3. Amanita

THREE

AMANITA

Every night was the same. My body would fight sleep, wanting to rest during the day and wander in the blackness of night, all while grappling with the same vivid dreams and odd encounters, each more intense than the last.

Dark, navy-blue shadows painted the sky as his hand gripped my neck, carefully allowing me enough air to breathe, squeezing between my soft moans as he bit my ear from behind, the pain exciting me more. Every night, he welcomed me in my dreams, offering me a release from the confusion of reality that clouded me. I did not know the stranger who accompanied me in my sleep. The dreams rippled, distorting my view, but my body felt as though it knew. The experiences were mixed with longing, faint memories, and desire.

"Shadow," he whispered, kissing my neck once more.

"I'll be your shadow," I breathed. "Just stay. Don't leave."

"Until the heavens fall onto the earth." His grip tightened as a low growl rumbled deep in his chest against my back. "You shall remain my shadow. Now, let my darkness surround you."

Hands wrapped around my thighs as they gripped my legs apart in one swift motion. The strange man ran his hand down my backside and lifted my skirt, his fingers gliding up my inner thigh, his touch gracefully gliding along my sensitive skin. I leaned back into him, my breathing intensifying as he continued, caressing my center. I reached my arm back, grabbing his neck as I closed my eyes and surrendered myself to the moment. Teasing me, his free hand ripped the front of my dress, exposing my breasts to the cold air, which added to my pleasure. He cupped my breasts, squeezing hard as he thrust his other fingers inside me, moving back and forth. I moaned, wanting more— needing more. The dreams, despite how real they felt, were never enough.

I clung to the fantasy, swimming in the darkness, when sudden beams of light broke through the sky, cracking my dream into pieces. No. Please . The light of the sun burned through my lids, alerting me to the time as I groaned, frustrated. My dream was gone, vanishing as quickly as it came. I wanted to go back to sleep and return to him .

A knock on my chamber door told me that fate had other plans. "My lady?" The servant called, her voice creeping through the thick wooden entrance. "Prince Agaric is waiting for you in the dining hall. Breakfast is ready." I sighed, accepting the role I was meant to play.