Chapter 2: Terms of Surrender

The morning air was heavy with unspoken words as Xena finished securing Argo's reins. The gravity of the moment hung over them all, pressing down like an unseen force. Gabrielle and Eve stood nearby, their faces pale with worry, their eyes glistening with unshed tears. Silence lingered, tense and suffocating, until Gabrielle finally stepped forward.

"You don't have to do this," Gabrielle said, her hands clutching Xena's. "I know what you think, but there's another way. There has to be." Xena met her friend's gaze, her expression unreadable but her jaw tight.

"There isn't," she said quietly. "Not this time." Gabrielle's lips trembled as she shook her head.

"Xena, this deal—it's going to destroy you. Not your body, but… you. Your soul. I can see it already." She squeezed Xena's hands tighter. "Please. Don't let him take that from you."

For a moment, something flickered in Xena's eyes, a flash of pain that she quickly masked.

"This isn't about me," she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "This is about keeping you and Eve safe. That's all that matters."

Gabrielle's tears finally broke free, sliding silently down her cheeks.

"You matter too, Xena. You always have. You're the strongest person I've ever known, but even you—" Her voice cracked, and she struggled to finish the sentence. "Even you can't carry this forever." Xena reached up and gently wiped a tear from Gabrielle's cheek. Her touch was soft.

"Look after Eve for me. She'll need you."

Gabrielle nodded reluctantly, her shoulders shaking as she stepped back, unable to say more. Eve took her place, hesitating before throwing her arms around her mother in a tight embrace.

"I don't want you to go," Eve said, her voice muffled against Xena's shoulder. "I don't want you to do this." Xena wrapped her arms around her daughter, holding her close. She rested her chin on Eve's head, closing her eyes for a moment before responding.

"I have to, Eve. You know that." Eve pulled back just enough to look up at her mother.

"He's a god. He doesn't play fair. He's going to twist this into something worse than you can imagine." Xena stroked her daughter's hair.

"I know who he is, Eve. And I know what I'm walking into. But I'm your mother. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect you." Eve's lip quivered as fresh tears ran down her face.

"You shouldn't have to sacrifice yourself for me." Xena shook her head gently.

"That's what being a mother means, Eve. You'll understand one day." Eve's arms tightened around her one last time before stepping back.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too." She placed a hand on Eve's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze before turning to Argo. With one final glance at Gabrielle and Eve, Xena mounted her horse. She could feel their eyes on her as she turned Argo toward the road. Her heart ached, but she buried it deep. She couldn't afford to let her emotions show—not now, not when so much was at stake. Gabrielle's voice broke through the silence, faint but desperate.

"Don't let him take who you are, Xena. Please. Come back to us." Xena didn't look back.

She couldn't.

Xena urged Argo forward, the path ahead feeling colder and more uncertain with every step. But she had made her choice. And she would face whatever waited for her at the temple, no matter the cost.

She dismounted Argo, the air cold against her skin as she tightened her cloak against the chill. The temple stood ahead, dark and sinister. Its massive stone columns were etched with crude carvings of battles and skulls. Flames from towering torches illuminated the carved images of battles and warriors on the walls, their expressions twisted in eternal fury. She ran a hand down Argo's mane.

"Stay here, girl. This won't take long."

But even as the words left her lips, she knew they were a lie. This wasn't going to be quick. This wasn't going to be painless. It was going to scar her in ways she hadn't yet begun to imagine.

Her boots crunched against the gravel as she approached the temple steps. Each step felt heavier, as if the air itself was weighing her down. She tried to keep her thoughts sharp, focused, but they refused to cooperate. Instead, memories clawed at her—the soft, vulnerable words Gabrielle had spoken before she'd left, the way Eve had held her tightly as if trying to stop her from walking out the door.

Xena forced herself to push those memories aside, even though they clung to her like a second skin. Her family was the reason she was doing this. They were alive because of Ares, because of the deal. And now she had to honor it. That was all this was—a duty, a necessity.

Nothing more.

But deep down, a darker thought formed. How could Ares ask this of her? How could he reduce her to this? She felt like a god's whore.

He was selfish. She always knew that. Manipulative, cunning, always playing the long game. She'd seen through him a hundred times before, and yet… part of her had expected better of him. This wasn't just about securing her loyalty or her presence. He wanted her to carry his child. His legacy. A selfish ploy for power.

However, another truth burned quietly within, one she didn't dare confront. She hated that he made her feel this way—angry, alive, and utterly unsettled. Some nights, when sleep wouldn't come, she would think of him, and the images would linger too long. In her dreams, Ares was different, softer, his touch electric in ways she couldn't escape. In those moments, she could allow herself to feel, because dreams couldn't hurt her.

But now… now it wasn't a dream. Now it was real, and she was standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown. She clenched her fists as she stepped into the temple, her boots echoing off the cold stone. It reminded her of walking the gauntlet. But she survived that and she would survive this.

And there he was.

Ares lounged on his throne at the far end of the hall, his vest gleaming even in the dim light. His smirk widened as he rose to his feet, descending the steps with a predatory grace that set her on edge.

"Right on time," he said smoothly. "I knew you'd come." Xena kept her face neutral, though her heart was pounding in her chest.

"You made sure of that," she said coldly, walking to the center of the room. Her hands moved quickly as she unfastened her armor, letting each piece fall to the ground with a clang that echoed through the space. Her breastplate. Her arm guards. Her sword and chakram. She stood in front of him in her leathers, stripped of the armor that had always made her feel invincible.

"Let's get this over with," she said flatly. Ares raised an eyebrow, tilting his head as he studied her.

"Oh, Xena. We're not doing this your way." Her eyes narrowed.

"What are you talking about? This was your idea. I'm here. So do what you have to do." Xena walked toward the altar, her boots striking the stone floor in steady steps. Her gaze locked on the dark slab in front of her, her jaw clenched tightly. She stopped when she reached it, pausing only for a brief moment before climbing on top. She laid down stiffly, her arms resting at her sides, her body tense.

The chill of the stone seeped through her, and she forced her eyes shut, trying to remain focused. But it was impossible to ignore the memories that crept into her mind. She hadn't always approached this altar with such dread. There was a time—years ago—when she would lie across it willingly, waiting for Ares to come to her. Back then, she was his commander, his chosen warrior, and this place had felt like home.

Her chest tightened as the images replayed through her mind. His hands on her skin, his voice murmuring promises of power and passion. She had given herself to him freely. In those moments, it hadn't been about gods or war—it had been about the fire he sparked within her.

Now, that fire was gone. All that remained was the cold hardness of the stone beneath her and the bitter knowledge of why she was here. This wasn't a choice—it was an obligation. The woman who had once embraced this altar with pride and passion was gone, replaced by someone who fought for the people she loved, even at the cost of herself.

Her stomach churned as the reality of her situation settled over her. She stared up at the ceiling. This wasn't the same altar it had once been. It was no longer a place of fire and heat—it was a reminder of everything she had lost. She swallowed hard, pushing the memories aside and focusing on the moment. She turned her head slightly.

"Well? Are we doing this or not?" His voice filled the atmosphere as he laughed at her.

"You think this is just about me getting what I want? You really don't know me at all, do you?" Xena's fists tightened at her sides, and her voice cut through the air like a blade.

"I know enough," she snapped. "I know you've spent years manipulating me, pulling strings, trying to bend me to your will. And now you've finally found a way to trap me. Congratulations." His smirk faded slightly, his expression darkening as he took a step closer.

"Trap you? Is that what you think this is?"

"What else would it be?" she shot back, her eyes blazing with fury. "It's always about power with you, isn't it? Control. You don't know how to love. You only know how to own. And now, you want a child—your legacy—because that's all that matters to you. This isn't about me. It never was."

Her words struck him like a blow. Ares' jaw tightened, and for the first time, his usual confidence shattered. His eyes flashed with something she couldn't quite place—hurt, maybe, or something deeper. He looked away briefly, his shoulders tense as if bracing himself.

"You really think so little of me," he said quietly, his voice lacking its usual edge. Xena's chest rose and fell sharply as she struggled to contain the storm inside her.

"What else am I supposed to think, Ares? You've lied, manipulated, and played games with me from the start. Why should this be any different? Why should you be any different?" Ares' gaze snapped back to her, sharper now, a spark of frustration breaking through his calm exterior.

"Because I am different. I gave up everything for you, Xena. Everything. Do you think the gods will just forgive me for siding with you? Do you think I won't have to pay a price?" Xena scoffed, her laugh bitter and cold.

"You expect me to feel sorry for you? You're a god. You've never paid for anything in your life. Not really." He stepped closer.

"You don't know what it's cost me," he said, his tone sharp. "You think this is just about power, about some grand plan to 'trap' you? I could have left you to the gods, Xena. I could have let you and your daughter burn."

"Then why didn't you?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Why go through all of this? Why drag me into this sick little game?"

"Because I love you!" The words burst out of him, raw and unfiltered, and for a moment, the air seemed to still. His chest rose and fell as he met her gaze.

"I've always loved you, Xena. Even when you hated me. Even when you fought me. Even when you turned your back on everything we built together."

Xena froze as she caught her breath. For a moment, the anger in her eyes faded, replaced by something more uncertain.

"Love?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "That's what you call this? Forcing me into a deal? Demanding I give you a child? You don't love me, Ares. You just want to own me."

The words cut deeper than she intended, and she saw it in his face—the way his jaw clenched, the way his shoulders stiffened. He took a step back, his hand dragging through his dark hair as he turned away from her.

"You're wrong," he said, his voice quieter now. "But I can't make you see it. I can't make you believe it."

For a moment, neither one of them spoke. Xena's heart pounded in her chest, her anger still simmering but mingled now with something she couldn't quite name. She hated that his words had struck a bell, that some part of her wanted to believe him. When he turned back to face her, his expression was guarded, but traces of vulnerability still lingered in his eyes.

"You can leave," he said, his tone softer. "If that's what you really think—if you really believe this is just about power—then leave. I won't stop you." She blinked, caught off guard.

"What?"

"You heard me," he said, gesturing toward the door. "You can leave, Xena. Walk out that door, get back on your horse, and pretend this deal didn't come about. I won't stop you." Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she couldn't speak.

"You're saying… I don't have to go through with this?"

"I'm saying I'm not going to take you like this. Not when all I see in your eyes is hate."

Xena's lips parted as if she was going to respond, but no words came out. Her mind raced, trying to process what he just said. This wasn't Ares—not the Ares she knew. He was bold, brash, unrelenting in his pursuit of what he wanted. He didn't back down, didn't give her options. And yet, here he was, standing before her, offering her a way out. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.

"So, what? You're suddenly some kind of saint now? You're just going to let me walk away after everything you've done to get me here?" His shoulders slumped slightly as he turned and walked back toward his throne, sitting down heavily. For the first time, he looked less like the God of War and more like a man—a man who had carried more than he was willing to admit. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his head bowed slightly.

"I thought maybe… maybe you'd feel something too."

Xena stared at him, her fists opening as the anger in her chest twisted into something else. She watched him for a moment, the usual strength in his posture was gone, replaced by something raw and unguarded. Her heart pounded as she took a hesitant step towards him, then another.

"Ares," she said softly.

He looked up, his eyes filled with a pain she couldn't bear to see. The flickering torchlight reflected in them, but it couldn't hide the vulnerability there.

"I'm sorry you hate me so much," he said, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper.

Her chest tightened, and she forced herself to close the remaining distance between them. Standing in front of him, she searched his face, her anger dissolving into something far more complicated. She sighed.

"I don't hate you," she said, her voice trembling. "You drive me crazy, but I don't hate you."

He blinked, his expression changing as if he wasn't sure he heard her correctly. His eyes locked onto hers, searching for any sign of deceit, but he didn't find any. Slowly, she moved closer, her knees brushing against his as she climbed into his lap. Her movements were hesitant at first, her body stiff, but when his hands rested carefully on her waist, she didn't pull away. Instead, she allowed herself to relax slightly, her gaze never leaving his.

"I don't hate you," she repeated, her voice softer now, as if the words were meant to reassure both of them.

"I never did." Ares exhaled shakily, his hands tightening slightly on her waist, but not enough to hold her there if she chose to move.

"Xena—" he began, but his voice failed. He reached up and brushed his fingers against her cheek. She felt a tremor in his hand.

"I never wanted this to be about power. Not with you. It's never been about that with you."

Her breath caught, the raw honesty in his voice cutting through her defenses. The anger that had raged moments ago had faded, replaced by a lingering ache she couldn't push away. She raised a hand slowly, her fingers sliding through his dark hair as she spoke, her voice steady yet gentle.

"I know. I know it hasn't."

He leaned into her touch slightly, his eyes closing briefly as though he was savoring the moment. When he opened them again, they were filled with an emotion so raw that it made her chest tighten all over again.

"You don't know what you do to me," he said softly, his thumb brushing against her jawline. For a moment, the space between them felt charged with something she couldn't quite name. And then, without thinking, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss was cautious at first, his lips brushing against hers gently, as though he was afraid of pushing too far. It was the kind of tenderness she never would have expected from him, and it left her momentarily stunned. For a few heartbeats, she didn't respond, caught off guard by the vulnerability in his touch.

But then something changed. She felt the warmth of his hand on her cheek, the slight tremble in his fingertips, and the burden of everything unsaid between them. Slowly, her lips began to move against his, soft at first, then with more certainty. Her fingers tangled deeper into his hair, and she felt the faint hitch in his breath as the kiss deepened. Ares pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as he caught his breath. His hands moved up to cradle her face, his thumbs brushing gently against her skin.

"I don't deserve you," he murmured, his voice so quiet she almost didn't hear it. Xena swallowed hard, her own breath shaky as she met his gaze.

"This doesn't change anything," she said softly, though her voice lacked the conviction she wanted it to carry.

"Maybe not," he replied, his lips curving into a faint, bittersweet smile. "But maybe it changes everything."

For a moment, they stayed like that with their foreheads touching. And then, as if drawn together by some invisible force, their lips met again. This kiss was different, slower and deeper, a result of years of tension and unspoken emotions.

Xena felt the pressure of his hands on her waist, anchoring her as her own hands slipped from his hair to rest against his chest. The sound of her heartbeat thundered in her ears, but she didn't pull away. She didn't want to.

When they finally pulled away, their breaths mingling in the space between them, Xena's voice trembled as she whispered,

"You set my world on fire, Ares. Always have." His thumb brushed against her lips, his expression soft but serious.

"Then let it burn, Xena."

So she did.

Ares' hands slid from her waist to her lower back, pulling her closer. His lips trailed from hers to her jawline, each press of his mouth igniting a fire that sent warmth radiating through her. Xena's breath quickened as she felt his touch change—gentler, more careful than she had expected, as though he was still afraid she might pull away at any moment.

His hands roamed up her back, his fingers tracing the lines of her shoulders, sending a shiver down her spine. His lips found the hollow of her neck, lingering there as if savoring her scent, the warmth of her skin.

"Xena," he murmured against her, his voice low and rough. "I've wanted this… for so long."

Her fingers gripped his curls again, holding him there for a moment as her chest rose and fell with deep, uneven breaths.

"Ares…" she whispered, her voice trembling. She didn't finish the sentence—she wasn't even sure what she wanted to say.

He pulled back slightly and met her gaze. His eyes searched her face, and she could see the conflict there—desire mixed with something deeper, something he wasn't sure she would accept.

"I want you to know," he said, his voice soft but steady, "that this isn't just about the deal. It's not about the child, or power, or control. It's about you. It's always been about you."

Her chest tightened at his words, a lump forming in her throat that she struggled to swallow. For all the times she cursed him, for all the ways he had infuriated her, she had never doubted his feelings. He had shown them to her time and again, though she had refused to acknowledge them. And now, as she looked into his eyes, there was no denying the truth in his words.

But that truth terrified her.

Xena's hands slid from his hair to his shoulders, resting there as though trying to steady herself.

"You don't make this easy, you know." His lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile.

"Since when has anything about us ever been easy?"

Before she could respond, he leaned in again, his lips finding hers with renewed intensity. His hands moved down her sides, exploring the curve of her waist, the strength of her body. She felt the change in his movements, the way he began to guide her closer, as though preparing to cross the invisible line between them.

Her pulse quickened as the realization settled over her. He wasn't just kissing her now—he was showing her what came next, silently asking for her permission even as his actions spoke of his restraint. Ares wasn't forcing anything; he was waiting for her to choose.

Xena's breath caught, and for a moment, she froze, torn between hesitation and the fire coursing through her veins. But when his lips trailed down to her collarbone, lingering there as though he couldn't bear to pull away, something inside her gave way. She tilted her head back slightly, allowing him access the space he sought, her hands gripping his shoulders as though anchoring herself. Ares paused, his lips brushing against her skin as he whispered,

"Tell me to stop, Xena. If you want me to, tell me now."

Her heart pounded as she met his gaze. The vulnerability in his expression, the way his eyes searched hers for permission—it was almost too much. She exhaled unsteadily, her hands resting on his shoulders, feeling the tightness in his body as if he were restraining himself with all his strength.

"I don't want you to stop," she whispered, her voice trembling. The words seemed to undo him. His lips met hers again, this time with more certainty, and she responded, sliding her hands up to tangle in his hair. The kiss grew deeper, more urgent, as the fire they had spent years suppressing finally ignited.

As the kiss deepened, Xena's hands moved to his belt buckle, her fingers working quickly to unfasten it. The clink of metal hitting the ground echoed in the throne room, mingling with the sound of their ragged breaths. Ares' hands slid up her back, pulling her closer as the tension between them reached a breaking point.

In a flash of blue light, the cold stone of the temple was replaced by the warmth of Ares' bedchamber. The room smelled faintly of sandalwood and something distinctly him, a scent that Xena had come to associate with power and danger but now felt different—softer, almost comforting.

The firelight bathed them in a soft glow, its heat matching the fire that burned between them. Ares held her waist loosely, watching her as if she might vanish if he let go. He had changed into a pair of simple black pants. Xena stood still in his grasp, her heart pounding, her gaze darting between his eyes and the muscular chest in front of her. The vulnerability in the air was almost too much to bear, but neither moved to break it. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze meeting his. She saw no trace of manipulation in his eyes—only love.

"This is your choice," Ares said quietly, his hands resting gently on her waist. "It always has been." Her lips curved into the faintest smile, and she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Then stop talking."

Ares kissed her, slow and consuming, as if the entire world had stopped around them. Xena responded, her lips parting as his tongue slid against hers, the heat between them building with every moment. His hands moved to her back, pulling her closer until there was no space left between their bodies. She could feel the strength in his grip, but it wasn't rough—it was steady, grounding her as if he knew she needed it.

As the kiss deepened, Ares' fingers found the ties of her leathers. He worked them loose with surprising care, his knuckles brushing against her skin with every movement. Xena's breathing grew shallow as her dress slipped from her shoulders, falling to the floor with a soft thud. Ares pulled back to look at her, his eyes dark with something she couldn't name.

"You're beautiful."

Xena's lips pulled into a faint smile. She reached for the waistband of his pants, her fingers slipping under the fabric, feeling his arousal. He hissed softly at the contact, his hands tightening on her waist as she pushed them down.

They fell, leaving him naked in front of her, the firelight dancing across his skin. He knelt down in front of her and kissed her stomach. For a moment, his eyes traced every inch of her, his breath warm against her stomach. When he finally stood, he cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing over her cheekbones as if memorizing her.

"Xena," he murmured, her name a prayer on his lips. She leaned into his touch, her walls crumbling with every passing second.

"Ares," she whispered back, her voice cracking.

He kissed her again, lifting her into his arms and carrying her to the bed. The fur-lined sheets were cool against her skin as he laid her down gently, his body hovering over hers. His lips found her neck, trailing down to her collarbone and lower, leaving a path of heat. Xena arched into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as soft moans escaped her lips.

Ares moved slowly, savoring every inch of her as if he was discovering her for the first time. His hands roamed her body, sliding down her sides, gripping her hips, and trailing back up to cup her breasts. He took his time, his mouth and hands working in unison to worship her, to show her what words couldn't.

"Fuck, Xena," he groaned against her skin, his voice thick with need. "You're perfect."

Her body burned under his touch, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he worked his way down her stomach, his tongue flicking against her skin. When he reached her thighs, she shivered, her legs parting instinctively.

Ares paused, his eyes meeting hers as he leaned down, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin between her legs. Xena cried out, her hands gripping the sheets as pleasure coursed through her. He didn't stop, his tongue and fingers working her until her moans turned into cries, her body trembling with release.

When he moved back up her body, his lips found hers again, capturing her gasps as he positioned himself between her legs. He entered her slowly, his hands framing her face as he watched her expression. Xena closed her eyes. The way his hands framed her face, the heat of his palms grounding her while his eyes bore into hers—it felt like he was unraveling her, peeling back every layer she had worked so hard to build. She couldn't bear to keep looking at him. Not because she didn't want to, but because she felt exposed, like he was seeing her in a way no one ever had. Her lips parted as a soft moan escaped. He paused, letting her adjust, before he began to move.

Her heart pounded against her ribs, each beat louder than the last. She had been in battles that shook the earth, faced warriors and gods alike, but this was different. This was terrifying in its intimacy. His gaze didn't just touch her body—it reached her soul, tugging at emotions she didn't know how to name. Her defenses were crumbling under the force of it.

As his body moved against hers, slow and careful, she felt every ounce of him—physically, yes, but emotionally too. It wasn't just the physical connection that overwhelmed her. He was here, inside her, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. She hated it and loved it all at once. She wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go—not from him, not from herself.

Their rhythm began unhurried, each deep thrust sending waves of pleasure through Xena that made her breath catch. She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders, her body responding to every movement as if it had been waiting for this moment forever. The firelight danced across their skin, highlighting the sheen of sweat that formed between them as their connection grew deeper.

Ares leaned down, his lips brushing against the curve of her ear. She could feel his warm breath, the vibrations of his voice as he murmured,

"You're everything, Xena. You always have been." His tongue licked along the edge of her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. He groaned softly, his voice thick with emotion.

"I love you," he said, his words almost a moan as he buried himself deeper inside her. His hands slid down her back, pulling her closer, needing her as much as he needed to breathe.

Xena's chest rose and fell in uneven breaths, her lips parting as she tried to steady herself against the onslaught of sensations. She felt the impact of his words pressing against her heart, but she didn't respond. Instead, she bit her bottom lip, her teeth sinking into the soft flesh.

Ares shifted his body slightly, his lips finding hers in a sudden, intense kiss that left no space between them. His tongue slid against hers, their breaths mingling as his pace quickened. The kiss was desperate, messy, his teeth grazing her lower lip as if he wanted to devour her completely. Xena moaned into his mouth, her hands gripping the back of his neck as she pulled him even closer.

"Fuck, Xena," Ares groaned against her lips, his voice hoarse and raw with need. "You feel so damn good. You're driving me insane."

She didn't reply, couldn't reply, too lost in the way his mouth moved against hers, the way his body claimed her with every thrust. He kissed her again, harder this time, his hand sliding up to tangle in her hair as he tilted her head back. His lips trailed down her jawline, his tongue flicking against her skin before he sucked gently, leaving a mark that made her gasp.

"You're mine," he murmured into her neck, his voice low and possessive. "Say it."

Xena's nails raked down his back, her lips parting as his words sent a wave of heat through her. She didn't answer, her defiance a silent challenge, and Ares growled softly, his teeth grazing her collarbone before he soothed the spot with his tongue.

"You're so stubborn," he whispered. "It just makes me want you more."

His lips traveled lower, kissing a heated path down her chest until he took her breast into his mouth. Xena gasped, her body arching into him as his tongue circled her nipple, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin before he sucked harder. She felt the tension building inside her, each movement of his hips sending her closer to the edge.

"Ares," she moaned softly, her voice barely above a whisper as her head pressed harder against the pillows. He grinned against her skin, his hands gripping her waist as he drove deeper, his pace becoming relentless.

"That's it," he groaned, his breath hot against her chest. "Let me hear you."

Xena's moans grew louder, her body trembling beneath him as he brought her closer and closer to the brink. His lips found hers again, silencing her cries with a kiss that was just as wild and consuming as the rest of him. She bit his lip lightly, and he groaned in response, his hips snapping harder against hers.

"Damn," he muttered, his forehead pressing against hers as he fought to hold himself back. "I'll never get enough of you."

Xena's hands slid down his back, her nails digging into his skin as the tension inside her coiled tighter. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him even deeper, and his control finally snapped. His movements became desperate, his moans mixing with hers as they both reached their peak together, the room filled with the sound of their release.

Ares didn't stop. His lips found hers again, slower this time, savoring the taste of her as he guided them both through the aftershocks. Xena trembled beneath him, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. He kissed her deeply, his hand sliding to cradle her face as if he couldn't bear to let her go. When they finally broke apart, Ares rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her lips.

"I love you. You're everything I've ever wanted, Xena," he said, his voice a raw confession.

"And I'd give up everything just to have this with you." He kissed her once more, slower this time, his lips lingering on hers before moving to her jaw, her neck, and back to her mouth.

Xena closed her eyes, biting her lip as tears formed in the corners. Ares noticed but said nothing, his hands gripping hers as he held her close. He kissed her softly, his mind racing with questions he didn't dare ask. Did she regret this? Did she hate him for saying those words? Or was she simply overwhelmed, like he was?

For now, he stayed quiet, choosing to show her through his touch what he couldn't put into words.