Hot and Heavy with Zypher

Delphia leaned her head against the right side of Zypher's chest, exhaustion pulling at her as the events of the evening replayed in her mind, however that did nothing to tire her while she was in Zypher's warm embrace. She had managed to keep her composure throughout the Gala, but the intricate web of social maneuvering left her mentally drained.

She trailed the fingers of her right hand up and down the back of his gloved left hand, happy to be in his hold, reveling in how cozy it felt to her. In return, he squeezed his arms a bit tighter around her form as he felt her relax into him. She was busy looking at his hand that he clasped with her own right one, when his voice caught her attention.

"Delphia," he said softly and paused.

She looked up to meet his eyes when she felt her lips being covered by his own. The kiss started off gentle, making sure she was fully focused on him, before he pivoted her subtly on the bench, pulling her closer into his chest, not breaking their contact once.

Delphia pulled back to take a breath, wanting to continue with him, and positioned herself so that she was straddling her right leg over his hips, the left one remaining on the bench pressing into his thigh, the skirt of her rose dress riding up so that her stockinged-thigh rested firmly over his groin.

Zypher's right hand found her left hip immediately, fingers pressing firmly against the fabric of her gown as she settled over him. She could feel the thicker fabric of his glove gripping her, but all that did was fuel her more. His grip was steady, but there was an undeniable tension in the way his fingers flexed against her. Delphia could feel it—the restraint,the way he held himself back even as his breath came heavier.

She didn't want restraint.

Tilting her head, she captured his lips again, this time with more urgency, more need. Zypher responded in kind, his left hand sliding up the front side of her body, tracing the delicate curve of her waist and breast before tangling into the back her hair, pulling her closer to fully straddle him. A quiet, satisfied hum left her as he tilted her head back slightly, deepening the kiss.

Heat coiled low in her stomach as he claimed her mouth fully, his tongue teasing against hers in a slow, deliberate motion that sent shivers down her spine. He tasted of wine and something darker—something uniquely him, intoxicating in its own right.

Delphia pressed herself closer, fingers threading into the hair at the nape of his neck as her chest was pressed against his, taking great pleasure in the way he tensed beneath her touch.

Zypher's grip on her tightened, his right hand sliding along the curve of her thigh where it covered his, tracing the edge of her stocking through the slit in her gown where it had ridden up. He exhaled sharply against her lips when her hips ground into him, her weight settling just a bit more fully against his stiffening rod.

"Delphie," he murmured, voice lower, rougher than before.

She smirked against his lips, enjoying the way her name sounded like both a warning and a plea. "Yes?" She teased, nipping at his lower lip before pulling back just enough to see the hunger in his gaze. For a moment, he simply stared at her, his grip on her tightening like he was debating something.

Then, as if a decision had been made, he surged forward, claiming her lips again in a kiss that left no room for hesitation.

Delphia surrendered to it, to him, to the way his hands roamed with newfound confidence, pressing her closer, molding her against him like he wanted to memorize every inch of her. The carriage rocked slightly as it hit a bump in the road, jarring them, but neither pulled away. If anything, it only added to the breathless thrill of it all as Delphia ground her hips into his again. Eliciting a moan out of the both of them.

Her hands explored too, tracing the defined lines of his shoulders, the hard muscle beneath his coat. Zypher groaned softly into her mouth when her nails dragged lightly against his scalp, sending a victorious shiver through her. While his own hands had been running up and down her exposed thighs from the dress moving, stopping every now and again to grip them tightly with his fingers.

But then, just as her fingers unbuttoned the first one at his collar, Zypher suddenly slowed, his breath coming in uneven pulls as a rosy hue dusted his cheek bones. He rested his forehead against hers, his fingers still splayed across her thigh, possessive, but no longer moving.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Delphie." He murmured, his voice husky, strained, but it still sounded enchanting to her ears.

Delphia smirked, not moving an inch. "I'm simply finishing what you started with that kiss."

Zypher exhaled sharply, his fingers flexing into her thighs and slipping under the dress to rest on her rear—shifting her closer, but he didn't pull away. "Then I hope you're prepared for the consequences," he whispered, his lips brushing teasingly against hers, a promise lingering in the space between them.

She shivered, anticipation curling in her stomach—but before she could push further, the carriage began to slow as the wheels crunched softly over the gravel drive of the Vosswell Estate, signaling their arrival. The imposing silhouette of the estate loomed against the night sky, its cold stone exterior reflecting in the distant moonlight of the carriage windows.

A wicked glint sparked in Delphia's eyes. She leaned in, pressing a final, lingering kiss to the corner of his mouth before whispering against his lips, "Then maybe next time, we won't stop."

The carriage came to a halt and Delphia untangled herself from him quickly as the footman made his way down from the front and opened the door for them.

Zypher exited first, offering her a hand to step down. His maroon eyes lingered on her for a moment, casting a quick spell to tidy her appearance, before he spoke. "Get some rest tonight. I'll reach out tomorrow to discuss our next steps." He finished by placing a firm kiss to the back of her hand, lingering a few seconds before he pulled away.

Delphia nodded with a flush, murmuring her thanks before ascending the marble steps to the main entrance. The heavy oak doors swung open as two servants greeted her with polite bows. She stepped inside, the warmth of the interior doing little to ease the chill she carried from the night.

Waiting in the main foyer were Duchess Larissa and her children, Lucian and Seraphina. Duchess Larissa's sharp eyes gleamed as they swept over Delphia, taking in her perfectly composed expression and the elegance of her attire.

"Well, look who's returned." Duchess Larissa said, her voice smooth but dripping with feigned warmth. "How fortunate that your fiancé has taken such a public interest in you, Delphia. It does wonders for the family name."

Delphia paused mid-step, her hand making contact with the bannister of the grand staircase. Her eyes flicked briefly to Duchess Larissa before moving to Lucian, who was leaning casually against a nearby pillar on the opposite side, and then to Seraphina, who was fidgeting with the sleeve of her gown but clearly looking for an opening to say something cutting.

"I'm sure you're thrilled," Delphia replied evenly, her voice devoid of emotion. "If you'll excuse me—"

"Come now, don't be so cold." Lucian interjected, pushing off the pillar and stopping her motions. His smile was sly, his tone teetering between playful and mocking. "We're simply curious. After all, it's not every day you attend a Gala with someone as prominent as Archmage Thorne by your side."

Delphia arched a brow, her expression remaining placid. "He's my fiancé. It's only natural for him to be."

"Of course," Seraphina chimed in, her tone falsely sweet. "But people are talking, you know? They're wondering how someone like you managed to keep his interest after being so distant to one another for so long a time. It must be quite the feat." Delphia rolled her eyes and brushed past them, ascending the stairs, refusing to engage further.

She was too tired to entertain their petty jabs, and she had no intention of giving them the satisfaction of a reaction. Her patience with them was a thread she refused to unravel.

As she neared the top of the staircase, the sound of footsteps and a deep voice made her pause. "Delphia," Duke Vosswell said, emerging from his study down the hall. His imposing figure was softened only slightly by the warm light spilling out from his office. "You're back earlier than I expected."

She turned to face him, her expression neutral. "The evening was productive, but exhausting." The Duke's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze assessing. "I hear Archmage Thorne has been accompanying you in general with some regularity."

"He has," she replied curtly. "He's been a reliable partner."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Lucian, Seraphina, and Duchess Larissa lingered at the bottom of the staircase, clearly hoping to eavesdrop. "Good," the Duke finally said, his tone carrying a weight of unspoken approval. "His presence is advantageous. Continue to conduct yourself as you have been."

"I will. Goodnight Father." Delphia said simply, inclining her head. He stepped aside, dismissing her with a nod. She turned and ascended the final steps, leaving her stepfamily behind in the foyer. Their hushed whispers began almost immediately, but she paid them no mind.

Reaching the sanctuary of her chambers, Delphia closed the door behind her with a soft click and leaned against it, exhaling deeply.

Her reflection stared back at her from the full-length mirror by the dresser, and she allowed herself a moment to process the night's events. The manipulation, the whispers, the carefully curated façade she had to maintain—it was exhausting. But as her gaze hardened, she reminded herself of her purpose. She had a role to play, not just for survival but to unravel the threads of a greater conspiracy.

Her thoughts turned to Zypher, to his quiet reassurances and his piercing gaze that seemed to see through her every mask. The memory of his presence at her side steadied her. Whatever lay ahead, she wasn't facing it alone.

Avys knocked after a moment and let herself into the room with Delphia's call. She began to unfasten Delphia's gown, her movements slow and deliberate since she could see that her Miss was already quite tired. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of quiet resolve. The game was far from over, and she intended to see it through to the end.