57. Auslin

Chapter 57

Auslin

A uslin hadn't realized he had fallen asleep until he woke up to see Hibiki staring down at him. "Yes?"

Hibiki butted his head against Auslin's hand. The mage reflexively petted the fire spirit, who burned a much brighter purple in pleasure as he curled up on Auslin's chest to continue receiving attention.

"I'm sorry I always kept you trapped before," Auslin apologized to him before yawning. "I didn't realize you could be out unless something was wrong."

"I have no complaints," Hibiki replied.

"Did you talk?" Auslin asked in shock.

"Indeed, I did."

Auslin could only blink in surprise. "Since when?"

Hibiki laughed. "Since always. You simply could not hear me before."

"What changed?"

Hibiki nudged Auslin's hand. "Your amplifier works on anyone you share a bond with. Although we are not mates, a soul bond links us together. It makes it possible for you to hear me now."

"But why can I hear you speak with words and not Kitsuki?"

"There is a reason I cannot say yet." Hibiki's nonanswer frustrated Auslin.

The mage couldn't think of any reasons why it would work differently. "Why not?"

"It is too soon."

Auslin was about to ask another question when a more pressing one came to mind. "Wait, can you also feel my emotions?" He burned with embarrassment for subjecting Hibiki to his amorous reunion with Kitsuki's insatiable dragon.

Hibiki laughed. "Do not fear. I am not affected by such things. Please do not trouble yourself for indulging in your mate as nature intended."

"Now I feel even worse about keeping you trapped in this ring," Auslin groaned.

"I truly do not mind it. The ring is my home. Being closest to you is when I am happiest."

It helped to hear, but Auslin still felt awful for keeping a sentient creature locked away. "Promise you'll tell me if you ever want out of the ring. Can you come out on your own? Because I'm fine with that, too."

"Thank you for your concern." Hibiki nuzzled against Auslin with a trill. "But I am satisfied."

"Do you miss Finini and Shikiji?" Auslin asked.

"They are entertaining playmates." Hibiki flicked his tail. "Our reunion was enjoyable."

It was sweet, but it made Auslin wonder. "Do you ever get lonely?"

"I am never lonely because I am always by your side." Hibiki butted against Auslin's hand again to receive more pets.

"Is that really true?" Auslin asked in surprise, not realizing Hibiki felt that way.

Kitsuki returned to the room. "Is what really true?"

"Nothing, I was talking to Hibiki." Auslin scratched behind the fire dragon spirit's ears.

"He cannot hear me since my bond is only with you," Hibiki informed Auslin.

Auslin waited for Kitsuki to get back in bed with him before asking something that had been bothering him. "Will I ever be allowed to travel again?"

"Is there someplace in particular you are wishing to go?" Kitsuki asked.

Auslin tilted his head to get a better look at Kitsuki. "As your mate, if I traveled to certain places, would it cause problems?"

"If you were to go to Kunushi or Reflorna, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar since they are Nasume's family territories," Kitsuki replied. "However, as the king of Valzerna, I have a good relationship with most of the rulers throughout Talwyn. A visit from you would not pose a diplomatic incident. Why?"

"Going to the Divine Realm reminded me how much I miss seeing new places." Auslin held in a sigh as he continued showering Hibiki with attention. "It made me realize how much I miss traveling and helping people."

"I see."

Auslin wasn't sure how to interpret Kitsuki's tone, so he continued. "I'm torn because I don't want to leave you behind, but I know it's not realistic to expect you to go on a journey with me because of your royal duties."

"I have traveled in the past while Kisano or Tyrian acts as my ruling regent in my absence. It is not beyond the realm of possibility I could join you on your travels."

Auslin could feel his hopes lift. "Kizoshi taught me how to make rifts, so I could take you back to Tiora in an instant if you needed to come home. But sometimes it's nice to walk between towns, you know?"

"Another benefit is we could have much sexier trips this time around." Kitsuki leaned down to kiss Auslin, forcing Hibiki to scamper to the end of the bed to get out of the way.

Auslin laughed as his excitement grew at the possibility of returning to his travels. "I'd feel better visiting a few specific cities to reassure my friends I'm okay."

"Let me talk to Kisano and see what we can arrange."

"I'd really appreciate that," Auslin hopefully replied.

Kitsuki gave Auslin another kiss. "I am quite confident we can come to a satisfactory arrangement of some kind. I will go speak with Kisano now."

Auslin laughed even as he protested. "I didn't mean you had to do it right this second."

"I was going to meet with him soon to discuss something else, so it is no problem," Kitsuki stated. "I will let you know what he says when I return."

"Thank you." His mate really was the best.

"I shall return to you shortly. Perhaps then we could make better use of you being in bed."

Auslin loved he could now feel Kitsuki's amusement echoed through their bond. "Provided I'm still in bed."

"If you are not, then I am more than capable of ensuring your return to it." Kitsuki kissed Auslin before getting out of bed. "We shall see soon enough."

"Looking forward to it."

Left alone, Hibiki stretched out over Auslin's chest and stomach. The mage rewarded him with more petting.

W hen Kitsuki returned, Auslin was reading a book on the veranda, with Hibiki asleep on his lap.

"Sorry for getting out of bed," Auslin playfully apologized. He sat his book aside to give Kitsuki his full attention.

"As I said earlier, I am more than capable of getting you back into bed the instant I wish for you to be in it." Kitsuki pretended to be indignant, but Auslin could feel his amusement radiating through their bond. "Are you questioning my ability to get you back into bed? It is a challenge I am more than happy to win."

"Of that, I have no doubt," Auslin replied with another laugh as he petted Hibiki. "I would much rather hear about how your meeting with Kisano went, though."

"He is amenable to acting as my regent while we travel. We could leave as early as two days from now."

"I'm going to bring him back so many books as a thank-you!" Auslin could hardly believe he could reunite with his friends soon.

Kitsuki chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Where would you like to visit first?"

"We have to go to Barlatan in Zinnia," Auslin answered. "I have dear friends there who have probably been very upset and worried I've been gone for so long."

"That is fortuitous since I would welcome the chance to meet with Zinnia's ruler, King Lenwat. He is one of the most accepting shifters about humans, so I believe we would have a lot to discuss."

"I've never met King Lenwat, but I've only heard good things about him." Auslin's mood darkened. "What about Kio? I don't want to run into him on the road and have it blow up into a huge fight."

"You have nothing to fear. He remains trapped in the dungeon where he belongs."

"Still?" Auslin asked in shock. He wasn't sure why he had assumed Kitsuki had released Kio after the Fatebonding ceremony.

Kitsuki nodded. "He is safe in a place where the only person he can hurt is himself. You have no reason to fear him any longer."

"I don't know if that makes me feel any better." Guilt ate away at Auslin. "Having Kio being chained up like an animal is awful."

"He either remains locked in his cell, or he dies," Kitsuki said in a gentle tone, which was a stark contrast to his harsh words. "I will not risk releasing him to wreak havoc and chaos on our lives. Do not forget, him being free also puts Maseo in danger."

Neither option was good, but Kitsuki's reminder about Maseo's safety made the mage realize his mate was right. Auslin wished not for the first time that Kio would stop being so stubborn and move on with his life.

"I appreciate your desire for leniency, but you must understand him being locked down there so long will have warped his mind further with thoughts of revenge. The consequences of his release are far too disastrous for me to allow."

Auslin sighed heavily. "What you're saying makes sense, but it still feels so wrong." Even though he knew it was hopeless, the mage still wished there was some way he could make Kio understand that there was no chance for them to get back together. "Can I talk to him?"

Kitsuki was silent for a moment. "Why would you wish to do that?"

"For closure."

"It is not a wise idea," Kitsuki hesitantly warned. "There is no need for you to subject yourself to any more of his abuse. It will only upset you further."

Auslin looked at his mate with a pleading gaze. "Please, Kitsuki. I need him to understand."

Kitsuki sighed in defeat. "I will take you to see him if you truly wish, but I fear you are making a dangerous mistake because of the kindness in your heart."

"Even if it is a mistake, I have to try," Auslin insisted.

"Very well." Kitsuki offered his hand to Auslin. "I will take you there now. But prepare yourself for him to say cruel things to punish you."

"I'll be fine." Auslin accepted Kitsuki's outstretched hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you for understanding."

Kitsuki led the way down to the castle dungeon. It pained Auslin to see Kio caged like an animal. He looked at his ex with a mix of pity and guilt.

"If you feel so fucking bad about it, you should make your guard dog let me out," Kio snapped, glaring at Auslin.

Auslin didn't take the bait for the argument. "None of this would be necessary if you would move on. You could have your freedom if you left me and Maseo alone."

Kio spit on the floor. "Like I have any use for that bastard? Maseo could die for all I care. He deserves it for betraying me with that asshole you call a mate."

Hearing Kio being so callous toward the half-wolf shifter hurt. "How can you say that about Maseo? He's always been there for you!"

"What the fuck do you care? If anyone should wish Maseo was dead, it would be you. Not only did he fuck me, but he's sucking your mate's dick, too. You've been played for a fool, Auslin."

"You're lying! Kitsuki hasn't done anything with Maseo."

"Then why is he wearing that motherfucker's necklace?"

Auslin's temper flared. "Because I asked him to!"

"Why the fuck would you do that?"

"Because unlike you, I actually care about Maseo and his happiness. He deserves better than your abuse." Auslin's heart hurt for the half-shifter. "Did you ever love him?"

Kio scoffed. "Who could love that worthless bastard? The only thing he was good for was being a willing hole."

Auslin's temper flared. "But he loved you!"

"Heh, he loved what my dick could do for him, but that was it." Kio snorted before becoming defensive. "What the fuck difference does it make to you? Are you fucking him now?"

The mage didn't dignify his question with an answer. "You betrayed me repeatedly, and you didn't even love him?" Auslin demanded in anguish. "You put us both through hell for your selfishness!"

Kio was nonplussed. "He wasn't complaining, so why are you?"

Kitsuki brushed against their mating bond to calm Auslin's ire.

"You never cared about either of us," Auslin realized. "And now you have the audacity to claim you love me?"

"I realized my mistake when I lost you!" Kio yelled. "You're the only one I love."

Auslin had waited a long time to hear those words, but they were empty promises the mage wasn't interested in any longer. "I don't believe you! If I hadn't returned as Kitsuki's intended, you would have berated me and punished me for abandoning you."

"That's not true!"

Kio's lies infuriated Auslin. "You don't love me. The only reason you care is because you lost me to your half brother that you hate."

"I care because I love you, damn it!" Kio exclaimed.

Kitsuki finally joined the conversation. "You know I can smell you are lying."

"It's not a lie!" Kio snarled.

"It is not the truth," Kitsuki evenly countered. "Even now, you are still trying to punish Auslin for leaving you."

"Stop acting like you know everything, asshole!" Kio glared at Kitsuki. "You don't know shit, so stay out of this! It's between me and Auslin."

Kitsuki remained undeterred. "You are trying to take away his happiness because you cannot stand that he found it with me."

"I'm not!" Kio heatedly denied.

"If you truly loved him, you would banish yourself from his sight and never appear again," Kitsuki coldly told his half brother. "You are trying to use his good heart to guilt him into returning to your side. I will not allow you to continue this abuse."

"Then you may as well fucking kill me because I'm never going to stop!" Kio taunted.

Kio's response made Auslin realize something important. "Can you honestly say you aren't trying to punish me for disappearing and mating Kitsuki?" Auslin's question was met with silence. "If you're telling the truth that you're not, Kitsuki will tell me."

The captured half-shifter snorted. "Of course, that fucker's going to lie! He hates me!"

"Unlike you, Kitsuki is too honorable to lie."

"Bullshit," Kio said with a harsh laugh.

"I'm giving you the chance to be honest," Auslin offered. "If you truly are in love with me and want to see me happy like you say, then you'll promise to leave me to my happiness with him. I'll make him release you if you're telling the truth."

Kio shrugged. "No matter what I say, this asshole intends to leave me to rot in this hellhole."

"That is because I can smell that you are lying!" Kitsuki growled. "You have learned absolutely nothing from this experience. I will not allow you to ruin Auslin's or Maseo's happiness."

"As soon as I'm free, I can't wait to pay you back tenfold for this indignity," Kio snarled at his brother. "I'll take away all your happiness until you're as miserable as I am right now."

"If you truly loved me, you wouldn't say or do that." Auslin was done offering Kio chances. "He's right. You really are lying to me."

Kio snarled at him. "You're going to believe what you want to believe. Fuck the truth, right?"

Even though it pained Auslin, he turned his back on Kio to walk away.

"What, so you're going to let me stay down here for the rest of my life and rot?" Kio angrily demanded. "If you ever loved me, you would make this asshole let me go."

Auslin whipped around with outrage. "How can you make threats to my happiness in one breath and then try to invoke my love in another? Do you have no shame?"

"The only shameful thing is that you betrayed me and mated my bastard half brother!" Kio shouted.

"You are in no position to talk about shameful behavior when you're locked up in a cage because of your own cruelty," Auslin shot back in rage.

"When I'm done destroying this bastard, you and Maseo are next," Kio yelled. "I'll fucking kill you all!"

When Kitsuki's dragon appeared, Auslin reached out through their bond to calm him. "Don't," Auslin requested. "He's not worth it."

"Even now, he still spares your worthless existence, you unworthy ingrate," Kitsuki's dragon hissed at Kio.

He followed Auslin toward the exit. Kio continued yelling threats at them as they walked up the stairs. It startled Auslin when Kio suddenly howled in pain. He suspected it had something to do with Kitsuki's dragon, but for once, he turned a blind eye.

By the time they returned to their room, Kitsuki's dragon had retreated. Kitsuki watched his mate with concern. "Did you get the closure you wanted?"

"I don't understand how he can say he loves me and then turn around and threaten me!" Auslin threw his hands up in frustration.

"He can say that because he does not truly love you." Kitsuki gathered Auslin into a hug. "He is trying to punish you with his lies. It pains me to see he is succeeding in hurting your heart."

Auslin leaned into the comfort of Kitsuki's embrace. "I know it was unrealistic to expect him to repent and leave peacefully. That's never been who he is."

"Indeed, it is not." Kitsuki caressed Auslin's back to soothe him.

"And now I feel like an awful person because I'm relieved he's locked down there where he can't hurt us," Auslin whispered in anguish, the guilt eating away at him. "I know you will keep me safe, but if he got to Maseo first, I can't even think about what he'd do to him."

"Do not give him this victory over you. He does not deserve another second of your attention or concern."

Auslin knew he was right, but it was impossible to turn that part of his heart off. "How am I ever supposed to be okay with knowing he's locked away because of me?"

"He is in the dungeon because of his own violent stupidity," Kitsuki firmly insisted. "Only your kindness has kept him alive this long."

Auslin pulled back to look up at Kitsuki questioningly. "Would you really kill your own brother?"

"After everything he has put you through, that disgusting miscreant doesn't deserve to live." Kitsuki's eyes flashed silver with his dragon's anger. "I have killed men for far lesser offenses."

Doubt set in for Auslin. "Maybe killing him would be the greater kindness than a lifetime of solitude chained up like an animal."

"All it takes is a word."

Auslin hid his face against Kitsuki's chest. "Even after everything Kio has done, I can't be okay with that."

Kitsuki kissed his mate's temple. "You do not have to be."

Auslin wanted to escape the complicated and unpleasant feelings churning inside him. He looked up at Kitsuki as he pleaded, "Make me forget about this. Show me what real love is."

"I will happily pleasure you until my name is the only thing you can remember." Kitsuki captured Auslin's lips in a passionate kiss.

It was the coward's way out, but Auslin submitted himself to his mate so he didn't have to think about Kio anymore. He had to stop feeling guilty for something that wasn't his fault. Auslin wasn't responsible for Kio's twisted feelings. The sooner he could forget, the sooner he could move on with his life.

Once Kitsuki had them both naked and on the bed, he relentlessly pleasured Auslin until the only thought remaining in his mind was pleasure. It made it easier to forget himself when all he could feel was Kitsuki moving inside him.

Kitsuki kept Auslin on edge by alternating between slow and fast thrusts. It drove the mage to the edge as he fisted the sheets from the overwhelming need coursing through him.

When Kitsuki manipulated the magic in their bond, Auslin's aura wrapped around his mate's as they became one. The intensity of the experience drew Auslin's orgasm. It was incredible to experience Kitsuki's climax echoing through their connection as bondmates, especially once his knot filled Auslin with the ultimate pleasure.

Nothing else in the world mattered in the moment except for his beloved mate.