Aselia’s POV

The light in Xiran’s eyes dimmed at my callous words but he kept holding me. There was this searing pain in my heart, knowing I wouldn’t be able to give him everything he desired.

"We can’t be sure until we try, Leia. You can’t assume something like that," he stated, his hands holding me tightly. His forehead furrowed.

"Even if I can, I still don’t want kids," I answered back, agitation rising in my chest.

"Why?" he inquired keeping his stormy eyes fixed on me. This was painful, more painful than I had imagined it to be.

"Look at the world we live in, how will we raise kids in this hellish world? What if something happens to one of us or both of us? I don’t want my kids to grow up as I did. Until your father is dead, I will never have kids," I told him my truth and he drew in a deep breath. This had hurt him.

"I understand your apprehensions but I promise I will get rid of him for you for our next generation," his calm demeanour had transformed into a determined one. He didn’t understand that this was not my only apprehension.

"Xiran, I don’t think I am fit enough to be a mother. Mothers are loving, gentle and kind. I am just..." his hand moved and covered my lips. A deadly stare followed.

"Don’t you dare insult yourself in front of me, I won’t hear of it, we will see when the time comes," but I pushed his hand away. He needed to hear this.

"Stop denying the truth, you know very well what I am. Besides, I will never stop pursuing your father and want his death to be from my hands. So stop sheltering me so much. You stopped Irlana so she won’t be able to give me any vital information about him." I glared back at him and let my hands drop from his face. He didn’t appreciate that one bit and growled in annoyance. His hands tightened around my waist.

"Don’t push me, Aselia."

"Push you? You gave me your word or did you forget?" I asked searching his troubled eyes.

"I did, but let me do this for you. I can’t even bear to think of you facing him, don’t put me through this misery," the pain in his misty eyes had intensified ten folds and it hurt me. The look he gave me seemed to have pierced a gigantic needle in my heart.

"Stop," I whimpered, my hand instinctively went to my heart, and he pulled me closer not knowing what was wrong.

"What happened?" he inquired rubbing my back, he was agitated and my heart panged.

"My heart hurts, Xiran. There is so much pain," I whispered barely holding on. It was becoming impossible to deny him. It always brought me pain. An immeasurable amount of pain.

"Sorry," he kissed my temple and rubbed my back. The pain eased, I didn’t understand what had happened. I wasn’t sure if he did too, but it was excruciating and it drained me. I let him hold me for a long time.

"Are you alright?" he inquired with so much concern, not letting me go.

"Yes, I am fine now," I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes, his warmth soothed me.

Silence lingered between us and I spoke again after a long time: "Xiran I want you to listen to me carefully and with a level head. I want you to accept my request."

"Alright, I will do that. Speak I won’t deny you," he replied calmly stroking my head.

"I want you to arrange a meeting between Aldridge, Amonidus and yourself. I want you to sit with them and sign a peace treaty with my organization. I want you to work with us to put an end to the reign of hell your father has started. Please, put these differences aside, and let’s work together," I pleaded. He stiffened like a log and I could sense the tension ripple through his body.

Silence prevailed as I couldn’t see his face but only feel his elevated heartbeat.

"You want me to forgive them," he finally asked with disgust.

"No, just put your differences aside and sit together for a meeting, the only person benefitting from our divided front is your father."

"Is that really what you desire?" he lifted my head with his index finger so I could face him. His lips were forming a thin line.

"Yes, that’s what I desire," I implored.

"Leia, there is nothing I won’t do for you if this is what you want, I am willing to do this as well. But remember I don’t trust them if they tried anything funny. I will end their wretched lives," his knuckles brushed against my cheek.

"Thank you, and I promise no harm will come to you. Anyone trying to harm you will have to face my wrath first. Don’t forget, I gave you my word as well that no one from my organization will ever harm you again," the thin line his lips had been forming curved into a beautiful smile and those darkened globes lightened up in amusement at my words.

He dipped his head and his lips caught mine with an intense fervour, his hands supporting my head tilted it back to have better excess to mine.

The sensation of his kiss warmed me up like wax under the sun, ready to be molded the way he wanted. For my lips and body moved of their own accord, desiring more of him as the heat became excessive and travelled to my burning pit and I groaned against his hold.

Xiran deepened the kiss and his tongue tugged at my lips, parting them it began to ravage my hungry mouth like a plunderer, seeking a valuable treasure, demanding it to be taken away.

He was taking it all, sucking it out and leaving me breathless and I moaned with my back arching, his hands keeping me steady for my legs had turned to jelly.

A swift knock on the door made Xiran grunt and had us parted.

"Oyee!!! lovebirds, come down and eat something first. Lunch is ready," Rivan snickered from the other side of the door and I felt my whole face burning with shame.