The Storm Inside

The bond would not let them deny the fire any longer.

The storm raged outside matching the turmoil inside the keep. The ring of lies had exposed cracks that ran straight to the heart of their world. Riven and Lucien stood bound by more than marks now. Truth and emotion tangled tighter than ever.

Riven raised his head to look at Lucien 

 "Tell me to stop and I will."

Lucien grabbed the front of Riven's shirt pulling him closer. As much as the chains will let him 

"I do not want you to stop. Not tonight."

Their mouths crashed together hot and urgent. Riven's hands roamed down Lucien's sides feeling the lean muscle tense under his touch. Lucien gasped into the kiss fingers digging into Riven's back.

"You drive me mad," Riven muttered against his lips. "Every look every word. I should hate you."

Lucien nipped at Riven's jaw voice husky. "Hate me while you touch me then. I feel the same storm in you."

Riven clothes came off in hurried pulls and tugs. Skin met skin sending sparks through the mate bond. Riven pressed closer trapping Lucien between his body and the wall. "You are mine in this moment traitor or not."

"Yours," Lucien agreed arching into him. "And you are mine Alpha. You're not fighting it."

Their movements grew desperate and steamy. Hands explored with rough need. Riven kissed down Lucien's neck biting lightly at the mate mark drawing a low moan. Lucien wrapped his legs around him urging him on. "Harder. I can take it."

Riven thrust forward claiming him fully. The bond flared bright sharing every sensation. Pleasure mixed with the edge of violence making it raw and intense. Lucien cried out gripping tighter. "Yes like that. Do not hold back."

They moved together fast and deep breaths mingling in heavy pants. Riven growled low. "You feel too good. This bond ruins me for anyone else."

Lucien kissed him fiercely. "Then ruin me too. I want all of you."

The rhythm built quick and powerful. Sweat slicked their bodies as they chased release. Lucien whispered broken words against Riven's ear. "I see you Riven. Not just the alpha. The man."

Riven shuddered at the words thrusting deeper. "And I see your strength. Your fire. Damn you for making me need this."

Climax hit them hard and together. They clung to each other shaking as waves of pleasure crashed through the bond. For a long moment they stayed locked close foreheads pressed together catching their breath.

A knock sounded on the door. Thorne's voice came muffled. "Alpha. A raven just arrived with Sable's seal."

Riven pulled back reluctantly helping Lucien steady himself. They dressed fast exchanging one last heated look.

"Come in," Riven called.

Thorne entered holding a sealed letter. "Everyone thinks it is a declaration of war. Sable finally making her move."

Riven broke the seal and read aloud. "Riven Kaelthorn if you wish to live leave the forest immediately. Elder Mara has already found you."

Lucien frowned. "A warning from our enemy? That makes no sense."

Thorne crossed his arms. "Trap maybe. She wants us running scared."

Shouts rose from outside the gates. Riven moved to the window. A familiar voice echoed through the rain. "Supreme Alpha are you truly going to trust Sable over me?"

Elder Mara stood alone beyond the gates rain soaking her robes. She waited calmly staff in hand looking small but steady.

Thorne gripped his sword. "We should arrest her now Alpha. Drag her in and get answers."

Riven shook his head. "No. Leave her outside until morning. I will not risk opening the gates tonight."

Lucien shifted uneasily. "Something feels off through Her presence stirs shadows I cannot place."

Mara called again voice carrying clear. "I come alone with truths you need. The packs teeter on the edge Riven. Let me speak."

Thorne paced. "She could have assassins hidden. This is too convenient after Rowan's death."

"I agree," Riven said. "She waits in the rain. If she is innocent it will not kill her. Guards keep watch. No one approaches."

Lucien touched Riven's arm. "Wise but the bond warns me. She carries more than words."

Hours passed with tension thick in the air. Riven and Lucien stayed the chamber trying to rest. Thunder cracked loud waking Lucien from a nightmare. He bolted upright gasping and grabbed Riven tight.

Riven woke instantly arms wrapping around him on instinct. "Easy. I have you."

They froze inches apart eyes locked. Neither pulled away. Heat from earlier still lingered making the closeness dangerous.

Lucien breathed fast. "The dream felt too real. You were lost to the Hollow Moon."

Riven held him steady thumb brushing Lucien's jaw. "I am here. We face it together now."

The tension built intense and electric. Their faces drew closer breaths mingling again. Lucien's hand rested on Riven's chest feeling the strong heartbeat.

"I should let go," Lucien whispered but did not move.

Riven's voice came rough. "I do not want you to."

A sharp knock interrupted. Thorne's voice sounded urgent. "Alpha you need to see this."

Riven sighed and opened the door. Thorne looked pale as death. "Elder Mara is gone. The guards watching her are dead."

They rushed outside together rain pounding down. The gates stood closed but the two guards lay slumped with throats cut. Written in blood across the wood was a clear message.

 THE HOLLOW MOON HAS AWAKENED.

Lucien stared at the words voice low. "She left this warning or this threat."

Thorne wiped rain from his face. "What do we do now Alpha? She slipped away like smoke."

Riven clenched his fists staring into the dark forest. "We prepare for whatever comes next. The real fight just stepped out of the shadows."

Lucien stood close shoulder brushing Riven's. "And we face it bonded whether we like it or not."

The storm raged on around the keep promising blood and revelations by dawn.