5. Volezimir

5

VOLEZIMIR

I wake with the first light of dawn, my mind already made up. The peaceful atmosphere of Aurelius has seeped into my bones, a stark contrast to the cold, empty halls of the castle. But if I'm honest with myself, it's not just the island that's drawing me to stay.

Zylpha's face flashes in my mind, her emerald eyes and shy smile making my chest tighten in a way I've never experienced before. I shake my head, trying to focus on the task at hand.

I find Lamain near the communal gardens, inspecting the progress of their latest plantings.

"Prince Lamain," I call out, my voice gruff from disuse.

He turns, a smile spreading across his face. "Volezimir, good morning. I thought you'd be heading back by now."

I clear my throat. "About that. I was thinking... perhaps I could extend my stay. To help improve the island, of course. And ensure your comfort here."

Lamain's eyebrows shoot up, but his smile only grows. "That would be most welcome, old friend. But what about your duties back home?"

I wave a hand dismissively. "The zonaks can handle it. I'll use the portal today to delegate some tasks."

"Well then, we'd be glad to have you." Lamain claps me on the shoulder. "I'm sure June will be thrilled. She's always saying we could use more hands around here."

I nod, trying to keep my expression neutral. "I'll make the arrangements immediately."

As I turn to leave, Lamain calls out, "Oh, and Volezimir? I saw you talking with Zylpha yesterday. She seems... happier. Whatever you're doing, keep it up."

I feel heat creep up my neck, grateful for my dark skin hiding any blush. With a curt nod, I hurry off to the private home that Lamain and June are letting me stay in for now.

The familiar magic hums around me, somehow not as terribly nauseating this time, as I step through, finding myself back in the castle's empty halls. It takes less time than I expected to reassign my duties. The zonaks, used to following my orders, accept the new arrangements without question.

As I gather a few personal items, my eyes fall on a small, ornate box hidden away in my quarters. Inside lies a delicate silver chain, a gift from my mother before... before everything changed. I hesitate, then tuck it into my pack. Just in case.

The portal shimmers as I step back through, Aurelius's lush jungle greeting me once more. For the first time in centuries, I feel a spark of something I'd long forgotten.

Hope.

Over the next week, I wake each morning with a sense of anticipation I haven't felt in centuries. The sun barely peeks over the horizon when I find myself at Zylpha's door, ready for our daily adventure.

"Good morning," she greets me, her emerald eyes sparkling. She's stunning. Honestly, it takes my breath away. "Where are we off to today?"

I can't help but smile. "I thought we might explore the northern coastline. There's a hidden cove I stumbled upon yesterday."

We set off, our footsteps in sync as we navigate the winding jungle paths. The air is thick with the scent of exotic flowers and the calls of unfamiliar creatures.

I tell her about Galmoleth, about training as a warrior. I don't broach the topic of my lost warrior status, though, and she doesn't push.

"Enough about my past," I tell her, avoiding the topic. "What about you? Any fond memories from your childhood?"

Zylpha's face clouds over for a moment. "Not many. But I remember this old woman who lived near us. She'd tell the most amazing stories about heroes and magical creatures. For a little while, I could forget everything else."

We emerge from the jungle onto a pristine beach. The sand is soft beneath our feet as we make our way to the hidden cove. Crystal-clear water laps gently at the shore, revealing colorful fish darting about.

"I love it here," Zylpha breathes, her eyes wide with wonder.

I find myself staring at her profile, struck by how the sunlight catches her auburn hair. "Me, too, Sunshine."

Her eyes jerk to mine as the nickname slips out but it feels so perfect. She's lit up my world, her fiery hair and bright personality. It almost seems like she's going to protest what I called her. But then she just smiles.

We spend hours exploring the cove, Zylpha collecting shells while I regale her with tales of undersea kingdoms from demon lore. As the sun begins to set, we make our way back, our hands brushing occasionally.

The next day finds us trekking through a dense forest filled with bioluminescent plants. The ethereal glow bathes everything in soft blue light.

"I've never seen anything like this," Zylpha whispers, reaching out to touch a glowing leaf.

I watch her face, illuminated by the strange light. "Neither have I. And I've been around for a very long time."

She turns to me, curiosity in her eyes. "How old are you, exactly?"

I chuckle. "Old enough to know better, young enough to still make mistakes."

Zylpha rolls her eyes, but she's smiling. "Always so mysterious, Volezimir."

As days turn into weeks, our walks become the highlight of my existence. We climb to scenic viewpoints, overlooking the vast ocean that surrounds Aurelius. We share stories of our pasts, our hopes for the future. With each passing day, I find something I thought I was missing — purpose.

One afternoon, as we stand atop a cliff watching the waves crash below, Zylpha turns to me. "Thank you," she says softly.

"For what?"

She gestures around us. "For this. For showing me all the beauty this island has to offer. For... for being my friend."

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms. "You're welcome," I manage to say.

As the sun dips low on the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of reds and golds. Zylpha and I sit side by side on the clifftop, our legs dangling over the edge. The ocean stretches out before us, its surface shimmering like molten metal in the fading light.

I glance at Zylpha, my breath catching in my throat. The sunset's glow bathes her face in warm light, making her emerald eyes sparkle. She turns to me, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"It's beautiful," she whispers.

"Yes," I agree, but I'm not looking at the sunset anymore. My eyes are fixed on her, taking in every detail of her face.

Zylpha notices my gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly. She doesn't look away, though. Instead, her eyes meet mine, filled with an intensity I've never seen before.

Time seems to slow as I lean in, drawn by an invisible force. Zylpha's eyes flutter closed, and I feel her breath, warm against my skin. My heart pounds in my chest, a sensation I'd long forgotten.

Our lips meet, soft and tentative at first. The kiss is gentle, a mere whisper of contact, but it sends electricity coursing through my body. Zylpha's hand comes up to rest on my chest, and I cup her face gently, deepening the kiss.

I deepen the kiss, my hands trailing down Zylpha's back, feeling her soft skin beneath my rough palms. Her body presses against mine, her arms wrapping around my neck, pulling me closer. The heat between us intensifies, a fire stoked by our shared desire.

Suddenly, she shifts, her hands gripping my shoulders as she climbs onto my lap, her legs straddling me. Her eyes meet mine, filled with a hunger that mirrors my own.

I kiss down her neck, tasting her sweet skin, feeling her pulse quicken beneath my lips. I've never wanted anything more than I want her in this moment. She lets out a soft moan, her head tilting back, exposing more of her delicate throat.

Her fingers find the hem of her top, and she pulls it off in one swift motion. I lean back, my eyes roaming over her, taking in every curve, every freckle. She's breathtaking.

"Sunshine," I murmur, my voice hoarse with desire. "Do you want this?"

Her eyes meet mine, filled with determination. "Yes," she whispers. "I want you, Volezimir."

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "Have you... have you done this before?"

Memories cloud her gaze, shadows of a past she'd rather forget. Biting down on her lip, she whispers, "Never that I wanted."

I cup her face gently, my thumb brushing away a stray tear. "We don't have to?—"

She cuts me off, her voice steadier now. "I want to, Volezimir. I want you to give me a good memory."

I nod, my resolve strengthening. I kiss her, pouring all my pent-up emotions into it. I lay her back gently, my hands exploring her body, feeling her tremble beneath my touch. I tear off my shirt, needing to feel her skin against mine. Her hands reach for my pants, her fingers fumbling with the laces. I help her, our hands working together to shed the rest of our clothes.

"Are you sure about this, Sunshine?" My voice comes out hoarse, barely a whisper. I need to hear her say it again. I need to know this is what she wants.

"Yes, Volezimir." Her voice is steady, her eyes never leaving mine. "I want you."

A growl rumbles deep in my chest, primitive and possessive. I capture her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply, pouring all my pent-up desire into her. Her hands grasp at my shoulders, pulling me closer, her body arching against mine.

I trail kisses down her neck, tasting her sweet skin, feeling her pulse quicken beneath my lips. I move lower, exploring every inch of her body, learning what makes her gasp, what makes her moan. I want to know it all.

She shivers as I kiss the scar on her left forearm, a remnant of her past pain. I linger there, wanting to replace that old hurt with new pleasure. Her fingers tangle in my hair, guiding me, urging me on.

I move back up her body, capturing her mouth again. She wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me against her. I can feel her heat, her desire, pressing against me. I growl again, my body aching with need.

"Please, Volezimir," she whispers against my lips. "I need you."

I position myself at her entrance, my eyes locked onto hers. I push into her slowly, gently, giving her time to adjust. Her eyes widen, her breath hitches, but she never looks away. She takes all of me, her body accepting mine like we were made for each other.

I start to move, slow and steady, each thrust sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. Her hips meet mine, matching my rhythm, her body moving in sync with mine.

Her hands roam my body, tracing the scars on my back, the ridges of my horns. She touches me like she can't get enough, like she wants to know every part of me. I've never felt so wanted, so alive.

I can feel her climax building, her body tensing, her breath coming in quick gasps. I pick up my pace, driving into her with more force, more urgency. I want to feel her come undone around me.

"Volezimir," she gasps, her nails digging into my back. "I'm... I'm..."

"Let go, Zylpha," I murmur, my voice rough. "I've got you."

She cries out, her body convulsing around me, her climax triggering my own. I roar her name, my body shuddering as I release into her, waves of pleasure crashing over me.

In that moment, everything becomes clear. This is where I belong. This is my purpose. Not the empty halls of the castle, not the duty to my King. It's her. It's Zylpha. It's the sunshine she brings into my life.