Chapter 40

With trembling fingers, Meera pushed her hand out from under the sheets, seeking the warmth of Eryx's presence, only to find cool fabric, confirming his absence for hours. Her heart fluttered nervously as she observed Nazreen's subtle smirk.

"He's not here," Nazreen declared, her tone laden with implication as Meera's gaze darted around the room.

"Where's Eryx?" Meera inquired, suppressing the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

"That's none of your concern," Nazreen retorted, leaning closer, the glint of a blade grazing Meera's throat, igniting a searing sensation. She sat on Meera's hips, her thighs squeezing Meera's ribs like a deadly python."If you want to live, you'll heed my words."

Defiance sparked in Meera's narrowed eyes as she tightly pressed her lips together, her mind racing with calculations reminiscent of countless training sessions with Dawn. She assessed Nazreen's weight, contemplating the precise moment to execute her escape. Too little force, and her plan would be exposed; too much, and the blade would find its mark.

As Meera lay, strategizing her next move, the courtyard below echoed with heavy footsteps and the clangor of armor, signaling the arrival of chaos. Men barked orders, horses whinnied, and doors were forcibly flung open, amplifying Meera's racing heartbeat.

"Nazreen?"

Meera gasped quietly as Andrick's voice called out to her captive.

"Right on time," Nazreen's smirk widened as she heard her name. "I do have to say, the brothers never disappoint."

As Andrick's voice pierced the tension, Meera's senses sharpened, and she seized the opportunity presented by Nazreen's momentary distraction. With a surge of adrenaline, Meera propelled her hips upward, disrupting Nazreen's balance. In one swift motion, she grasped Nazreen's wrists, channeling every ounce of her strength to flip her adversary onto the ground with a resounding thud, the knife slipping from Nazreen's grasp.

Springing from the bed, Meera swiftly retrieved the dagger concealed beneath her pillow, her movements fluid and purposeful. With a steely gaze fixed upon Nazreen, she held the weapon aloft, ready to defend herself against any further aggression.

"Where's Eryx?" Meera demanded, her voice tinged with urgency and resolve.

"You little cunt," Nazreen's features contorted with rage, venom dripping from her words.

The impending danger fueled Meera's apprehension, her heart pounding in her chest as footsteps drew nearer, signaling the approach of potential reinforcements. Hearing the footsteps growing closer, Meera felt her panic rising. She looked over her shoulder to the door just as a chilling cry tore through the air.

As Nazreen's desperate plea for aid echoed in the chamber, Meera's attention wavered for an instant, her focus momentarily diverted toward the door. In that fleeting moment of distraction, Nazreen seized her opportunity, lunging to her feet with a makeshift weapon in hand. The brass candle holder swung through the air with deadly intent, narrowly missing its mark as Meera stumbled backward, her training echoing in her mind as a reminder to never underestimate her opponent.

"Andrick!" Nazreen hollered as she continued to swing at Meera. "Andrick, help me!"

Never take your eyes off of your opponent, memories of Dawn's voice shouting invaded Meera's mind. She stumbled back as the edge of the candle holder grazed across her left cheek, slicing open her skin with it's metallic flower petals.

With a searing pain slicing through her cheek, Meera's senses heightened, her focus sharpening as she grappled with the immediate threat before her. The metallic petals of the candle holder etched a crimson trail across her skin, a visceral reminder of the danger she faced.

Driven by instinct and desperation, Meera retreated, her back meeting the unforgiving corner of the room as the sounds of approaching footsteps intensified. Frantically, her hands groped for anything she could use amidst the cluttered table beside her.

As Nazreen closed in, Meera's options dwindled, leaving her with no recourse but to wield the wooden vanity chair with a newfound ferocity. With a swift and calculated swing, she targeted Nazreen's legs, unbalancing her adversary once more, her actions fueled by a primal determination to survive.

Dawn's teachings echoed in Meera's mind, the girl's words a guiding force amidst the chaos. Standing over her fallen foe, Meera hesitated for only a moment before delivering a series of decisive blows, the wooden chair connecting with bone-jarring force. Nazreen's cries pierced the air as she instinctively raised her arms in defense, but Meera pressed on, unrelenting in her assault until the assailant lay unconscious at her feet.

Bathed in the eerie stillness that followed the frenzied struggle, Meera's breaths came in ragged gasps, her hands trembling with adrenaline as she surveyed Nazreen's unconscious body before her. With a decisive motion, Meera discarded the makeshift weapon and darted toward the bag concealed in the shadows, her movements swift and purposeful. Fingers trembling with urgency, she retrieved the daggers nestled within, the weight of their familiarity a reassuring presence in her grasp.

With practiced efficiency, Meera donned her boots, their leather creaking softly against the chamber floor as she shouldered the bag. With one last glance at Nazreen, Meera steeled herself for the task ahead.

Silent as a shadow, she slipped through the servant exit, her senses attuned to the looming danger lurking. Emerging into the dimly lit corridors, she moved with calculated precision, her footsteps muffled against the cold stone floors.

Peering cautiously around each corner, Meera's heart pounded in her chest as she navigated the labyrinthine passages, her every sense alert to the presence of guards and soldiers patrolling the grounds. Concealed within the cloak of darkness, she pressed on, her movements guided by a combination of instinct and survival. Meera held her breath for as long as she could before she found herself clutching the handles of the library's doors. Hearing Andrick's voice commanding his soldiers to look for Nazreen, Meera turned the doorknob and hurried into the library.

Inside, a low fire struggled to survive in the fire pit. Meera pressed her back against the doors, trying to calm her racing heart when suddenly she caught the scent of her mate. Her eyes flew open and her gaze landed on Eryx, unconscious on the sofa amidst a cocoon of pillows and a plush blanket.

As Meera's eyes roamed over the wine glasses, Eryx's shirtless form, and the silk shawl on the floor, a raging fire ignited in the pit of her belly, sending heat up to her cheeks as her face flushed and she clamped her mouth shut from amking any sound.

Meera crossed the room with determined strides, her footsteps silent against the polished floors as she moved around the books and maps on the floor and chairs. With trembling hands, she reached out to shake Eryx awake.

"Eryx!"

His skin warm beneath her touch, Eryx remained blissfully unaware, his breathing steady and his features relaxed. But as Meera's gaze fell upon the telltale smudge of rouge upon his chest, her heart constricted, her world momentarily suspended in time.

"E-Eryx," Meera's voice quivered, a tremor betraying the fear that gripped her. "Eryx, wake up!"

With each futile attempt to rouse him, Meera's desperation deepened, her heart hammering in her chest as she watched Eryx remain oblivious to her pleas. The sight of the abandoned wine glasses nearby sent a shiver down her spine, a gnawing sense of dread taking root within her.

Meera's hands trembled as she reached out to touch Eryx's shoulder, her fingers searching for any sign of responsiveness.

"Eryx, please," she implored, her voice laced with desperation. "Wake up."

But as the moments stretched on in agonizing silence, Meera's fears only intensified, her mind racing with the unsettling possibility that Eryx's slumber was not of his own accord. With each passing second, the weight of uncertainty pressed upon her, driving her to confront the chilling reality that their safety hung precariously in the balance.

With mounting apprehension gnawing at her, Meera's gaze darted to the library door, her mind racing with urgency. Stepping away from Eryx, she scanned the room for any means of fortification, her pulse quickening with each passing second.

Spotting a heavy wooden bookshelf nearby, Meera wasted no time in dragging it across the threshold, its weight groaning against the polished floor as she positioned it firmly against the door. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she wedged it into place.

Breathless and trembling, Meera turned back to Eryx. Kneeling beside him, she gently shook his shoulders once more, her voice a fervent plea in the oppressive silence of the library.

"Eryx, please," she urged, her words echoing off the walls. "You have to wake up."

As she awaited a response, Meera's senses remained on high alert, her ears straining for any sign of movement beyond the barricaded door.

"Eryx," Meera squeezed his hand. "Please, please."

The seconds ticked by and Meera's heart clenched with anxiety, her eyes fixed unwaveringly on Eryx's still form. Nothing seemed to help. Her heart lodged into her throat, the air in her lungs vanishing by the second. Meera began to teeamble in fear when suddenly a subtle shift in Eryx's features caught her attention. Meera moved closer as his eyelids fluttered, lashes brushing against his cheeks as awareness slowly seeped back into his gaze.

With a soft groan, Eryx stirred, his movements slowed as he struggled to break free from the ties of sleep that bound him. His eyes blinked open, bleary and unfocused, as he peered up at Meera with a dazed expression, confusion clouding his features.

"Meera?" he murmured, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he attempted to make sense of his surroundings.

Relief flooded through Meera at the sound of his voice, her own anxieties momentarily forgotten in the presence of his awakening.

"Yes, it's me," she replied, her voice tinged with relief.

As Eryx's gaze cleared, recognition dawned in his eyes, the fog of confusion dissipating as he took in the sight of Meera kneeling beside him. As Eryx's confusion cleared, his hand reached out for Meera, seeking reassurance in her presence. But instead of reciprocating his gesture, Meera recoiled.

"We have to go," she declared abruptly, rising to her feet and putting distance between them. "Andrick is here with soldiers. They're searching the house."

Eryx's brows furrowed in concern as he struggled to gather his bearings. "Where's Nazreen?" he inquired.

Meera clenched her jaw as rage flared in her chest, "I don't know."

"How did Andrick know we were here?" Eryx asked as he struggled to stand. "Who let him in?"

"Ask Nazreen when you see her," Meera shot back, her voice laced with bitterness as she rummaged through the bag she carried. "Here, put this on."

As she tossed the shirt toward Eryx, her movement caught his attention, his gaze fixating on the crimson mark marring her cheek. His concern was palpable as he reached out to stop her, his touch gentle yet firm.

"Who did this to you?" Eryx's voice was cold, his eyes ablaze with righteous anger.

Meera's heart twisted with a tumult of emotions, torn between the desire to confide in him and the searing jealousy that threatened to consume her. With a defiant glare, she pulled away, her resolve hardened by the sting of betrayal.

"I don't want to die in this house tonight," she snapped, her tone laced with bitterness. "Anywhere else but here."

"My love-"

"We don't have time for this, Eryx," Meera's voice grew stern. "We have to go!"

As Meera spoke, Eryx eyes shifted. He pushed down any conflicting emotion swirling inside his chest and quickly pulled on the shirt Meera tossed at him. Pulling on his boots, he took the bag from Meera and grabbed her hand.

"Come," he said. "I know a way out."

Together, the pair hurried toward the rear of the library where a large book shelf, heavy with leather-bound books, stood like a guardian. Eryx let go of Meera's hand and stumbled over to the shelf. Meera watched him as he shook his head, tying to clear his vision.

"What's wrong with you?" she questioned, her voice edged with worry as she closed the distance between them.

"Wolf's bane," Eryx replied tersely, his fingers gripping the edge of the bookshelf as he exerted effort to move it aside.

Meera recoiled instinctively as the shelf groaned and shifted, revealing a hidden stairwell spiraling downward into darkness. Her eyes widened in astonishment as Eryx retrieved a candle from the nearby table, its flickering flame casting eerie shadows across his troubled features.

"How do you know about this?" she pressed, her voice tinged with suspicion as she studied him intently.

"I've used it before," Eryx confessed, his gaze averted as guilt flickered in the depths of his eyes.

A surge of jealousy flared within Meera, her emotions roiling like a tempestuous storm. Heat rose to her cheeks as her temper flared, her eyes narrowing with a simmering intensity.

"You and Nazreen?" she questioned, her tone tinged with disdain.

Eryx's response was a solemn affirmation, his words heavy with regret and resignation.

"Poor Duke Imber," Meera muttered under her breath, her voice thick with bitterness as she moved past Eryx and descended into the depths of the stairwell.

The flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows along the stone walls, illuminating the narrow passage as Eryx followed closely behind, his footsteps echoing in the confined space.

"It's dark in there," he cautioned, his voice tinged with concern.

But Meera refused to heed his warning, her resolve unyielding as she pressed on, her movements fueled by a potent mix of anger and determination. With each step, she felt the weight of betrayal pressing down upon her, the echoes of Eryx's confession reverberating through her mind like a relentless refrain.

"Slow down," Eryx urged, his voice barely audible over the sound of their footsteps. "Some of the steps are loose."

But Meera paid him no heed, her pace quickening as she forged ahead, her heart consumed by a seething rage that threatened to consume her.

"Like most women in Vorious," she scoffed bitterly, her laughter tinged with a bitter edge as she descended into the darkness.

Eryx reached out for her elbow once more, his touch a futile attempt to offer comfort in the face of her mounting anger. But before he could make contact, Meera whirled around, her movements swift and decisive as she shoved him with all her might.

"Don't touch me!" she spat, her voice a venomous hiss as she recoiled from his touch, her eyes blazing with fury.

As Meera's furious gaze bore down on him like a blazing inferno, Eryx instinctively took in a deep breath, his movements cautious and measured. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across his features, accentuating the tension that hung heavy in the air between them.

Bracing himself against the onslaught of her anger, Eryx squared his shoulders, his jaw set in a firm line as he met Meera's fiery gaze head-on. His heart hammered in his chest, a tumult of emotions swirling within him as he prepared himself for whatever verbal onslaught she had in store.

"Where were you?" Meera demanded. "What happened to you? What in the world is wolf's bane?"

Meera advanced toward him, her every step fueled by a potent mix of rage and betrayal, Eryx stood his ground.

"It's a sedative for wolves," Eryx said. "It must have been in the wine."

"What were you doing in the library?" With each advancing stride, Meera seemed to grow more formidable, her presence dominating the cramped confines of the stairwell. "What were you doing with her?"

"Absolutly nothing," Eryx answered, his gaze unwavering as he met her fiery onslaught.

Meera let out a short laugh. It was filled with a bitterness that made Eryx's gut wrench. When he tried to reach for her, Meera recoiled.

"No."

"Please, M," Eryx took a step forward.

Meera turned away, unable to bare the plea in Eryx's eyes. She stepped forward and marched into the darkness, leaving Eryx no choice but to follow.

"Nothing happened between Nazreen and me tonight," Eryx said.

"Her rouge is all over your body," Meera spat, moving faster and faster every time she felt him grow closer. "You left your wife in the middle of the night to drink with your ex lover. That speaks volume."

Spying the door just a few feet ahead, Meera sprinted forward. She grabbed the handle and looked for the latch. The dim light of the candle flickered as the wind made it's way into the narrow corridor from the outside.

"How do you open this?" Meera grunted as she tried to push the door aside.

"Step aside," Eryx handed her the candle and reached up for the latch hidden under the rocks. Meera looked up and watched him as he undid the hook while his eyes watched her. "I'm sorry."

Meera's gaze narrowed and she glared at Eryx. The anger in her eyes burned brighter then any flame in the four kingdoms.

"Just open the door," Meera clicked her tongue.

Knowing they did not have time to spare, Eryx pushed the door open and stepped out into the night air. The abandoned courtyard was dark and silent. Shouts could be heard from the front of the manor where soldiers searched through the house for the prince and princess. Eryx grabbed Meera's hands and guided her along the wall, his eyes focused and his ears sharp.

"Are you going to shift?" Meera whispered.

Eryx shook his head, "I can't."

"Why not?"

"The wolfe's bane."

"Wonderful," Meera jeered. "Nazreen really thought of everything."

"She would never do such a thing," Eryx frowned.

"She woke me up with a knife to my throat," Meera stopped and pulled her hand back. "She said she would slice my throat open if I made a sound and when I tried to fight back, she sliced my face instead with a candle stick."

Eryx eyes darkened and his jaw clenched. He peered back at Meera for a few seconds before speaking once more.

"Nazreen did that to you?" He asked.

"Yes," Meera spat. "Right after she lured my husband with wine and god knows what else."

"It wasn't like that-"

Suddenly, a large shadow flew overhead. Meera's eyes widned as Eryx pulled her closer and pushed her behind himself.

"I can smell you two from a mile away," Sven said as he stepped forward to reveal his wolf form under the candle light.

"Are you here with Andrick?" Eryx asked, his body tense and ready for any sudden movement.

"Yes and no," Sven answered. "The king ordered Zeya and me to help your brothers bring you two back. But I knew I needed to find you before they did to give you a fair shot of getting the hell out of here."

"Why is Andrick here?" Eryx's eyes narrowed.

"The king declared a royal statement. Whoever brings you and Meera back to him will be rewarded handsomely. And if either of your brothers can do it, they will be named heir."

Meera felt Eryx shift uncomfortably as he listened to his best friend's words.

"Why haven't you shifted?" Sven asked, tilting his head curiously.

"It's a long story," Eryx said to which Meera snorted. When Eryx looked back at her, she shot daggers at him with her eyes. "That's not very ladylike, my moon."

"Maybe I should go take lessons from Dutchess Nazreen," Meera retorted. "Since you seem to find her so entertaining."

"Speaking of..." Sven interrupted. "I saw Andrick helping Nazreen down the corridor. What the hell happened to her?"

Eryx looked at Meera once more, but she refused to meet his gaze.

"Can you help us get out of here?" Meera asked, looking only at Sven.

"Out of here? Yes," Sven said. "Out of Voreios? No."

"We will manage," Eryx said. "Lead the way. Let's take the southern routes."

"By the temples?"

"Yes," Eryx said as he took Meera's hand.

"What will you do from there?"

"I don't know yet," Eryx confessed.

"Where will you stay?" Sven asked with concern. "The sun will be up in a few hours."

Meera felt a stone settle over her heart as she listened to Sven. If she had been in Azmeera, she would have known a hundred places to hide.

"Is there any place in the city where the king's soldiers don't go?" She asked, her eyes darting back and forth between Eryx and Sven. "Some place overlooked by everyone. Maybe a trading post or junk yard...."

Eryx thought for a few seconds. His brows furrowed in concentration and so did Sven's.

"Fisherbay?" Eryx looked at Sven. "The old orphanage."

Sven straightened up, "Yes."

"Do you think we can go there?" Meera asked.

"Sven?" Eryx looked to his friend. "Can we go there?"

"Yes," Sven nodded.

"Are you sure?" Eryx asked.

"Just get on," Sven clicked his tongue.

With a simple nod, Eryx turned toward Meera. Placing his hands on her waist, he lifted her onto Sven's back. Meera quickly shifted forward to make space for Eryx. Sven lowered himself to help his friend get on before raising to his true height and turning toward the shadows.

The cold wind slapped against Meera's cheeks, bringing tears to her eyes. Her cloak barely stopped the bitter chills from shaking her bones as Sven navigated the alleyways of the town and made his way toward Fisherbay. Feeling her treamble, Eryx wrapped his arm around Meera and pulled her to his chest. His warm breath fell on her neck as he lowered his mouth to the curve of her shoulder and warmed her skin. Goosebumps rose up all over Meera's body and her belly clenched. She wanted to pull away from him, to push him back and remind him of his betrayal. But his presence was comforting and grounding.

"I didn't go to see Nazreen tonight," Eryx whispered against her ear.

"The rouge on your body say otherwise," Meera whispered back.

Eryx's arm around Meera's midriff tightened. He held her like iron bars.

"I was looking for something in the library," he said.

"Her?"

"No, you stubborn girl," Eryx sighed. "Just listen to me."

"I don't want to hear it-"

"You have to," Eryx tightened his hold, leaving no space for air between their bodies. His voice hardened, hushing any complaint from Meera. "Duke Imber has an extensive collection of books about witchcraft. I thought I might find something that could help you."

Beneath the jealousy, Meera felt her heart perk up. She felt her pulse rise as she slowly looked over her shoulder. Her lashes flickered up and her eyes caught Eryx's gaze.

"Nothing happened," he said. "Nazreen came in with the wine while I was searching the library. She offered me a drink. It was an honest mistake. I didn't think she would betray me."

Meera looked away. She allowed Eryx's warmth to engulf her as his scent wrapped around her like a blanket.

"Want to know what I found?" Eryx asked, feeling her lean into his touch.

"Hopefully something useful," Meera muttered. She felt him reach into his pocket before producing a torn page of a book. The worne yellow page was seconds from crumbling in his large hands as he held it out toward her.

"What is it?" Meera asked.

"This, my moon," Eryx sighed. "Is from the Elemental Codex. A collecting of spells related to the elements and their energies."

Meera's brows furrowed, "Such a things exists? Bram and I had searched through every book in Zeeb's library."

"This book is written in Druidic," Eryx explained. "It's a language spoken by witches and other nature-oriented spellcasters that are closely tied to the natural world and its energies."

Meera's eyes fluttered down to the small intricate symbols on the page.

"You and Bram probably missed it because you were looking for books you knew how to read," he said.

"Can you read Druidic?" Meera asked.

"Yes," Eryx answered.

"What does it say?" Meera lifted the page.

"It's a spell to undo hex," Eryx's words ignited sparks in Meera's belly in the darkness. Her heart lodged into her throat and her chest tightened. "When I saw you and Bram searching the library, I began to look for the Codex as well. Zeeb had the revisited versions, no mention of hexes. Luckily, Imber had the originals."

"This is the cure?" Meera looked down at the piece of paper. "This will fix me?"

"You're not broken," Eryx kissed the side of her head. "But yes, this tells us what to do."

"How do you know what it says?" Meera asked. "Where did you learn Druidic?"

"It was part of my training," Eryx replied. "According to this, we have to find the southern witches."

"Southern witches?" Meera arched her brow.

"Dalphina," Eryx spoke.

"The witches Henry burnt?" Meera's chest tightened.

"There are still a few left," Eryx assured her. "The powerful ones would never allow themselves to be captured by a human prince."

"So we go to Dalphina," Meera's heart hummed. "We get away from Voreios and we go."

"It won't be that easy," Eryx replied. "My father will have all the docks to Voreios sealed. Getting any ship to hide us will be impossible."

"We can't give up without trying."

"I'm not giving up," Eryx assured her. "I'm simply urging you to be a bit more patient."

Meera nodded her head slowly. She listened to Eryx words as Sven carried them through the shadows to the old orphanage. The frozen ground captured the wolf's footprints as they emerged from the darkness and onto the dimly lit front steps. The wind howled, picking up snow off the ground and making it dance as Eryx picked up the brass handle and knocked on the door.

Meera pulled her cloak tightly around herself and looked over her shoulder. Her eyes fell on Sven as he hovered outside the iron gates, his head lowered, and his eyes occasionally peaking up at the dark home.

"Is Sven okay?" Meera asked.

"He doesn't have the best memories of this place," Eryx replied. "After his mother passed, his father remarried. His step mother convinced his father to send Sven away to the orphanage."

Meera's eyes widened. She felt her heart clench as she thought about a younger Sven, standing at the gates of the orphanage with tears in his eyes.

"They took him back after he shifted for the first time," Eryx said quietly. "If he hadn't shifted....."

The knot of Sven's shoulders were visible from across the yard. The wolf timidly sniffed the iron gates and paced back and forth. His big round eyes watched Meera and Eryx with anxiety. Meera wanted to comfort him. She wanted to tell him he did not have to stay. But before she could, the door cracked open.

"Yes?"

An old man, with missing teeth and wrinkled skin poked his head out. He adjusted his glasses and held onto the door as if he was afraid the wind might blow him away.

"Tyeleen," Eryx greeted the man. "How are you?"

"Prince Eryx?" the man, Tyeleen, stepped out for a better look. "What are you doing here? Sven isn't here."

"I know," Eryx said as Meera peake dover her shoulder once more. To her astonishment, Sven had vanished. "We need your help. This is my wife, Meera."

"Ah, the princess from Azmeera," Tyeleen began to bow. "Welcome, your grace."

"We need a place to stay for the night," Eryx announced. "No one must know we are here."

Hearing his words, Tyeleen looked with, his eyes swimming with concern. His gaze swept over Erxy and then Meera. His mouth set in a thin line, "We don't want any trouble, your grace. The children here barely have much as is."

"We will be gone by noon," Eryx insisted. "Please, Tyeleen. Sven trusted you to help us."

"Have you spoke to him?" Tyeleen asked.

"Yes," Eryx nodded. "He brought us here."

As Eryx spoke, the old man's eyes looked toward the iron gates. He seemed to search for something as he lost himself in deep thought. After a few minutes, he stepped aside and nodded his head.

"Stay as long as you need," Tyeleen said. "There are a few rooms to the back. You will have to build a fire. The blankets are in the chest."

"Thank you," Meera said with sincerity as she stepped into the warm home.

"We don't want any trouble," Tyeleen closed the doors and bolted the locks, shutting out the howling wind.

"No trouble," Meera promised. "We will be gone soon."

"Please do keep us in your prayers and thoughts," Tyeleen turned toward and began to lead the couple to the back. "And spare what you can for the children. I don't know what troubles you at the moment, but it shall pass and when it does, I hope you will remember that we exist here."

Meera nodded. Her feet moved over the worne out floors and her eyes scanned the old walls of the home, heavy with carving of children's names. They passed the rooms of the sleeping children huddled in beds together. The older ones laid on the edges while they let the younger ones sleep comfortably in the middle. The windows were covered with blankets and rugs, but they did little to keep out the cold air.

Meera had never seen such conditions before. Back home, temples raised orphans. They were cared for by the priests and lived on holy grounds. Orphans were seen as the children on the angels. It was surreal to see children living in such darkness.

As they neared the room to the back of the orphanage, Meera slowly reached up and took off the gold earrings she had been earring. Eryx watched her as she held them out to Tyeleen.

"This is all I have right now," Meera said. "Please accept it."

Tyeleen hesitated for a split second. He looked at Eryx and then back at Meera. The old man's eyes seemed to drop with years and years of suffering as he nodded sowly and took the gold earrings.

"Thank you, your grace," he bowed his head.

"Thank you," Meera smiled.

"I'll let you two get settled in and get some sleep," Tyeleen reached up and patted Eryx's shoulder. "The children rise early. I will keep them away from this part of the house."

"Thank you, Tyeleen," Eryx said with sincerity.

"If you seen Sven, tell him to pay us a visit," Tyeleen nodded, turing to leave. "It's been years."

The old man's cain clicked against the hardwood floors as he slowly made his way back to his room, leaving Meera and Eryx standing at the door. They could hear the echos of his cain as they stood in silence. The darkness around them silenced the night as they stepped into the room and looked around for the matches. Without speaking, Meera lit the candles and pulled the blankets out of the chest while Eryx started on the fire. The room filled with soft yellow light and warmth. The fire crackled and the wind slapped against the glass windows.

"You're very far," Eryx remarked, breaking the silence as he gazed at Meera standing by the window.

Meera slowly turned to face him. She met his gaze and held it as she moved away from the windows and walked over to the fireplace. The pupils of Eryx's eyes dilated as he watched her. The warmth of the fire stained her cheeks, making her shimmer like gold. His hands ached to feel her as she paused just a few feet away from him.

Meera wanted to run into his arms. She wanted to feel his embrace hold her tightly to his chest and feel his mouth. But as she stared at him, her heart twisted with the bitterness of the night. Feeling her anger flare, she changed course.

"Meera," Eryx chuckled.

Meera looked over her shoulder, "What?"

"Come here," Eryx motioned to the spot before him.

"I don't like the way you smell right now," Meera shook her head.

"I will count to three."

"I am not a child," Meera snorted.

"One..." Eryx's smile widened.

"My blood boils every time I think of you and her."

"Two...."

"What did you do with her in your drunken state?"

"Three."

"Dawn, Nazreen, who else?" Meera huffed. "How many more will I have to meet-"

In three short strides, Eryx was standing before Meera. His arm looped around her waist and pulled her to his chest as he dipped his head and kissed the anger on her lips.

Pressing her palms against his chest, Meera pushed as hard as she could. She struggled against his hold and turned away but he did not release her.

Eryx grabbed Meera hands and pinned them behind her back. She gasped as he grabbed the back of her neck and crushed his lips to her. He was warm, too warm. His touch searched sparks against Meera's body as she lost the fight and melted into his arms.

"They would have to kill me before getting me to touch them," Eryx spoke against Meera's lips. "And even in death, I will lay beside you."

As Meera listened to his words, Eryx lifted her off the ground and guided her legs around his waist. Somewhere in between, Meera managed to free her hands. Pulling herself closer, she grabbed the hairs on the back of Eryx's head and tilted his head back. His soft curls wrapped around her fingers as he grinned and peered up at her, their mouths hovering over one another, just a breath away.

"Tell me you didn't touch her," Meera commanded.

"I did not touch her, Your highness," Eryx replied, holding her round bottom in his hands.

"How should I punish you if I find out you lied to me?" Meera asked.

"I have a feeling you know how to get very creative," Eryx's grin spread.

"I do," Meera nodded. She felt a bolt of energy surge through her body as Eryx pressed against her. The bulge in his pants was hard and so easy to move against. "If I ever find out you touched anyone else...."

Eryx listened as he walked over to the bed and sat down. Meera pushed him back as his hands held her hips and kept her sitting on top of him.

"I will gave you tied to the chair...." Meera leaned forward and flicked Eryx's face. She used her long finger to move his face aside as she ran her lips over his exposed neck. "And make you watch your best soldier put his tongue insid of me...."

"Meera," Eryx hands tightened around her hips, his fingers digging in. His voice was laced with a warning but Meera didn't back down.

"And even if you beg me on your needs to make it stop," Meera continued. "I won't stop until he takes me any way that he wants."

In an instant, Eryx sat up and pulled Meera off of himself. He pinned her to the bed and loomed over her, his breathing labored as his eyes narrowed with rage.

"Don't try me, your highness," Meera warned. "I will drown you."   

Excuse the mistakes, I was in a rush! Hope you like it :)