Chapter 76
Ryker
Proppedup against Ellery's headboard, I pulled her back against my chest and wrapped my legs over hers. My fingers slid through hers as her hair tickled my skin, and her enticing aroma enveloped me.
Her apple scent had mingled with that of sex and me. I inhaled it deeply as I relished the feel of her. I couldn't recall the last time I'd been this relaxed and happy.
After the Ghoul War, my time in Doomed Valley, and watching as they cut off Leo's head, I hadn't believed it possible to feel like this again. Here, in her room, with the colors of the setting sun spreading across her ceiling and reflecting off the mirror on the bureau to my right, I'd discovered happiness again.
I didn't know what it meant, but I didn't want this to end. She was a blessing I refused to lose.
Her room reminded me of her. The ivy plants hanging from the dark wood beams had their tendrils entwined around those wooden structures. The plants grew everywhere across the ceiling and crept down the walls as they added a bit of forest to the indoors.
The blanket tangled at the bottom of her bed was a quilted green-and-blue pattern that reminded me of her eyes. Deep brown knots from the trees used to create it marked the wooden furniture.
More plants stood on stands in the corners nearest the windows, and others sat on top of her dresser and bureau. Her bathroom held more plants and was painted the same soft cream color as her room.
We'd used the large, tiled shower together, and I intended to enjoy it with her again. But for now, I was content to lie here and hold her, and I was rarely content with anything.
My whole life was one of discontent and abuse. I'd always felt the need to go and do something to stay as far from home as possible. One of the reasons I joined the king's army was because it allowed me to constantly move because not doing so was never a good thing… until now.
And now, not moving was one of the best things of my life. Somehow, during our many days together, and even before last night, I'd come to care for this woman.
I could see that now as I looked back over our time together. Maybe it occurred when I first kissed her, but I was sure it was before then.
Ellery was someone I liked and respected. I couldn't say that about many immortals, and I'd met tons of them over my many years. While feelings for her were a complication I'd never expected or wanted in my life, I welcomed them.
This room filled with comfort was a place of peace. This manor was nowhere near as large as my father's castle, but it contained more love and warmth in this one room than that monstrosity possessed in all its endless halls.
I felt more at home with her than in all the years I'd resided with my father.
"Can I ask you something?" she inquired.
"You can ask me anything."
"You say that now, but I'm curious about Doomed Valley."
I stiffened a little before relaxing. Of course she was curious about that place of legend, myth, and death.
Few who entered the Valley ever returned. I was one of the lucky ones, but it was a place full of bad memories and suffering. Still, I didn't want to keep anything from her.
"Go ahead."
Her fingers squeezed mine. "What was it like there? Are the legends and stories of it true?"
"They're true, but it's worse than anyone could imagine. The jungle is so thick that, at times, you can't see someone standing a foot in front of you. The bugs eat you alive, and the creatures residing there will tear apart whatever the bugs don't devour.
"There are also gremlins; giant cats; large, armor-plated monsters that are nearly impossible to kill; mandarus who suck out your soul; and all kinds of other creatures that only live to kill.
"I suppose, with all its vibrant green foliage and colorful flowers, it could also be considered beautiful, but, to me, there was nothing beautiful about it. It's a place of misery and death."
She lifted my hand and kissed the back of my fingers. "I'm sorry you had to endure that place. How long were you there?"
"A year, and at the time, I believed it was worth it to be there. I was certain I'd rescue Leo, but all I succeeded in doing was getting myself, and others, captured and killed."
"By the ophidians?"
"The ophidians imprisoned and slaughtered some of us, but others fell to the many creatures residing there."
"How long were you a prisoner?"
"A little over three months."