Korrin

KORRIN

I took a sip of the fragrant tea, its warmth spreading through my chest and soothing my frayed nerves. The flickering firelight cast dancing shadows across my mother's face, her blue and silver hair shimmering as she leaned forward. Her piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I braced myself for the conversation ahead.

"," she snapped. "What exactly were you thinking, giving Orland the location of our silver mine? I didn't want to say anything in front of your men, but I need an explanation."

I set down my cup, the ceramic clinking softly against the wooden table. "Mother, it's not what you think. We didn't actually give him the real location."

Her eyebrow arched skeptically. "Oh? Then what exactly did you do?"

I leaned back in my chair, the wood creaking slightly under my weight. "It's a long story, but it started when Denna and I were separated from the others..."

I recounted our harrowing journey through the underground caverns, describing the eerie luminescence of the crystal formations and the oppressive heat of the lava chambers. As I spoke of the terrifying lava men, I noticed my mother's expression shift from skepticism to concern.

"By the ancestors, ," she breathed. "You could have been killed."

I nodded grimly. "We very nearly were. But Denna... she was incredible, Mother. Her quick thinking and bravery saved us both."

"That's all well and good," she said, "but what does this have to do with Orland and the mine?"

I leaned forward, lowering my voice conspiratorially. My men were on patrol, but there was no guarantee that none of the patrons of the inn were in Orland's pay. "After we were free, Denna went back, mapped the entrance to their tunnels. When we needed a bargaining chip to secure your release, she suggested we give Orland a map—but not to our silver mine. To the lava men's lair."

My mother's eyes widened in understanding. "You tricked him."

A smirk tugged at my lips. "Exactly. Orland's greed will lead him straight into a deathtrap. And even if he survives, he'll be too preoccupied with the potential riches of the cavern to bother us for a while."

She leaned back, a slow smile spreading across her face. "I must admit, that's rather clever. And brave, considering the risk you took in obtaining that information." Her smile faded slightly. "I'm impressed with your little human's ingenuity."

I bristled at her choice of words. "Denna is far more than just a ‘little human,' Mother. She's?—"

"Your mate?" My mother interrupted, her gaze sharp. ", I know you feel a connection to this girl, but are you certain? Finding your true mate is crucial for your sanity, for controlling the Valti within you. We can't afford to make a mistake here."

A growl built in my chest, the Valti stirring at the mere suggestion that Denna wasn't my destined partner.

"Mother," I said, my voice tight with emotion, "I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Denna isn't just clever or brave—though she's both of those things in spades. She completes me in a way I never thought possible."

I stood, pacing the room as the words poured out of me. "When we're together, it's like our minds are in perfect sync. She anticipates my thoughts, complements my strengths, and shores up my weaknesses. And the Valti..." I paused, searching for the right words. "The beast within me recognizes her as its mate. It's drawn to her, yes, but not in a way that feels out of control. If anything, her presence calms the primal urges."

She listened intently, her expression softening as I spoke. I continued, my voice filled with conviction. "I know it's unexpected. A human and a Shakai, let alone one with the Valti blood. But Denna... she accepts all of me, Mother. The man and the beast. She's not afraid of my transformation; she embraces it."

I knelt beside my mother's chair, taking her hands in mine. "I love her, Mother. Wholly and completely. And I trust my instincts in this matter above all else."

Her eyes softened, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "I must admit, , your words have given me pause. I've always trusted your judgment, and if you're this certain..."

She studied my face for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. Finally, she squeezed my hands gently. "Oh, my son," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I can see the love and devotion in your eyes when you speak of her. I may have had my doubts initially, but if this is truly what your heart desires, then you have my blessing."

My throat tightened, the band of iron around my chest loosening, just a bit. "Thank you, Mother," I whispered.

She reached out, cupping my cheek in her hand. "All I've ever wanted is for you to find true happiness and fulfillment, . Even if it means embracing a path that differs from our traditional ways." A wry smile played on her lips. "And I must admit, your Denna has already proven herself to be quite the asset to our people."

I chuckled, the pressure finally leaving my body. "She certainly has. I can't wait for you to get to know her better."

She nodded, then glanced towards the balcony. "It's late, and we both need rest. Go to your mate, . We can discuss the future in the morning."

I stood, bowing slightly to my mother before heading towards the door. As I reached for the handle, her voice stopped me.

"?"

I turned back. "Yes?"

Her eyes sparkled with a mix of love and mischief. "I'm proud of you, my son. And I look forward to greeting my future daughter-in-law properly."

I nodded, unable to keep the grin from my face. I left my mother's room, my steps light as I made my way back to where Denna slept, eager to hold my mate in my arms once more.

I crept into the dimly lit room, my footsteps muffled by the worn wooden floorboards. Moonlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow over Denna's sleeping form. Her golden curls splayed across the pillow, framing her face like a halo.

Carefully, I eased myself onto the edge of the bed, trying not to disturb her. The mattress dipped slightly under my weight, and I froze as Denna stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing those piercing blue eyes that never failed to captivate me.

"?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. "How did it go with your mother?"

I reached out to brush a stray curl from her forehead. "Better than expected, actually. I'm in less trouble than I thought I'd be."

Denna let out a soft, sleepy laugh that sent warmth spreading through my chest. "Mothers must be the same everywhere," she said, a hint of amusement in her tone.

The moonlight danced across her features, highlighting the curve of her cheek, the slope of her nose. I found myself drawn to her, an irresistible pull that I had no desire to fight. Leaning down, I cupped her face in my hand and pressed my lips to hers.

The kiss started gentle, a tender exploration. But as Denna responded, her fingers threading through my hair, it quickly became more heated. Need rumbled in my chest as I tasted the sweetness of her mouth.

My body reacted instantly to her touch, desire coursing through my veins like liquid fire. The Valti within me stirred, hungry for more, but I held it in check. I wanted to savor this moment, to lose myself in the softness of her skin and the warmth of her embrace.

Denna arched into me, her body molding against mine as if we were two pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together. I trailed kisses along her jawline, down the column of her throat, reveling in the small gasps and sighs that escaped her lips.

"," she breathed, her voice husky with want. Her hands roamed over my back, nails scraping lightly against my skin in a way that only made me want more.

I pulled back slightly, gazing into her eyes. They were dark with desire, mirroring the hunger I felt. "Denna," I whispered, my voice rough with emotion. "You're everything to me. Do you know that?"

She smiled, a radiant expression that made my heart skip a beat. "Show me," she said, pulling me back down to her.

Our kisses grew more passionate, more urgent. Clothes were shed, tossed carelessly to the floor as we explored each other's bodies with eager hands and hungry mouths. Every touch, every caress felt electric, sending sparks of pleasure coursing through me.

I marveled at the softness of her skin, the way she fit perfectly in my arms. The scent of her, an intoxicating mix of floral and something uniquely Denna, filled my senses. I wanted to memorize every inch of her, to map out the contours of her body with my fingertips and lips.

As our passion built, I felt the Valti stirring within me, pushing against the boundaries of my control. But instead of the usual struggle to contain it, I found that Denna's presence acted as an anchor, keeping me grounded even as desire threatened to overwhelm me.

"Denna," I growled, my voice deeper, rougher as the Valti's influence grew stronger. "I need you."

She met my gaze unflinchingly, her eyes filled with trust and love. "I'm yours, ," she whispered. "I want all of you."

Her words broke the last of my restraint. With a low growl, I claimed her lips in a searing kiss, pouring all of my passion, my love, my need into it. Denna responded with equal fervor, her body moving in perfect harmony with mine.

We came together in a frenzy of passion, our bodies joining as one. Every touch, every movement was heightened, dizzying.

I burned from the inside out, consumed by the fire of our love.

As we reached the peak of our passion together, I felt something shift within me. The Valti, usually an untamed force, settled, finding peace in Denna's embrace.

Afterward, we lay tangled together, our bodies cooling in the night air. I held Denna close, marveling at the feeling of completeness that washed over me. She traced lazy patterns on my chest, her touch soothing and electrifying all at once.

"What are you thinking?" she asked softly, tilting her head to look up at me.

I smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm thinking that I'm the luckiest man in the kingdom," I replied honestly. "And that I never want to let you go."

Denna's answering smile was radiant. "Good," she said, snuggling closer. "Because I have no intention of going anywhere."