Dive

Just a beautiful dream?

No. I can feel the warmth of his body pressed into mine.

It really happened.

My tired eyelids part, the morning sun burning my vision as the elegance of Tristan’s bedchamber comes into focus.

I lie on my side, one of his huge arms wraps around my core, locking me in tight against the smoldering heat of his chest. With each relaxed breath, his musculature pushes itself into my back. The feeling is surreal—I struggle to believe the sensual memories from last night are real, but the evidence is here sleeping next to me. His hand rests against my chest as I grab it, lacing our fingers together.

“Morning…already?” Tristan mumbles, pulling his hand from mine and flopping onto his back before rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“You’re a heavy sleeper.” I smile, running a hand through his messy nest of brown hair.

“We’d better sneak you out before anyone discovers you here.” He grins, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

We throw on our clothes, the two of us basking in the illicit exhilaration of our tryst. Happiness blossoms within my heart. It feels as though a new chapter in my life is beginning. For the first time, it feels as though I have a true friend.

“Ok, there’s nobody outside.” Tristan pokes his head out the door before pushing me into the hall and dropping a quick wink. “Let’s chat more later.”

I dash back to my bedroom, still processing my new feelings. The two of us have much to discuss, but it will have to wait. Today, I am to shadow my father at court, continuing my education in kingly responsibilities. Such things seemed so important yesterday, but now, they almost feel like a distraction. My heart is light as a feather. It is like I am walking on air.

I bathe and begin dressing, still wearing the bloodglass pendant around my neck. I remove the stone and roll its glassy surface between my fingers. It still burns hot and bright, but the normally crystal-clear interior is cloudy. I hold it up to the light and recognize what is happening—black smoke is materializing within.

I hold the stone out as the fumes pour from the surface. I have a visitor.

Once again, the gassy trails coalesce into the figure of a powerful man, twisting and turning before materializing into exotic, sunbaked flesh. Bare-chested save for gold and jewels, Soren’s figure stands as imposing as ever. His white hair glistens like a pearl freshly torn from the sea, his jade eyes gaze down upon me with supernatural splendor…and with an obvious look of approval.

“Well done.” His sultry voice massages my nerves. “I knew you could do it.”

He leans in close, cupping my face in his powerful hand, his lips only inches from my own as I look up toward him.

“Did it feel good?” His voice is scarcely a whisper. “Did you like when he put his cock inside you?”

My mind has gone blank. I feel stunned and at a total loss for words. I nod timidly, staring at this beautiful being. Something about his scent makes me feel dizzy. The heavy fragrance of athletic boy sweat…a deeply bodily aroma, but pleasant…it scares me how much I like it.

“I-I know what you are,” I blurt out irreverently. “Incubus.”

“Well, you’re a shrewd one, aren’t you?” He lets out a chuckle and releases me. “So, am I the monster most humans make me out to be?”

“No. I want to thank you.” My blue eyes widen. “Everything you told me was right.”