Chapter 23: The Pool of Reflections - How the Stars Fall

Early morning light spilled across the meadow and crept up the stairs, warming Nova’s feet as she stood on the porch of Astrid’s cottage. Breakfast had been a simple meal of oatmeal, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee.

“We can’t thank you enough for everything, Astrid,” Nova whispered as she squeezed the grey-haired star.

“You are both always welcome here,” Astrid murmured. “If you decide to stay, come and see me again. I’ll make us something delicious.”

Nova nodded with a smile. “I would love that.”

Astrid fixed her gaze on Ryker. “What’s your favourite treat?”

A boyish grin spread across his face. “Lemon tart.”

“Oh, good choice. I will make you one,” Astrid said, her eyes brimming with delight.

It was so easy to watch Ryker and Astrid talk, like they’d known each other for so long. Nova fought back the wave of tears that threatened to spill. This was what her future could look like. However, on the other side of Astrid’s protective forest lay a world that would never allow her to be at peace with Ryker. She’d forever be hiding with him—was that the life she wanted?

“Again, thank you for everything,” Ryker added. “Now let’s hope the forest won’t try to eat us alive on the way out.”

Astrid laughed. “I assure you it won’t. Now that it knows who you are, it will let you pass. The forest is now your family.”

Nova pulled her newly found friend in for one more embrace. “Until the cosmic currents bring us back into the celestial embrace,” she whispered.

Astrid rested her forehead against Nova’s and closed her eyes. “Stay safe, little one.”

Ryker had brought Charlie around from the back pasture and had him all tacked and ready to go. As she departed down the stairs, Nova turned to wave goodbye to Astrid.

The elderly star took a small step forward. “Don’t forget . . . the words as you step into the pool.”

Nova nodded. “Veliar silea mynaris.”

Astrid’s eyes smiled, crinkling in the corners as her mouth pulled up.

This was the right thing to do, though. Going home would make it easier for everyone. Ryker could go back to his life and Nova would be safe in Ara.

“Thanks again,” Nova whispered.

Ryker helped Nova onto Charlie’s back before he pulled himself up behind her. They waved to Astrid and set off down the hill. The small walk to where the meadow met the forest felt like eternity. Glancing back, Nova smiled. One day she hoped to see Astrid again—whether on Earth or once they both passed into the celestial heavens to shine for the rest of eternity.

They stepped into the trees, and it was like stepping into a dream. Where dark-grey, dead-looking branches had greeted them the day before, there now stood a sea of white blossom trees, their delicate petals shimmering like snow in the soft light of dawn. The transformation was breathtaking, a stark contrast to the desolate landscape they had encountered earlier.

Branches parted and made a way for the trio to pass through.

The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, each breath Nova took infused with the scent of spring. The ground beneath Charlie’s hooves was carpeted with fallen petals, creating a soft, white pathway that led deeper into the enchanted grove. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a warm, golden glow that made the blossoms sparkle as if dusted with diamonds.

Nova laughed and tipped her head towards the morning sun as petals kissed her cheeks where they fell. This certainly wasn’t helping her decision. There was nothing like this in Ara.

“I saw a lot of similarities between you and Astrid.” Ryker’s words interrupted her thoughts.

“You did?”

Ryker nodded. “You both shine when you talk about things you love and the blue-green eyes you both share are uncanny. Are all the stars in your world like this?”

Nova glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “All stars have eyes that reflect the colours in the galaxies. Blues, purples, pinks, silvers and golds.”

“It must truly be a beautiful place . . . Ara.”

“It certainly is. So different from this part of the world.”

Charlie snorted softly, and they continued in silence. Nova inhaled deeply, savouring the crisp air and relishing the feeling of Earth’s atmosphere. When she first arrived, she’d instinctively clawed at her throat, not realising that breathing was something this form needed. It had been terrifying at first, the unfamiliar sensation of needing air.

Now, breathing felt second nature to her, something as natural as any other part of her day. The thought of losing that sensation, of not needing it again, made her feel a strange sense of longing. She knew she was going to miss it once it was gone.

They broke through the heavily flowering trees and stepped onto the road they’d arrived on yesterday.

“Astrid said we need to head back down the trail, make a left about halfway down,” Ryker murmured as he looked around. “It’s a shortcut that will get us to the road that leads up the other side of the mountain, where the cave is located.”

“Lead the way, Hound.” Nova smiled over her shoulder.

The morning sun warmed their backs as they travelled back down the mountain along the route Astrid had marked on her hand-drawn map. Ryker kept it tucked safely in his trouser pocket as they followed its guidance.

They found the second trail easily enough and started the venture upwards on the opposite mountain peak. Charlie carried them both with ease and Nova was glad to feel the warmth of Ryker’s chest against her back, even if it was for the last time.

She’d been through much. Dante and Finnian—The Twins, King Branoc and his punishing hands. Branoc’s guards and pirates on the sea—Lycans. Galanthors. So many situations that brought fear and anxiety into her life that Nova was more than happy to never experience again.

However, there were also such beautiful moments she’d encountered too. The warm sun on her skin. Fields of flowers filled with butterflies and bees. Dancing with strangers to music, rain on her skin from storms.

And all of it, she’d experienced with Ryker. Memories she hoped would carry with her on her return to Ara.

As they rounded a bend in the road, Ryker spotted a dark shadow on the side of the mountain. “There it is.”

The mouth of the cave yawned in the distance. Astrid had said they wouldn’t miss it due to its size, and she wasn’t wrong. It didn’t take them too much longer before they reached it. Ryker pulled Charlie to a stop and climbed down from his back, helping Nova once his feet were planted firmly on the ground.

Their eyes caught and Nova swore Ryker’s hands lingered a little longer than necessary on her waist. Her eyes begged him to ask her to stay, yet he simply smiled and moved to settle Charlie. He was too large to come inside.

“Goodbye, Charlie boy. Thanks for always keeping me safe.” Nova rested her forehead against the horse’s black muzzle, squeezing his head one last time.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn’t let them fall. She could do this; she could be brave. Ryker had promised to help get her home, and he was fulfilling that promise. The resolve in his eyes gave her strength, and she took a deep breath, pushing back her fear.

They walked into the dark cave cautiously, their steps echoing in the silence. The entrance was wide and foreboding, but as they moved deeper, the cave seemed to swallow them whole. Once inside, their eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through cracks in the stone, and Nova could see that it was very similar to all the other caves she’d seen. Damp walls, uneven ground, and a faint, musty smell that clung to the air.

But that sight didn’t last long.

Round the bend, they came face to face with something so beautiful that Nova caught her breath in awe.

Deep within the heart of the cave, a hidden pool lay veiled in allure. The cave’s ceiling, adorned with an array of iridescent crystals, mirrored the world of Ara above. These luminescent gems, when touched by the gentle breeze that whispered through the cavern, emitted a soft glow, creating the illusion of a star-studded night sky.

Beneath the celestial display, the pool, like a liquid mirror, embraced the magic of its surroundings. Its surface was alive with a dance of ethereal lights mimicking the far reaches of the galaxy. Glowing little creatures, akin to celestial fireflies, flitted across the cave’s ceiling, casting their radiance upon the water below. As these tiny beings darted and shimmered above, their glow painted constellations on the water’s surface.

“A place where two worlds meet,” Nova whispered.

She stood at the water’s edge—feeling the celestial energy coursing through the air. All she needed to do was to step into the water, right?

Did she want to?

Here it was . . . the place that would send her home. The place they’d been searching for these past few weeks. All of it led to this moment. But when Nova turned to look at Ryker, his face was filled with pain, like he had so many words to say and yet none came out.

Too much had been left unsaid between them and it was now or never. She needed to tell him how she felt before she never got the chance to again.

She needed to kiss him one last time.

“Ryker . . .”

With a hurried step, Nova flung herself into Ryker’s chest, wrapping her arms around his neck before bringing his lips down to hers in a heated kiss.

At first Ryker felt stiff against her body, but within moments he relaxed, drawing his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Nova sighed against his mouth as he kissed her deeper than he ever had before. The taste of him on her tongue brought Nova onto the tip of her toes.

They stood tangled together, teasing and tasting in the quiet sanctuary of the cave. But it wasn’t enough. She craved the feel of his taut skin, stretched across his muscled frame, beneath her fingers. She needed to memorise every inch, so she’d never forget him. Too many nights together beneath the velvet skies had left her aching for him in ways she was only beginning to understand. If he’d let her, she wanted to touch him, taste him—feel him fully.

Her hands found the buttons on his shirt, undoing them one by one. This brought a small hesitation from Ryker as he kissed her. He pulled back ever so slightly. “What are you doing, little star?”

“Let us have one more night together,” Nova whispered against his lips.

Ryker gently cupped her face, resting his forehead on hers. His touch was full of tenderness, which spoke to the longing inside of Nova’s human heart. It yearned for the intentional touch that only two souls could offer each other.

“Are you sure?” Ryker murmured.

Nova nodded. “Yes.”

Russet eyes bore into hers before Ryker gently took her hand and stepped away from the pool’s edge. His thumb brushed over the back of it, leaving bumps on her skin in their wake. “I’ll fetch our things.”

Nova watched as he strode towards the cave mouth, his body swaying with his usual confidence. He was all man. Rugged, strong, protective, and yet every time he touched her, it was tender, thoughtful, and thrilling. She wanted to capture the way he moved, so she’d never forget.

He returned moments later. Together they made a small fire, laying their makeshift bed of a few woollen blankets beside it. Nova didn’t even care that it wasn’t a bed of luxury. All that she cared for—was Ryker sharing it with her.

She had grown to love the familiar rhythm of setting up camp with the Hound. Travelling through the different areas of Sapphire Vale—even with the frequent encounters with danger or unwelcome guests. It was an adventure. Each time they made a temporary home, they created fleeting memories that felt precious, even if just for a short while.

Her gaze fixed on Ryker over the crackling, orange flames. Their final meal was cheese, dried meat, and slices of fresh pumpkin sourdough that Astrid gave them.

The flames danced in his eyes; the shadows licking at his skin. The food was bland in her mouth compared to the view. His inky waves glistened with a tinge of gold as the fire reflected off it. Warm tinted skin, like honey, blanketed his frame and Nova hoped soon that she would see more of it.

Rykers’ brow rose, amusement dancing on his lips. “Tell me what’s your favourite food been to eat here.”

Nova’s cheeks warmed. “Probably the peach.”

The taste of it was still vivid on her tongue. She pictured biting into its flesh, the velvety skin giving way to the fruit’s succulent flesh. A burst of sweet, floral notes mixed with a hint of tartness, especially closer to the seed.

Ryker chuckled softly. “Good choice. I quite like them too.”

She offered him a smile before biting into her bread.

“And what about your favourite animal?”

Nova tilted her head to the side while she finished her mouthful. “Definitely Charlie, but I would have to say the fish in the streams come in as a close second.”

“Why the fish?”

Nova shrugged. “There is just something in their freedom of moving through the water, weightless and free.”

“Sounds like someone else I know.”

The corner of Nova’s mouth turned up as she held Ryker’s gaze across the fire.

He threw his crust into the hungry flames as he stood beside it. “And what is one thing you’ve experienced that you loved the most?”

Heat pooled in Nova’s stomach. That familiar ache between her legs blossomed as she eyed the Hound. It travelled through her body with a speed that had her heart pounding against her chest. “I haven’t done it yet.”

Ryker’s eyes darkened at her response. “What are you saying, Nova?”

Nova set the food beside her, brushing a few stray crumbs from her lap as she rose. She watched Ryker for a moment, a soft smile playing on her lips before she took a few small steps towards him. He placed his own plate down and turned to meet her. Her steps were slow, unhurried, savouring the simple act of walking toward him.

“What do you want to experience before you go?” he murmured, looking down at her with adoration.

Nova reached up to brush the curls from his forehead. “Let me experience you before I leave . . . please?”

Ryker grazed his thumb over Nova’s bottom lip and the ache between her legs grew stronger. “Are you sure?” he whispered.

“I’ve never been surer of something in my life, Hound.”

Ryker’s eyes glittered with a silent joy that Nova had only dreamt she’d see one day. With a boyish grin on his face, he leant down and planted a quick kiss on her mouth. “If we do this, will you promise to go home after, so I know you are safe?”

“I promise.”

He swallowed. “And do you know what can happen between a man and a woman when they come together?”

Nova pondered for a moment. “Are you referring to creating human life?”

Ryker nodded.

“I don’t even know if I can do that Ryker, besides I will be returning to Ara, so I’d say we would be safe in regard to that.”

“As long as you’re sure?” Ryker murmured, tracing a thumb over Nova’s cheek.

She pulled him closer, pushing his shirt from his shoulders, watching it as it dropped to the ground. “I want to feel this with you before I leave. Are you alright with that?”

“Very much so.”

Nova grinned as she placed her arms around his neck. “Then please undress me.”

Ryker groaned at her words, spinning Nova so her back was to his chest. With gentle hands, he undid the buttons, letting her dress slip to the floor in a pile of navy cotton. She was left standing in only the bottom half of her undergarments.

The cool air in the cave coated Nova’s bare skin, sending a small shiver across her body. Soft, bright white locks of hair brushed against her back as she glanced over her shoulder to look at a very silent Ryker. His eyes were darkening by the second as they travelled up her back, finally reaching her face.

With a slow smile, Nova turned to face him.

“By the stars, Nova,” Ryker groaned as he ran a hand through his inky waves.

Nova couldn’t help but feel very vulnerable under his gaze. “I don’t know if this human body is to your liking—”

The hound moved with swift ease, as he caught her face between his hands and silenced her with a kiss that sent Nova into a different universe. It was full of desire and passion. His tongue brushed against hers. Sucking. Biting. Teasing.

Nova’s legs trembled as he pulled away.

“I don’t have a type,” Ryker said before he placed a tender kiss on the tip of her nose. “But you’re fucking perfect.”

Before she could respond, Ryker dropped to his knees and began to pull her undergarments down slowly from her hips. His broad hands clasped the thin white fabric, dragging it down her thighs, before discarding them into the pile of fabric on the floor. A pleasurable ache throbbed between her legs, travelling up into her stomach, where it then spread into every fibre of her being.

Ryker’s gaze found her beneath the veil of his darkened lashes and Nova could no longer deny the desire she felt for this man. It wasn’t a figment of her imagination. It was true, and it was real. He’d rescued her time and time again. He’d kept her safe and shown her parts of the world she never thought she’d see. Experiencing this with him was exactly what she wanted to be doing.

“I’d like to pleasure you, little star,” Ryker said as his mouth trailed over her hips, his warm breath licking at her skin.

“If it will feel as good as it did that first time in the cave, then please . . .” Nova traced a finger across Ryker’s bottom lip. “Show me everything.”

Ryker grinned up at Nova before burying his face between her legs, lapping at her warmth. She uttered a soft cry as his hands dug into her thighs, pulling her closer as he kissed and gently sucked at her most sensitive parts.

It was even more thrilling than the first time he’d touched her there. Currents of pleasure pulsed through her body over and over again like static electricity. Nova could barely stand as Ryker’s tongue had his way with her.

She gripped his head and thrust her hips into his face as he gently nipped at her. With a primal growl that vibrated through her core, Ryker slipped two fingers into her wetness.

“Ryker!” Nova cried, her voice echoed through the cave, bouncing off the blue illuminated walls. She dropped her head back, closing her eyes against the waves of pleasure his tongue brought her each time he dragged it up her centre. Or every time he slowly drew his fingers out, only to pump them back in with gentle force.

He pulled back. “Yes, little star?”

Nova brought her head back. His lips glistened with remnants of her and that heat that was building in her core doubled. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever laid her eyes on. Nova hoped that as he looked at her, he could see just how much she wanted him.

“I don’t think I can stand for much longer.” Nova’s voice was heavy with desire.

Ryker’s chuckle echoed through the cave as he stood. “We can take as long as you need.”

Nova shook her head. “I don’t want to slow down. I would like to undress you.”

“I’m at your mercy,” Ryker murmured.

He gripped the sides of her face, his rough hands cradling her soft skin as he brought his lips to hers in a heated, desperate kiss. She tasted herself on his tongue, a sensation that sent a wild thrill down her spine, igniting her core. The kiss was raw, primal, as if their very souls were being fused together with each fervent motion. It wasn’t just passion—it was something deeper, something that altered her very being. The kind of kiss that whispered promises of forever, knitting two hearts and souls together for eternity.

Ryker pulled his lips from hers, their breaths coming in shallow gasps. Nova’s head swirled, her heart pounding in her chest as she fought to steady herself. The thought of being even a moment apart from him felt unbearable—she craved every piece of him, desperately needed more.

One by one, the buttons on his shirt gave way. Ryker was patient, his hands resting on her hips, the warmth of his fingers seeping into her skin. The last button freed itself, and Nova pushed the fabric from his shoulders.

Her fingers traced the taut skin that stretched across his chest as it rose and fell with his breath. His heart was thumping under its bone cage. Muscles rippled under the glistening canopy above them. Ryker remained still as she traced her fingers over the plains of his stomach. It was her turn to please him—if she could. Nova had no idea what she was doing, but she figured all she had to do was follow Ryker’s example.

The laces on his trousers gave way as Nova tugged at them. She could visibly see the hardness straining against the fabric, so she pulled it down his hips, releasing his cock. It bounced free, and she swallowed as she took in the sight of it. All of that was supposed to go inside her, right?

She had no way of comparing his size because she’d never been with a man before, but she certainly wasn’t naive enough to think that he was small.

Because he certainly wasn’t.

Nova reached for it, softly dragging her fingertips over the length of it. It felt like silk to the touch. Softer than any other part of him she’d felt before. Yet it was big and powerful like the rest of him. Flicking her gaze up to meet his, Nova was met with russet eyes that were darkened with desire. Ryker didn’t break the stare as Nova wrapped her hand around his cock and gently squeezed.

He may not have said a word, but he certainly was having trouble breathing as she slowly tugged on him.

“You’re doing so good,” Ryker uttered softly.

“Can I pleasure you with my mouth as you have done with me?” Nova whispered before reaching up on her toes to plant a tender kiss to his mouth.

Ryker wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back. “I would beg you to, but I only want you to do things that make you feel comfortable.”

“I want it all, Ryker . . . teach me.”

His thumb grazed her bottom lip. “Then yes, you can, little star. Now on your knees.”

He groaned softly as Nova slipped to the floor in obedience. Her hand gripping his hardened length. Flicking up her gaze, she studied his face for a moment. “Like this?”

He nodded without words.

Nova smirked, dragging her gaze back towards his cock. There was a bead of moisture on the tip of it, glistening in the blue glow of the cave. It tasted salty on her tongue as she wrapped her lips around the head of his cock and gently sucked.

“By the stars, Nova—” Ryker uttered.

She drew back and forth a few times, her teeth gently grazing the underside of his rigid length. From this angle, as she looked up at Ryker, she could tell he was thoroughly enjoying himself by the soft moans he was making and the way he bit his bottom lip. She kept her gaze fixed on him as she drew her head back and forth.

Her lips popped as Nova released him from her mouth. “Is that how you do it?”

“Yes, little star, . . . that is how you do it.”

Nova grinned up at him. She was pleased that, in her lack of experience, she was still able to please him. “Is there anything I could do differently?”

Ryker shook his head, reaching down to stroke her cheek. “Your mouth feels like silk Nova. I want you to wrap me in its woven threads.”

His voice was low—commanding. It sent a shiver up Nova’s spine, peaking her nipples and making the slick between her legs thicker. She longed to touch herself—anything to ease the friction building there. But it was his turn first.

Nova grinned at Ryker. Parting her lips, she held her mouth open for him. “Fuck,” Ryker whispered. He held her head, guiding himself between her lips. The salt from the glistening bead on the head of his cock brushed against her tongue, sending a twang through her jaw as it spread over her tongue.

Ryker gently thrust his hips into her mouth in slow, sensual strokes.

He was holding back, Nova could tell, and even though she appreciated the caution, she wanted to see him undone, so she grabbed his hips and took him deeper, sucking him down her throat as far as she could go.

“Nova!” Ryker cried out, throwing his head back.

With a sense of triumph, Nova dragged her mouth over his length again and again. She could feel it twitching with each stroke she made. Never did she think humans could find pleasure this way, but she was certainly wrong. This was beyond her wildest dreams. Nova only wished to feel Ryker’s mouth on her skin once again.

He stilled her strokes, pulling from her mouth before he bent down, cupped her face and kissed her soundly.

“I need to be inside you,” he murmured against her lips.

“Show me how.”

He didn’t hesitate after that. He took her hand and drew her towards the bed they’d made beside the warm fire. Then he gathered their discarded clothing from the rocky ground and added them to the bed, softening it further.

Nova watched him as he moved. His muscled legs and torso, the v-shape that pointed right to his cock that bounced free as he tried to make the bed as comfortable as possible. She smiled to herself. Just wait until her sisters heard about this. She was going to burn every taste, every touch, every feeling into her mind, so once she was home in Ara, she could play it over and over again.

“Come here,” Ryker whispered, reaching for her hand.

Nova took it and followed him to the bed. He guided them gently to the ground. He settled on his back, beckoning to her.

“What if I don’t know what to do?” Nova hesitated.

“I promise I will guide you.”

Russet eyes that haunted her dreams and melted her soul met her as Nova lowered herself down to straddle Ryker’s hips. His rigid length lay right against her core, right between her thighs. Both Nova and Ryker drew in a gasp at the first touch of it against her wet warmth. Her body felt like it was on fire. Every place he touched her burned with desire.

Ryker gripped her hips, his gaze never leaving hers. “There will be a little pain the first time, but we will go as slow as you need.”

Nova nodded, her pulse fluttering as Ryker reached between them and guided the tip of his length into her. The head of it stretched her inner walls, filling her with a slight sting as she sunk down inch by inch.

“Oh Ryker—”

“Yes, little star . . . you’re taking me so well.”

Her mind and body were buzzing with pleasure, crying out as his size stretched and filled her.

Celestial beings might have powers to create in the heavens and on Earth, but nothing compared to this feeling she was currently experiencing. Nova was not in her body, but floating above it as Ryker guided her hips into a gentle rocking motion. It was only her and him. Nothing else existed.

“You’re glowing,” Ryker murmured.

Nova’s voice was barely a whisper. “Don’t I always when you’re near?”

The hound grinned at her. “This is a different kind of glow . . . look.” Ryker pointed to the star-shaped scar in the middle of her chest.

“It must like you,” Nova smirked.

Ryker’s fingers dug into her skin—possessing her. “It’s going to like me even more in a moment.”

With a purposeful smile, Nova grazed the scar with her fingers as she rocked her hips. Each time she did, the sea-green star in the middle of her chest grew brighter. It fuelled them both into a frenzy of passion. Ryker was moving her faster and faster. Nova’s back arched, baring her breast, her throat, her soul to him—all for the taking. Which Ryker happily did.

As she circled her hips, feeling every twitch of his cock inside her, Ryker sat up, leaning on one arm. He leaned down to take one of her breasts into his mouth. His warm tongue circled around her shell pink nipple, sucking and teasing.

“By the stars,” Nova cried, burying her hands in Ryker’s hair as his hot mouth grazed her other nipple, then moved over the star on her chest. He licked it with his hot tongue. His mouth illuminated as the star bloomed with celestial light. Nova whimpered at his touch.

What she’d give to do this with him over and over. She’d promised him she would go home once they were done, so she was safe, but how could she, after this? Ara couldn’t offer her anything like Ryker could.

She’d give her heart fully to him if he’d offer his in return.

Ryker’s teeth grazed her skin as he pulled back. “I want to feel you deeper. Do you think you can handle that?”

Nova had no idea if that was even possible. He was already filling her beyond her wildest dreams, but she was too curious to say no, so she nodded.

“I’m all yours . . .”

With a boyish grin, darkened eyes full of desire, Ryker gently eased Nova off of him. The absence of his body was sudden and cool, but the hum of pleasure still pulsed through her body.

“On your hands and knees, little star.”

Nova did as he bade, sucking in her breath when Ryker placed himself behind her. It was so vulnerable, baring herself to him, but the way his hands traced patterns down her spine, across the dip in her lower back and over the rise of her ass, gave Nova all the confidence she needed, to stretch her arms forward, putting herself fully on display for him.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he hissed.

Without wasting another moment, he lined himself up behind her and plunged back into her warmth, sinking all the way to the hilt. Nova moaned as her inner walls stretched to accommodate his size once again.

“Does it hurt?” Ryker asked as he slowly drew out.

She was breathless with pleasure. “No . . . not at all, the opposite, in fact.”

Calloused hands gripped her hips as Ryker started to pump into her, each stroke picking up pace. Ryker became consumed by his desire for her as he plunged into her faster and faster.

This was the missing piece of her journey. Ryker was the perfect send-off before returning to Ara, making everything else pale in comparison. Nothing she’d seen or done here captivated her like he did.

Nova felt the throb in her core building, heat rising to her cheeks. She knew with each thrust of Ryker’s rigid length, the coil inside her tightened, readying itself to release at any given moment.

“Hound . . .”

“Yes, my little star.” Ryker’s breath came up short.

“I can’t hold on,” Nova gasped.

Ryker chuckled as he reached one hand to grip the back of her neck, angling himself so he could drive in deeper. “You let go whenever you’re ready.”

The sound of their bodies slapping together ricocheted off the walls alongside their moans and whimpers as their climax built higher and higher.

Ryker’s hand found its place between her legs once more. Circling her clit. Bringing her intense pleasure with every stroke of his fingers.

One last rough thrust into Nova’s warmth had her mind blanking as pleasure ripped through her and exited her body with an anguished cry. Her ears rang, drowning out any other sounds. Ecstasy pulsed through her over and over.

Ryker grunted, his cock twitching with pleasure as he found his release—-spilling into her. She clenched around him as he gently pumped. His hands still gripped her hips as he rode the waves of his pleasure. Her legs shook from the ebb of bliss that washed over her body.

After a moment, Ryker eased out of her, his seed trickling out and mixing with her own slickness. Nova didn’t know up nor down, left or right as her legs finally gave way, sprawling to the ground, in a shivering heap. Ryker collapsed by her side.

“Are you alright?” Ryker nuzzled her ear and drew her closer.

Nova simply nodded. She couldn’t even find the words to explain what had just happened. She also didn’t need the pool of reflections to see stars.

Ryker had done that to her all by himself.

They lay together on the ground for a while, simply basking in each other’s glow. Nova didn’t want to move. Physically, she almost couldn’t. Her arms and legs were languid to the touch.

The cloud of desire soon broke as Ryker got up to retrieve his trousers. “Let me help you dress.”

Nova stood and reached for her clothes.

“Your knees,” Ryker pointed. “They look red. Are you in pain?”

With a brush of her fingers over her skin, Nova shook her head. “What’s a little pain in the name of so much pleasure?”

Ryker offered a small smile, but his face still held concern. “I don’t want you to be hurt, though.”

“But it was so worth it.” Nova grinned at him.

She quickly dressed. Smoothing her hair down, Nova turned to face the male who’d just destroyed her for anyone else. She truly felt deep down that if she ever returned to this part of the world, she wouldn’t be with anyone if she couldn’t be with him.

He caught her staring and offered her a smile. He was irresistible standing there, half naked and messy hair. She took a few steps towards him, and Ryker met her halfway. He caught her around the waist as she looped her arms around his neck.

This kiss was deep, but it was tender. Slow and exploring—neither one wanting it to end. When they finally pulled apart, Ryker rested his head on her forehead, breathing her in.

“Thank you for bringing joy into my life even if it was only a blip in time,” Ryker murmured, lifting her chin with one finger so he could look into her eyes.

* * *

The cave was dark when Nova woke.

Ryker nestled beside her, still slumbering. The worries of the world were not yet evident on his peaceful face. Nova traced a finger along his jaw and up to his ear under the curtain of his inky black waves.

“Morning, little star,” he whispered.

Nova’s hand shrunk back as Ryker’s russet eyes found hers. Caught in the act of admiring him while he slept brought a tinge of heat to her cheeks.

“Morning, Hound.”

Ryker grinned before leaning over to kiss her solidly.

Memories of his lips on other parts of her flashed through her mind and warmth blossomed through her body. He’d sparked a fire in her that she never wanted to see fade. It could blaze endlessly, and she’d never tire of its warmth.

He pulled away before rolling over and slipping from the bed. Nova watched as he dressed, knowing that this would be the last time she’d see him utterly vulnerable—and naked.

With clothing on, Ryker moved to make sure the fire had diminished. She took the cue to get dressed herself. She stood, shaking her hair free from its tangles. Running her hands across her torso and down her hips, Nova mentally took images of her human body. The way her skin felt under her fingertips—soft silk. It would probably be the last time she would look like this. Once in Ara, she’d take back her celestial form.

She picked up the discarded navy dress, a smile playing on her lips from the memory of Ryker undoing the buttons and easing it down her body.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. If she kept thinking of him and the way his tongue—she really needed to stop, or her face was going to look like a bright red tomato.

Nova turned her gaze to the pool, its surface smooth and still as glass. The walls remained speckled with tiny blue lights, casting a soft glow. She let out a quiet sigh as she wandered to the edge, taking a moment to gather her thoughts while Ryker busied himself with packing up the bed.

Did she want to go home? Ara was a magical place, like no other, but if she was being truthful, there was so much about this part of the world that she was yet to explore. Perhaps they could travel further and be out of the king’s reach forever. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance.

Nova spun on her heel to face him. “Ryker?”

He stopped folding the woollen blanket, his eyes travelling over her face. “Is everything alright?”

“What if—”

Nova froze, feeling her brow knit together as something moved in the shadows behind him.

“RYKER!” she cried, but it was too late. A figure burst from the shadows and slammed the hilt of a sword into the back of his head, and Nova met him on her knees as he dropped to the cave floor.

A second figure emerged from the shadows, and Nova’s heart lurched in her chest.

“Did you miss us?” Dante sneered.