Thirty Two

As I slowly opened my eyes, the warm light of the morning sun peeked through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the room. The sound of Lennon's soft breathing was the first thing that registered in my mind, a soothing melody that seemed to lull me back into a peaceful slumber. But I resisted the temptation, my gaze drifting to the other side of the bed, where Lennon lay sleeping, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I must have let go of him in my sleep, as he was now a few inches away, his face serene in repose. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet syrup wafted through the air, which meant breakfast was on in the dining hall. The events of the previous night had left me feeling stiff and sore, my muscles protesting as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I stretched, arching my back and extending my arms above my head, feeling the satisfying crack of my joints as they realigned. As I stood, my gaze fell upon Lennon once more, and I couldn't help but admire the strong, chiseled lines of his body. He was like a statue, carved from the finest marble, his features so finely honed they seemed almost otherworldly. I felt a flutter in my chest, a familiar sensation that I was still learning to recognize. It was a mix of fascination and attraction, a potent cocktail that left me breathless. I reached for the pen and paper on the bedside table, my fingers moving of their own accord as I began to copy the intricate runes that adorned his skin. I was searching for a pattern, a hidden message that might hold the key to unlocking the secrets of his liberation from The Dread. The symbols danced across the page, a mesmerizing blend of curves and lines that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. Just as I was becoming lost in the rhythm of my task, his eyes flickered open, and he rubbed the sleep from them. A warm smile spread across his face as he caught sight of me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. I crawled across the bed, draping my body over his, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath mine. My chest began to vibrate, a low purr rumbling deep within my throat, but his hand shot up, covering my mouth before I could let the sound escape."You might not want to purr in the middle of the day with males around, Ace," he whispered, his voice low and husky from sleep. "It's a mating call, and with the sound of your purr, you'll have every male kicking down this door, challenging me to claim you."I laughed, the sound muffled against his palm, and he chuckled along with me. "Claim me?"He nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Our beasts are not as... advanced as our Sidhe forms. It's silly, I know, but it's very real, and that purr can be dangerous, Ace. I've never heard anything like it. It's like liquid sex to Haegin's ears. It worries me a bit, if I'm being honest"I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, a mix of excitement and trepidation. I pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the questions that still lingered in my mind. "It's curious you've never heard anything like it. Are most mating calls similar?"He ran his fingers through my hair, sending soothing tingles down my spine. "Yeah, I mean, everyone has their own personal twist on it, but yours just sounds... different. It's confusing and intriguing all at once. I don't understand it, your blood tastes human, not Sidhe. But that purr is bare bones Numariyan."I let out a laugh, closing my eyes to his touch. "Bare bones like my memory. I wish I could remember who I am, what I am. It seems like fear unlocks my memories and true identity. Like with the Frygt."Lennon's expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "Well, don't go chasing fear, Ace. Give it time; it seems like the pieces are coming together faster every day. What were you writing?"I nodded toward the paper, where the runes still danced across the page. "I was copying down your runes. I'm going to use the rune book to see what they mean, maybe there's a message that can help you get out of The Dread faster."Then the tranquility of the morning was shattered by the sound of a knock at the door, followed by Sorelle's cheerful voice. "Ace, are you coming to breakfast? Can I come in?" The words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing the warmth of the moment I'd just shared with Lennon.Lennon, too, seemed to be caught off guard, jolting upright as he scrambled for his clothes. I watched, my heart still racing from our brief, stolen moment, as he hastily pulled on his pants and shirt. I threw on my nightgown, the soft fabric a gentle caress against my skin."One minute, Sorelle!" I called out, stalling for time as I turned to Lennon. He was making his way towards the balcony, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. I felt a pang of longing as I realized he was leaving, that our time together was already coming to an end."When will I see you again?" I whispered.Lennon's response was a whispered promise, his lips crashing into mine in a fierce, possessive kiss. "Soon," he breathed, his words a gentle caress against my skin. "Keep that purr on lockdown, Ace. You're mine."The words sent a shiver down my spine, a thrill of excitement mixed with a hint of trepidation. I felt a flutter in my chest, a response to the possessiveness in his tone, but before I could react, he was gone. His wings shot out of his back, a magnificent sight that left me breathless, and he leaped off the balcony in one fluid motion. I stood there, frozen, as I watched him soar into the sky. The wind ruffled his hair, and his wings beat powerful and strong, carrying him away from me.I felt a pang of longing, a sense of emptiness that threatened to consume me as I whispered to myself. "And I am yours."And then, as if he'd heard my voice carry on the wind, he let out a low, rumbling rattle, the sound echoing through the air like a promise. I felt a response building inside me, a matching rattle that threatened to escape, but I choked it down, biting my lip to keep the sound contained. I turned toward the door, a smile still playing on my lips as I let Sorelle in. She burst into the room, her eyes scanning the space with a mischievous glint."Smells like I missed the fuck fest!" she exclaimed, her laughter ringing out. "Did Lennon visit you?"A devilish grin spread across my face, and Sorelle's eyes lit up with understanding. She plopped down on the bed, her nostrils flaring as she took in the scent of our encounter. Then, with a wicked chuckle, she moved to the sitting area, her eyes never leaving mine.Her eyebrow raised with mischief as she settled into the chair. "Valen came to me last night. We didn't fuck, but I let him go down on me. He's a very talented male." She laughed, a throaty sound that made me raise an eyebrow.I fixed my hair in the mirror, putting it up in a loose knot before preparing a bath. "Lennon and I did, for the first time."Sorelle's eyes widened, her gaze snapping back to mine. "How was it?"My eyes turned wicked, a sly smile spreading across my face. "I met Haegin..." I trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.Sorelle's eyes looked fearful, her face pale. "And you're still walking? How is that even possible? How are you not broken?" She shook her head, her voice laced with awe.I shrugged. "Pretty sure he almost killed me, but then I purred and calmed him down." I laughed, the memory still sending shivers down my spine. "Lennon said it was like a mating call. Do you purr?"Sorelle looked surprised, her eyes wide with excitement. "Of course I purr, how the hell did you purr? I knew it, you have to be a half-breed, how else would you have survived the bridge?"I searched my memory, trying to recall something, anything at all, but there was nothing. Just a vast, empty space where my past should be. "I don't know, I still can't remember. But I think fear triggers my memories. The purr just burst out of me when I thought Haegin was going to eat me alive." I laughed, the sound a little shaky. "Lennon said he's never heard a purr like it."The bath water filled, I turned off the faucet and tested the temperature with my fingers. Sorelle got up to leave, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is fascinating, Ace. Let's talk more at breakfast."I raised an eyebrow, a lazy smile spreading across my face. "Is Zane out there?" I drawled, already knowing the answer.Sorelle's grinned. "Of course he is. Oh! He came to my room this morning when Valen was leaving. It was so awkward. He asked if I'd teach him how to not be so jealous." She winked at me, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Hurry up! I'm bored out there without you."And with that, she stepped out, the door clicking shut behind her. As I sank into the warm bath, the water enveloping me like a gentle hug, I couldn't help but ponder on the conversation I'd just had with Sorelle. Her words lingered in my mind, echoing with a subtle insinuation that left me feeling both surprised and intrigued. She had looked at me with a knowing glint in her eye, as if to say that Zane's jealousy was somehow tied to me. The thought sent a flutter through my chest, a mix of emotions that I couldn't quite untangle. I had always known that Zane flirted with me, his words laced with a playful charm that made me infuriated and flattered all at once. But I had never realized that his feelings went beyond mere friendship. The idea that he liked me enough to seek out lessons on how to control his emotions was both shocking and flattering. As I lay in the bath, my mind whirling with thoughts and questions, I decided against washing my hair. Breakfast was likely coming to a close, and I didn't want to be any more late than I already was. I made a mental note to talk to Sorelle more about Zane's confession, to try and understand what was going on behind those piercing blue eyes of his. With a newfound sense of urgency, I finished my bath and quickly dressed for breakfast. The soft fabric of my clothes felt gentle against my skin, a comforting sensation that helped to calm my racing thoughts. Then I fixed my hair in the mirror one last time before making my way to the dining hall.