Legacy of Fire and Sand

Chapter 62

Ashara gasped, her fingers tangling in Valen's hair as he moved lower, his lips and tongue worshiping her with the tenderness she desperately craved. For a moment, she allowed herself to get lost in the sensation, to let Valen's touch pull her away from the darkness that had taken root inside her.

Valen moved with deliberate slowness, savoring every inch of her, his hands gentle yet possessive as they roamed her body. His kisses were like fire against her skin, warming her, reminding her that she was still alive—that there was still something to live for, even in the midst of all this despair.

Elara, ever perceptive, joined them, her touch equally gentle but more commanding. She slid in beside Ashara, her lips trailing along Ashara's neck, her breath warm and steady against her skin. The dual sensation of Valen and Elara working in tandem on her body was almost enough to make her forget the King's brutality—almost enough to drown out the horror that lingered in her mind.

Elara's hands moved with purpose, guiding Ashara's face toward hers until their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. Ashara responded automatically, her lips parting to welcome Elara's tongue, her body arching slightly as Valen's mouth continued its descent.

But even as the passion between them grew, Ashara couldn't shake the shadows that clung to her thoughts. The King had claimed her body, forcing himself upon her night after night, his cruel intentions clear. He didn't want her as a queen—he didn't even see her as a person. She was merely a vessel, a means to an end, and that knowledge weighed on her heart like lead.

Yet, here in Valen and Elara's embrace, she felt something else—something she couldn't quite name. It was different from the violent possessiveness of the King or the twisted obsession of Kellen. It was softer, more sincere, and it made her ache with a longing she hadn't realized she still had.

As Valen's mouth worked its magic on her, Ashara's breaths came in short, ragged gasps, her fingers tightening their grip on his hair. He was a lover through and through, his pride and prowess shining in every movement, every touch. But he was also a warrior, and that strength manifested in the way he handled her—with just enough firmness to remind her that he was in control, but with a tenderness that made her feel cherished.

Elara, always attuned to Ashara's needs, sensed the shift in her mood and deepened the kiss, her hands roaming Ashara's body, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. Ashara's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of desire and fear swirling within her, and she felt herself being pulled in two different directions.

She wanted to lose herself in this moment, to let Valen and Elara take her away from the pain and the fear, but the thought of what awaited her with the King kept creeping back into her mind. Would she ever escape his clutches? Would she ever be free of the dark hold he had over her?

Valen's mouth paused for a moment, and he looked up at her, his eyes filled with a tenderness that took her breath away. "Ashara," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You're safe with us. Whatever it is, you can trust us."

Ashara's heart clenched at his words. She wanted to believe him, to let herself fall into the safety they offered, but she knew better. The King's reach was long, and his cruelty knew no bounds. Still, she nodded, forcing a smile onto her lips as she reached down to touch Valen's face.

"I know," she whispered, though the words felt like a lie. "I trust you both."

Valen's gaze held hers for a long moment before he returned to his previous ministrations, his mouth finding the sensitive spot that made Ashara gasp again, her body reacting to him despite her troubled thoughts.

Elara's hand slid down to where Valen's mouth was working, her fingers teasing and playing, adding to the overwhelming sensations coursing through Ashara's body. The combination of their touches, their attention, was nearly too much, and Ashara felt herself slipping, her resolve weakening as the pleasure built.