Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 1

Hi guys!
I posted this book because I was stuck on where to go after a few chapters and hoped posting it would give me the push I needed.
Please comment what you want to see next from these characters - I welcome all feedback!
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy.

Ivy's POV

I walk through the empty palace, my fingertips tracing their way across the walls. The hallway is lit by candlelight, casting a soft glow that only my shadow darkened. I let my body guide me, walking past several closed rooms before reaching a tall set of double doors with golden handles. My hands grasp the cold metal, feeling the grooves of intricate details carved into them, sinking into my skin as I push the door open.

I find myself in the ballroom, as I do every night. The whispers of music still hang in the air. I can almost feel guests moving around me, the movement of their clothes creating small gusts of air as they dance.

I stood directly under a grandiose chandelier, almost creating a spotlight over me. I spin around slowly, taking in the tapestries covering each wall, filled with men and women encased around one another like jigsaw pieces. I had already memorised them, but each time I visit I stare into the paintings, as if there may be something new to discover within them.

Against one wall, sits two thrones, each chair a dark black with intricate carvings. I've never gotten close enough to look yet, the moonlight filtering in through the windows making the shapes drawn into the wood shine.

Large, steady footsteps echo behind me, making the hairs on my arms stand to attention. They move slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. They didn't get too close, stopping a few short distances away. I don't bother turning around.

"Hello again, little one."

The sound of his voice sends tingles down my spine, washing over me and invading every nerve.

"We've missed you."

Another voice bounces off the walls and this time, my head shoots to the left of me. I hadn't heard him step into the room, a purposeful action no doubt.

I sigh as I hear them move closer, the heat from their bodies soaking into mine. The one behind me runs his fingers gently down my arms, sending tingles zinging through them. The man to my left gently moves my hair to the side, his breath ghosting across my neck. I tilt my head and lean closer to him as my eyes flutter shut.

Their lips don't quite touch me, leaving me burning. Their fingers simply caress my body, barely touching my skin.

"Why won't you kiss me?"

I feel them both smile as their fingers come to a halt. One of them steps in front of me as the other wraps his arms around my waist, caging me to his body. I can feel the muscles underneath his shirt contracting and the thump of his heartbeat when my body touches his.

"Is that what you really want, little one?"

I lean back, a breathy sigh leaving my lips as my eyes stay glued to the man in front of me. The light from the candles adds glimmers to the centre of his dark eyes, his lashes creating small shadows across his cheekbones that flutter each time his eyes roam across my body. His skin shines under the candles' glow despite his dark clothing and I can see the veins penetrating through his tanned skin.

He steps closer, our chests now grazing one another, my breath coming out in short, sharp breaths. The anticipation of finally feeling his lips touch mine hangs in the air between us.

He brings his hand to my cheek, stroking his thumb against my skin and leans in. I try to tilt my head up to meet his lips but his hold on my face is steady and instead, his lips meet my forehead, gently sinking into the skin there. My eyes close, a shudder runs through me. As his lips leave me, my body goes cold, the two men stepping away from me.