8. Naia

8

NAIA

I wake with a start, my body tensing as unfamiliar warmth envelops me. Kairos' arms. The events of last night crash over me like a tidal wave, and I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the memories away. But they persist, vivid and undeniable.

My heart races, a mix of emotions churning inside me. Confusion. Anger. A little bit of shame.

And the desperate need to have him inside me again despite the way he took me over and over last night.

I'd hated him. Or at least, I thought I did. He'd grabbed me, bound me to him with his magic, treated me like some possession he could just claim. But even as I lashed out, there was this... pull. A connection I couldn't explain or ignore, no matter how hard I tried.

It terrified me. Still does.

I've never given in to anyone so fast. Never let my guard down like that. Years on the streets of Ter, then in the Dark Market – they taught me better. Trust no one. Rely on no one but yourself.

But Kairos... He broke through those walls like they were nothing.

I shift slightly, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine, the rise and fall of his chest. My body aches in places I'd forgotten could ache, a reminder of our frenzied coupling. Heat rises to my cheeks as fragments of memory flash through my mind – his touch, his taste, the way he made me feel...

Wanted. Desired. Safe.

It's that last one that scares me most.

I want to hate him. To push him away and run. But I can't deny the way my body relaxes into his embrace, how right it feels to be here. And that terrifies me more than any threat the Dark Market ever posed.

What am I supposed to do with these feelings? This... connection? I don't even know who I am anymore. What I am, if Kairos is right about the magic he sensed in me.

I squeeze my eyes shut tighter, willing the world away. But Kairos is still here, solid and real, his presence impossible to ignore.

And deep down, a part of me doesn't want to.

Kairos stirs behind me. His silver eyes immediately land on me, and his hand starts to make small circles on my skin. "Sleep well, little one?" He smirks, and I fight the urge to throw something at him. I told him to quit calling me that.

"Like a rock," I grumble, stretching. Every muscle protests, reminding me of our night together. "A very sore rock."

Kairos chuckles, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "We should get moving. There's much to discuss."

We break camp quickly, and I'm relieved when Kairos doesn't try to carry me again. As we walk, he explains more about the magic he sensed in me.

"It's raw, untamed," he says. "But with practice, you could harness it."

I snort. "Right. Because I'm secretly some powerful sorceress."

"Stranger things have happened." Kairos pauses, his expression thoughtful. "Try this. Close your eyes and focus on the energy around you."

I roll my eyes but comply. At first, there's nothing. Then, slowly, I become aware of a faint hum. It reminds me of the market on busy days, a constant buzz of activity just beneath the surface.

"I feel... something," I admit reluctantly.

Kairos nods. "Good. Now, try to grab hold of that energy. Imagine shaping it into a ball in your hand."

I concentrate, picturing the energy coalescing. To my shock, I feel a tingle in my palm. I open my eyes to find a small, flickering orb of light hovering above my hand.

"Holy shit," I breathe.

"Impressive," Kairos says, and I can hear the pride in his voice. "You're a natural."

The orb vanishes as my concentration breaks. "So what does this have to do with your magical pull?"

"Everything," Kairos explains. "The energy you just tapped into? It's the same force guiding us. Your connection to it might be why I was drawn to you in the market."

I raise an eyebrow. "And here I thought it was my charming personality."

Kairos laughs, a rich sound that warms me from the inside out. "That too, little one. That too."

As we continue our journey, Kairos teaches me more exercises. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once. With each small success, I feel a piece of myself clicking into place – a part I never knew was missing.

As we walk, our banter continues, lighter now. The attraction between us simmers, a constant undercurrent. But there's something else too – a growing understanding, a partnership forming.

We're making good progress through the forest when Kairos suddenly tenses, his hand shooting out to stop me. I open my mouth to protest, but he presses a finger to his lips, silver eyes scanning the trees.

That's when I hear it - voices. My blood runs cold as I recognize the harsh, clipped tones of dark elf slavers.

"Shit," I whisper, panic rising in my throat. "We need to hide."

Kairos nods, pulling me behind a thick cluster of bushes. We crouch low, barely daring to breathe as the voices grow louder.

"...worth the trip," one slaver says. "The market's always hungry for fresh meat."

My stomach churns. I know exactly what - who - they're talking about.

Kairos' hand finds mine, squeezing gently. The touch grounds me, keeping the memories at bay. I focus on the warmth of his skin, the steady rhythm of his breathing.

The slavers are close now, close enough that I can make out individual words in their native tongue. My time in the market taught me enough to understand the gist - they're discussing their latest "acquisitions."

One of them pauses near our hiding spot. My heart pounds so hard I'm sure they'll hear it. Kairos tenses beside me, magic crackling at his fingertips.

The slaver takes another step. A twig snaps under his boot.

Something inside me... shifts. It's like a dam breaking, power surging through my veins. Before I can think, I thrust my hand out, willing the energy to do something.

A blinding flash erupts from my palm. The slaver stumbles back, crying out in shock and pain. His companions rush to his aid, shouting in confusion.

Kairos doesn't hesitate. He grabs my arm, and the world blurs around us as he teleports us away. We materialize deeper in the forest, my legs giving out as soon as we land.

"What... what was that?" I gasp, staring at my trembling hands.

Kairos kneels beside me, his expression a mix of concern and excitement. "That, little one, was raw magical potential. And it seems to be growing."

"What do you mean?"

He helps me to my feet, steadying me as the world spins. "We're moving toward the center of the magic I feel. And I'm starting to think that your powers are connected to wherever we are headed."

His words shake me to the core. I open my mouth to argue, but I don't even know what to say.

What is waiting for me at the end of this journey?