16. Bronwyn

16

brONWYN

H e saved me.

It's the only thing I can think, over and over. He saved me.

The air between us seems to hum and everything in me is screaming to kiss. To hold him. To show him that I care if he's hurt, that I don't want to see him suffer because of me.

But my instincts kick in, and I know we have to stop the bleeding.

"Let me see," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

Zyx grimaces but doesn't protest as I gently examine his wing. My fingers hover just over the wound, assessing the damage. "It's deep, but clean," I mutter, more to myself than him.

I grab my pack, fishing out the herbs and bandages I've collected on our journey. The familiar motions of preparing a poultice calm my racing thoughts. I crush the leaves between my fingers, releasing their pungent aroma.

"This might sting," I warn, applying the mixture to his wound. Zyx hisses, his muscles tensing under my touch. "Sorry," I murmur, working as quickly and gently as I can.

As I work on his wing, I feel Zyx's eyes on me. The intensity of his gaze makes my cheeks burn. I focus on my task, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach.

"Where'd you learn to do this?" Zyx asks, his voice low and curious.

I shrug, not meeting his eyes. "Necessity. On Earth, if you couldn't patch yourself up, you didn't last long."

His hand catches mine as I finish tying off the bandage. "Thank you, Bronwyn."

I look up, caught in his silver gaze. The gratitude and something deeper in his eyes makes my breath catch. "You got hurt protecting me," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zyx's thumb traces circles on my wrist. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

His skin radiates heat, warming my fingers as I work, and I know he hasn't taken his eyes off of me. It takes everything in me to stay focused. I can clean the wound, apply herbs, and wrap it, but I don't think I can stitch it. I don't know enough about wings to test that.

Maybe Kairos or Naia can heal it. If that's something magic can do. But either way, it needs to be cleaned before anyone touches it.

As I run my hands along his wing, I notice Zyx shift slightly. "Am I hurting you?" I ask, pausing my ministrations.

"No," he says, his voice rougher than usual. "It's fine. Keep going."

I resume my work, but now I'm acutely aware of every reaction. His muscles tense under my touch. His breath catches when I trace the edge of his wing. I slow my movements, watching him closely.

Zyx's eyes are half-closed, his breathing becoming more labored. It hits me then - his wings aren't just sensitive to pain. Heat floods my cheeks as I realize the effect I'm having on him.

My hands falter, and Zyx's eyes snap open. Our gazes lock, and the air between us crackles with tension. His pupils are dilated, turning his silver eyes almost black. My heart pounds so hard I'm sure he can hear it.

"Bronwyn," he breathes, my name a caress on his lips.

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "Your wings," I manage to say. "They're... sensitive."

Zyx nods, not breaking eye contact. "Very."

My hand still rests on his wing, and I'm torn between the urge to snatch it away and the desire to explore further. Zyx remains perfectly still, as if afraid any movement might shatter this moment.

But I have to make sure he's alright.

I've finished cleaning the wound, forcing myself to go to Kairos and Naia. Thankfully, Kairos is able to quickly heal it, and I kneel next to him as he does. I stare at the knitted together membrane, looking almost like nothing had happened.

I barely notice when Naia pulls Kairos away, saying that we’ll camp here tonight. I'm too busy staring at Zyx's wing, and I can't stop myself from reaching out and touching the wound. The smooth texture and warmth captivates me, and I brush my fingers over it lightly, testing it. Zyx shudders, a low sound escaping his throat.

Emboldened by his reaction, I explore further. My touch becomes more deliberate as I stroke the length of his wing, marveling at how it quivers under my fingertips. Zyx's breathing grows ragged, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

I trace the delicate bones that run through it, applying gentle pressure. Zyx's wings flex involuntarily, stretching out as if seeking more of my touch. The movement brings him closer, and I catch the scent of rain and night air that clings to his skin.

My fingers dance across the sensitive membrane, and Zyx lets out a strangled groan. His eyes, now dark with desire, lock onto mine. "Bronwyn," he says, his voice rough and strained. "You have to stop. I can't... I can't take it anymore."

The raw need in his voice sends a shiver down my spine. I pause, my hand still resting on his wing, feeling the tremors running through him. The air between us is thick with tension, charged with unspoken desires.

"No?" I whisper. I lean in slowly, my heart pounding in my chest.

Zyx's hand cups my face, his touch gentle yet electrifying. "Not if you want me to hold back."

My heart feels like it's going to leap from my throat. "I don't want that at all."

Our lips meet, soft and hesitant at first. His lips are warm and inviting, sending sparks through my entire body. I melt into the kiss, savoring the taste of him - a hint of sweetness mixed with something wild and untamed. My hands find their way to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my fingers.

As the kiss deepens, Zyx's wings envelop us, cocooning us in a world of midnight blue. The edges brush against my skin, intensifying every sensation. I run my fingers through his hair, marveling at its softness.

Zyx's tongue traces my lower lip, asking for entrance. I part my lips, welcoming him in. Our tongues dance, exploring and tasting. A soft moan escapes me, swallowed by his eager mouth.

The kiss becomes more urgent, pent-up longing pouring out. Zyx's hand moves to the small of my back, pulling me closer until there's no space left between us. I can feel the heat of his body, the strength in his arms as he holds me.

My fingers trace the contours of his face, memorizing every detail. The sharp angle of his jaw, the slight roughness of stubble, the pointed tips of his ears. Everything about him is intoxicating, and I find myself craving more.

I melt into Zyx's embrace, my body molding against his. His lips move with a hunger that matches my own, igniting a fire deep within me. I've never felt anything like this before - this raw, all-consuming desire.

Zyx's hands roam my back, leaving trails of heat in their wake. Every touch awakens parts of me I thought long dormant. I arch into him, craving more contact.

Our kiss deepens, tongues dancing in a passionate rhythm. The taste of him is intoxicating - wild and sweet, like the forest after rain. I drink him in, desperate for more.

Zyx pulls me closer, if that's even possible. His strong arms encircle me, making me feel safe and desired in a way I've never experienced. I lose myself in the heat of his body, the strength of his embrace.

A soft moan escapes me as Zyx's lips leave mine to trail along my jaw. His breath is hot against my skin, sending jolts of electricity through my body. When he reaches my neck, I tilt my head, giving him better access.

My hands explore the planes of his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my fingertips. Every muscle, every contour is a new discovery, and I map them eagerly.

Zyx's wings quiver as my hands brush against them. The low groan he lets out vibrates against my skin, and I feel an answering heat pool in my core. I've never wanted anyone like this before.

Our eyes meet, and I'm struck by the intensity in his gaze. His silver eyes are dark with desire, reflecting the same need I feel. In this moment, I'm certain he's been feeling the same pull that I have.

And I am so ready to give in.