Chapter 17
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"Halt!" someone shouted from outside. "Halt the carriage!"
Serenity's eyes fluttered open immediately, followed by a grunt of pain as the coach came to a sudden stop.
Lita smiled at her Domina as she watched how the blonde rubbed her arm soothingly where she had bumped against the hard wood of their means of transportation.
"I will never get used to it." Serenity muttered with a huff while she bent her aching back.
Serenity's head moved closer towards the small opening that served as a window, peering outside. It was dark, nighttime had fallen upon them again. Voices could be heard – rough and deep, mingling with the horses' whinnying and huffs. It was a useless attempt to understand a single word.
But from the voices' intonation, it was clear as day that some of the men outside were arguing.
"What is going on?" she whispered confused as she tried to figure out what was happening.
Her hand moved towards the carriage's door, ready to open it and to go outside, when soft but determined fingers wrapped around her wrist, holding her in place.
"Don't, Serenity." Lita warned lowly.
The silver-haired beauty looked back at her friend. Lita's sparkling green eyes were narrowed and firmly fixed upon the coach's door. Serenity could see her friend's tensed stance, the powerful young Greek ready to immediately erupt in energy and strike like a thunderbolt in the face of danger. Serenity let out a small gasp as she realized that Lita's other hand went to her hidden dagger beneath her light green stola.
"Hurry! Get her!" someone suddenly shouted from outside.
Out of instinct, Serenity moved further back from the door and closer to her friend's side. Lita immediately wrapped a comforting arm around Serenity's waist and pulled her protectively against her broader frame. Through the opening, both women could see how torches moved closer towards them, and the light that entered the small interior caused dark figures and shadows to dance across the dark wood inside the coach.
The door was suddenly flung open with a determined pull, revealing an unknown Roman soldier, clothed all in black. He wore something similar to a Galea on his head, but his nose and mouth were additionally covered by a black cloth. The stranger had sparkling amber eyes that contrasted eerily against the darkness surrounding him. His gaze immediately landed on Serenity who was staring back at him with wide-open, frightened eyes.
He wordlessly stretched out his hand that, too, was covered with a black glove, his eyes never leaving hers as he wordlessly urged her to come with him. Serenity felt Lita's hold around her tighten – the Greek making sure with the mere power of her frame that her Domina would not do something reckless and leave her side.
"Who are you?!" the brunette demanded instead, successfully drawing the stranger's attention to her.
The soldier narrowed his eyes to dangerous slits as he glared at the Greek slave-girl. But he did not reply. Instead, his gaze focused back onto Serenity after some more moments, a glint of annoyance now shining in the depths of his eyes, causing the warm amber within to resemble liquid golden lava.
"Come now, girl." he addressed her gruffly, his voice deep and rough while his dark-clad fingers urged her impatiently to follow his words. "I don't have all night."
"Don't speak to Domina like that."
A wave of relief washed through her petite body as Serenity watched how Endymion suddenly appeared next to the dark soldier. His face was set into hard lines, but softened for the briefest of seconds as he caught his lover's eyes. The faintest hint of a smile appeared on his lips, only for her to see, with the purpose to assure her that everything was alright.
The dark soldier growled behind the cloth that covered his nose and mouth.
"Stay back, Son of Mars, and let me do my job." he advised darkly.
"Come now!" he addressed Serenity again, his voice now clearly impatient. "Or I will drag you out of this carriage myself." His eyes narrowed knowingly, and even though his mouth was covered, Serenity knew that he was smirking darkly.
"Won't be such a nice experience for you, I assure you." he added, his words causing Endymion's head to whip around, dark promises written all across his face in case the unknown solider dared to even think of touching her.
"Tiger's Eye." another male voice pierced through the darkness – a voice that was lacking the dark edge, sounding much gentler instead… younger even. "Please do treat our fair guest with all due respect."
The stranger's hand dropped immediately. He turned around and took a step away from the coach, revealing a young man clothed in white armor.
The young man took a step towards the coach's entrance. When his amber eyes met Serenity's, it was as if they widened for the briefest of moments. But before Serenity could dwell on whether or not this had been simply her imagination, the young man bowed his head in respect.
"Lady Serenity." he said in a light voice. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Please forgive my soldier's behavior. He is not used to the art of chivalry."
The corners of Serenity's smile lifted into a small smile. The man was able to radiate a sense of calmness that immediately managed to sooth the dark tension inside the carriage.
"But I'm afraid we must hurry, milady." he addressed her again, his friendly smile turning apologetic. "Your brother asked to make sure your arrival remains undetected."
The young man sighed then, his eyes shifting to take the in carriage's interior.
"I am afraid we will need to leave the coach here and take the horses to our ultimate destination, Lady Serenity." he told her. "You won't need to take anything with you. I assure that you will be provided with everything that your heart desires."
"Where are you taking me?" Serenity finally asked, shaking her head in confusion. "Who are you?"
The young man let out a boyish chuckle, a sound that was so light and carefree that it felt strange against the suffocating darkness around them.
"Your father told me a lot about your nature of curiosity. A charming trait to find in a woman, if you ask me." he laughed again, his eyes sparkling with life and mischief. "I'm afraid I must ask you to be patient for just some more moments, my Lady Serenity. You will find out soon enough."
With that, the young man turned around and moved away. The dark soldier followed suit. Serenity looked at Endymion who, too, looked after the strange man. As if he had felt her gaze on him, the Thracian turned around and met her gaze. His eyes softened and he smiled at her.
"You'll ride with me." he told her softly. "I'll make sure to protect you in these strange lands." He then turned to Lita, and his smile morphed into a smirk. "Nephrite offered to share his horse with you, Lita."
"I am very well capable of riding a horse myself." Lita huffed in annoyance, her normally friendly green eyes sparkling with outrage. "Serenity and myself will be fine."
A deep chuckle was heard, and Nephrite appeared at the door.
"I'm afraid there are not enough spare horses to grant you that wish, Daughter of Greece." he told her with a smirk on his lips. "I'm afraid it's either me or you'll have to walk."
"Then I'll walk." Lita was quick to reply stubbornly.
"Lita…" Serenity sighed, shaking her head at her fiery friend. "Just do as they propose."
She then looked past the two gladiators in front of her, spotting how the white-clad young man mounted his horse.
"I'm curious where they are going to take us." she whispered thoughtfully.
"Fine." Lita grunted and finally climbed out of the coach. Her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits as she detected the triumphant grin on Nephrite's face.
"I advise you keep your paws to yourself, gladiator." she warned through clenched teeth. "Or I will use my dagger to part your from not only your hands."
Nephrite chuckled deeply – his face alight with challenge.
The brunette then turned to Endymion who had observed the exchange with an amused glint in his eyes.
"This applies to you, also, Thracian." she said and nodded her head towards the coach where Serenity still was inside.
A deep chuckle rumbled through Endymion's chest as he glanced back at Serenity. He held out one hand and helped her out of the coach.
"Your body-slave has quite a temper, you know. She would make quite a good warrior." he laughed softly. "I only hope for Nephrite's sake that he is clever enough to take heed of her warning."
Serenity giggled and watched as Nephrite unsuccessfully tried to assist Lita in climbing up his huge black stallion. The young Greece slapped away his hand and effortlessly mounted the horse herself.
"She is strong and independent." Serenity explained and threw a shiny smile in Endymion's direction. "It's not easy for her to accept help from a man, and to lose control… let alone admit that she actually does like him. Give her some time."
Endymion smirked and moved a little closer.
"And what about you, my strong and independent Domina?" he whispered in a deep voice, his eyes turning a slightly darker shade of blue.
Serenity's silvery eyes turned mischievous.
"For this ride…" she whispered only for Endymion to hear. "I have no problem in giving up the control, gladiator."
Endymion couldn't help the growl that escaped his mouth. A few words spoken from her sensual mouth were enough to create pictures inside his head that he had a hard time to ignore. Long, silver hair that fell onto his body like soft waves – her tiny hands pressed against his chest as she moved on top of him. Her lithe frame, curvy and beautiful, caught in a rhythmic dance as old as times as she wantonly followed her body's wild desires. Endymion had to close his eyes and shook his head, trying his best to dispel the images, the memories, from his mind.
A giggle reached his ears, making him open his eyes again. His beautiful goddess smirked at him and gave him a wink before she turned around to move towards where his black horse was standing.
He couldn't help the smile that formed on his lips as he watched her move away.
"You'll be the death of me." he whispered to himself in a hoarse voice.
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Serenity looked around, once again trying to see through the darkness that was surrounding them.
"I can smell the sea." she whispered.
"Yes." Endymion said. "The air tastes like salt. The ocean must be near."
For the last two hours, their small group had been following the black and white-armed men through rocks and trees, their surrounding only slightly lit by the torches the unknown soldiers carried. They now led them up a hill, through steep, rough paths that no coach could have survived. Serenity could tell that the Roman soldiers that had accompanied them since Capua grew impatient, nervous even. She had overheard the Roman captain ask more than once about their final destination, but no one had graced him with an answer. Serenity stared at the strange soldiers who were riding in front of her. They were either clothed in black or white Roman armor, and, similar to the black soldier she had encountered before, all of them wore a piece of cloth in a matching color that covered half of their faces. All except for the white-haired young man. She had tried to detect a house's emblem, but the soldiers' weapons and shields wore a sign that she had never seen before: a circle that was formed out of two facing demilunes.
"The Romans grow restless." Endymion whispered, his hot breath against her ear sending shivers down her spine. "Even they have no idea where they are taking us."
Serenity felt how Endymion's arm that was draped around her, well hidden by her heavy cloak, tensed with his words.
She slightly shifted her head to look at him.
"Are you afraid?" she whispered.
Endymion's brows furrowed as he stared back at her in confusion. The sincerity in her eyes finally made him chuckle.
"A warrior is never afraid, Serenity." he explained, the tone in his voice almost disgusted at the mere thought.
The beauty just rolled her eyes.
"Fear is nothing to be ashamed for, Endymion." she stated determinedly.
Endymion shook his head.
"A warrior is never afraid." he repeated, almost fiercely. "It's not in our nature."
His eyes then scanned their surroundings, and his gaze lingered on the young man clothed in white armor that was leading their group.
"But we are cautious… watchful." he whispered lowly. "And this ride to the unknown is making me restless."
Serenity nodded her silent agreement.
"Are you afraid?" Endymion asked, the tone of his voice coloring with concern.
It took a moment for her Serenity to reply, but in the end, she shook her head. She was never afraid when she was with him.
"No." she told him honestly. "Just restless." the beauty added softly.
Again, her eyes were drawn to the young man in white in the front. He had not spoken to her again. For the first part of their journey, he had ridden slightly behind them. Now and then, she had felt his eyes on her. Once, she had dared to look back at him. But he had not made the impression of having been caught in looking at her. The young man had smiled at her, showing two rows of pearly white teeth, but he had not looked away. He had continued to look at her … and it had made her feel more and more uncomfortable. Serenity then had quickly turned back around, pressing her small body more determinedly against Endymion's chest. The way the young man had looked at her… his gaze hat not been leering like other men used to look at her. No, far from that. He had looked at her in way that one would look at an interesting artifact from another part of the world, or a flower from a foreign land that you would see for the first time.
Full of wonder and astonishment – full of burning but cautious curiosity.
She was suddenly startled out of her deep thoughts when she felt Endymion's fingers drawing soft circles onto the soft silk that covered her left thigh. Her heart beat faster when she realized that his hand moved further, getting dangerously close to her center.
"Endymion?" she whispered, alarmed. "What are you doing?"
"Shh." he breathed into her ear. "I'm taking away this restlessness that unsettles you, Domina."
Panicking a little, Serenity frantically looked around if someone was watching them.
"Relax, Serenity." Endymion whispered, his own voice hoarse while his fingers sensually brushed her inner thigh. "It's dark and my deeds are well hidden beneath your thick cloak."
Serenity tensed and took in a sharp breath as Endymion's hand grazed the silken dress above her center, putting a little bit of pressure behind his actions so that she could feel him.
"People will see." she pressed out, her voice filled with a mixture of alarm and arousal. Her eyes continued to flicker nervously towards the other horsemen.
"No one will see, no one will find out." he continued as his hand moved in pleasurable circles with increased pressure. He leant closer, his warm lips grazing the shell of her ear.
"It's alright to enjoy it, my beautiful Domina."
Serenity closed her eyes. It was reckless. It was pure madness. But by the Gods did she want him to continue. His skilled fingers stroked her folds through the thin fabric, his thumb gently rubbing circles over her clothed opening.
It was only when she offered the slightest of nods of agreement that he let out a long breath himself. He shifted a little and sat up in his seat for a moment. For everyone else, he looked like searching for a more comfortable position to ride. But Serenity felt how he pulled up the long fabric of her stola, giving him the opportunity to slid beneath her front dress and touch her naked skin.
Serenity's breathing quickened as she felt his rough, warm fingers gently slide along her sensitive flesh, moving closer towards their ultimate goal. Endymion watched with delight as the blush on his lover's cheeks increased. His lips curled into a devilish smirk, his eyes burning with desire.
His hand reached her center, and he traced his finger lightly over Serenity's sensitive entrance, the movement alone able to coax a shuddering breath from his goddess. Serenity closed her eyes shut, the beauty desperate to muster enough strength to tell her lover to stop, desperate to gain at least a little bit of control over her own body. But Endymion's knowing ministrations made it impossible. She bit her lower lip, internally struggling between pleasure and conscience. Serenity felt the moisture rush from her core. She heard his sharp intake of breath and felt the hard bulge that pressed against her back, the gladiator enjoying their secret encounter just as much as she did. When the slow circles over her most intimate area started to increase, when she took in another shuddering breath, Serenity clearly could feel his body tremble in response – pressing his hardened arousal more firmly against her.
Endymion had a hard time concentrating. He licked his lips as he felt her wiggle against his hand, the gladiator now painfully aware of his own arousal. Every natural up-and down movement from their riding made him rub against Serenity's small, aroused frame – offering him at least some relief while his fingers continued their ministrations against her hot core.
He heard her utter a soft sigh as he entered her folds with one finger, then two – stroking her in long, determined motions. Out of instinct, his little goddess followed his movement, her body begging her to strive for her release. It didn't take long before he felt her inner walls clench around his fingers, the beauty leaning her head back against his chest, eyes closed and brows knit as she enjoyed the pleasure surging through her veins.
Endymion couldn't help but place a soft kiss against the shell of her ear as she slowly came down from her heights.
"You are impossible." she whispered, her voice hoarse.
A deep chuckle rumbled through his chest as he smiled fondly down at her silvery head.
"You are welcome."
His fingers slowly left her core, and he gently draped her dress back to cover her completely. He felt her relaxed body lean comfortably against his frame, an exhausted sigh leaving her plush lips. Endymion affectionately smiled down at her silver head, watching as her eyes slowly fluttered shut. He soon felt her deep, steady breathing, his beauty asleep in his arms, and he wrapped his arm tighter around her small form.
It was later that night when the group came to a sudden stop, causing Serenity to abruptly fall from her deep slumber.
"HALT!" the young man in the front suddenly shouted, making Serenity and Endymion to sit up straight in their seats.
The young man turned on his horse, his eyes full of excitement as he stared directly at Serenity – motioning them to ride to the front.
Endymion shared one short look with Nephrite, and both men brought their horses into motion and moved towards the front row, next to the young man in white and his soldiers.
Endymion's eyes widened at the sight that awaited him there, and he heard Serenity's gasp of astonishment.
They seemed to have reached the mountain's plateau and were now standing in front of a huge building with massive pillars. A paved path, lit by no less than one hundred torches led to an enormous gate that was framed by two facing demilunes made out of stone that formed a circle. The entrance itself consisted of two huge doors, one painted in white, the other in black.
Serenity had never seen a building like that – had never dared to dream that humans could have built something astonishing like that. No – no human beings could have been able to do this.
The Gods themselves must have carved it from Mount Olympus itself.
She felt the young man's eyes on her, and she turned her head to look at him with huge eyes. He smiled at her, apparently pleased by her reaction. The young man motioned them to follow him as he rode towards the great gate. The doors opened as if moved by the Gods themselves.
The young man dismounted his horse and offered his hand to help Serenity down as well. Men, clothed in white long robes, came to take their horses. The young man offered Serenity his arm, the friendly smile still across his face. Serenity looked back at Endymion. The Thracian caught her gaze, a glint of concern visible in his dark blue eyes. But finally, he gave her a slight nod, reassuring her that he would be close behind. Serenity then looked at Lita and Nephrite, noticing the awe-struck expression on their faces.
Taking in a deep breath, the young beauty took the offered hand, letting the man lead her into the great building. She felt Endymion's presence close behind her – and she knew: as long as he was by her side, she was safe.
They went through a great corridor with high walls and paintings carved into the stone – picturing scenes of myths and legends she knew all too well from her studies with Luna. After some time, they entered a big, circular hall – with white walls to her left, and black walls to her right. In front of them, huge statues made out of rich marble were placed.
Gods and Goddesses, Serenity realized.
Jupiter, Mars, Appollo, Mercruy, Pluto … and many more. Marble images of all of them could all be found in this room.
In the center, two thrones could be seen – one carved from white marble, the other from black.
The young man let go of her arm and stepped towards the white throne.
He turned around, his friendly smile still turning the corners of his lips upwards.
"I welcome you, Lady Serenity, to Elysion, the realm of the Gods." he announced solemnly. "I Helios, the White Priest, servant of the Light Deities and protector of day and light, offer you shelter from despair and doubt at nighttime."
"Elysion…" Serenity whispered breathlessly. She had heard legends about this place – the fortress of the Gods. Never had she dared to think that this place truly existed.
"And I welcome you as well, Lady Serenity, to Elysion, the realm of the Gods." a voice to her right said.
All heads turned to see a beautiful woman with long black hair that reached down to the floor appear. Her heeled feet clicked against the shiny floor as she slowly made her way to Helios. She wore a dark, long dress with rich silver ornaments on it, accentuating her slim waist and generous bosom. She stepped in front of the black throne and turned towards the visitors in front of her. She wore a smile on her face, but her grey eyes were cold and glistering dangerously as she looked at Serenity.
"I, Nehelenia, the Dark Priestess, servant to the Deities of Darkness, protector of night and darkness, offer you shelter from prying eyes and knowledge at daytime."
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Endymion watched how Serenity suddenly fell to her knees, bowing her head in submission before the two Priests in the center of this strange room. He was surprised when Nephrite and Lita who were standing next to him knelt as well.
"Godly Messengers." he heard Serenity's silvery voice echo from the high walls. "Please accept my gratitude for inviting us to this holy place. I pledge my unlimited service and allegiance to our Deities and to your will. I am ready and willing to accept whatever chore you would like to see me perform to earn our stay."
Endymion saw how Helios' smile broadened. He stepped towards Serenity and held out one hand for her to take.
"An offer that is very much appreciated." Helios assured as he helped her stand. "And not necessary, nonetheless. You are guest in this house and therefore will be treated as such. Your safety and wellbeing is our reward."
Serenity nodded her head in gratitude, a beaming smile brightening up her entire face.
Endymion shifted his gaze to look back at Nehelenia. Her smile had vanished, leaving her face pale and cold. She must have felt his eyes on her, and a cold shudder washed through his body as her icy grey gaze met his.
She stepped forward, the movement of her thickly layered dress echoing from the walls.
"And what do we have here?" she wondered out loud as she approached the three remaining people in the room.
"A son of Appollo." Nehelenia said, looking at Nephrite.
She then turned towards Lita, the young body slave still kneeling on the floor with her head bowed in submission. Endymion had never seen the strong Greece like this.
"And a Daughter of Jupiter." The Dark Priestess said. "I can feel the sizzling energy radiate from her ins waves."
She glanced over her shoulder at Helios.
"Both godly servants, and blessed by the Deities." she told him, earning a content nod from the silver-haired man.
"Now, what about you?" he heard her say in a strange sing-song voice.
Endymion felt his body tense and his muscle twitch in anticipation as she slowly circled him. Her burning eyes felt like liquid lava on his skin, but left him cold at the same time. Her nearness alone was able to make goosebumps to appear on his arms.
She stopped directly in front of him.
"Why don't you kneel in the face of the Gods?" she asked him softly, the tone in her voice sweet as honey, but her eyes burning with demand.
"Endymion, he is…" he heard Serenity frantically start to explain.
"QUIET!" Nehelenia interrupted her immediately, darkness and anger deforming her once beautiful face. The power in her voice made Serenity flinch and take a step further towards Helois. Endymion glared at the Dark Priestess.
"Answer, pretty lad." Nehelenia urged him in a sweet voice, the mask of perfection again plastered onto her face.
His eyes moved to where Serenity was standing. She pleaded with her eyes for him to cease his stubbornness. But he wouldn't. Not in front of this woman who meant absolutely nothing to him. She was not his Priestess. She was just a woman. Nothing more.
"I believe in justice delivered through iron, and that the strings of destiny are woven by a man's own hand rather than invisible spirits." he told her in a steady, calm voice. Not blinking even once.
He then leant in closer, a smirk on his lips.
"I do not believe in your Gods." he said. "So I do not kneel."
Gasps were heard, and he knew that one of them belonged to Serenity.
"Endymion – don't be a fool!" Nephrite next to him warned through clenched teeth.
Nehelenia lifted one perfect dark brow, her eyes challenging him to continue with his speech. But Endymion's gaze shifted towards Helios. The young man's smile had left his face, but he did not seem angry, but rather thoughtful as he returned the gladiator's gaze.
"My apologies, Helios, White Priest of Elysium." Endymion addressed him. "And to you, Nehelenia, Dark Priestess of Elysium. I do not mean to disrespect. But my only reason to be here is to protect my Domina from harm. I pledged my allegiance to her and she will be the only one I will bend my knee for. I am not what the Gods might want me to be. I am what I choose to become."
Silence filled the room, deafening and suffocating.
But suddenly, Helios' face brightened with a smile.
"I think you have your answer Nehelenia." he told her with a smirk.
The woman who was still standing right in front of Endymion chuckled, causing Endymion to shift his gaze to look at her.
A triumphant smile was on her face, her cold eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Indeed I have." she replied and turned around to walk away.
Before she vanished into the darkness where she had come from earlier, she elegantly waved her hand and said: "Welcome to Elysion, Son of Mars."
Helios boyish chuckle echoed from the high walls, making his four guests to look at him.
"Now that the Dark Priestess has approved, you companions are allowed to stay as well, Lady Serenity." he told her. His gaze shifted to the group, his eyes lingering a moment on Endymion.
"I welcome you to Elysion, warriors."
"And the Roman soldiers that have accompanied us?" Nephrite asked in a deep voice.
Helios let out a deep sigh.
"I'm sure you have heard about Elysion, Son of Appolo." he replied. "Soldiers are not allowed to enter our halls. They are to be sent back to Capua."
"And if we are attacked?" Endymion demanded harshly. "We would need every sword to defend ourselves."
Helios smiled at him kindly.
"No one enter this place without my permission – no one leaves it." he told him in a friendly but firm tone. "Come now. I'll show you to your rooms."
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Serenity stepped out onto the broad balcony, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath of fresh air. The room Helios had led her to was beautiful, with crystals, moons and stars everywhere. Her bed was big and soft, and its headboard was in the form of the Moon Goddess Selene who had both arms spread wide, as if to protect the bed's occupant from any harm during the night.
Serenity looked down, only now realizing that Elysion was built at the edge of a sharp cliff, and that the mountain's side where it was built upon led to the eastern shores of Mare Internum.
"Is everything to your liking, Lady Serenity?"
Serenity turned around and smiled at Helios.
"It's wonderful." she replied honestly. "I have never been to a more beautiful place."
The young man chuckled and nodded his head.
"It truly is a special place." He agreed and took the place next to her at the balcony's rail.
"Your mother used to live here." Helios suddenly revealed, earning a surprised gasp from Serenity. "Before she married Tiberius."
The young man smiled at her.
"Of course she was not your mother by blood, I know that." he said. "But in soul and heart and everything that counts."
A sad smile washed over Serenity's face.
"I did not know that she lived here." the beauty whispered into the wind. "She died so young … I sometimes feel that I barely knew her."
They remained silent for some time before Helios answered.
"I knew her when I was a child." he finally said. "It would be my pleasure to tell you more about her while you are here."
He then stepped away from the rail, a shiny smile on his face.
"For now, have a good night, Lady Serenity." he told her and bowed his head in respect. "I'll pray to the Light Deities that they protect you from dark thoughts and dreams."
Before she was able to reply, he had turned around again, arms crossed behind his back as he elegantly made his way out of her room.
"This is the strangest place I have ever been to." a deep voice sounded, and warm arms wrapped around her petite form.
Serenity smiled as Endymion placed feather-light kisses along her neck.
"How did you get here?" she giggled and turned around to face him.
Endymion used his hand to gently turn her head to the side, eager to continue to shower her with sweet kisses.
"For me there are neither locks nor bolts." Endymion whispered hotly. "Whatsoever I desire is mine."
He pressed her body against his frame as he sucked at the juncture between her shoulder and her swanlike neck. She sighed and craned her neck to give him better access.
"Apart from that…" she felt him murmur against her skin. "I was assigned to be your personal protector, Domina. Helios offered me the room next to yours. Our balconies are linked."
Serenity couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips.
"How convenient." she sighed. "Even though I won't need any protection in this place. Elysion is protected by the Gods."
Endymion trailed his lips towards her mouth, pulling her into a long, passionate kiss.
When they parted, he held her head with both hands, looking deeply into her eyes.
"Don't be so trusting, Serenity." he warned, his eyes lit with concern. "Even I can feel the darkness that is lurking within the shadows in this place."
She offered him an affectionate smile and let her soft hand glide over his rough cheek.
"But not tonight." she whispered.
He smiled at her, shaking his head.
"Not tonight." he confirmed.
Endymion crashed his lips down onto hers, devouring her with a fierce passion that made her tremble in his arms.
She felt how he lifted her in his arms, her smooth skin firmly pressed against his hot flesh as he carried her inside. He laid her onto the bed, following quickly after as his hands hungrily roamed her body. Endymion hungrily pushed down the cool silver fabric that covered her chest, revealing her soft creamy mounds that begged for his attention. His lips closed around one pert peek, sucking gently as his body moved in unison with hers. Eyes on Serenity's face, Endymion watched her facial reaction closely as he worked over her tight buds. Letting the hot wet sensation of his mouth stimulate her, his tongue laving over it, making it ache. His lips pursed tighter around it, Endymion beginning to suck gently but determinedly on her.
Serenity thrashed her head from side to side, her delicate soft hands touching his shoulders, pulling him closer. Serenity began biting her lips, fighting against her cries. She couldn't stop her body from arching into his touch when his left hand covered her other breast, his rough fingers squeezing, then kneading the soft pliant flesh. His dark blue eyes lit with passion and delight as he felt the peak there begin to protrude against the palm of his hand. When his lips stopped their ministrations against her soft bud, Endymion started to kiss between her breasts, under them, mouthing at the soft but firm flesh there. He placed open mouth kisses on her hot flash, enjoying the mewls of pleasure each touch would coax from her plump lips.
Serenity's breath hitched in her through, her breasts having as she felt him place butterfly kisses on the insides of her thighs. Endymion sensually shoved the fabric of her dress over her waist, each place of revealed soft flesh rewarded by a touch of his lips. Serenity cried out, the sound loud and hoarse when Endymion pressed his mouth to her center. One taste was enough for the gladiator to go wild. He feasted on her flesh like she was the finest delicacy – the purest ambrosia that would make any God or man fall to his knees in devotion. Endymion kissed her flesh, mouthed at it, actually sucked on it. His lips caressed over every spot, making the silver-haired beauty shiver and shake in response.
Kneading her thigh with his hand, Endymion looked up at his goddess. She had her eyes closed, her voice doing a high pitched sound. Little gasps and moans escaped her shamelessly, the beauty even encouraging him to continue with his ministrations as her body danced in place. Her hands were active, the beauty clutching desperately at the soft silken bed sheets, her nails digging into them, and her soft breasts quivered with every frantic breath.
Endymion kept worshipping her, fascinated and aroused by what he was seeing. He couldn't help but rubbing himself against the bed at her erotic display of passion. She was still moving, still moaning, when the gladiator finally lifted his mouth up. His tongue licked at his lips, tasting her delicious arousal on them. He did not stop touching her, his fingers plunging inside her, thrusting fast and making her bounce against them in a sheer desperate attempt to ride herself to climax.
Endymion watched her darkly, a desperate groan of longing now escaping his lips. His fingers left her, the beauty uttering a faint cry of protest. He hurriedly undid his breeches, his stiff member immediately springing to attention. The gladiator knelt onto the bed and grabbed her wrist, effortlessly bringing her into his lap with a determined pull. Serenity automatically let her arms wrap around his neck, kissing his lips passionately as she let her core rub against his enlarged arousal. Endymion the shifted her, her hips lifting up enough to better facilitate his thrust inside her. The gladiator actually swore, paired with a gruff groan of purely male satisfaction and accomplishment as he entered her.
Locking his eyes with hers, Endymion began rocking against her, the angle enabling him to brush the sensitive spot deep within her just right. His hands reached beneath her silken dress that flowed like liquid silver around their bodies. Endymion's fingers dug into her bottom, the man starting to move her, to make Serenity do a little bounce – helping her in sliding up and down his length the way that would bring both of them the most pleasure. She tightened her hold around his shoulders, seeking for support against the harsh rhythm that Endymion set. His entire hard length rubbed along her insides, a caress much depper, much more intimate than anything he could do with his fingers or tongue.
Serenity let her head roll against his neck, listening to his deep groans and sighs, his breath hot and wet against her ear. Serenity's hips moved, following Endymion's rhythm. Rolling them, feel her lover deep inside her, Endymion muttered something she could not quite make out. Her entire front moved against his, her breasts pressed against him, sliding up and down with every bounce of her body. His strong arm was around her, keeping them pressed together as close as two people could possibly get and still remain their own. His male dominance left her in no condition to do much of anything, the beauty kneeling over his legs, bouncing when he suddenly tipped her over onto her back.
His motions become rapid and messy while he pumped into her in desperate search for his own peak. Serenity felt her walls clench, felt how the waves of ecstasy flooded her system, causing her to throw back her head in pure pleasure. She heard Endymion's own shout of completion, and she opened her eyes, seeing the statue of the Goddess Selene smiling fondly down at them. Protecting the pair from the darkness that was lurking in the shadows.
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Helios knelt before the altar, his head bowed deeply in complete submission.
People empties him. He needed this time alone with the Gods to refill.
He whispered his prayers to his Deities, his body a ready vessel for their Godly messages. He felt the light rush through him, filling him with new energy, pictures, visions.
His eyes suddenly shot open.
His eyes narrowed.
"Why are you intruding my prayers?" he growled through clenched teeth.
He shifted his head a little, finding her standing at the door. Her frame cast a large shadow onto the light-filled marble floor.
Nehelenia titled her head to the left, eying the priest through cold grey eyes.
When she would not answer, Helios stood to fully turn towards her. The young man crossed his arms before his chest, a triumphant smirk on his lips.
"Have you come to seek out the light, Dark Priestess?"
The dark-haired woman let out a dismissive laugh.
"Afraid not tonight, White Priest." she responded with mock-pity in her voice. "I've come to talk about our new guests."
Helios arched one silver brow.
"What about them?"
"How long are they going to stay?"
"As long as they wish."
Nehelenia nodded her head while her slender fingers traced the cold marble arm of Appollo's statue that was standing next to her.
"Do you want her to stay?"
Helios looked at her, his golden eyes firmly fixed upon her.
"Yes."
Nehelenia smirked at him knowingly.
"She would make a fine light priestess." she agreed.
"She would be safe." Helios added.
"She is lost." Nehelenia retorted, the haughty smile still plastered across her face. "Lost to blood and death. Lost to the darkness."
She saw how Helios' hands clenched to fists beside his body, his knuckles turning white. The Dark Priestess let out an amused laugh.
"Did your Light Deities not reveal this to you, Helios?" she asked with a sarcastic pout pulling on her lips.
"Visions are only fragments of possible outcomes. We are always only one decision away from a totally different life." Helios finally replied calmly. "Have you forgotten about this, sister?"
Nehelenia let out a dramatic sigh and shrugged her slender shoulders.
"Perhaps." she smiled.
"What about the others?" she then asked. "The soldiers."
"Soldiers are not allowed to enter Elysium." Helios replied nonchalantly. "Tell your black minions to send them back to Capua."
"Diamond asked to kill them as soon as they've arrived. He does not want to run the risk of them revealing Serenity's whereabouts." the dark-haired woman replied, her eyes glistering with mischief as she pressed herself provocatively against Appollo's statue. Helios rolled his eyes at her display.
"And of course you would be only too eager to follow this request, wouldn't you, sister?" the young man challenged with his arms crossed before his chest.
Nehelenia shrugged her shoulders in reply.
"I think it is an indispensable necessity, dear brother."
Helios snorted and shook his head disapprovingly.
"Your thirst for blood never ceases to amaze me, Nehelenia." he said bitterly.
"Oh do not get me wrong, Helios." Nehelenia was quick to argue. "This is not for the girl's sake. But for ours and ours alone."
Helios furrowed his brow in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you really want to let them go and run the risk that these Roman morons spill our whereabouts?" she challenged. "Do you really want them to run to Rome, to the Senate, and reveal that Elysium truly exists?"
A flicker of doubt appeared on Helios' face.
"To let them come here, plunder our riches, use them for their political quarrels and our godly insights to lead their earthly wars." Nehelenia's face crunched in disgust. "The risk is too high. Only a selected, chosen group of people know about us for a reason."
Helios turned away from her probing gaze and looked at the shrine of light instead.
After a long moment of tensed silence, he let out a pained, exhausted sigh.
"Fine." he finally agreed, his answer causing Nehelenia's lips to form into a triumphant smile. "But make sure your minions do it discretely."
Nehelenia laughed.
"To know that there is a dark spot hiding somewhere within you sometimes almost makes me like you, brother."
Helios' gaze dropped in shame, his lips pressed to a fine line.
"Even a white rose has a black shadow." he whispered. "There is no light without darkness – no darkness without light. We both know that."
"Indeed." Nehelenia agreed with a smirk.
"I'll see it done." she then said with a sigh. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her skirt and ran both hands through her thick dark mane. "And let you continue with your nightly prayers, White Priest."
"Nehelenia" Helios addressed her once again before she was able to exit the praying room.
She slightly turned, glancing over her shoulder at her brother with a slight raise of her brows, looking at him expectantly.
"Keep your fingers away from the Thracian." Helios warned her, his golden eyes determined. "I know the way you looked at him."
Nehelenia laughed again, a shrill, piercing sound that echoed from the high walls.
"You cannot blame me for yearning for a son of Mars." she replied with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "The darkness inside him is blooming beautifully. I cannot resist the temptation. After all, behind the most beautiful eyes lay secrets deeper and darker than the mysterious sea."
Helios sighed as he watched his sister leave.
He knelt back down in front of the altar, pressing his forehead against the warm marble.
"Forgiveness, mighty Gods." he whispered into the light, praying for the Roman soldiers' souls that would part from this world tonight at his sister's hand.
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A/N
Hey guys
wow, thank you very much for your responses and kind words. I enjoy reading your reviews. It's great to know that you are interested in this story and that people like what I am writing!
I hope you liked the latest chapter!
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Until next time
xxx
J