Ch. 156..160: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 156-160

Chapter 156: Under his rule

As the breakfast came to an end, the King and the Queen were the first ones to leave. Lillian followed her mother since she needed to discuss something important with her.

As Alora and Magnus made their way out, he informed her how a werewolf threatened Venus last night.

"What? Why is His Highness telling me this now?" Alora got worried when she recalled how Venus betrayed her the last time. "Is it true?" She was doubtful this time, thinking if Venus again planned something.

"It’s not what you are thinking," Magnus put a halt on her thoughts. "Odin was in your house as per my orders. He heard the conversation between Venus and Ralph. Your sister even refused to help Ralph, but he threatened her with your family members’ lives," he explained to her further.

"We need to inform the King about this. How could a werewolf come to my house and threaten my sister?" Alora frowned in anger.

"Don’t worry. I’ve already taken the action. You’ll see Ralph in the Vampire Council. He thinks we don’t know about his threats," Magnus snickered and told Alora that he even had summoned Venus.

"Why?"

"I would like to know why Ralph wanted to use Venus. Perhaps, she didn’t tell us everything about Eugene. Ralph approached her with a plan, thinking she would help him. So, I need to get into her thoughts," Magnus asserted.

"I see."

"Was Venus fine?" Alora asked of a sister’s concern.

"I think so," Magnus replied.

"We shall hurry to the Council then," Alora affirmed and quickened her pace. He followed her, telling her to ease down. The carriage was awaiting them and they stepped into it. The coachman closed the door from outside and took his place at the front of the carriage.

As the carriage rolled away from the palace, Alora’s anticipation to arrive at the Council heightened. "I hope Venus is okay. That incident must have frightened her," she whispered to herself, displaying concern for her sister’s well-being.

Magnus remained silent, harboring a deep-seated resentment towards Venus. He believed she didn’t deserve peace, considering the prolonged anguish she had inflicted upon Alora. The past few days’ ordeal was merely a fraction of the suffering she had caused her sister.

The carriage came to a halt soon and its door was opened. Magnus exited first and then, he helped his wife to step out.

They headed inside to a private hall, where Magnus decided to carry out the interrogation. Byron Thornburg, Cirion Hampton, and Jasper Gibson, the three Werewolves Elders were already present while there was no sight of Ralph Blackwood.

The Elders greeted Magnus and Alora before all of them took their seats.

"What’s the reason for this sudden summon, Your Highness?" asked Byron. He was surprised to find out Alora’s gaze didn’t harm any of them.

"One of the werewolves last night threatened my wife’s sister. Let Ralph Blackwood come because he will clear to all of us why he was at the Wilson Residence past midnight," Magnus explained the matter to them.

Griffin entered the private hall, and behind him was Venus along with her father. They greeted the prince and the princess before taking their seats.

Alora noticed the dark circles under Venus’s eyes. She sensed that Venus didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.

"Your Highness, Ralph Blackwood is one of the ten strongest alphas. If he used such a threat on Venus, then there must be a reason," Cirion asserted.

"Who cares for the reason? I’ll just punish him," Magnus stated, raising his elbow and resting his head on his fist.

"I think His Highness needs to listen to both the parties before making any decision," Byron asserted. "Moreover, one should not get forget how Miss Venus has planned to kill her own sister. Perhaps, Miss Venus made up some lies this time too," he affirmed.

"There are no lies, Elder Byron. Odin himself heard the conversation last night," Alora pronounced, glaring at him. "We have gathered here to know why Ralph Blackwood wanted to see me without my husband’s knowledge by threatening my own sister," she said sternly.

Byron turned quiet as he clutched the handrest cover.

"Look at the audacity of a werewolf. He is making us wait as if we are his servants and he’s our master," Magnus remarked as he felt annoyed.

After ten minutes of waiting, Ralph entered the private hall. His appearance didn’t look well as if he was scared to face Magnus. He glanced at Venus and his jaw tightened.

Ralph greeted the royalty first and then, the elders.

"Why did you wish to see me? And why did you say to Venus that you would kill any of our family members?" Alora asked him.

"My humble apologies, Your Highness. I think Venus heard something wrong," Ralph stated.

Magnus chuckled while idly brushing his ring using his fingers. Odin stepped up and delivered the exact same words, that he had heard the last night.

"Byron, don’t you think one of the strongest alphas needs to be given a death sentence? He told Venus that if she failed to bring Alora to see him while making sure I didn’t find out, he would harm either their parents or brother." Magnus gazed at Byron, waiting for his response.

Ralph knelt on his knees, asking forgiveness. "That’s because I wanted to know from Princess Alora if she could bring the Lunar Goddess to earth. Everyone knows that Princess Alora has met with Stella. I did not intend to harm any of them. It was merely a threat so that Venus would work. Not to mention, Venus hasn’t separated from the pack of whose I’m the supreme leader. After Eugene’s death, Venus was supposed to lawfully be punished by our pack."

"Ralph, you think the Goddesses can come and go whenever you please. The Elders should know that Ralph wanted to replace all of you three and bring werewolves under his rule. I cannot believe the strongest alpha acted so foolishly just to see my wife," Magnus commented while revealing the thoughts that Ralph possessed

Chapter 157: Threatening My Alora

"Indeed I got greedy, that’s why I wanted to see Princess Alora without Prince Magnus’s knowledge," Ralph stated. He found the Elders had gotten angry learning how he wished to get rid of them.

"Unfortunately, I failed your plan, Ralph. You should have known that whom you are planning to deceive," Magnus stated with a smirk. "Venus, why did Eugene introduce you to Ralph? Is there something you didn’t tell us?" He then asked, shifting his gaze at her.

"The pack Eugene and his family belonged to was of Ralph’s Blackwood. They wanted me to undergo the ritual and later, transform into a werewolf. Because Eugene cheated on me, so I refused. I didn’t tell them about this because I thought the Alpha would not force me to know the fact whose sister I was. It was a trivial matter for me," Venus elaborated to him.

Magnus glanced at the three elders. "See, what’s going on under your supervision? Byron, I thought the werewolves always followed the rules. I think I should now take the decision for one of the Strongest Alphas," he stated.

"Your Highness, I apologize sincerely to you. Just give me a chance to prove myself. I understood my mistakes," Ralph feared that Magnus would torture him to death.

"You were turning against your own people. You think you can prove your sincerity to me!?" Magnus chuckled as he felt it was a joke that Ralph threw at him.

"I don’t know if the royalty or the Vampire Council is aware of the Vampire Hunters, who are active in the South or not," Ralph provided important information to Magnus, which he didn’t expect from him.

Magnus stopped blinking to hear that. His nonchalant attitude left him and he turned a bit serious. "Which hunter group?" he inquired.

"It is called Night Saviors Hunter Organization. I came across it because last year I went to the South in search of some rogues werewolves, which belonged to our pack. Please spare me Prince Magnus this time and I’ll provide you the information about this vampire hunter group. The vampires can’t reach them since they live in the territory of the werewolves," Ralph stated.

For Magnus, it was an important matter to look into. Now, Ralph had the knowledge of this, so he couldn’t punish him.

The Third Werewolf Elder, Jasper finally spoke up. "Your Highness, the hunters can be dangerous to both of our species. We are surprised to learn that they are in a werewolf territory in the South. I think Ralph should be given a chance to prove himself," he opined.

Alora supported his decision. Magnus was already searching for this organization, so it would be good if a werewolf helped them. However, she wanted to get assurance from Ralph that in the future he would not play such tricks, so she asked Magnus to provide a solution for this as well.

"Your Highness, I truly wished to see the Lunar Goddess. I was selfish for power and I have realized my mistake. Who can even harm Princess Alora’s family when she’s such a powerful person herself? From my side it was a threat, which was indeed a foolish mistake," Ralph stated. He could sense the elders were not happy with him, but he didn’t care about it. He knew how to convince his elders. His priority was to get saved from Magnus’s wrath.

"Fine. I’ll spare your life if by tomorrow you bring me the entire information about this organization, including its members. If you fail to bring it by tomorrow afternoon, I will end your mate first in front of your eyes and then, you," Magnus pronounced with an intimidating tone.

Alora gazed at him and felt troubled. However, she didn’t intervene in his decision since she knew Magnus had a better understanding of all this.

"The Elders shall leave now and you too, Ralph. I will see you in the palace tomorrow. Hope you bring something useful to me. Griffin will lock your mate in the dungeon till then," Magnus pronounced.

"What? Please, let my mate be outside of this, Your Highness," Ralph requested.

"No. It’s to make sure you work hard to bring me everything that I want. Also, you insulted my wife while talking to Venus. I should show you what I can do when someone thinks of even threatening my Alora," Magnus affirmed. "Now leave because you’ve less time," he added.

Griffin also left on Magnus’s order to get hold of Ralph’s mate.

As the Elders left, Magnus shifted his focus to Venus.

"Why is it always you who bring trouble on my wife?" His tone sounded furious.

Alora asked Magnus not to speak like that.

"I will see you later. You can talk to them," Magnus said and he left the private hall.

"Oh, Venus," Alora went to her and embraced her. "Are you not taking enough rest these days?" She caressed Venus’s back, "And don’t take Prince Magnus’s words to your heart."

As the two sisters pulled away, Norman told Alora how Venus would not go to sleep till early morning. "Why don’t you come home and be with your sister? She may feel better than," he suggested.

"Father, it’s not good to disturb Alora. I’m trying to come out of..." Venus’s words trailed off as her voice choked and tears welled up in her eyes.

Alora got anxious to see the state of her sister.

"I will talk to Magnus and see if I can come home for a few days. I don’t think he will refuse me. However, he may accompany me home," Alora stated.

"That’s not a problem at all. Prince Magnus is my son-in-law. He can also come with you and you both can spend some time with us," Norman asserted.

Alora hummed and wiped the tears from Venus’s eyes. "I will be home soon. Don’t skip your meals and get proper sleep. You need to take care of your health, hmm?" she gently handled Venus. Alora felt that her harsh punishment transformed Venus into such a person. She used to be fearless and now, she had become timid.

Chapter 158: Interest in her

"How does this new robe look on me?" Izaak asked Magnus as he entered the room, where his younger brother was supposed to work. "Oh, where’s my Sister-in-law?" he asked, not getting Alora’s sight.

"This robe suits you," Magnus replied without even glancing at it. He closed the cabinet’s door when Izaak complained that he didn’t even check before commenting.

"Doesn’t Brother Izaak have any work?" Magnus looked at the two parchments while walking slowly toward the desk.

"I’m the Head here. I give work, not do work, unless it’s crucial," Izaak remarked. "So, where’s Alora? I’ll ask her about this robe," he asked about her whereabouts again.

"Alora is with her father and sister," Magnus finally answered.

"You mean she went home!? I told her to take me with her," Izaak murmured.

"She hasn’t gone home. Something happened last night, so related to that I had summoned them along with Ralph Blackwood and the three werewolf elders." Magnus then briefed the matter to Izaak.

"Oh. Alora’s family creates many of the troubles for her," Izaak remarked. He came to the desk and sat on the chair, his one leg resting above the other.

"Since Brother Izaak works on only the crucial matters, then why he doesn’t work with me?" he suggested while clasping his hands together and placing them on the desk.

"And what’s that?" Izaak inquired.

"I’m looking for the Shapeshifters," Magnus replied.

"They ceased to exist centuries ago," Izaak answered, "even before our birth," and stressed.

"I don’t think so. Damien isn’t dead. That night something big we both missed. You have seen Damien’s strength. You think he will die that easily!?" Magnus’s deductions forced Izaak to think.

"You think that night the real Damien fled by shapeshifting," Izaak asked him.

"I do think that. However, I’m not sure. A vampire can’t be a shapeshifter. I have told Father about this, and the investigation has begun. But from my side, I wish to look into it," Magnus explained to him.

"Why would Damien come that night then?"

"To find out what Alora can do," Magnus replied with a frown.

"I met Quentin earlier in the morning and he told me that you asked him to check the neighborhood Kingdoms," Izaak said, expecting Magnus would tell more to him.

"I think Damien is in one of the two kingdoms with whom Velaris shares its borders. The attack was to abduct Alora that day. Dylan either fled by himself or someone helped him. My suspicion of Rubin has grown from that day onward. Those vampires didn’t harm him. Why?" Magnus knitted his brows together.

"I told you not to trust Rubin," Izaak said.

"Brother, you really think I trusted him," Magnus arched his eyebrow at him. "The point is I couldn’t see through Rubin’s lies. Whatever he spoke with his mouth what he was thinking at that moment. I brought him here because I wanted to know how a hunter survived in a town, where only vampires live. I wanted to find out what exactly Rubin was!"

Izaak leaned back on his chair. "Then, did you find out anything related to him?" he inquired.

"No. But I’ll soon find out," Magnus said. "Ralph has the knowledge of the organization of the Hunters, which Rubin told us about. Let’s see what we find out tomorrow. I’ve asked Ralph to give me every information if he wishes to be pardoned," he stated.

"Suddenly, a lot of things have appeared. Is it because of Alora? Before her marriage, people were not interested in her. After becoming your wife, finding the truth in her eyes, many are showing the interest in her," Izaak stated.

"I also think the same," Magnus replied.

~~~~~

Alora waved at Venus, who looked at her through the carriage’s window. As it departed the Council’s ground, Alora turned to go in.

Her eyes met with Nikitin’s, who was the second son of Elder William. He was coming from the front, but she chose to ignore him after yesterday’s encounter.

As Alora walked past him, Nikitin stopped her.

"Princess Alora, there are a few places where humans should not enter," he pronounced.

They both then turned slowly to look at each other.

"And what are those places?" Alora questioned.

"Princess Alora knows the answer," Nikitin stated. "Please come for tomorrow’s execution. A frantic human will be killed in front of many vampires on the punishment grounds. Since Her Highness is part of this council, her presence is a must," he said with an evil smirk.

"Killing someone seems fun to you," Alora remarked as she glared at him.

"Why is Her Highness getting angry? Also, isn’t she a noble’s daughter? Shouldn’t she speak with grace being a noble woman?" Nikitin inquired.

"Being a noble vampire, shouldn’t you be at least better at reducing the crimes?" Alora sarcastically remarked. "Also, I’m not as heartless as Mr. Nikitin," she stated and pivoted on her heels to go ahead.

"If she were not the Prince’s wife, I would have shown her the right place where a human belongs," Nikitin murmured with an irked tone.

Alora finally reached the fifth floor of the towering building, panting for breath. The countless stairs had taken their toll on her energy.

As she pushed open the door, she saw Izaak and Magnus conversing with each other in a serious tone.

"Why are you alone?" Magnus asked as he didn’t see Odin behind her.

"I sent Odin to his home because he looked tired," Alora stated and looked at Izaak. "This looks wonderful on Brother Izaak," she proclaimed, smiling at him.

"Thank you, Alora," Izaak stated.

"Did Nikitin argue with you?" Magnus immediately rose from his seat.

"Ahh, it was just a small conversation," Alora said and asked him to ignore it. "Shall we resume the work? I’m excited for solving the case, which His Highness gave me yesterday to read."

"You even learned writing and reading!" Izaak looked astonished. "You are a fast learner," he added a compliment.

"The credit goes to Prince Magnus. He is a good teacher," Alora replied with a cheerful and proud smile.

Chapter 159: His next move

In the afternoon, Magnus went to see Rubin at his house. His plan was to see him in the morning, but when the urgent matter came, he had to postpone it.

Magnus stepped out of the carriage as the coachman opened its door. He looked in front of him at the house, which Tobias had arranged for Rubin.

Tobias went ahead of the prince and knocked on the door. After a minute the door opened and Rubin showed himself. He was astonished to see the prince in front of his door and he promptly bowed to greet him.

"Won’t you invite me in?" asked Magnus.

"Please, do come in," Rubin courteously invited, stepping aside to allow them entry. Magnus gracefully ascended the two steps and entered the house, with Tobias trailing behind.

"I was under the impression that Prince Magnus preferred not to see me," Rubin remarked once Magnus had settled comfortably on the sofa. When Rubin suggested Tobias sit, he remained standing, prompting Magnus to gesture for him to take a seat as well, while he turned his attention back to Rubin.

"Have a seat, Rubin," Magnus said.

Rubin hummed and sat on the sofa chair.

"You cannot join the Vampire Council. The reason is simple: you are a human," Magnus stated.

Rubin didn’t argue to hear that. "I understand. I thought I would be considered to enter the council as Princess Alora was," he murmured.

"Alora possesses unique eyes. She saved my brother, that’s why the King and the Elders let her enter the council," Magnus asserted.

Rubin hummed as he lowered his eyes. "Is Dylan still not found?" He asked.

"No."

"Isn’t that failed administration of the vampires?" Rubin questioned as he lifted his head. "They still failed to find out who attacked all of us that night and freed Dylan," he affirmed.

"Rubin, you need to watch your tongue," Magnus stated.

"Pardon me for infuriating Your Highness," Rubin apologized, but he didn’t lower his gaze. "The humans do suffer under the vampire’s rules. I’ve witnessed that suffering," he stated, his eyes carrying the evidence of it.

"I never denied about your suffering. However, you cannot enter the vampire council. Exceptions are made for a few and sadly, you aren’t a part of that exception," Magnus clarified to him.

"Then, how will His Highness fulfill his promise to me? Dylan is on a run. It’s not a story about my suffering only, but hundreds of the humans out there, whose voices are suppressed even before they speak up," Rubin proclaimed.

"Dylan will be caught soon. I’ve found out something about him. You don’t have to think that you’ll not get the justice," Magnus asserted, not taking a blink.

"What did His Highness find out?" asked Rubin with curiosity.

"You’ll find out when I bring Dylan in front of you," Magnus affirmed.

"I will wait then," Rubin stated, feeling better since Dylan was finally punished.

"What do you do for a living?" Magnus asked.

"I’ve found a job in the central library in the capital," Rubin replied.

"That’s great then. You are finally starting to live a life," Magnus asserted.

"I have to. I’ve betrayed the organization and decided not to harm any vampire. I decided to be a loyalist to Prince Magnus," he proclaimed, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.

"Then, I shall take my leave," Magnus said and rose to his feet. Tobias also left his seat, followed by Rubin.

After Magnus and Tobias exited the house, Magnus turned to look at Rubin, "Dylan will soon be found. So, don’t worry." He went ahead and got inside the coach.

Rubin saw the carriage leave and went inside the house.

Inside the carriage, Tobias asked Magnus why he lied to Rubin about knowing about Dylan.

"To find out what his next move will be," Magnus said.

~~~~

Magnus finally arrived at the palace. As he entered the chamber, he saw Alora, seated on the chaise with a bowl of fruits in her hand.

Seeing him, Alora quickly lowered her legs to the floor and placed the bowl on the table before the chaise. Earlier, Magnus had asked Izaak to bring Alora to the palace with him when he left for Rubin’s home.

"Your Highness, I decided on a case. Brother Izaak asked me to do that," Alora said with a joyous demeanor.

"That’s great," Magnus smiled.

She walked to him, removed the cloak first, and then, gradually unbuttoned his waistcoat before taking it off his arms. "His Highness must be tired. He shall take some rest," she opined. Her fingers delicately brushed his tresses and she met his gaze.

"Won’t you rest with me?" Magnus asked.

"I ended up taking a nap earlier. I’m no longer sleepy," Alora said.

"Well, I’m not tired. I did nothing today, except for solving the matter related to Venus and two more. I will just sit with you," Magnus stated and hung his arm on her shoulder. "I’ll be back after freshening up," he whispered and left.

Alora asked Selvina to take away the waistcoat and the cloak.

Sitting on the chaise, she again enjoyed the fruits. After some time, Magnus returned and saw that she finished eating the fruits.

"Venus isn’t in the right state. I am thinking of going home for a few days," Alora said.

"Let her suffer," Magnus suggested as he sat beside her.

"I cannot. I think she has suffered enough. Venus didn’t sleep well last night. And she is not eating well. Since my relationship with them improving, I think I should give more time to them. I’ll be back in two or three days," Alora said as she tried convincing Magnus.

"I’ll accompany you. You know well how restless I get when you are away from me. I want you all the time, around me," Magnus said possessively.

"Then, we both can go to my parents home. However, let’s take permission from the King and the Queen first," Alora opined.

"Sure," Magnus agreed to her and rested his head on her shoulder.

Chapter 160: Sending waves of pleasure

"I forgot to inquire, but is Ralph’s mate still imprisoned?" Alora queried, placing the pen on the table and turning to face Magnus, who reclined halfway on the bed.

"Yes," Magnus confirmed. "I won’t authorize her execution unless Ralph completes the task I’ve given him," he stated firmly.

"You should join me in bed, my dear. It’s getting late. How much more studying do you wish to do?" he grumbled, his hand patting the mattress beside him.

"Just this page I need to finish, then I will come to bed. You should sleep," Alora said and focused her attention back on the book.

She lifted her eyes as Magnus was behind her chair, his frame looming above hers and the next second, he closed the book. He even snatched the pen from her and said, "Don’t make me wait."

Alora pushed her chair back and rose to her feet, arms folded across her chest. "Do you want your wife to struggle with reading and writing? If not, return the pen to me and go to bed," she asserted with authority. Her firm tone compelled Magnus to relent, and he begrudgingly returned the pen to her.

Quietly, Magnus went to bed and covered himself with the duvet. Alora wondered if he was angry with her, but she decided not to ask about it and resumed the work where she had left.

After some time, Magnus again spoke, "Alora, I’m unable to sleep. Come to bed. It’s already been five minutes."

"Your Highness, close your eyes and count to a hundred. You will fall asleep," Alora told him a trick while writing in the notebook.

Magnus complied with her and shut his eyes close. "1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6..." He began the counting loudly.

At first, Alora didn’t say anything, but then she got irked. "Magnus, you need to say that in your mind," she said sternly, looking at him.

"How do I do that?" Magnus feigned innocence and continued with a mused expression, "Teach me."

Alora sensed that Magnus wouldn’t let her study in peace. She closed the inkpot and returned the pen to its holder. Shutting the notebook and book, she readied for bed, extinguishing the room’s candles save for one, casting a soft glow in the dimness.

However, Alora slept with her back toward him, keeping at least a meter distance from them.

"Why are you so far?" Magnus complained.

"Don’t disturb me. You wanted me on the bed and I did that." This was the first time Alora angrily talked to him. She had her eyes closed, trying to get asleep.

Magnus closed the distance between them and hugged her from behind. "Don’t you know late night study can make your eyes strain and you can even get some big dark circles?" he asked.

"That doesn’t happen if you study late one night," Alora murmured.

His breath fanned her neck as his lips made contact with her skin. "Don’t be upset with me. My heart aches and I feel restless," he asserted.

Alora’s anger slowly faded and she turned to look at him finally. "I don’t want to fall behind in anything," she stated. "That’s why I have to push myself."

"You aren’t lacking in anything," Magnus asserted.

"That’s what you think, not the others," Alora countered. Her fingers stroked his cheek. As he leaned in for a kiss, she placed her index finger between their lips.

"Sleep," she whispered.

"Without kissing you?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm," she hummed in agreement.

Magnus gently lowered her finger and nibbled her lower lip, his other hand holding her close as he kissed her with warmth and tenderness. When they finally broke the kiss, gasping for air, she traced her eyebrows as she leaned above him.

Magnus hooked his long fingers in her dress’s knots and pulled them out slowly. her thin robe slid down her shoulders, igniting his hunger. He licked his lips, then brushed her hair back, drawing her nearer. Their lips met once more as he flipped her onto the mattress, hovering over her.

He showered her neck and collarbone with soft kisses, inching down the valley between her curves. As he stroked them with his skillful hands, she arched her back, her mouth letting out low moans.

"Ahh!" A low cry escaped her mouth as he nipped the skin on her belly. Her toes curled at the feel of his hand, moving to her right inner thigh.

They were supposed to sleep, but Magnus ended up igniting the passion between them. His lips suckled her skin, leaving red marks behind.

"The way your body responds to my touch always brings me joy," Magnus murmured, moving to her thigh.

Alora felt engulfed in a fiery sensation as he peppered burning kisses along her skin, his nips causing her to tug on his hair.

"Ah, Magnus..." she purred, her mind consumed by anticipation of what would come next.

Alora’s cries and moans reached a crescendo as Magnus found her most intimate place, sending waves of pleasure through her body. She felt ecstatic, her entire being shuddering with pleasure as her chest rose and fell with each breath.

Shortly after that, Magnus claimed her lips passionately, his body pressed against hers as he kissed her fervently.

Magnus claimed her lips with fervor, their bodies moving in rhythm as their heartbeats synced. Her hands locked behind his neck, holding him close to her.

As he withdrew from the kiss, he buried his head in the crook of her neck, groaning in pleasure, their raspy breaths intermingling in the air.

He gazed at her radiant face bathed in the soft glow of the candle and smiled. His fingers brushed the hair strands back to her ear and he kissed the middle of her forehead.

"It feels good," Alora said, smiling at him.

"It truly does," he whispered, pressing another kiss to her bare shoulder. As they drifted into sleep, he held Alora tight, burying his face in her neck, succumbing to the embrace of slumber.