With an aura pulsating around them, the trio advanced forward, determinate to confront the merciless King. The clash between the mates and the ruler of the enchanted realm seemed inevitable, each side fueled by their own convictions and the surge of power coursing through their veins.
Meeting this charge, the King stood firm, exuding an air of steadfast authority. His gaze swept over the trio, an unshakeable confidence radiating from him that contrasted starkly with their raw fervor. Though their display of power was formidable, it became increasingly clear that the King’s strength surpassed their collective power by a considerable margin. His demeanor exuded an aura of dominance, a testament to the depth of his ancient power that dwarfed even the most intense manifestations of Ryu, Leviathan, and Hyo.
The city, a mere backdrop to this unfolding drama, held its breath, caught in the charged atmosphere between the determined mates and the enigmatic Ghost King. An unseen boundary separated the two factions, with the King's presence commanding respect and dread. He remained seemingly unperturbed by their display of strength, embodying an unwavering control that signified his unyielding claim over Samaya.
With an air of casual indifference, the King regarded his challengers.
“I have no interest in fighting, but if you insist on challenging me, be prepared for a good beating,” he stated, his voice smooth yet laced the underlying confidence in his abilities.
Emboldened by an unquenchable desire to desire to reclaim spouse, Ryu, Leviathan, and Hyo squared off against the Ghost King.
Suddenly, an explosive "bang" resonated above them, breaking the stalemate. Two guards soared through the window, propelled by an unseen force, before crashing spectacularly to the ground below in a devastating impact.
The trio and the King, momentarily distracted from their impending clash, turned their attention to the unexpected disturbance. The air thickened with anticipation as a new, unforeseen element entered the fray, adding layers of uncertainty to an already tense standoff.
As the dust settled, two pairs of bloodshed eyes emerged from the castle, piercing through the settling dust with an ominous gleam.
The mysterious figure that stepped into view carried an aura of undeniable power, radiating a formidable energy that demanded attention and sent shivers of trepidation through the hearts of those gathered.
The mates and the King, momentarily silenced by the unexpected entrance, exchanged uneasy glances as the newcomer approached. Tension gripped the atmosphere, thickening like the murky smoke rising from the ground, as anticipation swirled around them.
While the smoke and dust lifted, revealing the scene beneath the moonlit sky, the trio and the King were taken aback.
The silhouette approaching them, enveloped in an aura of grace and ferocity, was none other than Samaya—though she seemed transformed, her enchanting cat nestled in her arms, now possessing a third tail. Her long, silver hair danced like tendrils of light in the night breeze, glimmering ethereally. Yet it was her eyes that held them captive; once familiar, they now appeared as deep, unfathomable voids, marked with blood-red pupils that blazed unnervingly, invoking an instinctual fear.
Each step she took scorched the ground beneath her, leaving an imprint of her newfound strength.
The mates and the King exchanged astonished glances, trying to comprehend the extraordinary transformation that had taken place. It was evident that Samaya was no longer the same; she had evolved into an unapologetic force, one that would not be easily tamed.
Standing before them, she emanated a terrifying energy, and an eerie hush fell across the courtyard.
The King, silhouetted against the moon-laden sky, commanded them to maintain their distance.
“Her power has merged with yours! Control yourselves and cut the fucking connection,” he bellowed, his urgency echoing dramatically against the stone walls of the castle.
Hesitating, the trio, their eyes flickering with a crimson sheen, reluctantly turned back, while the King observed their struggle to reclaim control.
He was acutely aware that their actions had inadvertently amplified the very energies swirling within Samaya, energies that could spiral out of control if not tempered.
Samaya, surrounded by the swirling energies, approached, her gaze locked onto Leviathan.
“What did you do to piss her off so much?! Get him away! She’s going to kill him!”
The King’s words hung heavy in the air.
Her mates, their eyes still ablaze with red intensity, hesitated, torn between their instinctive connection to their spouse and the conflicting choice to protect Leviathan from the unpredictable surge of energy coursing through her.
Leviathan remained unfazed by the looming threat, firmly anchored in place. He observed her approach, a captivating smile illuminating her face, contrasting sharply with the tension in the air. A sense of calm enveloped Leviathan, allowing him to focus intently on her. The way her hair danced in the gentle breeze and the light in her eyes sparked a flicker of warmth within him, drawing his attention away from the chaos that threatened to unfold.
The world around them faded into the background, leaving only the tension of their unspoken connection and the impending danger that loomed closer with every step.
Sensing the impending danger, Ryu spread his wings, soared towards Leviathan, and in a swift motion, lifted his fellow mate into the sky, attempting to distance him from the brewing storm below.
Samaya’s gaze burned fiercely at Ryu, who dared to carry her target away.
“Who says I want to harm him?!” she exclaimed, her voice tight with defiance.
Striding towards the King, she approached him, an air of regality in her newfound presence.
Somewhat taken aback by her unexpected response, the King hesitated before answering.
“My name is Sasori. I’m the one you danced with in the city,” his voice steady despite the volatile atmosphere.
A transformation spread across Samaya’s softened features; her anger ebbed away, replaced by surprise and she brightened with a warm smile upon learning Sasori’s identity. The oppressive tension around them began to dissipate.
"This is my thank-you gift," she said suddenly, an affectionate resolve guiding her movements.
In a moment unanticipated by all, she seized Sasori, pulling him close and planting a passionate kiss on his lips that seemed to suspend time itself.
The moonlit courtyard bore witness to their exchange, and the energies swirling around them mirrored the sparks of an otherworldly strength.
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Sasori, initially stunned, met her enthusiasm with equal fervor, enjoying the searing warmth that ignited between them, feeling as though the universe had crackled to life with their contact. The moonlight played on their intertwined figures, casting a surreal glow that heightened the magical aura surrounding Samaya.
The kiss carried a searing heat, a sensation so intense it felt like his mouth was ablaze. Surprisingly, he didn’t flinch or recoil; instead, he found himself immersed in a wave of joy that surged through his entire being, urging him to draw her even closer.
Witnessing the act, Ryu seethed with anger; the sight of another male kissing his mate ignited a tempest of possessiveness within him. In a burst of frustration, he abruptly released his grip on Leviathan, who landed gracefully on the ground.
The tension in the courtyard escalated as Sasori, his eyes ablaze with fiery intensity, confronted Ryu with a gaze of, “I don’t give a damn what you think!”
The courtyard fell into a pregnant silence as Samaya, having disengaged from Sasori, approached Ryu directly. She regarded him with both fierce determination and an unexpected sense of mischief as she licked remnants of Sasori’s blood from her lips—a provocative gesture that stirred deeper emotions.
As he met her gaze, he felt a wave of nervousness and unease wash over him.
In a moment of both anger and whimsy, Samaya extended her hand toward Ryu and demanded, “Candy!”
Uncertain of her intentions, Ryu hesitated for a moment until her keen senses overwhelmed him.
“I know you have candy with you, I can smell the wild strawberries!”
He was taken aback by Samaya’s keen sense of smell, nervously he handed her a handful of wild strawberry candies. The moonlight highlighted the contrast between his uncertainty and her assertiveness.
The absurdity of the moment cut through the tension like a shard of sunlight piercing storm clouds. Samaya, beaming with delight as she reached for the candies, transformed before their eyes from a vengeful force to a creature of pure joy, akin to a small squirrel hoarding its treats.
Watching her closely, Ryu wondered about how simple it was to make her happy.
Holding the candies in her hand, she looked at Ryu with a mixture of playfulness and intensity. The moonlight accentuated the bright smile on her face.
A light chuckle escaped Sasori as he observed Samaya delighting in the candy, her cheeks puffed out like a greedy little squirrel hoarding its treasure. The joy radiating from her bright eyes and the way she savored each sugary morsel only deepened his fondness for her. She had an effortless charm that captivated him, making her seem even more enchanting in that moment. The sweetness of the candy seemed to pale in comparison to her infectious happiness, and he couldn't help but admire how adorable she looked, completely immersed in her simple pleasure. The sight of her brought an undeniable warmth to his heart, intensifying his anticipation of their life together as soon to be mates.
With her cheeks still slightly bulging from the candy, she approached Leviathan. Despite the candy in her cheeks, she maintained an angry expression as she confronted him.
He couldn’t help but find her extremely cute with her cheeks bulging from the candy, even her angry expression looked lovely to him.
She crossed her arms in front of Leviathan, insisting on the promise he had made. Her eyes, a mix of determination and a hint of playfulness, conveyed her desire to embark on the journey to the ocean.
Leviathan, understanding her enthusiasm, gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
He explained, “My dear, as a serpent, I do need to hibernate during the winter. Going on a journey in the approaching winter might not be the best timing. The cold weather can be quite harsh. Let’s plan our adventures for a more suitable season when the conditions are favorable."
Though a cloud of disappointment crossed Samaya’s face, she acknowledged the practicality of Leviathan’s words, sighing softly as she grudgingly accepted the need for patience.
Sasori interjected, wonder tinging his gaze as he asked, “If you had control the whole time, why did you beat my guards up?”
“A misunderstanding,” she replied earnestly, “I simply wanted to leave and they didn’t allow me to. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and honestly, I have a very upsetting experience with birds.”
A subtle twitch to Sasori’s smile revealed an unexpected wave of sudden nervousness washing over him. The usual confidence that defined his demeanor wavered for a moment, hinting at a hidden secret.
Taking Leviathan’s hand, Samaya attempted to walk away, but was suddenly stopped when Ryu called out to her.
“Samaya, you’re burning Leviathan’s skin,” he warned.
Her eyes widened in concern as she noticed the scorch marks on his hand, but Leviathan, with a reassuring smile, insisted that the burn on his hand was of no concern to him.
However, Ryu, protective and possessive, stepped forward.
“Why not walk with me instead? Dragon’s inherent resistance to fire and I’ll keep you safe,” he suggesting gently.
In a moment of defiance sweetened with determination, Samaya chose to walk alone into the night, but when she glanced back, she discovered Sasori following closely.
“Why are you following me? What do you want?” she inquired, raising an eyebrow.
His eyes reflecting a mysterious gleam in the moonlight, as he responded with a playful smirk, “I thought you would enjoy some company on your way.”
Surprised yet intrigued, she retorted, “I have my mates to accompany me!”
“That’s true my dear, but you need my help soon,” he mentioned teasingly with a smile.
“Help?” she echoed, skepticism evident in her tone.
“Why on Earth would I need your help when they are more than capable?”
A mysterious smile prompted on Sasori's lips. He mentioned casually, “The doctor shared the news about your condition—your pregnant.”
His tone shifted, lending depth to his words.
Shock washed over Samaya, disbelief etched on her face.
“That’s impossible!” she exclaimed, her heart racing.
Sasori continued to reassure her, reflecting earnest concern.
“I was informed that you are indeed pregnant.”
Despite his words, Samaya initially denied the possibility, then, as the realization sunk in, panic overcame her, and with it, tears brimmed in her eyes.
Sensing her distress, Sasori drew her close, gently resting her against his chest in a protective embrace, silently smiling.
“Don’t you wish for children?” he murmured softly.
Samaya, torn between disbelief and the inevitable truth, found herself grappling with the newfound reality that she was carrying life within her. The magnitude of this revelation sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn’t help but let her tears flow.
“No! I refuse to go through this again,” her heartbreak echoed with raw fervor.
“Why not?” Sasori asked, genuine confusion shadowing his features.
“Are you oblivious? Because it’s excruciating!” she spat, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
“Don’t downplay the pain, it’s unbearable,” she insisted.
“I assure you, it’s not that painful, don’t worry,” Sasori insisted, an air of naivety to his conviction, provoking her ire further.
“It hurts so much I would rather not exist than endure it,” she shot back, her fierce glare embedding the gravity of her words.
“How do you know?” he inquired, intrigued yet cautious.
Samaya’s gaze fell to the ground as she spoke of her past heartbreak, vulnerability breaking through her fierce exterior.
“Because I’ve experienced it before,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
“The father abandoned me after years, promising love when in truth, I was only meant to be used.”
He listened Intently as Samaya poured out her painful past, for a moment, the sly demeanor gave way to a genuine understanding.
“I won’t leave you alone,” he vowed sincerely, his voice softer now, enveloped in warmth.
“I’ll always be here for you.”
In that moment, as Samaya’s tear-stained eyes met his, a glimmer of vulnerability passed between them.
As Samaya succumbed to emotional exhaustion, she drifted into a deep slumber nestled in Sasori's arms, while she changed back a wave of responsibility washing over him.
Cradling her delicately, Sasori marveled at her delicate vulnerability she displayed in her sleep, noting the way dried tears glimmered on her cheeks under the moonlight. A sly grin curled at his lips, a hint of amusement.
“My female seems to be a bit emotional,” he mused.
This unexpected twist in their journey presented an opportunity—one that Sasori was determined to exploit to his advantage.
Gently navigating through the dense, verdant forest, a newfound awareness settled within Sasori. The knowledge that Samaya’s heart was now open to his influence ignited a fierce determination within him. Each careful step through the dappled sunlight cast by the towering trees seemed to echo his resolve.
With great care, he cradled her in his arms, taking a moment to appreciate the serene expression gracing her features. Her tranquility, untouched by the surrounding chaos, offered a stark contrast to the thoughts racing in his mind. This moment held both a sense of possessiveness and an exhilarating thrill that spurred him on.
Engrossed in his contemplation, Hyo approached him with a determined expression.
Unfazed by Hyo’s presence, Sasori maintained a casual pace.
“I’ll take her from here,” Hyo declared, his gaze unwavering locked onto Sasori’s.
Despite the assertiveness in his words, there was an underlying current of concern that betrayed his true feelings.
Sasori, embodying an air of nonchalance, regarded Hyo’s insistence with an enigmatic smile, transferring Samaya into Hyo’s waiting arms. As the weight of her slumbering form transferred from one set of arms to another, Sasori’s sly grin persisted. He understood the dynamics at play and was more than willing to let Hyo play his part in his game.