Chaos Reigns: Book One in the World of Nōmth Fantasy Romance Series

Ritual

Author's Note: sex in this one

*****

They went for a walk together the next morning, their breath visible in the crisp, invigorating winter air. The ground was blanketed with fresh snow, the landscape a pristine white canvas interrupted by patches of hardy winter flora. Some flowers, resilient despite the cold, poked through the snow, their petals kissed by frost. Hollany savored the peaceful silence, her arm linked with Sera's as they meandered through the tranquil forest.

Suddenly, something bright caught Sera's eye. She stopped mid-step, a delighted smile crossing her face. "Look!" she called, her voice filled with excitement as she beckoned Hollany closer.

"This is the Generation Flower," Sera explained, her eyes shining with wonder. Hollany followed her gaze to a patch of glowing golden flowers nestled in the snow. They resembled yellow lilies but were more vibrant, their petals shimmering with an ethereal glow. A soft, warm aura surrounded the flowers, creating a stark contrast to the chill of winter. Rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a magical light over the patch.

Hollany felt a surge of excitement. "We can use this to make that tea?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Sera nodded, her expression softening as their eyes met. "Yes," she whispered, her voice tinged with a gentle reverence.

A moment of shared understanding passed between them, the air around them shimmering with anticipation. The flowers at their feet glimmered like tiny stars, reflecting the quiet joy in their hearts. Hollany glanced down at the golden blooms, her mind racing as she made up her mind.

"Do you want to—?" Hollany began, her voice soft, but before she could finish, Sera was already kneeling to carefully harvest one of the flowers.

"Yes," Sera murmured, her movements precise and reverent as she plucked the flower, making sure to leave the root intact. She handed it to Hollany with a tender smile.

Hollany blushed as she took the flower from Sera's hands, bringing it to her nose. Its sweet, floral scent enveloped her senses, and she felt a pleasant warmth spread through her. The aroma had an intoxicating quality, making her head spin in the most delightful way. She breathed in deeply, lingering in the scent as her mind drifted, filled with thoughts of what the tea might bring.

"Wow," Hollany exhaled, her voice dreamy. "This tea has got to be amazing."

Sera smiled shyly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "I've never tried it before," she admitted, her voice quiet, vulnerable.

Hollany's heart melted at the sight. She reached out and took Sera's hand, threading their fingers together as they resumed their walk. "Do you know how to prepare it?" she asked softly.

Sera nodded, her smile returning. "It's easy enough," she replied, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

Hollany beamed, her heart swelling with affection. "I can't wait," she said, resting her head on Sera's shoulder. Sera straightened slightly, as if gathering her strength, but there was a subtle shift in her expression. Hollany noticed the glistening tears forming in Sera's eyes and pulled back, concern flickering in her chest.

"Sera, my love, what's wrong?" Hollany asked gently, but as she looked closer, she saw that the tears were not from sadness.

Sera sucked in a deep breath, a radiant smile breaking through the tears. "I'm okay," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm just—overjoyed. I couldn't be happier than I am right now."

With a soft laugh, Hollany reached up and gently cupped Sera's chin. "I feel the same," she whispered before leaning in to kiss her tenderly. For a brief moment, the entire world seemed to fade away—the snow, the chill in the air, the towering trees—all of it disappeared, leaving only the warmth of their love. Sera's arms wrapped around Hollany's waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss as they shared this intimate, fleeting moment under the winter sky.