A Clash Of Light And Thunder (War Of The Forgotten Lovers Book 1)

A Magical Celebration Part 2

Aria's heart beat once.

Then twice as she took a deep breath.

Small geysers of light poured from the grass. Hot like liquid fire, they flowed up her leg. Aria's skin burned bright as the colorful energy drifted, wrapping like vines over every inch of her body. Then as a snake encapsulates its prey, it tightened. But there was no fear in her heart. Instead, she was... euphoric.

Every inch of her body trembled under the cold night kiss of the wind. All her worries and sorrows were gone. She felt light, unburden. Everything that normally weighed her down was slowly stripped away, until only she remained. Then everything turned to white fog.

The energy guided her right leg forward. Followed by the left. The wind brushed her body as it turned and turned on its own accord, basking in the vastness of the clouds. She could see nothing other than the merging and fracturing of light all around her.

From the mist, a figure cloaked in darkness approached. Aria's hand extended forward in an elegant stretch. Her stomach twisted. Before her fingers graced the night coated figure, it turned away, twisting and disappearing into the light. It happened again. And again. And again. Some had splinters of light, but still, Aria's hand would freeze, and the vines around her body would take her away.

Aria's heart beat once. Then Twice.

The mist burst with a vibrant flash of purple and silver. It pulsed until it mixed into the shape of a man. He approached one step at a time. He was both bright and dark. Fierce and calm.

The figure's hand extended, and Aria reached for it, this time, unafraid. Their skin's touched, and the air swirled violently, ripping the colorful light away. As the color fragmented in uncountable specks of dust, silver eyes fell upon Aria.

Her stomach fluttered as she starred at Elvin. Sparks of lightning ripple through his night-colored clothes. The fog parted, surrendering to his confident strides.

They both stepped forth. A breath worth apart. Their minds unclouded by if they should or not. Tonight, their hearts reigned over the dance.

The back of Elvin's hand rose and slowly slid down the slope of her fair neck. She gulped and a rumbling chuckle left his teasing lips. Aria's head tilted back, hazy caramel eyes still watching intensely as he bit his lip. Within seconds, he took her within his hold. Firm arms tighten around her waist as his nose lowered, gracing her pulse. He chuckled again, pleased as her heartbeat quickened. The waves trickled over every inch of her skin, setting her aflame. The heat spread, pooling in between her legs.

Need built within her as they moved as one. Throughout it all, his fingers traced her exposed skin— up her arm and down her back. It was always just the lightest of touch here and there. It made her skin burn hot with desire. As soon as she edged towards it, his hand would move away. She cursed the dress she wore, this time for not leaving more free for his long fingers to explore. She was at the edge, and she wanted to fall.

The light tightened around her right leg, making her turn away. 'No, I want to go back,' she thought. The cold night air replaced his warm embrace. As if responding to her inner call, sun-kissed arms slipped around her waist. She gasped as her back was pressed tightly against a broad chest.

She could feel him completely against her back. Every muscle and every breath.

Aria was overcome by warmth. A feeling of something more...

She longed for it for so long. Home. That was what his embrace felt like. She had lived in a large palace, surrounded by every comfort one could ever wish for. Yet, she never felt like she belonged. She existed there, for her sister, for those fleeting moments of happiness.