#adventure romance

[hannahyeaman]

Looking for a slowburn epic fantasy with unique characters (harpies!), dual POV, no spice, a lush setting, anime inspiration, and more?!

✨ SOUL-BOUND is available now in paperback and ebook ✨

When a tsundere princess with forbidden magic loses her flight during her quest to heal corrupted crystal roots, she must depend on a charming vagabond's aid to help her before their avian world collapses.

Think TANGLED and ANASTASIA's royal x rogue dynamic with the traveling romance like DANCE OF THIEVES meeting the healing, atmospheric setting of FERNGULLY.

🪷 SOUL-BOUND SUMMARY 🪷

Avem, a continent inhabited by bird-like humans called Avians, consists of seven territories, each of which contains a crystal root: a treelike sanctuary preserving magic. Avians cannot wield the land’s magic themselves.

Except, Mika, the princess of Passíer. However, her father forbids her to use it out of concern for her safety.

Due to the expanding corruption from Cantio; a fallen territory under Passíer’s jurisdiction because of its damaged root, Zayn the militant king of Nyx, suggests Scorching Cantio. To avoid such a catastrophic outcome, Mika flees from home, determined to heal Cantio’s root herself.

In Cantio, she meets Roshan, a vagabond playing double agent to protect what’s left of his uncorrupted homelands. Upon noticing her pink feathers, unique for her specific species, he cautions her to leave before she’s captured and used as coin. She snubs his warning and is nearly taken captive.

During his efforts to help her, Roshan is wounded. Mika heals him with her magic, unintentionally and unknowingly bonding them together.

When the quest costs Mika’s wing and grounds her, she accepts Roshan’s offer to escort her across Avem to heal the damaged roots before corruption destroys their world.

✨ Links in bio! ✨

[noahhawthorneauthor]

One book down, another to go.

With When Witches Dance finished, it's time to get back to work on my historical fiction, The Voice of Wild Places. If you know me, then you know I can't help but commission art during the early phases of projects.

And we all know it's only the beginning, because I'm absolutely in love with Watt and Cornelius. Not to mention archaeology and history are my secret loves, and this is exactly the kind of story I want to read. Historical fiction with Indiana Jones like adventure, queer awakenings, danger, jazz, and steamships.

Write what you love and all that.

Art in order:

Watt by @justmissart

Watt by @ benedettamassaro on IG

Cornelius by @ benedettamassaro on IG

Cornelius by @ c_leadraw on IG

Blurb:

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.

Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.

Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.

Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.

But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.

After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.

[backtothefanfiction]

So at the risk of outing myself as I have not at all been sneaky online with my pen name and real name (but I’d be a fool not to share this here with all of you)…

I wrote a book!

It comes out today (28th November)!

It’s a pirate mermaid romantasy novel (that will be part of a series) and I’m so proud of it. It is very much if Pirates of the Caribbean had a love child with the Little Mermaid and stole a little dna from the Vampire Diaries too. If that sounds like something that is right up your street you can buy it on Amazon. It is available to buy as an ebook or if you have Kindle Unlimited you can start reading right now at no extra cost. Paperbacks are also going to be available (I just messed up and am still waiting for the manuscript to process through but will be able to be bought in the next couple days).

I came up with this idea back in January. It initially started out as a pirate!Peter Parker idea but quickly snowballed into a full book and series pretty fast. It is very much a twisted Little Mermaid retelling with a vampire curse and I am just so proud of it. So if you like my work on here and want to see what I do with original characters be sure to check it out. I have left the full blurb and link under the cut.

After sacrificing her fins for the man she loved, Ariadne has been cursed to roam the seas for five hundred years, doing the bidding of the Sea Devil she made the deal with all those years ago. Trapped in the form of a human, she has passed from ship to ship, feeding off of the blood of sailors and sending their bodies back to the sea, searching for a way to be free once more.

Captain Elias Hale has been waging a war across the seas his entire adult life; determined to get his revenge on the beast that stole his family from him when he was just a boy- the fearsome Kraken no other pirate actually believes exists.

An unlikely encounter between the two may just in fact hold the key to them both getting what they want. But she knows more than she’s letting on. And he doesn’t even know her real name. Will both of them finally find satisfaction? Or will her secrets only act to doom them all?

🧜‍♀️✨🏴‍☠️✨☠️

Although it is currently exclusively on Amazon, I am looking to make it available in other places in the future!

Click here to buy

[zacwuv]

The Princess Bride uncensored on Patreon ✨

[wbtym-pod]

In our Season 2 Premiere, we discuss Pirates of Aletheria by Britney Jackson.

Pirates, Dragons, and Lesbians Oh My! This tale has the Ma'ams impressed and ready to surrender to Captain Maria Welles.

5/5 Stars!

In the spirit of drunken pirates, we enjoyed 3 separate drinks this episode. You can find the episode and instructions for the Cocktail and Mocktail version in this free Patreon Post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/s2e1-its-britney-91895810

Enjoy and keep an eye out for Goddess of the Sea the second book in the Lesbians, Pirates, & Dragons series releasing in December 2023!

[thatpunkmaximoff]

Story: 4.5 out of 5 Smut: 2 out of 5

This was such a fun read! I was just watching The Mummy the other day, so I loved reading about Ben and Edith (Rick and Evie), but with a spicy twist.

The Egyptian culture and curses and magic kept me turning page after page, and I was so sad to see it end.

I honestly don’t know what else to say other than I liked this a lot and I would love to read more adventures for Edith and Ben!

* Ew. Ronald Pimsley is a twat.

* Man, Edith and Ben are gonna be a rollercoaster, huh 😂 Seems like Ben doesn’t know whether to hate her or fuck her lmao.

* The fucking pickpocket scene. Edith is going to murder him soon lol.

* He fucking warned the crew of men not to look at her 😂 Protective much?

* And the Medjai have entered the game. Woo!

* Oohhh. Her family heirloom is the key to the tomb!! Just like Evie had the key to the book, although that artifact was stolen by Jonathan.

* I love drunk Edith 😂

* They’re in the tomb! And visions!! Ohh, I like this.

* lol. All it takes is a single “please” and bam. Hook, line, and sinker.

* Way to ruin the mood, Ben!

* She has a fiancé?! wtf. And Ben went to Oxford?! Well the secrets are just coming out, huh.

* Oh my god… that library scene! Ben is kind of filthy. I like it 😏

* Wow. She kissed him in front of everyone. Atta girl.

* Gosh. I love the magic in here and the visions of the past.

* Oohhh. Is Edith related to Isfetheru/Amnara?

* Ugh.. I hate misunderstandings. But seriously, Ben should have left a note!

* Fucking Pimsley! I knew you were slimy as fuck.

* I love that he underestimated Ben. Woo!

* “The tears I shed will show your stain, My sisters will fight to know my name, Though stones you cursed may bind me, The legacy of the lotus shall set me free.”

* Ohhh. She freed her ancestor 😭

* Oh my… the engagement. I loved it!

[relyksandwolfcraft]

Looking for some book recs that give The Mummy (1999) vibes!! Needing this like I need air 🥹 so any recommendations are so welcome!

[theothersidecomic]

The two main characters of The Other Side! 

Paige on the left is the main love interest for Mike but even though that’s a big part of her relationship to the story, she’s very independent and likes to speak her own mind. She’s very caring, courageous, and thoughtful. She usually tries to thoroughly think things through and can get kinda frustrated at times, but she’s no stranger to spontaneity.

Mike on the right is funny and humorous but he has his secrets and a dark side. When he has an idea he goes for it immediately and sometimes doesn’t think things through. He moves with his heart and doesn’t like to take no for an answer. He cares deeply and sometimes has a hard time showing it because he bottles everything up and covers it with humor.

The comic is like an adventure road trip and there’s lots of great moments where their personalities shine 🌟

Pose was taken from Gabriel Picolo, artist of Beast Boy and Raven. I take a lot of inspiration from him in my art and I used this pose just so I can play with some colors and figure out some finer details of what they look like like hairstyle, skin tones, color for their outfits, shadows, etc.

[cromernet]

→ NEW RELEASE: To Love Is To Be One by @ja3hwa

Feedback: good lord, where do i start with this? yunho protecting reader (who lets be fair, doesn't really need protection BUT YES PLEASE!), and then the lore of reader and hongjoong and joong saying him and the boys want reader, and reader bolting????? babes!!! (i get it tho, BUT STILL!) and omg when joong pull the sheet and reader's name is there! and oooooooh the legend being told and the realization hitting them AND THE CHANGE IN THE ATMOSPHERE GOOD GOD! and can we talk about their scenes??? oh my it was so aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

♡ 𝐓𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞 | 𝐎𝐭𝟖 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐳 ♡

Day thirty-One - Dungeons and Dragons (Gang Bang)

【Synopsis】 : You want, needed to prove that you could achieve just as much greatness like the other guild members. So what better than a hunt that only you and your team can solve.

『Word count』 : 6.56k

-> Genre: Adventure Romance. SMUT. Sprinkle of angst.

Pairing: Ot8!Ateez x Fae!Reader

[Warnings] : Insults. Bar fighting. Mentions of Hongjoong being fwb with the reader. Pet Names. Tension!! Swearing. Getting trapped in a cave. Love confessions. Making out. Oral (multiple rec). Fingering. Breasts play and nipple play. Squirting. Cum eating? Inappropriate use of powers. Multiple orgasms. Unprotected sex. Rough sex. Manhandling. Dirty talk. Dom/sub dynamics. Marking. Biting. Blood drinking. Slight primal play. Sweet kisses. Facial. Slight size kink. Tummy bulge. Cum everywhere. Double penetration

Note: OH MY GOD HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!! Wow. I honestly can not believe we actually got here. 34 fics done and dusted. Ahh. Thank you all for enjoying my work (Ima be more gushy when I make a post later), but!! I will add, lowkey forgot reader had wings in this fic...sooo. just uh pretend they're retractable or something cause whoops silly me was too focused on reader getting dick to worry about her wings. Sorry, ahh.

Networks: @cromernet @wonderlandnet @illusionnet @k-vanity

Masterlist | Navigation | Kinktober List | Tip Jar ♡

A little Fae like you was never seen as equal to anyone when it came to the hunting games. Every time you came to local bars looking for work, most contractors would just laugh, some even mocking you, saying you were just a little frail Fae. Not cut out for the bounty-hunting life.

You beg to differ.

You have fought your fair share of Orcs, Vampires and devil spawn. You weren't afraid to get a little dirty. But yet, one drunk can take a look at you, seeing your soft sheer wings and dub you weak. You were on your way through another town after having word of an impossible hunt. One that no one has ever been able to complete or lived to tell of their failures. But you had confidence on your side, cause unlike the lonely brutes you had agility, flexibility and most importantly magic.

They went through the trails with a ‘me hit thing first talk maybe later’. You planned to show all the hunters in the community that you were worth it. That every piece of gold you earned was because you knew how to fight and hold yourself. That you were equal to them.

“No.”

“What do you mean no!?” You were fuming at this point, having travelled all this was only for the dungeon master to tell you no bluntly to your face.

“I mean no. It’s a team quest. You need a team and besides…” He looked you up and down with a perverted look, a look you were all too familiar with. “You aren't exactly, hunter material princess.”

Your eye twitched at that last remark. You’ve heard about other hunters going in alone, so why have they seemingly changed the rules? Why now, when you wanted to try the trail, you weren't qualified, yet again. Sighing in defeat, you mumbled to yourself while heading for the door. If the dungeon master was not going to gift you passage, you’d find another way. “Stupid fuck, doesn’t even know what I’m capable o—Oof…”

“Hey, watch it!” A tall orc growls in front of you, sneering a huff in your direction. You had walked right into him without even realising, too focused in your own mind to notice the idiot lug of green mass blocking the front door.

“How about you get out of the doorway.” You spat back, looking up at the hideous beast. It felt like the tavern had gone silent upon seeing a tiny fae like yourself talk with such confidence towards such a beastly creature. But the beast did not falter at your words unlike the crowd, no, it laughed instead.

“And what are you going to do, pewny little pixie.” The orc hollowed, his wrinkled belly jiggling like a bowl of old porridge. Your face turned red, while your wings flared.

“I am not a pixie, you half-sighted boar!!” The tension in the pub thickened, seeing the large orc change colour. You had successfully angered the beast. In the corner of your eye, you can see the Orc reach for his hatchets, but before he could put skin to metal a whistle echoed through the hot air, stopping everyone's movements. 

"There you are." A deep voice caught everyone's attention. It was another orc, but only he was smaller, less green. It was Jeong Yunho, or more known as Stormcaller. “I thought I lost you.”

You gulped quietly at the feeling of his arm draping over your shoulder, his musky scent invading your senses. The orc that you have just been fighting with scoffed looking at the seemingly “display of affection”. In orc morals, if an orc has a claim on someone then another orc cannot do no harm. So with a frustrated grumble, the stinky lump goes to walk away.

“Let's get outta here, hmm.” Yunho's whisper was daring and seductive, a charm he always carried when he was around You. And as he held the door open, you couldn't help but feel annoyed for not doing anything. just to show off in front of the drunken idiots… So in a split second, you turned back to the orc who—had his back turned—using your magic to lift up his hatchet and drop it on his foot making the large beast let out a guttural howl.

“Dukhal…[Bastard].” You spat before exiting the establishment, a smirk on your face as you walked with Yunho who had an equally sly smirk painting on his perfect features.

-

“Do I even ask?” Hongjoong pinched his nose as he paced in front of you and Yunho.

“To be fair it was really fucking hot.” Yunho laughed while taking a sip from his waterskin. You blushed at his sly remark but your focus was on the sorcerer in front of you. You haven't seen Hongjoong since you were in his bed at some cheap cabin house during last winter. It wasn't the first time one of you had slipped into each other's company for a night. But there was something seeing him being here now that felt different from the rest.

Last time you and him were together he confessed, his team. His friends—that you were all too aware of—had been… curious about your relationship with their captain. In other words—well Wooyoung's words—“Do any of us have a shot.” You left quickly after that, without a word. You were overwhelmed. It wasn't that you hadn't thought about sleeping or being with any of them before. But actually accepting was another thing. It wasn't common to be in love with more than two people, let alone eight. You always felt like you were broken in that aspect. That something wasn't developed right in your head. So you ran… like you always do when it came to love.

“Well, you're glad the guild didn't disqualify us for it.” Hongjoongs stern words caught you from your thoughts.

“W-why would they disqualify you? I did it. Not Yunnie..” You picked at your fingernails as you bit the inner part of your cheek. You watched Hongjoong whip out a piece of paper from his back pocket. It was a quest sheet, one a Dungeon master gives you. It was for the hunt you tried to join today but what caught your eye was all the names on the sheet. His team and…you. 

“I had a feeling when you caught wind of this quest you'd come looking for a challenge.” His smile always made your stomach do flips. “That's why Yun was looking for you.” he snapped his gaze to the orc that was leaning against a fallen tree. “I just didn't think he would let anything like this happen.”

Yunho put his hands up in defeat but it was you to speak up. “It was my fault. I got carried away.” Hongjoong looked back at you, taking a step closer until his face was almost inches from yours. 

“I don't doubt that. You have always been one to cause a scene.” Hongjoong’s voice was low, sultry. It caused Yunho to stare intensely. Your face reddened more if that was even possible, desperately wanting nothing more than to seal your lips against his. But as a cough echoed from Yunho's directions, you looked away taking in a sharp breath. “Hm…Well, l-lets get to the camp. The others will be waiting for us.”

Your nerves rattled as you walked with Yunho and Hongjoong to where the rest of the team would be finishing up with packing the campsite. Readying themselves to start the quest. Yunho had taken your backpack even though you said you could carry it on your own. But as you heard Wooyoung's piercing scream you knew this was going to be a long adventure.

You stayed close to Hongjoong as you all walked to the “spelunca cupiditatis”. A cave system that most competitors never leave. No one knows what the unknown language was or who had named the caves but most people have come to terms that the translation must be “caves of death.

”We're here.” Yeosang who was standing at the front of the team, his tail swaying as he focused on the map. Everyone stopped to gaze at the entrance. There wasn't much death vibes coming from it?

“You really want to do this…” you heard Hongjoong's voice whisper beside you. Turning You see concern on his face. All of you knew how dangerous this journey was. You all knew that you might not come out of it alive, but it was a risk you were all willing to take. 

“Yes, Joong.” You grabbed his hand instinctively, letting the wandering eyes catch the obvious display of affection. “We do this together.”

Your smile always made Hongjoong feel better. If he was having a crap day he could always think about the times he made you laugh, your bright smile easing his heart. Your eyes fell from Hongjoong's for a moment, taking notice of all the men trying to pretend they were bluntly staring a moment ago. You couldn't help but giggle slightly, feeling a sudden tug to each of them in different ways. 

The twisted vines and jagged stones bearing witness to countless tales of desperation and ambition were now going to show the story of you and the team and as you take each step forward you hoped and prayed the story was going to have a happy ending. So your heart raced, not merely from fear, but from the presence of Hongjoong standing close, his hand barely touching your own. You were glad to have his comforting presence but it also began to cause a tingle in your throat. 

"We can do this," You whispered to yourself, trying to muster the confidence that had been wavering ever since you felt the bar. The energy was palpable as the eight men shifted uneasily, exchanging nervous glances that spoke volumes of the dread they shared. The “what ifs” loomed dangerously: what if they were the next failed adventurers? What if they never returned? Your what if were seemingly growing more and more worse by the second. Afraid of all of the boys' safety. What if they died trying to protect you? Trying to play hero was something they all had in common and it terrified you. 

You couldn’t bear the idea of losing any of them. Each connection you shared with them pulsed with its own rhythm, enchanting you more deeply. Hongjoong's with his intellect that intrigued you, Jongho's with his inhuman strength and siren-like voice that was always comforting, Yunho’s warmth that was always inviting, Wooyoung’s vampiric wit that sparked excitement with every glance, Ser San's honour inspired respect something you didn’t ever think to learn before meeting him, Seonghwa's darkness that beckoned your curiosity and kept you awake most nights, Mingi's caring and gentle nature that always made your heart swoon and finally Yeosang's charm was utterly captivating leaving you breathless every time he spoke to you.

You couldn’t lose any of them. They are all so important if one of them died you would never forgive yourself━“Angel?...Are you okay? You’re squeezing my hand pretty tight.” you hadn’t realised Hongjoong had sneakily grabbed your hand nor the fact you almost stopped the blood to his poor fingers. Loosening your grip you apologised without any context leaving Hongjoong in the dark. But before he could protest a loud gasp echoed in the chamber you all found yourselves in.

As you all stepped into the large room—determined, or perhaps foolish, as the door behind them slammed shut with a resounding echo. You felt your heart drop at the sound, knowing the first trial had begun. The room was a shocking contrast to the cave’s tunnels and foreboding entrance. Lavishly decorated, it felt eerily reminiscent of a cosy home with walls adorned in colours that hinted at warmth and something domesticated. Golden tapestries draping the sides, flowering vines climbing towards the ceiling. In the centre of the room sat a peculiar floating silver bowl, it's surface glittering against the odd ambience. Curiosity piqued, as you watched the boys approach the bowl, but the locked door at the far end caught Seonghwa’s attention. It felt like a challenge—a puzzle waiting to be solved. “Let’s figure out what this is,” Seonghwa suggested cautiously, running his fingers along the door before noticing hold wear marks like the door had not been opened in centuries… comforting.

San leaned over the bowl first, squinting at the ancient script engraved at the bottom through the water. “It’s fae-ish? Uh…” Yeosang had a gaze. “That's old ancient fae…”

You pushed the men aside, trying to shake off the looming fear as you took a look at the writing. You didn't know a lot of the old tongue, but you were able to piece the sentence together just. “To open is to be opened, and to love is to be one.”

“What does that even mean?” Yunho asked, scratching his head.

“I think it means we need to express our feelings,” Hongjoong mused, his brows furrowing as he considered the possibilities. “But it’s not going to be as easy as it sounds…

“Oh wait what if it's more than that!!”” Wooyoung interjected, his tone mischievous but his eyes betraying a spark of fear. “What if we, like, confess our secrets or something? Not just feelings? Maybe that’s the key!” He laughed, but a nervous energy laced his voice. All of you chuckled half-heartedly, the prospect of revealing hidden feelings uncomfortable. Yet, the idea lingered. After a brief debate, spurred on by Wooyoung’s folly. "I'll go first!" He declared, stepping forth a little too energetically. He started listing all his loves—how he cherished their friendship, how he admired each one of them—but when he finished, the bowl remained unresponsive and the door was still sealed tight.

“Incredible. You killed the vibe, Wooyoung,” Mingi teased, rolling his eyes. All of you stood there lost, maybe all of you had to confess something? Yeosang pitched the idea and though half of you didn't wish to be as embarrassing as Wooyoung, but you all knew it had to be done. So one by one, the guys took turns professing their feelings, but the bowl stubbornly remained silent. Feeling the weight of your own unspoken emotions, your heart pounded as you noticed Hongjoong's thoughtful gaze. Somehow, those soft eyes sent a current of courage through you as you took a deep breath.

"It's my turn, I guess.." you whispered, taking Hongjoonds hand gently. You could feel the warmth of his presence envelop you, making you almost forget about the pending entrapment. "I’m so sorry for running away. I was scared. I realised... I was in love with you. And the question you ask…I didn’t want to answer it in fear of upsetting you.” Tears pricked Your eyes, and you quickly turned to the bowl, your palms sweaty. And to your lost hope the door remained locked.

“Hey…” Hongjoong grabbed your chin softly so you would look at him again. 

“It..Didn’t work.” You felt so ashamed admitting to the single thing that's been eating at you and in front of not only Hongjoong but all of his team.

“It’s okay…We’ll figure it out.” Hongjoong wanted nothing more than to kiss your tears away right now but in the same breath was worried you’d recoil if he did. You just confessed you were in love with him and that was the reason why you ran when he offered his friends to you. You respected him too much to even admit that you had a slither of desire for his friends. “Let’s take a break, Wooyoung and Yeosang can get the food ready and use one of the torches to create a fire.” 

He took notice of the small air pockets in the roof so at least they wouldn’t die from loss of oxygen. All the men started to move around like nothing happened but you couldn’t stop thinking. What else did you need to say? Was love not enough? The ancient words echoed in your mind over and over again., “to love is to be one…To love… is to be…” A gasp left your lips as you understood now: it wasn’t just about a confession. With renewed determination, you took a step back, making Hongjoongs hold of your slip. “I know what we’re missing…”

Without thought, you took a bold step, holding Hongjoong’s hands in yours as he tried to walk you to the others, his eyebrow raised as he tried to question. “What are we missing?”

“There is an ancient story in my culture about two lovers that built tunnels to hide their love…along with their treasure.” You looked at each of the men, only half of them following with what you were saying. “The story had gotten lost in translation over the years but the basis of it is that the only way to reach their treasure was to ‘become one.’” It was like all the lights went on in their heads as you said the last line given it matched the writing in the bowl.

“That still doesn’t explain what we are missing,” San interjected.

“Yes, it does…” You smile feeling proud you figured it out. “When they say become one, they mean to connect in a showcase of love…” You look back to Hongjoong. “This isn’t about telling each other how much we love one another. It’s about showing it…”

The room was deadly silent, Hongjoong and the others quickly sensing what you were meaning. The door wanted a display of affection, aka, sex. “So that means…” Wooyoung spoke up.

“We gotta fuck to open the door,” Yeosang said bluntly with arms crossed.

You suddenly felt yourself being drawn into a web of lust and anticipation. Waiting to see what anyone might add. But as you watched Hongjoong lean down towards your ear you felt your breath hitch. "Every single man here wants to taste what's between your thighs, angel. They want to feel your soft skin, hear your moans, and watch you lose control. What I told you that night was true. We all want you…for a while now.”

Your heart quickened as a wave of heat washed over you. The thought of being desired by all men at once was almost too much to bear. Maybe you weren’t as broken as you thought. "I want  it…" You whispered, your voice catching in your throat. "I love all of you..."

“That’s my girl.” You could feel Hongjoong’s sly smirk against your ear as he suddenly stood up straight, taking you by the hand and leading you to the centre of the room. The others watched with hooded eyes, their cocks already beginning to stir with excitement and anticipation.

“This is really happening?!” Wooyoung gasped but Jongho was quick to elbow him causing the poor vampire to let out a wheeze.

“Shut the fuck up.” Was all Jongho said as they all went back to focusing on their leader and you. Slowly, Hongjoong began to undress you, peeling away your clothes layer by layer. His touch was delicate as if one wrong move would cause you to break. You felt like your heart was going to burst out of your chest at the sheer thought of being bare in front of all of them. But as Hongjoong untied the string to your undercoat, it fell breathlessly off your shoulders, leaving you completely naked for all of their hot gazes to eye.

The cool night air that slipped into the cave caressed your exposed skin, leaving goosebumps and shivers down your spine. Hongjoong's fingers traced the curves of your body, his touch both gentle and possessive. Spinning you around so your back couldn’t be flush against his chest, he brought his hands up to cup your breasts, thumbing your erect nipples, while his tongue flicked out to taste the sensitive flesh of your neck. Giving all the boys a perfect display of him playing with your body. You moaned, your head falling back against his shoulder in surrender. You could feel Hongjoong's hard cock pressing against your ass, but he teasingly denied you both the pleasure of going any further.. no, not yet. He wanted to savour the moment. He needed to watch all his friends lose their composure.

So Instead, he thought of an idea, lifting you effortlessly, by using his magic to support you in the air slightly, he sank to his knees in front of you, positioning your pussy directly in front of his face. Hongjoong's tongue flicked out, licking your slit from bottom to top, causing you to cry out, your hands flying for his soft locks. He latched onto your clit, sucking and nibbling as his fingers plunged into your wet cunt quickly. Your hazy eyes stared down at him for a moment before catching the gaze of all the other men in the room. Each of them displaying their own build of need on their expressions while a few started to palm their own cocks through their pants. Your hips bucked uncontrollably as you neared your high, your juices coating Hongjoong's face, some even dripping down his chin and neck.

Out of all the boys, it was Seonghwa who couldn't contain himself any longer. Moving closer, his golden eyes piercing you while his dragon form shimmered just beneath the surface of his human appearance. He reached out, pinching your nipples between his thumb and forefinger, rolling and tugging them gently as he leaned in to nuzzle your neck. His flaming hot breath and sharp teeth left marks on your delicate skin. As he kissed and nibbled his way up your jaw before his clawed fingers gripped your chin to look at him.

“Such a sweet little fae. A soft little rabbit.” You could hear the dragon beneath his breath, steam pooling out his nose as he huffed. Breaking one of your hands from Hongjoongs hair, you came to rest it on Seonghwa’s cheek, beckoning him to close the gap between you. “You want a kiss baby?”

His sweet almost taunting words made our cunt clench around Hongjoong’s fingers, feeling yours tread closer towards the edge. “Please, Hwa. I want you to kiss him.”

You were desperate, wanting to know how the dragon would kiss. Is he a slow and sensual lover or does he fuck with roughness and passion? “Since you asked nicely…” He rotated his fingers from your chin to squeeze your cheek together pushing your lips out. And without another thought, he sealed his slips on yours. You could almost feel the fire on his tongue as he practically shoved the large snake-like appendage down your throat.

You gagged slightly, whimpers mixing with light coughs but you ended up finding the rhythm to breathe through your nose. But what caught you off guard was suddenly feeling another body on the other side of you. You couldn’t look over to see who it was but when you heard the grunt in your ear you could take a guess. “You look so cute, doll. So tiny compared to all of us.”

It was Yunho and of course, this huge orc of a man had a thing for sizes. He was busy palming his large cock that was straining against his pants. He released his erection in the next second, stroking its impressive length as he groped one of your plump breasts, rolling your sensitive nipple between his fingers, while his long tongue licked along your neck. Your body felt like it was on fire, the pleasure building to an unbearable level. Hongjoong's skilled fingers and tongue pushed you over the edge, while Yunho and Seonghwa’s tongues and hands worked their magic. You screamed as your orgasm ripped through you, your slick squirting and drenching Hongjoong's face and chest.

Hongjoong stood, still holding you, and looked at his friends with a satisfied smile, licking his lips as he panted. "So…Whose fucking her first?" he asked, his voice laced with challenge and lust, a cheeky pip making all the boys look at one another trying to figure out how they could possibly choose. Before anyone could respond, Wooyoung took it upon himself to take you for a spin. Using his vampire speed in a blur, he snatched you from Hongjoong's and the other's arms. He positioned you over one of the old chair-like couches, your hands grasping the rough split wood as he lined up his throbbing cock with your soaked pussy. 

And with a swift thrust, he impaled you, his length disappearing inside you in one smooth motion. Your and his screams mixed as the pleasure overwhelmed both of you, your body vibrating with the force of Wooyoung's frantic drilling. He pounded into you with his jaw slack, never feeling a better feeling than this. His hips were almost a blur, his cock fucking you deeper and deeper as he swore. “Fuck, you’re pussy is so fucking tight. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Are you sure Hongjoong has ever fucked you? You feel like a fucking virgin.”

The sound of his frantic jackhammering filled the room, wet flesh slapping against even more so wet flesh, your desperate moans, and Wooyoung's grunts of pleasure. The others watched in awe and slight jealousy. None of them even got to have a say on who went first, making them feel the possessiveness brew in their guts. Wanting nothing more than to have their turns. They all had their own hands working their cocks as they witnessed the erotic display of Wooyoung pounding you while you struggled to stay upright on the rickety chair. “WOo arh! AHH Wooyoung!!!”

Wooyoung's speed increased, and you could feel his vampire lust taking over. His fangs lengthened as he leaned down, his lips brushing your ear as he whispered, "I'm going to fill that tight cunt with my cum, baby. You're going to take every last drop fucking drop while I get a taste of your sweet blood.”

“Yes! Yes! Please, b-bite me.” You have no clue where your filter went but it clearly was left outside the cave. You heard a dark chuckle from the undead man pounding you and before you could beg again you felt his sharp fangs pierce your soft skin. His grunt as he drank from you, sent your mind spiralling as you quickly fell into another orgasm, your walls clenching around Wooyoung's thick cock tightly making the vampire tip over to his own release. His growls were almost primal, feeling your pussy clench around him while he tasted your blood rushing through him. He slammed into you one last time, his cock twitching as he flooded you with his cold cum, finally unlatching his fangs from you, making sure to lick up the wound so it could heal.

You slumped forward, as Wooyoung gently lowered you completely onto the chair. He kissed your cheek before grabbing your chin so he could seal his lips against your own, his tongue exploring your mouth as he let you taste your own blood.

"Damn, that was a sight," Hongjoong said, a smile playing on his lips as he crossed his arms. "But we're not done yet, are we, Angel?" He points to the door, seeing it hasn’t moved even an inch. You, still catching your breath, looked up at the circle of lustful men surrounding you making you visibly gulp with a small smile.

Sitting up slightly to sit on your ass, while biting your lip as you spread your legs to show all Wooyoung’s cum drip out of your puffy cunt. It was like it hypnotised all of them but without as much as a peep, Mingi came stomping over, as you suddenly found yourself in his powerful grip.

He spun you around, so he could take your place on the chair as his eyes darkened with lust, lowering you onto his lap. You gasped as you felt his thick cock sink deep into your sensitive pussy without a care. And to say this man was fucking huge all over, he was fucking huge all over. Stretching you further than you thought possible, and you couldn't help but moan loudly, your screams bouncing off the walls in sheer desperation.

Mingi growled, a low deep sound that sent shivers down your spine and tingles in your tummy. He began to move, thrusting up into you with fierce, rapid snaps of his hips. Your nails dug into his chest, scratching lines into his tanned skin as he marked your hips with his strong grip. The sensation of being fucked so roughly had your head spinning and seeing stars. Your cries grew louder, your voice hoarse and filled with need. But if that wasn't enough, Yeosang joined you. He grabbed a handful of your hair, pulling your head back to expose your throat. You let out a yelp at the sting while his other hand tilted your chin up, forcing you to meet his intense almost sadistic gaze. Then, without warning, and a big sly smirk, he sunk his cock into your waiting mouth. You moaned around his length, your eyes rolling back as you tried to relax your throat to take him in whole. Yeosang began to move, fucking your face with the same precision and determination that Mingi had. Your mouth filled with the taste of him, making you crave more. “That’s it pet, your throat is so warm. Are you going to let me paint this pretty face? Hmm?”

Mingi and Yeosang moved together in a frenzied rhythm. Mingi's cock pounded into your pussy, hitting your deepest spots, while Yeosang used your mouth for his own pleasure, holding your head in a tight grip as he thrusted deep. The sting tickled down your throat and the burn was tight in your jaw but you could feel yourself getting closer to the edge, your body trembling with the effort of holding back your orgasm. Mingi must have sensed you were close because he reached down, his fingers finding your clit, rubbing it in firm circles. Your cries were muffled by Yeosang’s cock while your juices flowed as you came hard, your pussy clenching around Mingi tightly. With a loud grunt, he emptied himself into you, his hot cum mixing with Wooyoung's, filling you to the brim.

“Fuuuckk.” Mingi moaned at the same time, Yeosang pulled out of your mouth, jerking himself quickly as he shot his load all over your face and tits, marking you with his release. You panted, your body spent, but you had little time to recover as the next man stepped forward to claim you.

“My turn, honey…” Jongho, using his inhuman strength, he lifted you up easily, wrapping your legs around his waist as he held you up against the nearby wall. You smiled lazily at him as he used what seemed like to be his shirt to wipe off Yeosang’s cum from your face. He gently licked the rest of Yeo’s seed, before kissing your cheeks tenderly. “Such a pretty baby…”

His sweet murmurs made your heart skip and your tummy tingle as you giggle. He held you close, gently stroking your hair as the other hand that held your thigh squeezed gently, easing the ache in your limbs. Your arms wrap naturally around his neck, reciprocating his love but gifting him kisses in return. But as he lifted you higher slowly, you knew what you were in for. His cock was already slick with your juices as he sunk into you carefully taking his time with you. His lips captured your cries as he devoured your mouth losing himself with every inch that sinks deeper inside your ruined cunt. You tasted Yeosang on his tongue, and it only served to heighten your forever-growing arousal.

Jongho may have started off softly paced but his thrusts soon became relentless, pounding into you with his superhuman strength, his thick cock hitting your sweet spot over and over. You couldn’t help but squirm in his hold, your legs tightening around his waist as you bucked your hips out of rhythm, feeling another orgasm building, quicker than the last. And just as you were about to fall over the edge, you felt your body being taken away from the wall, as it was replaced with a warm body and another cock nudging the entrance to your pussy. San’s charming chuckle made your foggy mind spin as he whispered in your ear, "Take a deep breath, beautiful,"

And then he was pushing into you alongside Jongho. The sensation of being so full sent you into a frenzy, and you came uncontrollably as if you had lost all control over your body. Your cunt clenched around both cocks as your juices squirted out, soaking the floor below you. The display was erotic within itself, as all the men kept their stares on the fresh entertainment. Jongho couldn't hold on any longer, and with a roar, he stopped his hips with a staggering whine, filling your puffy pussy with his hot seed. San followed soon after, his cock twitching as he emptied himself into also. You felt so full with four different loads deep inside you. You could feel it slowly drip out of you as one cock pulls out of you and a new one replaces it. You felt like a used sex toy, used, abused and completely satisfied.

You slumped against Jongho, your body spasming slightly from the overstimulation but you surprisingly begged for more. Your teary eyes glanced at the door for a moment, a part of you was wishing it was opened already so you could relax. But the other part wanted it to only open after you had your fill of each man in the room. And speaking of them…There were now just two men left, and they approached you with hungry eyes. Seonghwa and Yunho, each presented a tempting offer of passion, roughness and a lingering darkness… Yunho growled, his voice deep and rumbling, "It's time for the main event, little one."

Seonghwa had laid out a sleeping bag, a devious smile on his face. Yunho, gently but firmly, grabbed your figure from the other men before laying you down, your limbs splayed as you basked in the afterglow of your previous highs while also finally getting to relax without standing or being uncomfortably in the air. Yunho positioned himself between your legs, his cock a stunning green and unnaturally large. You couldn't help but bite your lip as you anticipated him, your pussy already beginning to throb with need. “Y-your so big…”

“I get told that a lot.” Yunho’s voice was cocky, charming and deep. He knew he was good and it showed. His hands grabbed the back of your legs where your knees crease, bending you almost in half. Your pussy was wide on display at this angle but there was no time to gawk as Yunho sunk into you slowly, his cock stretching you to your limits. You were mentally glad San and Jongho had fucked you together now to help you with this sting of Yunho almost breaking you.

You couldn't help but moan nonetheless, your nails digging into the sleeping bag as you tried to adjust to his size as quickly as you could. Once he was fully bottomed out inside you, he studied your face. Watching your brows knit and bend with a painful pleasure. He began to move, his hips snapping forward with each thrust while his balls slapped against your ass loudly. If you weren't so drunk on the idea of being passed around, maybe you’d be embarrassed by the sound. But right now all you cared about was getting this large orc’s cum deep inside your cunt.

Seonghwa came to stand beside you both, and with a gentle hand, he tilted your head up, urging you to take him in your mouth. With wide eyes you did so willingly, your gaze fluttering closed in pleasure as you sucked his length. Seonghwa threaded his fingers into your hair, holding you in place as he began to fuck your face, his hips moving in tandem with Yunho's. “What do you know, you’re throat does feel good, fuck.”

“You should try this pussy.” Yunho grunted, spitting onto your clit before rubbing it harshly. “I could stay in it forever.”

You were in complete ecstasy, your body being used exactly as you had always craved. Pleasuring all your boys, gifting them what they desire while also taking your own pleasure. You couldn’t ever ask for more. You scratched your nails down Seonghwa's thighs, marking his perfect skin as you felt Yunho's cock reach places no one ever had. Your pussy was on fire in the best way, and you could feel the bulge of his cock deep in your tummy as if he could literally rearrange your guts. You knew Yunho was huge, but the sensation of being so utterly filled was indescribable.

Seonghwa moaned, his hands tightening in your hair as he grew closer to the edge, moaning your name over and over. You looked up at him, your eyes glazed with lust, and you felt a wave of confidence to suck him harder, your throat relaxing to take him in deeper. Seonghwa groaned, his cock twitching as his hips stuttered, “Fuck fuck fuck. Lord nargh…” He filled your mouth with his release, his cum coating your throat as you tried your best to swallow it all.

Yunho, too, was close, his grunts and the slapping of his hips against your ass the only sounds in the spacious cave. And with one final thrust, he buried himself as deep inside you as he could, coming with an endless amount. His cock pulsed as he shot his thick load, letting you feel him twitching and shifting inside you. His fingers did not cease as he was on a mission to make your pussy throb with satisfaction. “Come on baby, cum for me. I wanna feel you cream around my huge fucking cock.”

You screamed, Seonghwa suddenly pulling out of you while you tightened around Yunho. He felt a second load empty as you milked him dry. He quickly pulled out right after, his cock slipping from your pussy with a wet pop. Laying on the sleeping bag, your body sticky with cum and satisfied beyond measure. The eight men stood around you, their eyes hungry as they admired their handy work. It was almost as if you all forgot where you were or why you were there in the first place.

But suddenly it was like the air shifted. The door behind all of you had creaked open, light spilling into the room like a promise of hope, illuminating your path forward. You sat up slowly with the help of Seonghwa and Hongjoong, smiles painted on all your faces. Leaning against Hongjoong’s chest you took a breath before speaking with a hoarse but soft voice.

“It worked…”

[lizanneyoung97]

ARC REVIEW: THIS BOWL OF STARS BY TAMAYA CRUZ

TROPES

Rivals to Lovers

Fated Soulmates

One Tent

Love Quadrangle

This book combined all the elements I love in what I read right now: adventure, folklore, mystery, and romance. The best part was never knowing where the story would go because of all the moving parts at play. Would Ali solve the mystery? Would she write another chapter in the legend? Would she end up with any of the three MMCs presented? I never knew and it was awesome.

I love stories about myth and legend, and I love the scavenger hunt this one took Ali on. Not only was she trying to untangle the truth behind the bits of information she had, she was uncovering more about herself and her own life needs. Honestly, I think her story could’ve ended up a number of ways, depending on which path she took as the different options materialized in front of her. However, I particularly enjoyed her ending. She realized something important about herself and found a happy ending she wasn’t looking for at the start of her journey. But, this was also a story where her happy ending didn’t have to include a partner, and I particularly love how in control of her own story Ali was.

If you grew up in the southwest, or are even just a fan of southwestern folklore, you should read this book. As someone that grew up with the legends of the Lost Dutchman Mine, La Llorona, the Chupacabra, the legend of the coins and the love they represent hit closer to home for me than I expected. 

Thank you so much to the author and Happily Booked PR for the chance to read!

[hannahyeaman]

Read More ⬇️

SOUL-BOUND is an epic fantasy with a no spice slow-burn romance between harpy characters, featuring dynamics similar to TORADORA, TANGLED, and ANASTASIA.

🪶 Winged characters

🪶 Strangers-to-lovers

🪶 Dance scenes

🪶 Adorable banter

🪶 Tsundere/grumpy FMC and sunshine MMC

🪶 Royal and rogue trope

🪶 Adventure fantasy SLOW-burn romance

🪶 No spice

🪶 Immersive, atmospheric prose

🪶 Lover's duel

🪶 Hurt/comfort

🪶 Dual POV

🔗 In bio

[noahhawthorneauthor]

The Voice of Wild Places

Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.

Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.

Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.

Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.

But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind. After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.

--

Presenting the next Noah Hawthorne book, The Voice of Wild Places. I've commissioned a fantastic cover artist already, Jan Falk of Thistle Arts. Jan has done covers for authors like Sebastian Nothwell and Rita Rubin, along with art for Sarah Wallace's Dear Bartleby. Based on the cover schedule, release will be in late August or early September.

I am a sucker for historical fiction, especially ones that are queer and with a touch of magic. Taking place in 1930, Watt and Cornelius will be searching for historical figure Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925 while searching for the Lost City of Z with his son Jack Fawcett and Jack's best friend, Raleigh Rimmel. There are several theories regarding their disappearance, and this will be my take on it.

Are you ready for adventure?

[ronovanwrites]

Taken by His Sword by Florence A. Bliss, a Book Review.

A Review of… Taken by His Sword by Florence A. Bliss It’s 1654 in Provence, France and Philippe du Chevalerie, youngest son of Guillaume and Laure, the Duke and Duchess of Chevalerie is knocked off his feet when a beauty from his past once again enters his life, just as he is about to go on a mission for his father. Alexandra De Voix fled years ago from humiliation at the hands of a young…

[aka-jack-orinson]

The Favor of a Goddess - Chapter One

For those who are interested, here is a taste of Book One of Mundus Deorum, i.e. the first chapter. I hope you enjoy it. (A link to the whole thing is at the end of this post.)

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May 1027 A.I. (Anno Imperium) In the Eastern Reaches of Imperium Romana

The air shimmered and suddenly, on the road before him, out of nowhere, a beautiful woman stood, light radiating from her. She was standing just out of his reach in front of him… but four feet off the ground!

The man’s eyes widened. He had seen many things in his life, but nothing had prepared him for this. He dropped the reins to his horse, automatically shifting into a defensive posture and his face became deceptively blank.

“You have known great loneliness in a life of hardship and cruelty,” the apparition said, and he detected a compassion there.

The words and, more importantly, the tone were so unexpected that he was unable to hide the shock he felt. Gods and Goddesses didn’t deal with mortals with compassion. They were too wrapped up in themselves and their own affairs. However, he quickly composed himself and once again his demeanor gave no hint of what was inside.

“You cannot fool me with that facade,” she continued. “Surely, you must know that I can see inside you. Yes, even right through you. You cannot hide anything from me, even though you are using every trick you have learned throughout a lifetime of struggle and abuse. I can see past all that. You cannot fool me.

“I can also see how my words have touched your core. And how desperately you want to believe in me and my goodness even while another part of you is holding back, looking for the trick, for the angle. For everyone has always had some angle, some selfish motive in their dealings with you.”

“And are you any different?,” the man said, his face still a mask. “Are you the lone exception to all people, mortal and immortal? The exception who is altruistic and compassionate, loving without expectation of returned love, without expectation of worship? For what god or goddess does not want to worshipped? Nay, need to be worshipped?”

The beautiful apparition smiled and his heart wrenched. Her beauty rent his heart asunder. There was a scent in the air that reminded him of new-cut hay. And a touch of something that felt like a gentle sea breeze, cool and inviting, out of place in this hot wasteland. The golden light surrounding her, emanating from her, shattered the armor of his heart, carefully built up over the years, and called to his wounded heart, touching it like a healing salve, promising so much more if he would just allow it.

But, he was not a naive child anymore. Even if he wanted to, his heart would not trust her. Could not trust her. Could trust no one, really.

There was a compassionate and understanding look in her eyes, and her face and body language mirrored that look. “Be at peace. I shall not force you. Ever. To anything. That is not my way.” That smile was still there. “Who I am does not allow such things.”

“But you still want something.” The man kept his face as expressionless as he could, his stance guarded. “I notice you did not answer my questions.”

Her smile grew even wider, almost a grin.

“Very perceptive of you. I am not surprised. Your automatic defenses have served you well and have brought you successfully — or at least, alive — to this day. But look inside yourself. If I answered you as you hope and wish I would — to reassure you of my completely unselfish love — would you believe me? We both know you wouldn’t. You would be abandoning everything you have ever learned from a lifetime of abuse and betrayal. And healing from that will not come instantly.

“So, that you may have a hope of accepting at least a part of what I can offer, I will put it this way. I do not need to be worshipped. I can be worshipped, of course. And I enjoy it. Few people wouldn’t enjoy it and no god or goddess would refuse it. But, I don’t need it. Still, I would hope for some measure of love in return for love that I would give.”

“Part of what you can offer?” The man’s tone was doubtful, his stance still guarded. “What can you offer?”

“Comfort. Love. A healing of your heart’s wounds. Things working out better for you. You might think of it as Favor. Not ‘A Favor’, just Favor. Would not the favor of a goddess be an attractive offer?”

His guarded expression only solidified. Every time in his life someone had offered their favor, it had come at a price. Often, a very steep price. Many, many times, a steeper price than he was willing to pay. And so, he had done without their “favor”. That also came at a steep price. So many enemies he had made by refusing their favor.

Even so, he was beholden to none of them.

“I have been offered the favor of great men. And of small women. And others in between.” There was a grim set to his face. “And few were worth the price they asked. And before you ask, though if you can see me as you say you can, you will already know this, I have indeed paid the price some asked. And, if I could take back those choices and agreements, I would. In a heartbeat.”

He kept his gaze on the air below her feet. He feared that if he looked into her eyes he would be undone.

“I have never known the favor of a god or goddess,” he said, his voice low as if speaking more to himself than to her. “The favor of gods is fickle. That much I know from my own observation. From my own experience. So many have staked their lives on the promises of a god or goddess, only to lose all when said deity was through toying with them.

“And I note you have not mentioned the price that you would extract for your favor.” His voice was raised and bitter and hard. “Nor any reassurances that you can fulfill your promises.

“All my life I have had to struggle against forces greater than myself. People. Societies. Crosscurrents of religion and politicians. Perhaps, even gods. Implacable. Unmoving. uncaring. What can you do against such forces?”

The memories threatened to wash over him. Engulf him. He set his jaw and steeled himself against them.

He was still staring at the air near her feet, but he was not seeing that. His gaze was far distant. Memories of a lifetime of pain flashed, one after another, through his mind’s eye. Had he looked up at her face he would have seen a look that was unfamiliar to him. Her brows were knitted, as if in deep thought or great pain. Yet a tenderness was there, too.

“Your words are no surprise to me,” she said. “While I had lost track of you until recently, I can see your memories, your hurts, and the layers you have built up to armor your heart and your mind.”

She paused and waited for a response or a reaction. When none came she continued. “In all your bitterness and wariness, you have missed your cues.”

“My cues? This is no play. What are you talking about?”

“Were you talking with a human leader, or even a beautiful human woman, you would be curious. You would be looking for the angle, the way to create an advantage for yourself as a defense against their wiles and tricks. And yet, you have done none of these things. You have merely railed against me. Called me a liar and trickster. Implied that I am fickle and treacherous. Even though you don’t know me or who I am or what I can do.”

“I…,” he raised his face to hers to refute her, but the words, even the very thoughts in his head disappeared, and he was left groping for something, anything, to say. It wasn’t her beauty that blanked his mind, though she was beautiful. More beautiful than the legendary Aphrodite. No, it was the tenderness and compassion in her face, like a doting mother looking at her son. And the passion in her eyes — a look more commonly seen in new lovers doting on each other.

He quickly dropped his gaze to the ground again and stood in stunned silence.

“AND and you have not even asked my name. Or do you already know it?”

“I…, I…” He bowed his head and his shoulders slumped. “Forgive me. I do not know it. And it was foolish of me to say such things to one who is a stranger to me. Please, what is your name?”

“I am called Solamissa[1]. Does that mean anything to you?”

“You are the Goddess of the Lost, the Lonely, and the Traveler? The Restorer of Paths? The One Who Finds and Restores? The One Who Makes Right?” The shock in his voice was evident.

“Yes. And the sister of Milliaria, also known as Fate, and of Aspiratia, also known as Destiny[2]. The one they turn to when they screw things up too badly to set things right again. At least for individuals. I mostly refuse to do so for larger forces.”

“Wait! Fate and Destiny mess up? Are they not supposed to be infallible?”

“Supposed to be? Yes, that is what they want everyone to believe. Would there be a need for me if they were?” Did he detect a hint of bitterness in her tone? Or was it irony?

“But how…?”

“They, we, are not as omniscient as everyone thinks. And we cannot foresee everything. Oh, we can make plans. And we can manipulate people and events to try to implement them. But humans are too chaotic, too random, too rebellious to follow a plan for long. We have to constantly adjust them to correct the changes humans make, often due to sheer stubbornness. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes your human stubbornness is what helps correct a plan or see a plan through. But, like all things human, we can’t count on it working for good.”

His mind was spinning, trying to grapple with the implications of what she was saying. “But, I thought…”

“You thought we were in control of everything and everyone,” the goddess interrupted, reading his mind. “Yes, that’s what most people think. And the gods and goddesses encourage that thinking.

Especially my sisters. But it’s not true. We don’t control anyone. Well, mostly. Once in a while we intervene to make sure a crucial outcome occurs. Especially me. After all, that’s part of my job. By the time they turn to me for help it’s usually too late for chess strategies and maneuverings. And even I am not always able to completely fix things, though I am usually able to avert the worst catastrophes. Sometimes it’s rather dicey.”

He jerked his head up to look her in the eye. “And you are come now to control me, to fix some screw-up by the gods?” There was both defiance and fear in his eyes.

She laughed and her face shone with love and compassion. “Oh no! My sisters have not called me in. I am not here to control you nor to change you nor to manipulate you to some end for the good of mankind. Wherever possible I let my sisters do that work.

“No, I am here because, as I said, I have recently become aware of you again, and of the injustices done to you, and I am here to help you heal from them. And put right your path to what it should have been. Or at least as much as can be with what has already passed.” She paused.

When she spoke again, it was with a low voice as much to herself as to him. “And to protect you, as much as I can, from my sisters. Sometimes they are such unfeeling bitches.”

His thoughts were a swirling mixture of confusion, hope, doubt, fear, dread, and… more hope. Without realizing it, he sank to his knees. Looking at the ground he asked, “After all this time, what brought me to your attention?”

“Don’t ask for details, but a remark by my sister regarding one of my devotees made me aware of you again. And that’s all I will say about that for now.”

“And what would you have me do?”

“Continue to live your life. Continue to be the man you are. For you are a good man at heart, in spite of all that fate has dealt you.”

“But this does not seem a great price. Are you truly asking nothing of me?”

“For some, it is a very great price. I am glad that you do not find it so. But, since you want more, I will ask this of you. As you find healing from me, pass that on to others as you can. Return to me some small portion of the love you will find. I know that this won’t happen right away, but it will come in time. Be an open supporter of me. Yes, if you want to call it worship, you may. But you don’t have to call it that. And one last thing.”

“My Lady?”

“Support my people, my worshippers, my devotees as you find them, as you are able. I am not asking you to be their champion, although you are well able and suited for it.” Then, as if to herself she said, “Though in time, you may well develop into such a one.

“Jacari![3]” His eyes jerked up to her face. “Of course I know your name. Now, having heard my price, do you accept my favor?”

Still on his knees, he turned his face to the ground.

“My Lady, if that is truly all that you are asking of me, then, yes, I will accept your favor. And become your follower. And do as you have asked.”

“Good. Together we may be able to right some wrongs and help you find the healing you need.” She paused a moment. “I see that there may come a time soon when you will wonder if you really saw me and if we really had this conversation and agreement. Rest assured that your eyes and mind are not playing tricks upon you. I will give you one assurance against that time.”

He wondered what she had in mind.

“Little Jacky, look up at me!”

His head jerked up, his eyes wide, shocked that she would use that name to him. A name no one had known since his mother had died when he was only five. And the voice had echoes of her in it. The same doting indulgence of his mother.

There was a hitch in his voice as he said, “No one but my mother knows that name for me. No one has spoken it since she died.”

“I know. She was a follower of me. She was very special to me, as are you. Soon, you will see the signs of my favor and my hand upon you and you won’t need other assurances. But know, for now, that it was my love and compassion and tenderness that she was bestowing on you. And that will always be with you.”

Footnotes: [1] Solamissa is pronounced — SOW (as in sowing seed) luh mee suh

[2] The Three Sisters (aka The Fates) The Three Sisters are the most powerful goddesses in the world - more powerful than the other gods. They do not need worship to exist and be powerful (unlike the other gods). They are: Milliaria (aka Fate) - Milestones that must occur Aspiratia (aka Destiny) - aspirational for the life Solamissa (aka Recoverer of the lost and the forgotten/overlooked) - can override both Fate and Destiny in an individual’s life See the note in the Author End Note (last chapter) for more information about the Three Sisters.

[3] Jacari is pronounced — juh kar ee

Want to read more? Head on over to Archive of Our Own (AO3) to:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54811306/chapters/138926842

[andaniellight]

they don't make this kind of thing anymore 😔

[an-established-butt-dent]

Dorian Pavus, present age

Over a period of 10 years I imagine Dorian to have collected quite the library.