Page 21 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

A s the sun dipped below the jagged mountain peaks, casting long shadows across the snow-covered camp, the group gathered around a large fire at the back of the encampment. The crackling flames cast a warm, golden glow on their faces, a stark contrast to the encroaching darkness and biting cold of the mountain night.

Renya settled comfortably beside Grayden, his strong arm draped protectively around her shoulders as he deftly managed to eat one-handed. She leaned back against his solid frame, relishing the heat that radiated from his body, warming her back while the fire chased away the chill from her front. The dual sources of warmth were a welcome respite from the bone-deep cold that had plagued her throughout their journey.

As she took in the scene around her, Renya couldn't help but notice the marked improvement in their provisions. The camp's dedicated cooking staff had prepared a feast that put their travel rations to shame. She savored each bite of the expertly baked bread, its crust crisp and interior still warm and fluffy. The fresh meat, seasoned to perfection, was a far cry from the dried jerky they'd survived on during their trek. The simple pleasure of a hot, satisfying meal after days of travel felt like pure luxury.

Jurel's voice cut through the comfortable silence that had settled over the group. “So, are you leaving tomorrow?” he asked, his tone casual as he sat next to Selenia. Renya noticed how he carefully maintained a respectful distance from the younger woman, clearly mindful of Grayden's watchful gaze.

Grayden shook his head, his chest rumbling against Renya's back as he spoke. “No, we're going to stay at least three or four days. I want to show Renya Snow Pass Springs.”

Intrigued, Renya tilted her head to look up at him. “Snow Pass Springs? What's that?”

A soft smile played at the corners of Grayden's mouth as he explained, “It's a short ride from here. It's a geothermal hot spring. I figured after leaving the sunshine and warmth of the human world, you might miss being surrounded by heat.”

The thought of sinking into warm water, letting it soothe her aching muscles and chase away the persistent chill, was incredibly appealing. “That does sound nice,” Renya agreed, already imagining the steam rising from the water's surface.

“But first,” Grayden continued, his tone turning more serious, “you're training with swords tomorrow.”

Renya blinked in surprise, straightening slightly in his embrace. “What?” she asked, perplexed by this unexpected development.

Grayden's arm tightened around her slightly, a gesture of reassurance as he elaborated. “In the event your magic fades or it's somehow taken from you, Phillippe is going to teach you some basics. I want you protected and safe, with or without powers.” His gaze shifted to Selenia, including her in his next statement. “That goes for you too, Selenia. You'll be training as well.”

Selenia's eyes widened with excitement, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “I can't wait to stab someone,” she declared, her gaze sweeping across the group as if assessing potential targets.

Grayden rolled his eyes, though Renya detected a hint of fondness in his exasperation. “I thought you'd say that. Jurel will be training with you. I figure he'll be the safest from the pointy end of whatever weapon you wield.”

Selenia's scowl was halfhearted at best, and Renya didn't miss the faint blush that colored her cheeks at the prospect of training with Jurel again. The younger woman's attraction to the soldier was as obvious as it was endearing, and she had been bubbly after her archery lesson.

Phillippe, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. His voice carried the authoritative tone of a seasoned commander as he addressed the group. “I suggest everyone get a good night of rest. Tomorrow's training is going to be grueling. I expect the same from you as I do my men.”

As the implications of Grayden's decision sank in, Renya felt a surge of gratitude and respect for her mate. His choice to have both her and Selenia trained in combat alongside the men spoke volumes about his character. In a world that often seemed to value chivalry and traditional gender roles, Grayden's progressive attitude was refreshing. It eased some of Renya's fears about being seen as too weak or soft to play a meaningful role in the coming conflict.

Still, as she finished her meal, Renya couldn't help but wonder about her role as the light bringer. The title still felt foreign, its responsibilities and implications a mystery. She found herself hoping that Queen Kalora might have some answers, some insight into the power that now coursed through her veins.

As the group began to disperse for the night, Grayden took Renya's hand, his touch warm and reassuring. He led her towards a cabin nestled against the left side of the towering ice wall that bordered the camp. Hope blossomed in Renya's chest as they approached. “Do we get this all to ourselves?” she asked, unable to keep the eagerness from her voice. After nights of sharing close quarters with Selenia, the prospect of privacy—and the chance to sleep in Grayden's arms once more—was incredibly enticing.

“Yes, my Little Fawn,” Grayden confirmed, a hint of anticipation in his own voice as he pushed open the door.

The interior of the cabin was spartan at best. A small fire stove occupied one corner, promising warmth against the mountain chill. A tiny washroom, equipped with just a simple sink for washing, stood off to one side. The bed, if it could be called that, was little more than a lumpy straw-stuffed mattress that looked barely big enough for both of them.

Yet as Renya took in their humble accommodations, she found she didn't care about the room's shortcomings. After nights spent on the hard ground, Selenia's soft snores a constant companion, the prospect of privacy and Grayden's embrace outweighed any lack of comfort.

Renya stood in the middle of the cramped space, drinking in the moment. Grayden wasted no time in crossing the room to her, his movements purposeful and filled with barely restrained passion. The metallic clang of his sword and sheath hitting the ground punctuated the air as he undid his belt, kicking the weapon aside with a careless foot.

His hands, always so gentle despite their strength, moved to the elkten pin securing Renya's cloak. As the heavy fabric fell away, Grayden's mouth found her neck, his breath hot and urgent against her skin. Renya sighed, melting into his touch, realizing just how much she had missed this intimacy during their journey.

Their cloaks and boots soon joined the growing pile on the floor, discarded without a second thought. Renya's fingers traced a path up Grayden's chest, savoring the solid warmth of him beneath the fabric. She tugged at his tunic's collar, drawing him closer before helping him pull it over his head.

As Grayden's chest was revealed, Renya couldn't help but marvel at his form. He was like a Greek statue come to life, all chiseled muscle and perfect proportion. Her hands explored the planes of his pectorals, feeling them flex slightly under her touch. The chill of her fingers against his warm skin elicited a subtle shiver from him, a reminder of the temperature difference between them.

With swift, eager movements, Grayden removed his trousers, pushing them past his hips and stepping out of them in one fluid motion. Renya's breath caught as she realized he wore nothing underneath, her gaze drawn inexorably to his arousal. Grayden's eyes followed her line of sight, darkening with desire as he caught her staring.

His hands found the hem of her shirt, tugging it upwards with barely contained impatience. As the cool air of the cabin hit her exposed skin, Renya felt a thrill of anticipation course through her. That morning, hoping for just such an opportunity, she had chosen her undergarments with care. The sheer, red lace she now wore was a far cry from her usual practical choices, selected from the items she and Selenia had picked out in the village before the Sky Lights Festival.

Grayden's eyes widened as he took in the sight, appreciation and hunger warring in his gaze. His fingers reached out, almost reverently, to trace the delicate lace covering her breast. A low groan rumbled in his throat, the sound sending a shiver of delight down Renya's spine. She felt a surge of feminine pride, pleased that her efforts had garnered such a response.

With aching slowness, Grayden's fingers traced a path along her collarbone before sliding the straps of the bralette down her shoulders. His touch was feather-light, a stark contrast to the urgency she could feel pulsing through him. He tugged gently at the fabric, and Renya obligingly turned, allowing him access to the laces at her back.

The moment the garment was loosened, Grayden all but tore it from her body, spinning her back to face him with an eagerness that left her breathless. The cool air of the cabin caused her nipples to pebble, and Grayden's appreciative gaze made her skin tingle with awareness.

“You are more perfect than you'll ever know,” he breathed, the awe in his voice making Renya's heart swell. He pulled her against him, the feel of skin on skin eliciting a soft moan from both of them. His hands slid down to cup her hips, fingers working deftly at the ties of her pants.

As the last of their clothing fell away, Renya felt a curious mix of shyness and power. Standing bare before Grayden, seeing the love and desire in his eyes, she felt truly seen and cherished.

Their lips met in a passionate clash, tongues sliding past each other before finding a perfect, synchronized rhythm. Renya moaned softly into the kiss, overwhelmed by the intensity of being with him again after their forced abstinence. The bond between them seemed to hum with renewed strength, as if celebrating their reunion.

Grayden guided her backwards towards the bed, his knee pressing into the rough mattress as Renya's head came to rest on the flat pillow. She parted her legs instinctively, welcoming him into the cradle of her hips. Just as she anticipated his next move, she felt a flicker of nervousness through their bond. The emotion was so at odds with the moment that it gave her pause, curiosity and concern momentarily overriding her desire.

But the feeling passed as quickly as it had come, replaced by a surge of love and passion as Grayden claimed her mouth once more. His tongue sought entrance, mirroring the motion of his body as he finally, blissfully joined them together.

The sense of completeness that washed over Renya was almost overwhelming. The desperation that had built during their separation gave way to a profound relief, a feeling of coming home. Grayden, sensing her emotions through their bond, slowed his movements, savoring the moment of reconnection.

“I want you so badly,” he murmured against her skin, his lips trailing fire along her neck.

“I always want you,” Renya gasped in response, her breath catching as he nipped gently at her pulse point. The sharp sensation radiated through her body, causing her inner muscles to clench around him, drawing him deeper.

Grayden's pace increased, each thrust bringing them closer to the edge. Renya felt the tension building within her, a coiling spring ready to release. When it finally broke, she pulled Grayden close, muffling her cries of pleasure against his neck. He followed her over the precipice moments later, his release filling her with a warmth that seemed to spread throughout her entire being.

As their breathing slowly returned to normal, Grayden rolled to the side, bringing Renya with him in one fluid motion. She found herself sprawled across his chest, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath her ear. His hands came up to massage her back, working out the knots and tension that had accumulated during their journey.

Renya sighed with pleasure as his skilled fingers worked their magic on her aching muscles. The bone-deep weariness that had plagued her began to melt away under his ministrations. As his hands moved lower, focusing on her backside and thighs, a louder moan escaped her lips.

Grayden's chest rumbled with a low chuckle. “Be careful, Little Fawn,” he warned, his voice a mix of amusement and renewed desire. “I want you to rest, but if you keep making those noises, I won't let you sleep tonight.”

Renya tilted her head to meet his gaze, a playful challenge in her eyes. “Do you promise?” she asked, deliberately letting out another exaggerated groan as his hands found a particularly sensitive spot on her inner thigh.

“You know I'm a man of my word,” Grayden replied, his tone low and full of promise.

As they lay there, tangled together in the small bed, Renya felt a sense of peace settle over her. Despite the challenges that lay ahead—the training, the journey to the Twilight Kingdom, the looming threat of the Shadow Queen—in this moment, she felt safe and loved. Whatever trials awaited them, she knew that together, they could face anything.

The fire in the small stove crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the cabin. Outside, the sounds of the camp gradually quieted as night fully descended. Renya closed her eyes, letting the steady rhythm of Grayden's heartbeat and the gentle caress of his hands lull her towards sleep.