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Her heart clenched. Arianna shifted and Rion sat up, his eyes red-rimmed and flushed cheeks stained with tears. It had her heart aching all over again, but she cracked a teasing smile anyway. “I’d allow it again.”

Rion’s lips were over hers a second later. He tasted of salt and pain, but she devoured it all. And in that moment, Arianna made a vow. She swore she’d never let Rion feel alone again. Not so long as she lived.

Because he was hers to protect now and she was his.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Arianna

She didn’t remember falling asleep, but Arianna woke with Rion’s body entangled in her own, clutching her as if she might fade away. She angled her head to look at him and lifted her free hand to brush a dark red lock from his face.

Rion’s heart jolted, and his eyes flew open. His arms jerked from beneath her and grains of sand and earth shot from all corners of the room. The vase tipped, shattering to the floor, and he clambered from the bed, stumbling in the furs he’d wrapped around their bodies only hours before.

Wide, frightened eyes took in the cabin, her body with his magic pinning her in place, and his chest heaved with breath after breath until realization dawned on his anguished face. Rion shook, and he covered his face with one hand, struggling to collect himself. “I’m sorry.”

The earth fell away from her body, and Arianna reached her hand out afraid he’d run if she didn’t. His magic hadn’t hurt her. Not in the slightest. “It’s okay.”

Rion took another shaky breath and sat on the edge of the bed with his back to her. Slowly, Arianna scooted closer. She rested her fingertips on his shoulder, and he stiffened. Then she placed a kiss there and rested her head against his back. After a moment, Rion laid his hand on top of hers.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She kissed his back again and noted the shiver that went through him. “Perfectly fine.”

He turned to her, eyes full of anguish and regret. “I didn’t mean—” Arianna silenced him with a kiss. He lightly cupped her cheek, and she pulled him back onto the mattress.

Arianna gave him a slight smile, willing the worry from his gaze. “Our demons don’t disappear overnight.”

“I could have hurt you.”

“You didn’t,” she assured. “I promise.”

“But I could have, I—”

“Rion.” He looked at her then. “I’m here. Everything is okay and I’m here.” He loosed another breath and kissed her desperately, his hands tracing her face and neck, searching for any marks.

He paused at her hand. “I’ve hurt you before.” His brows furrowed. “Gods, Arianna, how many times did I hurt you?”

They were silent, both remembering those frightening first days. When he’d knocked the bowl from her hand. When his magic had dug into her skin.

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not.”

He made to pull away, but Arianna held him. “You’re right. Maybe it’s not.” He didn’t look at her. “But I forgive you.”

Rion sighed and laid his head against her chest.

His heart calmed and Arianna ran her hands through his hair, willing the remnants of his nightmare to fade. She let her mind drift to their encounter last night, or should she say encounters? After Rion regained his composure, he’d devoured her, worshiping her body in ways she didn’t know existed. It was a learning experience for them both.

Arianna breathed in their scents. They’d changed, blending with one another to let others know the claim they held. She hummed in contentment and Rion lifted his head to look at her.

“You’re not real.” Her brow creased. “You’re an ethereal dream come to torment me, granting every wish only to strip them away when I’m content. You’re the beautiful wave before it crashes over the shore, dragging everything out to an icy sea.” His voice lowered. “You’re my salvation and my damnation.”

“I’m real.” She brought her lips to his. “And I’m not here to torment you.” Arianna pushed him down on the bed. “I’m going to crash over your nightmares, not your dreams.” She kissed him again. “And I’ll be whatever you need me to be.”

“Arianna.” Her name was like a prayer on his lips. She kissed him again and again and again. Until his body shook from pleasure instead of pain. Until the darkness of his subconscious faded, and they were the only two beings who existed.

WHEN THE afternoon sun flooded through the windows, Rion left the warmth of the furs, pulled on his pants, and tended to the fire. He then proceeded to their packs and pulled out jerky, taking a piece for himself before handing her the bag.