11. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Cianán

I watched her from the shadows all day, the pretty little songbird. She intrigues me more with each passing moment.

The sounds she made as I played with her were like the finest fae songs I had ever heard. The idea that they came from a simple human fascinated me to no end. Mortals are supposed to be fragile, predictable creatures—yet she was different. I have never encountered a mortal with such an exquisite voice, such beautiful features—it all called to something ancient, something darker within me.

Watching her bathe and prepare for bed has been the highlight of my very long life, which should not be the case, and yet, it is. After twilight fell, I watched her return from Ennisvarra and prepare for bed.

My glamor continued to keep me shielded from her as I crept closer, drawn by an insatiable curiosity. Unaware of my presence, she seemed lost in her own world. I wondered what dreams filled her head, what hopes and fears stirred in her fragile human heart. I saw how she reacted upon waking this morning, how easily she dismissed what happened last night as a dream. Like I knew she would. Humans are so easily swayed, so quick to deny the impossible when it stares them in the face.

My fingers twitched with the urge to touch her again, to feel her tremble under my fingers, to feel the flutter of her heartbeat like butterfly wings beneath her skin. I wanted so much to test her more than what I did, to hear her breath quicken, to see her surrender completely. How much could I push her before she truly began to question her sanity? She has no idea what she called to with her voice, with her song. No idea of the darkness that currently plays with her, or what I plan to do to her.

There was something about her that set her apart from other mortals. It wasn't just her beauty, though that was undeniable. It was something deeper, something hidden beneath the surface. My eyes had caught the faint shimmer on her skin, the telltale sign of fae blood. She had no idea, of course. It was hidden deep within her lineage, buried in generations of human flesh. Yet, it was there—enough to make her body react to the magic around her. The subtle gleam of her skin, the warmth that radiated from her… it was intoxicating. There was power in her, even if she didn't know it. It took all my willpower to stop myself from going further, from cutting deep into that skin, letting her ruby red blood spill and tasting the magic hidden within.

But I will hold back for the time being. Last night had been just the beginning, a small taste of what was to come. The marks from my vines were enough to plant the seeds of doubt, but not enough to alarm her. I wanted her to question reality, to second-guess what she knew about the world. If I took too much, if I revealed too soon that I wasn't just a figment of her dreams, the game would be over before it truly began. No, I would go slowly. Each night, I would push her a little further, play with her mind until she couldn't distinguish dream from reality.

I will be able to tell when I next approach in the daylight how much I am affecting her, how deeply she's beginning to question herself. The thought of seeing the confusion cross her face excites me—the momentary flicker of fear I know will be there as she wonders if it was real. She'll deny it, of course. Humans always do. But it will haunt her, that creeping uncertainty.

I watch her as she slips into bed, her delicate hands pulling the blanket over her pale skin. There's something almost mesmerizing about the way she moves, so graceful and unaware of the danger that lurks so close. Her eyelids flutter closed, and her lips part on a soft sigh, as if she is already surrendering to sleep, to the world of dreams. I wonder what she will dream of tonight—will I appear in those dreams, as she hinted at before?

Either way, she will get a good sleep tonight. I'll make sure of it.

I let my magic rise within me, it's usually like a background noise, ebbing and flowing, swaying like a field of flowers within me. Always there just below the surface, always wanting to be used. The extra power and abilities provided by the Huntsman's pendant are just an extra layer, like moonlight that shines on the field. It thrums through me, dark and intoxicating, and even from this distance, it's only a minor flex of power to push her deeper into her slumber. That's where I want her—where she is most vulnerable. Her breathing slows, her body relaxes further as my magic weaves through her, a gentle lullaby that sends her falling deeper into the abyss of dreams.

Moving through the shadows with ease, my steps are silent as I enter the cottage. The night air hums with potential, thick with magic and anticipation. I drop my glamor as I step inside, letting the mask of illusion fade away. There's no need for it here. Not when I'm so close, not when she's already unconscious, lost to the world.

I won't explore the dwelling tonight. There's something far better waiting for me on the bed, something far more tempting than the simple curiosities of her human life.

Her.

The sight of her lying there, wrapped in her own warmth, her body soft and inviting beneath the covers, stirs something dark and possessive within me. She's mine, whether she knows it yet or not. My plaything, my little songbird… until her wings break. A temporary distraction from the boredom of eternity. Certainly more entertaining than the hunt. I wonder how long I will be able to play with her before she succumbs to her mortality. Is it worth not giving up my position in order to continue playing with her for however long that is? I'm sure Lorcan could wait a little longer.

It would be worth it for me at least.

Reaching out, I pull the blanket away from her, revealing her naked body, no longer wanting the barrier hiding her from my eyes, from my touch. I know that no matter what I do to her, she wont wake. She may have dismissed my questions last night as a strange part of her dream, but I meant what I said. Her words do have power and she gave me permission to do what I liked while she slept unaware.

Reaching out, I wrap a hand around one of her ankles, her skin soft and warm under my fingertips. It's so deceptive, not feeling her lineage here like I did in Faerie. But the need to taste her again is overwhelming.

Kneeling on the soft bed, I raise the ankle in my hand to my face. Her skin is still warm and even though she dried herself I can feel the lingering moisture in her skin from her bath. The faint artificial floral scent from the soap she used irritates me. I press my mouth to her ankle, my lips brushing before I lick the soft flesh there.

She sighs softly in her sleep and my eyes watch the subtle reactions on her face, the way her lips part again as I move my lips and tongue further up her leg. The taste of her skin is intoxicating. I trail kisses up her calf, savoring each inch of exposed flesh. My teeth graze her skin, not quite breaking it, but leaving faint red marks in their wake. She shifts again in her sleep, a soft whimper escaping her lips.

I pause, watching her face intently. Her brow furrows slightly, caught in some dream. Is it me she's sensing, even in her unconscious state? The thought sends a thrill through me. I want to be the shadow that haunts her nights, the whisper in the dark that makes her question her sanity.

I continue my journey up her leg, my lips and tongue exploring every curve and dip of her flesh. Her skin tastes of salt and something sweeter, something uniquely her. As I reach her inner thigh, I can smell her arousal, a heady scent that makes my head spin.

My fingers trail up her other leg, leaving goosebumps in their wake. She shivers in her sleep, her body responding even as her mind remains blissfully unaware. I hover over her core, breathing in her true scent that no bath can disguise, letting it intoxicate me further. Spice and smoke.

I resist the urge to taste her there, not yet. I want to savor this, to draw out her pleasure and confusion for as long as possible. Instead, I move up her body, my hands ghosting over her hips, her waist, her ribs. I trace the curve of her breast with my fingertips and then I pause, my hand hovering over her heart. I can feel its steady rhythm, the pulse of life beneath her skin. It would be so easy to reach in and pluck it out, to end this game before it's truly begun. But where's the fun in that?

Instead, I lean down, pressing my ear to her chest. The sound of her heartbeat fills my senses, a steady drum that quickens slightly as my skin touches hers. It's as if she can sense a predator is upon her, but she can do nothing to fight it..

I trail my fingers up her neck, feeling the flutter of her pulse beneath my touch. Her skin is so soft, so delicate. It would take nothing to break it, to watch her life's blood spill onto the sheets. But not tonight.

My hand cups her face, thumb brushing over her lips. They part further at my touch, a gentle sigh escaping. I lean in closer, my lips hovering just above hers as I feel her soft breath against my skin. Her body is so perfectly still, so trusting in its unconscious state, completely unaware of the predator in bed with her. The darkness within me stirs, growing more restless, more insistent. But I hold back, savoring the moment, the exquisite tension of knowing I could take her now, utterly and completely, yet I choose to wait. I want to watch her pretty fear filled blue eyes stare into mine as she screams beneath me, unable to resist.

Her lips tremble beneath my thumb, and I feel her breath quicken, ever so slightly, as if her body senses me even in the depths of sleep. There is an exquisite beauty in her vulnerability. It's one of the things I enjoy so much about The Hunt whenever it gives me prey, the fear and panic, the helplessness. The inevitable surrender.

Leaning in, I press my lips to hers. She tastes of the tea she had before bed. There was honey in it and mixed with the taste of her, it's a sweetness I want to devour. Her lips part further under mine, her body responding even as she remains lost in dreams. deepening the kiss, my tongue explores her mouth, tasting every inch of her. She whimpers softly, her head tilting back as if offering herself to me.

My hand slides down her neck, feeling the quickening of her pulse. I trail my fingers lower, over her collarbone, down to her breast. Cupping it gently, feeling its weight in my palm, the softness of her skin. Her nipple hardens under my touch, and I roll it between my fingers, eliciting a soft whimper from her lips.

I break the kiss, moving my lips to her neck. Inhaling deeply, breathing in her scent, feeling the thrum of her pulse against my lips. My teeth graze her skin, and her body arches slightly, pressing against mine as if seeking more contact.

My hand continues its exploration, trailing down her stomach, feeling the soft glorious curves of her body. I trace patterns on her skin, ancient symbols of power that make her shiver in her sleep. Her legs part unconsciously, an invitation I'm all too eager to accept.

I slide my hand between her thighs, feeling the heat radiating from her core. She's already wet, her body responding to my touch even in her sleep. Running a finger along her entrance, I gather her moisture, before circling her clit slowly.

Another soft moan escapes her lips, her hips rocking slightly against my hand. I increase the pressure, watching her face intently for every minute reaction. Her brow furrows slightly, her lips parting as her breathing quickens. I can feel the tension building in her body, the way she arches into my touch, seeking more.

But I don't want to taste her from my fingers tonight. I want to drink directly from between her soft thighs.

I slide down her body, positioning my face between her legs. Her scent is even stronger this close, a heady mix of arousal and something uniquely her. I run my tongue along her inner thigh, tasting her skin, feeling her quiver beneath me.

My tongue darts out, tasting her, and her flavor explodes across my senses—sweet and tangy.

I groan softly against her flesh, unable to contain my reaction.

I begin to explore her with my tongue, tracing every fold and crevice. Her hips twitch under my ministrations, her body responding unconsciously to me. I circle her clit slowly, teasingly, before sucking it gently between my lips.

She moans again, her hips rocking against my face. I hold her thighs, keeping her spread open for me as I devour her. My tongue works relentlessly, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. I can feel the tension building in her body, the way her legs tremble under my hands. Her breathing becomes more rapid, shallow pants escaping her parted lips.

I increase the pressure and speed of my tongue, driving her towards her peak. Her back arches off the bed, a low moan escaping her throat. I can feel her getting close, her body tightening, coiling like a spring ready to snap.

Just as she's about to tumble over the edge, I pull back, denying her release. Her body shudders, a whimper of frustration escaping her lips even in her deep slumber. I watch her face intently, savoring the mix of pleasure and confusion that flits across her features. I wonder what would show on her face if I did this while she was awake.

I wait until her breathing slows slightly before diving back in, my tongue working her sensitive flesh once more. This time, I push two fingers inside her, curling them to find that spot that makes her gasp. I add another finger, not bothering to be gentle, she won't wake with my power keeping her nestled safely in her dreams. I lift my head to watch her face as I thrust my fingers inside her, the look of bliss on her features has the fingers of my other hand flexing on her soft thigh, my nails digging into her flesh. I know the moment my thumbnail pierces her delicate skin, the scent of her blood hitting the air and mixing with the scent of her arousal. My mouth waters.

It's an intoxicating perfume that makes my head swim. I can't resist any longer. I lower my mouth to her thigh, my tongue darting out to lap at the small trickle of blood. The taste is exquisite—sweet and metallic, with an undercurrent of something otherworldly. That hidden fae ancestry sings in her blood, calling to me, making me ravenous .

I growl low in my throat, my fingers still working inside her as I suck at the small wound. Her hips buck against my hand, her body caught between pleasure and pain even in sleep. Her response to that small amount of pain is telling, I feel her inner walls clench around my fingers, her climax building once more.

This time, I don't deny her. I return my mouth to her core, my tongue circling her clit as my fingers curl inside her. Her back arches off the bed, a soft cry escaping her lips as she tumbles over the edge. I feel her inner walls pulsing around my fingers, her thighs trembling against my face as waves of pleasure wash over her.

My cock weeps at the beautiful song she is singing for me, my hard length pressed painfully to the inside of my pants. But I don't stop, continuing to work her through her orgasm and pushing her towards another. Her body writhes beneath me, caught in the throes of ecstasy. Soft whimpers escape as I force her into another climax, and then another, until tears stain her pillow and I'm using a constant thrum of magic to keep her under.

Finally allowing her body to relax, I slowly withdraw my fingers, bringing them to my mouth and savoring the taste of her. Tilting my head I lick the new trail of blood that marks her thigh, the rich taste making me crave more. Instead I move back up her body, drinking in the sight of her flushed skin and parted lips. Her chest rises and falls with each breath, still slightly rapid from her release. I trace my fingers along her collarbone, down between her breasts, feeling the burning heat beneath her skin.

I'm rock hard and aching, wanting nothing more than to bury myself inside her. But no, it's not time for that yet. After the hunt, as a reward for myself I'll return here. I will bury myself in her soft body. I will destroy her, make her scream until they hear her all the way in Faerie.

In the meantime I lean in, brushing my lips to hers, leaving the combined taste of both of us to linger on her lips before I pull away. Tucking the blanket around her again, I leave her like that, looking forward to watching the confusion and uncertainty cross her face come daylight.