Daggers

Xavier wrapped himself around Lula, his serpentine body providing warmth as they lay beneath the star-studded sky. The cool night breeze swept gently over them, but she was snug against him, her breathing steady and relaxed. It wasn't long before he heard her breaths grow faint and slow. Glancing down, he saw her peaceful face—she had fallen asleep.

Carefully, Xavier loosened himself from around her, ensuring she remained undisturbed. Shifting back to his human form, he scooped her into his arms, cradling her close as he began the quiet journey home.

"Goodnight, Lula," he whispered softly, his voice carrying a tenderness only she could draw from him.

Back at the Thorne home, Xavier laid her gently on the straw bed, taking care to tuck her in. The night had grown cooler, so he made sure the quilt was snug around her. For a moment, he lingered, watching her sleep peacefully before retreating to his own room.

---

The next day, Lula's spirits were high. She spent the morning playing hide-and-seek with Barney and Liam, their infectious laughter filling the air. Later, in the kitchen, she cooked alongside Maya, growing more comfortable with the rhythm of village life. Although Lula's cooking experiments often went awry, her rice soup became a beloved specialty, a dish Maya happily encouraged her to make whenever she volunteered to cook.

Yet a lingering question troubled Lula. What did the Chiefdom want from her? His cryptic remarks about her worth unsettled her, especially as the village prepared for an upcoming hunt.

Within the week, young warriors—both men and women—were preparing to set out. Names were listed for the hunt and foraging party. To Lula's surprise, her name had been registered alongside Xavier's. When Xavier found out, his frustration boiled over.

"Damn it!" he growled, storming into the forest.

Unable to contain his anger, he slammed his fists into the nearest tree. Again and again, his blows landed, the bark cracking under the force. Blood streaked his knuckles, but he didn't stop.

"Xavier, stop!" Lula cried, running toward him.

Her voice broke through his fury. She rushed forward, placing herself between him and the tree. Wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, she begged him to stop.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she scolded him with a fierce determination. "You listen to me, Xavier. I can learn to use a dagger. But I can't do it if you're not here with me."

Her words struck him harder than any blow. Xavier's shoulders sagged, his anger giving way to guilt as he saw the distress he'd caused her. He gently wiped a tear from her face, his voice softening. "Alright."

---

From that day on, Xavier devoted himself to training Lula. He taught her to wield a dagger, focusing on how her smaller frame could be her greatest advantage.

"You're quick and light," he explained. "Use that to get close and strike where it counts. Aim for weak points—joints, the neck, or under the ribs."

He showed her how to move fluidly, staying low and balanced to avoid attacks while finding openings to counter. They practiced tirelessly each day, Xavier pushing her to refine her accuracy, speed, and control.

Their time together strengthened their bond. Each successful strike earned Lula one of Xavier's kisses, though they became increasingly demanding, leaving her breathless. At times, she felt he was taking advantage of her progress, but his playful anticipation made her heart race.

Xavier noticed her deliberate, teasing pace during tasks, making him chuckle helplessly. He decided to surprise her.

One day, Xavier set up a series of targets for her to practice throwing her dagger. The last target, however, was an apple perched on top of his head.

"Go on, sweetheart," Xavier said with a mischievous grin. "Hit your mark."

Lula raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a grin of her own. "Alright, my love. Stay very still—I don't want to miss."

Her voice was sweetly challenging, her confidence growing with every throw. As she took aim, Xavier's playful smirk softened.

Lula steadied her breath, her fingers tightening around the hilt of the dagger. Her eyes locked on the apple perched atop Xavier's head, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

"Stay very still," she murmured, half-warning, half-challenge.

Xavier chuckled softly, his golden eyes glinting. "I trust you completely, sweetheart."

Lula inhaled deeply, her gaze narrowing. She drew her arm back and released the dagger in a smooth motion. It cut through the air with a sharp whistle before sinking cleanly into the apple, knocking it off Xavier's head.

She exhaled in relief, her nerves unwinding as the apple hit the ground. "There. Happy now?" she said, her voice tinged with a mix of triumph.

Xavier's grin widened as he strode toward her, the dagger still embedded in the apple in his hand. "Impressive aim, love," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But…"

Before she could respond, he closed the distance between them. The playful glint in his eyes shifted into something deeper.

He leaned in, so close she could feel his breath against her ear.

"You hesitated," he murmured, his tone a mix of teasing and desire.

Lula's cheeks flushed as she tried to look away, but Xavier gently cupped her chin, guiding her gaze back to him. His touch was firm yet tender.

"I wasn't scared," she said softly, though her breath hitched.

"I know," Xavier whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, sending a wave of heat through her body. "But now, it's my turn to make you lose focus."

Her pulse quickened as his hands slid down her arms. He leaned in closer, his lips grazing the corner of her mouth, teasing her with his lip. Lula's knees felt weak, her mind spinning as her body reacted to his closeness.

"Xavier…" she breathed, her voice barely audible.

He pulled back slightly, just enough to meet her eyes, his expression smouldering. "You're mine, Lula. You know that, don't you?"

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her thoughts tangled with the way his hands rested on her waist, pulling her closer. She could feel the strength of his body against hers, his warmth seeping into her skin.

Before she could respond, Xavier tilted her chin up and claimed her lips in a kiss that was slow and demanding. This kiss was filled with raw emotion, a need that made her heart pound.

Lula's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as the kiss deepened. She felt herself surrendering, her senses overwhelmed by his touch, his scent, the way he made her feel like the only person in the world.

As his lips trailed from her mouth to the curve of her jaw, then to her neck, her breath hitched again, a soft sound escaping her lips. Xavier paused, his voice husky.

"Tell me to stop," he whispered, his lips brushing against her skin. "If this is too much…"

But Lula didn't stop him. Instead, her hands slid up to his shoulders, her nails lightly grazing his skin as she pulled him closer.

"Don't stop," she whispered back, her voice trembling but sure.

Xavier growled softly in response, his lips returning to hers with renewed intensity. His arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her slightly off the ground.