Light of the Dawn

18. Taken

After the house had grown quiet and everyone else had retired to their rooms, Isarella and Azriel sat together by the warm glow of the fireplace. The flames flickered and danced, casting soft golden light over their faces. Isarella, her delicate hands rubbing nervously together, glanced at Azriel with an anxious expression.

"Az, can I talk to you about something?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Azriel froze. His mind flooded with fear, his insecurities roaring to life. She doesn't want me anymore. She's found someone better. His throat tightened as he turned to look at her—the most breathtaking woman he'd ever known. His heart clenched painfully, but he forced a calm expression. "Of course you can," he said gently, though his voice wavered slightly. "You can talk to me about anything."

Isarella reached out, her cool fingers brushing against his hand as she held it tightly. She took a shaky breath, her amber eyes meeting his with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "I..." she began, her voice faltering under the weight of her emotions. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to continue. "I'm falling in love with you. I don't want to just try anymore. I want to be with you."

Azriel's world seemed to stop. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe. The words echoed in his mind, lighting a fire in his chest he hadn't realized was missing. "You... you want me?" he asked in disbelief, his voice barely above a whisper. The question was tinged with years of self-doubt, the scars on his body and soul making it almost impossible to believe anyone could love him.

"More than anything," Isarella replied, her voice steady now as she cupped his face with both hands. Her tear-filled eyes searched his, brimming with sincerity. "I want you, Az."

Tears welled in Azriel's eyes, and he pulled her into the tightest embrace he could manage. "I'm in love with you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Isarella gasped softly, pulling back just enough to look at him before closing the space between them with a kiss.

The kiss was slow and full of unspoken promises. Azriel's hands found her waist, drawing her closer, while her fingers tangled in his dark hair. A low groan escaped his lips, sending shivers down her spine. She deepened the kiss, her tongue brushing his, and a soft moan escaped her as well. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, their breaths mingling and hearts pounding.

When they finally pulled apart, Isarella's cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen. "Wow," she murmured, her voice barely audible as she looked at him with wide eyes.

Azriel smiled, brushing a soft kiss against her lips once more before scooping her into his arms. He carried her to her room, setting her down gently. Isarella slipped into her silken pink nightgown, the fabric clinging to her figure in a way that made Azriel's heart race. He kissed her forehead and turned to leave, but her quiet voice stopped him.

"Stay. Please," she whispered.

Azriel paused, his gaze lifting to the ceiling as if offering a silent prayer. "Oh, Mother, keep me sane," he muttered under his breath. He knew sleeping beside this goddess of a woman would test his restraint like never before. Slowly, he stripped down to his underwear and slipped under the blankets.

Isarella immediately curled into his side, her head resting on his chest as her arms wrapped around him. He took deep, steadying breaths before his wing instinctively draped over her, cocooning her in his warmth.

"Isa," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "I have to leave for a few days. I need to look into what's happening with your father."

Her eyes fluttered open, her face mere inches from his. "Will you be safe?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.