Chapter 5 - You're late.

Magnus exhales sharply, his grip tightening slightly. “I need to know that you’re ready. Completely. Not just for the bond, but for everything that comes with it. The expectations, the scrutiny, the sacrifices. Once we start this, there’s no turning back.” He reminds her.

Alina steps away from the wall, her voice low and teasing. “How about I give you a little convincing...” Her hands press against his chest as she walks him backwards. She can't help it; being this close to him is doing things to her that she can't handle. And he doesn’t resist. His lips curve into a smirk as he lets her guide him until the backs of his knees meet the edge of the bed, where he'd fall back onto it.

Now standing between his legs, she holds his gaze, slowly loosening the towel wrapped around her body. It slides off, revealing smooth skin and a perfect body that makes his breath catch. Her curves, full breasts, flat stomach, strong thighs are on display, and she drags her hands over herself as if painting a promise onto her own skin.

Magnus watches her with hungry eyes. “You’re extremely good at... convincing,” he murmurs, eyes locked on her as his hands reach for her, sliding up her thighs, across her waist, and finally between her legs. Her breath hitches, and she gasps as his fingers find her wet entrance where he'd begin teasing her, sliding into her slowly as his darkened eyes never leave hers.

“Mmm... I can see how much you missed me,” he groans, the sound rough and low, one that fuels the moan that tumbles from her lips. She leans down, grabbing his neck, breathing against his lips, no longer being able to take any more of the romantic tension.

“You know I did,” she whispers.

That’s all the confirmation he needs. With a grin that borders on wicked, he grabs her and tosses her onto the bed. She lands with a bounce, dazed and aroused, watching as he rises and begins to undress, slowly and intentionally. Piece by piece, his clothes fall away to reveal a body cut from discipline and desire. Her teeth catch her bottom lip as he watches him climb onto the bed, his muscles flexing, knees parting hers as his hardened length presses against her entrance.

“Show me,” he whispers, and with no further warning, he thrusts into her... hard, deep, fast.

She cries out, his name slipping out in a breathless moan. “M-Magnus...” His hand wraps around her throat — not too hard, just enough to drive her insane, and he leans in, whispering sweet nothings into her ear as his hips slam into her, taking all of her as if proving a point...

. . . . .

Now, hours later, they walk the castle halls side by side. Magnus moves quietly, but there’s something softer about him now, an ease in his shoulders, a curve at the edge of his mouth. He's definitely proud of himself. The possessive hand on Alina’s lower back is proof of that, and her body still hums from earlier. There’s an ache in her muscles, a flush on her skin, and every brush of his fingers against her dress reminds her that her parents might notice...

They definitely will notice.

She glances at him, noticing his golden hair fall just past his brow in tousled waves. His jaw is sharp and clean, and his blue eyes are still gleaming with mischief. He tries to appear composed, but the smugness is impossible to hide. She rolls her eyes, but her lips twitch with the hint of a smile.

Magnus chuckles, his voice low and rich. “You’re thinking too hard again, love.”

She doesn’t deny it. “Only because I know my parents will take one look at us and know exactly what we’ve been doing...”

He raises a brow. “And whose fault is that?”

“Yours,” she fires back immediately.

He leans down, his voice grazing her skin like a caress. “You didn’t seem to mind a moment ago.”

She’s about to respond when they turn the corner into the wide hallway. The double doors to the dining hall stand open, spilling soft conversation and white light into the corridor. Her steps falter, but only for a moment, and Magnus’s hand urges her forward.

She smooths the fabric of her silver and black dress, fitted and beautiful, accentuating every curve, her long white hair falling down in curls down her back. She walks with purpose, but inside, tension is burning like a cold fire.

Inside the hall, are chandeliers glistening with diamonds, hanging over a long table adorned with silverware and crystal goblets. At the far end, just by the large window, are her parents, who appear to be talking amongst themselves... until they notice Alina and Magnus...

Lord Alinos Xalveria looks every inch the powerful ruler. His platinum-white hair shines like moonlight, his deep brown skin unlined, his presence powerful even in silence. His eyes are sharp, and they find Alina immediately, and as soon as they do, they narrow.

Lady Kaela, beside him, stares back at them calmly, but Alina can still tell her mother is displeased. Her silver hair is pinned high, her dark skin glows like starlight, but her gaze doesn’t fall on her daughter. No... It’s fixed on Magnus.

The tension is immediate, and overwhelmingly suffocating. She knows they don't approve of their relationship, simply because neither of them believes that Magnus is actually going to choose her as his mate, and if he wanted to, it would have happened already. But they don't see what Alina sees, and at the end of the day, it's not up to them.

As they enter, Magnus and Alina glance at each other before slowly approaching the Lord and Lady of House Xalveria...

“Father. Mother,” Alina greets, her voice cautious as she meets the cold stare of her parents.

“Alina,” her father says. His tone is... polite. But he is clearly on edge. His gaze shifts to Magnus, lingering just long enough to convey his displeasure, then returns to his daughter. “You’re late... and you've brought some unexpected company.” He explains.

Alina keeps her tone neutral as she answers. "I apologise." She answers before turning back at Magnus. "I was delayed. Magnus got a head start from his parents..." Alina answers, and the awkward silence that fills the room is impossible to run away from.

"We can see that." Lord Alinos answers, and Alina sighs softly, glancing up at Magnus, not knowing what exactly to say to them to help ease the situation.

Magnus, ever the picture of confidence, inclines his head and steps forward. “Lord Alinos. Lady Kaela.” He calls out, his tone respectful as he approaches Alina's parents.

"Please forgive me for the intrusion and for coming here ahead of the time discussed," Magnus says, and that's when he bows his head respectfully, keeping it bowed for a few moments just as Alina looks back at her parents. She watches them exchange a glance before they begin approaching them.

Lady Kaela offers him a smile so tight it barely qualifies. “Magnus. It’s... a pleasure, as always.” She says to him as they finally reach Alina and Magnus.

The tone doesn’t go unnoticed, and Alina stiffens slightly. Her parents have never been openly hostile toward Magnus, but the disapproval is so clear that not even their politeness can hide it. They had hoped for someone else... someone amongst their own people... But Alina believes fate chose Magnus Vorathiel, and no amount of noble disapproval will undo that bond...

“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Lord Alinos says, gesturing toward the empty chairs near him, his tone as formal as his posture.

But before either of them can move, footsteps echo through the great hall, making all of them turn to face who is about to join them...