Gabbi wasn’t sure what to expect from Azreal’s chambers, but judging from the Ravenkind architecture she had seen so far, she assud it would be filled with statues and stone walls, perhaps even a statue of Azreal himself.
But she was completely wrong.
The mont she stepped into Azreal’s chamber, it felt like stepping into a different world entirely. The space was nothing like the rest of the Ravenkind palace. It was grand, certainly, but also completely different in atmosphere, a modern paradise that contrasted sharply with the palace’s more ancient, almost archaic style. The sitting room alone could have housed her entire house, and that was just the beginning.
Unlike the Ravenkind architecture, which had a blend of old-world charm and a touch of modern innovation, everything in Azreal’s chamber was sleek and modern. The marble floor was tiled to perfection, the walls smoothly painted, and the windows—though they didn’t lead outside—gave the illusion of lightness and openness. Curtains hung delicately, and there were even posters on the walls. It was a mix of minimalistic elegance and comfortable chaos.
But what really stood out to Gabbi was the sheer number of items scattered around. There were objects everywhere—carefully arranged, but still abundant, filling every available space. And that’s when it hit her.
Gabbi gasped. "You’re a collector."
Azreal bead at her with a grin that made her heart skip. "You’re right. I collect everything."
He stepped away from the wall where he’d been leaning, and moved closer to her, the distance between them closing quickly.
Gabbi reached out, her fingers brushing over so of the coins scattered across the table. The sheer amount of objects was staggering. So were obviously from the Fae realm, others Gabbi didn’t recognize. She could tell so had to be from the human realm or another realm Azreal had visited.
"That’s the currency used in the human realm," Azreal said casually, noting her interest.
At the ntion of the "human realm," Gabbi’s eyes brightened. As a human who had never been there, the idea of holding sothing from her own kind filled her with a sense of connection she hadn’t expected.
She turned to Azreal, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "I thought you guys hated the human realm. Why still venture there?"
Azreal smiled, but there was a touch of sadness in his eyes. "Not all of us. Just and the braver ones. There are hardly any elders alive from the ti of Drusilla’s betrayal, hundreds of years ago. The history, the stories, they’ve shackled them to this mountain. They’d rather die here than leave. They find ways to make this place, this prison, habitable for themselves."
He glanced around the room, as if to emphasize his point. "But the younger generations, the ones not bound by the sa fears, they’re braver. They venture out, explore other lands. They scout, blend in, study other races while still honoring our traditions. That’s what I do too, explore, observe, and seek new places for us. This mountain... it’s a cage, while we were ant to fly."
His words fell heavy in the space between them. She could feel his sadness and wish sohow that she could get rid of it.
"You’re the first sign that the gods are with ," Azreal said as he took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it with soft reverence. "They’ll like you. Get used to you. With your help, we’ll take our people out of here."
Gabbi felt her pulse quicken, though not just because of his words. It was the way he referred to his people as "our people" as if she were already a part of them, despite being human. And the way he kissed her hand made her heart race in a way that was both thrilling and overwhelming.
But then, sothing he said stopped her heart for a mont.
"I’m sorry," Azreal suddenly murmured. "I’m sorry for dragging you into this unprepared."
Gabbi’s gaze widened with surprise. There was an ache in her chest, a strange peace, as if his apology had sohow healed a wound she didn’t even realize was there. She had already co to accept her fate, yet hearing him still apologize for what had happened made sothing inside her swell with emotion.
And in that mont, it clicked. Gabbi realized she loved Azreal. This man—this incredible, complicated beastman—was the one she wanted. He respected her, loved her, and was honest enough to admit his mistakes. Their beginning hadn’t been ideal, but he was willing to start afresh. With him, she felt not just safe, but truly cherished. This was the kind of man she wanted, the kind of father she would want for their children.
Azreal continued, unaware of the emotions swirling inside her. "Mate bond or not, it was never enough to take you away from your family. Your loved ones must be anxious about you, and I understand that. But when the bond hit , I wasn’t thinking clearly. I was terrified that once you saw , you’d only see the monster inside, and you wouldn’t want . And then, before I had a chance to explain, you’d reject , and—"
Before Azreal could finish his sentence, Gabbi silenced him with a kiss.
His groan was low and primal, and instinctively, his hands slid around her waist, pulling her closer. Gabbi lted into him, the warmth of his body enveloping her as she deepened the kiss. It was different this ti.
Usually, Azreal dominated their kisses, but this ti, he let her take the lead. Her heart swelled with affection, and she traced the seam of his lips with her tongue before slipping inside, tasting him. He groaned into her mouth, and she felt a surge of desire as his wild, masculine scent surrounded her, driving her mad.
She pressed her hips against him, seeking more of his touch, and Azreal’s control finally snapped. Azreal lost his balance, and the two of them tumbled to the floor in a heap. Gabbi landed on top of him, straddling his hips, her lips never leaving his as she kissed him hungrily. She ground against him, feeling his arousal through his clothes, and he groaned, grabbing her hips and squeezing her with greedy hands.
Azreal quickly regained control, rolling them over so that he was on top, nestled between her legs. Everything about the mont was urgent, raw. Gabbi couldn’t get enough of him, and she knew Azreal was just as lost in her as she was in him.
She instinctively spread her thighs wider, giving him more space, and he groaned again, pressing his hardness against her core. His hands road over her, and she couldn’t help the needy moan that escaped her lips as he squeezed her breast through the fabric of her dress. Her nipples hardened instantly under his touch, and she arched into him, craving more.
A sudden, primal urge took hold of Gabbi. She wanted him to claim her, to make her his mate. She tilted her head back, baring her neck in a gesture of submission she didn’t even fully understand.
Azreal growled possessively, his lips brushing against her neck. "All mine," he whispered huskily. "My little mate."
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