she knew why. Her body wanted him to touch her there, it screamed for him to penetrate her. It would not be satisfied until its need was granted. But, that worried her. How could her body crave for what had once harmed her? It was as if it forgot what it felt like to have something tearing her skin as if forced itself inside of her, and how it hurt to have it rub her dry, inner walls vigorously. Would it be different now that she was wet? Did her body somehow naturally know that?

Her moans were replaced by her loud breathing as Cilas pulled away from her nipple. He kissed further up her breast, then her sternum with a series of feather-light kisses. Cilas climbed her, hot breath tingling her flesh. Something soon followed, catching Iona off guard and peaking her curiosity. A large bump pressed against her lower abdomen. Her eyes blinked open to glance down, briefly spotting him pushing his hips on her. Was the bump his… She fought the wave of fear that washed over her from the realization. Once again, she tried to look at the situation differently. He could have forced himself into her by now, but instead he let her know that he was aroused. Perhaps he was trying to help her mentally prepare to take him. Even if she wasn’t certain if it was true, it was a comfort that he sill maintained his thoughtfulness, even which lust taking over his mind and body.

As their lips met, her eyes fluttering closed, her hands slid down his neck before she rearranged her arms to curl around his back. His strong arm held her from beneath, and her hands rubbed his muscles, following his spine up and down. His torso slowly dropped to collide with her own. Her soft breasts and stomach seemingly delicate as twigs next to his firm and powerful body. She was completely at his mercy. If he desired something of her, he could easily take it. His might would easily snap her fragile frame. She shuddered at the thought, both frightened, yet somehow melting even more into his loving touch. That strength of him could just as well be used to protect her, just as she’d seen many times already. The body that pressed against hers and held her could easily harm her, yet it pleased her instead. His moan was a new but wonderful sound that caused her a shiver of pure delight. And then, the hand that remained on her breast removed itself. She kept her lips on his and arms caressing his back, but her mind followed the path his hand took. Down it went, softly sliding her over her belly as it ventured south.

Fear made her heart thump, the image of the hunter sitting between her legs flashing within her mind. She almost broke the kiss, almost told him to stop. But, instead she grabbed his neck and pulled him in for a deeper kiss to hold herself down. Fight it. You will not heal unless you do, she told herself. He went down her thigh, stopping at the knee. His gentle pulling granted him permission to separate her legs, spreading them enough for the cool air to touch her womanhood. Another shiver shook her spine. There was no warning from Cilas before his hand abruptly plunged between her legs. A loud gasp left her, her back arching and pressing her breasts and stomach further against his torso. A wave of heat shot through her as the pressure of his hand pushed on her inner lips. His husky voice cut through her mind, deep, breathless with lust. He wanted her so badly; she could feel it. Yet, he wanted her to want him just as badly. He wasn’t like those hunters who sought only their own pleasure. He wasn’t the same. It warmed her heart. And, in response, she moaned, “Cilas, please, don’t stop.” It was her unclear way of telling him that she did want more, for she knew he would do so unless she stopped him.

It wasn’t how she envisioned it at all. It was better. So, so much better. Feeling him for real was amazing. A steaming, frightening, but enjoyable experience. Two fingers followed the edges of her lips, sliding up until they merged to press down on her central nerve. The tender spot was shocked with intense tingling, causing her to moan. Her arms tightened around his neck as he lowered to bite and suck and lick her neck. He moved in swirls on her nub, then to and fro. And when he rubbed her faster, everything intensified, her moans turning to pitiful cries. Her breathing was rapid, heart beating so fast and hard she wondered if Cilas could hear it. “Please, don’t stop. Don’t-” her breathless words were cut off by another loud moan, “Aahhh, Cilas.” Her back bent in another arch.

Then, his fingers slipped down between her inner lips. Suddenly, she saw the hunter, gazing down at her with a sinister grin. Iona could still feel his fingers penetrating her, wriggling and thrusting inside of her until he added enough fingers to tear her skin further. Her eyes shot open, mouth agape with a pitiful whimper of fear. The closer he came, the faster her heart beat. All of her nerves struggled, screaming for her to scream and fight. Her instincts that tried protecting her back then showed once again. She wriggled anxiously, body trembling from the intense mental fight against her instinct. Finally, her skin stretched as he slid two fingers inside of her. But there was no sting, no pain at all. Her natural fluid that coated his fingers allowed them to enter her with ease. He rose his lips to her ear and whispered to her, his breath making her shiver and freeze. Her eyes stared up at the cloud that covered the moon. Let go. Stop fighting. Submit to your body. Submit to him.

Stop fighting!

She clutched her eyes shut and summoned all the inner strength she had. The same strength that kept her from calling for Cilas when she was being raped and murdered. The strength of her love for him, the courage it gave her to endure all she goes through. His fingers wriggled and writhed inside of her before gingerly pumping in and out. There was still no pain. No pain. It isn’t the same. Submit. Let go, give in.

“Cilas,” she breathed, tilting her head to let her lips brush against his own ear. One hand found itself in his hair once again, while her other scraped her nails down along his powerful shoulder, then rounded to his muscular chest. His skin wasn’t as soft as her, but it was burning just as well. Slowly, ever so slowly, she allowed her hand to be driven by curiosity as it began to feel of him. He wanted to please her, and she wanted to please him as well. She didn’t know how, but she wanted to learn. And that’s when it hit her. The bulge in his pants… That was a pleasurable spot on a male, wasn’t it? It made her nervous to even allow her hand to slide it way down his hard stomach towards it, but it was still restrained by his breeches. It wasn’t the same as flesh on flesh. She wasn’t sure she was ready for that quite yet.

Then, Cilas found something inside of her. Iona cried out from a ripple of pleasure that washed her, telling them both that he’d discovered something special. Her back arched higher than before, pressing his bulge into her palm once her hand finally reached it. She held his head down with surprising strength, and she groped his hardened manhood a tad roughly. A moan followed her cry. It was as if he’d pressed a button that caused her to drop her guard. Her legs attempted to widen further, her hips thrusting to press his fingers further into her. Deeper. A little deeper. But opening herself any further was difficult with him straddling her. Her hands moved to meet at his chest, where she then pushed him gently. “Cilas,” she breathed, moaning shortly after from another thrust into her. “Move… I… I can’t,” her legs tried to widen a second time to finish her sentence. “Please.”

Her body writhed and arc under his touch, the moans she was once releasing changing to cries that rang throughout the night. More and more she was slowly falling under the grasp of lust, she was falling exactly where he wanted her to. The more she let go of her past experience, the more Cilas let go of his self-control and let his mind be clouded more and more. Even so, her small frame was full of strength as she held his head down as his fingers played with her, her labored cries gave him the signal that he was doing right to her.

His name was called out again but whispered so close to his ear that he could feel her breath upon it, and sent a chill through his body that he could stop. Her fingers once again made its way through his hair. How he loved the touch of her fingers on his scalp, it felt like he could get lost in just that, but it was broke suddenly by the scrape of her nails against his shoulder. He let out an approving groan as he continued to suck on her neck as her hands explored his chest. The touch of her fingertips along his bare skin was like fire, a fire that he craved more of. He could sense her hesitation as her hand traveled along his bare stomach.

He broke the sucking of her neck and started to kiss down her collar bone, as he thrust his fingers back into her. She cried out far louder than anything before, her body arching up against him her holding his head down quite powerfully and as she finally had him in her palm, she grasped onto it. It may have been to the unfortunate timing of him finding her gspot, but it was a tight and rough grab around his shaft, yet it unfazed him but he still let out a desperate groan, as he needed to her, cry out like that again and have her body react once more like that but still craved her own touch against him.

Her hips started to move in time with his thrusts, her legs tried to widen more and he could feel her tighten as she wanted more. Her hands pushed against his chest as she pleaded with him to move. He realized that him straddling her had made it more difficult for her to spread her legs if any. He shifted his position so that way he could get one leg between her own and he used it to help spread them open as he moved his other leg between them so that way she was wrapped around him. He moved his arm out from under her and grasped her breast again, caressing, pinching her nipple between his fingers.

He looked down as his fingers slid in and out, watching as they disappeared, her hips still moving in time as she craved the touch. He would give her exactly what she wanted as he sped up, twisting his hand as he entered and left her. He wanted her to cry out louder and louder until she lost her voice to the night. ”More? Do you crave even more?” his speech was labored as he leaned down over her. ”I need your touch…I want you, more than I have anyone else.” He released the grasp on her breast and placed his hand on the ground next to her shoulder as he leaned back in further. While doing so he thrust his fingers deep into her extending them as far as he could.

”Tell me…what…you want.”