Behind the Mask

17. Epiphany

Mel

When I opened my eyes I was in his arms, we were both naked and our bodies were close together, perfectly close. 

It was only a fantasy, something created by the Pixie balms and my imagination. So, I could enjoy it. I needed to because I missed the feeling of his skin on mine very badly. 

He took my lips with his in a soft and electric kiss that sent jolts of pleasure all over my body, I was trembling in his embrace. His kisses trailed down my chin and my collarbone, my skin was hot and flushed under his lips. His hand wandered down my waist, cupping my mound as his hot kisses found my perked and tight n****e. 

“Maximus,” I moaned his name and he looked at me, my eyes were fixed at every trace of his face, as if I was trying to engrave everything in my memory, for the time when this fantasy is over… I could get back to my memories and find the torturing peace of his handsome face. His chiselled chin, sharp nose, those thin soft lips making me melt into his kisses, his silver hair loose falling on his shoulders. And those eyes, piercing golden eyes, dark with desire.

How many nights have I longed to see his eyes, even when I still didn’t know that they were the most mesmerising and gorgeous eyes ever.

“Melinda,” he husked my name, making me liquid for him.

I tangled my fingers in his silver locks as his fingers traveled down my body, parting my folds for his skilled touches.

His digit roamed around my entrance teasingly, as he pressed his thumb against the sensitive button of please within my nether lips.

My body wriggled inadvertently, as I arched my back needing more of his touch, needing more of him.

His hands moved up and he held my hips possessively, as his kisses traveled down my body. He planted a kiss on my folds before licking my slit completely and sucking my sensitive spot hungrily. Jolts of pleasure made me almost jump, an electric current running down my veins and making me call his name with whimpers. I was torn between my desperate need for more, for being one with my male, and my desire to enjoy the moment.

I had to enjoy it fully, for we should only meet in my imagination. Making love with him in real life would hurt me more than bringing me any good. 

He thrust his tongue into my clenching inner walls and I pulled his hair softly, my hands acting at their own accord. 

My hips buckled onto him. My whole body knew what it wanted, it wanted more of him and the magic pleasure his touch and his warmth enticed. 

He nuzzled my sensitive button without stopping his pumps into my insides. I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach and soon breathless gasps and whimpers left my lips,  as I poured my pleasure for him and he kissed me to completion. 

The shock of the almighty pleasure brought me back from my hallucinations and I opened my eyes to the dim light of Lea’s sitting room. I only hoped I could keep my whimpers inside my mind only.

“Relax, those two are sleeping deeply. They were both very tired, their babies always keep them awake, but in my case what keeps me awake are the ropes, ties, and…” Nema started. 

“I… I understand, thank you, Nema!” I cut her off before she shared much more than the pixies and I wanted to hear. 

“But I’m happy you got your happy ending, Mel!” Nema winked, a naughty smile on her face. 

“I just do it, massages, and pretty much anything… if I know that I will have a very very happy ending!!!” She chuckled before she closed her eyes and gasped as the masseur worked on her shoulders,”

A happy ending, that was what I always wanted when I was young, when I met him. I don’t know why, but I have the strange sensation that things are only starting.

 ~ * ~

Elric

I went to see Maximus at his villa, I had to talk to him. There was a dreadful recurrent thought that wasn’t leaving my mind, was I awake or asleep. It was more than a persistent thought, it was an epiphany, and I knew it well. 

I entered his office without ceremony. He lifted his gaze and his amber eyes met mine, he looked tired and gloomy, just the way I felt. I knew how much he missed his Mel, more than a week has passed since we told her and my queen the truth. 

I hoped that the truth could bring Mel closer to him, could help heal the wounds from the past and mend all the threads of their bond that were bent and battered. 

Maybe one day, I thought, sighing deeply. Keeping her in the darkness for longer wouldn’t help her or Maximus. 

I only wished I could have told my mate everything in different circumstances, in a different way, and better timing. 

“Maximus,” I greeted him. 

He only nodded and took a sip of hell whiskey. He was day-drinking, he must be feeling absolutely terrible to do so. 

I leaned down slightly, supporting my hands on the mahogany chair before starting speaking. 

“I came here to talk about something that has me deeply worried. It is about the hermit mages. The blood moon’s cusp will happen soon.” 

“They can’t come back. They were totally neutralised. Besides, why would they attack now when we finally have peace. They shall be able to see clearly that hybrids aren’t bad,” Maximus replied, taking another sip of his amber-coloured drink. 

“Some beings won’t ever be able to see clearly,” I exhaled, knowing well that it was the case. 

“Not even in the moment of the cusp will they be able to chain the power of the stars. They only have power as three, as a triad, being only two they are neutralised. They haven’t even sent mercenaries after Melinda and the girls in more than a decade,” he replied looking into space.

“I’m not that sure. I’ll keep an eye on them, try to find out about their new location and if they are working on something.”

I wasn’t convinced. I knew that despite my tiredness and my recent diminished energy, recurrent thoughts and dreams always carried a meaning. Besides, I wouldn’t take any risks when it was about my mate, the children, Lea and Mel.

“They should be all safe now. No being in the realms would be insane enough to hurt the mates and the children of the kings. I’ll protect Melinda and our babies, as I’ve always done,” Maximus added, eyes fixed on his whiskey. 

“The triad of hermit mages aren’t exactly beings from this realm. They only exist to fulfil a mission, a purpose.”

“Their purpose is achieving balance, Elric. The realms haven’t seen that much peace in one thousand years. Their work was done, without them needing to use their wicked magic.” Maximus added, unconvinced. 

“I will still keep an eye on them, we can’t take risks, Maximus.” I exhaled, standing up straight again. 

I wouldn’t waste any time, as soon as I arrived back at my castle I will ask Argo to investigate them, to find out about their location and connections. 

“We won’t. I will keep Melinda and our babies protected, and if we find something we shall warn the other kings. However… I believe you should relax, Elric. Maybe you are only obsessing about this idea because you miss Liv; because you are feeling as guilty, miserable, and empty as I am,” Max let out a humourless half-chuckle. 

He couldn’t even imagine how miserable, empty, and especially guilty I was feeling. 

For I was the original reason and the root of all the suffering that he and Mel went through, as well as my mate’s heartache.