"That was satisfying," Aldric said, wiping blood from his face with a smug expression. "Although I wish there was more."
"Maniac," Azrael muttered, shaking his head. Unlike Aldric, Azrael didn’t revel in killing. He avoided conflict as much as possible, knowing that when pushed, he could unleash a devastating fury. His bloodlust was not as voracious as Aldric’s.
"Hello, righteous killer," Aldric teased, still trying to provoke Azrael when Lilith announced, "I am done."
"Oh no," Aldric cursed under his breath, realizing Islinda had awakened at the worst possible time. What would she think when she saw the carnage in the room? She had already seen the worst of him, but as her mate, he didn’t want her to see him like this again. Except it was too late.
Islinda’s eyes widened at the sight of the massacre in front of her. She had known Aldric was powerful, but brutal reminders like this still shook her to the core. He was a warrior, a predator who showed no mercy. Who was she kidding? The Fae was a psychopath!
She had fallen for a maniac prince who had the exact opposite traits she wanted in a partner. Not exactly; he was still kind—when it suited him—understanding—more like cunningly smart—and loving— if love was possessive. You know what, she would bear her cross. Thank you.
Used to her previous reactions, Aldric expected her to approach him cautiously, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear, having realized just how dangerous he was. But to his surprise, Islinda strode over to him, concern etched on her face.
"By the gods, are you okay? Did they hurt you? Do we need to see a healer or something after this?" Islinda fussed over her.
Aldric was so stunned that he stood frozen as Islinda checked him over for injuries. This was a first and he couldn’t exactly describe how he was feeling right now. His hand reached out and touched his chest, it was pounding so hard it felt like it could escape anytime soon. He wondered if Islinda could by chance hear it — his heart was pounding for her with joy.
Aldric was unresponsive such that Islinda began to worry. "Are you sure a spell didn’t hit you in the head or something...." She trailed off as she straightened up.
There was an inexplicable intense look on Aldric’s face and Islinda couldn’t tell whether to run. Or run harder.
Yet she bravely asked, "Aldric, are you okay?"
"Aren’t you scared of me?" He finally asked, his voice raspy with emotion.
"Why should I be scared of you?" Islinda asked back.
Aldric responded, "I just massacred a mass of witches. Shouldn’t you be disgusted or something?" He intentionally didn’t point out the fact that had been her responses in the past, eager to hear the truth from her.
Islinda replied, "I know you. You wouldn’t just start killing recklessly, not unless they provoked you. Moreover, you would never hurt me."
Overwhelmed by her response, Aldric took her face in his hands and kissed her. Islinda was so overtaken by surprise with the kiss that her eyes remained open for a while until she closed them and melted into it.
The kiss was gentle at first, sending butterflies through her stomach as Aldric showed his appreciation for her trust. However, the next minute, passion flared as Aldric kissed her deeper and harder, desire coursing through them as their tongues touched and tangled together.
The kiss was so intense and erotic that Aldric’s hand reached down to grab Islinda’s butt, squeezing hard. She moaned into the kiss. By the gods, she wanted him right now. Her hand dug into his hair, tugging harder and demanding for more.
"For the love of the gods, the both of you should snap out of it!" Azrael’s voice cut through the moment, his annoyance palpable.
Except Aldric didn’t care. He couldn’t give a fuck about Azrael’s comfort. He was kissing his mate and would enjoy every moment of it. Mmm, her lips tasted so good.
Expecting Aldric’s stubborn silence, Azrael added, "You do know that the witches have probably gone to regroup and come back for revenge."
That seemed to do it. Aldric reluctantly parted from the kiss with a pained growl. If eyes could kill, Azrael would have probably died from the way Aldric glared at him. Then Aldric turned to Islinda, still in his arms, his eyes darkening with desire.
Islinda shivered from the smoldering look in his eyes, knowing Aldric would have probably devoured her whole if they were alone. Thank God for Azrael’s presence. And Lilith’s, who made her displeasure for the scene known at that moment.
"Both of you are so disgusting," she said, making a retching sound.
"Don’t worry," Islinda retorted with a proud grin on her face, running her hand through Aldric’s silky hair, "I love disgusting things."
That response was like a slap on Lilith’s face, and she was unable to respond. The truth was, she was jealous of the scene. Even when she and Aldric were together, though their sex was explosive and wonderful, he had never kissed her that way. No, he’d never looked at her with that warm look in his eyes as if she was everything that mattered to him. They almost behaved like mates, except dark Fae don’t have mates.
Aldric lifted a brow, looking at Islinda with wonder. Although he missed the shy, innocent Islinda, it seemed he preferred this version of her—bold, unafraid, and fiercely loyal.
"We need to move," Azrael reiterated, his tone more urgent. " I am not in the mood to fight a second time and reveal my identity. We took them by surprise the first time, they would be a whole lot prepared this time."
"He’s right," Lilith agreed, her voice tight. "I’ve done my part. Our business is over. You are now on your own."
Although Aldric heard their words, he ignored them, asking Islinda instead, his eyes trained on the necklace now around her neck. "How do you feel? Do you sense any discomfort or side effects? Say it now before we leave the realm so Lilith can take care of it."
Lilith in question rolled her eyes, saying with annoyance. "I am not her private doctor. Moreover, if I say the spell is done, it is done."
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