Today's second update. :)
Emmeline crumpled to the grass, hugging her knees to her chest as she stared unseeingly into the distance.She didn't even register the presence beside her until a warm cardigan was draped over her shoulders.She looked up to find none other than Zavian towering before her. "Are you alright?" The worry swimming in his deep eyes made her heart pound erratically all over again."I saw you arguing heatedly with someone on the phone. Who was the caller?"Emmeline recalled the harsh words they'd exchanged earlier that afternoon. Thus, she shrugged off the jacket, letting it pool in his lap. "I don't think it's any of your business, Mr. Blackthorn. Who am I to you that you'd come down here specifically to check on me?"She made to stand up but Zavian wrapped the soft cardigan snugly around her shoulders again, the weight of his hands pinning her in place. "I told you I care about you. And what happened between us this afternoon doesn't change that - you'll just have to live with my concern
Emmeline kept her chin up as Richard finally stormed into view, her lips twitching despite herself at the sight of his black eye peeking out from under the bandage."Good evening, everyone," he greeted tightly.The others merely inclined their heads in curt acknowledgment, refusing to be swayed by his feigned niceties as his glare zeroed in on Emmeline."Did you really have to go so far as to punish me like this, Emmeline?" he asked in a deliberately defeated tone, clearly hoping to garner their pity. "I called you so many times after our...disagreement this afternoon. I was hoping to find you home when I returned. But despite my begging, you showed me no mercy."His pathetic attempt to turn them against Emmeline failed miserably.Zavian stared him down with undisguised disdain. "You think a simple phone call apology is enough to make up for what you did yesterday? That is, if you even truly apologized at all like you claim!"Richard tugged at his slacks nervously. "I'm sorry for the..
~Back at the Blackthorn Villa~Yuna exhaled a soft sigh of relief once the front door closed behind Emmeline and Richard, leaving her alone with Zavian.She turned to face her husband, her lips curving into a bright, innocent beam. Her arms stretched out invitingly as she closed the distance between them, fully intending to envelope him in a warm, wifely embrace as was expected of her. However, a deep, guttural snarl suddenly rumbled up from Zavian's chest, causing Yuna to freeze in her steps.Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the full force of his expression - his ruggedly handsome features were twisted into a look of such intense hatred and disgust that she felt her heart stutter in her chest.Zavian's usually deep blue eyes were literally engulfed in flickering flames right now as they bore into hers with an intensity she had never witnessed before, not even in their most heated arguments.The usual calm control and casual arrogance he exuded was utterly shattered, replaced b
Aetherion launched himself high into the air, rapidly becoming a dark speck against the ominous gray clouds that mirrored his foul, thunderous mood.Not far away, Grandma Eva’s spies and Zavian's most elite, hand-picked guards had watched in awe and reverence as their King transformed into his majestic beast. He was beyond… magnificent.They instantly dropped to one knee and bowed their heads low in respect to the second Aetherion's true draconic form emerged.Luca felt a shiver of unease trickle down his spine as the dragon King took to the skies. He knew all too well that this level of towering fury could only herald imminent disaster and chaos.He had recently uncovered disturbing leads about the treacherous activities Yuna had been carrying out behind everyone's backs, and it was nothing short of a miracle that Zavian hadn't simply snapped her slender neck on the spot in his blinding rage once he inevitably discovered the truth.Luca immediately opened his mind, establishing a secu
Luca quickly snatched up another robe to wrap around himself before hurrying after Zavian, who had already turned and started striding with grim purpose toward the immense central building where the high council's meeting was taking place.A hush fell over the courtyard as Zavian passed, every person dropping to one knee and bowing their heads in utter respect and deference for their king whose eyes blazed with an intensity that seemed to scorch the very air around him.Zavian did not so much as spare a glance at his subjects as he stalked by, Luca scurrying to keep up with his master's long strides.When they reached the council hall's towering double doors, two hulking warriors pushed them open, and Zavian swept inside with all the elegance and majesty befitting his noble bloodline.The cavernous chamber fell utterly silent as his eyes turned toward the dais where the high council was seated."Your Majesty!" The gathered lords and ladies rose as one in a reverent chorus of respect fo
A momentary, deafening silence blanketed the grand hall as all eyes turned to Grandma Eva in shock and disbelief. Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined the revered queen mother to be...an abomination."By the gods, what trickery is this?" an elder exclaimed, breaking the stunned hush."She has betrayed us all by practicing foul sorcery!" another council member cried out accusingly.Murmurs quickly escalated into a rumbling cacophony of outrage and disbelief."How could the queen mother practice the forbidden dark arts?""She has consorted with demons! She has defiled our sacred bloodlines!"Luca swiftly used the brief moment of distraction to whisk away the insolent Thomas Bardot before the irate Zavian lost control and killed him. He grabbed the man in a blur of supernatural speed and vanished from the hall.Eva gritted her teeth in annoyance at Zavian for forcing her to expose this long-guarded part of her true nature. Her icy glare could have frozen even the most ha
It's been four days since Emmeline went back to Richard.Today was Saturday.Emmeline donned her new white top and black shorts athletic set that had arrived the previous day. She'd ordered the workout gear online since she rarely had time to go shopping.Pulling on an autumn jacket, she headed for the gym.She was mid-stride on the treadmill when a familiar figure got on the one beside her with his expression unreadable."I thought you'd given up working out," Zavian remarked coolly. "I don't see you at the club much these days."Emmeline glanced around before pointing at herself. "Are you talking to me? You actually know who I am?"Zavian’s upper lip raised in clear exasperation. "Don't be childish now, Emmeline."He tapped the controls, gradually increasing his speed until settling into a brisk pace. The effort of running lent a breathless quality to his deep voice. "We're neighbors across the street, we go to the same gym and pub. We're bound to keep running into each other whethe
Zavian remained stubbornly mute until they reached a deserted hallway. Then he slammed her back against the wall, his solid chest caging her in."I can see your fucking ass, Emmeline," he growled right in her face, eyes blazing with undisguised jealousy and possessiveness. "Do you want every man here hitting on you?"Emmeline held Zavian's gaze with unwavering bravery. His left hand was clamped around her wrist like a vise, while his right fist remained rock-steady against the wall beside her head from the force of his earlier punch."By what right do you get to police what I wear, Mr. Blackthorn?" Her tone dripped with defiance.Zavian’s jaw tensed until the cords of muscle protruded starkly. Rage caused his grip on her wrist to tighten viciously, but she refused to wilt before him."You're not in any position to criticize me, no matter how scantily I might dress." Emmeline lifted her chin a stubborn notch. "This is my personal freedom, and I don't appreciate strangers meddling in my
Emmeline's brows shot upward in surprise but quickly complied. She plunged her hand into the heavy wool to found something long and slender nestled in the depths. Her eyes were flaming with sheer shock as she gripped it tightly and pulled it free."You...you brought a carrot?" she gasped. "I can't believe you actually thought to bring a carrot, like you knew I'd want to build a snowman!"Zavian's lips curved ever so slightly. "It's quite simple to anticipate your behavior, little one. Especially when it comes to such childishly whimsical pursuits."Emmeline ducked her head to hide her cheeks flushing a brilliant red. "I suppose I should feel bad for being so predictable," she murmured. "But I'm mostly just relieved you care enough to indulge me like this."Zavian's hand was on her cheek before she could respond, sending a lovely thrill of feeling down her spine with the coldness of his fingers.Emmeline instinctively leaned into his touch, her lashes sweeping down to veil her eyes."I
They wandered for several minutes until they reached a secluded alcove tucked away from prying eyes, the pristine snowbanks blanketing the area completely undisturbed.No sooner had Zavian released her hand than Emmeline whirled around, bending to scoop up a handful of fresh snow. She molded it into a tightly compacted sphere before whipping around and pelting him squarely in the chest.Her laughter rang out in bright, crystalline peals. "You want to declare war on me again, old man?" she taunted, taking a few steps back as she cupped her hands behind her back in a mockery of innocence.Zavian's expression remained impassive, but the glint of challenge sparking to life in his eyes gave away his amusement at her playful antics. "I'll have you know, I may be way older than you in age only - I'm still serious as a heart attack when it comes to defending my honor."He bent at the waist and scooped up a thick mass of snow, using quick, economical movements to compress and shape it into a c
Emmeline's eyes flew wide at Zavian's bold suggestion. "Have you lost your mind, sir?" she gasped, whipping her head toward the panoramic window to gaze out at the clouds drifting lazily by.She turned back to pin him with a furrowed, incredulous stare. "You can't seriously expect me to...to ride you and rock your manhood while we're hanging suspended in midair!"She made a move as if to pull away, only to be thwarted by the iron band of the fingers still wrapped possessively around her throat. "The gondola is dangling from a cable in the sky, for heaven's sake!"Zavian's lips twitched with wry amusement, his thumb skimming the thundering pulse at the base of her neck. "It was merely a spontaneous suggestion, little one. The decision is entirely yours."He relaxed his hold when noticed her brief panic had subsided, letting his palm trace a winding route over the thin column of her throat. "You're the sole culprit responsible for my current...condition. You know my penchant for indulgi
The descent to the ground floor was a tense affair, every shadow seeming to harbor potential witnesses to her clandestine rendezvous. But the corridors remained blissfully deserted, allowing her to reach the cable car station without incident.Zavian stood alone amid the milling crowds, his dashing physique encased in a long black coat that he'd left casually unbuttoned.Emmeline's breath hitched at the sight of him."Mr. Blackthorn!" she called out to announce her presence.Zavian’s ruggedly handsome features softened into an achingly tender smile. "Little girl.”They closed the distance between them in a few strides. His arms band around her slender frame, crushing her against the solid wall of his chest in a fierce, yearning embrace."You don't know how I've been dying to hold you again," he said, nuzzling the crown of her head through the soft fabric of her hat. "It feels like an eternity since yesterday."Emmeline stiffened at first with lingering trepidation over their risky try
Emmeline was only vaguely aware of the sounds of Richard's return much later that night, feigning sleep until his presence faded from her consciousness entirely.What felt like mere moments later, she was jolted back into wakefulness by the harsh grip of his hands clamped around her shoulders, shaking her roughly."Wake up, Emmeline!" Richard's gruff voice barked in her ear. "It's already past ten - we have an appointment to keep with the others at the sauna in half an hour!"Groaning softly, Emmeline allowed her eyes to flutter open as she shrugged his hands away with a mumbled protest. "I'm awake already, Richard. There's no need to jostle me like I'm in a coma."She thought he'd heeded her words when his hands fell away from her shoulders, but the resounding crack of his palm against her backside made her bolt upright with a strangled yelp of shock and pain."I said wake up!" He snarled with a dangerous combination of impatience and displeasure. "Not lounge about like a lazy trollo
"They all witnessed us exchange that overblown French kiss this evening. If Taehyung does decide to share what he thinks he saw, they'll be more inclined to believe his version of events after that little display,” Emmeline murmured absently.Her eyes shone with the depths of her lingering fear and uncertainty as she turned to face him fully. "I'm still not convinced we can simply trust that Taehyung will remain silent, despite your attempts to reassure me. I don't like the idea of our fate being in someone else's hands like this."Zavian shifted until they were toe-to-toe, his palms cradling her face as he stared down at her with an intensity that made her feel cherished and protected despite the circumstances."I understand your trepidation, little girl. If I were in your position, I'd be feeling just as apprehensive and afraid. Your relationship with Taehyung is still relatively new and superficial - you haven't had the chance to truly get to know him or what kind of man he is."Em
Taehyung’s gaze darted between Emmeline and Zavian, his brows knitting together in shock and something darker—suspicion, maybe even accusation.Emmeline’s stomach plummeted. Fear coiled around her chest like a steel vice, tightening with every passing second of silence. Her palms grew clammy as her heart pounded erratically in her chest. One of their acquaintances had caught them red-handed emerging from a decidedly compromising situation.She wanted to speak, to offer some excuse or explanation, but her throat refused to cooperate. Instead, she turned desperately to Zavian, silently pleading for him to meet her gaze and offer some reassurance, but his attention remained fixated on Taehyung with an eerie calmness that did little to soothe her fraying nerves.The tense silence stretched unbearably until Zavian finally broke it with a confident, measured tone.“Emmeline wasn’t feeling well. I found her in the hallway looking faint, so I accompanied her to the ladies’ room to make sure s
Emmeline’s brows knitted with tortured pleasure as she ground her cheek against the wall with a muffled groan. "I need you, Zavian..." she begged sultrily.His wicked tongue swirled along the delicate whorls of her ear, driving her insane with unfulfilled lust. "What exactly do you need, little girl? Use your words."Releasing the scrap of lace, Zavian spread his palm over the firm curve of her ass.His very presence there made Emmeline’s aching pussy grow even wetter as she squeezed her eyes shut. "Your fingers...I need you to fuck me with your fingers, please."Zavian grinned wickedly. He sucked the sensitive point of her ear into his mouth, sighing against the heated flesh in a deliberately seductive tone. "Say it again… the magic word!" He urged, trailing just the tip of his finger along her clothed, swollen folds and smirked at the unconscious whimper that spilled from her parted lips."Please!" Emmeline echoed with desperation.“Good girl!” Zavian praised.With that, he pushed t
Zavian seized Emmeline’s chin firmly and tipped it back up with a commanding air when she lowered her heavy-lidded eyes to concentrate on licking every inch of his pulsing, hot girth. "Eyes on me while you pleasure me, little one! I want to see the sin in those eyes as you worship me."Emmeline blinked at him lazily while maintaining his heated, lust-darkened gaze, her eyes blazing with desire just as brightly as his. "I won't miss a single moment of watching your face as I use your thick manhood as a leash to drag you into the depths of hell with me.""That's my good girl. Now put it in that sensual mouth and make me feel it." He commanded.Emmeline stretched her lips wide and sucked the bulbous head past her teeth with a muffled moan, taking him inch by delicious inch until her jaw strained and ached to accommodate his remarkable girth."Fuck, I miss the snug grip of your narrow walls squeezing my dick, almost tearing those tiny lips as I force my way into your depths."Emmeline hel