Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
“What did he say?”
“He told me that I would have to share you with the East.” Then, Lei’s words held an edge. “But I don’t plan to. You’re mine and only mine. I would never let you belong to the East.”
“I don’t think that would ever be a problem.”
He gave me a sad smile and let go of my chin. Then, he turned his view to the window and gazed down at the beach beneath us. “You’ll end up being an icon for my people. I saw that today.”
The word “icon” echoed in my mind, sending a chill down my spine.
Me, an icon?
It felt surreal, almost laughable.
I was just Moni, a regular person with regular goals.
The thought of being something bigger freaked me out.
How could I possibly be an icon?
I had never aspired to be anything more than who I was. The idea of people looking up to me, of being a symbol for an entire region, was terrifying.
I didn’t feel special.
I didn’t feel worthy of such a title.
I had always been comfortable in my anonymity, living a life away from the spotlight. Now, the mere thought of being an icon for the East made my stomach churn.
What if I wasn’t enough?
What if I couldn’t live up to their expectations?
“Moni?” Lei’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts.
I looked at him, my eyes wide with fear. “I’m not going to try to be an icon. I am just going to be. . .me.”
“And that’s why they will love you.” He pulled me into his arms and his embrace was strong and comforting.
Our bodies fit together perfectly, like two jagged pieces of a crazy puzzle.
His warmth enveloped me, melting away the fear and uncertainty.
I looked up at him and gazed into his eyes and I no longer saw sadness but this deep overflowing love.
He moved one arm, leaned back and touched the space above my heart. “Our signal worked today.”
“It did and it will always work.”
He moved his hand and without another word, he leaned forward and captured my lips with his in a kiss so tender, so passionate, it took my breath away.
I moaned against his mouth.
The helicopter faded to the background, leaving only the sensation of his lips against mine, the taste of him, the feel of his hands gently cradling me.
Every worry, every doubt, dissolved into that kiss.
All that mattered was us, here and now, sharing a love that felt timeless.
Eternal.
As our kiss deepened, I poured all my love into him, letting him know without words that I was here, that I was truly his and that together, we could face anything.
When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless.
He rested his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. I relished in the warmth of it. It felt like a moment suspended in time—a coming together of two souls.
Soft and reverent.
Like a butterfly’s kiss upon a rose petal.
His breath mingled with mine and my mind strayed to thoughts about butterflies and how when they visited flowers in search of nectar, they inadvertently triggered pollination, ensuring the growth of countless future blooms.
How crazy that. . .the smallest, most delicate of interactions could have such far-reaching results.
And even crazier. . .Lei's forehead against mine felt like it was triggering our future, not just a fleeting moment, but a destiny aligned.
New thoughts came into my head like seeds being planted.
Dynasty.
Legacy.
Bloodline.
Because in his touch, I felt truly at home.
In his touch, I saw the future of us.
Our love.
Eternal.
Timeless.
Unbreakable.
He lowered his voice to a soft whisper. “I’m going to need you tomorrow.”
I pushed thoughts of butterflies and flowers out of my head and considered tomorrow’s upcoming battle with his father. “I’ll be right there with you Lei. . .even if I have to grab a sword and step out on the battlefield with you.”
A sad chuckle left him. “You better not.”
“I won’t let you get hurt by him. I can’t. . .lose you.”
We continued our conversation with soft murmurs mingling with the helicopter blades like the gentle rustle of leaves in the wind.
Like we were sharing secrets that we didn’t want the pilot to hear.
Lei whispered, “You won’t lose me, Moni.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
“Can you just. . .get out of it.” I closed my eyes and kept my forehead against his. “Can’t you kill him another way? Another time? Maybe. . .think of a different way. . .”
“I have to do it tomorrow. This has to end.”
Fearful sadness washed over me.
Lei’s words brushed against my skin. “I have to kill him. There’s no doubt in my mind, no. . .pause that can come with my sword. . .he must die. . .if only for the sake of keeping you safe. . .and giving the East peace.”
I opened my eyes and leaned back, separating us. “What do you need from me? What can I do?”
“Just be there. Your presence will be enough.”