***Mature Content Ahead: The following scene contains 18+ material. Reader discretion is advised.***
Aelric rode hard through the night, the pounding of hooves matching the relentless beat of his heart. The forest closed in around him, dark and oppressive, every shadow whispering fears he dared not voice.
You should have told her. The thought gnawed at him. You should have said something before it came to this.
Branches clawed at him as if the forest itself sought to keep him from her. "Damn stubborn woman," he muttered, jaw clenched. "Always running... always making me chase you."
But it wasn't anger that drove him — it was fear.
The forest finally broke, giving way to an open field washed in moonlight. Aelric pulled his horse to a stop, breath catching as his gaze swept over the landscape.
Blue blossoms — hundreds, thousands — blanketed the earth, glowing softly beneath the moon's watchful eye.
Slowly, Aelric dismounted, his eyes wide with something dangerously close to wonder. He knelt, fingers brushing against a fragile petal. "Mei-Ling," he breathed, his voice cracking.
There was no mistaking it. Her magic lived here. The delicate blooms were hers — a trail of her heart, scattered recklessly for him to find.
His throat tightened as he stared across the field. "You've always left pieces of yourself behind," he murmured, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Always so careless with my heart... and I was too much a coward to stop you."
The wind stirred, carrying her scent — wildflowers and rain — and Aelric closed his eyes.
He couldn't lose her. Not now. Not when the feelings he'd buried for so long were clawing their way free.
"When I found you in that forest... that damn day," he whispered, voice barely audible. "I thought you were trouble. I thought... I could stay detached. But you —" He laughed once, bitter and breathless. "You ruined me."
His hands curled into fists. "I should've told you. Every day. Every time you looked at me like I was just... another passing shadow." He swallowed hard. "I feel it, Mei-Ling. I've felt it since that first damned moment. And I can't..."
He stopped, shoulders trembling.
A soft sigh escaped him, words slipping out like a confession to the moon. "I just need to see you. One last time. To show you. To tell you everything I've been too much a coward to say."
Aelric stood slowly, his gaze hardening with new resolve. "I'm coming, Mei-Ling. If it takes all night... all my life... I'll find you."
With that, he mounted his horse and rode into the sea of blue — heart laid bare, chasing the only thing that had ever truly mattered.
Just as Aelric was about to press forward, a faint wisp of smoke in the distance caught his eye. His heart leapt — smoke meant fire, and fire meant people. Without a second thought, he spurred his horse toward it.
The closer he rode, the tighter his chest became until he finally slowed, dismounting at a safe distance. Quiet as a shadow, Aelric slipped into the undergrowth. In a practiced motion, he leapt onto the nearest tree, climbing swiftly until he perched on a thick branch overlooking the small clearing.
There they were — four figures gathered around a crackling fire. Laughter and easy conversation drifted up to him, unfamiliar male voices joking and cursing between bites of roasted meat. His sharp eyes scanned the group... and then he saw her.
Mei-Ling sat among them, laughing — laughing — with three strange men like she hadn't vanished from his world, leaving him half-mad with worry. Relief crashed over Aelric like a wave, his breath hitching in his throat.
I found her.
But relief soured the moment his gaze snapped back to the men. Who are they? They sat too close — one even leaning toward Mei-Ling like they had the right.
Jealousy flared, hot and ugly, twisting his gut. Rage followed. They had no right.
Without thinking, Aelric drew his sword, leaped from the tree, and landed hard — right in the center of the camp. The ground shuddered under him. His blade gleamed in the firelight, pointed directly at the startled trio.
Feredis yelped, tumbling backward. Gror and Fror froze mid-chew, eyes wide as saucers.
Mei-Ling shot up, her heart nearly leaping from her chest. "AELRIC!" she screamed. "What are you doing here?!"
Aelric's fierce gaze never left the three men. "Who are you!" he growled, voice low, dangerous. "What are you doing with, what is mine?!"
Mei-Ling's breath caught — mine? Her heart stuttered. Did he just—?
"Put your sword down, Aelric!" Mei-Ling snapped, finding her voice. "They're friends! You're scaring them!"
"They're strangers!" Aelric barked back. "Men — sitting around a fire with you, out here, in the dark!" His eyes burned as he finally turned to face her. "Do you ever do as you're told?! Stay where I can see you!"
Mei-Ling's eyes flashed with anger. "Why?!" she fired back. "You're leaving anyway — what does it matter where I stay?"
Aelric froze, the fight draining from his face. His jaw clenched before he finally let out a long, ragged sigh. Slowly, he lowered his sword and sheathed it. "Because I—" He swallowed hard. "Because it matters."
The silence stretched until Feredis, still pale and wide-eyed, leaned toward Gror and whispered loudly, "I... uh... think we should give them some... space."
Gror nodded quickly. "Aye. Man's about to explode."
Fror didn't argue. The trio scrambled to their feet, muttering hurried goodbyes as they practically tripped over each other slipping away into the darkness.
Mei-Ling stood her ground, arms crossed, glaring at Aelric. "You're insane," she hissed. "You could've killed them."
"I would have," Aelric muttered, "if they'd laid a finger on you."
The words hung in the air — raw, possessive, and unfiltered.
Finally, Aelric exhaled and met her gaze, softer now but no less intense. "You're coming with me. Now."
Mei-Ling squared her shoulders. "No."
"Mei-Ling," his voice broke slightly, "please."
But Mei-Ling stood firm — and the distance between them never felt wider.
Mei-Ling turned sharply, her heart hammering in her chest, but Aelric's hand shot out, gripping her waist with a desperate strength. Before she could pull away, he yanked her flush against him.
Their eyes met — fierce, raw, and unguarded.
"Don't," Aelric rasped, voice rough with all the things he could no longer hold back. "Don't walk away from me, Mei-Ling."
She stared up at him, breath caught in her throat. Surprise flickered across her face, chased quickly by something softer — something vulnerable.
"Aelric, what are you—"
But the words died on her lips. He was already leaning in.
It wasn't careful. It wasn't planned.
Aelric kissed her — hard, hungry, pouring every unspoken word, every buried feeling into that single, desperate act. For a heartbeat, Mei-Ling resisted, her hands pushing against his chest, her mind screaming at her to stop.
But then... her heart betrayed her.
With a soft gasp, she melted against him, her hands curling into his tunic as she kissed him back — tasting the truth he'd never dared say. The world around them vanished, reduced to the frantic meeting of mouths and trembling hands.
"Aelric..." she whispered against his lips, breathless.
He answered by cupping her face, deepening the kiss until their souls felt entwined. He kissed her like he'd die if he stopped.
"I searched all night..." he murmured against her mouth. "I couldn't... I can't lose you."
Mei-Ling's heart skipped wildly. "Why now?" she whispered. "Why wait until now to say it?"
Aelric rested his forehead against hers, his voice cracking. "Because I'm a damn coward," he confessed. "Because I didn't know how to love you and still let you go."
A tear slipped down Mei-Ling's cheek, and Aelric caught it with his lips.
His arms tightened around her as if she might vanish. "Come back with me," he whispered. "Please. No more running."
Mei-Ling trembled, torn between anger, love, and the aching need she could no longer deny. "I hate you..." she whispered. "I hate how much I want you."
Aelric gave a broken laugh. "Then we're even."
Their lips found each other again — softer this time, reverent, like memorizing the taste of goodbye or the beginning of forever.
The moon bathed the glade in soft silver, the night air warm against flushed skin as Aelric and Mei-Ling stood before each other—breathing hard, their eyes locked in that fragile space between hesitation and desperate hunger.
Aelric's fingers reached first, tracing the line of Mei-Ling's collarbone, pausing at the first knot of her robe. "May I?" he whispered, voice thick with restraint.
Mei-Ling nodded slowly, her lips parting as she whispered back, "Only if I can return the favor."
Aelric's answering grin was full of heat and promise.
With deliberate care, he worked the knot loose, silk slipping like water through his fingers. Mei-Ling's robe parted, revealing pale skin beneath, smooth and inviting. She shivered—not from cold, but from the weight of his gaze devouring her. Aelric leaned down, placing a reverent kiss at the hollow of her throat, tasting her skin as he slid the robe down her shoulders.
Mei-Ling's hands rose then, fingers grazing along his chest before finding the clasps of his tunic. "You're overdressed," she murmured, smirking as she tugged at the fastenings. Aelric laughed low, the sound vibrating through her.
"Fix that, then," he challenged.
With deft hands, Mei-Ling peeled his tunic away, exposing the hard lines of muscle beneath. Her palms flattened against him, exploring the strength hidden beneath smooth skin. Aelric inhaled sharply, grabbing her hands and kissing each knuckle before guiding them lower.
"Your turn," he murmured, his voice rough with desire.
Together, they worked—Aelric's hands sliding down to untie the silk sash around her waist as Mei-Ling tugged his belt free. Clothes fell away, discarded and forgotten on the grass. Each piece removed bared more skin, more of the secrets they'd both carried like armor.
Mei-Ling's eyes never left his as her robe slipped off completely, pooling at her feet. Aelric's breath caught in his throat, staring openly at the perfection revealed to him—the soft curves of her breasts, the subtle strength in her thighs, the delicate flush spreading across her skin.
"Perfect," he whispered, almost reverently.
Mei-Ling smiled, leaning in to kiss him—slow, deep, a kiss meant to consume. Her hands slid down his bare sides, finding the waistband of his trousers. With a firm tug, she worked them down until he stepped free, his arousal hard and undeniable between them.
"And you're not so bad yourself," she teased, her lips brushing his ear.
Aelric growled low, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing their bare bodies together. "No more waiting."
Their mouths crashed together again—urgent, wild—as hands roamed, exploring every new expanse of exposed skin. Aelric's palm cupped Mei-Ling's breast, thumb brushing over the taut nipple until she moaned softly into his mouth.
Without breaking contact, Aelric lifted her easily, Mei-Ling's legs wrapping around his waist as though she belonged there. He carried her to the grass, laying her down gently beneath the sky's watchful gaze.
"Look at me," Aelric commanded softly, his voice hoarse as he hovered above her.
Mei-Ling did, her eyes dark with desire and something deeper—trust.
His hand traced down her body, pausing to savor the swell of her breasts, the curve of her waist, before sliding between her thighs. "You're already so ready for me," he groaned, feeling the wet heat there.
"Then stop teasing," Mei-Ling shot back, a breathless smirk curving her lips. "I need you."
Aelric's eyes darkened further, his control fraying. He kissed his way down, tasting her skin until he reached her center. Mei-Ling gasped, hands tangling in his hair as his tongue explored her folds—slow, thorough, worshiping.
"Aelric... please..." she panted, body arching.
He answered her plea, his mouth working her until she trembled, soft cries escaping her lips, her thighs tightening around him. Only when he felt her near the edge did he rise, lips glistening with her essence.
Their eyes met—raw, exposed—and Mei-Ling reached down, wrapping slender fingers around his hardened length, guiding him toward her.
"Together," she whispered.
Aelric nodded, pressing forward, slowly entering her inch by inch until he was fully sheathed inside her warmth. They both moaned—two halves finally whole.
"Gods," Aelric groaned, holding still to savor the feeling. "You feel... perfect."
Mei-Ling cupped his face, pulling him down for a kiss as she whispered, "Move... I want to feel all of you."
And he did. Each thrust slow and deep, his hands exploring her body as if committing every curve to memory. Mei-Ling's breath hitched, her nails dragging down his back as their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm.
"You belong to me," Aelric growled in Elven, his voice like silk and steel. "And I to you."
"Yes," Mei-Ling gasped, "I'm yours."
The tension built between them—faster, harder—until they both tumbled over the edge together, Mei-Ling crying out as Aelric spilled himself deep inside her, they clung to each other, breathless, as waves of pleasure surged through them.
Breathless, Aelric collapsed against her, his head resting on her chest, their hearts hammering in tandem.
"I'll never let you go," he whispered fiercely, wrapping her tight in his arms.
Mei-Ling smiled, fingers tracing lazy patterns across his back. "I know," she breathed. "And you won't have to."
Above them, the moon bore silent witness as they lay tangled together—two souls bound by desire, by need, and now... by something far more dangerous: love.
****
As dawn painted the sky in soft hues of gold and crimson, Mei-Ling stirred from her slumber, her cheek resting against the steady rise and fall of Aelric's chest. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-soaked grass and the distant perfume of wildflowers.
Aelric was already awake, grinning like a fool. "Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Mei-Ling groaned lightly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "You're too cheerful for this hour." She stretched her arms above her head, the silk of her robe slipping down her shoulders. "We should head back. You wouldn't want to keep Aurelia waiting."
Aelric scoffed, the smirk on his lips widening. "Let her wait." Without warning, he looped an arm around Mei-Ling's waist, dragging her back against him. He buried his face in the curtain of her long, silky black hair, inhaling deeply. "How—how do you always smell this divine? It's unfair. Like blossoms wrapped in temptation."
"Years of practice," Mei-Ling snorted, elbowing him lightly until he relented. She gathered her things, muttering, "You're impossible in the mornings."
"You love it," Aelric called after her, grinning.
As they packed and prepared to leave, a rustle came from the tree line. The familiar, hulking forms of the Feredis brothers—Gror and Fror—emerged, with Feredis himself leading.
"So... you made up, huh?" Feredis grinned, arms crossed, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Mei-Ling flushed but held her ground. "Thank you for your company," she said politely. "And your... subtle discretion."
Gror snorted. "Subtle? You were louder than a pair of foxes fighting in a barrel."
"Gror!" Feredis barked, but laughter rumbled from the trio.
With a faint smile, Mei-Ling nodded and bid them farewell. Aelric gave a lazy wave, and the two made their way back toward the outpost.
As the wooden gates came into view, they spotted Aurelia astride her tall silver mare, looking every inch the proud elven General Her golden hair gleamed like molten metal in the sun, her lips set in a grim line. Lined up behind her, rows of elven soldiers stood silent, their polished armor reflecting the morning light.
"You're late," Aurelia called out, her voice like steel wrapped in silk. "We should've left an hour ago. It'll be dark before we reach the city."
Aelric shrugged and gave her a lopsided grin. "We got... delayed. You know how mornings are."
Aurelia's eyes narrowed, unimpressed. "Save the charm, Aelric. We march now. I want no delays."
With a resigned sigh, Aelric turned to Mei-Ling. "Wait for me, alright?" He cupped her cheek, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I will come back to you. I swear it."
Mei-Ling's eyes shimmered, but she smiled. "I know. Just don't take forever, or I'll start charging you for the worry."
Aelric laughed. "Noted." He swung up onto his horse and turned to his second. "Lorianthel—you're in command while I'm gone. Keep Mei-Ling and Jingfei safe."
The stoic elf gave a curt nod. "Understood, General"
With that, Aelric kicked his mount forward, riding alongside Aurelia as the army began its march, their banners streaming like rivers of silk in the wind.
Before Mei-Ling could even turn to leave, a sharp voice rang out.
"Mei-Ling!" Jingfei stormed up, hands on her hips, face flushed. "Where have you been, young lady? Do you know I was worried sick? I nearly sent out a search party—or worse, asked Aurelia for help!"
Mei-Ling winced, then burst into laughter. "I missed you too, Jingfei."
"You can miss me from your chambers," Jingfei huffed, spinning on her heel. "Come on. And if you even think of sneaking off again, I'm tying a bell around your neck."
Mei-Ling smirked. "Kinky. Might not be such a bad idea."
Jingfei spluttered, then stormed off in a flurry of indignation, leaving Mei-Ling chuckling as she trailed behind, her heart strangely light.