Chapter 37

A month later, Cadmus stood with Ellie over his mother's bed and stared at the queen's sleeping form. She had yet to regain consciousness, despite Arim and half the land's best attempts at healing.

"She'll recover, Cadmus." Ellie gripped his hand tight. "Her Light still burns too brightly."

"I'm not ready to let her go yet," he admitted. "I finally came to peace with my father's passing. I know he'd like nothing better to see Mother again, but…" His voice broke.

"It's okay. She's still with us. If anyone can help her, your uncle can."

In the time since the grand battle he'd pretty much slept through—and man, did that suck, since his brothers continually ragged him about it—Ellie and Arim had bonded. Granted, they met often to discuss Lexa's sad turn, but Cadmus could see how the two now spoke with affection and familiarity. Apparently, that possession spell had worked both ways.

Jonas thought it funny Arim now catered to Ellie's smallest whim. It did Cadmus' heart good that his uncle wanted to please and get to know Cadmus' Dark affai. He loved her so damned much. Despite his grief over his mother, Cadmus couldn't help remembering how he and his Darkling had shared their love just a few hours ago.

She'd loved him with her mouth until he nearly came, then held him taut with her energy before she took him deep inside her body. And after, when she'd bent down, on hands and knees, urging him to take her in the ass as she begged him with those pouting, cherry-red lips and sky-blue eyes…

A loud cough brought him back. "Cadmus, not here." Ellie whispered in his mind.

He glanced down where her eyes had fixed, on his tented trousers. "It's not like she can see. Besides, it's all your fault. Your Darkness is so arousing, baby. I love that mouth, you know that?"

"Then maybe I should use it to say when you can and can't have it." A tantalising image from Ellie, of him bound in their room, like Arim had been bound by Lexa, hit him hard.

"Damn it, woman, my mother is right here! You're such a pervert."

She laughed at him, and he felt his heart ease at her joy. His mother would recover, she had to. With so much love around her, she had to feel the pull of it bringing her back.

"For Light's sake, Cadmus. Not in here." Darius growled as he strolled into the room with Samantha in tow. "Oh, hey, Ellie."

Ever since the truth behind Ellie's altercation with Samantha's evil twin had come to light, everyone had been on their ultra-best, apologetic behaviour. Cadmus, most of all. He'd explained that the shock, as well as Sin Garu's treachery, had added to his doubt. She'd forgiven him, but she'd made him work damned hard for her forgiveness.

His lagging erection returned.

"Now what are you thinking? Honestly, Cadmus. Does that thing ever go down?" She poked him in the ribs, and he laughed, great gales of laughter that soon had Darius and Samantha joining in.

"I love you, Ellie. So very, very much." And as humor replaced his arousal, he studied his mother, wishing she could share the moment. A spark of magic suddenly filled the room, Light mingling with Dark and something else, a powerful spark that shook Ravyn's body.

Cadmus let the tears fall when her hand feebly sought his. Her green eyes opened, and he smiled. "Welcome back, Mother. We missed you."