Forbidden Love

Chapter 12

Amos's POV

Amos lay on the bed in his new cottage, staring up at the wooden beams that crisscrossed the ceiling. The soft crackle of the hearth fire was the only sound in the room, but it did little to quiet his restless mind. Despite the warmth and comfort of the space Illaria had created for him, there was an ache in his chest that refused to go away. He shifted beneath the covers, trying to find a position that would bring him some peace, but it was useless. His thoughts kept drifting back to her.

Illaria.

Everything about her lingered in his mind—the way her dark wings shimmered in the moonlight, the smoothness of her voice, the intensity in her red eyes when she looked at him. He had never met anyone like her before, and now that they were apart, the absence of her presence felt like a void. Even in her quiet moments, she had this way of commanding every part of his attention, as if the entire world faded away when she was near.

Amos turned over on his side, staring into the flickering flames. His heart raced as images of her flooded his thoughts. Her sharp, ethereal beauty captivated him in a way he couldn't quite explain, and over time, that fascination had grown into something deeper, something more consuming. His feelings for her had evolved beyond mere curiosity or gratitude. He had tried to deny it, to push it away, but it was impossible now.

There was a hunger inside him, one that had only grown during his time in her realm. It wasn't just emotional—it was physical, too. He couldn't stop thinking about the way her fingers had brushed his hand earlier, the warmth of her skin against his. Every small touch between them had sent a spark through him, and now, without her near, he realized just how much he craved more.

He exhaled sharply, his body tensing as he tried to fight against the desire that coursed through him. It felt wrong, lusting after someone so far beyond his reach. She was a fae queen—powerful, dangerous, and untouchable. And yet, he couldn't shake the pull he felt toward her. The thought of her filled his mind, leaving him restless and aching in the solitude of the cottage.

Amos rolled onto his back again, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration. He hadn't wanted to leave the fae realm. It had been like nothing he'd ever experienced—so full of life, magic, and beauty. But it wasn't just the realm that had made it feel like home. It was her.

He couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same, if the moments they had shared had meant as much to her as they had to him. Or was he just another passing curiosity, another human who had caught her attention for a brief moment before being sent back to his world? The thought stung, but he couldn't get it out of his head.

Despite her regal bearing and the distance she often kept, there had been moments when he had caught glimpses of something more—softness in her eyes when they talked late into the night, the way her guard seemed to lower around him, even if just for a moment. Those moments had made him hope for something more, even if it felt foolish.

He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. His feelings for her were real, no matter how dangerous or impossible they seemed. And though he couldn't act on them, not now, they were there, gnawing at him, making him long for the day he might see her again.

Tomorrow, she had said. She would come back tomorrow. But even knowing that wasn't enough to calm the storm inside him tonight.

With a groan, Amos shut his eyes, trying to force his thoughts away from her, to find sleep, but it was no use. Illaria was in his mind, in his dreams, and no matter how far apart they were, she lingered in every corner of his heart.

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Okayyyy soooo crazy feelings being admitted right now, desires that need to be fulfilled...until the next chapter!!