Prologue
I stood by the window, trying to tie the strings of my silk robe, but my fingers were shaking. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Why was something so simple eluding me? I tried to tie them again, but my fingers were trembling. Harshly letting go of them, I turned my gaze to the stars outside but the sight of the large red moon hanging in the sky only intensified my emotions, leaving me frozen in place. I looked at it, and the longer I gazed, I could see his eyes. A tear escaped from mine. Mundo. My beast, my tadhana. He’s always the one on my mind whenever that crimson orb graces the night sky.
No, none of the ways would ever solve this. They already knew, the King and Queen knew about us. It was wrong for them, but why did it feel so right for me? I wiped the tears flowing from my eyes. This was wrong, and yet, why was I crying, Sahana? I couldn’t even fight for him. I couldn’t even run away with him. So, why was I crying? Stop it, please. In this situation, I knew it would be better to leave him.
I took a deep breath, trying to tie this, desperate to end the night. I was tired. I wanted to close my eyes for a moment, hoping he would be beside me when I opened them. But knowing he had already left with the Queen’s gold bars, I knew he would be traveling far away from me. Why didn’t he leave with me, then? Did he never think of our moments back then? Was I just being used? Stop thinking, Sahana. You’re a princess, poised and proper. But maybe in another life, I could hold his hand freely, right?
Just as I was about to tie the knot, a hand snaked around my waist, stopping me. My eyes widened as I felt the warmth of his breath against my earlobe, leaning in close.
“You’re going away from your little secret, huh?” he muttered, his voice dripping with venom but I still couldn’t deny the delicious shivers that coursed down my spine as he uttered those words.
“Mundo.” I breathed, the word barely audible while his fingers running along the shape of my body.
My eyes remained tightly shut, and I bit my lip to stifle a moan that threatened to escape when his hands explored the silk robe that barely clung to my skin. I could even feel the growing hunger within me.
“What do you want?” I whispered again, my voice trembled.
His touch left me feeling dizzy, and it was hard to think straight. Despite this, the knowledge of how forbidden this was still lingered in the depths of my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about the dangerous path I had chosen. And here I was, giving in to my desires, mating with a creature the entire country was hunting for.
As his hands continued to explore my body until his fingers danced along the edges of my robe, inching it open inch by inch and I could feel my heart racing. Please, not now. I begged my mind, torn between my yearning desires and the nagging voice of conscience. And I know, the conflict between these two raged within me, a war I had fought countless times before.
The robe fell to the floor, leaving me exposed to his hungry gaze. He stood so close behind me and I could feel his breath caressing my skin as he brushed my hair to one side, baring the nape of my neck. I knew that I was playing with fire, tempting fate in the most seductive of ways as my body responded to his touch with a hunger I could no longer deny. And now, I surrendered to the truth that I craved him, body and soul.
“My fingers could only do these,” he whispered as his fingers, his long fingers were sinfully skilled, igniting sparks wherever they caressed my bare skin and I could feel my resistance crumbling. “And yet, your world is shattering,” he added, as if he knew my deepest desires, my darkest fantasies.
It was as though he could read my thoughts, knowing exactly how to push me to the brink of ecstasy. I could only gasp in response, unable to deny the truth in his words. While his lips, soft and demanding, left a fiery trail along my neck. Goosebumps erupted across my skin like a flame ignited by his touch. But I tried to pull away and yet, my body betrayed me, leaning back into his strong like an armor body.
His hands, rough and confident, roamed across my chest but my breasts ached with need as he explored them, his fingers left me with sensations I had longed for. And then, he dragged a thumb over my already sensitive nipple. My entire world erupted, and I whimpered, unable to contain the desperate longing that consumed me. His thumb circled it at an agonizingly slow pace, a maddening tease as I couldn’t hold back the soft moan that escaped my lips while the world around us ceased to exist as my body wanted more.
“Please.” I murmured, unable to find any other words to express this feeling within me. “Please,” I murmured again, my voice thick with longing for him to claim me.
My heart pounded in my chest as I surrendered to the irresistible darkness that enveloped us and it had become a wildfire, consuming all reason and restraint. My fingers trembled as I reached out, grabbing his wrist. His wrist, large and strong, pressed against the curve of my breast, sending a jolt of pleasure through my core.
“I dare you to leave me.” He said, whispering into my ear. “And see what happens.” His voice growled, each word lacing with anger and yet, his challenge only served to fuel my fire.
“I-I want you to take me.” I whispered, my voice shaking with need.
“What? I couldn’t hear you.” He whispered back and it was almost cruel how he used my own desire against me.
“Ruin me,” I said, the words escaping my lips like a sinful confession but he only laughed. His monster’s laugh, low and seductive, was almost a melody to my ears. “Ruin me, Mundo.” And all I could hear was his laugh and it was cruel yet oddly arousing.
He pulled away from our hug. I couldn’t move, unsure of what to do. There I stood, mouth agape, desperately trying to understand him. Desperately ignoring all my thoughts, but there I was...Why? Did he hate me now? I looked down, unable to bring myself to turn and see his expression. I didn’t want to see his eyes... the thought of his eyes no longer longing for me... It was just... it was too painful to bear.
But then, the moment his fingers touched my chin and gently turned my face to meet his, my heart skipped a beat and before I could even utter a word, he devoured my lips. His mouth possessed mine that left me breathless while our tongues danced. It sent shivers down my spine as I moaned softly into the kiss when his hands roamed even lower, cupping my slick folds between my legs. My eyes rolled back as he teased my clit, circling it with his fingers before slipping one inside me.
“M-mundo, please.” I pleaded as the taste of him—dark, forbidden, and intoxicating—left me breathless.
“A lot of nights spent ,” he spoke in a low and husky voice. “And I know you will always find yourself coming back to me.” His voice became soft and I know, there was no denying the truth in his words—we were bound together by something darker and more powerful than either of us could comprehend.
In that moment, I surrendered, knowing that there was no turning back. And I couldn’t bring myself to care, for this forbidden dance had eclipsed all else, and I know he always holds my heart. He is my heart. Always… and for all lifetimes.
“Sahana?” Malaya’s voice echoed, drawing me back from the sensual abyss that had consumed me.
I quickly finished my bath, the hot water turning cold as I rinsed away the remnants of his touch. I still felt it.It still lingered on my skin, and my heart raced as I emerged from the bath. I stood there, water droplets glistening on my skin, feeling a throbbing sensation between my legs.
“Princess Sahana?!”
But reality intruded, and I knew I had to face it. As I stepped out of the tub and wrapped a towel around myself, Malaya appeared in the doorway, her face a mix of concern and fear.
I observed her lips moving as she started to talk about the King’s orders, yet not a single word registered in my mind. Until, her eyes widened when her finger pointed to the right side of my neck, and mine widened too. Because there, on my skin, was a dark circle, inked in black, with lines converging into a crimson patch at the center.
“He was claiming you!” Her words sent a shiver down my spine.
I stopped, unable to move. Slowly, my fingers touched the spot on my neck where he bit me. I still felt the pleasure it gave me, but how could he mark me when he’d already left? Realizing what it meant left me breathless. The mark—he had claimed me as his. It was a mark I couldn’t ignore, a symbol of possession. Yet, he was furious. His eyes, as if set on fire as he made love to me as if he hated me. Yes, I knew. He was truly mad at me for making this choice.
“You should go to the Far Nor—” She began, but I couldn’t let her finish.
“You’re coming with me, right?” I interrupted, my eyes searching hers for a glimmer of hope. However, she began packing my clothes in that black bag, her gaze fixed on my things. That’s when I swallowed hard, feeling my heartbeat quicken. The thought of living in a new environment without her was daunting. So please, Malaya.“Malaya, answer me. You’re coming rig—” I pressed, the seconds stretching like an eternity.
I looked at her, my feet taking a step forward, but her sigh made me stop. She looked at me, tears welling in her eyes as she shook her head.
“The King has forbidden me to go with you. But don’t worry, the knights will escort you,“she said and it was a rejection that cut deeper than any blade.
Note:
A little warning for you, darling.
The series dive into a gritty and dark tale. It’s an intense, fantasy romance story with explicit content. It is crucial to emphasize that the content presented is purely fictional and not intended to endorse or condone any real-life actions. This story is a venture into a dark and twisted fantasy realm, and readers are advised to proceed with caution, acknowledging its mature nature. Please note that the material is intended for adults aged 18 and above due to its explicit content. Reader discretion is strongly advised. This story is exclusively available on Wattpad, Inkitt, and Scribble Hub. If you come across it on any other website, it’s not from me and has been copied without permission.
