Noir
Chapter 25

Until recently, I had believed I handled everything rather well. However, in this instance, I found myself floundering. I was too young to be the adult I needed to be and too old to be the child I wished to hide within. I was unprepared for the battle that had unfolded, and the harsh reality of death and pain that accompanied it. The absence of a formal burial for Angelo only worsened matters. He had been hastily placed in a large hole in the ground. I was told there was no choice, as the constant threat of another attack had forced the camp to hastily relocate. Now, as I gazed at the sky, I couldn't help but wail, "Oh God, help me. I don't know if I can do this!"

NOIR

Standing several yards behind Lyra, her words struck me like a physical blow. I couldn't reveal to her that her pain and heartbreak had only just begun. Nor could I disclose the sacrifices already made or those yet to come. However, the darkness that resided within her was an inheritance she would one day confront. It was a darkness that I was only beginning to grasp. Something I had to confront within myself each day. The impure blood coursing through her veins, tainted and sinister, would eventually prevail, unleashing its full effects and showcasing the extent of her impurity. I feared, with every fiber of my being, that before I could see this through, I would be brought to my knees.

LYRA

I frowned as the birds called greetings to each other, their melodic chirps cutting through the evening's stillness. They interacted within merry conversations known only to them, as though nothing had occurred. However, my mood was, to say the least, not a good one. I'd slept very little, if at all, and I had crawled out of my tent just as the sky was turning from the inky blue black of night into the glorious rainbows of sunrise. But even the splendid beauty of Mother Nature's display had failed to lighten the sour disposition I'd found myself in.

The heavy feeling of guilt had settled deeply upon me over the last few days, weighing on my chest like a leaden burden. As I sipped my coffee, the rich aroma of the freshly brewed liquid mingled with the earthy scent of the surrounding jungle. My eyes swung about the camp, taking in the vibrant green foliage and the gentle sway of palm trees, but my heart broke again at no longer seeing Angelo's face.

Jerking off the large rock I'd been using for a seat, a sharp pang of frustration shot through my body. I tossed the remainder of the coffee in the bottom of the cup to the ground, its warmth dissipating into the cool morning air. With determination, I stomped over to the makeshift table, the rough bark of the trees scratching against my skin as I walked. I plopped the ceramic container down with a resounding thud, the sound echoing through the silence of the camp. Waiting and uncertainty both had become formidable foes, their presence looming over us like a dark cloud. Their mental assault was worse than if another physical attack from the New Order had occurred. Several days had passed and still, nothing. The uncertainty of it all was causing everyone to be on edge, their nerves frayed and patience worn thin. Yet, still we waited-waited even as we moved deeper into the jungle, the thick vegetation brushing against our skin as we hacked, whacked, and swiped at it. Gripping our tools tightly, we vented our frustrations through muttered complaints and the occasional curse, but still, we waited... with uncertainty.

It was at the end of just such another exhausting day, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth and the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures, that I found myself perched a few yards away from Noir's tent, my knees pulled tightly to my chest and my arms wrapped around them. As I gazed at the sky above, I witnessed the golden glow of the day gradually fading into encroaching dusk, which then swiftly surrendered to the embrace of nightfall.

Intermittently, the moon would peek through the swaying canopy of trees, offering fleeting moments of respite from the enveloping darkness that dominated the jungle. Lost in thought, I contemplated the best approach to take. Noir's recent aloofness had left me with lingering questions, and it was time to seek answers. Just thirty minutes earlier, I had witnessed the very source of my confusion slip into his tent.

Summoning the courage, I pushed the unzipped flap aside and stepped inside, only to come to an abrupt halt. My train of thought derailed as my chaotic mind screamed, Oh God, how foolish can you be? Before me lay Noir, bathed in the gentle glow of a dimly burning lantern, his body covered only by a sheen of sweat. Oblivious to his surroundings and my presence, he slept soundly.

As I stood there, my gaze fixated on his peaceful form, a fleeting thought crossed my mind, But vampires don't sleep! Yet, the undeniable proof lay right in front of me - they indeed did.

God, he had always been irresistible, emanating an aura of danger that stirred a primal desire within me. Lately, it had become overwhelming, consuming my thoughts even as he peacefully slept beside me. I was abruptly snapped out of my reverie when Noir shifted, causing me to hold my breath in fear of being caught gazing at his bare body. However, he merely adjusted restlessly in his sleep.

Overwhelmed by guilt, I slowly started inching backward towards the exit, intending to flee. But before I could escape, a strong hand shot out, seizing my ankle and yanking me towards him. As I lost my balance, I landed clumsily on top of Noir. His breathing changed, becoming faster, deeper, and rougher, igniting longing in me. The heat emanating from his skin betrayed his yearning for me, as with a low growl, he thrust forward, pressing his hardness against the softness between my legs, before capturing my lips in a possessive kiss that melted me to the bone. Aching with desire, I whimpered as wetness pooled between my thighs. My breasts swelled, and my nipples hardened, longing to be touched. Noir gently lifted my lower body from his, causing a soft moan to escape my lips in protest at the separation. With a deep-throated groan, he resettled me against him, his body rocking slowly. I could feel his fingers tugging at the button of my jean shorts, the sound of it popping free echoing in the room. His strong hands then moved to the zipper, the sensation of him tugging on it making me shiver as it slid open. He lifted me off him again and laid me on my back, his grasp firm on the waistband of my shorts and panties. In one swift motion, he lowered them past my hips and legs until they were free from my feet.

A shudder ran through Noir's body, causing him to lift himself and slide over me. The moisture of my arousal allowed his penis to glide easily within the walls of my vagina. He paused for a fraction of a second, husking out words in a language that seemed foreign. Then, he began a rhythm of long strokes, pumping in and out, filling me completely. Pleasure surged through me, bringing me closer to the edge of orgasm. My femininity eagerly embraced his pumping penis, pulling and sucking in its climb.

With a muffled cry of release, I slipped over the edge, my body trembling with ecstasy as Noir, pushing deeply within me, stilled, a groan slipping from between his lips as he gained his own release. Slowly we regained our composure, then rolling off me, Noir gained his feet as, his chest heaving, he struggled to catch his breath. Eyes running over me, where I still lay, languishing in the afterglow, he turned his back to me, agitatedly brushing his hair out of his face. Sensing a mood. shift, I reached out to him, but he jerked away from my touch, as voice a husky bark, he growled, "Get the fuck out of here, Lyra."

I hastily dressed, but evidently not fast enough to suit him, for Noir reached out and gripped my elbow, then, pulling me towards the opening of the tent, he shoved me out of it.