Page 12

Islae

Islae wandered alone through the underground city’s winding tunnels later that afternoon. The kiss between her and Nirrn replayed in her mind—the warmth of his scales beneath her palms, the surprising softness of his lips, the way his powerful body had tensed when she touched him.

“Stop thinking about it,” she muttered to herself, ducking under a low-hanging crystal that cast prismatic light across the earthen floor.

But she couldn’t stop. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the intensity in his golden gaze, felt the ghost of his hands hovering at her waist before she had pulled away. The connection between them thrummed like a living thing, defying her attempts to dismiss it as mere attraction.

She paused at a junction where bioluminescent fungi painted the walls in soft blues. A group of human children ran past, their laughter echoing through the tunnel. One small girl stopped, offering Islae a tiny glowing flower.

“Thank you,” Islae said, accepting the delicate bloom. Its petals pulsed with gentle light, reminding her of how Nirrn’s scales had caught the garden’s glow.

“You’re the healer lady,” the girl said. “The one the big orange Niri brought. He looks scary, but he’s nice. He showed us how to make the flowers grow better.”

Islae’s chest tightened. Of course he had. Even here, he was helping and caring for others. Just like in her clinic and when he’d saved her from the fire.

“He is nice,” Islae agreed softly.

The girl skipped away, leaving Islae alone with her thoughts. She pressed her small back against the cool wall, closing her eyes. The kiss had felt right in a way that transcended logic. When their lips met, something deep within her soul had finally clicked into place, like finding its other half.

“It was a mistake,” she whispered to the empty tunnel, but the words rang hollow. The truth was, she’d never felt more complete than in that moment, despite their differences. Despite everything she’d told herself about not needing anyone.

“I can’t,” she said aloud, but she wasn’t sure what, exactly, she was denying anymore.

Later that night, Islae finally slipped into their shared chamber. Nirrn sat coiled in the corner, his massive frame somehow making the small space feel even more intimate. His golden eyes tracked her movement as she settled on the opposite side of the room on the narrow bed.

The single lamp cast dancing shadows across his orange scales, highlighting the powerful muscles of his chest and shoulders. Her fingers tingled, remembering how those scales had felt beneath her touch in the garden.

“You’ve been gone a while,” he said, his deep tone sending a shiver down her spine.

“I needed time to think.” She pulled her knees to her chest, trying to ignore how the air seemed to crackle between them.

His tail shifted, the scales gleaming as he adjusted his position. “And what conclusions did you reach?”

Instead of answering, she found herself studying the way his abdomen flexed as he moved—smooth skin there, unlike the scales that adorned his broad chest and arms. The dichotomy fascinated her.

Their eyes met across the room. He didn’t move, didn’t pressure her, but the powerful intensity of his gaze caused her breath to hitch slightly. The quiet patience in his expression spoke volumes. He would wait for her and let her come to him.

Something inside her suddenly snapped. Years of loneliness, of holding everyone at arm’s length, crumbled in the face of this connection she couldn’t deny any longer. She rose to her feet, crossing the small space between them in three quick steps.

His eyes darkened as she approached, but he remained still, letting her choose. She pressed her palms against his chest, feeling the smooth scales beneath her fingers and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“I’m tired of running,” she whispered and captured his lips in a fierce kiss.

He responded instantly, one hand tangling in her hair while the other curved around her waist. The kiss deepened, became desperate, years of isolation and longing pouring into the contact.

His scales were warm beneath her exploring fingers, his skin impossibly soft where it transitioned to human-like texture.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, he pressed his forehead to hers. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you,” he murmured.

Nirrn’s body moved with fluid grace, his powerful tail uncoiling as he lifted her effortlessly. His golden eyes never left hers, the intensity in them making her breath catch. She’d never felt so small, so utterly claimed, yet a tenderness in his touch melted her resistance.

“You’re sure?” he asked as he laid her down on the narrow bed, his voice rough with desire.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. Her heart pounded, every nerve in her body alight with anticipation. She reached up, her fingers brushing the smooth scales on his shoulders and feeling the heat radiating from his body.

His lips claimed hers again, hard and demanding yet achingly slow.

He kissed her as if he had all the time in the world, as if memorizing her.

His hands slid up her sides, pulling her shirt up and over her head.

She shivered as the cool air hit her skin, but his body soon replaced it, his warmth enveloping her.

His lips left hers, trailing slow, burning kisses down her neck, his tongue flicking against her pulse point.

She gasped, arching into him, her fingers tangling in his hair.

“Nirrn,” she breathed, her voice a plea and a protest all at once.

He growled low in his chest, the sound vibrating through her as his lips moved lower, his hands cupping her breasts through the fabric of her bra. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with need. He unhooked her bra, tossing it aside before his mouth descended on her exposed skin.

She cried out as he took one nipple into his mouth, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. His other hand kneaded her other breast, his touch sending electric shocks straight to her core. She writhed beneath him, her hips lifting instinctively.

“So perfect,” he murmured against her skin. His lips trailed lower, leaving a path of fire down her stomach. He tugged her pants and underwear down in one smooth motion, his hands sliding back up her thighs as he spread her legs.

His eyes met hers, a question flickering in their depths. She nodded, her breath hitching as she braced herself. The first touch of his tongue against her folds sent a jolt through her entire body. She gasped, her hands gripping the bed sheets as he explored her with a slow, deliberate rhythm.

“Nirrn,” she moaned, her voice shaking as his tongue found her most sensitive spot, circling it with just the right amount of pressure. Her legs trembled, her hips lifting off the bed as he increased the pace, his hands holding her firmly in place.

Her pleasure built with every stroke, every lick, until she was teetering on the edge. “I’m… I’m going to—”

“Just let go,” he growled softly against her. She soon cried out, her orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave, her body arching off the bed as wave after wave of pleasure tore through her.

He didn’t stop, his tongue continuing to lap at her as the aftershocks rocked her body. Her hands fisted in the sheets, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. He finally pulled away, his golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he looked up at her.

He moved up her body, his arms caging her in as he kissed her again, slow and deep. Her body sparked with renewed desire.

“You’re incredible,” he murmured against her lips, his hands roaming her body with a possessiveness that made her heart race.

She smiled weakly, her fingers tracing the smooth scales on his chest. “So are you,” she whispered, her voice hoarse.

He chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. “We’re just getting started,” he promised, his golden eyes dark with promise.

He rolled onto his back, his strong tail coiling under him as he reached for the garment covering his lower half.

Islae’s breath hitched as he removed it, revealing his dual members—thick, hard, and pulsing with need.

Her eyes widened, a mix of awe and anticipation flooding her senses.

She’d never seen anything like it, but the sight sent a thrill through her, her body already responding to the promise of what was to come.

“Get on top of me,” he commanded, his deep voice rough with desire. His golden eyes locked on to hers, unwavering and leaving no room for hesitation.

Islae hesitated for only a moment before climbing over him, her knees settling on either side of his hips.

His hands gripped her waist, steadying her as she positioned herself above his primary member.

The heat radiating from him was almost overwhelming, and she could feel the slickness between her thighs betraying her eagerness.

“Slowly,” he murmured, his voice a low growl that sent shivers through her. “Take your time.”

She nodded, biting her lip as she lowered herself onto him, inch by agonizing inch. The stretch was intense, her body adjusting to his size as he filled her completely. A loud gasp escaped her lips, her hands braced against his chest for support.

“You’re doing so well,” he praised, his hands moving to her hips, guiding her as she began to move. “Take control.”

Islae started slow, rocking her hips in a deliberate rhythm, feeling every inch of him slide in and out of her. The sensation was overwhelming, pleasure building with each movement. Her breath came in short, uneven gasps, her moans growing louder as she lost herself in the rhythm.

“That’s it,” Nirrn encouraged, his voice thick with need. His hands tightened on her hips, his tail shifting beneath them as he fought to maintain control.

Her pace quickened, her movements becoming more urgent as the pleasure coiled tighter within her. She could feel her orgasm building, a pressure that threatened to consume her. Her fingers dug into his chest, her nails scraping lightly against his scales as she rode him with increasing desperation.

“Nirrn,” she moaned. “I’m close.”

“Let go,” he commanded, his voice a deep growl that sent a jolt of electricity through her.

Her orgasm hit her with powerful force, her body convulsing as pleasure ripped through her. She cried out, her walls clenching around him as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over her. The intensity was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, her mind blanking as her body shuddered with release.

Her convulsing walls triggered his climax. A low growl tore from his throat as he plunged himself deep into her, his seed spilling inside her in hot, pulsing waves. His hands gripped her hips tightly, holding her in place as he shuddered beneath her, his eyes dark with utter satisfaction.

She collapsed onto his chest, her body still trembling with the aftershocks of her orgasm. His arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her close as they both caught their breath. She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her ear, a comforting rhythm that grounded her in the moment.

“You’re amazing,” he murmured, his voice soft but filled with awe. His hand stroked her back gently, his touch soothing as she came down from the high of their shared pleasure.

Islae smiled weakly, her fingers tracing the smooth scales on his chest. She felt a sense of deep connection with him that went beyond the physical, a bond that had been forged in the heat of their passion.