Korrin

KORRIN

I pressed my forehead against the cool stone, willing the beast to calm. Denna's scent still lingered in my nostrils, driving my Valti nature to a frenzy.

The yikvri's claws had come so close to tearing into Denna's delicate flesh. My heart pounded just thinking about how easily she could have been mauled or killed. I clenched my fists, fury rising at the thought of her being hurt. The need to protect her, to keep her safe, overwhelmed every other thought.

The beast's urges flooded my mind with vivid images of pinning her beneath me, our bodies entwined as I marked her pale skin with my teeth. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push the vision away.

The Valti was both a blessing and a curse, granting me strength and ferocity in battle, but demanding complete surrender to its urges. Few of my people carried this burden, and fewer still managed to control it.

"?" Surant's gruff voice cut through my turmoil. "We're nearing the next cavern. Should be a good spot to make camp."

I gave a terse nod, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other as we continued down the winding tunnel. Denna walked a few paces ahead, her golden curls swaying with each step. The gentle sway of her hips was mesmerizing.

Stop it, I chided myself. This was no time to be distracted. I couldn't afford to lose focus now, not when my men were counting on me.

"These tunnels," I said, forcing my attention elsewhere, "were used long ago by my people to move unseen, a secret network that spanned the entire region. Once, they were used for trade and defense. They've been forgotten, fallen into disuse now."

Denna glanced back at me curiously. "Your people? You mean the Wandering Nation?" A faint blush colored Denna's cheeks. "You know, I thought you and your men were outlaws at first. These tunnels would have been useful for that kind of life."

I chuckled, a rare sound even to my own ears. "That does sound like a simpler existence."

The idea of living as a common outlaw was almost amusing. No responsibilities beyond survival, no expectations to meet. No beast nature to control. But I knew better than to indulge in such fantasies.

Surant handed me the tattered map and I traced the path with a calloused finger. "According to this, there's an exit not far from the castle where they're holding the baroness captive."

Her eyes widened at the crude drawing. "You think the map is still accurate?"

"It's our best chance," Surant rumbled. "The longer they can see us approaching, the more time they have to mount a defense."

Handing the map back to him, I studied Denna carefully, noting the determination glinting in her blue eyes. "You don't have to come with us, you know. We can part ways at the exit if you wish."

She lifted her chin defiantly and tapped at my chest. "Have you forgotten? I have a mission of my own."

Right. My necklace.

The true reason she would stay with us.

We turned a corner and the tunnel opened into a wide cavern, dimly lit by cracks in the rock above. Roji immediately set to work clearing a space for our camp while the others dispersed to gather water and whatever meager provisions were left.

I hung back, unable to tear my gaze away from Denna. The way the soft light gilded her skin, the graceful curve of her neck...she was utterly captivating. My fingers twitched with the urge to reach out and touch her, to pull her into my embrace.

She sensed my stare and met my eyes questioningly. "What is it?"

The beast inside me roared in approval, delighting in her closeness, in the chance to claim her right here. I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I fought against the need clawing at my insides.

"?" She took a step closer, eyes wide with concern. "Are you all right?"

I am losing control.

The realization hit me like a blow. If I didn't get away from her soon, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from taking her as my mate, pinning her to the ground in front of everyone.

"I...need to check the outer tunnel," I managed roughly, backing away. "Make sure we're secure."

Denna opened her mouth as if to protest, but I had already turned and stalked deeper into the shadows, putting distance between us. It was the only way to keep her safe...from me.

I returned to the cavern after taking some time to compose myself. The crackling fire had dwindled to glowing embers, casting a warm glow over the camp. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by the flickering firelight. The soft murmur of sleeping men and the distant drip of water created a strangely comforting ambiance.

Most of my men had already settled in for a needed rest, but one figure remained seated by the dying flames.

Denna.

She didn't seem to notice my approach, her gaze fixed on the hypnotic flickers of light. I should have turned away, found my bedroll and given her space. But something about the pensive look on her face, the way the firelight danced across her features, drew me in.

Steeling myself against the beast's growls of desire, I moved to join her. She glanced up as I neared, offering a small smile that made my heart clench .

"You're back," she said simply.

I nodded, sinking down beside her with my elbows resting on my knees. "I needed some air."

"Mm." She turned her attention back to the embers, seeming to study the patterns they formed. A few beats of silence passed before she spoke again. "I never did thank you properly. For saving me from that yikvri."

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance, though her words filled me with a strange sense of pride. "All part of the job."

"Is it?" She raised an eyebrow at me. "I just… I never know what to think about you. I feel like I know you, but I don't. I can't. None of this makes sense."

I took her hand, lacing my fingers through hers, the heat of her skin sizzled through me at the touch.

Was she feeling the same electric connection?

"I would prefer... I would." I sighed. "I would have you know that I am much attracted to you. Your presence at my side is tenfold greater than your presence in my dreams. Tell me you dreamed of me, lest I feel a fool."

"You were familiar from the first," she murmured. "Never did I think you were real, only a fantasy made up by a lonely girl trapped in a life of drudgery. But now you are here, and I don't know what to do."

"A fantasy," I repeated slowly.

Why had she chosen that word?

"You feel something for me," I said, a statement rather than a question.

"Yes. I do. I'm drawn to you." The truth shone in her eyes, even if she couldn't explain it. I knew there was more than just physical attraction between us. It was her presence, her aura. I felt we shared some secret history, some unspoken connection.

I cleared my throat, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. "Denna, have you...have you ever heard the word ‘Valti'?" I asked, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness that I hadn't intended to reveal.

She blinked, the confusion on her face clear even in the dim light. "Valti?" she echoed, her lips forming the syllables in a way that captivated me entirely.

I watched, transfixed, as she mouthed the word again, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. The beast stirred once more, urging me to claim what was mine. Instead, I reached out, my fingers brushing lightly over her lips, tracing the delicate contours.

Her eyes widened, pupils dilating as a shiver ran through her.

I leaned in, my body humming, and gently pressed my lips to hers.

The kiss was a spark in the darkness, igniting a fire that threatened to consume us both. Her lips were soft and tentative at first, but as the initial shock wore off, she returned the kiss with a fervor that matched my own. Our mouths moved together, exploring and tasting, each touch fueling the hunger that raged within.

My hand found its way to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. Her fingers tangled in my hair, as if she feared I might disappear into the night. The world around us fell away, leaving nothing but the two of us and the raw, undeniable connection that bound us together.

But as the passion mounted, a voice in the back of my mind screamed for restraint. I was walking a dangerous line, teetering on the edge of losing control.

The beast within me roared, and I froze.

Denna looked up at me, her eyes dark with desire, her lips swollen from our kiss. For a moment, I considered pulling her back into my arms, but I knew I couldn't. Not yet.

I pulled away, reality crashing back. The baroness was still in danger. Our mission hung by a thread. And yet, holding Denna felt more right than anything had in years.

"Go to bed, Denna," I said, the words scraping against my throat like rough stones. "Hurry."