The Coming from the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- The Shadows of Lombardy – Shadows of Lombardy: Cults and Power Dynamics
- In the Shadows of Lombardy – Shadows of Lombardy: Mysteries and Cult Dynamics
- Desperation in Lombardy – The Minotaur Strikes: Desperation in Lombardy
Warning Notice: The Following Story contains content contains strong themes involving heavy content; heavy scenes are found mostly in the beginning of the following story, read with caution.
The Imperium Chronicles: Pain and Temptation
Introduction:
Along the Ticino River Albert had returned – he’d previously suffered a defeat at the hands of Thomas Davidson in a fight to claim Lydia Langdon; the Younger Twin-Daughter of Cathryn, she was 18 – she remembered their encounter in Siam and her capture; fear had broken her usual stoic exterior; her unreadable expression revealing fear as she backed up as Albert came from the bushes, she felt the Ticino river splash against the back of her ankle as she stepped back, her Jian sword held at the ready, her breath had increased.
“Your lover isn’t here to protect you this time” He told her; he lunged – his Talwar sword flashed – soon they were in a brutal fight, Lydia was already battered and exhausted from her fighting off ambushing Italian Cultists that had been organised by Albert.
The fight was simply a demonstration of two competing styles – but Lydia was on the defence, trying to use the environment to her advantage against Albert’s overwhelming strength as he dominated her in their duel – it came to a point of desperation when she fell back onto using something beneath her jacket; her slender fingers gripped something egg-shaped between her slender fingers – as Albert lunged forwards, raising his sword, she purposely clenched her grip around the fragile item; it cracked – she threw her hand back out of her jacket, releasing from her hand finely grinded glass that had been contained within its fragile container beneath her jacket, with the wind, it blew in a wide arch – it caught Albert’s eyes, specifically his left, it allowed her to dart out of the way of his swing, but, she tripped crashing down against the floor, when she glanced towards Albert he was frantically rubbing his face, his anger rising until he was forced to use water from the river in desperation, while crimson oozed from his left eye, his right, blurred allowed him to just barely see – he flew into a rage as Lydia was getting back to her feet.
She was unprepared for the strike and how heavy the swing was; the sword landed as she tried to meet up; it knocked her Jian sword down, falling from her hands and landing onto the muddy floor; Albert didn’t give her a chance to recover as he barged into her knocking her back a little before quickly driving his knee into her stomach.
Falling backwards, she crashed to the ground, she felt the wet mud behind her as she hit the floor with a ‘slap’ she was gasping for breath; then Albert came down atop of her; she felt his hands tighten around her throat, quickly, she threw her hands up to grab at his wrists to struggle against him; she couldn’t breathe “Whatever you just did to me you little bitch; I am going to make you regret for the rest of your days”
She kept struggling; she felt desperation clawing at her, but his hands would not budge; he was physically larger and heavier, his strength simply outmatched her.
“Fight all you want; I have you, your mine; get that through your head” he tightened his grip forcing her to gasp more as he choked her; releasing his right hand, he clenched his fist and threw a punch downwards, it landed hard; he felt her hand let go of his wrist
The heavy blow of his first completely disoriented her; she went momentarily limp and just stared upwards at him; she could not breathe and now just simply felt even more dazed from such a heavy hit to the head.
With little resistance, he grinned at her; he could do anything he wanted, she was not resisting now; a thought entered his head – he would physically claim her right there, she’d have no choice but to submit.
Chapter 1:
1st of February 1909 A.D.
Lombardy, Italy
Along the Ticino Riverbank
As Lydia struggled to breath; she stared up at Albert – then she felt it, his hands had begun to wander, it took only a moment for it to really register, but the tugging of her top was what triggered her sudden reaction; she reacted in desperation – terror, just primal terror and fear surged – she threw her hand upwards; jabbing her fingernails up into his throat, she didn’t pull back either, she was trying to puncture his throat.
Albert, feeling a sharp jab jerked, her moved to an upward position sitting against her waist, his hands flew to his throat; the pain was sharp, he felt it draw something wet.
As soon as Albert shifted positions; Lydia drew a throwing knife from within her jacket; it was small, but offered what she needed in her desperation as she bolted up; her arm moved without her even thinking, nothing was processing in her mind – her mind was completely empty, she struck him in the ribs; not once, but multiple times – she didn’t even know what she was doing, she just threw her hand back and forth, the blade puncturing different spots along his side, she heard nothing, saw nothing – everything she was doing was frantic, a desperate move in fear-driven-panic
Then; a hand landed on her shoulder; it was gentle – unthreatening, Lydia’s world swam back into focus as she twisted her head, her silvery-grey eyes locked onto Erin’s emerald green eyes “Lydia” Erin’s voice was low; a soothing murmur “It’s alright; it’s done, it’s over” she said, her voice gentle
Albert had slumped backwards, the strikes, while not deep, had served to completely immobilize him completely; he could only stare in shock at her.
Gently, Erin eased Lydia upwards off the ground, Norina; she collected the fallen Jian sword; the three soon rushing off, leaving Albert where he had fallen.
Moments Earlier
Erin moved gracefully amongst the woodland; keeping Norina safely by her side, occasionally glancing behind to ensure they are not being followed by any pursing Cultists; Erin’s black hair against her pale complexion provided her an almost ghostly appearance; as she finally came to a halt; she looked at Norina as she was panting heavily – Norina, her twin-like appearance to Lydi; with the same long raven-dark hair and silvery-grey eyes, a had sparked Erin’s intrigue – she had met Lydia in Calais in 1905 and again in Córdoba of the same year – it had begun her obsessive fascination – at the Fiorito Vineyard – the home that had once belonged to Norina’s family before Italian Cultists had murdered her family and Norina’s subsequent adoption by Cathryn – Erin had taken an interest, while most people mistook Norina as Lydia’s twin or even as Lydia herself – Erin saw the differences easily – Norina was much softer, gentler – she did not have Lydia’s hardened exterior or determination; Norina was much more innocent.
Their initial encounter had been marked by Norina as an intimidating encounter – Erin’s blend of intimidation and flirtatious commentary had been a terrifying experience at first – but, when pursued by Italian Cultists forest along the Ticino River; it became a source of comfort for Norina – the pet-name ‘Little Dove’ no longer frightening, it had become safety net in that moment of desperation.
Struggling with English; Norina looked to Erin carefully “They chase?”; her voice trembled as she barely spoke above a whisper
Erin slowly nodded; turning to properly face her, she let her usual expression soften; she could see the fear in Norina’s face “Yes” Erin said; her voice gentle, though she still couldn’t help herself “But my Little Dove, you are safe with me, I promise” she added, her voice a soft silken purr “My brothers will have found your Mother and Sister; Elizabeth, that means we simply need to find Lydia” she said, returning to a softer tone again “Come my dear” she said
Holding her hand out towards her; she observed Norina – Hesitation flickered briefly before she reached out, her fingers intertwining with Erin’s – the contact became a grounding and silent promise of protection within the nightmare; they set off to begin their search for Lydia along the riverbank.
Present
Lydia rested on a fallen log; the Ticino river flowed by – the adrenaline, like the river, ebbed away, she felt raw…, shaken – this was not what she was use to feeling, it felt just as it had done when she was a child, back at the Smythe Estate before her escape in 1905, before she reunited with her mother after 5-Years of being forcibly separated by her father – she had gone through so much to move away from being a ‘Timid-Little Girl’ to being a weapon; she had trained hard, adapted lessons she endured in childhood with new teachings to present an unbreakable exterior – but all that had just been shattered, her eyes lingered to the bloodied hand still clenching the small throwing knife – the moments of hopelessness she had just been feeling moments earlier – the attempts Albert had just made to violet her.
Her breath hitched; she felt a sob trying to escape; she stifled it – she would not allow her emotions free; she was meant to be better than this; stronger than what she had been as a child; her face displayed a flux of emotions, but anger was trying to surface; she was trying to force it.
Erin knelt down; she placed herself squarely in Lydia’s line of sight – her gaze was intense, meeting Lydia’s eyes; she had recognised all Lydia’s growth, even questioned what it would take to unravel – she suspected she just had her answer.
Erin’s gesture was unexpected – she was gentle – she slowly, carefully eased the knife from her grip; Lydia didn’t resist “Everything will be alright” she told her; repeating herself from earlier “We shall take a moment, then I will take you and Norina somewhere safe”
Chapter 2:
South of Motta Visconti
The abandoned building was little more than a crumbling shell; it’s roof partially collapsed, windows had long since shattered – still, it offered a place of safety, a degree of shelter.
Cathryn surveyed the interior as she slowly walked inside; her silvery-grey eyes taking everything in, searching for possible threats, it didn’t appear to be a trap; but, the road they had just been ambushed on earlier by Italian Cultists didn’t appear to a trap either – and now, just like what happened during Siam, she had been split apart from her daughters.
Morgan stood by the entrance; his usual stoic demeanour had become fractured – he shifted about uncomfortably – when he had chosen to go find Cathryn, he had been expecting a simple interaction and escorting her to safety; now, he felt something strange – his dark eyes fixed on Cathryn, he had been silent since they had left the forest, and it had begun to feel unnerving, Cathryn returned her attention to him “Thank you” she said, breaking the silence “Morgan right?” she queried, as he slowly nodded she gave a slight smile, despite how he’d initially approached – intervening and saving her while she was exhausted and confronted with two armed Cultists; she recognised something was different; he’d become flustered, he was no longer an active threat, though she still needed to remain on guard in case something changed, but she did allow for her more hardened exterior to drop for the time being “Thank you for getting us here Morgan”
He’d been snapped out of his trance; slowly nodding his head, a faint blush crept up along his neck “Eh.., it.., it was nothing” he stammered, turning his gaze briefly before returning his eyes towards her “It was nothing; glad I could help”
There was another silence between them as he finally moved away from the doorway; walking further inside and observed her, tilting his head as his eyes moved up and down along her body; then, he blurted out “You look…, well”
Cathryn looked at him; she suppressed a smile – She had seen such looks before, it reminded her of admiration bordering on something else…, something more; ‘This might be a problem’ she thought to herself “Thank you…., Morgan, I am Thirty-Six Years old; shouldn’t you be…, looking at someone more your own age like that…, than me?”
Morgan’s jaw tightened “Age is irrelevant” he said, he’d found some of his confidence as he looked at her “All I see is a beautiful woman standing right in front of me; strong, determined”
Cathryn found herself taken aback; this was new…, it had been a long time since someone had made attempts like this – Morgan’s intensity was unexpected “You…, you flatter me Morgan; but, I am sure there are plenty of women your own age would would likely appreciate your attention” she spoke gently, trying to ease things as quickly as possible, she decided it would be best to try changing the subject entirely “Are my daughters safe?”
“Yes; Jakob went to locate Elizabeth; and Erin…, I am sure you can already work our that she will have gone Lydia and Norina; they will be here soon” he paused, his eyes regained that same intensity “I have had plenty of women my own age; none of them hold a candle to you Cathryn”
The air in the small building seemed to thicken; Cathryn swallowed, she felt a mix of unease, but then there was also a sliver of curiosity present as well, she realised it was temptation, she was becoming uncomfortable, but not at Morgan, with her own feelings – it was just something unexpected “We…, we should uh.., focus on the task at hand” she said, her voice a little breathless “You said you wanted to speak earlier…., about the…, temple maybe?” Cathryn found herself stammering now ‘Please’ she thought ‘Please change the subject’
Back in the Forest along the Ticino River
Elizabeth; brushed her blonde hair away from her face, she finally came to a stop as did Jakob; they had finally managed to get clear of the Italian Cultists – but now, her current predicament came to the surface, she was with an American Cultist, he had just come to her aid, and she now had many questions running through her head, as she straightened up, she eyed Jakob warily “Thanks…, but, Why?” she questioned, her tone sharp, her voice icy “What’s you angle?”
Jakob looked towards her; he’d partially expected this – he was hoping they’d get to the meet-up before this happened, but, he wasn’t that surprised “My name is Jakob; I am Erin’s brother” he said, raising his hands to ease the growing tension “My sister wanted us to help; my older brother Morgan is out searching as well, and so is my sister; Erin, if you just come with me…”
Elizabeth spoke over him “I don’t trust you” she said, her tone remaining unchanged, her icy-blue eyes narrowed “How do I know this isn’t a trap?”
“I promise you; it isn’t” he responded carefully – he sensed making a mistake could potentially cause a fight, maybe even for Elizabeth to run which would mean he would need to give chase, that, in itself would give Elizabeth reason to distrust him even more “If you just come with me…”
“No” She snapped “I want proof; help me find my sister Lydia; and our adoptive younger sibling; Norina, help me find them and I will consider, maybe…, trusting you”
“Look; Erin will have already found them; she will be taking them to the meet-up location…, please, just come with me” Jakob tried to push
“No; either help me search; or I am walking off alone” Elizabeth threatened
Letting out an irritated groan he nodded “Alright; okay, let’s go and search”
Back Along the Ticino Riverbank
A group of Cultists led by a hulking man with a deeply scarred face – Angelo – finally stumbled through the bushes to discover Albert’s prone form “È morto?” he questions; one of the Cultists quickly rushes over, discovering that Albert is still alive, looking over towards Angelo he shakes his head
“No; È ancora vivo” the Cultist said; indicating to Albert, he was still alive; Angelo looked to the others; quickly ordering them to get Albert back to the warehouse so that he can get the urgent medical attention he required; those that didn’t go back, he instructed to resume the search for Cathryn, Elizabeth, Lydia and Norina
Ticino Riverbank – Deeper within the Forest
Observing the gentle side that Erin is displaying as she helps Lydia; Norina slowly tilts her head – she was seeing a completely different side to the American Cultist than what she had seen in their very first interaction – Erin no longer seemed all that frightening – despite the ghostly-appearance she had, there was something much more beneath the intense exterior that came with so much flirting and sultry behaviour – she had brought Lydia down from her heightened state – easing her back to something calmer.
Due to how much she was now lost in thought, she didn’t realise Erin was speaking to her, until she felt her fingers trace a gentle line down her cheek; her eyes quickly fixed back onto her “Ah…, back with me my little dove?” she said; her tone once again a sultry whisper as she looked at Norina
Erin’s eyes had locked directly onto Norina’s as she smiled at her; subtly licking at her own lips, finally, Erin shifted her position and gestured towards Lydia “Our ‘Daughter of Shadow’ is easing back to normal, go sit with her, I shall check we can move safely”
Slowly, Norina nodded; her eyes though lingered on Erin as she began to move away; watching as she disappeared into the bushes; though she made no sound; Norina then moved towards Lydia; she still had a hold of Lydia’s Jian sword; Lydia, noticing blinked a moment – when Norina slowly oved it towards her, Lydia smiled “Thank you Norina” she said softly; gently wrapping her slender fingers around the hilt; moving it away from Norina and turning it to direct the blade into its scabbard that was strapped to the side of her bag; she then picked the bag up moving its strap over her shoulder, letting it dangle against her side as it usually would be
The two sat quietly; they were sure how long they’d been there for, but, it seemed a long time before Erin finally made her appearance; moving in front of them and placing her finger against her lips gesturing them to stay quiet “There are some Italian Cultists near; they aren’t coming this direction” she whispered “We shall wait a moment before moving on”
Chapter 3
South of Motta Visconti
Back in the abandoned building that had become their designated meet up and safe-spot; the silence stretched; thick and heavy, outside the sun had begun to set; casting long, eerie shadows across the crumbling walls – time itself seemed to be warping, each moment imbued with a heightened sense of awareness.
Morgan had become more confident, more emboldened a growing intimacy within their force isolation, he begun to press it, he seemed to have developed some kind of an advantage between the two “I mean what I said Cathryn” he said; his usual gruff tone replace by something gentle “I would renounce the Imperium; everything, if it meant I could have a chance with you” he told her “You are the only woman I have met that has ever made me feel…, like this…, no one has ever made me feel anything remotely close to what I am feeling right now”
Cathryn felt her composure struggling to remain; she was normally battle-hardened, focused – such interactions, had only be something common in her youth; she wouldn’t give someone the time of day since her marriage to George Smythe; the enforced life as some kind of domestic slave to do his bidding – she had pained memories of it, and yet – Morgan’s pushing was having an effect, his dark eyes held her captive, his words were simply, a dangerous melody weaving around her “Morgan…, you don’t even know me”
“Maybe” he conceded “But, I see fire in your eyes; the strength in your spirit, you are a warrior; to have a chance to fight with you, I would take it; I don’t care if that means turning my back on everything I was raised to be loyal too”
Slowly; she found herself edge back – she wasn’t sure why; she just knew that her movement wasn’t out of fear, simply wanting to move?, she wasn’t sure; but, her movement seemed to be mimicked by Morgan, who followed, though he hesitated briefly before moving as well.
She backed up into a table causing it to scrape across the floor, twisting her head around quickly realising what she’d backed into; her eyes then snapped back to Morgan; he stood directly in front of her – reaching his hand out, he gently brushed stray strands of hair from her face.
Her breath caught, she felt her heart hammering, it became a frantic drumbeat “Don’t Morgan” she said; though her words lacked her usual conviction, she had become unusually quiet as she stared, she did not know what to do, or what to even make of her situation – she was completely at a loss, but, she also still felt that same temptation he had been causing to build up
He ignored her plea; instead, his fingers gently traced the curve of her cheek – being so close, the height difference was telling, despite Cathryn previously seemingly like some giant due to her skill in fighting with her Kukri knife – right now, she seemed timid; the size difference between them clear, she barely reached beyond his shoulder height, and he was by no means the tallest person of his family, that was reserved for his father; Benjamin – within this moment, Cathryn was smaller, more vulnerable “I have spent my entire life following orders; doing what I told, obeying without question” he said; his voice low “But right now…, for the first time, I want something for myself; and that’s you”
Cathryn’s eyes flickered around the room; was she really even considering this, her eyes closed, she felt her defence crumbling like a decaying wall being pushed over, she wanted to deny him; she wanted to push him back to get him away – but, he’d managed to draw her in, temptation and desire had rapidly built up within such a short time, she did not understand it “I..” she opened her eyes; she met his gaze, she couldn’t help herself “You…, don’t know what your asking for Morgan” she said softly “You would turn your back on everything you know; my life is messy, it’s dangerous”
“I don’t care” he replied, he leaned up; it forced Cathryn to lean back; she felt the table press against the back of her waist “I want to be part of it”
Morgan placed his hands forwards; each side of Cathryn as he leaned towards her – she had no way of moving to avoid, though, she realised she didn’t want too – her eyes just lingered on him as he just leaned in, their faces only inches apart “I’ll prove it; right here and right now” he told her softly
Feeling more emboldened than ever; he felt a surge in his confidence as he gently eased his hands across the surface of the table; moving them from the rough wooden surface and directly onto her waist – she still hadn’t made any attempts to move, to resist his advance – they were practically against one another – Morgan had been the first to make physical contact and it surprised him – she trembled against his touch, he decided to just go for it – he placed his mouth against hers; he kissed her, it was hesitant at first, but she responded.
Her eyes closed as she felt his lips against hers – she’d given in – had she even resisted?; was this what she actually wanted?; her thoughts simply vanished, their kissing began to become deeper, more aggressive; her arms finally moved up, around his neck as his arms pulled her firmly against him; he held her waist – there was no backing out now, they’d committed.
1st of February, 1909
The Canal Zone, Suez
The churning turquoise waters of the Suez Canal greeted them; Thomas, leaning against the railings of the British Warship; H.M.S Gloria – a Pre-Dreadnought Class warship – the air was thick with the scent of salt and diesel.
Thomas was looking forward to returning back to Britain; getting back home to see his family in Lancaster; beside him was Miquel; a Kenyan-Born soldier that had become his best friend during their service together – together, they had found themselves entangled with something neither of the ever imagined – a secret war that no one was aware of; a war fought in the shadows – they first discovered it when they met Cathryn and her Anti-Cultist group in the Himalayan mountains a few years prior, it was there Thomas had interacted with Lydia for the first time – she did not hesitate to show her dislike, though it was likely due to her childhood – she had been raised within a cruel environment – she had developed from a timid child to that of a fierce woman – but he managed to slowly get through her hardened exterior – saving her in her confrontation against her own older twin sister; Elizabeth in Cairo, then supported her again in Greece – and upon discovered her in December of 1908 – he has rescued her from drowning in a river within Burma, at that point she was being pursued by Albert Cain – a man her father was trying to force her into marriage too – at the end of the interaction, after saving her; he and Lydia parted ways, he had promised to join her once he’d finished his serve.
That time was now approaching; he smiled “Nearly home” Miquel mused; his eyes gleaming within the harsh sunlight “So, what’s the plan?”
Thomas grinned “First; a pint at the pub” he chuckled “Then, I plan on going to search for Lydia; I promised her I would join her at the end of my service, I intend to keep that promise”
Miquel slowly nodded; his smile didn’t falter “I think I might join you brother” he looked out for a moment “I will admit for getting a taste of that adventure we experienced in Greece” he shifted his gaze back to Thomas
Thomas chuckled “Aye; definitely an eye-opener, so much going on, so many secrets; and they do that along, without support against some shadowy movement that has been around for so long, with so much control….”
“Inspiring?” Miquel chuckled as he watched Thomas
“Aye; inspiring” Thomas nodded
Chapter 4
Lombardy, Italy
The Ticino Riverbank
As the darkness descended; shrouding the forest into shadow, the air itself hung heavy – Erin kept Lydia and Norina both quiet as she kept a close observation over the approach – she could see the movement of Italian Cultists, they had not made any turn in their direction yet; they seemed to be moving further and further away.
Lydia – still collecting her thoughts has begun processing things again, her violent clash against Albert still lingered, she was still somewhat shaken by it; but she was trying to push it back, but she did recognise it had fractured her usual stoicism
When the Cultists had disappeared from Erin’s view; she slowly moved back to Lydia and Norina; her eyes shifting to Norina specifically “They’re gone” she said, her voice had regained its usual sultry tone “You were so brave my Little Dove” kneeling down, she reached her hand forwards, gently brushing a stray strange of her raven-dark hair from her face, her touch lingering longer than necessary
Ever the chameleon though; she changed her demeanour as she refocused on Lydia; recognising she was still processing things, she offered a more gentle approach; a gentle reassurance as her voice softened, more comforting “It will be safe to move soon; just a little longer, so rest, when I am certain it is safe, I shall wake you, just rest, you have been through a lot today”
As Lydia shifted her gaze to Erin; she could still see that same look she first encountered in Córdoba; that intense stare in her eyes, a obsessive fascination that just didn’t seem to fade; though how she was acting with Norina did give her some concern “Don’t hurt her” Lydia said, her voice was soft, deliberately non-threatening, it wasn’t a demand, Lydia could sense how Erin’s obsession had extended towards Norina due to the twin-like similarities they shared “Please”
Erin’s expression seemed to shift a moment; she recognised why Lydia had said it, she was being genuine though; while her upbringing had encouraged things often seen as ‘wrong’ or ‘strange’ to most people, it was normal for Erin; she simply knew how people could react, she had observed it before “I do not intend too”
Norina seemed lost in the exchange; she raised her eyebrow as she watched them carefully; Lydia shifted her eyes towards Norina for a moment then towards Erin; leaning sideways, she rested her head against the tree, her eyes closed.
Erin, shifting her gaze back to Norina observed her carefully; she had gained her attention originally purely for her similarities to Lydia – but, she had already begun seeing beyond the similarities, Norina was becoming an obsession all on her own, with an equal fascination she had reserved for Lydia – both of them were unique to her.
Norina’s eyes were on Erin’s; she never realised it, but she had been staring for a while; Erin’s grin drew her back to the moment “Ah…, my Little Dove, what was you thinking there hm?”
Feeling her face warming up; she quickly averted her gaze, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
Deeper in the Forest, Along the Ticino River
Elizabeth strode purposely through the bushes; her eyes scanning for signs of Lydia or Norina; she was becoming more agitated, s far there had been no signs of either of her sisters or even Erin – it brought a nagging question to the surface, ‘Was Jakob speaking the truth’ she finally came to a stop the forest was growing darker “Elizabeth” Jakob called “We should really go to the meeting-spot; I promise you, they will be there”
Elizabeth turned her attention towards him “I do not trust you” she said simply
“I know that; you make it painfully clear, but I don’t really care; I know I am right, so please, let’s get going instead of wandering around aimlessly in an empty forest; or…, if its not…, potentially running into the men searching for you and your family” Jakob said, he was clearly getting irritated
“Fine…, fine; lead the way” Elizabeth finally gave up; with it getting darker, and no signs for her to pick up on any potential clues, she finally gave in; she would trust him for now, she was hoping she wasn’t making a dire mistake as she began following him
South of Motta Visconti
Back at the abandoned building; things had escalated further between Morgan and Cathryn; their kissing had become more intimate; he had already lifted her up onto the table, he was now standing as close as he could as her legs dangled over the edge of the table; he felt her arms around his neck and he kept his hands on her waist.
There was a moment where they broke apart; leaning their foreheads together; she was looking into his eyes – she still had no clue what had come over her, but things had spiralled too far, too quickly; she was now in an unusual state of confusion – of vulnerability, something she had not felt for a very long time ; as she stared into Morgan’s eyes; his eyes were locked onto hers.
She wasn’t going to stop him; there was no intention – Morgan could sense it, her eyes spoke of what she was wanting; he slide her closer to the edge of the table, Cathryn’s hands found their way down from his neck to his waist; soon they had both adjusted their clothing below the waist; he had already gotten himself into the position needed – it didn’t take much more than a few seconds before he was within her; she practically clung to him as he once again kissed her, her gentle moans escaping her lips between their kissing, her breathing increased and gradually more ragged – it wasn’t his first time by any means, but, it was the first time he felt a connection, that it was something genuine – despite how little they knew one another, how short of a time they had encountered, it had escalated so rapidly, he had no regrets – he meant what he had told her, he would abandon the Imperium – his Families Cult, he would do it for her.
As for Cathryn; she had just surrendered, she had no idea why – but she didn’t have any regret; when things finally began to reach their climax between them; she embraced him tightly, her head now resting against his shoulder as she felt her body shudder against him, she stared forwards, they remained silent for a moment before they looked to one another; the only problem that came to mind now, how would they even raise this to ether of their respective groups – how would Cathryn explain to her daughters, and how would Morgan explain to his siblings.
“We’ll wait for now” Morgan said, Cathryn thought a moment, slowly nodding, she felt his breath against her neck as she leaned her head back against his shoulder – she felt tired, a smile played on her lips when she felt him beginning to gently kiss along her neck
“Might be the better idea for the time being” Cathryn agreed; her voice little more than a gentle whisper “I know I will need to approach this to my daughters…, carefully….”
Chapter 5
Along the Ticino River
As they walked; Elizabeth now lolling behind Jakob, her eyes shifting around, she looked to possible signs of his betrayal – instead however, they found themselves walking directly into Erin, Lydia and Norina who were just as surprised to see them “I thought you would have reach the rendezvous by now” Erin said; her tone hinting at her confusion
“She wouldn’t trust me” Jakob answered, his tone more irritated than Erin remembered; Erin shifted her gaze to Elizabeth briefly then back to Jakob
“Lydia” Elizabeth could see something wasn’t right, her usual expression was not so readable; she reminded her of what she was like when they were children, her eyes drifted to Norina
“She’s still processing” Erin said, her voice gentle
Elizabeth thought for a moment, she decided to just go with that; she could clearly see something wasn’t right; and the shift in Erin’s tone from sultry and flirty to something different was jarring; she may have disliked Erin due to her flirtatious behaviour, but knew there was a reason behind her shift in tone and demeanour
“So, that means Morgan and your mother will be waiting for us” Jakob said “Unless of course Cathryn is as untrusting as this one turned out to be”
Erin grinned “I did warn you brother; you need to be careful in your approach, as for our dear brother Morgan, I doubt he will have as much trouble as you; I didn’t have that much trouble, it’s all about the approach” she the gestured “Let’s continue shall we”
Erin then shifted her gaze to Norina; holding her hand out “Come Little Dove”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrow; the last interaction she observed, Norina was terrified, yet, she is willingly taking a hold of Erin’s hand now “I told you; she isn’t a threat to us” Lydia’s voice snapped her from her thought; her eyes returning to her younger twin sister “She is curious, not dangerous”
Elizabeth takes a deep breath, observing Erin and Norina’s interactions carefully; then her eyes returned back to Lydia who began moving; the group resuming their travels to reach the rendezvous spot where Cathryn and Morgan would be waiting – though they had t be wary, there were still Cultists that would potentially intercept them on their journey to safety.
Written By: Westley H.
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