Chapter 95 – Devotion Beyond Time
Aetheria's fingers tangled in Leonhardt's hair, gripping tightly as his lips devoured hers with a passion that had been kept caged for far too long. His hands, strong and unyielding, pressed against the small of her back, holding her against him as though she might disappear if he let go.
She wouldn't.
Not this time.
Not ever again.
The world beyond them did not exist in this moment—no gods, no mortals, no duty, no war. Only them.
Aetheria pulled back slightly, her lips swollen from his kisses, her violet eyes burning with an intensity that sent a shiver down Leonhardt's spine. The same shiver he had felt lifetimes ago.
"You love me," she murmured, her fingers tracing the sharp line of his jaw. It was not a question.
Leonhardt's eyes darkened, his grip on her tightening. "That word is not enough for what I feel for you."
Aetheria exhaled a soft laugh, her thumb brushing over his lips. "Then tell me what is."
Leonhardt did not hesitate. "You are my everything."
Aetheria's breath caught.
Leonhardt never lied. Not to her. Not to anyone.
He had always been ruthless, cold, untouchable to the world—but never to her.
She pressed her forehead to his, her hands cupping his face, forcing him to look at her—only her. "Then swear it."
Leonhardt's gaze did not waver. "I already have."
She smiled, slow and wicked. "Do it again."
Leonhardt's hands slid up, cradling her face with a reverence that sent heat pooling in her stomach. "I swear upon my soul," he whispered, his lips brushing hers with every word, "that no force in this world, in any world, will ever take you from me again."
Aetheria's pulse quickened.
Leonhardt's voice was a vow, a spell, an unbreakable chain that bound them together. Forever.
"You are mine," he murmured against her lips.
Aetheria smirked. "And you are mine."
Leonhardt's fingers slid beneath the fabric of her gown, his touch trailing over the bare skin of her waist. Aetheria shivered.
He kissed her again, slow and deep, taking his time as if savoring every second, every breath, every movement.
Aetheria pressed closer, needing more—always needing more.
Leonhardt pulled back just enough to whisper against her lips, his breath uneven.
"Aetheria."
Her name, spoken in that voice, sent something sharp and uncontrollable through her.
He was not just speaking to her—he was claiming her.
And she had never wanted to be claimed more in her life.
She tilted her head, pressing her lips just beneath his jaw, her breath warm against his skin.
"I missed you," she admitted softly.
Leonhardt's arms tightened around her, his fingers curling into the fabric of her gown. "Not more than I missed you."
Aetheria smiled against his skin, her lips brushing the corner of his mouth. "Prove it."
Leonhardt growled.
And then, he did.