Chapter 7

REALITY

Basic human needs did eventually take over and the duo had to succumb to sleep and food. After the conversation slowed, and they were recovered from their lovemaking, Amir rose from the couch and walked to the window, looking out at the night sky. He leaned against the sill, his lean, muscular frame relaxed yet poised, as if ready to spring into action at any moment. The light played off his dark, curly hair, making it shimmer like a cascade of midnight waves.

"You don't have to worry anymore, Amir. We're in this together, and I want you to trust me. Trust that I'll always be here for you."

Amir's voice trembled with emotion. "I do trust you, Leo. More than anyone."

"Good," Leo said firmly. "Then let's lay it all out. No more hiding, no more fear. You're mine, Amir, and I intend to take care of you. But you need to be honest with me, always."

Amir nodded, his eyes glistening. "I promise, Leo. I'll be honest."

Leo's expression softened, yet there was an undeniable authority in his tone. "Amir, I need you to understand something. When I say you're mine, I mean it. I'll protect you, care for you, fight for you, and love you. But you must let me. Do you understand?"

Amir's heart swelled at the possessiveness in Leo's voice. "Yes, Leo. I understand. I want that too."

"Good," Leo said, his eyes locking onto Amir's. "Now, tell me what you want. What you need from me."

Amir's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with vulnerability. "I need your touch, Leo. Your reassurance. I need to know I'm not alone in this."

Leo reached out, his fingers gently stroking Amir's back. "You're not alone, Amir. Not anymore. I'll be here for you, always. But you must let me in, completely."

Amir shivered at the touch, a mixture of relief and desire flooding his senses. "I will, Leo. I'll let you in."

Leo's hand continued to stroke Amir's back, his touch both reassuring and possessive. "That's my good boy. Now, no more fear. Our new favorite word is together. Whenever you feel panicked, scared, vulnerable or alone, just focus on that word and know that I am out there ready to help with anything… to do anything for you. Pull all your strength from that, and I will do the same."

Amir's heart soared listening to Leo's words, his submission to Leo's care complete. "Yes, Leo. Together."

Leo's voice was gentle but firm, a promise and a command all at once. "Good. Now, we have a lot to talk about and even more to look forward to. Now, Amir, are you sure about this?"

Amir turned, his deep brown eyes meeting Leo's with a mix of determination and affection. "Yes, Leo. I've never been surer of anything," Amir replied, his voice steady, resonating with the confidence that had grown in him since being with Leo. He took a step toward the man who had unknowingly captured his heart with his kindness and strength.

Leo, taller by a few inches, looked down at Amir with a mixture of admiration and something more profound. His strong, chiseled features softened as he reached out, gently brushing a curl away from Amir's forehead. "You know, I was beginning to think I'd never get the chance to do something as simple as that," Leo said, his voice a low murmur.

Amir's lips curled into a smile, the kind that lit up his whole face. "You waited long enough," he teased, stepping closer until there was barely an inch between them. He could feel the warmth radiating from Leo's body, a comforting presence that grounded him.

"Well, now that you're here, there's no going back," Leo whispered, his hand moving to the back of Amir's neck, fingers tangling in the dark curls. The gesture was both possessive and tender, sending a shiver down Amir's spine.

Amir's breath hitched as Leo's lips brushed against his, a feather-light touch that made his heart race. He closed the distance, capturing Leo's mouth in a kiss that was both fierce and gentle, filled with all the pent-up longing they had harbored.

As the kiss deepened, Amir felt Leo's hands move to his waist, pulling him closer until their bodies were flush against each other. He responded in kind, his own hands exploring the planes of Leo's back, feeling the strength and solidity that was a source of comfort. When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and flushed, Amir rested his forehead against Leo's, his eyes closed as he savored the moment. "I've wanted this for so long," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Me too," Leo replied, his hands still holding Amir close. "And now that I have you, I'm not letting go."

Amir opened his eyes, meeting Leo's gaze with a fierce determination. "Good, because I'm not going anywhere."

The evening air was cool as it drifted through the open window, bringing with it the sounds of the woods—a distant owl, the hum of birds, it was the symphony of life, a reminder of the world outside their bubble of intimacy.

"Let's sit back down," Leo suggested, guiding Amir to the couch. They settled side by side, legs touching, the proximity a comforting reminder of their connection.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" Amir asked, a soft smile playing on his lips as he looked at Leo.

"I remember all our meetings. Each moment with you is a permanent image etched on my psyche. But, yes, that day was indeed special. I was not having the best time of things."

"I wasn't at my best either," Amir admitted, blushing and ducking his head. "I think it was your kindness that caught my attention."

Leo reached out, lifting Amir's chin with a gentle hand. "And now, here we are," he said softly, his gaze unwavering. "Together."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging in the air. Finally, Amir spoke, his voice filled with emotion. "I love you, Leo."

Leo's eyes softened, his expression one of pure, unfiltered joy. "I love you too, Amir. More than you can imagine."

As the last light of the day faded into night, they held each other close, knowing that whatever the future held, they would face it together. The journey had been long and winding, but in each other's arms, they had found their way home.

Now, Amir needed to return to his kingdom to deal with the sorcerer and keep him from exacting revenge ever again. The thought of confronting his past filled Amir with a mix of determination and dread.

"Leo," Amir began, pulling back slightly to look into Leo's eyes. "There's something I need to do. Something important."

Leo nodded, sensing the gravity in Amir's tone. "What is it, Amir? You know I'll support you in whatever it is."

Amir took a deep breath. "I need to return to Eldoria. I must confront Elias. Our problems started with me—my insensitivity, ego, and the betrayal I committed. I can't let anyone else suffer because of my misdeeds. His rage and hurt could make him continue to lash out, using his magic to torment and curse. I need to end this once and for all."

Leo's grip tightened around Amir. "You don't have to face this alone. We can do it together. We've come this far, and I'm not letting you go now."

Amir's heart swelled with love and gratitude. "Thank you, Leo. Your support means everything to me. But I have to be the one to confront him."

Leo shook his head. "I understand, Amir. But remember, we're stronger together. I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not."

Amir smiled, a mixture of relief and love washing over him. "Alright, Leo. Together then."

They made their way back to Eldoria, the air around them crackling with magic and anticipation. Leo took Amir's hand, their fingers intertwining as the stepped into the village square.

The landscape was as Amir remembered—lush forests, rolling hills, and the towering castle in the distance. But there was an undercurrent of unease, a darkness that seemed to permeate the air.

"We need to be careful," Amir whispered, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "The Elias' magic is strong here."

Leo nodded, his grip on Amir's hand firm. "We'll face whatever comes our way, together."

As they approached the castle, the sense of foreboding grew. Shadows danced in the corners of Amir's vision, and he could feel the sorcerer's presence lurking nearby. They moved stealthily, slipping through the castle gates and making their way to where Amir remembered the sorcerer's lair being.

The door to the chamber creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with ancient artifacts and dark magic. The sorcerer himself stood in the center, a sinister smile playing on his lips as he regarded Amir and Leo.

"So, you've returned," he sneered. "And you've brought a friend. How quaint."

Amir stepped forward, his voice steady and resolute. "This ends now. You've tormented the kingdom long enough."

The sorcerer laughed, a cold, chilling sound. "You think you can defeat me? You, who could not even break the curse on your own?"

"It wasn't meant to be broken alone. Your words dictated that. How quickly you've forgotten. I just think you never believed I could do it—find true love. But you were mistaken. It wasn't quick or easy, but I did it."

Leo stepped beside Amir, his presence a calming force. "He's not alone. We stand together."

The sorcerer's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "Very well. Let's see how strong your bond truly is."