My tentative grasp on reality fades, and a wave of longing washes over me.
It wasn’t the first time I’d wanted sex during my courses. Nothing quite eases the pain of menstruation like a release.An unhelpful part of my brain supplies that everything would feel better if I could just be filled to the point of breaking. I ignore it, waiting for the raging want to pass along with another cramp.
Godsdamnit.
Giant men don’t touch women in this state. I’ve heard human men are generally the same. Why would Enduares be any different?
But… he held me when I was sick and gave me his shirt when I bled.
The thought makes my eyes burn.
He doesn’t seem afraid of anything, and that makes me want him more. I want his soft blue skin sliding between my thighs.
But not yet. And nothere.
I lean over the side of my bed, breathing through the disappointment.
Just lay back down.
It’ll pass.
Instead, a soft knock comes at my door.
I leap to my feet, heart racing, looking at the wooden entrance. Eneko hasn't returned, and Hibsej is decidedly ignoring me, especially after sending me out to meet with the king.
Wrapping a thin blanket around my body, I creep to the door. My hand presses to the wood just as another knock hits.
I suck in a sharp breath when the smell of Ra'Sa reaches my nose. I inhale deeply, savoring the smell of the underground mixed with freshly cut wood. Even with my human senses, I would know him anywhere.
My body rejoices while I debate opening the door.
Melisa, Ra'Sa's voice purrs through my head. It is softer than velvet and decadent as the wine in the king's castle.
I take another deep breath.
You let me into your head so easily now,he continues.
My cheeks heat. My dream. How much did he see?
Fuck.
Go away,I retort.
Melisa, please.
My eyes flutter closed. I could say goodbye, let this end.
But there’s something about the way he says my name.
I can smell your need. Feel your want. Let me in.
The way he speaks compels me, like those rumors and myths of trolls luring humans away with something akin to a siren's song.
If he wanted to, he could enter. The lock to my room is on the outside. But heasks.
My hand reaches for the handle, and I pull it open slowly.
I could imagine him standing before the door—could picture him leaning against the wood, looming over me like a starved man coveting a feast. But seeing it with my own eyes makes my skin flush with heat. The shadows on his face make him seem more feral than I pictured, and his eyes practically glow.