Chapter Six

Here Lies the Abyss

Adamant Fortress

The Western Approach, Orlais

The trebuchets sang as rocks soared towards the fortress, breaking large chunks off the fortifications. When the first wall at Adamant broke, the Inquisition troops roared. The battering ram rolled forward, breaking through the sturdy gate, allowing Malakar to enter the fortress with Dorian, Cassandra, Bull, Alistair, and Hawke, but their path would not be easy. When Cullen returned to lead the troops outside the walls, Valina darted to his side, seeing the concern in his gaze.

When Cullen returned to lead the troops outside the walls, Valina darted to his side, seeing the concern in his gaze.

'We gave them a path,' she said, her blades drawn, 'how can we help now?'

'There's too much resistance on the battlements,' he said, his eyes following the top edge of the wall, 'we can't get a proper foothold. We have to get the troops up there.'

'Leave it to me.'

'Valina!'

'Don't wait up for me, honey,' she shouted as she ran to the nearest ladder. She clambered up the rungs, swinging to the bottom side twice to bypass the soldiers that hindered her progress. She threw herself over the wall, landing hard on the shoulders of a Warden warrior. His back hit the ground, and she quickly found the gap in his armour at his underarms, thrusting the blades into the sides of his chest.

Valina jumped up, spotting a group of shades nearby. As they turned to her, she disappeared. She darted behind them, leaping to thrust her blades into one of their backs before she spun, meeting the next shade head on. She felled it just as quickly, sprinting along the top of the wall. She slaughtered everything in her path, her movements never faltering as she dodged the bodies of fallen Wardens and demons alike. She crouched low as a flaming boulder sailed overhead. It shattered a short distance away, and she covered her eyes. When she dropped her hand, she saw demons approaching. She disappeared once again, dispatching them. Heavy footsteps came up behind her.

She crouched low as a flaming boulder sailed overhead. It shattered a short distance away, and she covered her eyes as debris rained down. When she dropped her hand, she saw demons approaching. She disappeared once again, dispatching them.

Heavy footsteps came up behind her and she turned as a voice shouted, 'Valina!'

'I've got this side, keep moving!' She screamed, waving Malakar and the others forward, 'I'll clear as many siege points as I can and get our soldiers on the walls. Find Clarel. It's the only way this ends.'

The Inquisitor nodded, and he and his companions sprinted off.

Valina reached for the ladder before it could fall back, securing it on the wall. She looked down long enough to check on the troops, then continued along the wall, following Malakar's path. He and his companions had gone down a set of stairs, moving deeper into the fortress. She clambered around the wall, taking out as many demons as she could. She secured another ladder to the fortress, shouting down at the troops to climb.

When she reached the next zone, she slid to a halt. A massive pride demon paced on the top of the wall. Bodies were strewn around it: it had plucked the Inquisition troops from the ladder as they climbed, breaking each one before they had a chance to set foot on the stone.

'Kaffas,' Valina whispered, her grip tightening on her daggers. She stealthed before she stalked towards it, stepping carefully around the demon. If she could distract it long enough, some of the troops would make it onto the wall.

When she came to stand at its back, she steeled herself. She slashed at its ankles, cutting deep. The beast stumbled, but quickly recovered, turning on her. Valina rolled to dodge the sweep of its massive arm, popping up behind it to slam a dagger into its skin, level with its hips. The demon roared and electricity danced on its hands as she ripped her blade from its back.

She concealed herself again, but barely dodged the whips of electricity it hurled in anger. She rolled away, psyching up to run at it again. She took off at a sprint, leaping onto its knee. She sacrificed her stealth to gain the best advantage, pushing off from its leg to land on its shoulders, her legs locking around its neck. She cried out as she slammed her blades down into the top of its head.

The wall around her shook as it landed with her still on its back. Valina glanced up as the first soldier clambered over the wall, her eyes darting between the dead demon and Valina.

'Maker's breath,' the soldier muttered.

'Hold this section,' Valina barked as she stood, 'I took care of the big guy. Make sure I didn't waste my time.'

'Yes, my Lady!'

Valina sprinted back along the wall. Enough was clear now for Inquisition forces to take control of the battlements. As she rushed towards a ladder, a deafening screech sounded above. She looked up, and a massive dragon flew above, circling, searching. She stared at it, and her blood chilled in her veins.

She found a ladder near the gate and slid down it. The battle still raged outside the fortress, but the demons were being hindered by the choke points Leliana had discovered on the plans. They could only hope that the dragon would not hinder their assault.

Valina climbed onto a boulder, searching for Cullen. She spotted him in the thick of the battle, his distinctive armour making him stand out among the Inquisition soldiers. His face was splattered with gore from the fighting, and as he swung his blade, expertly cutting down any demon that approached, she wondered how he could have ever thought that he wasn't strong enough without the lyrium. She fought her way through the demon forces, determined to reach him. A demon tried to sneak up behind Cullen, and Valina sprinted past, jumping up to kick it hard in its twisted face, knocking it down before she stabbed it with both blades. She rushed to Cullen's side, and he glanced at her as he fought.

'Thank the Maker, Valina–'

'How are we doing?'

'Well enough,' he called above the clash of weapons, 'many of the Warden warriors have stood down and now fight for us. I just hope Malakar and the others made it through to Clarel.'

An almighty boom sounded somewhere inside the fortress. The crumbling of stone echoed, reverberating through the walls until it reached the troops outside the gates. A collective shudder worked through the Inquisition force as the dragon roared, rising from behind Adamant. It flew off, seeming to struggle to stay airborne.

'Now's our chance,' Valina shouted.

The demons began to panic more easily without the presence of the dragon, scattering for easy pickings. Valina and Cullen fought their way forward.

'We need to find the Venatori Magister,' he shouted, forging his way through the crowd.

They reached the gates and charged through them. Bodies of Wardens and demons were strewn around.

'Malakar and the others went this way,' Valina called, darting ahead of Cullen. He followed her through the fortress. They stayed on the walls as much as they could, weaving through the Inquisition forces, not knowing how many Warden mages remained further inside. Some of the sections were damaged severely, but she had an eye for ledges that would allow them to get around. She darted through an archway, then grasped his shirt to hold him back before he got too close to the crumbling edge.

'Maker,' Cullen said, staring down at the massive drop, 'you don't think–'

'There are no bodies down there, Cullen. They must be elsewhere.'

Valina glanced to the side. Curled up in the corner in bloodied robes was a man. She pointed to the magister.

Cullen nodded and ice filled his eyes. 'That's him.'

They eased along the edge of the broken stone towards the Magister. When they reached him, he looked up. Despite his injuries, his eyes burned with rage. He raised his hand in defiance against them, but Valina kicked him hard in the teeth. His head lolled, and he passed out. Valina pulled some cord from her coat pocket and quickly bound his wrists and ankles, then helped Cullen heft the unconscious mage onto his shoulder. They made their way back to the gate, dumping him roughly in the hands of Inquisition troops.

'Make sure he stays out,' Cullen said, 'and bind him tighter. If he can still twitch, use more rope. The Inquisitor will decide his fate.'

'Yes, Commander.'

The soldiers each offered a curt nod before they carried the Magister away.

Valina and Cullen returned to the battle, but they only managed to kill a few more demons before a loud crack echoed from the fortress. The demons collapsed, writhing as green light engulfed them. They seemed to melt into the earth, and an eerie quiet fell over the battlefield. Valina and Cullen glanced to each other; they knew what it meant. Malakar was alive, and he had closed the rift inside the fortress.

'It's over,' Cullen said, staring up at the walls. He sheathed his blade, then grabbed the nearest scout by the collar. 'Find the Inquisitor. Now.'

The man nodded, sprinting into the fortress.

All around them, the troops began to lower their weapons, the victory sinking in. An almighty cry of celebration echoed along the wall and throughout the fortress. Valina sheathed her blades. She stepped closer, touching Cullen's arm. 'Come on,' she said, 'the troops still need you.'

Cullen glanced down at her, then around at the battlefield. Wounded soldiers were being tended to, but they had still lost many fine men in the skirmish. He would ensure they were put to rest. He and Valina moved through the crowd, checking on some of the wounded soldiers who were awaiting care. Whispers rippled through the troops, and they looked up to see Malakar emerging from the fortress, Dorian at his side. Cassandra and Bull followed, Alistair a few steps behind, apparently injured. Hawke was no where to be seen, and by the sullen look on Malakar's face, Valina knew that she had not survived.

Valina and Cullen met them. 'Are you all right?'

'We're fine,' Malakar said, 'shaken, but fine. Alistair is injured.'

'The Wardens?'

'They fight with the Inquisition,' Alistair said, clutching at his side. Valina went to him, lifting his arm around her shoulders. 'I'm all right,' he growled, but his grimace betrayed him.

'Bullshit,' she snapped, 'lean on me.'

The Warden tensed, ready to argue, but he relented. 'Thank you.'

They returned to the camp nearby. Valina helped Alistair onto a stretcher in the medical tent, and a nurse tended to him. She left to find her own tent, but only after ordering a nervous scout to wake her in an hour. She stripped her clothes, washing the battle from her skin before she settled down on her mat, exhaustion quickly pulling her down to sleep.

As ordered, the scout came to wake Valina a little more than an hour after she had laid down on her mat. Despite the late hour, there was still plenty of movement in the camp, the hustle and bustle audible through the canvas sides of the tent. She stretched the aches from her bones. Bruises were beginning to appear on her skin from the fighting, but she had avoided any major injuries. She checked her hand. It was still healing from the imposter's blade, but it was progressing nicely. The stitches had been removed during the long march to Adamant, and the skin had held through the fighting.

Valina's clothes were splattered with blood, so she pulled on a fresh pair of leather pants and a new shirt, then donned her boots. She emerged from the tent but could see no familiar faces nearby, so she caught the attention of the nearest scout.

'Have you seen Commander Cullen?'

'No, m'lady, not since he returned to camp with you.'

She nodded, knowing his tent was nearby, but when she peeked inside, it was empty but for his armour and weapon belt. As she drew back and closed the flaps to the tent, steady footsteps approached.

'Looking for the Commander?'

Valina turned to face the Iron Bull, relieved again to see him unscathed. 'Have you seen him?'

'You going to stab me again if I don't talk?'

'Yes,' she said, glancing down, 'might aim lower this time, though.'

Iron Bull pointed into the forest at the far edge of the camp. 'Last I saw of him, he was heading that way,' he said with a smirk.

'Thanks, Bull.'

Valina turned in the direction he had pointed, weaving between tents and bustling soldiers. She glanced up at the sky, seeing only a few stars through the dense clouds. She walked briskly, scanning her surroundings with every step. The sounds of the camp became quieter, replaced by those of the small nocturnal forest animals. As she walked, a natural clearing appeared ahead where a stream had cut through the trees. Cullen was sitting on the body of a fallen tree at the edge of the creek, his head hanging as he scratched at the ground with a twig. Not wanting to startle him, she made her steps firmer, the soft leaves crackling gently beneath her feet. He looked up as she approached, his eyes wary until he found her bright gaze. He dropped the stick.

'What are you doing all the way out here?' she asked as she joined him on the log, her feet dangling, 'you should be resting.'

'As should you,' he said. Closer now, she could see that his hair was damp, a few droplets clinging to his skin from a quick wash in the stream.

'I had a short rest,' she said, 'it was enough.'

Cullen reached for her hand, gently sliding the sleeve of her shirt back to reveal her wrist. His brow furrowed as he stared at the bruises that were slowly blooming on her skin. 'You're hurt.'

'It's a war,' she said, leaning closer, 'it happens.'

'I wish you would wear armour.'

'Armour is heavy. It might be practical for a warrior, but it doesn't suit a rogue so well.'

'I guess you'd say no if I asked you to be a warrior?'

'I'm not stubborn enough.'

'Bullshit,' he said. A soft smile lifted his lips, but it dropped just as quickly.

'Cullen?' He refused to meet her gaze, and she reached to cup his stubbled cheek. 'Cullen, what aren't you telling me?'

He tried to look away, and she grasped his chin firmly, arching a dark eyebrow at him.

He sighed. 'I am struggling, Valina. We need to win this war, but everything I've seen… I'm trying to balance the necessary cost of battle against grief at the soldiers we have lost to this blasted war,' he said, glancing at his hands, 'I can't help but feel weak. I don't want to relapse, but surely I am not as strong as I once was.'

'You're talking about taking lyrium again,' Valina said, and he nodded. 'Cullen, you are strong. You just proved it. You probably cut down more demons tonight than a whole battalion of troops, all while shouldering the burden of leading the forces. You don't need lyrium.'

'So many died, what if–'

'Get up.' Valina slid down from the log, kicking off her boots. The leafy forest floor was soft beneath her feet as she turned to face him.

'What?'

'Up. Now, Commander,' she said, retying her hair in a high ponytail, 'don't make me ask again.'

'Why?' he asked, though he did stand from the log.

'Because we're going to fight,' she said, tying her shirt up just below her breasts, revealing her toned stomach, 'you and me, handsome. Right now.' She raised her hands. 'You don't think you're strong without the lyrium? Let's find out. No weapons, just hand to hand combat. Rogue versus warrior.'

Cullen couldn't help but smile as he took off his gloves, tucking them into his pocket. If he didn't know her as well as he did, he would have laughed at this petite woman challenging him to a fight: he towered over her, and she was probably small enough for him to throw across the clearing if he wanted to. He shrugged his surcoat from his shoulders, draping it over the tree trunk, then kicked off his shoes. When he stripped off his shirt she nearly purred her approval. His muscles rippled as he approached her, and she had to remind herself that she'd challenged him to a fight.

'Don't go easy on me,' she said, unable to stop her eyes from following the hard lines of his stomach down to the waist of his pants.

'Wouldn't dream of it.'

Valina smirked, then darted towards Cullen. He prepared to meet her head on, but she feinted left, so fast that she was a blur of colour. She tapped him on the back, and he stumbled away from her, spinning on his toes to face her. She darted at him, and he blocked her fist, dodging another blow. She began to get frustrated, his tactics defensive.

She spun away from him, stopping a few metres from his reach. 'You can't hurt me,' she said, fire burning in her eyes, 'stop holding back.'

Valina shot forward, landing a tap to Cullen's stomach before she dropped low, sliding between his legs. She jumped onto his back, locking her legs around his waist, but he caught her arms, pulling hard. Her legs released and he flipped her over his head and onto her back. She hit the earth with a heavy thud and air rushed from her lungs. Cullen took the advantage, picking her up bodily. He trapped her in his arms, crushing her back against his chest. Their bare skin met, their bodies heated from sparring. He tightened his arms, and she shivered as his stubbled chin brushed the top of her ear, his lips following.

'Trapped,' Cullen whispered.

Though Valina felt breathless, she smirked. 'You wish.'

She grasped his arms, arching her back. She twisted from beneath his grasp, turning to swing a kick into his chest. He fell backwards, and she followed him down, landing on top of him. She knelt above his stomach and grasped his neck, but not hard enough to prevent him from challenging her.

Their breaths were rough from the exertion of the fight; their skin was flushed with heat. For a long time, they did not move. Valina held his gaze as they caught their breath. She smiled down at him, her grip softening, her hand trailing to his chest.

'Told you I could pin you.'

He propped himself up on his elbows. 'I never doubted that.'

His tawny eyes melted to gold, and the heat in his gaze made her shiver. She lowered her hips over his and felt him grow beneath her. 'Commander,' she said, her voice breathless as she arched her hips towards him, cradling his erection with her body, 'I think you've finally worked out what you want to do with me.'

Cullen cupped the back of her neck with his hand, pulling her down. He claimed her lips, and she melted against his chest with a moan. He settled back on the forest floor, hands trailing down her sun-kissed skin. He grasped her thighs, drawing her tighter against him before his hands found her pert ass. His fingers splayed and his gripped tight, earning a moan when he ground his aching length against her core.

Valina wound her fingers into his soft hair, tugging gently, and his head dropped back. Her lips trailed over his stubbled cheek, down his neck, her teeth grazing his heated skin. He held her tighter to him, and a broken moan tumbled from his lips as she nibbled at his skin, the throaty sound turning to a hoarse cry as she bit harder. She brought her lips back to his, kissing him between her words as she said, 'now you're mine, Amatus…'

His mind lingered on the word, trying to remember where he had heard it before, but when she drew back his thoughts scattered. He watched as she untied her shirt from below her breasts. She stripped it slowly over her head, dropping it beside them. When she found his golden gaze, his eyes were hooded with desire.

Valina coaxed his hands from her hips, encouraging him to cup her soft breasts. She covered his hands with her own, relishing the tentative touch of his calloused skin. She guided his exploration, and he quickly learned how to massage her, that she liked it when he circled her dusky nipples with his thumbs.

Cullen sat up beneath her, cupping her breast to draw her nipple to his lips. He suckled her, and she felt a fierce clench in her core as his teeth grazed the sensitive tip. Her fingers entwined in his hair, holding his head to her chest. He rolled her onto her back, pinning her hips with his own as he trailed his tongue over her skin. She arched against him, and he groaned, his hand moving to pin her hips down.

'We're still wearing too many clothes,' she said, voice husky.

'I couldn't agree more.'

He ripped at the tie on her pants then stripped the offending garment from her legs, revealing her strong, supple thighs. His eyes followed the line of her sun-kissed skin, a low growl vibrating through his chest as he eased her legs apart. His gaze caught on the dark curls between her legs, and his breath hitched. Her delicate flesh glistened in the moonlight, her core wet with need. For him.

'Maker's breath…' Cullen's golden gaze burned hotter. 'I have dreamt of this moment, Valina,' he said, his voice low and rough with desire as he dropped down between her thighs, coaxing her knees onto his shoulders. She shuddered as his stubbled jaw grazed her inner thigh, his hot breath falling against her skin. 'I hope I can please you.'

The first lick was tentative, his tongue probing, searching. Valina moaned as he circled her clit with the tip of his tongue, her thighs tightening around his ears. He lapped at her silken skin. His firm tongue found her entrance, dipping inside. His moan vibrated through her, and her toes curled at the overwhelming sensation. She felt heat pool in her core.

'Cullen…'

He broke his kiss. She moaned her frustration as her peak receded. She propped herself up on her elbows to find his tawny gaze. His cheeks flushed. 'I've never–'

'Stop just before I orgasm again,' Valina said, a dark brow arching menacingly, 'and I'll edge you for a whole day, Commander.'

Confusion flashed in his eyes before he realised what she meant by edge. His eyebrows nearly shot off his forehead. 'Oh, you mean…' he glanced down. 'It felt–'

She smiled at him, wiggling her hips. 'You have a wicked tongue, handsome. Use it.'

'I'll take that as an order.' Cullen smirked before he dropped his head back down. He nuzzled the fine curls before his tongue slid over her clit again. He flicked his tongue over the tight bud and her hips bucked of their own will. He grasped her thighs with his calloused hands, holding her hips in place as he explored her. Her head dropped back, and she sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes sliding closed. Heat began to pool in her core again, a slow fire burning her up with the pleasure he gave. With a final flick of his tongue, she felt his lips seal around her clit. Her eyes shot open, and she could feel the smirk on his lips as he sucked.

A scream ripped from Valina's lips as pleasure burned through her. Her core clenched fiercely as she came, her back arching from the forest floor. He lapped at her silken skin throughout, drawing out her climax with his tongue. When he dipped into her centre, she thought she would come undone again. She rolled her hips and heard him growl. She lifted her head as he kissed her thigh, nipping at her skin. When she saw him thrust absently against the forest floor, his body seeking its own pleasure, she reached down to cup his cheeks, drawing him up her body. He seemed reluctant to kiss her, but she claimed his lips, moaning as she tasted herself mixed with his musky scent.

'My turn,' Valina whispered, flipping him onto his back. She knelt between his legs. She spread her hands over his chiselled stomach, following the line of golden hair that dusted his skin and disappeared into his pants. His erection strained against the dark fabric, desperate to be released. She untied the cord on his trousers, holding his gaze. She felt like she was unwrapping a treasured gift, she had waited so long to explore him. He shivered as she gently eased his pants over his hips, revealing him inch by inch. When his erection sprang free, she nearly purred. 'I can't believe you kept me from enjoying this for so long,' she whispered as her nimble fingers circled him, unable to touch her thumb to any of her fingers, 'it should be a crime to hide something so magnificent.'

She stroked him, and stars exploded in his vision. A rich moan rumbled from his chest, turning to a gasp when he felt her tongue dart over the slit. She moaned at the salty taste of him.

'Valina, you don't have–'

She cut him off as she flicked her tongue over him once more, dabbing at the bead of pre-cum. Serpentstone eyes captured his gaze, and he was nearly undone by the wicked look she gave him.

'But I want to.'

Her tongue circled the head, and he cursed. His heels dug into the forest floor, and he barely stopped himself from bucking into her mouth. She took him deeper, the heat of her mouth enveloping the head of his cock. She wrapped her hand around the base of his shaft, stroking him as she sucked. Her lips slid over the sensitive top edge of the crown, moving back and forth, and when her teeth grazed his skin, a ragged cry wrenched from his chest. He clenched his jaw tight, fighting for control as she cupped his heavy sack, gently massaging him as she sucked his cock. He felt a shiver roll down his spine, and he reached for her.

'Sweet Maker,' Cullen breathed, cupping her cheeks. He pulled her head up before she brought him to the point of no return. His cock twitched impatiently, and he shuddered.

Valina crawled up his body, and he felt her rigid nipples trail along his chest. She claimed his lips in a searing kiss as she straddled him. She settled her hips over his, and he moaned into her mouth as her wet core cradled his aching cock. His hands moved to her thighs, and he dragged her along the length of his aching shaft, coating himself in her pleasure.

She rocked her hips, and the head of his cock found her entrance. He thrust into her waiting body, crying out as her silken walls enveloped him. His hands sought her pert ass, holding on for dear life as he throbbed inside her. She bit his bottom lip gently, holding him still as she eased further onto his shaft, taking him eagerly. She rolled her hips slowly, enjoying how he filled her. She cupped his stubbled cheeks, their tongues dancing, the taste of their sex mingling with the kiss. She kissed his neck, licking at the bruise she had left on his skin. She made him shiver, the sensation shooting straight to his shaft. He rocked beneath her, tentative at first, but her moans quickly spurred him on. When she sat up, stretching above him as she rode his shaft, he met her movements. He drew his legs up as he thrust and she gasped at the new angle, moaning his name between the slap of their flesh. Her serpentstone eyes sparkled in the moonlight, and as she looked down at him, her gaze was filled with desire. She cupped her breasts for him, pinching her nipples as she ground her hips.

Cullen reached up, gently pulling the tie from her hair. The dark strands cascaded down her back, tickling his knees. He cupped her neck, pulling her back down to claim her lips, her hair falling around his face, just as he had imagined so many times before. He growled against her mouth and rolled her onto her back, her hair spilling around her on the forest floor. Her green eyes were hooded when she looked at him, but a wicked smile crossed her lips as something primal flashed in his golden gaze.

She had awakened the lion.

Cullen's grip was almost bruising on her skin as he grasped her hips roughly, angling her so he could drive deeper, his pelvis grinding against her clit with every thrust. He rut over her, hungry for her pleasure. He reached between their bodies, angling his hips so that he could slide a hand through her dark curls, his finger finding her clit. She moaned as he circled the bud, his cock still buried deep inside her.

'Yes, Cullen,' Valina breathed, her thighs tightening on his hips. She jerked towards his touch, her nerves clenching tight, preparing for her climax.

'Like this?'

She nodded and her hands found his hips, her nails digging deep into his skin. Heat circled in her core. She screamed his name and her centre clenched tight on his shaft, her orgasm rippling through her.

Cullen withdrew his hand, focusing on his thrusts. He ground against her and a shiver rolled down his spine. A ragged shout ripped from his lips, his hips bucking. His cock pulsed inside her as her orgasm milked his shaft, the heat of his seed lashing at her core as he spilt deep inside her.

As his orgasm subsided, Cullen found the strength to withdraw from her body. He dropped his head to her chest, his breath ragged against her skin. Her fingers wound through his hair, her nails scraping his scalp. He felt her lips press softly to the top of his head. He lifted his head, finding her serpentstone eyes. He propped himself up on his forearm, reaching to cup her cheek with his calloused hand. He closed his eyes, touching his forehead to hers as he tried to catch his breath.

'That was…'

'I know,' Valina whispered. She stroked his stubbled cheeks with her nimble fingers, coaxing him to open his eyes. She found peace in his golden gaze, and a soft smile lit his lips.

Cullen kissed her softly, lingering on her lips. He pushed her back against the forest floor, and for a few more hours, they found peace in the other's embrace, the war a distant memory.