Chapter 24: Pool of Starlight
The base of the Falls is a sight to behold, even more so at night. The water cascades down, illuminated by the silvery moonlight, creating a shimmering curtain that seems to dance and twist in the darkness. The roar of the water is a thunderous symphony, drowning out all other sounds, and the mist it creates hangs heavy in the air, making the world feel damp and alive.
Despite everyone having eaten well and the embers of the nights fire now long out cold, Yue Lixue was still laying awake. She snuck out from Korran's strong sleeping embrace.
Proud of, what she thought was stealth, she went to the pool of water at the base of the falls. It was a beautiful sight as it reflected the sky of this world. Free of lights and light pollution of Earth, tonight with 2 moons almost full and the other smaller blue moon a waning crescent. Yue Lixue sat beside the water that perfectly reflected the stars and smudges of colour in the night sky.
Korran stirred, his keen senses immediately picking up on her absence. He rose quietly, shifting immediately into his panther form. Following her scent his instincts guiding him to find her, towards the sound of the waterfall.
She was entranced by the beauty of it all, her mind a whirlwind of new experiences and emotions. In that moment, her hair seemed to be dyed silver under the moonlight and her skin so ethereal and beautiful, glowing in the moonlight. She wore one of his white rabbit skin dresses, matched with some dark tanned light panther leathers. She looked like a little goddess and the Panther beastmen was stunned by his mates own beauty - entranced even.
As she traced the water's surface with her fingers, she heard the soft rustle of leaves behind her.
Shifting back into his human form, Korran approached Yue Lixue. Putting his leather clothes back on.
"Yue?" he whispered, his voice a low rumble that matched the distant thunder of the falls. He found her sitting by the water's edge, her eyes wide with wonder and her fingers dancing on the surface of the pool. The sight of her there, bathed in the soft moonlight, caused his heart to swell with affection. He sat down beside her, his voice gentle. "Couldn't sleep?"
Yue Lixue turned to look at him, her blue eyes reflecting, almost siver, in the moonlight. "No, I couldn't. My mind was racing with thoughts of the journey, the losses, and the new life ahead... what is going to happen to me? Woth my memory illness, will I forget this view tonight and you too?"
Placing comforting hand on her shoulder, Korran's touch was warm and reassuring. "It's been a lot for you in these last few months but you've done incredibly well, Yue. You've shown strength and resilience that I admire. Our village, my brother, father and even Maria all really like you and approve of you."
She leaned into his touch, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Korran. Your kindness and support means a lot to me. I know the journey ahead won't be easy, but I'm ready to face whatever comes... but tonight, I just want to enjoy such a beautiful sight."
Really, his support was the only reason she had got this far. Yue Lixue never lingered long on the prospects of how differently her transmigating could have went, if found by less kind beasts.
Korran smiled, his amber eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "Together, we can face anything." The moon highlighting hos jawline, making him look devilishly handsome.
Yue smiled, leaning into him, letting her body touch his.
She tilted her head up slightly, looking at him through her lashes. "Do you know what I noticed about our people, Korran?" Even Yue Lixue's heart skipped as she said, 'our people' it was the first time she began subconsciously thought of the beastworld and it's people as truly her own.
Korran's eyes widened briefly in surprise, but he quickly caught himself, his expression softening as he met her gaze. "What's that, my little leopard?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that seemed to blend with the distant thunder of the waterfall.
Yue traced the line of his jaw with her fingertips, her smile never fading. "I noticed that even though we're different, all beastmen like the panthers and deer folk, we are all bound by the same wants ans wishes. Despite our differences, I think we could all find a way to coexist, to respect each other."
Korran covered her hand with his, his thumb brushing against her skin. His skin was contrasted hers in the soft light against the darker tone of his olive skin. His eyes were burning with that same amber fire that could both mesmerize and terrify.
"Korran, you are so handsome," Yue whispered, her voice barely audible over the roar of the waterfall. She could feel her body responding to his presence, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest.
She was warm all over, her skin tingling as if it was on fire. Korran pulled her closer, his lips finding hers in the moonlight. The kiss was soft at first, gentle, as if he was asking permission. But then it deepened, becoming more urgent, more passionate. Yue's heart hammered in her chest as she kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck, holding him close.
"We should go swimming together," Korran whispered against her lips, his voice a low growl. He pulled away slightly, his eyes burning with that same amber fire that she found so mesmerizing. "Let's wash away the dust and the weariness of the journey together."
Korran's eyes sparkled with mischief, and he led her by the hand into the pool of water beneath the roaring waterfall. The water was cold, a stark contrast to the warmth of his touch, and Yue let out a little squeal as it lapped at her skin. Korran laughed, a sound that was so gravelly but boyish. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her to keep her from getting too cold.
"Take off your dress," his amber eyes gleamed with a hunger in the moonlight, as he tugged the hem of her dress.
Yue Lixue blushed knowing that she had underwear but nothing for the top.
Before she could reply, he added, "I hunted those pelts for you, and it'd be horrible to see them ruined." This was a good point and very sweet of him to think of that, she removed her dress and placed it onto thr grassy bank before having into the pool of midnight starlight.
Her teeth chattering slightly as she surfaced. Trying to catch her breath. "This water is freezing!"
Korran grinned, his amber eyes gleaming in the moonlight as it landed on her form reacting to the cold. "It's invigorating," he insisted, his voice a low rumble that matched the thunder of the falls.
"But if you're too cold, I can warm you up." His lips found her neck, the soft skin there, sending shivers down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold.
Yue Lixue let out a soft gasp, her body arching towards him despite the chill. She could feel the warmth of Korran's body, the heat of his breath on her skin, and it was intoxicating.
His hands, slick with water, explored her body, tracing her curves and the smooth lines of her muscles. She let out a soft gasp as his touch sent shivers down her spine, her body arching towards him as her breath hitched. Korran's touch was tender, yet firm, his fingers dancing over her like a symphony, each touch sending a wave of pleasure coursing through her veins.
Yue's eyes fluttered closed, her breath coming in short gasps as she tried to focus on the sensation of his hands on her skin. She could feel the chill of the water, the warmth of his touch, the roughness of his palms, and it was all so overwhelmingly intense. She let out a soft moan, her body pressing against his as she sought more of his touch.
Then he suddenly pulled away, his breath ragged, his eyes wide and wild. "Can you hold your breath?" he asks her suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yue looked at him, confusion etched on her beautiful face. She was still lost in the moment, still enamored with the sensation of his touch. "What? Why?" she asked, her voice a soft whisper.
Grinning dashingly, Korran's honey eyes gleaming in the moonlight, contrasting his black hair that had now grown past his ears. "There's somewhere special I'd like to show you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But you'll need to hold your breath." Yue's eyes widened in excitement, her curiosity piqued.
She nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Alright," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can hold my breath."