Winter Swan

Silje chose to give in to his seduction. He was her other half. His eyes mirrored hers, and she didn't regret her choice.

As they became soaked in the shower, Kail stared at her hungrily and hugged her. His scent fascinated her and the feeling of his hair on her skin felt like a sweet caress. His hug was gentle and warm.

Silje was surprised at how strong yet gentle Kail could be.

She narrowed her eyes and teased him.

"Was this your plan all along?"

Kail smiled and mouthed his words against her neck.

"What if it was?"

Feeling his lips on her skin, she knew she was his. He hugged her tighter and after a long stare into her eyes, he kissed her again.

It was an erotic and sensual experience for her. The unfamiliar sensation and strangeness of it caused her eyes to widen. His whole body against hers, his scent, and his soft yet rough lips on hers…

His stubble against her sensitive skin felt uncomfortable and wonderful at the same time.

Silje felt like she was going to explode. Her black eyes narrowed, remembering Kail's very first kiss. It was rough and painful at the time, but now, it felt different. As Kail held her to kiss her, she felt strangely excited. When Kail sucked on her lips, she felt electrified. She flinched at her own reaction. What was this stimulating feeling? Was she really feeling this?

Under the falling water, Kail looked into her eyes and said to her slowly, "Show me how you feel. Express your emotions honestly. Don't run away, Silje. It is not like you."

His voice thickened as he continued, "Give me all of you."

He lowered his face again to kiss her fragile lips. He drank her lips like he was a vampire and her lips were syrupy blood.

'Open your heart to me.'

'Give me all of you.'

Their breaths became rough and Silje finally gave in to her desire.

"…"

To Kail's surprise and delight, Silje got closer to him and started to kiss him back.

"Ahh!"

"…"

Under the falling water, they exploded with passion and desire for each other.

"…!"

Silje woke up suddenly. She was wet with her own cold sweat.

Her hair was still wet from the shower and she felt tired from the warm shower and the hard day.

"Did you have a nightmare? Don't worry. I'm here," a low baritone voice said to her as he stroked her hair.

Silje's eyebrows went up in surprise as she remembered where she was.

His voice.

His warmth.

His hard body was close against hers and she could feel every inch of him, including his soul. Kail seemed to know what she was thinking, because his large hand patted her face gently.

Silje grinned and whispered, "…You are consoling me now? Since when? Doesn't our relationship only involve fighting and arguing?"

"It used to."

He replied casually while still holding her. Her cold body craved his warmth, and he was too willing to give it to her.

Kail whispered, "But I won't ever leave you again. I will be your nightlight to keep the nightmares away."

"You sound sure of yourself, but you are also the one who left an ugly scar on my wrist and used your whip against me. Are you sure you are done testing me?"

Despite all that happened and all that she admitted, Silje still questioned him sharply.

To her annoyance, Kail smiled leisurely and replied, "But even after all that, I still couldn't let you go. Is that what you want to hear? Would that make you feel better and make your nightmares go away?"

Nightmares.

Her life was one big never-ending nightmare. Even in her sleep, she continued to be chased. In her dreams, the bullies came after her and tormented her. Her nightmares were filled with darkness and fear.

She was afraid.

But just now, in her dream while she slept in his arms, she heard his voice in the darkness.

"Silje!"

His voice soaked her heart and soul with warmth, and when she woke up, Kail was right there beside her.

Remembering Kail covered in blood, she felt cold again. She called out to him, screamed his name, and the scorching sensation returned to her.

She hadn't fully forgiven him yet, but this was the first time she felt this strongly about anyone in her life. Kail did something that no one ever did for her, not even her adoptive parents.

They took her in, but they never showed her unconditional love. They pushed her away and questioned her.

Kail was different. In front of complete strangers, he took her side. He protected her with his own life, and her instinct told her that he was the one for her.

Silje was helpless against opening her heart to the cruel king.

She turned around to see Kail lying beside her.

A silence fell in the bed. His unique scent tickled her noise, proving that he was right here beside her.

Silje felt safe and her eyes started to close with fatigue and sleepiness. The room was dark and she couldn't see his face clearly, but she could guess how he was looking at her right now.

In this dark storage building, Silje felt peaceful and calm.

It was their own cave.

Only a moment ago, they were kissing and coveting each other like animals, but at this moment, Kail embraced her gently and let her sleep. He wrapped his arms around her as if to protect her from the world.

Sleepily, Silje realized that music was playing in the room. It was the radio and Kail turned up the volume for her. It was a slow and beautiful melody, and she felt dreamy.

Silje asked, "This song… What's it called?"

Kail's eyes were closed as if he was asleep, but he still answered her slowly, "Luna."

He added that it was by his favorite Norway metal band.

Metal band? Silje was confused.

"Metal band? But it doesn't sound like metal. It's quiet and pretty."

Kail smiled faintly and explained that this was the only ballad this band played.

Luna.

I have been bewitched by the magic of the moon.

In this quiet night, the moonlight entered my room and filled my heart like the uncontrollable ocean wave.

In this quiet night, I am mesmerized by the moonlight.

"In this quiet night, I am mesmerized by the moonlight…"

Silje sang to the song quietly and Kail smiled. He hugged her even tighter as if he were afraid someone was going to steal her away.

Silje flinched for a second but remained in his embrace. She felt safe in his arms. Breathing slowly, she enjoyed his warmth and wondered how she could fear him, hate him, and love him all at the same time.

But for now, he kept her warm and that was enough. All she wanted now was to rest with him.

"In this quiet night, I am mesmerized by the moonlight."

Listening to the beautiful ballad, they fell asleep together.

It had been a difficult day today, and Kail would not let her leave his side.