3. Mira

three

Mira

As we finally reach the town Bobble had recalled, I realize I must have slept for a sizable portion of our journey. Despite being carried in Sunder's arms, his steps are steady enough to give me a sense of being transported rather than just bounced around. It isn't exactly a smooth ride like a car would be, but it is far more stable than if anyone else had been carrying me.

I wake up disoriented in the complete darkness. However, a faint light shines through the fog ahead, guiding us like a beacon.

"Mira," Sunder breathes, kissing my neck in a way that causes my blood to heat instantly. "You must walk from here, lest we suffer questions about your mental state."

I let out a small laugh as he carefully lowers me to the ground. My feet throb from bearing my weight once more. It will take at least a week of soaking to relieve all the tension and soreness in my muscles. "Is misogyny not a thing in Illuemera?"

"There are merely questions if anyone, male or female, arrives at such an establishment without full control of their facilities."

"Ah. So, this is a classy inn and not a roadside special?"

He furrows his brow as he observes Bobble, who is nonchalantly licking his paw with a little too much skill for it to seem natural. "The Third insists that this establishment is one more worthy of our mate."

Aww. Bobble doesn't want me to get grossed out by the Illuemera version of a Super-8. I give him a playful wink, reassuring him I can handle whatever they throw at me. "Thank you. That's very sweet."

He gives me a light "mew" in response as Sunder and I follow him toward the town.

I'm not sure exactly what to expect. My experience with hospitality in Illuemera hasn't been the warmest reception, as humans are basically nonexistent and hated. Traveling with a shifter doesn't do much for our likability either. Apparently, they're notorious spies and not trusted. Then, there's the matter of Sunder's haughty attitude…

The town is encircled by a towering wall of timber, dark and imposing against the night sky, a silent but unmistakable warning of the mistrust and hostility lurking within. It's enough to confirm my suspicions that this may not be the most pleasant welcome.

"Please tell me this place will have a bath," I whisper to Sunder. Bobble has disappeared, presumably to find a route into the ringed fort that only cats can manage, to avoid further suspicion.

Sunder shoots me a curious look. "Do you assume the more upscale option would not provide baths?"

The door appears almost comically tiny compared to the towering walls that surround it. Two guards, donned in shiny leather armor, stand on either side of the entrance, with a flickering lantern hanging from an iron bar above them.

I cautiously note the blades strapped at their sides as Sunder confidently strides towards the door, exuding a sense of entitlement. The two guards shift uneasily, eyeing his intimidating size and demeanor with warranted wariness. Compared to the fae I've encountered so far, he's quite tall and exceptionally stacked with muscles.

"My woman and I demand a place in your inn," Sunder barks at the guards.

Not the line I would have entered on, but it's definitely clear communication.

"Please," I add softly, in case Sunder's stick needs a carrot to back it up.

The guards exchange a disapproving look. "Do you have a reservation?"

"A what?" Sunder is genuinely surprised by this question. "A reservation?"

"Yes. Have you booked a room at the inn?"

"We haven't," I say. I try to look as helpless as possible, lowering my gaze and nervously playing with my hands. It's not much of an act; I truly feel pitiful at this moment.

Tears well up in my eyes, and I try to hold them back as I sniffle. It's a silly thing. But I was so looking forward to a comfortable bed and bath. That it might not happen is crushing. "It's probably a longshot. We're completely lost and exhausted. And my… my friend here, he promised me I could take a bath to clean up. Can we just check and see if there's anything available?"

The two guards share a look, and then one of them gives a slight nod. "Okay, you can go in, but if there's any trouble out of you…"

He lets the threat linger unspoken. Sunder gestures for me to follow, still slightly confused by the situation.

The town isn't much to look at. It's pretty quaint; my eyes sweep over wood buildings with a rough finish on the outside, cobblestone streets that are uneven in a dangerous way. However, I've seen pictures of cities in much worse shape. There's delicate glass in all the windows and the glow of lights, both behind the sturdy-looking glass and around the street, looks an awful lot like electricity.

Sunder cautiously scans the area as we walk towards the tallest building near the town square, which is a combination of a tavern and an inn. Music and boisterous cheers spill out onto the street, along with bright light from the windows.

"The winds have changed since my last visit," Sunder whispers, mostly to himself.

"What do you mean?" He just shakes his head as if to say, talk later.

A renewed sense of unease settles into my shoulders as we step into the raucous tap room. I'm shocked when we walk into the inn to see light switches. I lean into him, speaking under my breath. "Do they have electricity in Illuemera?"

His gaze widens upon seeing the cream-colored switches. His voice is as low as mine as he whispers back. "They did not used to. Chroma was the only power source. Those rich in Chroma could use it to power the world of others, and they were compensated for their contributions. But that was only in the largest cities where channelers were plentiful."

"Hmm," I murmur.

The inn is filled with a gaggle of different creatures, some of whom I can barely glimpse as they slip past my gaze. Among the familiar faces and ears of the faeries, there are also brief sightings of beings with scale-covered skin, unusual tails, and even horns. And in the darkest corner, I can just make out the fluttering motion of what appears to be wings. My wide eyes can't take in enough.

Through the bond, a soothing stroke of calm against my mind emanates from Sunder.

"It is electricity," Sunder says with awe. I follow his eyes to a light fixture, where, sure enough, a plain old electric lightbulb is glowing warmly. I can even see the familiar GE logo inscribed on the metal where the bulb is screwed in.

"Go figure. I wonder if they're fossil fuel people or if they have something else figured out."

Sunder doesn't answer. He's drifting toward a jolly looking male with pointed ears and a rounded belly who looks like he might be the owner of this establishment. I tuck myself against the corner of the room, gazing with wonder at everything around me. There are more familiar things now that I'm looking for it.

There's something that looks like a person, if people had delicately green skin, wearing a Baltimore Ravens t-shirt. There are kids, or at least what I think are kids, playing with an old Nintendo console.

Clearly, we aren't the only ones to utilize the portal to Earth. Interesting, considering I was told it was barred and illegal to pass through. There appears to be a booming trade in goods and services that would be right at home at any Best Western where I'm from.

I'm excited to share my discovery with Sunder when something brushes against my leg. I look down and see a familiar orange face peering up at me.

"Hey you." I put my hand down, and he rubs his chin against my fingers. Bobble makes figure eights between my feet, purring loudly. It's still strange to reconcile the image of my beloved cat with the sexy man he turns into, but that he's so consistently loving in both forms helps.

I still can't get over the fact that he saw me naked daily for years before I figured this out, but oh well.

"Did you find something for us?"

Bobble chirps and glances over at Sunder, who is amid a heated argument with the burly innkeeper. I maneuver my way through the bustling crowd until I'm standing directly behind him.

Sunder stands with his chest puffed out, clearly feeling offended. His booming voice drowns the noise of the common room out as he bellows, "…ridiculous. Do you know who I…"

Oh no.

The last thing we want is for Sunder to reveal our identities to the entire town. While we are not necessarily fugitives, we have caused some fatalities recently. And there's still Malicryn to consider.

I try to draw attention away from the tense atmosphere by exclaiming, "Oh, there you are!" The innkeeper looks up at me with relief evident on his face. Sunder, however, remains indignant.

"Mir…my woman," he mutters irritably, clearly receiving my message about anonymity.

"I think you should come with me."

He frowns. "I'm trying to secure lodging."

"Yes and you're doing a great job." I look over at the innkeeper. "Thanks anyway. We appreciate it. Have a great night!"

I grab Sunder's hand, pulling him back toward where Bobble is tucked in the corner.

"Mira, what is the meaning…"

"Bobble found something."

We both glance down at the orange cat. Bobble stands up, his tail flicking back and forth in excitement. He trots over to a side door, and I trail behind him. Sunder grumbles, but still follows us.

"The innkeeper was clear. There is no room…"

Bobble pushes open a small door on the side and leads us up a flight of stairs. The noise from the bustling common room fades away, and our steps are the only sound on the quiet staircase. At last, we reach an ornate door that catches Sunder's attention with its grandeur.

"This is the royal room. Innkeepers in towns of certain sizes are always meant to keep one for traveling royalty. The High Elves haven't come here in an age though," he murmurs.

A grating noise captures my attention. I bend down and see Bobble playfully pawing at something metallic. A key. "Here," I say, turning to give it to Sunder. "Will you do the honors?" He looks at me, then at Bobble, and finally cracks one of his rare smiles.

"I suppose I will."

As I ease into the luxurious bathtub, contentment washes over me, and I let out a satisfied sigh. I settle in between Sunder's legs, my back pressing into his chest. The steam envelops my body, relaxing my tense muscles in the warmth. The fragrant lavender oils in the water soothe my aches with each deep breath.

"Normally, I'd say that it's a terrible business practice to maintain a room that only a couple of people will use once a year," I say as I relax into the enormous bathtub. "However, in this case, I think it's pretty fucking great."

Behind me, Sunder hums a soft agreement that reverberates in my chest. I lean into him, his soapy skin sliding easily across mine. "Good thing Bobble and I are royal."

"Were," Bobble purrs from his seat beside the tub. Water, it appears, is not his favorite even as a man. He prefers to shower, then sit outside of the bath as Sunder and I soak.

Sunder shifts as he shrugs behind me. "We are still royal. We are still Dan'thiel."

Bobble looks skeptical, so I hop in. "Well. I appreciate that we're not really breaking the rules then."

Wordlessly, Sunder runs his strong fingers in my hair, massaging a lathering shampoo through it. I moan softly as he works each part of my scalp, closing my eyes to bask in his care. "Lord, that feels so good."

"I am your Lord. Very nice, Mira," he growls against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

"It's a human expression. Hey, speaking of that," I wait for Sunder to rinse the soap from my hair before I sit up. "Did either of you notice the amount of earth-made goods that were downstairs?"

Sunder frowns. "That is impossible. The portal to earth is sealed. Only the High Elves can access it."

"Well. Someone clearly sold out. The lights? The children playing on their game consoles?"

Bobble nods. "I noticed. It appears that human devices are infiltrating Illuemera. But how?"

Sunder hums thoughtfully as his hands wander across my body, soaping my shoulders and neck before working into a full back massage in the steamy water. I close my eyes, leaning into his touch. My heart swells at the care they often give me, treating me with such love and attention. I've never felt loved like this before. The way he washes my dirty skin and rubs my aching muscles. A renewed sense of warmth spreads through my chest.

I whisper my thanks, sinking back to lean against him once more. My mind spins with possibilities. "Maybe we could use it to our advantage somehow."

Sunder's eyes light up at the idea. He leans down to kiss me, his lips lingering against the sensitive spot where my neck and shoulder meet. "For now, let us enjoy this newfound privacy and luxury."

A mischievous smile dances on my lips as I shift between his legs, pressing myself against his obvious arousal. The steam from the bath fills the air as we lose ourselves in each other's embrace, the worries of the outside world fading into nothingness. Time slips by as the water cools.

I stretch, stifling a half-fake yawn. My breasts peek up out of the water, bubbles covering them even as my nipples pucker in the cooler air. Bobble's eyes catch on them, and his throat works. "Ready for bed?"

I nod, thinking silently to myself, More like ready to bed.

I shriek as Sunder lifts me up out of the tub. "Third. Grab a towel."

Seconds later, I'm bundled into a warm, soft towel. Bobble carefully dries me, moving the towel over my body before he lays me gently on the enormous bed where Sunder already waits for me. Like a gift presented to a king. My grin stretches wide as his gaze devours me.

Bobble watches as Sunder peppers kisses down my chest. In a single fluid gesture, he grabs my hips hard, swinging me on top of him, and pulls me until I'm sitting on his face. I grab the headboard and moan as his tongue dips inside me.

"First," Bobble breathes, climbing onto the bed and eyeing Sunder's thick erection as it bobs with his every movement.

"Yes?" Sunder's reply is muffled between my thighs. The vibrations tug another heady moan from me, and he dives back in, licking me as I ride his tongue in search of my release.

"I love to give," Bobble murmurs. His eyes flick up at Sunder, and the flutter rolls deep in my belly.

Is he going to do it? My heart races as I watch him and Sunder, knowing that their feelings for each other go beyond just sharing a soul even if they don't yet. I eagerly anticipate Sunder's next move. He seems to be in the same state of anticipation, eyes darting over to Bobble who is kneeling by his bedside. His mind is working overtime. At last, he breaks the silence and speaks. "Then you may give me your mouth."

I swallow thickly, trying to watch over my shoulder while my focus is narrowly pointed at the way Sunder's tongue moves against me.

On his knees, Bobble crawls over to us until his lips hover just over Sunder's hard cock. I see them part eagerly, see the moment where his tongue sneaks out to lap the dripping tip of Sunder's erection.

Then Sunder slides his tongue up my slit with a deep growl, and I turn back to face him. Beneath me, he grunts in pleasure, and I'm not sure if it's from me, or if it's from Bobble sucking his cock.

I throw my head back as Sunder's pace picks up. Behind me, I occasionally look back to glimpse Bobble as he worships Sunder's hard member with care and dedication.

If the grunts and shudders from Sunder are any sign, I'd say Bobble does, in fact, give one hell of a blowie.

Sunder's hands travel up my ribs. His big palms move to frame my breasts, and his fingers pluck at my nipples. His tongue works me, massaging my clit in big circles while occasionally traveling back to lap up the moisture that's dripping down my thighs.

I'm close.

I'm so close.

Sunder stills, allowing me to ride his mouth and seek my pleasure. And I scream, moaning and writhing as the waves crash into me. Through me. All the tension in my body releasing in quick pulses as my hips slow, too sensitive to keep moving. Sunder's eyes darken as he meets my gaze.

"Stop, Third," he mutters. "That feels too good."

Sunder lifts me again, this time placing me on hands and knees in front of him. I throw my head back, eager for my body to stretch and open for him. The pressure inside of being filled is too delicious.

But then Sunder moves aside, grabbing Bobble and positioning him at my entrance.

"You may fuck the Vessel now, Third." Giving permission to take me like he owns my body is something I never would have thought that I'd like, but I really do. Something about being his. Being theirs speaks to my secret self, the one I always hid in previous relationships. The desire and trust in someone enough to allow them to own and use me.

"Yes, sir," Bobble breathes.

Then he pushes inside me easily. The moisture from earlier is plenty to accommodate his thick girth as he strains my walls. I moan as I take him, my head hanging low as I focus on the pleasant stretch that I associate with the fae shifter. He seats himself inside me completely and stills, allowing me to adjust to the feeling of him in my deepest parts.

"Mira," Sunder rumbles. "Open your eyes."

I lift my head to allow room for him, the tip of his cock pressing against my lips. Moaning, I eagerly take Sunder in my mouth. I love sliding my tongue down his silky cock as I accept as much of him as I can take.

"Move together." Sunder growls the command, and we do exactly as he says. Bobble pushes in and out of me in the same slow rhythm that I bob my head. Sunder stares into my eyes as I accept him. My eyes flutter each time Bobble reaches his maximum depth, and I moan with the tip of Sunder's cock against the back of my throat.

The rhythm picks up. Sunder's hands roam down, plucking at my nipples and palming my heavy tits as Bobble thrusts into me from behind. Deep he moves inside me, filling me. And painfully slow he pulls out, leaving me begging for more.

"First, I'm…" Bobble pants behind me before reaching down to my clit. He presses against me there.

I detonate.

Screaming and moaning as my second orgasm rips through me, my mouth captures Sunder's thick jets of come as they spurt against my tongue. I moan again even as my climax subsides, eager to lap up his essence.

Bobble dutifully pounds me from behinds, waiting for permission to release his own load inside me. "May I…"

Sunder doesn't answer. He leans forward, wrapping his hands tenderly around Bobble's neck and latches on to his lips in a passionate kiss. I nearly gasp at the open display of affection from Sunder, but I can't think. Can't react. Except to scream and moan as Bobble swells inside me just before he explodes.

With a few more powerful thrusts, grunting and pawing at Sunder's chest, Bobble fills me with his hot seed.

I fall to my belly beneath them, panting heavily against the soft sheets. Sunder chuckles, but Bobble is still inside as he collapses on top of me.

"I suppose I will do the cleaning," Sunder whispers. His weight disappears from the bed. Bobble nuzzles against me as he slips out just as Sunder returns with a warm washcloth.

With the same tender diligence, he cleans the fluids off us both. His treasures. I smile at the thought as he covers us with a soft blanket. Then he climbs into bed, tucking me safely between them in a pile of entangled warmth.

"Goodnight. Both of you did well tonight," he whispers, placing a soft kiss on my forehead. Bobble's purrs ripple from his chest, lulling me into a trance.

As I'm drifting off to sleep, a slight ripple of apprehension skates up my spine.

When we find the other Shards, what will become of Bobble and Sunder? And after they merge back into Dan'thiel? I don't think my heart could take losing them, even if they'll be replaced with someone supposedly better.

I love them both individually, for their strengths and weaknesses.

But love means supporting them, even at the cost of your own happiness, right? I repeat it to myself as I finally succumb to exhaustion.

This is what they want.