Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Thirty-Five: Radiant

It was instant relief from the cold and wet material that clung to my clammy skin. I fell backward onto my bed as Murtagh pulled his shirt off and hovered over me, tanned arms pressing the spaces beside my head.

Reaching up, I grabbed his head and dragged his lips back to mine. Our kisses were fueled by desperation, filled with need, and presented with passion.

My hands slid down his neck, brushing against the pulsating veins in his throat. I groaned as my back arched as fingers skimmed across my side and to my back.

How could his touch burn so hot yet feel so good? I inhaled deeply, sucking in the air my lungs needed as flaming lips pressed against my throat once again. Teeth scraped my skin, prompting my nails to dig into his back. His burning mixed with my icy cold as we let ourselves, for one night, escape.

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My eyelids flickered as something brushed gently across my cheek. I wanted to raise a hand and smack the object away. It was distracting me from my peaceful sleep. I jerked awake, clutching the silk sheet to my bare chest as my heart thudded in my chest.

I never had a peaceful sleep.

My eyes flickered around the room until they rested on Murtagh, who was sitting on the edge of my bed right next to me. He was fully dressed, and that included armor and his blood-red sword.

"I have to head out," He said quietly. I knew that he would eventually have to leave to fight against the Varden. "I didn't want to leave without telling you."

I opened my mouth to respond before pressing my lips together and taking one of his leather-wrapped hands.

"So soon?" I whispered as the arm holding the sheet to my chest tightened. It seemed that he was spending less and less time in Ûru'Baen, and more time fighting the war. Murtagh brushed his lips against the back my hand.

"I have orders, and I need to follow them."

"I know," I replied softly. "I know you have to, but promise me one thing though."

Murtagh lifted his other hand and brushed several strands of hair behind my ear as I stared into his beautiful grey eyes.

"I can't promise--"

"Stay safe," I interrupted him. "both of you, that's all I want. That's all I want."

Murtagh let out a breath of air before he grabbed my cheek and pressed his lips against mine. His kisses no longer burned, but the desire for more still clung to my consciousness. Our lips pulled away from each other reluctantly as Murtagh slid off my bed and walked to the door of my room. With one last look, he was gone.

I remained in bed; my thoughts troubled me. Eragon and Murtagh, eventually they would have to have a true fight. Brother on brother. There was no mistaking it. If I could predict anything my father would do, it would be to pit the brother against each other.

The once had traveled as friends. They had shared meals together. Fought together. Killed together. I dropped my head into my hands. It was inevitable that I knew.

"Your highness?" I heard Lydia ask before she poked her head into the room. "Are you awake?"

Lydia tentatively stepped into the room. She stopped when her eyes caught the cracks running up the windows and puddles on the floor, and eventually, my shredded nightgown that still lay on the floor.