The Inured Villainess

Chapter 31

He took control from there, kissing me to remind me. Remind me of the pain he endured, the heartbreak that was worse than his curse.

He is craving my touch, so he rips the ribbon corset of my dress. The gown falls apart in the back, releasing me from its bindings.

"Kyrell." I breath out his name as he continues to lay small kisses down to my breast. My dress is removed off my body, leaving me in my undergarments.

"You're beautiful." He mumbles into my covered chest. His hands slides up my thighs once more, caressing the soft skin. I keep one hand on his chest and the other on his back, exploring every detail that I could find.

He continues lower, leaving a trail of kisses the way down. But he then stops, bringing my gaze to his face.

"Why did you stop?" I ask but he wouldn't answer.

With a quick motion, he brought his large hand to the right side of my waist, lifting it ever so gently.

"No, no, no. This can't..." He begins to frown as he examines my side. "Estella."

I prop myself on my elbows so I could see what has him so startled.

Black swirls lined my right side, going behind my back. The same marks that Kyrell had when he was cursed.

Kyrell buries his face in my stomach, gripping my hips closer to him. "No. Why did this happen?"

I took it. I took his curse from him. I knew it was too good to be true. That I didn't fully cure him.

But then again, this could be good. I took away his pain, all of it.

"It's okay, Kyrell." I brush my hand through his hair. "I'm fine with bearing the curse."

"But I'm not." His head shoots up to look at me. "I don't want you dealing with something that is supposed to be for me to bear. Give it back."

He pleads once more. "Give it back, Estella."

"That's not how it works, Kyrell. It's okay. We'll figure this out together. Please don't blame yourself." I brush his cheek softly, hoping to comfort him.

He lifts himself up, before wrapping a blanket around me.

"I'll find a way to fix this, Estella." His legs were over the edge of the bed, as he sat thinking. His back to me.

"We'll find a way," I correct him. "You said you wanted me. So here I am. I won't let you do anything on your own." I lightly massage his back with my hand.

He turns his head to finally look at me, a light smile beginning to form. "Then will you sleep with me tonight?"

*****

Kyrell

The pain has been getting worse. When I used my shadows I only thought of saving her, not the consequences after.

The shadows were riled up, escaping my body.

"Kyrell. It's me, Estella." I freeze at the sound of her sweet voice.

What is she doing here? Why now?

I couldn't answer, the pain strangling my throat. So she comes in anyway. This is the last place she should be. Away from my ravaging shadows that want nothing else but to consume her.

"Kyrell? Can you hear me?"

"Estella, get out right now." I tried to lead her away but her touch made me want to rethink my decision.

My curse mark burned as the shadows realized she was here.

Need.

They began once more.