Three Lives, Three Worlds: Jasmine's Fate [Hiatus]

Reminiscence 8 - "The Surrendered Rogue"

It was one of those rare nights when deep darkness engulfed the Kunlun Mountains, with no visible moonlight finding its way through the thick blanket of clouds. The sound of thunder could be heard from afar, bringing with it the sweet promise of thunderstorms, to ease the heat of the summer night. The pleasant cool breeze and the refreshing, life-giving rain would soon bathe the surface, a reminder that even during difficult times, change could arrive at the most unexpected moments.

Deep within the west corner of Kunlun Mountain lay the wine cellar, hidden away behind a door reachable only through a small narrow path flanked by stone walls. She had never been here before and it was not a place she would ever have ventured to on her own. Cautiously, she climbed down the stone stairs into the low-lit hall. The tunnel extended deeper into the cavern, with many individual caves appearing at both sides. Restlessly, she strolled further into the unknown depth. It was not the darkness of the night that bothered her - no, her uneasiness stemmed from the Phantom who hid himself away here. They had said he might be here, but they weren't sure. She, however, could no longer wait - time was not on their side, it never had been.

Finally, she saw the moving flicker of yellow light at the end of the hall. She could feel a cool breeze as she approached. This room was marginally brighter than the rest with rows of large wine shelves in the center and with high open windows at the other end. This must be the wine tasting room - given away by large amount of half-opened bottles on the table, still fresh by the look of it. But, where was he?

Her Phantom must had heard her approach because she soon found herself seized and pinned against the stone wall. She gasped as he pressed his hard steel body against hers. The smell of intoxicating wine filled her senses. She sputtered in protest as he bent his head and put his lips against her neck. His hot breath made her shudder and squirm and he began to trace his lips over her throbbing, delicate neck. Suddenly, the tip of his electrifying tongue tingled her burning flesh, and her body jolted in response as little tremors ran through her body, inflamed by the intimate contact. She soon struggled against the solid unrelenting body, but it only made him groan, and he held her even tighter.

"I can't breathe...," she gasped, just as the first flash of lightning filled the room.

Zi Lan stiffened at the sound of her voice, his grip loosened, but he did not let her go. He lifted his head away from her neck and rested his forehead against hers.

"Yan Zhi..." he said, breathing heavily.

"Let go...go..." she tried to disentangle herself.

"Don't move!" he ordered. A flash of lightning brightened up the room once again. Fierce eyes captured hers, commanding words held her frozen. His breath was heavy, his body tense as he maintained control. Held hostage by his ominous, unspoken threats, she held back, but more for his sake than her own.

"Not yet...wait...," his harsh demand was more like a request, a plea. She could see much clearer now, because the candlelight shone brighter: his dark pupils were surrounded by a golden glow. Her tiger...he was on his last thread.

Swallowing hard, his expression turned to confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you," she replied.

"Why?"

"You...you've been avoiding me," she answered unsteadily.

His dark eyes couldn't refute her statement. She felt his breath quicken. The sound of summer rain arrived outside the windows, easing the tension in the air - but not theirs. He slid his hand around her neck and his fingers delved into her hair. The atmosphere vibrated with countless emotions: desperation, doubt...passion. But most of all, desire...she could almost taste it. She wanted to purr against his exquisite touch as her eyes caught his lips. They were within reach, she could almost taste the nectar she had continued to refuse as his scent filled her nostrils, wine, sweat and a hint of mint. But instead, they stood frozen and stillness took hold of their bodies as their lurid desires slowly subsided.