Poisonous Dream (The Starlight Gods Series Book 5) by Yumoyori Wilson (20)

~MIDNIGHT~

I opened the fridge, frowning as I scanned the contents. No milk. Hmm.

I sighed, closing the black fridge, turning back to shuffle down the hall in my unicorn slippers. It was the middle of the night, and everyone was sound asleep.

I woke up with the urge for milk; wondering if sleepwalking Mako was influencing my emotions to venture off around the castle for milk. I knew we'd finished the last carton yesterday afternoon after Kade's attempt to teach Makoto how to use magic arrows, one of the few weapons allowed in the approaching competition.

Now here I was, at three in the morning looking for milk. I shuffled to the main kitchen, the guards giving me a nod in acknowledgment. They were aware of my sleepwalking tendencies, and since they didn't pay attention to my eye color, I bet they thought I was Mako in sleepwalking mode.

I reached the main fridge, sighing in relief when I found a large carton of milk. I wished there was chocolate or strawberry, but after further investigation, this was the only dairy liquid in the fridge.

I allowed the fridge to close, walking over to the shelf and grabbing a clear glass. I shook the carton of milk, noticing the sticky note on the side of the white and blue carton. I raised it to eye level, squinting to read the beautiful handwriting.

"Kai," I whispered, already beginning to feel worried about the phoenix shifter. We'd waited all day and late in the night on Kai's status and the medical team explained how Kai was doing. I knew Lily was staying asleep so she wouldn't have to worry about him every second. We promised we'd check in on him when we had a chance, but after Hope's eventful night with Azriel and all the other events that happened last night and this week, we had no spare time visit our Phoenix shifter.

I returned my gaze to the lovely pink sticky notes, reading the neatly written calligraphy that looked beyond fancy for a sticky note.

I was filling my glass with milk, placing the carton on the counter and raising my glass to my lips when I sensed another presence, sensing someone was watching my movement.

I turned my gaze to see a pair of gold eyes staring at me from behind the kitchen island. I raised an eyebrow as the eyes widened before the golden-haired girl's head disappeared.

I sipped my glass of milk, pretending to not have noticed the little girl whose head began to creep up again. I side glanced to see her eyes staring at the glass of milk in my hand.

I finished half the glass and I placed it on the counter. I went over to the cupboard, opening it and getting a smaller glass. I poured milk into the second glass, making sure there was enough left over for Makoto in the morning before placing the carton back in the fridge.

I grabbed both glasses, turning to see the little girl was hiding again. I grinned, walking to where she was without her noticing.

I knelt down behind her little frame. She wore a beautiful white nightgown with, little gold stars plastered all over the bottom half. Her blonde curly hair was tied in a ponytail, only a few gold locks out of place and resting on her on her face and behind her ears.

I could definitely tell she was an angel spirit from her soft yellow aura which on further assessment reminded me of Daniel and his older brother Michael who I met at the hot springs.

"Do you want some?" I asked, making my presence known.

She shrieked, quickly shuffling and turning to face me. She looked scared for a few seconds before she glanced at the two cups of milk in my hand. Her lips formed a wide grin as she stood up.

I rose to my full height, presenting her with the glass. She was ready to take it from me, but paused.

"Hmm. Daniel told me once I shouldn't take stuff from strangers," the little girl announced.

I grinned at her innocent face— gold eyes rose to meet my gaze, showing her confusion.

"My name is Midnight. What's your name?" I asked softly, making sure my voice held more emotion than I usually liked to express.

"Freila Moore. I'm a princess and like dolls. I want a pet unicorn, but Father won't get me one," she introduced before she pouted in dismay.

I grinned. "That's because unicorns are rare and they aren't pets anymore. Apparently, there is a unicorn shifter out there," I soothed.

She gasped in shock. "Really?" she whispered, as if my revelation was some type of secret, which warmed my heart.

"Yup. My host is going to meet one. If she does, I'll tell her a beautiful princess named Freila says hello," I confirmed.

She jumped up and down, clapping her hands. "That would be awesome! Can I have milk now?" she questioned, eyeing the glass of white liquid in my hand.

I nodded, giving her the small glass.

She drank the contents with ease, finishing it in less than a minute. She sighed in relief, lifting up on her tiptoes to place the glass on the kitchen island.

She turned to face me, bowing.

"Thank you very much, Midnight. I was thirsty," she admitted.

"Your very welcome, Freila," I replied, finishing my glass before taking hers from the counter and heading to the sink to wash them. When I was finished I yawned, ready to go back to bed.

I noticed Freila eyeing my legs, curiosity apparent on her round face.

"Why do your legs glow?" she questioned, walking up to me and poking my legs.

"I'm using my magic to walk. It's easier on Makoto," I replied.

"Who's Ma-ko-to?" she questioned, struggling to say Mako's name correctly.

"You can just call her Mako and she's my host. I was just thirsty and wanted milk," I explained.

"Ah. Are you her spirit? Is that why your eyes are a pretty dark blue?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yup," I replied.

"You're so cool," she replied.

"Thank you. No one has said that to me before." I grinned, wondering if this was what it would be like to be a child.

It made me wish I had gotten the privilege to enjoy a childhood. From the way Father, Mother, and Kade had welcomed us with open arms, I knew it would have been an amazing experience.

"Has anyone said you're really pretty?" she questioned.

"Yes. I've been told that," I replied.

She nodded with a wide smile. "You'd be the perfect princess. You’re kind, drink milk and like unicorns!" She hopped around me, her curly ponytail bouncing with each jump.

"I'll inform Mako about that. Shouldn't you be sleeping, Freila?" It was three in the morning, she shouldn't be awake at this time.

"I can't sleep. I've been asking to see Daniel all day long and Stepmother won't let me. Cecelia's snoring is annoying too," she grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Cecelia?" I questioned.

"My step sister. She's a B.I.T.C.H!" Freila stomped her foot.

"Aren't angels not supposed to swear and how old are you?"

"I'm eight and I can swear if I spell it out. Marissa told me I could. But don't tell Father," she whispered the last part, giggling.

I like her.

"She's a cutie," Hope announced, yawning as she entered my mind.

She is. Innocent, but not so innocent?

"Anyways. Cecelia is annoying from the moment she wakes up allllllll the way till night when she finally sleeps. Then when she's asleep, her snoring can wake the dead. The DEAD. I've come up with a plan to get my room moved when I reach nine cycles. I'll finally get my beauty sleep," she proclaimed, putting her hands on her hips with a determined expression and glancing at the ceiling.

"That sounds like a good plan. Do you want to go try to sleep?" I encouraged.

She crossed her arms, looking deep in thought for a few seconds. "I guess I can try. I'll try to find Daniel tomorrow," she vowed.

"When was the last time you've seen Daniel?" I asked.

"Uh. A few cycles ago. I don't really remember it, but I miss him and my older brother Michael. Stepmother won't let me see them. It makes me sad," she confessed.

I walked up to her, crouching down to move her loose locks behind her ear.

"Daniel was busy helping Mako. She was really sad and Daniel made her feel better. That's why you haven't seen him," I defended.

She looked at me with wide eyes. "Daniel helped Mako! Is she happy now?" Freila questioned.

"Yes. She's very happy. She's still healing so Daniel's helping her out. But he did a really good job. He heals anyone who needs it," I explained.

I could see Freila's happiness as she practically squealed in delight.

"Daniel's so cool. Marissa told me all these stories about Daniel and Michael. They use their healing magic for good! Is Mako the Princess Daniel was destined to save with the other knights?" Freila asked.

"Yup. But that's between you, me and your family. No one else knows," I replied, placing a finger on my lip in a 'shh' gesture.

Freila nodded quickly, placing her pinched fingers on the end of her mouth and moved them to the other like she was closing something with a zipper. "My lips are sealed," she vowed.

I nodded, rising up to my feet. "Do you know how to get back?" I asked.

"I do...but..." She trailed off, fidgeting on her feet as she looked down to the floor.

"I bet she doesn't want to walk alone," Hope pointed out.

I gave Hope a mental nod in agreement. "Want me to walk you back?" I proposed.

She immediately jumped up and down. "Yes, pretty please. I don't like being alone," she confessed, her shoulders slumped as she frowned.

"Me neither. Let's go," I whispered, offering my hand.

Her little hand went in mine as we made our way down the hall and she directed me to her room. The moment we reached the door I could hear a loud noise.

It sounded like an engine, no TWO engines. The noise was far worse than even Marcus' snoring that we all made fun of. Freila let go of my hand, plugging her ears with her fingers.

"See what I mean," she groaned, rolling her eyes.

I gave her a sad smile. "I feel you. Totally can wake the dead."

We both shared a look before we broke into soft giggles.

"I'll see you around, Freila," I whispered.

She gave me a sad expression as her hands fell to her sides. "But. I thought you don't like to be alone. Aren't you scared to walk back?" she questioned.

I smirked, patting my shoulder.

"Mew."

Nightmare landed on my shoulder, her tails waving wildly before settling around my neck. She stretched before glancing at Freila was open-mouthed and pointing at Nightmare.

"Where'd she come from?" she questioned.

I pointed to the top of the pillars. "She likes to hop on the pillars. She was on top of the fridge when we were drinking our glasses of milk," I revealed.

"She's pretty. Can I pet her?" Freila asked.

I looked at Nightmare who tilted her head.

"Mew."

"That means yes," I translated.

Freila reached out while I extended my hand— Nighty running down my arm and sitting in my palm. Freila took her time petting her.

"You're so pretty. You're a perfect match for Princess Mako and Midnight," she hummed.

Nightmare purred, her tails glowing a soft pink as she enjoyed Freila’s slow strokes.

I yawned, rubbing my eyes.

Freila noticed, stepping back before she bowed. "Thank you, Midnight. I'll be going to bed," she announced.

I nodded, lifting Nightmare back to my shoulder where she repositioned herself; her tails wrapped around my neck once again.

"Sleep well, Freila. Ask Marissa for some earplugs." I winked.

She giggled. "I will," she replied.

I turned around, ready to walk away.

"Midnight?" Freila whispered.

I looked over my shoulder to see her hesitation. "Yes, Freila?"

"Can we drink milk together again? No one else has time for me," she whispered, looking sad. She looked like she was on the verge of crying, which made me just as sad.

Hope felt just as disturbed by Freila's words.

I walked back to her, kneeling down to look into her gold eyes that were pooling with tears.

"How about this. At night I'll walk around and check if you're asleep. Only on days where you can't sleep can we stay up and drink milk. Okay?" I offered.

She met my gaze, a wide smile forming on her small pink lips. "Okay! Night, Midnight." She gave me a hug, making me blink in surprise.

I sighed, returning her hug.

She pulled away, giving me a final wave before opening the door— both of us flinched at the loud rumble noise. Freila rolled her eyes, but gave me a smile before she walked in and closed the door behind her.

I rose, letting my hands go through my brown locks that were out of their loose curls.

"Mew?" Nightmare rubbed her cheek against mine.

"I know. She's lonely," I replied, staring at the door while I tuned out the loud noise that somehow managed to escape the thick walls of the castle.

I turned around, beginning to walk back as I yawned, rubbing my eyes.

So sleepy.

I turned the corner, struggling to drag my feet when I noticed familiar aura ahead. I lifted my head to see Daniel relaxed against the wall. He turned his head, giving me a smile as he pushed off the wall.

"How long have you been there?" I questioned, yawning.

"Since my sweet sister asked for some milk," Daniel revealed, giving me a relieved smile. He walked up to me, eyeing my black loose t-shirt and black shorts; my markings glowed a dark blue.

"Oh. Hmm...sneaky," I mumbled, yawning again.

He offered his hand to me. I didn't hesitate, placing my hand in his. We walked down the hall, heading back to my room.

"She misses you," I pointed out.

"I know. I've just been avoiding it," Daniel confessed.

"Too much?" I questioned.

Daniel nodded. "I'm not good at multitasking. I want to see her, but I wanted to make sure you guys were okay. Plus..." He trailed off, looking at the floor as we walked.

I stopped, prompting him to as well by tugging his hand.

He looked up to meet my blank expression.

"You don't want to disappoint her," I concluded.

He gave me a sad look. "When you shatter a kid’s expectations, they remember. It's better for me to watch from the distance," he whispered.

"Even if she's lonely?" I replied.

Daniel sighed, looking miserable. "I don't want her to be," he said in a tiny voice.

I didn't like how depressed he looked, my mind made up as I took a step forward, pulling him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head on my shoulder.

"Maybe before the competition you can see her? I bet she'd be happy," I whispered.

He nodded against my shoulder, tightening his embrace.

I closed my eyes, relaxing in his arms. I felt something soft press against my neck, inducing a wave of pleasure through me. Daniel's lips lingered against my neck.

"Midnight?" he whispered.

"Yes, Daniel," I replied. I didn't know how I felt about his kiss, but I didn't hate it. In fact, I decided I liked it and deep inside me, I wished he hadn't stopped.

"Thank you."

I smiled, pulling back so he could see my happy expression. "You’re welcome. Can we go back to sleep now?" I asked, struggling to keep my eyes open.

He smiled, nodding. He lifted me up, saying I should reserve my magic for training.

As I began to fall asleep, I wondered how happy Freila would be to see Daniel, already envisioning her big gold eyes and pink lips that would spread into a wide smile as she jumped and giggled.

Operation— Force Daniel to Meet Freila: In Progress.

~MAKOTO~

"Makoto. Go train."

"See, that's exactly what I mean. Lay back down!" I ordered.

Kai groaned, laying back down at my command. I sighed, grabbing the dry orange towel from the nightstand and soaking it in the bowl of cold water.

I squeezed it out before turning and placing the cool cloth on Kai's forehead. He sighed in relief, giving me a weak smile.

"Don't give me that cute face," he whispered.

I sighed, lowering my lips to his, giving him a slow kiss.

"You're all over the place, you know that," I whispered against his lips.

"I need examples for your false accusations," he whispered, kissing me.

I grinned, breaking the kiss as I giggled. "For one. You always call me Princess, not Ma-ko-to. Two, you’re not this clingy," I pointed out.

"Hmm, I'm not clingy," he argued, his hand going through my hair and pulling me back down for another passionate kiss.

I sat on the edge of the bed as we continued to kiss. Kai's right hand slid up and down my thigh. "Totally clingy. You're keeping my lips captive so I don't leave for training. Contradicting yourself," I hummed.

"You're very observant," he replied.

He sat up, the cloth I'd placed falling off his forehead. I leaned back to give him space and retrieved the towel, placing it back in the bowl of water to soak. I returned my attention to my phoenix shifter, curious as to what he was doing.

He shuffled to one half of the bed, patting the bed for me to lay next to him. I tilted my head in disapproval.

"I have to go train," I reminded.

"Five minutes."

I tried to keep my hard front, but looking at his exhausted eyes, which were cradled by dark circles and flushed cheeks, I couldn't ignore his request. I quickly squeezed the water out of the cloth before sliding into bed.

Kai smiled, pulling me into his arms. I waited for him to settle before I placed the cloth back on his forehead.

"No moving or I'll leave," I warned.

"So mean," he mumbled, but stayed still.

We laid in silence for a few minutes, a thought coming to my mind.

"Kai."

"Hmm?"

"Why is your flame low?" I asked, my tone of voice showing my seriousness. I hadn't questioned it before because my mind was all over the place, but after finding out I could walk again and having a relaxing day with my family the next, I'd had enough time to think about Kai's situation and the possibilities as to why his flame energy was below average.

He didn't reply, the silence growing as the seconds passed. I lifted my head to see if he was asleep, his breathing lower than a minute ago. I let out another sigh, leaning up and giving him a soft peck on his lips.

I rotated myself in his arms, ready to slip out of his embrace when his arms tightened around me, my back pressed against his chest.

"Kai?" I whispered, unsure if he was awake.

"Will you be mad?" he whispered.

What?

"Is it something bad?" I questioned.

"No."

"Then I won't be upset."

He nuzzled his head between my shoulder and neck, inhaling deeply followed by a heavy sigh.

"My Princess always smells nice," he whispered.

"And my pumpkin spice star knight is changing the subject," I pointed out, slightly amused. Kai didn't normally dance around the bush with certain matters, but seeing as he was fighting a fever and wasn't in the right mindset, I didn't mind.

"In order to get information on how to heal you, I had to give some of my flame in return. It was the best option between the two choices presented. I guess I should thank them for giving me the second option," he explained.

My heart dropped at his revelations, automatically feeling bad that my phoenix star knight was in pain because he wanted to help me. His grip tightened around my waist as he pressed himself against me.

"Don't feel bad. Please, Princess. It's not that bad. It will go back to normal. I just...I couldn't see you like that much longer. I couldn't continue to watch everyone's distressed regarding what happened and during your dormancy. Daniel wouldn't stop training. Marcus looked so lonely in the fields while Elias and EliaseAnne looked depressed in their room in the psychiatric ward. Ryder's been trying to not let all the emotion get to him, but he could barely keep up and was risking himself going into sensory overload every day. And you being dormant and Midnight's nightmares and struggles. I couldn't...I couldn't take it anymore," Kai confessed.

"Kai," I whispered, my voice trembled as I tried to compose myself.

"I love you so much. We all love you and your spirits. When you're not happy, we’re not happy. When you’re sad or upset, so are we. I thought when we'd arrived at Heila our struggles would all be over and we'd finally get to celebrate completing our mission and bringing you home to where you belong. Instead, chaos happened and the simple thought of seeing those blue eyes filled with tears and the challenges you'd have to face, my motivation to find a way to help you grew."

He took a deep breath before he continued.

"Daniel needed a certain file that would give him enough information to try and heal your legs using his gift. But the file was locked in a secure place and the people involved didn't want to grant us permission access that information. I gave some of my flame and was warned that I'd feel really weak on and off for a few weeks and I should rest. I didn't want to worry you guys...but I guess that failed. Worried Elyion is more of a pain in the ass than his regular nuisance," Kai mumbled the last part.

I smiled, turning in his embrace so I could face him.

I removed the cloth so I could press my forehead against his.

"Don't be mad. Don't hate me. I'm sorry, Princess," he immediately apologized, not waiting for me to reply. He opened his mouth to continue, but I cut him off, my lips smashed into his.

I wasn't mad. I needed him to understand that, which started with calming him down. I trailed my tongue along his bottom lip before meeting his confused gaze. "I'm not upset, Kai. Don't apologize. I just don't like that you put yourself in such a weak state on my behalf. I know it's your knightly duty and I'm proud to have you as one of my star knights. I just don't like seeing you in pain," I admitted, wanting to be honest with him.

"I know. But neither do we like seeing you in pain. Seeing you cry and struggle with your therapy sessions. I tried, Mako. I really tried. But if I had to go back and face the same decision, I'd do it again without hesitation," he declared, giving me a serious look.

"Stubborn," I mumbled, giggling at his sad face.

"I'm not."

"You are." I laughed.

"Maybe," he replied, looking away.

I felt Lily enter my mind, lingering at the edge. Hey, Lily? I have an idea.

"I know and yes. It can be done. You can't train today though," Lily pointed out.

Hmm. I'll hide in here and pretend I fell asleep.

Lily giggled. "Fine with me," she replied.

"Kai?" I purred.

"Yes, Princess?" Kai asked, his eyes struggling to stay open.

"Let's take a nap," I recommended.

"I'm not sleepy," he mumbled.

"I'll stay with you the entire time," I suggested.

He narrowed his eyes at me in suspicion. "You’re planning something," he accused.

I grinned, pushing him against the bed so I could lay on top of him. My hands ran through my brown locks and I gave him a seductive grin. "Am I?" I whispered, feeling his hardness against my entrance. As much as my body begged to enjoy Kai after our close attempts, I knew this wasn't the time or place for us to have sex.

He grinned, his tired eyes trailing down my body.

"If we nap, do we get alone time later?" he questioned.

"Anything you want," I replied, lowering myself to give him a kiss on his neck.

He groaned, his hands resting on my hips. "Fine. Just don't leave me," he agreed. He pulled me into his arms as I relaxed on his chest.

"I'll be right here and I'll never leave you, Kai Akiyama," I replied confidently.

He nodded, allowing his amber eyes to close. It wasn't long till he was asleep.

"Kai?" I whispered.

He didn't reply, still asleep.

I placed one last kiss on his lips before I relaxed and yawned, feeling slightly tired myself. I think I'll take a nap as well. I trust you, Lily. Just no sex. I didn't want to wake up completely exhausted and sore.

Lily giggled. "Yes, no sex. Just a little something-something," she hummed.

I groaned. You sound like Lexi. Don't let her dragon spirit ways rub off on you.

"Yes, ma'am," Lily confirmed.

I let my mind drift, letting Lily take over and prayed this plan would help ease Kai and Hinotori's pain.

~LILYLUSHA~

I opened my eyes, needing a moment to orientate myself. It took me a little longer to take control, wanting Makoto to have a few minutes to go into a deep sleep before I took her place.

With what I had planned, I didn't want the chance of her being half awake and draining her magic instead of my own.

I let my hand brush along Kai's flushed cheek as he slept. I frowned at his short breath, the fever still having a toll on him. I'd assumed his random drop of flame had to be due to him giving a large amount for something magically taxing. I didn't think he'd have done it to get the information needed for Daniel to heal us with his gift.

Just the thought made my heart swell with love for our phoenix shifter, and the kindness he held for us and the other knights.

"Kai?" I whispered, wanting to confirm he was asleep. He didn't stir as I used my thumb to rub his cheek. Asleep.

"Hinotori?" I called, hoping he wasn't too deeply asleep. Kai stirred, his eyes squeezing shut before relaxing. I was ready to try again when his eyes slowly opened, glowing amber eyes met mine.

Hinotori tilted his head in confusion.

"My dreams must be playing tricks on me or I'd say Lily is in my arms." He grinned.

"You're not dreaming, silly." I giggled.

Hinotori and I had the least amount of time together compared to the others. We both didn't mind too much, but I'd definitely missed him.

"Hello, my beautiful Queen," he joked.

"And hello, my King," I replied, leaning up to share a kiss.

"I've missed you."

"Me too."

"You're not mad either, right?"

"About you using your flame for the good of my host? No, I'm not mad, but I don't like the position you've put yourself in. But I'm here to help."

Hinotori gave me a weird look, taking a few more seconds to think about my words before he grimaced.

"No."

"I haven't said anything," I pointed out.

He shook his head. "It's draining on you," he replied.

"What is?"

"Lily."

"Hinotori. I'm not budging on this. You know how dangerous it is for your flame to be so low! Your body isn't used to the sudden drop and you could die!" I argued, my voice going higher than normal.

"It's...not that serious," he mumbled.

"Hinotori. There are not many of us phoenix shifters left. You have to be living under a rock to not hear about hunters and mages kidnapping our kind and taking their flame because of its power and strength. You didn't give it to someone who'd use it for bad, right?" I questioned.

He quickly shook his head.

"No. The person will use it to heal phoenix shifters who suffer from such," Hinotori replied.

I let out an exhale in relief, allowing my hand to brush against his cheek, noticing how hot he felt. "Please love, let me help? I don't like seeing you like this," I confessed, my voice showing just how heartbroken I was to see him suffering like this. I'd been worried sick yet I didn't want to add to Mako's stress.

Hinotori’s shoulders slumped at my expression.

"Okay. Only a little...you have to stop me if I go over," he stressed.

I nodded in compliance, pulling the hair tie that was on my wrist, sitting up to tie my hair into a messy bun.

Hinotori's eyes roamed my body, making me blush at his intense heated gaze.

"Mako said we can't have sex..." I trailed off, feeling my face burn from my random comment.

His grin widened as he sat up. "Oh really?" he countered.

"Yes...because...ugh. This is embarrassing. Just no sex. You're just gonna make me sick," I defended.

Hinotori chuckled. "If my memory proves to be working, you kissed me when you summoned me, love. You're doomed," he reminded.

I gawked at him, completely forgetting. "Aww fuck," I swore before I began to giggle.

He joined in, chuckling at my realization.

I laid on my back, making sure my hair was out of the way from my neck. Hinotori climbed on top of me, licking his lips.

"It may hurt," he warned.

I shrugged. "Physical pain is the least of my concern," I replied. I already knew how it felt to get your flame taken away from you. It could go two ways: a painful experience that left you weak for days or a pleasurable one, which still left you exhausted, but would be damn worth it. I, of course, enjoyed the second option and let's just say machines weren't as compassionate.

"Lily?"

I blinked out of my daze, looking up to see Hinotori's concerned face.

"Have you had your flame taken before?" he questioned.

I bit my lip, unsure whether to tell him or not. He gave me a look, knowing if I hadn't I would have replied him immediately. "Yes," I finally said.

"How?"

"Facility. I don't want to talk about it," I admitted, looking away.

Hinotori sat on his knees. "I'm not doing it," he announced.

I rolled my eyes. "Hinotori Akiyama, hurry and take my damn flame or I swear I'll make sure you never enjoy this body of mine," I huffed.

He gawked at me. "That’s...blackmail!" he accused.

I grinned. "Lexi said blackmailing any male with no sex does wonders in arguments. See, I've automatically won."

"I didn't...even answer yet," he stuttered, his cheeks growing red.

"Uh huh," I replied.

We stayed silent for a moment before I continued.

"Hinotori. It's in the past. It was painful and I don't like talking about it. Doesn't mean I don't want to share my flame with you. I'll tell you when to stop and if it's too much for me to handle, I'll let you know. I just want you to be better. Mako isn't saying anything, but she's really worried...and so am I. Please?" I begged, blinking my eyes.

Hinotori looked like he was struggling to answer, closing his eyes for a moment. He nodded in approval, moving to hover over me as I relaxed my head against the pillow.

"I'll try so it doesn't hurt," he consoled, his hot breath against my neck.

"Hehe. I feel like I'm in those movies with vampires. What was that silly movie the humans went crazy over with the sparkling vampire?" I pondered.

"Twilight, love. And how do you even know that?" he asked.

“Marcus was complaining about it back on Earthala when we went to the beach."

"Eavesdropping," he mumbled, his lips brushing my neck.

"Unintentionally liste-ah," I began, but gasped at the intense kiss he placed on my neck. I arched my back as my eyes closed at the shift in sensation. The once painful cold touch of his lips became immensely hot.

His right arm snuck under me to hold me as I trembled from the wave of pleasure that hit me. I felt dizzy in seconds, but I fought to stay conscious, centering my concentration on my own flame and monitoring its decrease.

Mako's body didn't demand for us to have a large amount of flame due to having four other spirits, each with their own levels of power. I could spare a little more for Hinotori's and Kai's sake and since I knew I wouldn't have to use my own phoenix powers anytime soon, it wouldn't put me in a sticky situation.

I whimpered, my body growing weak as I struggled to not fall into a daze, a common state to experience when your flame was taken from you.

"Hinotori," I warned, panting at the intense sensation that pulsed through me, while I pressed my legs together in an attempt to ease my arousal.

Hinotori slowed his consumption, slowly weaning off before his lips released my neck. I let out a weak moan, Hinotori tightening his hold on me before carefully laying me on the bed.

"Shit, sorry Lily. I didn't think it would be that hard to stop," he confessed.

I didn't bother trying to open my eyes, needing the energy to catch my breath. "It's...fine," I panted, needing a few minutes to calm down. I didn't know it would be this pleasurable and I didn't want him realizing how close I was to cumming from the simple exchange.

Just deep breaths and my body will calm. No sex, no sex.

I heard the creaking of the bed. I felt Hinotori's lips brush against my ear.

"Lily. Do you need my help with something?" Hinotori's husky voice asked.

I froze at the touch of his hand on my thigh; the throbbing between my legs only escalated. "No..." I lied, biting my lip.

"Lily. I don't need to be an angel to know that you're not saying the truth," he pointed out.

I swallowed, opening my eyes and turning to see those amber orbs of his— the intensity of lust in his gaze turned me on even more.

"Maybe." I glanced down at his swollen lips.

He grinned, his hand sliding between my legs. I couldn't help spreading them wide enough for Hinotori to tease my entrance. He didn't delay, tugging the fabric of my panties to the side and coating his fingers with my wetness.

"Fingering you doesn't count as sex." Hinotori winked.

"It so d—" I began, but bit my lips as I held back a moan, arching back at the cold sensation of Hinotori's fingers sliding into me.

He immediately picked up the pace, sliding in and out. My moans increased as my hips arched so his fingers slid into the perfect spot.

"Hinotori...ah...can't hold back," I confessed, my heart raced as my body tensed up.

"Cum for me, my Lilylusha," Hinotori's husky voice demanded before he sucked on the fresh hickey on my neck.

I cried out as I came; my release gushed around his fingers as I trembled in pure bliss.

He let his fingers linger inside me until I calmed, catching my breath. He pulled them out slowly, inducing another moan from my lips. I lifted my head to look at him, watching as he licked each finger, smiling at my flushed cheeks.

"You taste marvelous, Lily," he disclosed, leaning to kiss me.

I slipped my tongue into his mouth, his tasted mixed with my cum turned me on, making me wish we could do more. But I was fighting to stay awake. Hinotori broke the kiss and encouraged me to relax into the mattress. He rested on the other side pulling me into his arms.

"You okay?" he asked; concern lingered in his low voice.

I smiled. "I should be asking you that. How do you feel?" I countered.

"Much better. Can actually think straight and don't feel like shit," he confessed.

"I'm glad," I replied, feeling relieved.

"You should sleep. I think I overexcited your body," Hinotori mumbled the second half of his sentence.

I giggled, the soft sound barely audible due to my tiredness. "Yes, and that sounds like a good suggestion. As long as you’re staying with me."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I'll never leave your side."

"Never? What if you were forced to?" I joked. I noticed a flicker of sadness flash in his expression, but before I could center on it he smiled.

"I'd fight to never leave you and if they forced me, I'd rather die than live in this galaxy without you," he vowed.

I opened my mouth to speak, but his words tugged at my heart. He pressed me against his chest, holding me tightly as if we truly were facing such circumstances.

"Hinotori?"

"Yes, Lily?"

"That won't happen, right? You wouldn't be forced to leave me?" I asked, the fear already began to make my heart race.

"I haven't seen that happen, my love. I can see the future remember?" he reminded me.

"I remember. I was just worried for a second. Hehe, must be my foggy mind," I accused, closing my eyes while I enjoyed the rich scent of pumpkin spice.

Darkness tugged at my mind, ready to claim me into the land of sleep when my ears picked up Hinotori's words.

"No matter what the future holds, my sweet Lily, I'll never leave your side. I swear it," he vowed. That was enough to calm my nerves. One last thought flowed through my mind as I fell into deep slumber.

Let his words stay true. In stars we trust.