Lienna.
The sun was setting over the fortress as we returned from the hunt, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling courtyard. I was exhausted, my body aching from the ride and my mind foggy from the exertion. It was a struggle to stay upright on my horse, but I refused to slow down the shifter kings. I didn’t want to be a burden.
As we entered the fortress, a crowd gathered, their eyes fixed on the shifter kings with a mix of awe and admiration. Some bowed their heads, while others whispered among themselves. The shifter kings, as usual, maintained their aloof expression, their heads held high and shoulders straight as they dismounted their horses. The stable attendants rushed out to take the reins, and I carefully slid off my horse, my legs trembling beneath me.
I watched as the shifter kings handed over their horses and strode towards their wing of the fortress, their movements fluid and graceful. I, on the other hand, felt like I was dragging myself through the mud. Every step was a chore, every breath a struggle.
Finally, I reached the door to my room and pushed it open, stumbling inside with a sigh of relief. I couldn’t wait to shed my dirty clothes and collapse onto the bed. I felt like I’d been drained of every last drop of energy, and I knew exactly why. Using the moon goddess powers, even just a little, always left me feeling zapped. No wonder I always fell sick after every display it was clearly too much for me to handle.
I began to peel off my clothes, my movements slow and clumsy. I felt like I was moving through a haze, my thoughts muddled and unclear. All I wanted was to sleep, to let my body recover from the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. I stumbled towards the bed, collapsing onto the soft blankets with a sigh of relief.
That’s when it began. A strange burning sensation that started just below my skin, causing me to suddenly feel uncomfortable. I tossed on the bed, scratching the places that itched and closed my eyes, hoping sleep would take me to a place where this wouldn’t matter. Except, it didn’t happen. If anything, it grew worse, the burning sensation intensifying. I rose to a seated position, continuing to scratch the places that itched, my breathing growing heavy as my heart rate increased.
A nagging feeling began to tug at the back of my mind, but I closed myself to it, not wanting to think of that possibility. Maybe it was just an allergic reaction since I was in the woods all day. If I met Mara, she might have something that would soothe the ache. I managed to throw on a dress, even though it felt like I was pouring needles all over my body, and got ready to seek out Mara.
As I stood, the itch and heat worsened, the truth glaringly at me in the face. This was no ordinary allergic reaction. It wasn’t any allergic reaction of any kind. My body had begun to tremble, and I was getting aroused. I bit back a whimper, resisting the urge to squeeze my breasts and fondle my nipples. It would only make it worse.
I took a few tentative steps, but the sensation grew stronger, spreading through my body like wildfire. My skin felt like it was on fire, and my nerves were screaming in agony. I knew then that I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I needed to seek out the shifter kings, and I needed to do it fast.
I burst out of my room, slamming the door behind me as I made my way to one of the shifter kings’ wings. My breathing grew ragged, my core starting to throb, producing wetness. I was already half out of my mind with need and lust. Every step I took, every beat of my heart, seemed to intensify the sensations coursing through my body.
In my haze, I bumped into someone huge, causing me to get pushed to the ground with a thud. Groaning, I looked up, rubbing my forehead, and my gaze fell on Hermes. His piercing eyes narrowed in concern as he took in my disheveled state.
“Lienna?” He called out, a brow raised. “Why are you in such a rush?”
I struggled to my feet, my legs trembling beneath me. Hades, but it seemed like being in his presence only amplified the sensations running through me. Clutching my chest, I ground out, “Help me, it’s happening again.”
My voice was a miserable whimper, barely audible. Hermes took a step toward me, his eyes locked on mine, and I had to stop myself from launching at him, needing to press my body against him.
“What’s happening again?” Hermes asked, his deep voice laced with concern.
I tried to explain, but no words would make it past my lips. My mouth was dry, my throat constricted. All I could do was shake my head, my eyes pleading for help.
When he took another step toward me, I couldn’t resist anymore. I pressed my body against his, damning all consequences. My hands wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer as I buried my face in his chest. His warmth, his scent, it was all so overwhelming, but it was what I needed.
Hermes’ arms wrapped around me, holding me close as I trembled in his embrace. “Lienna, what’s going on?” he whispered, his voice firm yet gentle.
But I couldn’t answer. I was lost in the sensations, lost in the need that consumed me. All I could do was hold onto him, hoping he could save me from myself. Suddenly, I felt him stiffen, dragging in a deep inhale, his chest vibrating.
“Lienna, is that your musk?” He asked, his voice sounding strangled. I looked up at him, my eyes glistening with tears. That seemed to be all the answer he needed as his eyes narrowed into slits. The next thing I knew, he had swept me up over his shoulder and was carrying me away. I had no idea where he was taking me, but I didn’t care. As long as he kept holding me, I felt a semblance of relief from the agony coursing through my veins.
When he finally set me down, I found myself in the presence of all three shifter kings. I refused to let go of Hermes, the body contact helping to ease some of the torture. “What’s wrong with her? A voice I discovered to be Adonis asked, his voice laced with concern.
“I have no idea. But it’s not good,” Hermes replied, trying to pry me off him. His voice was slightly strained, and I could sense the tension in his body. “She seems to be in a lot of pain… yet turned on.” He added, his eyes flicking to the others.
“Turned on?” Caspian repeated, his voice tinged with confusion. He took a step closer, his eyes fixed on me with a mix of concern and curiosity.
“Is this a result of her using the moon goddess powers today?” Adonis asked, his eyes narrowing in thought. He rubbed his chin, his brow furrowed in concentration.
“Probably,” Hermes said, his jaw clenched. “When I think about it, she usually has these side effects whenever it happens.”
“We need to help her. She’s in misery right now,” Hermes said, finally managing to gently pull me off him. His hands lingered on my skin, as if reluctant to let go.
I stood in their midst, my breath ragged and my skin flushed pink. I couldn’t bear to meet their gazes, so I lowered my face to the ground, whimpering softly. The silence was tense for a moment, the only sound being my ragged breathing.
Then, I heard the shuffling of movement. Feet shifted, clothes rustled, and the air seemed to vibrate with anticipation. A voice spoke the words I desperately wanted to hear: “Take off your clothes.”