Chapter 15 - ' I'm So Glad You're In My Life'

A beautiful shade of purple was achieved through the looking glass. Qylian could not help but stare at the most ill opportune moment. Deathly accurate, the kick to his ribcage sent him flying. His wide frame crashed into the front door, or atleast what was left of it.

Tall, with light skin and fierce amethyst eyes. The owner of said building stood at its threshold. Thick arms crossed on his chest, he spat on the ground. A series of enchantments flared to life and a barrier was erected in the entryway.

Qylian's determination was not missed by the older male who stood on the other side. Rising from the broken pottery stand, Qylian took long strides to the barred entrance.

Raith's amethyst eyes looked at him through the translucent barrier. Qylian did not have time to decipher what he had seen in them. Remorse? Pain? Hurt? Longing? Regret? Instead of a clear answer, the bane of Qylian's existence uprooted his flower and carried it out of sight.

Damn that man! Even my father wasn't this overprotective!

Today was Qylian's last chance to convince his flower to return to the Dome. Sun tanned fingers subconsciously rubbed along his neck. Qylian knew there were more gruesome ways to die. Yet the fact that Rox had promised to behead him, if he didn't return with Raith made him nervous. Rox never made empty promises.

Qylian didn't think he could face Rox again empty handed like the last time. It was an honest stroke of luck coupled with his successful mission, which helped cushion the blow of that failure in Rox's eyes. Thinking back Qylian wondered if it really was luck or the massage given that cooled the heat of Rox's tongue.

No time to dwell in the past.

Light brown in colour, the enchantments taunted the one that faced them. A loud slam was heard from within the house. Qylian smirked. Seems like daddy dearest needs to buy two doors instead of one.

Unfolding his wings he rose up to the second floor of the house. He looked in the windows one after the other. He could feel the link carry him to his intended.

An arm was placed on the window frame. He looked inside at the startled figure. Porcelain skin became devoid of colour, as Raith looked through his window. His first instinct was to shut the open space.

With rushed footsteps he made his way to the billowing curtains. Looking past the eyes that bore into him. He reached up to pull down the window pane.

Softer than a kiss, the calm evening wind rushed in, caressing the inner walls of Raith's nostrils. On it carried the one thing he seemed to crave over the past two weeks.

He leaned forward with closed eyes inhaling even more of the charred wood scent in the breeze. Raith hated how much the seductive aroma affected him but he could do nothing to change that.

Not giving it a second thought, he leaned his body a bit further into the scent. The white hairs on his scalp stood on edge, upon the new sensation felt. Raith's eyes opened in alarm. The usual smirk that graced Qylian's face was absent. A more relieved expression took its place.

Qylian left a light peck on the crown of white hair in his reach. The man in his arms did not realize just how much he needed him. The free arm that hung limply at his side found its way under Raith's thighs. Speechless Raith watched with wide eyes, as Qylian slipped the remainder of his body out of the barrier.

"My flower. It's been too long," said Qylian. His wings pushed down, thrusting them to the heavens above.

A bright red hue developed suddenly on Raith's skin. He couldn't handle the embarrassment of this position. Several solid punches later. Raith stood in Qylian's embrace.

It was unknown to them how many creatures had witnessed him being carried away bridal style, but Raith didn't care. What mattered was how he looked now. Deep lines marred Raith's beauty, looking at Qylian a question he had yet to ask popped in mind.

"Where are you taking me?"

Needless to say no amount of pestering could get the younger Qilin to answer the questions asked. Qylian landed near a well renowned Oslier.

Giving the one in his arms a glance, he could see a look of contempt. A warm breath of air rushed past his lips. Even the most expensive Oslier is not good enough for his flower. Holding on with a tight grip, the two men entered the grand double doors.

The reception area was bustling with employees and guests alike trying to get to their destinations. A magnificent display of underwater jewels were clustered together forming a stunning display that hung from the ceiling. Creatures of different backgrounds which had the gift of flight, flew above them. The colourful view opened Raith's lips in awe.

Arriving at the front desk Raith gave Qylian a suspicious look. How were they expected to pay for room here? Qylian addressed the young woman behind the desk with a level of eloquence that shocked Raith.

The uncultured monster that held him in hand slowly began to morph into someone else. Room pass in hand. The two ascended the floors easily through flight.

Gold, royal blue and white was used as a base for the room's palette. The lavish design of the room pleased him, but a nagging feeling tugged at the back of his mind. He watched his abductor stroll casually around the room. Raith stood still not touching anything. Straightening his untamed white locks Raith walked to the door.

"I'm leaving!"

"No one's stopping you," said Qylian.

"You went through all that trouble just to set me free?" Raith chuckled at Qylian's stupidity. "I will be going back to my father's house."

Raith scoffed. Turning the handle he was met with an opposing force. His head snapped back. Enchantment? That Qilin! He knew I couldn't leave!

"The shower's across there."

"I'm not using any shower!" said Raith.

"Suit yourself," said Qylian.

Seeing no use in pacing the floor. Raith made himself familiar with the buffet that sat in the right hand corner of the room. Satisfied to some extent he sat on the bed.

His eyes lazily travelled over the amorie, past the floor length mirror and over the small kitchen area which housed the food. The door turned into a taunting eyesore. Raith looked away feeling furious.

"You should really use that shower," said Qylian, as he reentered the room towelling off his hair.

Raith smirked at the noodle effect Qylian's hair had. Though it was somewhat short, Raith was sure that wasn't the intended length for it.

"Ian you need a haircut," said Raith. His inner thoughts were belted without his knowledge.

Qylian looked at the man that sat on the bed. He felt confused, but upon seeing where his flower bud was pointing a smirk graced his lips.

"I like the added length. Shouldn't you?" said Qylian.

Raith opened his lips to retort, but upon seeing Qylian's expression he held back his words. A skilled artist splayed many shades of pink and red across Raith's cheeks and nose. Annoyed with the ever aggravating Qilin. He stood up and pushed down his feelings.

"Please. Raith! Stay!" said Qylian.

"No! Now. Let. Me. Out!"

"I won't! Stay by my side, please. Come back to the Dome. Goddess! Raith, he'll kill me if you don't!]" Not sure what more he could say, Qylian blurted out the thing that bothered him most.

Another ploy?

"I refuse to pity you."

"Raith you don't understand. We have to return to the Order. Rox will kill me ensuring a permanent separation between us. I... I don't want that..." Qylian's voice trailed off to a whisper. The need to leave the room was heightened in Raith.

"I want us to stay together. Please Raith, I need your bite," said Qylian.

Twisting his head to the side he exposed more of himself to the man before him. The heat that coursed through Raith's body came back with a vengeance. Four sharp canines lengthed themselves. He covered his lips.

"No!" said Raith. A mistake indeed, Raith turned his back to the Qilin present. "Open the door!" His words were choked, but he stood firmly by them.

"Please," said Qylian.

The closeness of the voice caused a shudder to run along Raith's spine. Strong arms pulled him closer. He leaned into the warmth behind him.

"Please." Qylian begged once more.

A single finger pushed a few strands of hair behind Raith's ear. Short meaningful kisses were placed on his earlobe and cheeks. Raith huffed at Qylian's actions earning himself a short snarl. He cowered at the display of strength. Smooth lips glided along his jawline.

"Raith, mark me." Husky and deep he whispered his wish in Raith's ear.

The resolve Raith had so carefully created was shattered by Qylian's persistence. He turned to face the man that made everything fall apart.

A purple tint shaded the world in his view. Losing to the link, he buried himself in the scent of Qylian's Qilin. With one hand holding onto Qylian's neck and the other around his waist. Raith's jaw widened, drawing firm skin between his lips.

Qylian groaned under his flower's use of excess force. He could feel the essence of his flower bud mingling with his.

The high of the completed link made them feel euphoric. Waves of joy caused Raith to smile. He noticed a similar expression on the one he marked. Pulling away he wiped the excess fluid off his chin.

Not giving Raith a chance to escape, Qylian tightened his hold. The tips of their noses brushed past each other. Without thinking twice Qylian kissed Raith. Hiding his longing behind desire, Raith pressed into the kiss not wanting it to end. The distance between them was bridged with that single act.

Raith's robes fluttered as thick hands swung his body around. Landing softly on the bed. Raith's grin was silly and his eyes were giddy with excitement. Qylian revealed an honest smile that pulled at the corners of his eyes. Hovering over his flower. One by one, Qylian began to pluck the malleable petals of his rose off their stem.

Raith mourned his innocence, as he listened to the steady beats within Qylian's chest. Yesterday afternoon felt surreal to him. Even more so with the excess of feathers that littered the bed and floor. Two pairs of neatly folded wings lay lifeless at the foot of the bed. Raith ran his toes along them, relishing in its softness.

He had no idea what to do with them, but he was sure his mother already had plans for them. What would Qylian do with his? Stuffing for a decorative pillow seems more like his style... I'll have to convince him later to do something meaningful.

A little upset that his partner was still asleep. Raith pinched Qylian's nose. The sudden lack of air caused the body beneath him to cough and jerk. Qylian's eyes shot open. Catching his breath he looked at Raith disapprovingly.

Smiling brightly, Raith said, "Low'veta!"

"Low'veta." Qylian mumbled the greeting under his breath. His 'fresh from sleep' look, made Raith's heart race. Too impatient to wait, he placed a sweet kiss on Qylian's lips. Qylian's anger dissipated and he pulled Raith closer.

"We have to leave soon," said Qylian.

Raith exhaled heavily before saying, "But first, my parents need to be sent these."

Qylian looked at the wings by their feet. They would be quite the load to carry back to the Dome. Not to mention he had no idea what to do with them, besides a trip to the rubbish chute. He nodded his head in approval not pursuing the conversation further. A comfortable silence filled the room to Qylian's relief.

The last few moments where Xyra was not at war with herself, where status and obligation did not hinder him, where he could be free with his flower bud made Qylian smile with pride.

They would have to face the cruel reality around them soon enough. The castle needed to be infiltrated for the crown jewel to be stolen.

We have a long journey ahead of us, full of sacrifice and anguish. Please stay strong by my side. If not for me, then for Zyra.

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