As I pushed open the creaky wooden door of “The Hornet’s Lair,” a wave of raucous laughter washed over me. The place reeks of ale, sweat, and probably a few other things I’d rather not identify. Dim lanterns cast long shadows across weathered faces, and the cacophony of drunken laughter and slurred sea shanties assaulted my ears.

Anchorfell, being a bustling harbor, was home to a myriad of taverns like this one, open at all hours to cater to the insatiable thirsts of seafarers and wanderers alike. Months at sea seemed to instill a sort of lethargy in people, a phenomenon I’ve never quite understood. It was as if the sea drained them of their vitality, and they sought to reclaim it through excessive indulgence the moment they set foot on land.

But who am I to judge? I have my own vices.

Scanning the room, I spot a few familiar faces among the crowd of sailors, mercenaries, and what I can only assume are failed adventurers drowning their sorrows. But the one I’m looking for is tucked away in a corner, nose buried in a book.

I saunter over and plop myself down across her. “Afternoon, sunshine.”

Nothing. Not even a flicker of acknowledgment. Just the soft rustle of a turning page.

“Where’s Luke?”

Without looking up, she pointed towards the bar. I crane my neck and spot him carefully balancing a tray of drinks. “Ah, playing waiter, is he? When are you going to learn to fetch your own poison, Elara?”

That earned me a glare that could freeze hellfire. She doesn’t dignify me with a response, just returns to her book.

Luke arrived, setting down two frothy mugs of ale. Before Elara’s fingers can so much as graze her cup, I snatch it up and take a hearty swig.

“Oi! You whoreson!” She exploded. “That’s my bloody drink!”

Ignoring her outburst, I smacked my lips appreciatively. “Luke, my friend, your taste in ale is as impeccable as ever. Almost makes up for your choice in women.”

He simply slides his untouched mug towards Elara. She snatches it up, still glowering at me. “Fuck you,” she muttered, taking a long pull from the cup, still cursing me in her mind, no doubt.

I grinned, leaning back in my chair. “Now that we’re all here and properly lubricated,” I say, raising my (well, Elara’s) mug, “we’ve got some serious matters to discuss.”

“Did they fire you already?”

I grinned. “The only one getting thrown around here will be a certain sailor who can’t tie her own boots properly.”

Elara’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll show you how well I can tie a knot, right around your scrawny neck, you prick.”

Luke raised a hand, cutting off our banter. “Alright, you two. Aedan, what exactly did you want to discuss?”

I told them. About the meeting. About the Emperor (Elara’s jaw actually dropped – a rare sight indeed), the dwindling skythrall reserves, the lost expedition, the whispers of Elysara… and the mission.

“So… you were actually debriefed by the Emperor himself?” Luke asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Elara leaned forward, her book forgotten. “And you agreed to this madness?”

“Well…When the Emperor asks you something, you don’t exactly say ‘no thanks, I’ve got laundry to do.”

I took another long pull off my ale. Gods, Luke did know how to pick ‘em. It was cold, and crisp, with a hint of something nutty and a bittersweet aftertaste.

The silence stretched between us, broken only by the raucous laughter around. The Hornet’s Lair was a melting pot tonight. At a nearby table, a group of dwarves was engaged in a heated arm-wrestling match, their thick beards quivering with each grunt of effort. In another corner, a lithe elf was entertaining a small crowd with sleight-of-hand tricks, coins, and small objects seemingly appearing and disappearing at will.

Elara was the first to break the spell. “This is insane, Aedan. The risks are… astronomical.”

“Big risks, big rewards.”

“Big risks, big coffins,” she retorted sharply.

“Come on, Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“I left it in my other pants, along with my death wish. You do remember what happened to the first crew, right?”

“It’s not just the danger. The complexity of this mission is…” Luke pointed out. “well, it’s daunting. We’re talking about finding an island that might not even exist.”

“Oh, it exists alright,” I said, taking another swig of ale. “The Emperor seemed pretty convinced.”

“And since when did you start trusting authority figures?” Elara asked.

I clutched my chest. “You wound me, truly. I’ll have you know I’m a model citizen.”

“Right, and I’m the Queen of Sheba.”

“But seriously, Aedan, Vermilion factor complicates things. We don’t even know how far along they are.” Luke voiced.

“True enough. Given the intel we have, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve already set sail.”

“Fantastic,” Elara groaned, rubbing her temples. “So not only is this mission suicidal, but we’re already playing catch-up. Could this get any shittier?”

“Well,” I mused, “we could be doing this sober.”

“Not helping, you ass.”

“Look,” I said, leaning forward and lowering my voice. “I know it sounds mad. Hell, it probably is. But think about what’s at stake here. It’s not just about glory or riches.”

Luke nodded slowly, a thoughtful look on his face. “You’re right about that. If Vermilion gets their hands on Elysara’s skythrall deposits…”

“We’re fucked,” She finished bluntly.

“Eloquently put, as always,” I smirked.

“So what’s your brilliant plan then?”

I grinned. “Well, first we finish these ales. Then we commandeer a bigger ship, gather a crew crazy enough to follow us, and sail off into the unknown.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “That’s not a plan, Aedan. That’s a vague outline of a suicide mission.”

“Details, details,” I waved dismissively. “We’ll figure it out as we go.”

Elara groaned. “Oh, that’s reassuring. ‘Figure it out as we go.’ Might as well write our own epitaphs now.”

“Come on,” I added. “When have I ever steered you wrong?”

The silence that followed was so heavy it could have anchored a battleship. Both Elara and Luke stared at me with identical deadpan expressions that made me wonder if they’d been secretly practicing that in the mirror.

“Alright, alright,” I conceded. “But this time it’s different. This isn’t just some harebrained scheme of stunt. This is for Thalassar.”

“Since when did you become so patriotic?” Luke asked, genuinely curious.

“Patriotic?” I snorted. “Me? Don’t be daft, Luke. I leave the flag-waving to the politicians and the academy freshmen. But…” I hesitated, trying to find the words. “Thalassar…it’s home, I guess. Flawed, infuriating, occasionally smells like a wet dog… but it’s ours. And besides…” I gave them a ragged grin. “Opportunity of a lifetime, eh? To find Elysara… to make history? Not every day a man gets to thumb his nose at fate and sail off into legend, wouldn’t you say?”

For a long moment, silence fell between us. The tavern noise faded, the clatter of mugs, the laughter, the tuneless singing of a ballad about a lovesick mermaid – all of it distant, unreal.

Elara looks at me, then at Luke, and exhales deeply. “You’re really set on doing this, aren’t you?”

“I am. With or without you, I’m going. But I’d rather it be with you. You know I trust you both with my life, and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have by my side for this.”

“So,” I continued, “Are you in, or are you out?”

Elara sighed heavily. “You know I can’t let you go off and get yourself killed. Who else is going to save your sorry ass?”

“We’re in,” Luke said, leaning in. “But we need a plan, Aedan. A real one. Not one of your usual…spur-of-the-moment improvisations.”

I couldn’t help grinning. “Relax. I’ve got most things covered.”

“Of course you do,” Elara said dryly, but I caught the glint of excitement in her eyes. “So… what’s the first order of business, Captain?”

“Crew.” I slid a slip of paper across the table. “We need a handful of the best, most adaptable – and slightly cracked – sods in the entire Azure Expanse. Volunteers only, of course. Not many sane folks sign up for a suicide mission.”

Luke whistled as he scanned the list. “You’re really going all out, aren’t you? Are you sure about some of these names?”

“Desperate times,” I said turning to Elara. “As for you, I need you to handle provisions. I want the best rations, the most advanced equipment, medical supplies, the works.”

“How much can I spend?”

“Let’s just say the royal coffers are at our disposal. Go wild.”

“Are you sure it’s wise to put her in charge of—” Luke began, but Elara cut him off with a sharp elbow to the ribs.

“Don’t you dare question our captain, darling” she snapped, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of a shopping spree.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Elara always had a complicated relationship with money. Growing up without it, one would think she’d value it more. But instead, she’s developed a knack for spending it like water. Her salary usually disappeared within a week, spent on all sorts of trinkets and luxuries.

“Just try to remember we’re outfitting a ship, not buying out half of Anchorfell,” I cautioned, knowing full well it was futile.

“Now, Luke,” I continued, “I need you to oversee the ship modifications. We’ll need every advantage we can get. I’m talking enhanced cannons, reinforced hull, the works. And see if you can find a way to squeeze a bit more speed out of her.”

He nodded. “I might have a few ideas. There’s this new alloy I’ve been wanting to experiment with…”

“Perfect. Make it happen.” I clapped my hands together. “Right, that’s the basics covered.”

“So, what are you going to do while we’re running around like headless chickens?” Elara asked, leaning back in her chair.

I stretched, my back cracking against the wall. “Tonight? A good rest. Tomorrow…” I paused. “I’ve got to pay a visit to a certain witch.”

I could practically feel the memory of our last encounter – dark eyes, a voice like velvet and steel, and a body that could make a saint forget his vows – heating my blood.

Gods, I couldn’t believe I was going to see her again.

I glanced at Elara and Luke, expecting the usual torrent of abuse… but they were just staring, their faces unnervingly blank.

“What?”

They burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the tavern.

“Oh, for the love of—what’s so damn funny?”

“You should see your face!” Elara howled, slapping the table so hard her ale sloshed over the rim. “Like a wee lad who’s just discovered what’s under a lady’s blouse!”

“I’d say more like a puppy who’s found his favorite chew toy,” Luke added, grinning ear to ear.

“Piss off, both of you.”

“Ooh, the big bad captain, off to see his magical mistress. Should we expect fireballs or love potions?”

“Maybe he’ll come back turned into a toad,” Luke chimed in. “Might be an improvement, actually.”

Elara wasn’t done. “Gonna ask her to polish your wand, are you? Bet you’re already pitching a tent under the table, eh?”

“Are you two quite finished?”

They exchanged glances, then looked back at me. “Not even close,” they said in unison.

I sighed, realizing that further argument would be as effective as bailing out a sinking ship with a thimble.

“Right, very amusing. Can we get back to the matter at hand?”

They nodded, faces suddenly serious, but I could see the corners of their mouths twitching.

Elara raised her mug. “To Elysara,” she toasted, then added with a pointed look at me, “and to not making complete asses of ourselves.”

“Speak for yourself,” I muttered but clinked my mug against hers anyway.

* * *

The door creaked softly as I stepped into my sanctuary. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow that danced across the wooden floor. The distant sound of waves crashing against the shore fills the air, a lullaby that has soothed me on countless nights.

Shedding my uniform, I allowed myself a brief, hot shower washing away the day. I pulled on a pair of loose linen trousers and left my chest bare. No sense in courting a chill, but gods, it felt good to be out of that confining uniform.

The cool night air felt good against my skin as I padded barefoot to the kitchen. Living alone had its perks, but it also meant becoming your own chef. I set about preparing a simple meal, my hands working on autopilot while my mind wandered.

This voyage… this sudden mission. It was madness, really.

A thousand things could go wrong, and probably would. We could sail for weeks and find nothing.

The mythical island of Elysara, once nothing more than fodder for drunken sailors’ tales and children’s bedtime stories, was now a tangible goal. A destination that could bring either unprecedented glory or unimaginable doom.

And then there was…her.

Tomorrow. I was meeting her again. The woman who haunted my dreams… and my waking hours, if I was being honest with myself.

It had been some time since we’d last met, and yet the memory of her still sent a shiver down my spine. Would she help us? Could she?

Can I even convince her to join?

The sizzle of meat in the pan brought me back to reality. I was just about to plate up my late-night dinner when a sharp rap on the door shattered the peaceful quiet.

Who in the blazes…. at this hour?

Grumbling, I made my way, ready to give whoever it was a piece of my mind. But as I swung it open, all words died in my throat.

I’m greeted by those piercing blue eyes again—Seren.

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Her gaze lowered momentarily to my bare chest before meeting my eyes again. “Do you ever wear clothes in this house, or is this the standard uniform?”

“Only on special occasions.”

“Am I interrupting ?”

I stepped aside with a flourish, “Not at all. Please, bless my humble abode with your presence.”

She chuckled, a sound that sent a pleasant shiver down my spine and stepped inside.

“So,” I said, closing the door behind her, “to what do I owe this pleasure? Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”.

Seren shrugged, a coy smile playing on her lips. “Just decided to take you up on that ale you were going on about earlier.”

“Ah, right…..I seem to remember you rejecting that offer quite firmly.”

“Changed my mind,” she said simply, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Well, since it’s already pretty late, how about I treat you to dinner instead? I promise it’s only slightly less dangerous than my company.”

“Dinner? At this hour?”

I gestured grandly towards the stove. “Behold, a culinary masterpiece crafted by yours truly.”

“You can cook?”

“Don’t sound so shocked,” I laughed. “I live alone. It was either learn to cook or subsist on hardtack and rum. Though the latter was tempting.”

Seren moved closer to the stove, inhaling deeply. “It actually smells… edible.”

“High praise indeed,” I said dryly. “Care to risk it?”

“Please. I’ve eaten in far worse places. There was this one tavern in a backwater port where the stew was more maggot than meat. I think your cooking should be a step up from that.”

I winced dramatically. “Well, when you put it that way, I suppose my culinary skills might just shine in comparison. Though I can’t promise a complete absence of maggots.”

As I dished up our late-night meal, Seren leaned against the counter, watching me with an amused expression. “So, is this how you impress all the ladies? Lure them in with promises of ale, then subject them to your culinary experiments?”

“I’ll have you know, my cooking has been known to make grown men weep… though whether from joy or despair is still up for debate.”

Her laughter filled the room, a sound I found myself wanting to hear more of.

“Shall we?” I asked, nodding towards the living room.

We settled onto the worn but comfortable sofa, plates balanced on our laps.

“This is… surprisingly good, Aedan.” Seren took a bite, her eyes widening in genuine appreciation. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for the domestic type.”

“What’s so surprising about it?”

“The infamous Captain, whipping up a culinary masterpiece in his cozy little cottage? It’s not exactly the image I had in mind.”

“Infamous?”

“Oh, come off it. Everyone in the Navy knows who you are. The youngest captain in decades, a rising star…” Her voice trailed off, and she took a sip of her wine, those blue eyes meeting mine over the rim of the glass. “They say you have a knack for… trouble.”

“Well, when you put it that way. Though I prefer ‘notoriously charming’ to ‘infamous’. Has a better ring to it, don’t you think?”

“More like notoriously full of yourself.”

“High praise indeed,” I chuckled. “I’m content knowing that such a beautiful lass as yourself is aware of my existence. Infamous or otherwise.”

She rolled her eyes. “Do you ever stop with the flirting?”

“Not when I’m in the company of such a…delightful companion. “

“Smooth talker.”

“It’s a gift,” I shrugged, helping myself to another bite.

“I’m sure it is. So, apart from cooking and sailing, do you have any other hidden talents?”

I leaned back, a mischievous glint in my eye. “Many, but some are best discovered, not disclosed.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely. Life’s more fun with a little mystery, don’t you think?”

“Depends on the mystery,” she countered, taking a bite of stew. I watched as she savored it, a small smile curving her lips. Gods, I was a sucker for a woman who appreciated a good meal. And this one…

“Well, I’d say I’m quite the enigma worth unraveling.”

She snorted. “And modest too, I see.”

“It’s part of my charm,” I winked. “Speaking of which, fancy a drink? I’ve got a bottle of wine waiting for just such an occasion.”

“Wine? Ah, trying to get me drunk now, are you?”

“Merely offering the finest hospitality my humble abode can provide, Seren.”

“Right…” She drawled, but her eyes sparkled. “In that case… how could I refuse?”

I crossed to the cabinet, feeling her eyes on me, and pulled out the bottle of Calderan red. I’d been saving it for… something. This definitely qualified. The cork came out with a satisfying pop, and I poured the wine, its rich, fruity aroma filling the small space.

Handing her a glass, I raised it in a toast.

“To unexpected visits and mysterious talents.”

She clinked her glass against mine. “And to captains who can somehow cook.”

We sipped the wine, talking about this and that. I kept, wondering what had really brought her here tonight.

“So, Seren? What brings someone like you to the navy?”

“That’s… a long story.”

“Good thing we’ve got time.”

And so, Seren told me her story.

Her father was a minor noble with more titles than gold and a deep-seated belief in duty to Thalassar. Her older brother – a naval officer, a hero, a legend in her eyes - who’d died in a skirmish with a band of Vermilion privateers. And Seren, the younger sister, determined to honor his memory… and maybe prove a point or two along the way. She’d joined the Academy, excelled in her studies, and quickly risen through the ranks.

“Quite a story,” I said, raising my glass. “Your brother… sounds like he was a good man.”

“He was,” she replied softly, a shadow passing over her eyes. Then, with a determined shake of her head, she looked at me. “Your turn. What about you? What drove you to the sea?”

“My story…it’s not so grand.” I swirled the wine in my glass, watching the ruby liquid catch the firelight. “Orphan. Streets of Docks. Navy seemed like a… way out.”

“From street rat to captain of a vessel…That’s quite a journey.”

I shrugged. “Just lucky, I guess.”

We fell into a comfortable silence, the wine flowing freely now, the conversation meandering from mundane to meaningful to mundane again. I asked her about her job, the places she’d seen, the battles she’d fought. She, in turn, seemed curious about my life before the navy - the streets, the scraps, the constant struggle to survive. I told her about stealing bread from bakeries, learning to pickpocket from a one-legged veteran, and the thrill of outwitting the harbor guards just for the hell of it.

Hours melted away, the fire died down to embers, and the moon outside my window climbed higher in the sky.

“More wine, Seren?” I asked, getting up to take her empty glass.

She shook her head. “I’m good.”

“You sure can hold your liquor,” I commented, rinsing the glasses in the basin.

No answer.

I continue, scrubbing away at the last remnants of red. “I must say, it’s been a while since I’ve had such an engaging conversation.”

Silence.

I turned around, expecting to find her watching me with that amused glint in her eyes. But the sofa was empty.

“Seren?”

My gaze fell on something discarded on the cushions where she’d been sitting. Her jacket. And beneath it… a tangle of black silk. Her shirt.

I followed the trail - her boots tossed carelessly by the door, her trousers pooled on the floor like a dark promise – leading towards my bedroom.

The bedroom door stood ajar, a sliver of moonlight spilling across the floorboards. My pulse quickened, every step I took toward that light felt like a voyage into uncharted waters.

And then I saw her.

Lying on my bed, bathed in moonlight, wearing nothing but her underwear. Her legs – long, toned, those muscles I’d admired earlier now on full display – were stretched out before her, one foot resting playfully against the sheets. Her breasts… gods, they were perfect, full and round, tipped with dark rose that made my mouth go dry. Her raven hair, freed from that severe ponytail, cascaded down her back like a waterfall.

“Didn’t take you for the impatient type, Seren.”

“I could say the same about you…”

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her – the way her hips shifted restlessly on the sheets, the rise and fall of her chest with each breath…

Seren smiled, a slow, predatory curve of her lips as she raised one foot, running it slowly up my shin, her toes teasing the hem of my trousers. “Come here.”

“And here I thought you were the one who was all about ‘discretion’ and ‘protocol’ this morning.” I stepped closer, my body already thrumming with anticipation.

“I am all about that and some….” Her gaze dropped to the very obvious bulge in my trousers. “Someone’s eager, I see.”

“Can you blame me?” I reached out, tracing a fingertip along the smooth skin of her thigh. “With a view like this…any man would be ready to declare war.”

“Such a charmer.” Seren hooked her foot around the waistband of my trousers and tugged downwards. My cock sprang free, hard and throbbing, eager for her touch.

Her eyes widened momentarily, then she burst into laughter. “By the gods, Aedan, you should need a permit to carry that around.”

“Just wait until you see what I can do with it.”

“Promises, promises, Captain…” Her gaze was dark and hungry. “How long have you been like this?”

“Since the moment I was graced with the sight of your hips swaying this morning.”

“Again, such a way with words,” she purred, arching her back so those incredible breasts were practically offered to me on a silver platter. “I take it you like what you see…”

“Think it’s pretty obvious, don’t you?” I nodded towards my cock, which was doing its best to salute the entire Thalassar Navy at this point.

Seren giggled, the sound wickedly delightful, before shifting closer. I watched, mesmerized, as she reached out, those long, graceful fingers wrapping around my hardness. Her touch was electric – fire and ice all at once.

“Hmm, someone is ready to play…” she murmured, stroking me slowly, teasingly. “I’ve heard rumors about your… talents…but I’m always a fan of practical demonstrations.”

Then her mouth was on me, hot and wet, her tongue tracing a scorching path along the underside of my cock. Gods, it was heaven. I let out a sound that was halfway between a groan and a prayer as she took the head into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the sensitive slit.

“Fuck,” I hissed. “Seren…”

Her mouth was a whirlwind of sensation. One minute she’d be swirling her tongue around the tip, sucking with a force that made my vision go white, the next she’d be sliding me deep into her tight little mouth.

“MMMmmmmpphh….”

The sounds she made – soft moans, little gasps of air, the obscene slurp as she pulled off with a strand of saliva stretching between us - were driving me insane.

Her breath hitched, a tiny gasp as she took me deeper, her lips stretching to accommodate my length.

“GwaaaNnngghhhh…”

A guttural sound, almost a growl, escaped her as she bobbed her head, taking me all the way down until I swore I could feel her tonsils. The slight gurgling sound that came from deep in her throat made my balls tighten, my hips buck involuntarily.

I ran my fingers through her hair, holding her close, reveling in the feel of her mouth around me. So hot, so tight, so hungry. And her tongue… that damned tongue… she knew exactly how to use it, teasing and tormenting every inch of me.

“Aahh… f-fuck…”

Her voice was muffled, strained, as she hitched her breath, taking me to the very edge. I saw stars. I was so close, so fucking close. Our eyes met, hers glazed with lust, a thin strand of saliva dribbling from the corner of her mouth. She held me there for a heartbeat, two… then pulled off with a gasp.

The strand of spit arced through the air, catching the moonlight like a silver thread, before snapping.

Seren sucked in a breath, her chest heaving, massaging her jaw with one hand. “ Fuck… don’t think my jaw’s ever had a workout like that.”

I chuckled, the sound rough and uneven. “Does everything have to be a workout with you, Seren?”

“Try having that down your throat and then tell me it’s not strenuous.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I grinned, reaching out to trace a fingertip along her flushed cheek. “ Glad I could contribute to your… fitness regime.”

“You’re insufferable,” she muttered, but her eyes were still dark with desire.

“Only when it matters, darling.” And with that, I leaned down, whispered “ Your turn,” and pushed her gently back onto the bed.

She landed with a soft bounce and a giggle, her hair spilling across the pillows like a dark halo. I reached for the hem of her underwear, those black lace panties that had been tormenting me all night. Seren lifted her hips obligingly, and I slid them down her long, smooth legs, tossing them onto the floor.

There she was. Her pussy, smooth and shaven, glistening with wetness. It was an invitation I couldn’t resist.

My fingers trailed along her folds, feeling the heat radiating from her. She shivered under my touch, a soft moan escaping her lips.

Gods, I wanted her. Badly.

But first…a little payback was in order.

I lowered my head, my lips brushing against the inside of her thighs. Her skin was so soft, so warm. I trailed kisses along her leg, savoring the taste of her – salty, sweet, intoxicating. I could feel her heat, the pulse of her arousal, but I ignored it for now. Teasing, tormenting, building the tension.

My tongue traced a path along her inner thigh, stopping just short of her dripping pussy. Seren arched her hips, a whimper escaping her lips.

“ Aedan…”

I chuckled, nibbling gently on the sensitive skin just above her clit. “Patience, darling,” I murmured, my voice rough with desire. "We have all night.”

But not much longer if she kept making those sounds.

I pushed her legs wider apart, giving myself full access to that delicious heat. Then I dove in, my tongue diving into her soaking cunt.

“Oh, gods…yessss…!”

I started with gentle laps, tasting her, savoring the sweet, musky flavor. Then, emboldened by her moans, I slipped more of my tongue inside, probing deeper, exploring the slick folds of her pussy. Her juices, rich and heady as the finest wine, flowed into my mouth, a feast for the senses.

“Mmmm… Aedan…”

Seren’s fingers dug into my hair, pulling me closer, urging me on. I lapped at her clit, circling it with my tongue, then plunged back into her heat. Her hips were bucking now, grinding against my face, her moans growing louder.

I added a finger, sliding it into her slick heat alongside my tongue. Seren arched off the bed, a strangled cry ripping from her throat. I pumped my finger slowly, feeling her tightness, her heat, while my tongue kept up its relentless assault on her clit.

“Aedan… fuck… I … ngghhh … I need…” Her words were incoherent, lost in a whirlwind of moans and gasps.

I pulled back, chuckling, looking up at her, her face flushed, hair a mess, eyes glazed with lust. “Need what, darling? Spit it out.”

“You…inside me… now… please… ”

I grinned. “Never one to turn down a lady’s request.”

“Come on then, Captain,” Seren purred, shifting back on the bed and lifting her legs high in the air, offering herself to me with a wantonness that made my blood sing.

The sight of her like that - completely open, her pussy glistening from my attention, her breasts rising and falling with each breath - was almost too much to handle.

I trailed my fingers up her thighs, teasingly slow, watching the way she arched into my touch. Then my lips followed, placing light kisses along her inner thighs, savoring the taste of her skin – salty and sweet, like the sea itself.

“Aedan…” She moaned, her voice thick with lust.

I ignored her plea for now, continuing my slow ascent. I lavished attention on every inch of her, my tongue tracing a path of fire along her stomach, circling her navel, teasing the undersides of her breasts before finally reaching my destination. Her nipples, hard and pebbled, were irresistible.

“ Ohhhhh…fuck… ” Seren arched her back, her fingers tangling in my hair, pulling me closer.

I sucked on one nipple, then the other, swirling my tongue around them, nibbling gently on the hardened peaks. Her moans grew louder, more urgent.

But it was time for the main event. Enough teasing.

I aligned myself between her legs, the head of my cock pressing against her slick entrance. The heat radiating from her was almost overwhelming, the scent of her arousal making me dizzy.

“Ready, darling? ”

“Gods, yes…”

I nudged forward, feeling her tightness as I breached her entrance. She gasped, her body tensing for a moment before relaxing, welcoming me in.

I slid deeper, inch by glorious inch until I was buried to the hilt.

“UGhhhhhhh…”

I let my arms slip down beside her head, my weight pressing into hers, our bodies molded together like they were made to fit. Her legs wrapped around my waist, her arms tightened around my back, and for a moment, we just lay there, our gazes locked, breaths mingling. Her eyes, dark and lust-filled, held mine with an intensity that made my already hardened mast twitch.

“Well, Captain?” she purred, her voice husky. “Are you just going to lie there and admire the view, or are you going to fuck me? ”

I grinned, leaning down to capture her lips in a rough kiss. “ What do you think, darling?”

I pulled back, just enough to watch her face as I slid out of her, then slammed back in with a groan.

“ Fuck! ” Seren arched her back, her nails digging into my shoulders. “Yessss… just like that…”

Her hips started to move, meeting my thrusts with a hungry urgency. The sight of her beneath me – her head thrown back, her breasts jiggling with each thrust, those long legs wrapped around me – was enough to send me over the edge, but I fought for control. I wanted to savor this. To make her come undone.

I shifted my grip, one hand sliding down to cup her ass, pulling her tighter against me, driving myself deeper.

“Ahhhhh…” she whimpered, her hips bucking against mine. “ Yesss… just… like that … keep… ugh… going…”

We found a rhythm, our bodies moving together in a dance as old as time. The sweat slicked our skin, the air thick with the scent of sex and exertion. I’d lean in, capture a nipple in my mouth, suck on it hard, and she’d squeal with delight, her hands grabbing my head, holding me to her breast.

“Aedannn… fuck meeee… harder… don’t… ohhhhhhh… don’t stop… pleeeaseee….”

Like I could stop now. I picked up the pace, my thrusts becoming harder, faster, driven by the sound of her moans, the feel of her tight pussy milking me, the sheer animal lust that was threatening to consume me.

The bed creaked beneath us, the headboard banging against the wall with every thrust. I was lost in the sensation – the heat, the tightness, the way her body clung to mine as if we were drowning together.

“Gods… so… fucking… full… you’re so deep … aghhhhhh…”

I buried my face in her neck, my teeth grazing her skin, my tongue worrying at her earlobe. She was a mess of gasps and moans, her body bucking wildly beneath me, her nails raking down my back.

“I’m… I’m gonna… fuck… I’m gonna CUMMM!”

The sound of our bodies slamming together echoed in the small cottage – a primal rhythm, a desperate plea, a celebration of pure, unadulterated lust. I felt her muscles clench around me, her pussy tightening, and knew she was close.

“ OHMYGAWDDDDDD…. Aedannnn…! ”

Her cry ripped through the night, raw and unfiltered, and then she shattered. Her entire body convulsed, a wave of pure pleasure rippling through her from head to toe. I felt her pussy contract around me, milking me with each spasm, and knew I wasn’t far behind.

Her moans, her scent, the way she looked - eyes glazed over, lips parted, a thin sheen of sweat on her skin - it was too much. My balls tightened, a wave of heat surging through me.

“ Seren…” I groaned, my voice raw. I was gone.

A few more powerful thrusts and I came with a roar, burying myself deep inside her, unloading every drop of pent-up lust into her welcoming heat. Seren whimpered, her hips bucking one last time as she rode out my climax, her hands clawing at my back, holding me tight as I spilled into her.

I shivered as the last waves of ecstasy crashed through me, my body pulsing into hers with a final, intense release.

We lay there, gasping, our bodies slick with sweat as our orgasms began to subside. Seren’s chest heaved, her breaths coming in ragged bursts, matching my own. I slipped out of her, feeling the loss of her warmth immediately, and collapsed onto the bed beside her.

The only sound in the room was the gentle crash of waves against the shore.

“Well…” Her voice, husky with satisfaction, broke the silence. “Seems the rumors weren’t just sailor’s tales after all.”

I turned my head, propping it up on one hand, to look at her. “Rumors?”

“Word around is… Captain knows how to treat a woman right.” Seren smirked, running a finger lazily across my chest.

“Is that so? ”

“Oh, yes.” She leaned closer, her breath warm on my skin. “ I’ve heard… stories.”

I raised an eyebrow, amused. “I wasn’t aware I had such a reputation.” I paused, then asked, “So, how did I fare then?”

“Let’s just say…” She pressed a kiss to my lips, her tongue darting out to tease mine. “…they don’t do you justice.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, Seren.”

She laughed softly, and before I knew what was happening, her tongue was in my mouth, tangling with mine, rekindling the fire that had only just begun to smolder. I groaned, pulling her closer, losing myself in the taste of her, the feel of her soft body pressed against mine.

Breaking free, she sighed, a satisfied smile on her face. “God, that…. is so much better than I imagined it to be.”

“Happy to serve.”

“I’m sure you are.” She giggled, then her expression turned serious. “But you really should show a little more restraint. I never said you could finish inside me. ”

My stomach lurched. “It’s not … safe? I just assumed –”

She burst out laughing. “Relax, Aedan. I’m just teasing. It’s safe, otherwise I would have stopped you.” But then she reached down between her legs, her fingers coming back slick with our combined fluids. She held them up, those long, elegant fingers, for my inspection. “ Do you always… cum so much?”

I shrugged.

“Hmm…” Seren brought a finger to her lips, tasting it slowly. “Delicious. And… rather… detectable.”

I chuckled, getting off the bed and grabbing the pitcher of water from the nightstand. The cool water sliding down my throat felt like a blessing from the gods.

“Here.” I passed the pitcher to Seren, who took it with a grateful nod. She drank deeply, the water spilling down her chin and onto her chest in a way that made me want to forget about fresh air and tackle her right back onto the bed.

I headed over to the window, throwing it open with a grunt. The cool night air rushed in, carrying with it the scent of salt and seaweed – a welcome contrast to the musky aroma that lingered in the room. The view was spectacular - the moon a silver disc hanging low in the sky, the waves crashing gently against the shore.

“You’ve got a nice place, Aedan.”

I turned, leaning against the window frame. “Cost me a small fortune, but it’s worth it. Peace and quiet… when I can get it.”

“Worth every coin,” she agreed, her gaze lingering on me. Then a wicked grin spread across her face. “So… ready for round two, Captain?”

She ran her hands down her body, her fingertips lingering on her breasts, her stomach, the smooth skin of her thighs. Her body still glowed with the afterglow of our climax, her skin flushed, her eyes bright with desire.

“You’re a demanding woman, Seren.”

“Only when I want to be.”

I chuckled, walking back towards the bed. “And what exactly do you want now? ”

“You,” she said simply. Then, with a wicked glint in her eye, “On your back. I want to ride you.”

I settled back against the pillows, a thrill of anticipation shooting through me. “Well, far be it from me to deny a lady her desire. Hold on tight.”

Seren laughed, a sound that was both melodious and utterly depraved, and swung a leg over my hips. “Oh, I intend to, Captain. I intend to…”