"Give me the authority to punish Velzra," Luren said firmly as they ate inside the warm
cabin, his eyes burning with quiet intensity.
Craige nodded without hesitation. "You can do whatever you want," he replied, then
gently scooped a spoonful of soup and brought it to Luren's lips. Luren accepted it gladly, a small smile softening his expression for a moment.
"Also… I forgot to tell you," Luren continued, his voice growing serious. "Axel's partner…he's an omega… and a former sex slave of the King of Velgarith."
Craige froze for a moment, his brows furrowing as he absorbed the gravity of the
revelation. His expression darkened with thought.
"That changes everything…" he muttered. "The King of Velgarith won't let something
like that go. He'll send his people to Seravelle. And once they find out you're
an omega…"
He looked up at Luren, worry tightening his jaw. "You could be in danger, Luren. Real
danger."
"Yes, I know," Luren nodded, his voice soft but firm. "But I'm planning to hire him as
a floral artisan. Axel said he enjoys it, and I want to help him start a new life here in the North."
Craige smiled warmly, proud of Luren's compassion. "Alright, do what you want. Just
take Roan as your bodyguard. I want you safe at all times."
Luren's expression brightened even more. "Also… he's pregnant with Axel's baby," he
added with genuine happiness.
Craige raised a brow, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. "You might be pregnant too."
Luren looked down and gently patted his flat stomach, a playful glint in his eyes.
"I have a feeling I might be… considering someone spilled all his seed inside me," he
said with a seductive grin, his voice dripping with flirtation.
Craige let out a low laugh, pulling him closer. "I regret nothing."
Luren giggled, his cheeks slightly flushed from the teasing.
"Let's visit the Northfang Tribe and talk to Elder Zoran," Craige suggested, his tone
thoughtful. "He's an old omega who knows a lot about our kind. He might be able
to help."
Luren nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Okay… but I also need to talk to
Velzra," he added quietly, a mix of determination and unease in his voice.
After finishing their meal in the cozy warmth of the cabin, the two stood and prepared to leave. The wind outside howled softly as they made their way back to the manor.
---
"Rolen, send a letter to Keith. Order him to release the son and daughter of King
Mor'Vekar. The peace treaty must proceed, no matter what," Craige commanded firmly as he strode into his office, his voice sharp with authority.
"Yes, Your Grace," Rolen replied with a respectful nod, immediately turning to carry out the order.
Meanwhile, Luren made his way down the cold, dim corridor toward Velzra's cell. The air was heavy with silence. Inside, Velzra sat slumped against the wall, looking pale and frail, his strength clearly fading.
"Release him," Luren said, his voice steady but laced with concern. "And send for the
doctors immediately."
The prison guard hesitated only for a moment before obeying. The sound of the cell door unlocking echoed through the corridor.
Velzra's tired eyes slowly lifted to meet Luren's. Confusion flickered in his gaze, his
lips parting as if to ask why. He couldn't understand why the one he had once hurt was now setting him free.
"Bring him and follow me and the doctor to the guest room," Luren instructed the guard
firmly.
"Yes, Master Luren," the guard replied with a respectful nod.
As they reached the guest room, Luren turned to Velzra with a serious expression. "To gain your freedom, you must tell me everything you know about omegas and teach me how to make the potion."
Velzra froze, stunned by the unexpected mercy. He had prepared for punishment, not
forgiveness.
His lips trembled as tears welled in his eyes. "I… I will do everything for you. Thank you… thank you for giving me a chance." He bowed deeply, his voice cracking with emotion.
Just then, the doctors arrived.
"You can rest for a while," Luren said gently, his tone softening. "We'll talk about the
details once you've regained your strength. Please take care of him, doctor."
The doctor gave a nod of understanding. With one last glance, Luren quietly stepped out of the room, leaving the door to close behind him.
"Luren…" Axel called out softly.
Luren paused and glanced back. He was on his way to his office.
"The glass garden is finished," Axel said, a hint of pride in his voice. "The gardener has
planted trees and flowers that bloom in the northern climate. Also… your room
renovations are complete."
Luren's lips curled into a smile. As he stepped outside, he noticed the courtyard now looked vibrant and full of life, pine trees neatly lining the long entrance path.
"Good job, Axel," Luren said warmly. "I think everything will be ready in time for the
Frostmere Festival. Also I have good news for you. You can bring your partner here. I want him to work as the manor's floral artisan."
Axel's eyes lit up, his face breaking into a wide, joyful smile.
"Thank you, Luren," he said, bowing deeply. His fingers twitched slightly, wanting to reach
out and hold Luren's hand but he stopped himself. The Duke might see it again.
"Go on then," Luren added gently. "Bring him here."
Axel nodded and hurried off, excitement radiating from him.
Just as Axel turned the corner, Clara arrived. She gave Luren a curious glance, then
followed him into his office.
They stepped into the warmly lit room, the scent of pinewood faint in the air. Luren
moved to his desk, his expression soft but thoughtful, while Clara quietly closed the door behind them.
"Whoa, I heard you gave Velzra a second chance?" Clara asked as she sat on the sofa, her brows slightly raised in curiosity.
"Yeah," Luren replied with a thoughtful nod. "If he died here, it could spark a war
between the North and the barbarians. A lot of innocent people would suffer. But releasing him might actually strengthen the bond between the North and their tribe."
Clara nodded slowly, understanding the weight behind his decision. "That makes
sense."
A brief silence passed before she asked casually, "When will Keith be back here?"
Luren glanced at her, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Wow, I didn't think you'd miss Keith," he said, letting out a loud laugh when Clara's cheeks flushed with color.
"I'm just curious, that's all!" she snapped, looking away to hide her embarrassment.
Still grinning, Luren said, "Alright, alright. I'll ask Craige about it." His tone was playful, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I'll send some letters, including one to Mother and Uncle Kellen. I want to invite them to the Frostmere Festival," Luren said as he dipped his pen in ink, writing swiftly. "You should also invite some of your friends to visit. It'll be a good time to reconnect."
Clara smiled warmly. "Okay, I will. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see this place, especially
during the festival."
Luren nodded, his eyes still on the paper. "The manor will feel more alive with everyone here."
Clara sat beside him, watching the ink dry. "You're really making this place feel like
home."
He paused for a moment, then added with a soft smile, "Yes, that's my plan… because this is our home now. And I want Craige to feel at home here too."
---
"Cassian…" Arabelle opened the door without knocking, her voice sharp with urgency.
"Hey! I told you to always knock!" he exclaimed, startled, quickly turning away.
"Where is Gab? I don't see him," she asked, ignoring his protest and scanning the room
with furrowed brows.
"Uhm… I think he went somewhere," Cassian replied, trying to sound casual, but his voice cracked slightly.
"Really? Anyway, Luren and the Duke sent a letter. They invited us to the North for the
Frostmere Festival and we are going!" Arabelle announced with excitement, her
eyes lighting up.
"Yes, yes, we'll go," Cassian said hurriedly. "You can leave now, I'm busy. And lock the
door on your way out," he added with a firm tone, trying to usher her away.
Arabelle narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Hmm… what's keeping you busy? And why are you sweating?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice as she stepped closer.
"Don't worry, it's just hot in here. That's why a trip to the cold North sounds perfect right now," he said, forcing a smile and motioning toward the door.
After a moment, Arabelle sighed and finally turned to leave. The sound of the door
clicking shut echoed in the quiet room.
As soon as the lock turned, a low moan escaped Cassian's lips, filled with restrained need and tension he could no longer hold back.
"Ahhh—damn, Gabrielle… I'm coming," Cassian groaned, his voice ragged with pleasure as his release hit.
Gabrielle, hidden beneath the desk, eagerly took every drop in his mouth, his lips wrapped tightly around Cassian's throbbing length. His tongue swirled slowly, teasingly, licking up the last of the warm, sticky release, not wasting a single drop.
Cassian's hand gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white, his breath coming in heavy gasps. "F-Fuck, Gab… you're driving me insane," he muttered, trembling from the
aftershocks of his climax.
Gab looked up through hooded eyes, his mouth glistening, a wicked smirk playing at his lips as he slowly pulled back, letting his tongue drag along Cassian's sensitive tip.
Cassian leaned back in his chair, trying to catch his breath, sweat clinging to his
temple. "Damn, Gabrielle… you're going to be the death of me," he murmured,
looking down at the man still on his knees beneath the desk.
Gabrielle licked his lips slowly, savoring the taste, then leaned his cheek against
Cassian's thigh. "You always say that," he whispered with a mischievous smile.
"But you keep letting me sneak in here."
Cassian chuckled breathlessly, brushing his fingers through Gab's tousled hair.
"Because I'm an idiot… or just addicted to that sinful mouth of yours."
Gab rose slightly, his hands trailing up Cassian's legs as he crawled out from under the desk, his eyes gleaming with heat. "Only your mouth says no, Cassian," he teased, straddling his lap without waiting for permission. "But your body?" He leaned in, lips brushing Cassian's ear. "It begs."
Cassian gripped Gab's hips, his voice low and thick with need. "You're trouble."
"I'm yours," Gab replied, kissing him slowly deep, messy, and filled with promise.
Cassian groaned into the kiss, pulling him closer. "Lock the door properly this time…
I'm not done with you yet."
Cassian's breath was hot against Gabrielle's skin as he pressed forward, his trousers
already halfway down his thighs. He didn't bother removing them fully, he was too focused on Gab, too consumed by the need burning through his veins.
He captured Gab's lips again, their kiss deep and hungry, tongues tangling as hands roamed freely. Cassian trailed kisses down Gab's jaw, then to the hollow of his neck,
inhaling his scent before licking and sucking gently along his collarbone.
"Mmh—Cassian…" Gab gasped, arching into the touch.
Cassian smiled against his skin. "I love the way you say my name," he murmured, before continuing his trail downward. He reached Gab's chest, letting his tongue flick
over one nipple while his hand found the other, gently pinching and rolling it between his fingers.
Gab moaned, back arching. "F-fuck… don't stop."
"I'm not planning to," Cassian whispered, voice low and dripping with want.
He slid Gab's shirt fully off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor, and tugged down the rest of his trousers. As their last pieces of clothing dropped away, the air thickened between them skin to skin, breath to breath.
Cassian pulled back just enough to admire the view. "Look at you," he said, eyes
roaming over Gab's flushed, naked body. "Spread out like a sin I'm ready to worship."
Without warning, Cassian lifted him effortlessly, Gab gasping as his legs wrapped instinctively around Cassian's waist.
"Wha—Cass—!" he managed before Cassian sat him firmly on the desk, clearing papers and ink bottles with a sweeping arm.
Gab's breath hitched as the cold wood met his bare skin, and then hissed as Cassian
pressed closer between his thighs, hard length brushing against his entrance.
Cassian leaned in, lips brushing Gab's ear. "You make me lose control… every time," he
whispered, biting gently at his earlobe before licking down his neck.
Gab's hands fisted in Cassian's hair. "Then lose it," he said breathlessly. "Take me."
Cassian locked eyes with him dark, intense, burning and then lowered his mouth to Gab's
chest again, devouring him while grinding slowly between his legs.
Cassian entered Gab's tight entrance with a smooth, deliberate thrust, his length fitting perfectly, like they were made for each other.
He began to move in and out with rhythmic precision, each stroke hitting deeper, harder, as if guided by instinct.
Gab moaned sweetly with every thrust, his voice breathy and needy. "Mhmm… deeper… faster," he begged, wrapping his legs tighter around Cassian's waist.
Cassian growled softly, aroused by Gab's plea. He slammed into him rougher, deeper,
filling him completely. Gab cried out in pleasure, his fingers clawing at Cassian's back, leaving red marks in their wake.
Their bodies moved in perfect sync, sweat-slicked skin sliding together, breath mingling, hearts pounding, lost in the heat, the hunger, the overwhelming connection that ignited between them.
Cassian gripped Gab's hips firmly, holding him in place as he drove into him with
relentless power. The sound of skin meeting skin echoed through the room, mingling with their ragged breaths and Gab's desperate moans.
"You feel that?" Cassian growled into Gab's ear, his voice low and rough. "Every inch of
you…mine."
Gab whimpered, trembling beneath him. "Yes… all yours… ahh—don't stop…"
Cassian smirked, leaning down to capture Gab's lips in a hungry kiss, biting gently at
his lower lip before pulling back to watch his expression twist in pleasure. He adjusted his angle, hitting that perfect spot that made Gab cry out, his back arching, thighs trembling.
"There," Cassian said through gritted teeth, keeping his pace brutal and unrelenting.
"You're going to come for me, Gab… feel me so deep you won't forget."
Gab's nails dug into Cassian's shoulders as his body began to shudder uncontrollably.
"Cassian—I'm… I'm gonna—"
"Come for me," Cassian commanded, voice thick with heat as he pounded into him. "Let me feel you break."
Gab gasped sharply, his entire body tightening as he cried out Cassian's name, releasing with a wave of pleasure that left him breathless. Cassian held him through it,
then let out a guttural moan as he thrust once more, twice, before he buried himself deep and came with a shuddering groan, collapsing onto Gab's trembling form.
They lay there, bodies still entangled, breath hot against each other's skin. Cassian
brushed damp hair from Gab's face and kissed his cheek, whispering, "I love you."
Gab smiled softly, his eyes still glazed with bliss as he cupped Cassian's cheek. "I love
you too," he whispered, his voice hoarse but full of affection.