Tharon

THARON

T he aroma of her desire filled my senses, driving the beast wild with need. But beneath it, I caught the tang of exhaustion. Her body swayed almost imperceptibly, fatigue warring with arousal.

She deserved more than a rushed claiming in this strange metal cave. More than quick pleasure when her body was already pushed beyond its limits.

“Enough.” The word rumbled from my chest, though it nearly killed me to say it.

“But-” Her protest ended in a soft gasp as I pressed my lips to her temple.

“Rest first.” I gathered her closer, letting her feel both my desire and my restraint. “You’re exhausted, little one.”

“I’m fine.” But even as she said it, she leaned harder against me, her body betraying her.

The Valti growled in satisfaction at her unconscious trust. My mate, letting me support her weight without fear. But the man in me saw the shadows under her eyes, the way her hands shook slightly as they clutched my shirt.

“Let me care for you properly.” I nuzzled the spot behind her ear that made her shiver. “There will be time for more when you’re stronger.”

She made a small sound of protest that turned into a yawn. I couldn’t help my smile against her skin.

“See? Even your body agrees with me.”

The compulsion to check the systems pulled at her even as exhaustion weighed her limbs. I grabbed her arm before she could take another step toward the console.

“No. You need rest first.”

“But we’re so close.” Her fingers twitched toward the controls. “Just a few more minutes...”

I shifted to block her path, keeping my touch gentle but firm. “The pod will still be here after you sleep.”

She pressed against my hold, stubborn despite her clear fatigue. “I can’t waste time. The Temple-”

“Will also still be there.” I studied the pod’s interior, noting the curved walls and strange materials. A small alcove caught my attention - sheltered from the main area but still within the pod’s protection. “Come here.”

She resisted at first as I guided her toward the space, but her steps grew heavier with each moment. I gathered the surviving supplies from our packs, creating a makeshift bed from blankets and my spare cloak.

“Just for a little while,” I promised, helping her settle onto the improvised pallet. “I’ll prepare a proper camp outside, then wake you when it’s ready.”

“You don’t have to take care of me.” But her eyes already drooped as she curled onto her side.

I smoothed her hair back from her face, marveling at how the short strands felt like silk against my palm. “Yes, I do.”

She caught my wrist as I started to pull away. “Stay?”

My heart clenched at the vulnerability in that single word. “I need to check on the villart and set up camp. But I’ll be right outside.”

Her fingers slipped from my skin as sleep finally claimed her. I lingered a moment longer, committing every detail to memory - the fan of her lashes against her cheeks, the slight part of her lips, the complete trust in her relaxed expression.

The fire came together quickly, muscle memory taking over while my thoughts wandered. Everything felt different now - the air itself charged with possibility and danger in equal measure. Just days ago, I’d been resigned to my role as the cold, calculating prince. Now...

Now I had a mate. A human mate, with secrets that could shake both our worlds to their foundations.

The strange human technology made my skin crawl, setting the beast on edge in ways I didn’t fully understand. Was it simply unfamiliarity? Or something deeper - some fundamental incompatibility between Shakai nature and human machinery?

A soft sound from the pod’s entrance snapped my attention up. Niam stood in the doorway, sleep-rumpled and swaying slightly. The sight nearly weakened my knees - my mate, vulnerable and seeking me out.

The beast surged forward, demanding I gather her close and shelter her from everything that might cause harm. I did my best to move slowly, not wanting to startle her.

“You should be resting,” I murmured as I approached.

“Woke up alone.” She blinked at me through heavy eyes. “Wanted to find you.”

My heart squeezed at her simple honesty. I wrapped my cloak around her shoulders, guiding her to sit by the fire. “Here. Let me get you something to eat.”

She watched through half-closed eyes as I prepared a simple meal, fighting sleep even as exhaustion pulled at her. When I handed her the food, she picked at it listlessly.

“You need to eat.”

“Why aren’t you closer to the pod?” she asked instead of responding.

I considered my answer carefully. “The technology... it feels wrong somehow. Like oil on my skin.”

“Because you’re Shakai?”

“Maybe. Or because I’m Valti. I don’t know.” I shrugged, trying to cast off the sensation. “Tell me about where you grew up, before the Temple.”

Her shoulders hunched slightly. “I don’t remember much. I was very young when they took me.”

The beast snarled at the pain in her voice, but my tone remained gentle. “Tell me what you do remember.”

“I think... there were gardens?” Her brow furrowed. “And someone used to sing to me. A woman with red hair like mine.”

I shifted closer, letting her lean against me as her words grew slower, more slurred. “Your mother?”

“Maybe. The Temple tried to make us forget...” She yawned. “Everything from before.”

“But they didn’t succeed. You’re still you.”

Her head dropped to my shoulder. “Am I? Sometimes I don’t know anymore...”

I gathered her closer as her voice trailed off, sleep finally winning the battle. She nestled trustingly into my embrace, completely defenseless. The beast purred with satisfaction while the man in me marveled at her faith in my protection.

I adjusted her carefully, making sure she was comfortable without waking her. The fire painted shadows across her face, highlighting the delicate arch of her cheekbones, the slight furrow between her brows that even sleep didn’t completely smooth away.

What came next? How could I protect her while supporting the mission that drove her? The Temple had to be stopped - that much was clear. But not at the cost of her life.

The beast prowled restlessly beneath my skin as plans formed and dissolved. We’d need allies, resources. Ways to fight an enemy that used technology I barely understood.

But those were problems for tomorrow. Tonight, my mate slept, safe in my arms, while I maintained my watch. The rest would come in time.

I dropped a kiss on her temple, breathing in her scent. Whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. I would find a way to help her succeed while keeping her safe.

The beast rumbled agreement. After all, what good was power if not used to protect what mattered most?