7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Vornas

I stride through the dense jungle, my senses heightened. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and lush vegetation, but there's something else—a faint pulse of energy that grows stronger with each step. My fur bristles, but this time not from trepidation, but from excitement.

We're close.

"Almost there," I purr to Chloe, who's keeping pace beside me. Her human features are set in determination, but I catch the slight quickening of her breath at my words.

As we push through a thick curtain of vines, the air shifts dramatically. It becomes charged, alive with an ancient power that makes my fur stand on end. The ground beneath our feet begins to throb like a beating heart.

"Do you feel that?" I ask, watching Chloe's reaction closely.

She frowns, pressing a hand to the earth. "It's like… a heartbeat?"

"Exactly," I nod, unable to keep the pride from my voice. "That's the Mother Tree calling to us."

We move faster until we step into a clearing, and there it stands—a colossal tree that seems to touch the very heavens. Its trunk rivals the size of the starting arena, its bark a map of intricate patterns and pulsing, bioluminescent veins.

Chloe's jaw drops. "Holy… That's not a tree. That's a skyscraper with leaves!"

I tilt my head at the odd word, but it is quite fitting.

As we approach the colossal Mother Tree, its presence grows ever more imposing. I extend my arm, guiding Chloe closer to the ancient behemoth. When we're near enough to touch it, I reach out, my paw hovering for a moment before making contact with the gnarled bark.

The instant my fur brushes against the living wood, a jolt of energy courses through me. I close my eyes, relishing the steady thrum of life that vibrates through my limbs. It's a connection that goes beyond the physical, tapping into something primal and sacred within me.

Chloe traces a glowing vein in the trunk, her fingers leaving a trail of curiosity. She then glances at me, asking pointedly, "It's cool and all, but what makes this more than just a really, really big tree? There's got to be more to it, right?"

"The Mother Tree will provide all we need—nourishment, cleansing waters, and a sanctuary to rest inside." I gesture toward a split in the bark. "See that crevice? It will lead to an interior chamber within—a safehold where we can sleep without fear of becoming prey."

"What's keeping our hunter buddies from knocking and inviting themselves right in?"

"This ancient guardian is rather… selective. Only those it deems worthy may enter its embrace. Those metal monstrosities? They'll be crushed within the trunk if they dare try to force their way in."

"Jesus, really?" Chloe glances back at that Mother Tree, then blinks hard as a thought occurs to her. "Uh… So what happens if the tree thinks I'm not worthy?"

I lean in close, my whiskers nearly brushing her ear. "I suppose you'll just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best." I give her a roguish wink, then motion toward one of the crevices. "Shall we?"

With that, I slide my paw into a hidden crevice. The bark around my hand begins to glow, pulsing with an otherworldly light that spreads outward like ripples in a moonlit pond. A low groan reverberates through the air as the trunk parts, revealing a secret entrance.

I watch Chloe's face, noting the uncertainty in her eyes. She hesitates a moment longer, then gives me a small nod. That simple gesture speaks volumes—she's choosing to trust me. A warmth spreads through my chest at the realization.

"Ready?" I ask softly, extending my paw.

Chloe's fingers intertwine with mine, her grip firm despite the slight tremor I feel. "As I'll ever be."

Together, we step into the Mother Tree's embrace. The living walls seal behind us with a soft groan, enveloping us in a cocoon of ancient bark. We wind our way through twisting passages, until finally, the narrow corridor opens up, and I hear Chloe's sharp intake of breath as we enter the heart of the wooden guardian.

The inner chamber before us is a marvel of nature's artistry. High above the large cavern, a massive, pulsating gem bathes everything in an amber glow. Bioluminescent veins crisscross the walls, and the air is thick with the scent of earth that speaks of ancient secrets and hidden power.

"Welcome to our sanctuary," I murmur, my voice carrying a note of reverence.

Chloe's eyes widen as she takes in the spectacle. "This is… beyond words."

I preen a little at her awe. "The Mother Tree provides all we need," I explain as we go deeper into the cavern. We come across a series of small basins naturally formed in the living wood. "Fresh water, purified by the tree itself," I say, dipping a paw into one of the pools to demonstrate. I scoop up some of the crystal-clear water in my cupped hands and offer it to Chloe. "Here. You must be thirsty."

Chloe's eyes widen, and for a moment, she hesitates. I can almost see the thoughts racing behind those expressive eyes—the realization of how intimate this gesture is, the internal debate over whether to accept.

Then, decision made, she leans forward. Her lips barely graze my fingers as she sips, but that whisper of contact is enough to send a thrill racing up my arm. When she finishes, the air between us grows thick with unspoken tension. I hear her heartbeat quicken, matching the wild rhythm of my own.

With that, I motion that we explore further, and soon we discover a hollow filled with soft, moss-like growth. "Ah, the perfect resting place," I say, gesturing to the natural bed. "Though I hope you don't mind a touch of wilderness in your sleeping arrangements."

Chloe raises an eyebrow, a hint of her usual sass returning. "As long as it doesn't try to eat me in my sleep, I think I can manage."

I chuckle. "Don't worry, the only thing with an appetite for you in here is me."

Her cheeks flush at my words, and she looks away, but not before I catch the ghost of a smile playing on her lips.

As we settle into our newfound haven, the Mother Tree's heartbeat seems to sync with my own, and I find myself hoping that soon, Chloe's will too.

"Speaking of appetites…" I begin, then reach up at one of the internal branches, pulling off a small, vibrant green fruit. "You're in for a treat. This is one of the most popular delicacies among the Saberkai."

Chloe's eyes widen with curiosity. "It looks like a neon lime," she comments.

"It's called plyput. It only grows within the Mother Tree." I tear off the fruit's rind, revealing an inner orange flesh. "The Saberkai believe it has healing properties, but I enjoy it for its… other effects." I hand her half of the fruit, continuing, "It enhances the senses and creates a pleasant, mildly intoxicating feeling."

"What, like wine?"

I shrug, unsure of her foreign reference. "Perhaps."

She takes a bite, and her eyes light up. "Oh wow, it's like… a tangy mango mixed with a hint of cinnamon? And there's this tingling sensation…"

I savor my own piece of plyput, relishing the familiar burst of tangy sweetness on my tongue. As the fruit's subtle effects begin to take hold, I find myself even more captivated by Chloe. The soft glow of the Mother Tree highlights the curve of her cheek, the scar a silvery line that only enhances her beauty in my eyes.

After a moment, I lean in, my curiosity getting the better of me. "You know, Chloe," I begin, my voice low and intimate, "I've shared a bit of my world with you. But I find myself wondering about yours." I tilt my head, studying her with unabashed interest. "Tell me about your life on Earth. What kind of world could produce such a fascinating creature as yourself?"

Chloe laughs, the sound melodic and intoxicating. "Oh, you know, Earth's just your average concrete jungle. Imagine towering buildings instead of trees, rivers of cars instead of water. And air conditioning. Lots of air conditioning."

"Air… conditioning?" I repeat, the unfamiliar term rolling awkwardly off my tongue.

Chloe frowns as she tries to describe it. "It's like… artificial cool air. Makes hot days bearable when you're stuck inside."

I shake my head, struggling to comprehend. "You trap yourselves in small spaces and then create false wind?"

"When you put it that way, it does sound ridiculous," Chloe admits with a chuckle.

My gaze is then drawn to the scar on Chloe's cheek. Maybe it's too soon to ask, but my curiosity gets the better of me. "Chloe," I begin, my voice softening, "I couldn't help but notice your scar."

She tenses slightly, her hand unconsciously rising to her cheek.

I continue, "How did you receive it?"

Chloe's eyes stay averted as she shifts uncomfortably. "It's a stupid story. Not really something I want to talk about."

"Perhaps it would help if I shared the story of my own scar first," I offer, gesturing to the mark across my own cheek.

Chloe's posture relaxes slightly, and she nods, her eyes meeting mine.

I look away, the memories of that fateful day flooding back. "It was my first major battle as a young prince," I begin, trying to keep my tone airy, but the weight of the memory presses down on me. "I led my clan against the Drakari, one of the three powerful kingdoms of Mythos. Their warlord king, Draven, was…" I pause, searching for the right words. "Well, let's just say he wasn't exactly the type to invite over for a friendly game of tail-wrestling."

Chloe's lips quirk at my attempt at humor, and it gives me the courage to continue. "We clashed on the battlefield. He was stronger than I anticipated. Stronger than I wanted to admit. I thought it'd be a sure win, but…"

My tail flicks restlessly, and I force it still, but Chloe's observant eyes have already noticed my agitation. She doesn't comment, just waits patiently for me to continue.

"In a moment of…" I struggle to find the right word, not wanting to admit my shortcoming but knowing I owe Chloe the truth. "In a moment of arrogance, I left myself exposed, and Draven's blade found its mark." My hand rises unconsciously to my cheek, fingers tracing the familiar ridges of my scar.

"This," I say, tapping the scar lightly, "is my constant reminder of that day. It knocked me from my pedestal, placed me at the bottom among the three Saberkai kings who rule the Mythos jungles." The admission costs me, but there's a strange relief in finally voicing it aloud.

Chloe's eyes soften with understanding. "That must have been hard."

I nod, surprised by the lump in my throat. "I had always been the young golden prince. The one everyone expected great things from. And in one fell swoop, I became the laughingstock of the jungle."

I take a shaky breath, surprised by how much I'm revealing. But there's something about Chloe, something that makes me want to bare my soul. "But it taught me valuable lessons about leadership. About the dangers of underestimating your opponents and overestimating yourself."

Chloe reaches out, her fingers hovering near my scar. "May I?" she asks, her voice soft and hesitant. I nod, unable to speak past the sudden tightness in my throat. Her touch sends a jolt through me as she gently traces the line, her fingertips warm and soft against my fur.

"Your turn," I say softly, my curiosity burning through the vulnerability of the moment. I find myself leaning closer, drawn in by the mystery of her own scar and the story behind it.

"Mine's not nearly as dramatic," she begins with a soft, self-deprecating laugh that tugs at something deep within me. "I was working at a café in college…"

"A café?" I interrupt, my brow furrowing.

Chloe's eyes widen slightly, as if remembering our cultural divide. "Oh, right. It's like… a place where humans go to drink and eat light meals. I was a barista—a server there."

My tail flicks with indignation at the reminder that she once served others.

To my surprise, Chloe chuckles. "It wasn't meant to be my job forever. It was just a way to make money while I pursued my true passion—graphic design… which I'm going to guess isn't a thing in your jungles either." She pauses, trying to come up with a way to describe it. "It's a more technical form of art."

I nod. "I see. Please, continue."

She takes a deep breath. "Well, the place I was working at was kind of a dump. So one day, I tripped over a loose tile and crashed into a display of glass mugs. One second of clumsiness, and…" She gestures to her face. "Permanent facial accessory."

As she speaks, I notice the vulnerability in her voice, the way her eyes dart away as if ashamed. My chest tightens at the thought of her feeling this way.

"It's just… It changed everything, you know?" Chloe continues, her gaze fixed on the ground. "Suddenly, that's all people saw when they looked at me. Like I was damaged goods or something."

Without thinking, I reach out, gently tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. "Chloe," I say, my voice low, "your scar is beautiful. It's a mark of survival, of resilience. It shows that you've faced adversity and emerged stronger."

Her eyes widen, surprise and something else flashing in their depths.

"In Saberkai culture," I continue, my thumb absently tracing the line of her scar, "scars are honored. They tell our stories, show our strength. Yours… Yours is no different."

I hear Chloe's breath catch, and suddenly I'm acutely aware of how physically close we are to each other. I feel the warmth radiating from her skin, hear the quickening of her heartbeat.

"You really think so?" she whispers, her voice barely audible. "You don't think it's ugly?"

"You're strong, Chloe. Stronger than you realize," I reply, my eyes locked on hers. I can see flecks of gold in her irises, catching the dim light. "And this strength only adds to your beauty."

The air between us crackles with tension. Chloe's eyes lower to my lips. I feel myself leaning in, drawn by an irresistible force. In this moment, with Chloe so close, everything else fades away—the game, the danger, my past. All that exists is us, here and now, on the precipice of something profound.

I hesitate for a moment, giving her a chance to pull away. But instead, she closes the gap between us, her lips meeting mine in a kiss that steals the breath from my lungs. It's like nothing I've ever experienced—soft and warm and intoxicating. My hands find their way into her hair, pulling her closer as I deepen the kiss. She responds eagerly, her own hands tangling in my mane.

We're both lost in the moment, until finally we break apart, gasping for air, and I'm left feeling as if I'm awakening from a dream.

Chloe's eyes are wide and shining with emotion. "Wow," she breathes.

I nod, unable to find words to express what I'm feeling. Instead, I lean in again, capturing her lips once more. She responds immediately, her hands roaming across my chest, and we lose ourselves in each other, exploring and tasting until we're both panting and breathless.

I pull away again, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears. "Chloe," I manage to say between ragged breaths, "we should stop."

She looks up at me with flushed cheeks and swollen lips, and it takes every ounce of willpower I have to keep from kissing her again. "Why?"

"Because…" I swallow hard, trying to regain some semblance of self-control. "Because if we don't, I'm not sure I'll be able to stop myself from…" I trail off, my gaze drifting down her body.

She bites her lower lip, her eyes flashing with desire. "Maybe I don't want you to stop," she murmurs, leaning in until her lips are mere inches from mine.

The scent of her arousal is intoxicating, sending a primal jolt of need through me. My cock strains against the confines of my loincloth, aching for release.

Does she know what she's doing to me?

I force myself to focus on something other than the way Chloe's body feels pressed against mine. "Chloe," I say, my voice low and strained, "there's something you should know."

She frowns slightly as she looks up at me. "What is it?"

My heart pounds in my chest as I prepare to tell her the truth. The truth that so much of me—my confidence, my roguish facade—it all hides a deep-seated fear that I'm not good enough, especially when it comes to this.

But I can't keep it from her any longer.

"I've never…" My voice falters, and I take another deep breath before trying again. "Chloe, I've never been with a female before." I swallow hard. "As you know, Mythos has suffered a terrible plague, and I'm one of the youngest kings, so I've never learned how to… How to pleasure a female the way she deserves."

Her eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she reaches up and gently cups my cheek, her fingers brushing against my fur. "Vornas," she says softly, her voice full of understanding, "it's okay. We don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

"I want this," I say. "I just… I want it to be good for you."

She smiles, her eyes shining with emotion. "It already is," she murmurs before pressing her lips to mine once more. The kiss is soft and gentle at first, but soon grows deeper and more passionate as we both give into our desires.

My hands explore every inch of her body, committing each curve and valley to memory. I then break the kiss, moving down to trail my lips along her neck and collarbone. She arches into me, her breath coming in shallow gasps as I continue my exploration.

"Vornas," she breathes as I nip gently at the sensitive skin just below her ear. "Please…"

Her plea beckons me, and I can't hold back any longer.

It's clear she wants this.

And so do I.

More than anything else in the universe.

I'm going to make her mine.