Author's Note
: The main characters (Gabriel Knight, Grace Nakimura) are the property of Sierra / Vivendi Universal and Jane Jensen. Okay, moving on... This takes place after the events of GK2: The Beast Within, and it's part of a fanfic that I never finished.
I wrote this when I was 21, so it's rather rough compared to my later stuff. Enjoy.
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Grace slowly crossed the long passage that separated their two bedrooms, her feet graceful upon the stone floor. The sure movement of her form and the flash of her eyes spoke of a great metamorphosis; a new and sacred gift, which coursed through her, filling her entire body with power and energy. The corridor was dim; several low-burning lanterns led the way to the place where she most wanted to go, where she needed to go. She needed him.
Her initiation at dawn served as the final missing piece of her internal puzzle; all day long, she had basked in feelings of joy, wonder and rebirth.
Rebirth. The old Grace has died, and the new Dragon was born with the sunrise. I am now like the Phoenix, raised from the ashes.
She had no regrets about her decision to become Dragon. Looking back at her life before the last two years, she saw herself as no different than the flickering flames that illuminated the hallway. She paused a moment before a lantern which was in danger of going out. She watched the flicker of light in fascination.
How hard it's fighting to stay lit! If it had emotions, would it be as afraid as I was once? Before I met Gabriel and involved myself in his cause, I was terrified of not mattering in the world in my own right. Of not mattering to others, in fact. I feared that if I were to somehow no longer exist, no one would care or even notice. I threw myself into my studies, trying so hard to prove myself in that area and make my mark. My academic success, while it gave me more than a few moments of recognition, failed to soothe the deep ache that was inside me. I needed to find myself, the real Grace. I needed to learn the true value of life and destiny, and that comes with a price.
Grace leaned closer to the dying flame.
Sometimes, in order to become fully alive, one must risk death.
She blew softly into the lantern, and the ashes around the flame glowed briefly before dimming.
The voodoo hounfour, when the twisted dagger almost speared my heart...
The stream of air grew stronger, the ashes swirled as they began to crackle. She watched the process with total concentration.
The opera house basement, when my eyes locked with the enemy. His eyes were the only human thing about him, but even they were murderous and cold. His fangs were sharp and ready to sink into my soft flesh...
The flame ignited once more within the lantern, its light brighter than ever. Grace released a sigh of contentment.
Now, I am no longer afraid to die for my own cause; I am no longer afraid to live for myself. I must live as if each day were my last.
She felt a shiver go through her at the last thought, which she quickly shook off.
Grace then continued her pace towards the end of the hall, and she felt her heart quicken with desire as she thought of what awaited her. She paused outside of Gabriel's door, her hand on the latch.
As of today, I am a complete warrior in my own right. We are truly equals now, Gabriel and I; there are no more barriers between us. After tonight, I will know what it is to be a complete woman.
Grace held her breath, released it. She then opened the door and slipped inside, closing and locking it behind her.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as she walked to where he slept; not from fear, but love. Every muscle in her body strained in anticipation as she felt a wave of feminine power wash over her.
She knew that this time would be different from the rest; she wouldn't simply lie chastely next to him in bed, the way she had done before. She wanted to feel every inch of his body pressed against hers, with nothing standing in the way.
She wanted to mate with him. Completely, utterly, desperately.
Her body was filled with an incredible radiance that she had never known before, and for the first time in her life, Grace knew what it was to be fully comfortable in one's own skin.
She stood at the foot of Gabriel's bed, letting her eyes travel over his body and silently willing him to awaken.
Look at me, Gabriel. I'm here with you. Feel me beside you, watching you.
He stirred in bed with a muffled groan. His eyes slowly opened and widened slightly as they rested on her. He was about to speak when the look she gave him made him forget what he wanted to say. She was a vision, standing before him with moist, parted lips and an expression on her face that let him know exactly what she wanted from him.
Gabriel felt himself leave the bed and go to her. They stood together in the moonlight that spilled in from the bedroom window, and they stared at one another for a time. No words needed to be said; they were in tune with each other enough to sense everything between them.
Grace raised her fingers to trace Gabriel's lips.
Kiss me.
She offered her soft mouth to him, her eyes urging him.
Gabriel took her into his arms and kissed her gently at first, increasing the urgency as Grace made her needs known to him by parting her lips to welcome his tongue. Soft moans escaped from both of them as they fell deeper into the spell.
Breathing hard, Grace slowly broke the kiss. Gabriel gave a moan of protest as her lips moved away, but he felt a wave of heat in his groin as she gave him a wicked, sensual smile.
Watch me.
She slid her hands from where they had rested on his arms and brought them to her own body. Without breaking eye contact, she sensuously trailed her hands everywhere that Gabriel longed to touch through the delicate nightgown that she wore.
She slowly lifted the hem of the wispy garment up her silky thighs as he watched, slipping her hands underneath it. Gabriel gasped softly as she slid her panties down and off. He stared at her with pure hunger, and Grace was thrilled that she inspired that reaction in him.
Gone was all the virginal fear that had always been in her way; she was now ready to give herself to him completely. Her hands climbed up her frame to rest on her shoulders as she took a strap in each hand and began to slip the nightgown off her body, baring herself to him.
Gabriel made a strangled noise in his throat and he reached for her. Grace deftly avoided his grasp, unwilling to give up her control in the seduction while she had the upper hand.
Not yet, my love.
Her eyes danced with mischief.
Patience has its rewards. Just a little while longer.
He balled up his fists, which remained at his sides. His lust was barely held in check, and a part of him wanted to grab her and take her to bed immediately and make scorching, hot love to her until they were both exhausted. Another part, however, wanted to wait and see what would happen next. This was her show, and even though he was hot and bothered, he was not willing to rush her.
When the time comes for me to take her
, he thought to himself,
I want her to be ready.
