Chapter 38: The Mark of the Nomens

As the Ethereal Spirit burned through her body, it increased the power of the Nomen Mark. With two forces raging inside her, feeding off one another, Yuliah lost control.

The blood vines shot up her forearm.

Ryas kept his eyes only on her face. His palms pressed firmly against the sides of her head, then reached inside her mind, "Enough," and cut off her link to the Ethereal Spirit.

Immediately her Ethereal Spirit shut off, and the Nomen Mark coiled back into her arm, right before his eyes could catch a glimpse.

He shook her. "Yuliah. Come back. I need you." Ryas stumbled in her arms.

Hearing his voice, the crimson from her eyes dispersed. "I don't know what happened," she held onto him. "I lost control."

"Why don't we get out of here first. We'll figure it out later. My horse is just up the road."

"The sword," Yuliah ripped the bottom of her dress into long strips. It was one of her favorite dresses bought by Ryas.

Blood gushed out from his wounds when she pulled the sword from his side. It soaked her hands and the cloth pieces she tied around his waist.

Ryas you're losing too much blood. "How can I stop the bleeding?" Yuliah asked him.

He didn't answer but grimaced when she helped him climb onto the horse. "Use your Ethereal Spirit to seal my wounds," he said and then paused. "I can't use mine right now."

He needed her, and this was her chance to help him for once. Anger triggered her Ethereal Spirit and the Nomen Mark. Yuliah had to be very careful not to lose control again. She entered her mind gently, followed the flow, then softly latched onto the Ethereal Spirit.

"Concentrate it into your palms. Hurry, I'm losing too much blood," Ryas said.

Her hands rested over each side of his wounds; she released the Ethereal Spirit and directed the flow to her palms. The gashes tugged as though being stitched together with an invisible needle then closed up. The color in his face suddenly returned, and he leaned against the horse.

"The Great Demon King, General Ryas - killed by a fucken concubine." He closed his eyes. "My men would..." He suddenly stopped talking.

Ryas did not talk about his life other than being a Geneoshi. When they made their way further down the dirt road, the one she walked with Lucan on. Yuliah nudged him. "What were you talking about earlier?"

"I'm the last of my bloodline. Do you know that? After those fucken Nomens killed my brother," he said. "I will kill every one of them for that." Ryas' coughed. "Now I'm a General to the Southern Kingdom."

Yuliah could hear the hatred in his tone. Today would not be a good day to tell him.

He said that he was a King and a General, that explained his royal and haughty mannerisms, but something was off about him, he doesn't banter on like this.

Yuliah placed her hand across his forehead. The days were long and hot here, but his head felt cold to the touch. "Ryas what's wrong with you? Why are you cold." She hunched forward. People usually burned up from infections not turn ice cold.

"Go back to the inn. I need the drink in my bag."

When they reached the Inn, Yuliah slowed the horse to a complete stop. "Wait here. I'll be quick." Before she could hop off, Ryas grabbed her sleeve.

"Take this." He pointed to one of his swords. "In case... you know how to use it right?"

With the sword in hand, Yuliah nodded, and made her way inside the Inn. A bell chimed when the front doors swung open. The Inn Lady stepped out from behind a curtain. "Welcome." Her face turned white as the curtain she pushed aside, when her eyes fell on Yuliah.

Yuliah strode right up to the Inn Lady, her fists clenched tightly. "Bitch!" A fist slammed into the Inn Lady's cheek. "That's for letting that bastard Lucan spy on us."

Yuliah packed up their items and rushed back outside. "Here it is." She placed the drink in his hands. Then held onto the saddle and pushed off the ground ready to mount the horse but a woman's voice screamed out behind her.

"Where are you going?"

Who the hell was it now? Yuliah whipped her head around. Catia stood there, dressed in light armor brandishing a sword.

Yuliah's eyes narrowed. What did she want? This whole town's crazy, and so were its people.

The bustling street thinned out as onlookers rushed away, clearing a pathway between her and Catia.

"Yuliah." Ryas called. "Forget her. Let's go."

Her head snapped back at him. "No. You don't get to decide this." He practically maimed Lucan but didn't want her to touch Catia. Yuliah's face angered as she stared at him.

He looked shocked but smirked at her.

"She wants a fight. I'll give her a fight."

"If you think you can handle her. Go ahead then." Ryas turned the horse around to face them.

"You don't think I can?" Yuliah made a face at him. Was it because he didn't believe in her abilities or because he felt some affection towards Catia? Her face pained, but she quickly brushed it away. She fought a group of male guards already. Catia couldn't be any worse.

"Stop looking at me and pay attention. Catia's charging right for you." Ryas scolded her.

Yuliah turned just in time as Catia's sword came down on her. She dodged then Catia swung again, and the tip of her sword nicked Yuliah's shirt. It exposed her entire shoulder almost down to her breast. Her mouth fell open. Great!

Ryas chuckled, but she ignored him. She had underestimated Catia. "Let me guess, you're a half-breed Nomen too?" She kicked at Catia, who jumped back.

"I am. After I kill you, I'll take your mate as my own." She smiled at Yuliah.

She hated her fake smile, and her fingers numbed as Catia's attacks pushed her backward. "You can't have him." Yuliah slashed at Catia. She needed to find an opening and knock her out fast. If she could swing hard enough and throw Catia off balance, she might be able to beat her.

Catia's sword jabbed at her again. Yuliah released her Ethereal Spirit and with all her strength swung up. Yes! She got her! Catia had the ugliest face while stumbling backward. Yuliah slid forward and kicked her feet hard, straight up between Catia's legs.

A cracking sound as her foot rammed into Catia made Yuliah sick to her stomach. She quickly retracted her leg shaking off the feeling.

Breaking crotches, it was her take down move today. She used it on three, and now four people already. Her eyes glanced at Catia withering on the ground.

"I'll kill YOU," Catia screamed out.

Yuliah's face twisted in disgust when she saw Catia's pants wet with pee. She quickly ran back towards Ryas. "That was disgusting. Let's go."

He pulled her up onto the horse. "That's your move?" He didn't sound impressed and shook his head.

She was glad the color on his face had returned though. "I couldn't think of anything else." They speed off down the road then out of Novas.

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Ryas slept through the night and the entire half day while Yuliah watched over him. She made sure they were far beyond the borders of Novas before she stopped for the night.

Now that they were out of the lush mountains, daylight lasted longer. At night the stars and moon gave just enough light for her to navigate around.

Most of her time she watched him sleep and admired his handsome features — something she didn't do before.

Her finger ran down the bridge of his nose to the very tip. Then over his top lip, which was slightly thinner than his bottom lip. Her hands went over his face so many times she could probably sculpt him just from muscle memory alone. Yuliah couldn't resist her urge and reached down to kiss them.

"Is this what you've been doing to me all this time? You deviant woman," Ryas spoke, his eyes still closed.

Yuliah's hand froze midair. "You don't even want to know what I did to your body." She teased him. She was relieved that he was awake now and helped him up. "Here drink more of this," She handed him the medicinal drink. "It seems to help."

She watched the lump in his throat moved up then down while he took large gulps. Then he set it down. Before she knew it, she found herself in his arms. "It's good to see your face again," he said softly.

A warmth spread through her entire body, "I missed your voice." she leaned closer to Ryas. "How do you feel?"

"Better. It might take another day or two," his hand went to her face. "We should stay here until tomorrow."

Those beautiful blue eyes that stared softly back at her, they could compel her to do whatever he wanted. "We should. General Ryas or is it King Ryas," she squinted her eyes at him.

"It's King,"

Sleepy, tired, and vulnerable Ryas looked incredibly handsome. She paused to look at him again. The dark stubble hairs around his chin and faded sides were longer now and his topknot of black hair loosened. Yuliah kissed him. "General, why don't you tell me more about yourself."

Ryas told her things about his life that he didn't share with anyone before. He also told her about life as a General in the Southern Kingdom and answered any question she asked. In exchange, Yuliah told him everything about her life, even the parts about Liang. The only thing she didn't bring up was that she was half Nomen and Geneoshi. They talked for hours until the sunset.

"I'm disappointed," Ryas pushed her hair aside.

It was night now. Only the small fire she had managed to put together kept the darkness around them away.

"Why?" Yuliah asked.

"As your teacher. Of all the things I taught you. Your takedown move is kicking crotches," he shook his head. "We've got a lot of work to do."

"It works," she smiled at him. "You should try it sometimes General. It might just save your life one of these days," her honey eyes glowed softly.

Ryas ran his hand over her cheek and tucked the loose hairs behind her ear. "I didn't get a chance to ask you earlier. Did Lucan hurt you?"

How did she get so lucky to find a man like Ryas? Yuliah kissed him again. "No. Nothing happened. I was afraid for you," her hands went up around his face. "Can you believe that bastard, he already had five wives and still wanted me as his sixth?"

"Believe it. It's a man's world out here Yuliah. That's why I need to make you stronger."

"You do. So don't you leave me no matter what. I will never forgive you," Yuliah's finger jabbed into his chest.

He leaned back, "I would never leave you." He smiled at Yuliah.

Hearing him say those words made her feel better.

He touched his lips to hers again this time his tongue slipped inside her mouth.

"Don't. Don't do that," Yuliah's eyes closed as she pressed into him. "You're not in any shape to do any extra work."

"Who said I'm doing the work?" He gave her a mischief look. "I want to show you how to love me tonight." He pushed her hair back and started kissing her neck.

"Right here in the open?" Yuliah asked.

"There's no one around. Just us."

Yuliah felt his lips graze the base of her neck and her breathing increased. Then he moved to her earlobe, and gently bit down causing her to take a deep breath, "I want you," he moved back to her mouth.

The taste of him sent her urges spiraling out of control.

"Do you remember when you danced for me a few nights ago?"

"Yes," She blushed.

"Take this off," he pulled at her underwear.

Yuliah stood up and dropped it to the ground. Her heart skipped a beat, wondering what plans he had in store for her.

"Come here," he pulled her down until she straddled him then removed her top.

Her breasts spilled out into his hands, and he wet each one of her nipples with his mouth.

"Remember how you rolled your hips back and forth. His strong hands held onto both sides of her waist."

"Yes, I do."

"I want you to do that, but while I'm inside of you," the back of his hand brushed down, from her collarbone to the black hair above her pelvis and she shivered.

"Are you ready?" He asked. His voice was tired and raspy.

"Yes," Yuliah breathed.

He slipped his full length out then inside her, and she moaned sharply.

"Do you like that?"

"Yes," she gasped.

"Now roll your hips but slowly. You will enjoy this even more," and he guided Yuliah's hips back and forth with his hands.

She cried out as each roll sent a jolt of pleasure up through her thighs. The feeling was incredible, and she continued to rock back and forth.

His mouth moved to her pink nipples pinching and sucking them with his lips until each one stung slightly.

A mixture of pain and bursts of pleasure made Yuliah's hips roll faster and harder. Her moans grew louder with each jolt, and she abandoned all modesty. Her only concern was chasing after the waves of pleasure that rushed up then over her body.

It wasn't until he shuddered under her grunting, as he held onto her body and pushed deep into her, that she finally stopped.

Afterward, sleep came quickly for them both.

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It could sense them all the Nomens. Whoever possessed the Mark would control every Nomen bloodline, and in the Ethereal Forest lived all seventy-two clans.

As they drew closer to the Ethereal Forest, the Mark burned more frequent and became more visible, even emitting a glow from her arm.

Yuliah still couldn't bring herself to tell Ryas. She knew how much he hated the Nomens and afraid that he would hate her too or even leave her; she waited. She was half Nomen, and he liked her. She had hope that would mean something to him when the time comes.

Until then Yuliah kept the mark carefully wrapped under a bandage of cloth, and Ryas only asked once about it. She lied saying it was a skin rash. He didn't ask again. Not until they were a day from Murai when her arm lit up like a lantern, right through the bandages.

"Why is your arm glowing?" Ryas gave her a concerning look.

Yuliah looked down and quickly covered it. Not now. "It's probably my Ethereal Spirit out of balance." She shrugged.

He wasn't buying it though from the look he gave her. Ryas walked over. "Let me see it," and took her arm.

With her hand on his chest, she pushed him away and yanked her arm back. "It's fine."

He was stronger than her and persistent. When she tried to run away, Ryas caught her. He held her against his body and pulled her glowing arm out. "This is not your Ethereal Spirit," he unwrapped the cloth bindings. "I've been thinking about it for a long time. The Geneoshi are the only beings who can will the power of the Ethereal Spirit even if I had somehow passed mine to you. You wouldn't be able to will it this long," his eyes grew dark.

Yuliah struggled against him. "Let me explain first Ryas."

"Your Ethereal Spirit burns the same color as mine. This one is a bright red," Ryas said as he undid the last layers around her arm.

Yuliah could only look away as he did so and his expression changed from worried to anger.

"The mark of the Nomens!" Ryas pushed her hand aside.

The muscles in her chest tightened when she looked down at her hand;It was the same one he held many times and even kissed. Did it mean nothing to him now?

"Ryas," Yuliah grabbed hold of him but he shoved her away, too hard and she landed on the hard dirt.

His Ethereal Spirit flipped on, turning those sapphire eyes violet instead as they scoured the surrounding areas.

Finally, back on her feet, Yuliah took a step towards him. "Let me explain," she pleaded.

"Where did you get that mark?" He screamed.

"From my Father. Please, Ryas listen to me first," Yuliah's eyes teared up.

"Explain what?" Ryas growled. "That this is all a trick! You, General Wey, King Taeyer! All of this shit! You're all in this together aren't you? Along with the Nomens!" He moved so fast Yuliah could barely see him until she felt his hand around her throat. "What were you all planning?" He yelled.

Yuliah could hardly breathe. Her head spun, while his fingers dug into her neck. The neck he had marked and kissed many times before. Her feet dangled off the ground.

"I - I don't know..." she could only muster out. Her breathes shortened while her head reddens ready to pop off her shoulders.

"WHY? Why you?" His voice roared at her, the same cry she heard in the cave and she weakened.

"If I find out that something happened to King Zehan. I will kill you myself," his eyes turned a midnight blue. A shade she had never seen before as he discarded her aside.

Yuliah landed on the ground scraping her hands and elbows. He suddenly wanted to kill her?

Ryas jumped on his horse and took off leaving her behind.

She coughed and gasped for air. Her fingers clasped around her neck. What just happened? She shook her head. No, this can't be it...

Her skin ached along with her heart. Tears pooled in her eyes. He wouldn't even give her a chance to explain. He acted as though everything that happened between them meant nothing to him.

She crouched down with a hand gripping her chest and shook as tears fell from her eyes. She screamed as more tears burst out. Then she screamed again. It was the only way to keep the pain in her chest from exploding.

He left her. Even when he promised he never would. It was that easy for him.