by D E Boske
“Ty, you’ve been through a ghastly experience. Give yourself some slack here. No one expects you to be the same so soon afterwards, least of all me,” he said, a bit too quietly.
She wanted to go to him, but was unable to do so. The very thought sent shivers of revulsion through her. She didn’t understand it because she’d wanted to kiss him. What’s happening to me?
“Just say what you need to say, Darian so you can leave,” she said curtly. He could see the wall slide back into place. His heart fell at her tone.
“Ty, I discovered something important. When you were held captive, they placed a ward deep inside you. It is this ward that’s causing you so much pain and heartache. You need to break its hold over you.”
“What are you talking about?” she demanded.
“The ward is what is causing your mood swings. You’re not going crazy. It’s what they wanted; to drive us apart and cause me pain. They’ve won. You don’t love me anymore, nor do you want to see me. I get it, I do. And after this, I will never bother you again. I just had to tell you the truth. You had to know. Meditate and you will find it hiding deep inside. Only you have the power to break its hold on you. I cannot do it for you because it would kill you. The strength must come from you. Once you do this, maybe you can finally live a happy life. I wish you every happiness because you deserve it, Shan Ta’ Zi. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I stepped into your life and ruined it. Truly I am. If there were a way for me to fix it, I would do it. I would do anything for you, my love. Good bye Shan Ta’ Zi,” he said, as his heart broke with the words.
35
Without another word, he left, not looking back. An emptiness opened up inside of her swallowing her whole. She collapsed on the floor and wept until she had no tears left to cry. It was finally over. He’d given up on her and he was gone. He said he would never bother her again. What was she going to do? How would she live without him?
Sometime later, she drifted off, emotionally exhausted. His words came back to her and she delved deep inside. She felt something… evil inside her. Every time she tried to pinpoint it, she lost it. She pushed harder. She would not give up. They ruined her life and took the one that she loved most. He was gone. They’d done this to them. She felt it again, closer this time. Then she saw it! A milky white orb that seemed to grow and shift with her thoughts and feelings. She attacked it at once. And got bounced back. It was strong because of all the raw emotion that she’d been feeding it. No more! She was done suffering. She fought with it all night, but still got nowhere.
In the morning, she rose more tired than when she passed out. The events of last night came crashing down around her and she began to cry. How she wished it had been a terrible nightmare. With Darian gone, she could once more feel the love she still had for him and it was so strong. She began to work on the ward again and did not even notice as the hours slipped past her. When she came out of meditation, it was dark outside.
﴾﴿ ﴾﴿ ﴾﴿
Darian returned to his room, closing the door without speaking to anyone. He shut himself away, angry and disappointed. He’d seen when her mood had shifted, he sensed it as well. There was a very real possibility that she would never break through the ward. He just could not stand to see her suffer any more. So he did the only thing that he could think to do. Remove himself from the equation. Without him in her life, she could go on. She could have a loving relationship with Tireniel.
He bathed and dressed in the morning and called the demon to his side. It was time to confront Kyler. Sigorna needed to be inside the room to unravel the wards.
“Darian, you okay? You look like you had a rough night,” the demon said, upon materializing.
“I’m fanfrickintastic,” the Mage quipped. “I want to go see Kyler today and determine if there are wards surrounding him as well.”
“Sure thing, Darian. Look, I know there’s something eating away at you. Wanna’ talk about it?”
“Do I look like I do?” retorted the Mage.
“Actually, yes. So let’s have it. I’m not moving until you tell me what’s going on.”
“I told Tynuviel I will never darken her doorstep again.”
“Oh,” the demon winced. He wanted to say something smart, but he could tell the Mage was in no mood for his crap. He was really upset. Love sucked ass. He couldn’t believe that Darian had fallen victim to it in the first place. Back in Mogan Dar, Darian never would have entertained the thought. He was too busy plugging all those women. Sigorna wished he were still like that. He didn’t like to see the Mage mooning over one woman. No matter how beautiful and sexy she was. It went against everything The Order stood for.
“I’m sorry, Darian. I know you love her.”
“Maybe it’s better this way, Sigorna. At least now, I cannot hurt her anymore. And with me out of her life, maybe she can know happiness and love once more.”
“Where is Nephraete?” the demon asked, looking around. “She doesn’t have to hide anymore, I know she’s here.”
“Actually, she’s not. I sent her back as well.” The demon was surprised to hear that.
“Wow, really? Why?”
“Let’s go talk to Kyler. And do not say a word about the seer,” said the Mage in a commanding tone.
“Would I do that?” asked the demon in a derisive tone.
“Yes, that’s why I’m asking you not to.” The Mage’s tone held no room for argument, promising severe punishment for failure.
“Don’t worry Mage, your secret’s safe with me.”
The look on Kyler’s face when he opened the door to see the Mage and the demon standing there was priceless. Shock. Relief. Confusion. There was a twinkle in Darian’s grey eyes as he saw his friend’s relief.
“Kyler, may we come in? We really need to talk.”
“Of course.”
“Kyler, you have not been yourself for far too long. The Falahari knows why so I will let him explain.”
“There are demonic wards placed around you and your chambers. I can feel them and they are strong.”
“What? Why? Who would do such a thing?” asked the elf.
“To drive you and the Mage apart I am guessing,” said the demon. “Now be quiet so I can remove them. Darian, are you quite sure you want me to do this? I kinda liked it without him. It was quieter,” mocked the demon.
“Do it,” the Mage said, with a smile. “I want my friend back.” The elf smiled at his words, relief flooding him. He’d been sure that Darian would never speak to him again after the way he treated the Mage. Yet here he was having the demon help him.
Sigorna sighed loudly, more for dramatics than for anything else. He began to remove them one by one. “These are more complex, Darian. It’s gonna take a while longer.” He worked on Kyler for over forty five minutes.
Once Kyler was done, he started on his chambers without pause.
Kyler gripped Darian’s hand firmly, but the Mage pulled him into a hug. “How do you feel?”
“Never better. I feel like my old self. I feel like I’ve been asleep for quite some time. Darian, why would someone go to such trouble? And who do you think is behind it?”
“I do not know right now,” the Mage answered honestly.
“We okay?” asked the elf.
“Of course. You don’t think I’d let a little argument get in the way of our friendship, do you?”
“Darian, I owe you an apology. You and Nephraete. I cannot tell you how sorry I am for the way I’ve been acting.”
“Kyler, it’s alright. You were not yourself. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what. The Falahari sensed it.”
“Why didn’t he sense it sooner?” asked Kyler.
“Because I have never been to your room before, little elf. And you never stay long enough to make it interesting. You always leave without a fight.”
“Well that’s gonna’ change,” said the elf with conviction. “I’m not leaving you again, Darian, I mean it.” In response
, the Mage nodded. “So tell me, what’s going on? What’s happened lately?” Darian filled him in as the demon continued his work.
“Look, I can stay here while the Falahari finishes up. Isn’t there somewhere else you should be?” asked Darian knowingly.
“Yes, there is. Thank you, Darian. For everything.”
Kyler had never felt better. For the first time in he didn’t know how long, he felt like himself. No dark shadows lurking in the corners of his mind. He was thinking clearly and he knew what he must do.
Nephraete opened the door to find Kyler with a white rose in his hand. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him.
“Nephraete, may I please come in? I understand if you say no. I would deserve it. I’ve been a complete ass and I don’t deserve you.” In answer, she tugged him into her chambers. He took her in his arms and held her close.
“It’s good to have you back, Kyler.” He brought his lips to hers and she kissed him hungrily. She pushed him down on her bed and had her way with him. She did not know where the idea came from, but she wanted to be in control and he did not fight her. Darian felt her pleasure crash through him and he smiled to himself.
Hours later, after the demon finally finished his tedious work and went back to his own realm, Darian was alone. He needed time to reflect on what had happened. A soft knock brought him around. It was late, who could it be? Kyler maybe? He opened the door to find Kizziah standing there looking so beautiful. She wore tight fitting pants that showed off her shapely legs and a low cut blouse. He could see her nipples pressing through the soft cloth and it turned him on.
“Kizziah, what are you doing here?”
“May I come in, Darian?” she asked.
“Of course, Kizziah. Would you like a drink?” he asked when he’d closed the door.
She shook her head. She came closer, pressing herself into him and feeling his arousal. His lips found hers in a tender kiss, his hands found her bottom and pulled her to him. She moaned against his lips and he put his right hand to her breast. A quiver of excitement raced through her at his expert touch. He parted his lips, kissing her and promising a night full of pleasure. Her hands went right to him, stroking him softly. He groaned as he began to undo
the small buttons on her blouse.
Why do they make such small buttons? He thought. His hands closed around her warm breasts and she sighed, leaning into his touch. His tongue passed her lips and she accepted it, her whole body throbbing with desire. She felt his hand between her thighs and she gasped at his touch. He worked her like the master he was until she was close to the edge. And he hadn’t even entered her yet. His fingers worked their way past her breeches, finding her bare flesh and she quivered in delight.
“Mmm, you are so ready, babe,” he whispered to her.
“I want you, Darian.” He took her hand and brought her to his bed. She undid his shirt, kissing his smooth, bare chest. He gently eased her down, tugging her breeches off. Her smell excited him and he kissed her belly working his way down. She gasped as she felt his tongue on her hot skin. He broke past all her defenses taking what he wanted, what she needed. She blossomed under his ministrations and it wasn’t long before she was crying out in pleasure, his lips working her into a frenzy.
She pulled him to her and brought her lips to his in a sensual kiss. Her left hand reached down to grasp him gently, but firmly. He moaned into her lips as she guided him to her. He did not need any more coaxing. One gentle thrust and he was deep inside her. Kizziah was absolutely enjoying herself as much as he was enjoying her. He prolonged the lovemaking as long as he could. But she had other ideas. She wrapped her sexy legs around his waist and drove her hips into his. He nearly lost control at that. He took her hands and placed them above her head as he held them down. His strokes deepened and she whimpered, nearing the edge. He gladly pushed her over it and beyond. She cried out as he picked up the pace. He would not release her hands no matter how hard she tried to get loose. The pleasure that ripped through him was mind bending.
“Darian, that was impressive,” she said with a smile.
“It sure was,” he said, kissing her softly.
“Careful, that can lead to… that,” she giggled, as she felt him readying himself for another round.
Instead, his lips found her breasts, toying with them playfully. She squirmed and squealed in delight as his tongue worked her nipples.
“Darian,” she gasped. “Oh gods! That feels so good,” her giggles quickly turned to deep moans of pleasure as his hips worked their magic once more.
Much later, they lay in each other’s arms, utterly spent. Ru Nay’ Sha claimed them both. For once, Darian rested without languishing in guilt. He’d broken it off with Tynuviel and he could have sex with whoever he wanted. He was free to choose and right now, he chose Kizziah. There were no strings attached. She did not want anything from him other than amazing sex and this was something he could give her and give her and give her.
It was some time in deep night when everything was deathly quiet. There was no sound, no movement. And then everything shattered at once. Someone was pounding on his door.
“Darian! Open up! Darian!” More pounding. The Mage did not even bother to dress. He yanked open the door to see the elven guard.
“Darian, you must come at once! The Mages of Mogan Dar approach Kiri A’ Nouell!”
Here ends book two of The Dregian Chronicles
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