Touch of Flame



Ravina was cradled within Malachi's embrace, his warmth an absolute contrast to the cool crashing waves of the sea. His large frame felt as both a shield of protection and a source of comfort, his presence akin to a safe haven. The taste of his lips was reminiscent of cozy early mornings, breakfast by a crackling fireplace and sips of freshly brewed coffee, and his kisses were a tender balance between reverence and passion - as though he recognized her strength even while cherishing her delicate qualities.

The slick dance of his tongue with hers was intoxicating. The soft strokes of his lips and the hard press of his arousal against her belly, evident despite the cool water. It awoke something primal within her and her heart pounded in rhythm to the thrumming undercurrent of desire coursing through her veins.

Time seemed to lose meaning as they savored their kiss, yet it ended all too soon. "I think we should swim," he voiced, his tone hoarse with barely suppressed desire. She could only nod in agreement.

"Let's go deeper then," he added, lifting her effortlessly into his arms, a playful grin spreading across his face.

He led them further into the sea until the water fully embraced them. "I trust you can swim," he inquired, his gaze flickering with mischief.

"I can," she responded with a nod.

He gently lowered her into the water, allowing her to immerse herself in the gentle lull of the ocean. They swam around each other, darting quick glances at their barely concealed forms now and then. It was a dance of longing, a performance of unspoken desires played out under the vast canopy of the starlit sky.

Then they returned to land, their bodies cloaked by the cool night air as they dressed. Stretched out on the beach, they lay in companionable silence, their gazes fixated on the twinkling stars above. A peaceful lull wrapped around them, offering a moment of tranquility in their eventful lives.

Ravina reflected on her life so far – years spent in the castle, the fear of dangers, the burdens of royalty. This newfound freedom, the ability to wander the mountains, to immerse herself in rivers and seas, was an adventure she enjoyed. The worries were still there, yet the exhilaration of this journey made it worthwhile. What was the point of living otherwise?

Malachi was silent, seemingly lost in his own thoughts as he stared at the starry view above. The memory of their first possible adventure, lying in the rain, brought a smile to her lips. He looked just as beautiful under the moonlight as he had in the rain. She wanted to share more moments like this again. 

"How are things back home?" She broke the silence, her curiosity piqued. "Is Aaron doing well?"

"He is. I'm sure Saul will help him now as well," he replied, his gaze still fixed on the star-studded sky.

"Did you reconcile?" She asked, hoping that the brothers had found common ground.

"Yes," he affirmed, his lips curving into a small smile. Whatever had transpired between him and Saul, it had seemingly put him at ease. She felt relief washing over her.

The night gradually grew colder, and Malachi pulled her into his arms, his body serving as a warm refuge from the chill. She wasn't sure when she had drifted off to sleep, but the bright light of the rising sun stirred her awake. 

Drawn by the orange hues, she sat up to watch the sunrise. Malachi woke up as well and joined her to see the sun peeking over the horizon, painting the sea in hues of vibrant orange that was breathtaking. They sat there in awe, their silhouettes bathed in the radiant dawn.

Then Malachi turned to her. "Your eyes are getting dark. You need more sleep," he advised.

She didn't feel tires, but she knew he was right. This was the second night she had cheated sleep. 

"Let's get you inside," he said, taking her hand. 

Everyone was still asleep once they got back, and Ravina snuck back into the room she shared with her father and sister. Darcy stirred as Ravina snuck under the blanket on the mattress they shared. Her father was soundly asleep on his bed. 

Darcy's eyes fluttered open and she frowned. "You are back now!" She whispered, almost scoldingly. 

"Yes," Ravina grimaced.

Darcy shook her head. "What were you up to?" Her gaze shifted to Ravina's disheveled hair.

"Just swimming," Ravina answered softly.

Ensuring their father was still asleep, Darcy returned her focus to Ravina. "Only swimming?"

Suppressing a smile, Ravina tilted her head. "What do you think?"

"I'm not sure," Darcy admitted, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I just know it's not always so innocent."

"Oh," Ravina nodded, teasingly arching a brow. "And what about you? What have you been doing?"

Caught off guard, Darcy bit her lip and mumbled, "Nothing."

Ravina continued to study her sister. "Do you need to go?" She asked, her gaze flickering briefly to their sleeping father.

"No," Darcy responded, a touch too quickly.

"You..." Ravina let her gaze wander once more to their slumbering father before returning to her sister. "If you doubt innocence then I am sure you are not so innocent yourself." 

A blush swept across Darcy's face, but she remained silent.

Ravina nudged her playfully. "You can tell me. I am not so innocent either. We can share our misdeeds," she coaxed, her curiosity piqued. If there was one person she could confide in freely, it was Darcy, and she was eager to learn about her sister's experiences.

"All right. You go first," Darcy proposed, her cheeks still tinted with a rosy hue.

"What do you want to know?"

"Have you... " Darcy leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "You know... ?"

Ravina shook her head. "Not yet. Not all the way."

Darcy's eyes fell and then shifted away abruptly, a silence settling between them.

Realization dawned on Ravina. "You did it!" she exclaimed in a hushed whisper.

Darcy jumped, startled, then pressed a desperate finger to her lips with a pleading look. Ravina quickly covered her mouth, holding back a chuckle.

A flurry of questions swirled in Ravina's mind as they continued their whispered conversation, sharing their experiences while trying to suppress fits of giggles. Ravina found comfort in knowing that Darcy's first time had been a pleasant experience, and Ephraim seemed to truly care for her.

"He clearly cares for you," Darcy commented when Ravina shared her own experiences. "This has been a heavy experience for him, I can tell. And that shows how deeply he cares."

Ravina offered a soft smile. "He does. He's... very protective of those he loves. Very patient," she said, recalling his willingness to bear the blame among his brothers. "He has a good heart, you know. It shines through in his eyes."

Darcy nodded. "His eyes. Yes," she echoed thoughtfully. "He has kind eyes."

"So… does that mean you accept him?" 

Darcy smiled. "I was never going to deny." 

Ravina's smile reached her ears, and she slept peacefully after.

When she woke up both her father and Darcy were gone. After getting dressed, she left the room and arrived at the dining room, where she found her father with Ares and Darcy. They seemed to discuss a serious matter, and Darcy and Ares seemed to disagree about something. 

"What is wrong?" Ravina asked as she approached. 

They turned to her, "Father wants to go back home." Darcy said, looking worried and torn. 

"Father, you can't go yet," Ravina said. "You haven't even fully recovered. We don't know anything for sure at the moment." 

Her father nodded understandably. "I know, but they need me back home. Andrew is not very bright."