Page 8 of The Dark Mage

He painted a vivid picture of a world full of purpose and familial love. The social bustle suited Peria’s personality better, but Esrin never extended this invitation when all three of them were together. This was new, exciting—a thought of joining him away from sc hool.

His smile was open and genuine, his usual warmth present, but tonight something else flickered in his eyes—a heat reserved for moments when Peria wasn’t looking. Past glances had been easy to ignore, to push down the butterflies they stirred, but now… now…

“I can’t,” she blurted. “Not now, not ever. I want to, Esrin. I want to. I don’t want to go home, but I can’t stay here or leave for Terrepin. My mother would suffer, and my father would hunt me down.”

The tears came unbidden, hot and overwhelming.

Esrin gently took her wine glass from her trembling fingers.

His hands, steady and warm, slid over her shoulders and back in soothing strokes.

No pawing, no pinching—just soft touches on the blue fabric.

He brushed away her tears, and his swirling brown eyes burned with unspoken emotion.

Butterflies erupted in her stomach, trapped and flutte ring.

Esrin’s power thrummed like a warm summer breeze, washing over her like waves on a shore, dissolving fear, pain, and the memories of abuse. His magic enveloped her senses like fre edom.

The surge of cold and dark that answered his druid’s magic widened his eyes, his pupils constricting. He leaned in—closer, closer. The scent of sweet wine and freshly laundered clothes surrounded her. He paused, his breath a moment away.

This was no time for hesitation. His affection burned through her doubts—through Vair, Erst, the Territories, and even her status as a w oman.

His lips were soft and warm, the rumble of contentment in his chest eclipsing every other thought when she brought their mouths together. She chose this. She wanted this, and the knowledge soothed her in ways she had never k nown.

This was not her first kiss. She had stolen kisses with other lords’ sons, and Erst had taken kisses from her as well.

But this was her first kiss with someone who mattered.

Esrin smelled clean and fresh, like winter air and autumn leaves, and his hand on her neck was tenderly possessive.

He didn’t paw—he simply kissed, his lips soft and warm.

She reached out, her fingers brushing the ends of his silky black hair.

When her hands settled on his shoulders and neck, Esrin tilted his head further, his hand tightening gently on the back of her neck.

The kiss deepened, her lips parting as his tongue swept in slowly, gently meeting her own. She responded without hesita tion.

He broke the kiss, breathing deeply, his face flushed. The heat in his gaze stirred a rising want in her, and she tugged him back toward her for another kiss. Esrin stopped her, pressing softly just below her th roat.

“Ren’wyn,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I can’t ask you for this. I can’t ask you to have me. Peria mentioned you are…”

“A virgin.” She blushed deeply but held his gaze.

Esrin didn’t look away, his eyes traveling from her lips to her throat, lingering on the swell of her breasts beneath her dress.

When his gaze returned to hers, she leaned back, her tears replaced with freedom and a heady need.

Esrin was the focal point of every sensation.

Time seemed to slow as she leaned in again, grasping his face behind his ears and kissing him fier cely.

The world jolted back into motion. Ren’wyn’s heart thundered as Esrin returned her kiss with rough passion. His hands encircled her waist, sliding up her back and pulling her chest against his.

“Ren’wyn,” he rasped, his voice ragged. “I… I don’t want to hurt you.”

She kissed his neck, her fingertips brushing his collar. Esrin inhaled sharply, his breath unst eady.

“I want you,” she whispered huskily, her fingers gripping his shirt. “I’m asking you—please. Be my f irst.”

Esrin groaned in response, a sound that sent a clench of anticipation through her. He took her hands and helped her stand, leading her slowly into his bed room.

The room was immaculate, the white comforter on the bed fluffy like a cloud. She had never been inside before. Her eyes swept over a painting of the sea in Ishvaen on the wall opposite the bed, a rich mahogany dresser, and floor-to-ceiling windows veiled by curt ains.

Then, Esrin kissed her again—gentle, sweet, unhurried.

He removed the pins from her hair, and it fell in thick, wavy locks down her back.

His fingers threaded through it, his touch reverent.

He sighed, tilting his head back, his eyes closing.

His hands brushed the tips of her hair before bringing the locks forward onto her shoulders.

One hand dipped to the edge of her bo dice.

“May I?” His voice was soft as gentle rain.

She nodded, steadying herself with her hands on his hips. Esrin slid the dress off her shoulders, carefully pulling each sleeve down over her hands. His breath shuddered as he loosened her belt and let the dress fall to the floor. She replaced her hands on his hips as his eyes met hers.

“We don’t have to do this,” he said tenderly. “I would never make you, Ren’wyn. N ever.”

His honesty and gentleness brought a smile to her lips. Esrin returned it, tracing a line down her cheek and neck. When his gaze traveled over her again, he licked his lips, sending a shiver through her.

“Ren’wyn,” he murmured, raking a hand through his black hair, “are you sure?”

“I took the same class as everyone else,” she said, blushing. Spyre’s required course had covered contraception, sex, pleasure, and pregnancy. “I know it will hurt the first time, and I might bleed. I’m drinking contraceptive tea. I also know it can be… quite enjoyable for some w omen.”

Still, he hesitated, as if he couldn’t sense her rising desperation. She wanted this. She wanted him.

“Please, Esrin. Please,” she whispered, reaching for him with trembling hands and an open h eart.

Esrin guided her gently, his movements slow and deliberate. Every touch was measured, his kisses languid and exploratory. Heat and pleasure built under his thorough hands and lips. With each new sensation, Esrin’s patience made her feel safe, desired, and w hole.

When they came together, he held her tightly, his strong arms a fortress of security. It hurt, and she fought to hide her t ears.

“I’ve got you,” Esrin murmured, though his own body trembled. “I’ve got you, Ren ’wyn.”

Even through the pain, Esrin’s attention never wavered.

Slowly, the ache gave way to a sweetness that was new and unexpectedly heavy, but not unpleasant.

Ren’wyn blossomed under his care. His magic, unbound in the heat of release, enveloped them.

Wind and water swirled, rain defying gravity to rise and drench them in a spectacle of p ower.

When Esrin’s magic subsided, he turned his attention to her with gentle, reverent touches. The warmth he created melted away her fears, building her trust until she reached a peak of unimaginable inten sity.

It felt like he read her mind as her body balanced on a knife’s edge of exquisite pleasure. Eyes squeezed shut, the rise of creeping frost and haunting whispers were just comfort alongside the warmth of Esrin. Except he had stilled, and Ren’wyn looked up at him.

“It’s alright,” he whispered. “It’s alr ight.”

His dark eyes brimmed with fear, reflecting black mist and shadow from around them, and she knew he was fright ened.

She broke her will in two. Pressing one half against her magic, she surrendered to the pleasure Esrin brought her. A rush of release swept through her, light bursting behind her closed eyelids. She shuddered, gripping the comforter as she called his name.

Afterward, Esrin pulled her close, cradling her trembling form against his bare chest. He ran his fingers over her skin, kissed her forehead, and whispered her name until she calmed. Ren’wyn had never felt so safe, so cheri shed.

“You are more than I ever dreamed,” he murmured between kisses. “More than I ever thought possible. Since the day I met you, I’ve wanted you so much it hurt. When I held you and Peria together, I dreamed it could be you a lone.”

His body, warm and solid, became her anchor. In his arms, her contentment grew. If he were as pliable as the elements he commanded, she would sink into him and disappear from her old life enti rely.

His words—so tender and sincere—etched themselves into her, indelible and permanent. No matter what the future held, this moment would remain hers. Even when the year ended and Erst returned, nothing could steal this me mory.

Esrin pulled back, sensing her thoughts. The intensity of his gaze burned through her, and a single tear slipped down her c heek.

“I love you, Ren’wyn,” Esrin whispered, his voice strained, as though afraid to say it aloud. “You’re sweet and gentle and soft. You’re kind, even to those who don’t understand you. You deserve something be tter.”

Her heart twisted at his words. How could he possibly mean them? She was small, simple—unremarkable. Yet, he had shown her nothing but honesty ton ight.

“Don’t say it back,” he added quickly. “Not yet.”

His gaze brimmed with devotion. Always, Vair and Lyr’ren had been the center of Ren’wyn’s every decision and desire.

Trying to make them proud gave her a sense of fulfillment, her duty a sense of security.

Now, Esrin could take that position—his happiness, his love, and his goals becoming a new purpose.

Loving him wouldn’t be a problem. It would never be an equal love, but Esrin’s passion and her loyalty could cover any shortage of feeling on her part.

The darkening future could be brighter under his light, within the embrace of a man who saw her as beautiful, as en ough.

“But I do love you,” she said, her voice steady and true. “ I do.”