8. Amaya

"Yes!" I cry out, throwing my head back. The bark of the tree digs into my back, but I don't care. I dig my hands harder into Siderus' shoulders as he thrusts into me. "Yes, oh, gods!"

"I'm close," Siderus pants in my ear, gripping my ass tightly as he pulls me down on top of him.

I lock my legs tighter around him as he continues to slam up into me and keeps me pressed against the tree. Our tree. The same one we've made love under every night for a week now.

"Me, too," I moan, my entire body heating up. "Right…There…"

His hips slam into me harder, faster, and I let out another deep moan as he hits the perfect spot. "Siderus!" My orgasm claims me as he grunts, giving a few more pulses before he stills deep inside of me.

He tightens his grip on me as I go limp so I don't fall to the ground, and after a few more seconds, he gently lowers me to the grass, lying beside me.

This is another thing I didn't expect about him. Every time, he holds me after, letting me lie on his chest, his hand sweeping up my back. He's comforting and gentle, making me feel safe and wanted. Something I never expected from a dark elf.

While the first few nights I was suspicious of why he kept coming, now I am just happy he does. I'm getting used to him, to sneaking out and making love and laying under this tree talking to him.

It feels so…right.

We lie side by side beneath the towering tree, gazing up at the carpet of glittering stars overhead. A comfortable silence hangs between us, born of growing familiarity over these secret nights together.

Siderus"s voice breaks the stillness, soft with recollection. We like to share stories after, and tonight, I don't even have to pry one out of him. "As a boy, I spent many lonely nights much like this, staring up at the sky. My uncle was not one for sentiment or comforts - I was raised in a strict, solitary way."

I roll onto my side, surprised by this glimpse into his past. Siderus rarely speaks of his upbringing. "It sounds very cold and isolated," I say gently.

Siderus shrugs, his eyes distant. "Perhaps to some. But it made me strong, taught me to rely only on myself. My uncle ensured I was prepared for anything the world might bring." A rueful smile tugs his lips. "He would be appalled to find me sprawled in a garden mooning over a girl."

I flush at his words even as sadness wells inside me. What a cheerless childhood he must have endured.

Siderus seems to sense my pity for he captures my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "Do not fret for the boy I was, Amaya. The trials of my youth shaped me, brought me to you." His eyes find mine, more open and vulnerable than I"ve ever seen them. "I would endure it all again, if this was waiting at the journey"s end."

My breath catches at the sincerity in his voice. Beneath his strong exterior, perhaps Siderus is as starved for warmth and connection as I. Wordlessly, I shift closer, curling up on his chest.

"What was it like for you, growing up in this grand estate?"

I blink, surprised by his interest. I rarely speak of my strange, isolated childhood. But Siderus"s attentive gaze emboldens me.

"It was...quiet," I begin slowly. "Lonely at times. My brother was my sole companion, though he had duties that often called him away. My father made sure I wanted for nothing, yet I saw him only on rare occasion." I hesitate. "He thinks, always has, that it is for the best that I remain concealed and protected."

Siderus"s brow furrows. "But why? I understand you are human, but you are his beloved child, are you not?"

I bite my lip. My unique heritage is a perilous topic, yet part of me longs to unburden myself to Siderus.

Seeing my hesitation, Siderus smoothes back my hair. "Forgive me, I should not pry into your family"s affairs. You don't need to share anything until you are ready."

His easy acceptance soothes me. On impulse, I lean up to brush a soft kiss to his jaw. "You are kind to take such interest. My life has been very sheltered compared to yours."

Siderus chuckles. "You may have been confined to an estate, but I was confined to an armor rack and weapons wall as a boy." His expression grows serious. "I am lucky to now share in the warmth of your company."

His earnest words kindle an ember of hope inside me. Perhaps with Siderus, I don't need to always be so alone.

The hours pass swiftly in Siderus"s company, our hushed conversations wandering aimlessly beneath the shimmering night sky. But too soon the moon begins its descent, signaling that we need to get back.

Siderus walks me back to the manor"s outer wall below my balcony. With a whispered word, he summons the vines to twist and weave, forming a living ladder. I marvel at this casual display of magic. Spending so much time with only the zagfer, I rarely see any.

I place my foot on the first vine, then hesitate, turning back. Siderus stands with hands outstretched to steady the vines, black hair shining in the moonlight. Overcome by a rush of emotion, I cross back to him swiftly.

Before doubt can stop me, I take his face in my hands and bring his lips down to mine in a fierce, desperate kiss. Siderus responds ardently, arms circling my waist to pull me tight against him.

We break apart breathless, our foreheads touching. "What was that for?" Siderus asks, voice low.

"A promise," I whisper. "That you will return to me."

Siderus"s eyes lock intensely on mine. "The fiercest likar could not keep me away."

I kiss him softly once more, then reluctantly pull from his embrace. With a final shared smile, I begin ascending the vines. Soon I am slipping quietly back into my bedchamber, my mind and heart already full of anticipation for when next we shall meet beneath the concealing night.