Pandora's Curse
Chapter 3

I was dreaming. Again.

Unlike last time, this was a dream. It had to be.

Because this never happened.

My gown, torn and dirtied and bloodied hiked up above my ankles as I ran through the trodden city of my home, thick black and red smoke everywhere like a swirling vortex that grew stronger and violent. Something was pushing the winds around me. Stuck in the middle unable to see through the darkness, thunder rumbled overhead as I panted in place, sweat running down my face along with soot and blood.

There!

Something stood faintly outlined on the edge of the storm. Unmoving. Waiting. Waiting for me to accidentally run to them. Stumbling back in fear as a hand reached out through the smoke, nails, sharpened and curved like black talons lay their palm out for me. I saw gold eyes, several gold eyes, like a birds, in just one face watching me, following me, hunting me from beyond the red and black smoke that eclipsed around me like a vortex. Those eyes were mocking me, bloodlust and fury burned within.

"You can't run from me. I watched it all and I will break you."

I stumbled back away from Aello's eyes, trying to fight off the nightmare. It's a dream! A bad dream! A nightmare! Aello is not here!

"I'm always around, Pandora. I am the Storm." Nails lashed for me and I fell into the vortex and fell and fell into nothing but darkness-

Until an arm enclosed around me from behind and I felt my body standing inside the storm. With so much smoke I should've been struggling to breathe but I had no issues except my heart thundered. I tensed against their arm briefly until I heard his voice in my ear.

“What are you hiding, Pandora?” I turned around and found myself staring at the looming, ominous shadow. The shape of a horse with eyes that burned a glowing crimson and the silhouette atop the horse illuminated by sudden red cracks of lightning within the black vortex. Beaming crimson red eyes stared at me within the shadows as I struggled to reply, terror and despair collapsing around me as the vortex moved in tighter, picking up my hair and gown.

“What are you hiding from me, War?” Was the only thing I said as the smog collapsed into and around us and I closed my eyes in terror for the dark as I was consumed within

My body was pulled from sleep when my heart dropped along with my body, startling me awake. With a quiet sigh, my eyes bleary as I cracked them open, sleep still hanging around me as well as a deep simmering heat around me. I could barely lift my arm up to my face to rub my sleep-ridden eyes but they slowly adjusted to the dim light and dark around the room. There was a faint trickle of light somewhere but still must be partially dark outside.

It was then that I felt a weight settled heavily over my waist beneath the blanket and the tingly warmth that ran down my spine making me realize just how close War lay behind me. His arm curled loosely over my waist and my back just barely grazing his front, that if I made even the slightest move our bodies would touch. There was flicker of temptation for just exactly that. My breath shuddered as I closed my eyes to focus on anything else except the way his body felt even though we were barely touching. I shifted on my pillow slightly, the blanket tickling my collar, a couple strands of my hair tickling my jaw but I didn’t dare move, frozen and tense but with an energy that ran was simmering like a slow, faint boil.

I could hear his soft breaths as well as feel them against the top of my top as he slept easily and my body twitched, wanting to move or just even look upon him. There was an ache I was slowly becoming familiar with within my body...an urge...a desire I wasn’t sure how to go about or read completely until I acted it out. My dreams the rest of the night had been a flutter of rosy and violet hues that had my heart stutter and my the skin over my pulse flutter wonderfully. Almost as if it had a mind of its own, without my permission, my body shifted comfortably, finding myself rolling onto my back, facing the ceiling and the arm on my waist laid over my stomach but suddenly curled against me. My body grew hotter, the heat almost suffocating but I had no fight in me to leave this pocket of warmth. Warren’s face was a couple inches from mine and tilting my head to look up at him, his face twitched, sleep starting to elude him. My arm resting between my side and his body slipped the blanket down to release some of the heat around me, a shaky breath leaving me. My fingers twitched as I glanced at his silhouette slightly outline in the faint morning light. He was still shirtless, not that he needed one anyway but for my sanity would’ve been helpful right now. Seeing the faint outline of him, and my finger slightly grazed against his skin. My mind grew fuzzy, heady at the touch of his warm skin was hard as marble and as hot as the fire he had going in the living room most nights. The tips of my fingers danced lightly over his front, feeling the lines of muscle rough bumps of scars that danced across his flesh. My mouth was dry, the moisture gone from mine lips as I swallowed heavily. My pulse fluttered wildly as I trailed my fingers over his flesh, the tingles of his skin and mine just touching sent my blood rushing through me and the fuzziness in my head growing thicker until I felt lost and entrapped. The touching of him was tantalizing and wicked in ways I’d never known of, tracing the line of what felt like one of the larger scars that was running down along his abdomen just disappearing beneath his bottoms. I wasn’t even willing to go that far, not while he slept though but my finger couldn’t help lightly tracing the skin running along his pajama pants.

His skin twitched and I pulled my hand away, my breath hitching but his curled hand against my hips was suddenly grasping my wrist in its place, the tips of my finger still just barely grazing against him. If it weren’t for him holding my wrist tightly I would’ve assumed he was still asleep. He pressed my hand flat against his abdomen, feeling the whole of the warmth coming from his skin and his breath hitched as though something icy or sudden touched him. I wasn’t sure if I should pull away but he kept my palm laid flat against his lower stomach, and my fingers curled lightly over the rise and falls of the muscles that danced across his flesh.

Seductive.

Warm.

Safe.

His hand released my wrist after a few beats and my pulse hammered in my ears, I’m almost certain it was making my skin flutter loud enough for him to hear. His hand trailed over my arm crawling over my stomach but he laid his palm over me like I was currently doing to him. His fingers twitched and my breath left me a sudden gasp as I felt the buttons of my overly large, flannel long sleeve top open at the bottom where it was slightly bunched up just around my hips. I felt the cool air hit my skin, rising higher up as a couple more buttons were parted softly. He stopped undoing them much to my frustration and eager desire that I was struggling to keep in check at the top of my rib cage, beneath my breasts. The room was silent apart from my stuttering breaths which were loud to my ears and my heart thundering in my chest allowing my blood to rush all around me, bringing the heat in me from a soft simmer to a heavy simmering boil. The cool air hit my skin more as I felt the fabric brush aside and suddenly his hand, large and hot was running over my cool skin. My stomach grew taut at his touch, his hand trailing along the revealing flesh and he released a deep sigh and my eyes stared dazedly at the ceiling before slowly tilting my head to look up at him.

I wasn’t prepared for that.

His eyes, even though it was dark in here, I could feel the pitch blackness that swallowed me whole with crimson lightning flickering through. But it wasn’t for danger or preparing for a fight. It should’ve terrified me to my core but I felt my heart jump in its place and unable to look away as he stared at me with that severe intensity that I couldn’t look away, even if I wanted to.

And right now, I really didn’t want to.

His hand carressing the skin of my abdomen was ticklish, running softly upwards until his thumb was gently grazing the top of my rib cage, just beneath my breast bone, touching both skin and flannel. I never looked away from him as he never looked away from me as he gently caresses’ me and my fingers ran up softly over his chest until I reached his chin. A strangled growl seemed to echo deep within his throat and chest and he shifted and my mind blanked as I leaned in to him as if pulled together, our mouths crashing into each other.

It was the fire and inferno I had experienced.

It was a hard thunderous boom in my chest as I gasp against his mouth, feeling my lips aching softly from the unknown craving I had been trying to ignore for days, weeks. His mouth was hot, firm and without mercy as our lips moved in a rhythm together in which I was following him as he took control. I felt his hand move over me, fingers curling just behind my ears on the back of my head, my hair tangling in his fingers even though it was tied softly at the top of my head. He was a heatwave that rolled over me until he was atop of me, a inch or two between our bodies which made me groan, craving more. His mouth grazing over mine, running down over my jaw, trailing a blaze of fire along with it that sizzled along my skin. My hand was still pressed against his abdomen, no desire to release my connection upon but I was too distracted by his touch upon me to do much else except feel and endure the sensations that were teasing over my body.

A harsh groan escaped his throat, his warm breath fluttering against my ear, his hand running over my chest, touching over sensitive flesh as I whimper at the sensation that rang through me, body twitching from the unfamiliarity.

“What the fuck have you done to me?” He rasped against my ear, his breath husky and deep making goosebumps run along my skin, my blood vibrating along with the pleasure that shivered through me.

“I, I don’t...” I stammer, unable to form any thought as I run my hand over his chest, tracing over his shoulder with my nails lightly. He shivered and his body continued that trail of fire down my jaw, behind my ear, down the side of my neck. A sharp sensation as he suckled harshly at the fluttering skin over my pulse. My body squirming beneath him as I dig my hands into his upper arms barely denting the skin and muscle as they bunched like steel bands on either side of me.

The fire he elicited continued to move over us, following his burning mouth as he trailed his mouth down my neck, his body shifting over me as he dragged himself back. I momentarily caught at the burning touch of his fingers curling beneath the band of my sleeping bottoms and as he continued to move hot, open mouth kisses down over my abdomen, my pants slipped down my legs along with him. The cool air hitting my thighs with a gasp before the eclipsing heat fell around us, drowning us. The flannel around my upper body felt almost constricting as his mouth moved hotly over my stomach, my hips. His palms, his fingers making their own map along my body, searing a wildfire along my shuddering flesh.

I was only vaguely aware of how low his mouth was running down my body, a startling awareness coming to mind but my body only continued to burn, an almost desperate ache throbbing somewhere, a fire that needed to be quenched. Whimpering, as I could barely raise my head to meet a pair of black fire that stared at me heatedly, a man eager much like a starving animal. My heart stuttered for a second it could’ve stopped.

“Wa-Warren,” I stammer unsure of what to say at all, feeling suddenly shy and scared but a roaring fire lavishing through me sinks me back into the pillow. The sensations running rampant through my body, my nerves running powerfully along my body as if I was being burned or hit by lightning itself.

Oh my...No one could’ve ever prepared me for this.

I could barely hear my own breathless moans as my blood rushed through me, a thunderous echo in my ears. I could feel the slight ache of my hips as he dug his fingers in my hip bones, keeping myself in place as I trembled and writhed beneath his ministrations. My fists clenching and unclenching over air until I found a handful of his hair, gripping for dear life on tangled curls. A pulsating wave was rising and falling with every beat and every second, the crescendo was coming closer and closer and I was so close to falling and falling into the deep end.

The sheets bunched in my clenched fist as I struggled through the sensation as it grew stronger, powerful and the wave hit. Like slamming against a cliff face that had my body quaking with a strangled cry, back arching, squeezing my eyes shut as the pressure rocked through me like a wave still rolling through a quake.

My mind was a flurry of a hundred different thoughts and no thoughts altogether, a jumbled mess. But through that mess, the fading light filtering through the cracks in the curtain rolled over us both and Warren loomed over me. His mouth upon mine suddenly but softer and my body, flush with heat and pleasure lit up like a spark. I gripped the back of his head, feeling the silken curls of his hair tangle in my fingers and his body laid over mine, the heat of his body around me, covering me, surrounding me, was heady and dark. All I could think was the dark and red fluttering in my mind, dark and sensual shifting around me as he groaned above me. His body shifted, one hand curling in my hair, released from the tie that held it all together as it spilled around me but tightening in his grip as he settled his hips between my thighs. His mouth on the corner of mine, running another pathway along my jawline and under, as I cried out beneath him, my body tensing, arching against him. He gasped my name, a heavy moan that had my senses go wild, my body rolling with the inferno we both created.

Warren.

I could hear his strangled words, utterings of my names in my ear as I moan and gasped beneath him, clawing at any part of him, digging onto him as if clinging for dear life. The tightness digging into my body, my very soul, tightening more and more, begging for release, my breaths came out heavy and gasping as though I was fighting for that release into an unknown. The bed rattling in my ears was lost amidst the flurry of sounds, sensation, touch and sight, his muscles tightening beneath my hands. His hand reached for one of my hands digging into his side, slamming it on to the pillow beside my head. A crescendo unlike before was rising higher and higher, louder and intense, our voices mingling together as I panted beneath.

“Warren!” I cried, arching into him as I begged for the wave to hit me and throw me into that Elysium I had barely experienced.

“What have you fucking done to me, Pandora!” He crushed his body against mine, our skin sliding like silk and velvet, a burning heat, the chaotic inferno ravaging through us until the band tightening around me until I could barely take it all anymore snapped under the pressure. The bedroom echoed with the thundering roar of my heart and blood pulsating around me, his cry echoing beyond my own. My cries fading, my vision and body sinking deep as I succumbed to that rosy hue of Elysium that pulled me.

I was pulled from that sensual, comforting hue that could only be described as Elysium when a ringing echoed on Warren’s side. I felt the warmth that surrounded me like a heavenly blanket move away as I blearily opened my eyes to face the ceiling which was clearer by the slight filter of light from behind the curtains. Warren’s silhouette illuminated by the dark orange glow, that fit the warmth surrounding us both. The incessant ringing from the bedside table was shut off by Warren who was breathing heavily, his body shifting with every heavy breath he took as he slumped slightly over me, being that blanket that I was becoming too fond of.

My heart had slowed its thundering stampede into a slow fade, pulling my body into a slow and easy comfort, though my body trembled, the throbbing ache was different now. More like an intense satisfaction that rippled through me, allowing my body to relax into a slump.

Wow.

My hands, freed from his grip, running over his bare sides, tracing the lines and muscles and scars over his back as if I was trying to touch every single inch of him. He didn’t seem to mind as he remain unmoving atop of me, but somehow keeping most of his weight off me. This was how my night should’ve ended once I was married. But as the thought brought itself up, I saw no man with golden hair, soft green eyes and skin like gold. I saw a man who now lay silhouetted over me and my heart jumped in my chest, my breath hitching as I stared unseeingly at the ceiling. What have you done to me, War? When Warren shifted above me, his body rising and I turned my eyes on him as he glanced down at me. His eyes were no longer black but those warm, glowering autumn brown that glimmered with an unknown expression. His face softened and he raised a hand to my face, running his thumb over my cheek bone, fingers curling into my hair softly.

I wanted him. Again.

My eyes burned hotly, just as the rest of my body started to simmer ever so slightly, reacting to his touch, the intensity of his gaze.

I cursed inwardly at my own weakness against my bodies desires, the very strong realization that we still remained connected amidst the sheets and pillows. His eyes heating slightly like a fire that once again decided to flicker to life. Which is why I tilted my chin upwards, brushing my lips against his and he tensed slightly in surprise but he caught my lips with his without missing a beat. He sunk into me and my hands trailed over his arms, feeling the muscle and power in his body so tightly coiled as if he hadn’t been brought to the edge like I had mere moments ago. He groaned against my mouth, tilting his head to kiss me harder, my mouth ached under his. I returned the favour, digging a hand into the back of his head, feeling for his curls again, my other hand running along the slight stubble over his face. Being like this, in this position with Warren, brought out something in me, something strong, powerful and real. So goddamn real it was painful. But I didn’t dare peek inside that box of messes.

With a husky moan, he suddenly pulled away, breathing heavily as he buried his face in the pillow next to my head, a muffled groan escaping him. His hand was curled into a fist so tight, the skin was whitening, making me swallow heavily and my heart stutter. Leaning my head down, I kissed the skin of his shoulder in my reach, pulling his body closer over mine, pushed by a wicked side of me that was still learning her own. Running my lips lightly over his warm, firm muscles but soft skin. He shifted back over me and a breathless gasp escaped me as a tingle of nerves ran wildly through me, my toes curling at the sensation. Gasping in heated frustration, his mouth dove upon mine, his hands clutching either side of my face as I sunk into our fiery desires. Until the ringing of his alarm on his phone suddenly blared next to us. An involuntary groan escaped us both.

“You’ll be the death of me, Pan.” He mumbled and I couldn’t help it. A faint smile blushed over my face and my cheeks burnt heavily. He chuckles softly almost strained above me and pulls away. “We um, we should probably get up. I mean, you can stay, but I have to...”

“Ye-yeah, no. I understand.” I murmur, flushing heavily. With a faint smile, Warren climbs off the bed, leaving his room as he runs a hand through his hair with a heavy sigh following him. I remain laid in the bed, staring after him, almost stunned at what transpired.

“Blimey, that’s how some people start a morning?”

But despite the rosy hue that continued to surround me, it was fading fast as reality filtered through the opening in the curtains.

It’s not going to remain a good morning.

By the time Warren came downstairs, showered and dressed in his work clothes, I had made some attempt at toast, ham, eggs and coffee.

A ghastly attempt even I could admit too.

Warren, too nice for his own good, which was new, only gave that wry grateful smile as he sipped his coffee once, barely breaking his façade before dropping it back on the table. He cleared his throat, keeping his eyes averted.

“Sorry,” I murmur, poking my eggs with the fork. “I’m still learning and I just can’t seem to get the timing for cooking eggs or toast right.”

“It’s fine. But um, maybe check the salt and sugar container first before you use them.” He chuckled. I glanced at him confused briefly before realizing my stupidity.

“Oh, strike me with your arrows from where I sit Artemis!” I groan, burying my face in my hands but Warren only laughs, standing up and chucking out the rest of his coffee. “Before you know it, I’ll have wasted everything in my time to learn.”

“Probably. But learning is going to have those mistakes.” He started to fix himself another coffee. “Besides, once this is all over, you can have the time to learn.” He stirs the sugar into his coffee before taking a relieved sip and sighs in satisfaction. “I shouldn’t be too long today, just taking part in the exams. Plus, I’ll keep an ear out for anything but it’s still been too quiet.”

“You wouldn’t know where Aello could be hiding?” Warren shook his head, frowning into his coffee as he sipped it thoughtfully.

“No. Aello’s not stupid enough to be hanging around anymore. If she’d be anywhere, it’d be an eyrie of harpies at the very least. And harpy eyrie’s are as too well hidden, they’re considered myths almost. Also on the account that the last thing you would ever want to do is find a harpy eyrie. Unless suicide is your goal.”

Delightful.

“And look, Pan.” Warren sits across from me with his coffee. “The box was taken before you were even revived in the first place. It’s been almost two months.” War shrugged. “And nothing has happened. And I hate to say it, but if Aello has such power, trust me, we would know.”

“That doesn’t matter.” I mutter, shaking my head, unable to look at War. Dear Olympus, that was the terrifying part.

“If nothing has happened, then maybe Aello can’t use it. Maybe she doesn’t know how to. Doesn’t mean we won’t keep looking, but Pan, if she hasn’t done anything-”

“That’s the problem War!” I snapped, my words turning to Greek in my frustration, my palms slamming on the table as I stand up suddenly, my blood rushing. “Aello has it all. And nothing has happened and that is more terrifying than her already having used it.” I was breathing heavily as I slowly processed my own thoughts and wanted to collapse into myself. I gulped heavily as the weight of his and my own words, though he had no clue to the heaviness of them, lashed at me. Guilt for hiding this so long but I couldn’t not tell him now. I had hoped we would find Aello or something by now so I wouldn’t have to say more about it. But it seemed luck wasn’t on my side.

And maybe...there was a niggling feeling of distrust for what I could share. But that distrust, consumed me with guilt unlike anything else. Like I was two people warring between trust and distrust, I had no clue which to pick or how to read what I was truly feeling. Warren stared at me confused as I finally looked up at him and with a final heavy breath, I opened my mouth.

“Warren,” My hands shook as I laid my knife and fork down on the table. "There's more to it..." Taking a final deep breath, I straightened in my seat as I faced Warren, riled with a nervous tension. "There's something I need to tell you. About the box."

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