CH 1-10

Summary

He began to grow hard again beneath his pants and he gripped me tighter, pressing my pelvis into his. I felt my own arousal grow as a soft moan escaped my lips. Almost as if on command he began grinding his hips into me, his bulge finding its way between my legs. I opened my mouth and leaned my head back. He leaned with me, feverishly sucking and grinding himself into me. His hand traced down my neck before landing on my chest. He squeezed me tightly through the fabric of my shirt as he rotated his hips in a circular motion. I lifted my leg, allowing him to grind further into me. I could feel myself soaking through my pants. He released his grip on my chest, and feverishly rustled his hand under the fabric of my shirt, his hand latching onto the bare skin of my chest, massaging me feverishly. *** Elizabeth killed a demon. Only, to her surprise, he’s come back from the dead searching for revenge. Unable to harm her, due to ancient magical protections, Alabaster will just have to find other ways to make her suffer. This story is dedicated to anyone with unique and twisted fantasies. I’m bringing it out of my private collection for all of you to enjoy.

Prologue

This story is dedicated to anyone with unique and twisted fantasies. I’m bringing it out of my private collection for all of you to enjoy. With love, Phantom

***

Prologue

I sat alone on the old stiff mattress of my cramped one-room apartment, its faded walls seeming to close in around me. Piles of tattered books and mismatched candles cluttered the tiny space, their flickering flames casting shadows that scattered across the peeling wallpaper. My search through every book at Harvey’s and my recent venture through every occult store within a 300-mile radius had yielded nothing but frustration, leaving me drowning in anxiety, with one unanswered question: How the hell was I supposed to get rid of a god-damned Demon? Especially one who seemed hell-bent on my destruction, a dark monster determined to exact revenge for the wrongs I had committed against him.

With my head buried in my hands, a heavy sigh escaped my lips as I braced for the inevitable. He would come; it was only a matter of time. Every nerve in my body screamed that running away wouldn’t save me. A bus to the next city could only delay the inevitable, and I doubted I’d ever truly be free of him. I closed my eyes, wishing to fade into nothingness or, at the very least, to snap the connection binding us together. Just as despair weighed me down like lead, the door suddenly swung open with a violent crack, sending a shudder through the old plaster walls.

Startled, I scooted back until my back pressed hard against the cold, rough surface of the wall. He appeared in the doorway, backlit by the blinding sun, an otherworldly figure. His enormous, bat-like wings swept the floor, bringing a chilling draft with him, while his long tail slithered in like a coiling shadow. He had to hunch low so his impressive horns wouldn’t scrape against the door frame, adding to his imposing presence. Despite the horror looming in front of me, it was impossible not to notice how oddly captivating he was, with his chiseled jawline and tousled white hair accentuating his sharp features amidst his predatory demeanor. He wore only a pair of snug black pants and a leather belt with a gleaming silver buckle that reflected light into my eyes.

Inhaling deeply through his nose, he stepped into the room, a satisfied smirk curling his lips wide to reveal glistening fangs.

“Good afternoon, Elizabeth,” he purred, the sound smooth and dark as velvet, stirring both terror and something inexplicably alluring within me. My heartbeat quickened, and I couldn’t tell if it was fear or something else entirely as I awaited whatever torment he had in store for me.

“Shall we begin.”

Chapter One: The Newly Weds

Three Years Earlier

I knelt, completely nude, in the corner of the dimly lit room, my body trembling against the chill of the unforgiving tile floor. My tanned skin contrasted with the ornate silver tray that rested precariously on my bosom, serving as both a makeshift support and a reminder of my precarious position.

Two hours, I noted with a sardonic twist of my lips, two hours and counting, waiting for the newlywed couple to reach the climax of their incessant passion which carried on endlessly just a few feet away. The air was thick with their curious mix of unrestrained passion and my own growing embarrassment.

The rhythmic thumping of their bed felt like a warped metronome of their love, punctuated by moans that probably shattered the eardrums of any unsuspecting servants outside the walls. With a hesitant glance, I peered past the tray and the ornate silver goblet resting on it, which rocked precariously with my every movement. The two were still in the throws of passion, a mix of tails, wings and limbs whipping wildly. The fancy bed, which they rested on, was rocking with enough enthusiasm to rival a boat on turbulent waters.

Any fleeting curiosity I had was immediately doused by a sting of self-consciousness. Who knew being privy to intimate moments could make one feel so embarrassed? I quickly turned my head away, refusing to become a part of their indecent performance art.

I took stock of my surroundings, and it dawned on me that calling this place a bedroom was an affront to the very concept of relaxation. It was more like a dimly lit dungeon outfitted for the exceptionally revealing kind of role play.

Iron candelabras flickered weakly against the stone walls, casting shadows that seemed to slither to the rhythm of agony and ecstasy. Red drapes hung limply, reminiscent of the crimson banners of a particularly sadistic medieval kingdom. Shackles dangled ominously in every corner, a not-so-subtle hint of what awaited the more unfortunate servants who didn’t meet the Master and Mistress’s whims.

Count your blessings, I reminded myself with a wry grin, I was at least mercifully lucky to be here, as many were relegated to the cages, awaiting a fate worse than my cold, tile numbed knees. Only those deemed ‘appealing’ to the pair had the dubious honor of standing — rather, kneeling — vigil in their chamber. I really was the chosen one, or at least I was on the fast track to becoming a tragic heroine in my own twisted tale.

I allowed myself a peek into the goblet resting on my tray, filled to the brim with a deep red swirling liquid that could easily be mistaken for a sickly-sweet merlot. Blood, naturally. The remnants of the last poor soul who suffered the unfortunate fate of annoying the couple. I regarded the crimson liquid with a look of disgust. Apparently, it added a nice touch to the “after-party.”

Flexing my back, I grimaced at the deep ache from my prolonged position, wondering how the hell I ended up in this elaborate Gothic horror story. Wouldn’t you know it? I used to be a bright-eyed child with an almost fairy-tale upbringing, well, as pleasant as a memoir could be when you when you only held a fraction of fractured memories.

I was adopted at ten, and my adoptive parents feted me like a little princess, at least until tragedy struck when my father died. Enter my mother, who decided that after losing her beloved husband, she’d gained an affinity for trading lives as if they were baseball cards. She sold me to a Demon in exchange for her husband’s soul back. Only that didn’t quite work out for her. He came back alright, only in the same body he had been rotting in for months. Now she was stuck with an undead husband and I was stuck as a pet to an overstimulated Demon couple. Everybody wins!

I shut my eyes contemplating if I would be able to keep my tray balanced in my sleep. Would they kill me if I dropped it? Probably.

The Master let out a loud, guttural grunt that echoed through the dimly lit chamber as the earth-shaking intensity finally subsided, leaving the air thick with a peculiar blend of satisfaction and lingering tension.

Finally! I remarked internally, letting out a deep sigh like a deflating balloon, thank the heavens it was over.

He rolled off his lofty perch atop the Mistress, who lay languidly beneath him, a satisfied smile still playing on her lips, before meandering my way. I straightened my back like a soldier before the firing squad, battling the tidal wave of nervousness that knotted in my stomach. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught his figure advancing toward me, an imposing sight. Towering at least a head taller than most, he exuded a foreboding presence with a physique that could only be described as sculpted by the devil himself, broad shoulders, rippling muscles, and a skin tone reminiscent of pale porcelain, almost glowing against the dim candles flickering around the room. His hair, a striking shade of stark white, swept back in a wild disarray, the untouched fur of a beast just out of battle. Enormous bat-like wings drooped dramatically behind him, each vein and sinew visible, and dragging like a wedding train on the floor, while a fleshy tail coiled just behind him. Black horns jutted from his head like twisted royalty, proclaiming his dominion over the scene. Then there were those eyes, piercing yellow orbs that could cut through any pretense. A flicker of panic washed over me, and I couldn’t help but think that at any moment, they might just swallow me whole.

With a gesture, he snatched the glass from my trembling tray – thank goodness for small mercies; my aching arms and the uncomfortable tension in my bosom finally felt some relief – and took a long, swig of the foul liquid, nearly making me revisit my lunch. I could sense his gaze unapologetically tracing over every inch of my naked form, a smoldering heat rising in my cheeks as my ears felt like they’d caught fire. I turned my head just slightly, trying to retain whatever dignity I had left.

Suddenly, his hand shot out, grabbing my chin with a grip that was a bit too firm, angling my face as if I were nothing more than a marionette. I felt my eyes involuntarily wander up his body. He was rather… well-endowed, if one were to be keenly observant. Scars adorned his chiseled chest and arms, each mark probably a testament to battles fought and won, swirling in an intricate deliberate pattern like some deranged artwork, draped across his body.

His face, despite its terrifying visage, boasted an odd handsomeness that drew me in. He was a paradox, wrapped in chaos, with wild white hair giving him a windswept look, while beads of sweat languidly dripped from his brow, betraying the exertion of the recent activities. That grin of his, sharp fangs glistening like pearly daggers, was enough to send a shiver down my spine.

Well, I thought, at least this job never lacks excitement!

“Alabaster.” The Mistress said from her position on the bed. “Bring the girl here.”

He suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet, his eyes still locked onto me. My tray clattered to the floor as I was suddenly swept up. My knees, which were about to give out due to not having been used in the past two hours, ached as he dragged me across the floor to the bed.

The Mistress lay on her side in a seductive pose. Her skin, which shimmered beneath the candle light, was a deep purple. Her long black hair cascaded down her form, draping her in a silky black shawl. She was adorned with all manners of gold jewelry from head to toe to horn to wing. She reached her hand out and slowly ran her sharp claws against my bare skin. Not hard enough to leave a mark, but hard enough to feel a slight pain.

“Elizabeth.” She said, giving me a slight smirk. “You know you are my absolute favorite pet, right?”

“Thank you Mistress.” I said softly, sneering in my mind.

“It’s so rare to find a servant who lasts as long as you. Humans are so fragile. After a few years they usually get sick or broken. I’m surprised you’ve lasted this long. How old are you now?” She asked.

“Nineteen.” I replied, my voice soft yet steady. At least I thought I was nineteen, time flies when you’ve lost all sense of it.

I was only sixteen when I was first sold to the Mistress. I had seen dozens of servants come and fall, but I had remained the longest. I had never seen her more pleasant and genuinely happy than when Alabaster came to her earlier this year.

“Isn’t she adorable, darling?” She looked up at Alabaster, beaming.

“And pure too.” She said, eyeing me up and down.

How did she know? She had no idea about my escapades before I came into her servitude. She was right, of course, but she didn’t know.

“I’ve decided something.” She said, suddenly sitting up and giving me a generous smile.

My brow knotted with confusion. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.

“Since my marriage has brought me so many pleasures and treasures, I’ve decided to share them with you.” She said giddily.

“That’s very generous, Mistress.” I said, still not understanding what she was saying.

“So then it’s decided.” She said, clasping her hands together. “From now on we’ll share Alabaster.”

She gestured toward the hulking man, still gripping my arm. A wide smile spread across her face.

“What?” I exclaimed, my face dropping.

Alabaster eyed me, tightening his grip on my arm. I imagined, for a moment, turning in the bed with him for two hours straight, while he incessantly pounded into me non stop. Nerves tore through my stomach. That would surely be the death of me.

“Shall we begin?” She said, looking toward Alabaster.

He put his arm around my neck and pulled me in close to him. He leaned his head close to me and took a deep inhale through his nose. I let out a small gasp as the heat from his chest burned as our skin touched. I tried to push him away, but his grip was tight, his arms wrapping around me like snakes, threatening to crush my fragile human body with his otherworldly strength.

The Mistress let out a loud shrill laugh, and Alabaster suddenly released his grip, causing me to fall backward onto the floor.

“You should have seen your face.” She said, waving her hand in a playful manner.

Alabaster leaned into her, giving her a long passionate kiss.

“I’m sorry darling.” She said, grinning at me. “Alabaster is all mine.”

I let out a small sigh of relief, though my face was still painted red with the telltale signs of embarrassment.

“But…” she said, her voice trailing off. “I saw you peeking at us. And you did look rather miserable over there. I do hope you can find someone of your own. Perhaps one of Alabaster’s servants?”

“Yes Mistress.” I replied, lowering my eyes.

“Take her away.” She commanded Alabaster, who was also smiling a devilish grin. He grabbed my arm again, sweeping me up to my feet and hurried me toward the door. He swung it open and without a moment’s notice or hesitation, he flung me out. I landed on the hard stone ground with a thud as the door slammed behind me. That was definitely going to leave a mark.

“Back again to the world of the living.” Dottie remarked, throwing a black towel over me and helping me to my feet. Dottie was one of the servants that had come with Alabaster. As far as I knew she was his oldest servant as well, making us fast friends. She was an elderly woman in her late seventies. She had sold her own soul to him in exchange for the destruction of her son’s murderers, nearly ten years ago. She had been serving him faithfully ever since, and he treated her with a kindness I didn’t think was possible for Demons.

“Thank you Dottie.” I said, using the towel to cover my bare form. I peered down the hallway, where other servants were busy performing their daily tasks. Most of them were older, and most of them had willingly given their own souls for something in return, money, power, fame. The Demons usually let them live ten to fifteen years with their “gifts” before coming to collect their prizes. I was sort of a special case. Because I was a minor when my soul was sold, my adoptive mother was able to sign the contract for me. No gift for me, just straight into a life of servitude. At least the others had some idea of what they were getting into. Not me. I was dragged into this life, unwillingly.

“What are our tasks for today?” I asked, stretching my back.

“The Master and Mistress will have a guest over for dinner tonight.” She remarked. “We are to prepare for their arrival.”

I nodded, following her back to the servants quarters.

I had a small rickety bed on the far side of the unusually shaped room. There were about twenty of us in total, and twenty beds crammed into that tiny space. Along with my bed I was allotted one shelf and two outfits, which were pressed neatly on my sheets.

On my shelf lay my only possessions. My toothbrush, hair comb, and a small framed picture of me and my family. My mothers face etched out years ago.

I threw on the dingier of the two outfits. It was a starchy black fabric – which looked more green now as it faded with time – with no shape to it whatsoever. It consisted of a high collar button up blouse with long sleeves and long baggy pants to match which hung a bit too big on me. There was no mirror aside from the small one which hung in the bathroom which we all shared, so I tried to fix the silhouette of my hair using only my shadow. It was a wild, frizzy mess of curls, but there was nothing I could do.

“Come along.” Dottie said, once she saw I was finished preparing myself. “The entire castle must be scrubbed clean, the halls must be decorated and we must prepare a meal for the guests. Most of the servants are already hard at work.”

She led me to the board that hung near the entrance of the room. I scanned the long list of chores and found my name near the bottom.

“Floors.” I was designated. I let out a deep sigh, grabbing the brush and bucket that hung on the wall near the list.

***

I dipped the brush back into the perfumey, soapy water, which grew more and more grimy with each dunk, a revolting reminder of my labors. I pressed the brush hard against the brick floor, scrubbing furiously as though the stone had been marinating in centuries of neglect, though judging by the Mistress’s standards, that might just be true.

“Psst.” A voice cut through the monotony, and I looked up to see Carlos, another of the Mistress’s unfortunate servants, frozen mid-scrub. He bore the inscrutable mystery of a man who had signed a contract for vengeance, yet somehow seemed smitten with the very Demons that bound us. If madness were a currency, Carlos would be rich beyond measure.

“What?” I asked, momentarily abandoning my scrub duty, curiosity piqued.

“Did you hear about our guests?” he whispered, crawling closer, his eyes gleaming with that unsettling sparkle of mania. His enthusiasm was infectious, but I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

“Guests?” I echoed, barely managing to hide my boredom. All I’d caught was a casual remark from Dottie.

“Yeah, a notable judge and her royal husband,” Carlos said, as if revealing the latest scandal. “Apparently, they’re here to assess the legitimacy of our host’s marriage.”

“Legitimacy?” I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. The term felt remarkably high-stakes given our surroundings.

“To determine if they’re truly in love,” he continued, his expression conspiratorial. “Don’t forget, the Mistress saved him from the chopping block after all, and that’s not the kind of favor you simply ignore.”

“Why does it matter?” I replied, perplexed. A marriage survey from a judge seemed a bit pedestrian in the Demon realm.

“Man, you really don’t know much about Demon culture,” he huffed, crossing his arms as if I’d just insulted his oldest friend. “Contracts are strictly between Demons and humans. A Demon marrying another demon in exchange for, idunno, saving their life? That’s a no-go, my friend. If the judge thinks they’re faking it, the Master could be back on death row, and who knows what happens to the Mistress next.”

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “If this doesn’t work out for them, it might mean our freedom.”

I paused, mulling over the idea. Sure, it’d be nice to be liberated from this endless cycle of scrubbing and servitude, but something told me my fate would simply be passed along like a hot potato, most likely to an even more unscrupulous Master. Yet, judging by the Mistress’s demeanor that morning, it seemed she genuinely cared for the man. Was love potent enough to save them, and us? I couldn’t help but snicker to myself; the irony was simply delicious.

Chapter Two: Into the Broom Closet

Present Day

Alabaster was on me in a flash, a blur of dark menace as his clawed hand gripped around my neck, slamming the back of my head against the wall with a sickening thud. The impact rattled my skull as the world around me blurred.

“You killed me,” he growled, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through the small space of my room. The bed creaked beneath his weight, sinking uncomfortably as he pressed down on me, making it feel like the walls were closing in.

“I didn’t mean to,” I whimpered, shutting my eyes tight against the intensity of his stare. Just being near him felt like a storm, dangerous and overwhelming.

“How?” he yelled, his voice echoing through the cramped room like a crack of thunder, shaking my resolve.

“I… I don’t know,” I stammered, desperate to escape the fury in his gaze. “I don’t remember.”

“Don’t lie to me,” he fumed, his palm so hot against my throat that it nearly seared my skin, reminding me of the power he possessed and the danger I was in. My pulse raced, knowing just how close I was to losing everything.

“It’s the truth!” I yelled, turning my head away, trying to break free from the suffocation of his presence.

With a swift movement, he grasped my jaw tightly, forcing my face back towards him, his grip unyielding.

“Look at me,” he commanded, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down my spine.

I bit my lip, the fear tightening my chest, unable to meet his piercing gaze.

“Look at me!” He repeated, his grip only growing firmer, a reminder of his raw strength.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, squinting against his intensity. His deep yellow eyes bore into mine like twin flames, searching for the truth before him. For a fleeting moment that felt like an eternity, we remained locked in a silent battle of wills.

Then, as if sensing something more profound within me, his eyes softened.

“No matter,” he said, retracting his hand to slide it back down to my throat, a touch both chilling and intimate. “You missed a key detail.”

I felt a knot of dread twist in my stomach as his eyes darkened, sending a shiver up my spine.

“When killing a Demon, you must burn the body,” he said with a malicious grin that revealed his sharp fangs. “Unfortunately, you won’t get the chance again.”

His grip tightened around my throat, restricting my airways as fear surged through me. I gasped for breath, clawing at his hand in a desperate attempt to break free, but his hold only reinforced my helplessness. Darkness crept in the edges of my vision, the pounding in my head echoing the threat lurking above.

Just as I felt consciousness slipping away, a wave of relief washed over me – he released me, air flooding into my lungs as I collapsed onto the bed, gasping for breath. My heart raced in my chest as I looked up at him.

Alabaster knelt on the bed, staring down at his clawed hands as if they had betrayed him.

“Fuck!” he exclaimed, the frustration lacing his voice sharp enough to cut. He looked back at me, his face a mask of confusion.

“What are you doing?” he demanded, his brow furrowing.

“I’m not doing anything,” I coughed, still struggling to reclaim my breath.

“Why can’t I kill you?” he asked, genuine bewilderment painting his features.

In an impulsive motion, he gripped the collar of my shirt, pulling me back upright, bringing our faces mere inches apart. The heat radiating off his skin felt like standing too close to an open flame, an aura that threatened to consume me.

“Whatever I felt for you three years ago is long gone,” he said, his eyes boring into me with an intensity that made my heart pound.

“I could say the same,” I retorted, refusing to let fear dictate my voice.

“Shut up!” he yelled, gripping my shirt tighter, the fury radiating off him palpable. “Back then, for whatever reason, I had a soft spot for you, but it’s gone.”

He let out a deep breath that washed over me like a heatwave, making my skin prickle, and for a moment, I feared he truly could breathe fire.

“You destroyed the life I had built for myself,” he continued, not allowing me to look away. “Until I can find a way to kill you, I will make every moment you have left a living hell.”

A manic chuckle escaped him, and my heart sank at the realization of what was to come.

“Did you think the Mistress was cruel?” he asked, his wicked grin stretching wider. “She can’t hold a candle to me.”

Before I could respond, he yanked me in close, and without any warning, he sank his sharp fangs into the tender flesh of my neck. A cry escaped my lips as he bit harder and rougher than ever before, each pull of his mouth drawing more than just blood, it seemed to draw out my very essence.

As the warmth of my life force slipped away, I felt an overwhelming sensation of being drawn into him, growing weaker with every heartbeat. Part of me couldn’t help but think back; he had once shown kindness, a softness that felt worlds away from this brutal reality. This time with him was different, dangerous, and I was left to wonder just how deep his hatred for me truly ran.

***

Three Years Earlier

The castle buzzed with a flurry of activity, its grand halls echoing with the nerves surrounding the arrival of our honored guests. Dottie had been put in charge of the meal service, her authority clear as she directed us with purpose. The rest of us stood ready, eyes darting nervously, awaiting our assignments in this swirl of anticipation.

Deciding to switch into my nicer uniform, I hoped it would reflect some semblance of elegance. I struggled with my hair, attempting to twist it into a neat bun using an old piece of string I had found. Without a proper mirror, I could only guess at the result, but I pressed on, maintaining a façade of professionalism.

When the order was given, we were lined up and marched in a disciplined row toward the kitchen, where an extravagant spread lay before us. Delicate porcelain plates and shining silver trays displayed each dish like an artist’s masterpiece. I struggled a bit as I picked a hefty plate adorned with a rather unidentifiable piece of meat. My stomach churned uneasily at its appearance, what could it possibly be?

“Trays first, then plates” Dottie instructed, her voice carrying authority as she arranged us into a line. “Lay them on the table and return swiftly.” Her eyes were sharp as she monitored our movements.

“Mistress,” she directed the first servant who carried a plate of neatly arranged vegetables, propelling them through the door.

“Female guest,” she commanded to the next, her tone unwavering.

“Male guest.”

Finally, she approached me, studying the contents of my plate.

“Master,” she said decisively, hastening me down the corridor.

I moved quickly toward the dining room, my heart quickening as I passed the streams of servants completing their tasks, each disappearing back to the embrace of the kitchen.

As I entered the dining room, I was greeted by a warmth that enveloped me. The table was elegantly set for the four figures sitting around it, adorned with flickering candles and vibrant bouquets, the meal arranged meticulously upon the mahogany table.

Above us, a grand chandelier cast its luminous glow, its cut glass crystals scattering a rainbow of colors that spread across the walls.

I steeled my resolve and made my way to Alabaster’s side, my breath quickening under the weight of his presence.

“And what about your last contract?” the female guest probed, furrowing her brow with genuine concern.

“As you know, it didn’t work out,” Alabaster replied, his voice smooth like velvet, as he took a sip from his crystal glass. “I no longer have a connection to the surviving members of that family.”

“That’s good to hear,” the woman replied, her relief palpable.

“It caused quite the stir,” chimed in the male guest, his tone heavy like impending thunder.

“Still we are grateful.” the Mistress added, “For it brought us together.”

The female guest looked up, her eyes narrowing at the couple. She was striking, much like the Mistress, her skin a rich shade of green. They could have easily passed for sisters. She wore an exquisite beaded gown that caught the light beautifully, plunging daringly at the neckline, accentuating her elegant horns which were adorned with delicate black bead strings.

Her husband, however, who looked more like he could be her great great great grandfather, was a stark contrast, a specter of nightmares. He was pale and ghastly, as if he’d been snatched from the grips of death. His solid black eyes betrayed nothing, and his disheveled white hair stuck out in erratic tufts. His cracked gray horns jutted out wildly, threatening to collide with anyone unfortunate enough to stand too close. Despite his elderly appearance, he had a surprisingly strong build, with wide shoulders that rivaled Alabaster’s. Beauty and horror sat side by side, a juxtaposition that left me grappling with questions of what constituted attraction in the world of Demons.

Setting the plate down before Alabaster elicited a ripple of awareness, and for a brief moment, his gaze flickered toward me. I caught something in his eyes, something neither confusion nor concern, but rather an expression of curiosity that I couldn’t fully understand.

Suddenly, the female guest’s gaze snapped to me, a slight grin spreading across her face, full of twisted amusement. My heart raced, and I felt the walls of the grand room close in. I took in a sharp breath and averted my gaze, the air thick with unspoken tension.

I hurriedly retreated from the table, bowing slightly before escaping through the door. As I closed it behind me, I pressed my back against the cool stone wall in the hallway, seeking solace in the quiet.

Why was my heart pounding? I had spent three years in this castle; the initial nerves of being among Demons had long faded. Yet now, it felt as though I had stepped into this world for the first time again. Every sound echoed louder, every breath felt heavier, and I couldn’t shake the sensation that something unnerving lingered just beneath the surface of this façade of elegance.

As soon as I stepped away from the relative calm of the dining room, I was swept back into the chaos and whirlwind of the kitchen. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, and the clatter of pots and pans echoed through the cramped space.

“We must prepare dessert!” Dottie proclaimed with an enthusiasm that felt misplaced amid the grim circumstances.

It seemed that after their opulently prepared meal of mystery meat and human blood, the Demons were now craving something decidedly lighter: a simple bowl of fresh fruit. Who would have thought that Demons could be health freaks too? I shook my head incredulously, trying to wrap my mind around the idea.

Dottie began passing around bowls filled with an array of colorful fruits, entrusting a few of us with the knives that were usually kept securely locked away in the kitchen cabinet. The Mistress must have had her reasons for restricting access. Perhaps she feared someone would get a bit too creative with their culinary tools.

I took hold of a particularly heavy knife, the weight of it surprisingly grounding, its steel glinting ominously under the dim kitchen lights. An image flashed through my mind: Lizzy versus four Demons in a kitchen knife duel. It would play out poorly, I chuckled darkly to myself. I could already see my own demise before even fleshing out that reckless notion.

More likely, the Mistress wanted to prevent anyone from escaping their grim contracts with a swift act of desperation.

Suddenly, Dottie thrust a bowl of ripe strawberries in front of me with an air of urgency. “Remove the stems and cut them in half,” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for disobedience.

“Roger that,” I sighed, resigning myself to what would surely become a lengthy, monotonous task. The repetitive motion of slicing into the soft, red flesh of the strawberries provided a strange comfort as I tried to block out the looming threat of my situation.

My thoughts began to drift back to the morning’s events. The Mistress had always been a master of cruelty, but her prank today had really pressed my buttons. The mere suggestion that I should find a mate, or worse, lay with the Master for no less than two hours, had sent a ripple of frustration coursing through me.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting out a deep sigh, hoping to extinguish the rising embers of anger. It was hard to focus when my mind was cluttered with indignation over demands that felt so utterly absurd, yet here I was, trapped in the whirlwind of servitude, lost somewhere between the mundane task of preparing fruit and the chaos of my own thou-

Slice!

I cried out in unrestrained agony as the knife sliced into the delicate flesh of my fingertip, the sting igniting my senses like fire.

“Shit!” I yelled, instinctively jerking my hand away to avoid staining the luscious strawberries sprawled out across the counter, their vibrant red color matching the crimson now pooling around my fingertip.

Dottie rushed to my side, urgency etched into her features as she snatched a clean cloth from the drawer, swiftly wrapping it around my bleeding finger with deft hands, taking charge of the situation.

“Grab a bandage from the supply closet,” she commanded, seamlessly stepping into my abandoned role as the esteemed strawberry cutter.

I exhaled a shaky breath, a delayed wave of pain crashing over me as I stumbled down the dimly-lit hallway, my heart racing, partially from the sting, and partially from the dreadful knowledge that the Mistress and Master’s disdain for human needs had transformed the closet into a chaotic repository of neglected supplies.

Shutting the door behind me, I plunged into the cramped space, flicking on the faded overhead light that flickered feebly, illuminating a haphazard collection of items.

“Aha!” I exclaimed triumphantly as my fingers finally brushed against the small blue box of bandages perched precariously on the top shelf.

An involuntary wince crossed my face as I removed the cloth, only to see the blood start seeping out anew.

I sighed deeply, reapplying the cloth, accepting my temporary defeat. It seemed like I would just have to wait the bleeding out.

The door creaked ominously behind me, sending a jolt of shock through my veins.

I turned, my heart leaping into my throat as I stuttered, “Master?”

His imposing silhouette loomed over me like a storm cloud, and with a flick of his wrist, he propelled me backward; my back collided sharply with the shelf, sending a cascade of junk clattering to the floor.

He stepped into the cramped space, effortlessly shutting the door with a silence that seemed to swallow the air.

We stood chest to chest, his presence overwhelming, the room made even smaller by the expansive wings and tail unfurling from his back.

“What are you-” I started, but his hand clamped over my mouth, his finger pressed against his lips.

A grin stretched across his face as he seized my wrist, peeling back the cloth covering my throbbing finger.

He lifted it to his eye level, his intense gaze fixated on the blood that slowly dripped down like an offering, glimmering in the dim closet light.

He inhaled deeply, a primal hunger glinting in his piercing yellow eyes, and drew my finger closer to his lips.

I watched, entranced, as he parted his lips, his tongue slithering forth, split like a serpent’s and impossibly long.

He traced it delicately up my finger, sending an electrifying shiver coursing through my body, a strange juxtaposition of pain and pleasure igniting within me.

My breath hitched as he raised my finger higher, finally capturing it in his mouth.

A soft moan escaped my lips before he clamped his hand over my mouth again, his piercing gaze unwavering.

His tongue began a sinuous dance around my finger, rhythmic and tantalizing.

The cool brush of his sharp fangs against my skin sent another wave of ecstasy through me, the softness of his tongue contrasting with the threat of his teeth.

He drew my finger deeper into his mouth, gently sucking, pulling the very essence of me – my blood – into him.

This act sent my senses spiraling; his eyes rolled back, completely surrendering to the pleasure, while a fire ignited in my core.

I found myself gripping the fabric of his shirt tightly, torn between desire and fear, caught in a moment that blurred the line between pain and pleasure, danger and intoxicating allure.

I felt him growing hard beneath the fabric that separated us. Panic began to spread throughout my body as the realization of what was happening set in.

I tried to pull my hand away from him, but he had my wrist locked in his impossibly tight grip.

“Please.” I murmured, but he just clamped his hand tighter over my mouth. His eyes remained shut tight, in a trance of ecstasy, determined to get his fix.

In a last ditch effort to escape, I opened my mouth wide, and sunk my teeth hard into the flesh of his hand. My incisors barely grazed his skin, but the shock of my bite jolted him out of his hypnotic stupor. He stared at me, a mix of shock and bewilderment clouding his eyes, as if the bite had shattered some enchanted spell.

“Did you just bite me?” he asked, his voice flat, almost disbelieving, as he reluctantly pulled my finger from his mouth.

As he freed my hand, I seized the moment to speak, frustration lacing my words like venom.

“You wouldn’t stop,” I declared, the indignation in my tone betraying the trembling vulnerability beneath.

“Did I hurt you?” he inquired, tilting his head like a curious dog, his brow knitting together in confusion.

“Not exactly,” I mumbled, my gaze slipping away from his penetrating stare, a hint of shame creeping in.

“Then what is the problem?” he pressed, the corners of his mouth shifting into a puzzled frown. “You are a servant in this house, and right now, this is what I want of you.”

My resolve faltered, but I steadied myself.

“I serve the Mistress,” I asserted, the words tumbling out in a gruff tone, far harsher than intended. “And I doubt she would approve of this.”

I tried to maneuver past him, seeking escape from this dizzying proximity, but he pressed his hand against my shoulder and thrust me back against the cold, sharp edges of the metal shelves, pain shooting up my spine.

He leaned dangerously close, his breath a warm current against my ear as he inhaled deeply, savoring the air around me.

“I can smell your arousal,” he whispered, a sly grin curling his lips, igniting an involuntary shiver that raced across my skin. “Don’t act like you don’t want this.”

Before I could respond he disappeared, exiting the closet as swiftly as he had come in. I let out a deep breath that I didn’t realize I was holding in. I looked at my index finger, holding it up to the light. The tip looked slightly pale, and it was still slick with his saliva. The cut was still there, giving me a hint of the delicate pink flesh beneath my skin, but it no longer bled. I let out a frustrated sigh and grabbed the pack of bandage, wrapping one tightly over the wound.

Small victories.

Chapter Three: Into the Broom Closet… Again!

Present Day

I awoke on the cold floor of my apartment with a splitting headache and my ears ringing. It felt like I had the worst hangover of my life. What the hell happened? Rubbing my neck, I winced at the sharp pain and discovered two small puncture wounds slowly dripping blood.

“Alabaster,” I cursed, struggling to rise to my feet.

“Yes?” a dark voice replied, ringing in my ears.

My eyes darted around the room, searching for the source. He was huddled in a dark corner, his wings wrapped around him like a cocoon. I jumped at the sight; he was so silent that I hadn’t noticed him when I woke up. He lifted one wing, revealing a glowing yellow eye peering from the shadows.

“And that’s ‘Master’ to you,” he hissed.

“Not anymore,” I replied, wobbling and leaning against the bed frame for support.

He unfurled his wings, like a long oversize cape, standing up in one swift motion.

He stepped forward, looking confused. “I don’t get it. I should have drained you dry. Why don’t you die?”

I let out a weak chuckle. “Maybe it’s a you thing. Maybe you’re just too weak.”

He reeled his arm back and slapped me hard across the face, sending me crashing to the ground, pain radiating across my cheek. My eyes filled with tears, but I told myself firmly, This is exactly what he wants. I took a deep breath and slowly got back to my feet, facing him directly. He loomed over me, easily two heads taller than me, not including his horns.

“I killed you once,” I whispered. “I can kill you again.”

“If you could, you would have,” he growled, stepping closer.

“Leave me alone,” I insisted, locking eyes with him. He couldn’t kill me. I was sure of that. “Go back to your castle.”

“I can’t,” he chuckled. “Thanks to you, everyone thinks I’m dead. My head’s no longer on the chopping block; I’m no longer forced to play house with nobility, and I get to play with you all day.”

“So it wasn’t love…” I murmured to myself.

“Love?” he scoffed. “Demons don’t love.”

“That doesn’t surprise me at all,” I shot back.

“And besides,” he continued, brow furrowing, “she ki-”

He was abruptly cut off by the sound of my phone ringing.

“What the hell is that?” he sneered, turning his head toward the noise.

“My cell phone,” I replied, moving to my dresser to grab the old smartphone. It was slow and worn, but it amazed me how technology had progressed while I was in captivity.

Squinting at the screen, I saw HARVEY’s name in bold letters.

Shit.

“Hello?” I answered, bracing for his reaction.

“Lizzy, where the hell are you?” Harvey yelled, causing me to flinch.

“I’m sorry,” I said, “I must have overslept.”

The lie felt weak, but what else could I say? The Demon I thought I killed three years ago showed up and knocked me out?

“Just get here,” he huffed. “I already risked enough hiring you; don’t make me regret it even more.”

He hung up with an audible click, and I let out a frustrated sigh. Somehow, my biggest fear wasn’t the Demon looming over me but Harvey’s threats of unemployment.

I shoved my phone into my pocket and grabbed my jacket off the wall, slipping it on.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Alabaster asked, grabbing my arm.

“To work,” I said, pulling against him.

“Work?” He chuckled. “After all this time, you’re still a servant?”

He let go of my arm, causing me to stumble toward the door.

“I’m not,” I fumed, spinning around to face him.

“I’m surprised,” he said with a sly grin. “I would have thought you’d have at least done something with your life by now.”

His words cut like a knife. I didn’t have much, but everything I had I’d worked tirelessly for.

“Well,” I said, standing tall, “it seems to be more than you have.”

I turned and opened the door, but before I could step out, he caught the back of my jacket.

“Enjoy your day, pet,” he whispered, heat radiating from his words. “Tonight, the real fun begins.”

Before I could respond, he let go of my jacket, sending me tumbling forward and slamming the door behind me.

I scoffed, brushing off my clothes. He holds no power over me, I reminded myself, but I couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in my gut that whatever he had in store for tonight would be anything but pleasant.

***

Three Years Earlier

The days progressed as usual after the guests had departed. It seemed whatever the Mistress and Master had to prove was successful. I spent my days attending to their post-coital needs while spending my evenings cleaning various parts of the castle. Dottie was always around for good conversation, and Carlos provided the latest gossip. Aside from the occasional murder of the latest servant to slip up and the looming dread that one day I’d meet the same fate, things felt mundane.

However, I wrestled with sleepless nights most of the time. Nightmares about my past clouded my mind.

It was ridiculous; I was living as a slave to Demons yet couldn’t shake dreams of my previous human life. I caught flashes of images, faces, and places from the time before my adoption, the time when my memory was shattered. I remembered a bright white light and a man looking down at me with a calm, happy smile, not the evil sneers of the Demons. It seemed like it would be a nice dream, right? But no. I felt an awful sense that while he smiled, something terrible was about to happen. His smile faded, swallowed by the bright light.

Suddenly, my eyes shot open.

He was still there, staring down at me, though his face was now covered in shadows. I reached up to touch him, but just as our skin was about to connect, he grabbed my wrist. I could barely make out the claws on his fingers in the darkness.

I sat up with a gasp, peering into the glowing yellow eyes before me. This wasn’t the man from my dreams.

“Mas-” I began, but a hand shot up and covered my mouth.

My eyes scanned the room, all of the other servants were sleeping soundly in their beds. Alabaster took both of my hands in his, and led me from my bed. He quietly led me to the door of the servants quarters and ushered me through. As soon as the door closed he was hit with a sudden urgency.

Clamping his hand around my wrist, he dragged me through the dark, musty hall, the scent of dust and dampness thick in the air, rendering my vision useless. I knew he could see perfectly, his movements swift and sure as he flung open a door and shoved me inside with a force that sent me stumbling against a cold, metallic object, an unwelcoming shelf cluttered with old supplies. He rushed in behind me, shutting the door with a resolute click that echoed ominously in the cramped space.

I struggled to turn, my body pressed against the unforgiving shelving, but eventually managed to lift my hand and tug at the frayed string hanging from the ceiling. A pale, flickering light bulb sputtered to life, revealing his intense expression, one of fervent determination, brow furrowed deeply as his penetrating gaze locked onto me. His lips parted slightly, as if words were at the tip of his tongue, but he quickly sealed them again, making the tension in the room even thicker.

I lifted my finger hesitantly, my heart pounding in my chest, and instinctively peeled off my bandage.

“Is this what you want?” I managed to ask, a chill slithering down my spine as memories coursed through me.

“No,” he replied, his voice flat, yet it only added to my confusion. He gently lowered my hand from his face, then raised his own with deliberate slowness, beginning to unbutton the collar of my shirt. A wave of panic surfaced within me, and I instinctively tried to push his hands away, my thoughts darting to the Mistress and the certain doom she’d unleash if she discovered this transgression.

“Relax,” he said, a calmness in his tone that contrasted with the storm of emotions swirling inside me. His fingers stopped after the third button, tugging the fabric aside to expose the curve of my neck and shoulder, leaving my skin vulnerable beneath his intent gaze. Leaning in closely, he inhaled deeply, a look of satisfaction washing over him as he let out a slow, deliberate sigh.

“Your blood is exquisite,” he remarked, a strange mix of admiration and hunger in his voice.

“You mean to bite me?” I stammered, horror creeping into my tone as his intentions settled over me like a heavy shroud.

“An eye for an eye,” he said flatly, sending my mind into a whirlwind of confusion and fear. He traced his fingers along the soft skin of my neck, his touch both gentle and unsettling, drawing me dangerously close. My senses were overwhelmed by his intoxicating scent, a fragrance both dark and alluring, compelling me to tilt my head involuntarily, an unintended invitation hanging in the air.

Seizing the moment, he bit down with alarming swiftness, his fangs puncturing my skin like two small lightning strikes, a jolt of pain radiating through me. A small cry escaped my lips as I felt the sharpness of his teeth, but it was quickly overtaken by an odd surrender as he released me for just a moment, turning his head slightly, his mouth slick and crimson with my blood.

“You have to stay quiet,” he commanded, and I nodded slightly, biting my lip to stifle any further sound.

His fangs returned to my skin, and with each pull, I could feel the life force being siphoned from me, leaving a hollow warmth in its absence. As he continued to drink, an unexpected wave of pleasure washed over me, intertwining with the pain, causing me to grip his shirt tightly in an instinctual embrace.

He mirrored my actions, wrapping his arms against me tightly, pulling me closer, our bodies pressing together as I surrendered fully to this twisted intimacy. His lips were soft against my skin, and his tongue playfully danced, igniting sensations I had never felt before. In that moment, suspended in a haze of blood and desire, I felt as if my whole being was merging with his. I was no longer just his prey; I belonged entirely to him, irrevocably entwined in this haunting exchange.

He began to grow hard again beneath his pants and he gripped me tighter, pressing my pelvis into his. I felt my own arousal grow as a soft moan escaped my lips. Almost as if on command he began grinding his hips into me, his bulge finding its way between my legs.

I opened my mouth and leaned my head back. He leaned with me, feverishly sucking and grinding himself into me. His hand traced down my neck before landing on my chest. He squeezed me tightly through the fabric of my shirt as he rotated his hips in a circular motion.

I lifted my leg, allowing him to grind further into me. I could feel myself soaking through my pants. He released his grip on my chest, and quickly rustled his hand under the fabric of my shirt, his hand latching onto the bare skin of my chest, massaging me feverishly.

He toyed with my flesh, switching between rolling my nipple between his fingers and grabbing my entire breast in his palm.

He released his bite and turned his head toward me, his eyes locking onto mine with a hungry, greedy expression, blood dripping from his panting mouth.

He increased the pace of his thrusts, lifting me off the ground. I released my grip on him, grabbing the metal shelf behind me for support.

He bore his fangs, a low mix of a growl and a hiss escaping from his lips.

So much for being quiet.

I could feel every inch of him rubbing against me, his rock hard cock brushing my clit with only thin layers of fabric separating us. Each stroke brought me a wave of pleasure unlike anything I had ever experienced. I longed to feel the length of him inside me.

He increased his speed yet again, breathing heavy and deep like an animal in heat. In an instant, he gripped my skin tightly and threw his head back, giving me one last thrust that pushed me back sharply into the shelf. A loud animalistic grunt escaped from his lips, as waves of pleasure rippled throughout my body. His wings spread, sending small trinkets and junk flying off the shelf.

As his head was leaned back, the light cascaded down gracefully across his rippling chest, neck and shoulders. His body shuddered, as he rode the waves of his climax with a satisfied exhale. I felt his warm seed soaking through the fabric that separated us.

He leaned forward again, collapsing onto me, panting heavily, my body uncomfortably pinned between him and the shelf.

I let out an uncomfortable whimper and he shifted his weight, allowing me room to breathe.

He looked at me, a feverish look still in his eyes. He gently set me down and straightened my shirt.

“It appears I’ve gotten a little carried away.” He said, patting my hair.

“A little?” I repeated.

He tilted my head to the side and examined the spot on my neck where he had bitten down. I could feel warm blood trickling from the open wound.

“I apologize.” He smiled. “But that was exquisite.”

“It was something.” I said. For my first ever intimate moment, it really was something.

“Here.” He said, tilting my head to the side. He leaned in and I felt his smooth tongue against my skin, as he licked it the pain slowly subsided. I touched my hand to my neck and could no longer feel the puncture wounds he had made.

He lifted my hand and brushed his tongue against my index finger, I watched in amazement as the wound slowly sealed itself.

“This is to stay between us.” He said in a commanding voice, yet no louder than a whisper.

I nodded. I could only imagine the horror she would inflict if the Mistress found out.

“Go back to bed.” He commanded, shifting his wings, giving me just enough room to exit the closet.

As I shuffled past him he suddenly caught my arm. I looked up at him with confusion.

“I’m going to want this again.” He said, his voice stern. “So please, obey me.”

His eyes bore through me as I gave another weak nod. He dropped my arm and I made a swift exit.

My heart was pounding as I stepped quietly through the hall, careful not to make too much sound.

The experience was exhilarating for me. Unlike anything I had ever experienced before. But my mind continued to flicker back to the Mistress, and the betrayal I was causing her. She would surely end my life in a heartbeat if she knew. After all, I’d seen her kill servants for no more than looking at her wrong. If she knew what had just occurred, I would be utterly and horrifically doomed.

Chapter Four: A Deep DEEP Connection

Present Day

The commute to my job was short, too short for me to properly clear my head. Harvey’s was a small bookshop on the outskirts of the city, tucked away on the bottom floor of an ancient-looking building. It was named after its hot headed owner. I kept my head low as I entered the dusty, cramped space.

“He’s not happy,” my coworker Miles said as I walked past the counter. I hurried into the back room, trying not to make a sound. Quickly opening my locker, I changed into my work shirt, shutting the locker with careful precision. A small click echoed through the room.

As I turned to head back to the floor, a voice rang out from the office. “Elizabeth?”

Shit.

I let out a sigh and headed towards the back of the room. He only used my full name when he was really upset.

I entered the small office, my head down.

“Good morning, Harvey,” I said softly.

“No, no,” he replied, looking up from behind his thick spectacles. “That’s what you’d have said if you were on time. Two hours ago, good afternoon, Elizabeth.”

Harvey was a small, round man who ran the bookshop like a prison. I wished I could say he was a better boss than my previous duo, but I really couldn’t. He seemed to thrive on the suffering of others. If he could make everyone else’s life miserable, he would surely be having a good day.

“I’m very sorry,” I said, bowing my head. “It won’t happen again.”

I would try my best to uphold that promise, but with Alabaster’s unpredictable nature, I wasn’t sure I could keep it.

“You know,” he said with a deep sigh, “you came to me with no passport, no ID, and no record of employment, begging for a job.”

He stood from his desk and walked toward me. “I, being the kind man that I am, extended my grace to you and allowed you to work by my side.” He approached, standing several inches shorter than me, my eyes just above the top of his balding head. “Look how you’ve repaid me.”

I let out a breath. “I’m truly sorr-”

“Save your apologies,” he interrupted, holding up his stubby hand to my face. “You’re on cleaning duty until further notice. Now get out of my sight.”

I took a deep breath and turned on my heels, heading back toward the locker room. I opened the small broom closet next to Harvey’s office and stepped inside.

Flicking on the light switch illuminated the dark room. I half-expected to see Alabaster inside, but only the half-empty shelves regarded me. The door shut silently behind me, and for a moment, my mind was whisked back to that late night we had spent in the broom closet of the castle. I closed my eyes, recalling Alabaster’s skin against mine; my heart began to race at the memory of his warmth. But like a light switch flipping on, reality set in. He wasn’t back to rebuild the connection we once had; he was back to make my life a living hell, and I could only imagine what awaited me when I returned home.

Quickly, I grabbed the cleaning supplies from the top shelf and headed back to the floor.

***

Three Years Earlier

Surprisingly, the day after our late-night escapades in the closet, I was allowed to sleep in. Perhaps Dottie knew what had gone on in the middle of the night, but the call to awake me never came. I lay in my bed, staring at the blank gray wall before me. My body felt hot and restless, yet I couldn’t bring myself to move. What was I to do? I wouldn’t allow myself to imagine my relationship with him going any further; it was stupid. I was simply a food source to him, a way for him to release whatever stress he had built up, and I couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling that my time was quickly running out.

Then, suddenly, the bell rang, my bell. The one sound in the world I did not want to hear right now. I let out a deep sigh of frustration. I, the honorable blood bearer, was being summoned again to hold my chalice before his and her highness as they ravaged each other for hours on end. I shut my eyes tightly, hoping the sound was just my mind playing tricks on me, but the unmistakable sound of the bell rang again. Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed and down the hall, stopping in front of the couple’s bedroom. I knocked gently on the door, and the Master’s voice rang out.

“Come in,” he said.

I entered, bowing my head deeply as I walked through the door. As I looked up, I was surprised to find it was just Alabaster. He stood near the bed wearing a black robe. The Mistress, I assumed, must still have been in the dressing room on the far side of the bedchamber. It wasn’t entirely unusual for her to take her time coming out, but I hadn’t been alone with Alabaster since, well, last night.

“Assume your position,” he said, his eyes locked onto me.

I nodded. The silver chalice, filled to the rim, sat on a table in the corner of the room. I looked up at Alabaster for a moment, his gaze piercing through me. My face turned red as I turned away. Slowly, I undid the buttons of my uniform, sliding my shirt off my shoulders. I slid my pants to the ground and tossed them out the door; Dottie would pick them up and wash them while I performed my duties.

I walked over to the chalice and picked it up, aware of Alabaster’s eyes following me. Kneeling near the corner of the bed, I held up the chalice, using my bosom to help support its weight. I sighed and closed my eyes. This would surely be another long session.

My eyes snapped open at the sudden sound of footsteps approaching. I stared up to see the Master heading toward me, positioning himself directly in front of me, completely obscuring my view of the rest of the room.

I stared back at him, knowing I wasn’t permitted to move, no matter how much my body urged me to. He looked down at me, a grin splitting his lips.

I broke eye contact, looking straight ahead. My eyes landed on a large bulge protruding from beneath his robe. I turned my head, but he grabbed my chin and forced my face forward.

“I know what you want.” He said in a low voice, barely above a whisper. “I can sense it.”

He took the chalice out of my hands and gently set it on the ground, the metal gently clinking against the stone.

He slowly undid the belt to his robe and pushed the silky fabric aside. My eyes marveled at the reveal of his utterly massive erect cock. Aside from the occasional glimpse, I had never seen it fully erect before, and certainly not this close. It was gigantic. The tip was a bright red that gradually faded into the porcelain color of the rest of his skin down the shaft. I had seen others before, after all, all of the servants shared a room, but his was much different.

The shaft was ribbed with ridges running from the base to the tip, much like the designs across his skin, and the tip was prominently defined. The whole member had a slight upward curve, and there was something written along the shaft, a tattoo of sorts in a language I couldn’t quite make out.

I found that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.

He chuckled slightly, rubbing my chin softly in his hand.

He stroked his member gently with his other hand, squeezing it tightly from the hilt to the tip. The rhythm of his hand was hypnotic as he rubbed it back and forth, lingering for a bit once he reached the head.

After a moment he let his hand drop, adjusting himself so he was just inches from my face.

“Open your mouth.” He said, in a tone that seemed far too gentle for his command.

I looked up at him in shock, and he stared down at me with that grin still plastered on his face.

I frowned, looking back at his member. He gently rubbed my lips with his thumb, the heat from his skin radiating against my sensitive lips.

“It’s okay.” He cooed, “I won’t hurt you.”

I let out a deep breath and did as he said, just slightly parting my lips.

He slowly slid his thumb into my mouth, gently rubbing my tongue with the pad of his finger. I curled my lips around his thumb, letting him explore my mouth. His claw was sharp against my tongue, but his movements were surprisingly gentle.

“Wider.” He demanded with a sharper tone.

I complied and he pressed down on my tongue, holding my jaw open with his hand.

I let out a slight whimper as he gripped his member in his other hand, holding it tightly.

My heart began beating rapidly, I felt as if it would beat out of my chest.

He aimed the tip of his cock toward me, brushing it against my lips for just a moment. Then, slowly, he began sliding it into my mouth. I gasped slightly as I felt his ribbed shaft slide across my tongue, the feeling surprisingly pleasant.

I looked up at him. His eyes rolled back as he gripped the back of my head, taking in a fistful of my curly hair into his grasp. He slowly thrust his hips forward, until he filled my mouth completely. I breathed in through my nose as he continued to slide himself in, towards the back of my throat. Whimpers unintentionally slipped from my mouth as he forced himself inside.

It was too much. I choked, my instincts telling me to push against him. I put my hands on his thighs. The moment I began to struggle, he pulled himself back out. I let out a loud gasp, taking in a deep breath of fresh air.

He angled my face toward him again. Without warning he thrust himself in once more, pushing my head further toward his pelvis. I held on tightly to the fabric of his robe as he forced his cock down my throat. He held me there until my eyes began to water. I choked again, pushing against his thighs. He pulled out in response, letting me catch my breath. My head dipped down, I could feel my heart beating through my throat. I couldn’t help the ravenous sensation I felt between my legs. I wrapped my hands around his thighs, and prepared to take him again.

“You’re doing so well.” He said with a smile, his tone comforting, yet authoritative.

He lifted my head again, and our eyes met. He slowly began pushing the entire length of himself into my throat. His ridges tickled the back of my tongue and my mouth filled with the overwhelming heat of his cock. His grip was tight on my hair as he forced the tip of my nose to touch his lower abdomen. He let out a grunt, as he held himself inside of me. He grabbed the back of my head with both of his hands and pinned me to his pelvis. I could hear his tale whipping wildly as deep moans escaped from his lips.

He pulled out ever so slightly and then thrust himself back in. Repeating his pattern over and over again, his hips rocking back and forth. He gently stroked the back of my head as he increased his speed, not quite giving me enough room to move away from his thrusts.

“Good… girl….” He panted through heavy breaths.

My eyes began watering, threatening to spill over as he continued to thrust himself into my mouth. His withdrawals did not allow me enough time to breathe before he plunged himself back in.

He leaned forward, forcing me to lean back. I let go of his thighs and placed my palms on the cold stone floor behind me, using my arms to support myself.

“Oh fuck.” He whispered, his eyebrows creasing.

He gripped my hair even tighter as his head leaned back, his thrust suddenly becoming harder and rougher, as he gripped my hair with one hand and my jaw with the other. I began choking again, his cock completely restricting my airways. Tears spilled out of my eyes, as he suddenly thrust his entire length into me. He let out a loud ravenous grunt as his seed spilled into my mouth, and down my throat.

I closed my eyes tightly. It was hot, so hot that it almost burned going down. He held me tightly, locking my head into place as his cock shuddered in my mouth, releasing pump after pump of his hot seed. I had no choice but to swallow it.

“Holy shit.” He exclaimed in a deep breath, still holding me in place.

He let out a huge sigh, finally releasing me, and pulling his cock from my mouth. It was slick with my saliva as it slowly drooped down. I coughed, dropping to the floor, trying to catch my breath. His seed was still burning in my stomach. I pressed my face against the cool stone of the floor, hoping for some relief from the overwhelming heat I was feeling.

“Thank you for that.” He said as he closed his robe. I could tell by the tone of his voice that there was a huge grin across his face.

I looked up at him, still trying to catch my breath. He glanced down at me and then at the chalice. In one swift move he swiped at it with his tail, tipping it over and spilling its contents onto the stone floor.

“Whoops,” he said, casually stepping over the pool of blood and walking over to the bed. He sat down, stretching his arms.

“No,” I whispered, sliding over to pick up the metal cup. I tried in vain to clean up the liquid; without a towel or any clothes, my hands were left stained red with fresh blood.

After a few minutes, the Mistress entered, her brow furrowed at the sight of the spilled chalice and my now-bloody hands along with my naked form.

“What the hell happened here?” she asked, turning toward Alabaster, who sat casually on the bed as if nothing was wrong.

“She spilled the cup,” he replied, not bothering to look at me. “I’ve already punished her for it.”

The Mistress looked at him skeptically, then back at me. She slowly approached, placing her hand under my chin to force my face toward hers. She examined me closely, her eyes scanning every detail of my face. A twisted smile spread across her lips.

“Well, you must have done a good job,” she said, her grin widening. “In all three years she’s been here, I’ve never seen her cry.”

She wiped a fresh tear from below my eye with her clawed finger.

“No matter,” she continued, releasing my face. “I shall inflict my punishment as well.”

“What?” Alabaster exclaimed, shock flickering across his features. He stood from the bed, eyeing me with wide eyes, the look an odd mix of concern and surprise. The look was one I had never seen on his face before. It seemed akin to a genuine human emotion, unlike the grin he normally wore.

“This mistake is an affront to the both of us,” the Mistress declared, turning to him. His gaze darted between me and her. “She needs further punishment.”

He stared at me for a moment, then slowly turned back to the Mistress. He wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her close.

“You’re right,” he said, his voice suddenly calm again. He nodded toward the wall where chains hung ominously. “Let’s tie her up, force her to watch.”

The Mistress opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, he kissed her deeply, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She ran her hands down his shoulders and into his hair as they remained locked together for what felt like an eternity.

“Alright,” she finally said when they broke the kiss. “But tonight, it’s the cages for her.”

“Deal,” he replied, still grinning. He let his hands fall from her sides, and they both turned to me, darkness glinting in their eyes.

He walked toward me with dark intent, and I scooted back in futility. There would be no escape from the punishment that was soon to come.

Chapter Five: A Caged Animal

Present Day

“Have a good night,” Miles said as I headed for the door. The shift had dragged on, but at least I was able to momentarily forget about Alabaster. The day had been slow, but the constant organizing kept me busy.

“Take care,” I replied, giving him a quick wave.

“Oh, Liz?” he called after me. I turned to find a look of concern etched on his face.

“You live in Trenton, right?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I frowned. “Why?”

“Just be careful,” he warned. “I heard there’ve been a few break-ins this week.”

Break-ins? That wasn’t shocking for my neighborhood, but I couldn’t shake the thought that it could have just been Alabaster searching for me earlier this week.

“Thanks for the heads-up,” I said. “I’ll be cautious.”

As cautious as I could be with a murderous demon lurking in my apartment.

***

I arrived home a few minutes later. The sun had gone down, and the street lamps cast a dim, warm glow on my quiet block. A knot tightened in my stomach as I approached my door.

I could always leave, I thought, run away and start fresh. But if he found me once, he could find me again. I might as well just face it; the worst he’d do was hurt me.

With a sigh, I approached Room 101 in the Angel-Palace Apartment building. how ironic.

I twisted the handle only to find the door unlocked. It creaked open slowly.

“Hello?” I called out, but silence filled the room.

I flicked on the light switch and let out a sigh of relief; the empty space greeted me. He wasn’t there.

A wave of annoyance washed over me as I realized he’d left my door unlocked when he’d gone. I slammed it shut and turned the bolt lock.

Maybe he’d retreat back to the dark pit he crawled out of.

“Good riddance,” I thought, tossing my jacket onto the computer chair and flopping onto my bed.

Maybe he’d be gone for good.

Fat chance.

***

BANG!

I woke up with a start to a loud noise and the sound of splintering wood. Blinking in confusion, I realized I must have dozed off after getting home. Turning toward my door, I saw it hanging open, the wood around the handle completely obliterated, and in the frame stood a familiar silhouette.

“No,” I moaned, pressing my face into the bed.

“Did you think you could lock me out?” Alabaster sneered as he stepped into my space.

“I had hoped you’d found something better to do than ruin my life.” I shot back.

He shut what was left of my door and approached me, gripping my face in his large, clawed hand, angling my head toward him.

“There’s nothing better for me to do than watch you suffer.” He grinned, his fangs gleaming in the dim light.

I averted my eyes, unable to handle the intensity of his piercing yellow orbs.

“Besides,” he continued, releasing me from his grip, “I’ve made a very important discovery.”

“What’s that?” I asked, not sure I wanted to know.

He spread his arms, a smug look plastered across his face. “It’s not me, it’s you.”

“I don’t understand…” I said, confused.

“Death,” he said, his voice darkening. “It’s not that I can’t kill. It’s that you can’t die.”

“What?” Panic surged through me as I took in the implications of his words. “Did you really kill someone?”

“Oh come on,” he replied with a laugh. “It’s not like it was the first time.”

“No!” I yelled, standing up from the bed. “You can’t do that. Not here.”

He let out a derisive laugh. “You’ve seen me do worse. Besides, other people’s lives are the least of your worries.”

“I’m serious, Alabaster. You can’t kill people.”

He stared at me, his eyes darkening. Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed me by the throat, pulling me closer.

“Who are you to make demands of me?” he hissed, leaning in until his lips nearly brushed my ear. “Besides, I was hungry, and you weren’t here.”

“You can bite me,” I gasped, grasping his wrist and struggling for breath. “Whenever you want, but you can’t kill other people.”

“Whenever I want?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” I managed to say, feeling lightheaded from his grip.

He released me, and I gasped for breath.

“Deal,” he said with a smirk. Without hesitation, he sank his teeth into the side of my neck, a fresh wound beside the last one. I cried out in pain as he gripped my shoulders tightly, pulling my life force into him, dragging me into the abyss of his black soul.

I shut my eyes, bracing for the inevitable blackout. But suddenly, he released me, withdrawing his fangs from my neck.

I looked up at him; a satisfied grin spread across his face, his mouth dripping red with my blood.

“Lucky for you, I’m already full,” he said. He turned and plopped down in my computer chair, looking utterly pleased.

I stumbled to the bathroom, grabbing a towel to press against my dripping neck, staining my shirt. Catching my reflection in the mirror, I gasped. I looked unusually pale and gaunt, deep circles under my eyes, and chapped lips. He might not be able to kill me, but he was certainly draining the life out of me.

Peeking back into the room, I saw him looking like he was asleep, slumped in the chair with his arms and wings spread wide. Maybe I was lucky after all, perhaps he was too full to torment me tonight.

I tiptoed back to my bed and sat down, letting out a breath as I examined my door. It would never lock again; I’d have to replace the whole frame. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I started searching for repair services. Just as I found one that seemed suitable, I heard the soft sound of rustling fabric and a zipper being undone.

I looked up in shock to see Alabaster pulling his fully erect member from his pants as he still reclined lazily in my chair.

“What are you doing?” I shouted, nearly jumping off of my bed.

He didn’t bother to look up at me, or even open his eyes, he just took his member into his right hand and began to slowly stroke it.

“Drinking blood puts me in such a mood.” He said, letting out a deep breath.

“Stop that!” I yelled, unable to take my eyes off of him. I had brief flashes of memories from the last time I saw him like this, and the feeling and taste of him against my tongue.

“Someone has to take care of it.” He said, pausing and opening an eye. He fixated on me. “Are you going to help?”

I remained silent, my breath caught in my throat. I crossed my arms, averting my eyes.

“I thought not.” He chuckled, shutting his eyes again and continued stroking. I desperately tried to keep my eyes on my phone, but they kept trailing back to him.

His tail snaked between his legs and curled up into the air. He released his grip on his member and let both of his arms fall to his sides again. His bright red cock pointed high in the air like a tower. I felt a fire burning inside me, and the sudden urge to approach him, but I fought it back with all of my might. Why would I give pleasure to someone whose only wish was to torture me? Well, I mean, it’s not like I hadn’t done it before.

Perhaps this was the torture?

His tail slowly wrapped around his cock, forming several coils. He let out a shuttered breath, as it tightly wrapped around.

I stared at him, more fascinated than anything.

He gently slid his coiled tail up and down his cock, letting out deep moans with each stroke. My phone dropped from my hands as I fixated on the spectacle in front of me. His legs shook as he increased his speed with each stroke. In all my years at the castle, this was something I had never seen.

He leaned his head back, and I could see small curls of steam rising from his pulsating cock. Was he really that hot? I contemplated if it would burn me. It felt warm in my mouth, the one time I had tasted it, but how would it feel in other places?

I cursed and shut my eyes. Why was I thinking about this now? And why was I so turned on? I was pissed. Pissed at him for doing this, and pissed at myself for wishing he was inside me.

Before I knew it my eyes were open again, transfixed on him.

He gripped the armrests of my chair tightly, and scrunched his face. His mouth dropped open, revealing his sharp fangs.

In an instant he let out a loud moan, and bursts of his seed were sent flying through the air. He erupted like a fountain, spraying his brilliantly white seed through the air like a firecracker. It cascaded down onto my hardwood floor with a splat. I stared, mouth agape at the sight, and the sheer amount of it that had come out.

Alabaster let out a deep satisfied sigh and slumped down again into the chair, his tail uncoiling itself and flopping to the floor, as his member slowly drooped back down. I quickly picked my phone back up and tried to refocus on my screen.

“I can tell you know.” He said, his voice low and soft. “That you’re aroused.”

“I’m not-”

“Don’t lie.” He said, “I can smell it.”

He let out a small chuckle. “If you wanted to help, all you had to do was ask.”

I scoffed, turning away from him.

His dark laugh echoed through the room.

***

Three Years Earlier

The cage I was confined to for the night was damp and cold. It wasn’t tall enough for me to stand, forcing me to curl into a ball on the bed of hay that served as my mattress.

“This isn’t so bad,” I thought, holding myself tightly as the chill in the air cut straight through my uniform.

To my surprise, the Mistress and Master’s escapades were relatively short tonight, only an hour. Thank God for that. I rubbed my wrists, sore and raw from the cuffs that had chained me to the wall. I had tried to look away, to keep some sense of dignity, but Alabaster wouldn’t break eye contact. Whenever the Mistress didn’t have her eyes on him, his eyes were on me. Even as he finished, his gaze remained locked on me, which was more uncomfortable than I cared to admit.

Heavy footsteps approached, and I lifted my head, a knot tightening in my stomach. A dark silhouette emerged from the shadows, towering over my cage like a grim omen. Alabaster knelt down, scrutinizing me from behind the bars.

“Why are you here?” I asked, frustration bubbling in my voice.

“I’m sorry,” he replied, his eyes filled with regret as he curled his clawed fingers around one of the bars. “I didn’t know she would want to punish you too.”

“I could have been killed,” I shot back, my brows furrowing. “This is not a game to me. This is my life.”

“I know,” he said, averting his gaze with a heaviness that weighed on us both. “I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Next time?” I scoffed, disbelief flooding my words.

“Yes,” he confirmed, standing up. “You did me a great service today. I plan to return the favor.”

A wave of nervousness washed over me as he disappeared into the darkness.

Return the favor?

Chapter Six: A Mutual Agreement

Present day

I woke up to a cold chill creeping along my back, and a bright light pouring into my room. I squinted my eyes and rolled over, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. I jumped, startled at the sight of a dark figure looming over my bed. The sunlight streamed in through the open door, casting an eerie glow that forced me to shield my eyes with my hand.

“Alabaster,” I murmured groggily, still half-asleep. “You can’t just leave the door open like that.”

He remained silent, looking down at me with an indifference that sent a shiver down my spine. His face was shrouded in shadow, his posture unsettlingly tense.

“What?” I asked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “Are you hungry?”

But when I glanced up again, I noticed details that sent alarm bells ringing in my mind-there were no horns, no wings. This menacing figure was not Alabaster at all. My breath quickened as realization dawned on me.

I gasped as he lunged forward, and I slid back on my bed in a panic, but he was faster. He gripped the fabric of my shirt and yanked me down to the floor. I hit the ground hard, the wind knocked from my lungs, as he pressed his weight down on me.

“Who are you?” I shouted, my voice trembling as I struggled beneath him.

A grim grin spread across his face, and the light streaming through the door illuminated him, I could see the contours of his features, he was in his forties or fifties, with silver hair that fell disheveled around his forehead, and a furious expression that made my stomach churn.

“You left this door open,” he hissed, leaning closer. “It was too inviting not to come in.”

He pulled a knife from his waistband, glinting menacingly in the light. Suddenly, vivid flashbacks raced through my mind, memories of my last night in the castle, filled with terror and uncertainty.

“You should really be more careful,” he murmured, pressing the cold blade against my throat, the sharp edge biting into my skin. He tugged at the fabric of my shirt, and I felt the weight of dread settle heavily over me.

He rustled his hands under the fabric and squeezed my bare flesh tightly. I felt a wave of disgust roll over me.

“Get off!” I yelled, but he only squeezed me tighter in response. I felt a sharp pain in my core. It wasn’t a physical ache; rather, it was something that cut me deeper than any knife could. The hurt felt more profound than Alabaster’s rough bite or harsh slap. Of all the torment I had endured, this particular agony resonated with an inexplicable intensity.

“Don’t worry,” the man remarked, his voice eerily calm. “I’m not going to hurt you… yet.”

“Elizabeth?” A voice rang out, echoing through my dimly lit apartment. Suddenly, the sunlight pouring through the open door was blotted out by an oppressive shadow. We both turned our heads toward the doorway.

“What the fuck?” the man gasped, pulling the knife away from my neck and now brandishing it defensively toward the entrance.

Alabaster’s silhouette loomed in the doorway, his horns and wings casting a terrifying shadow. The man slowly rose to his feet, his eyes betraying disbelief and fear. Alabaster’s gaze flickered from me to the intruder, a moment of silence hanging thick in the air.

“Al—” I began, but before I could finish, Alabaster was upon him like a storm. He moved faster than my eyes could comprehend, rushing past me with a fierce gust of wind. In a heartbeat, he had shoved the man back against the far wall, the fleeting scream cut off abruptly by a resounding crack.

Curling into a tight ball, I turned my back to the scene, my hands pressed over my ears in a futile attempt to block out the horrific sounds of flesh tearing and bones breaking. Minutes felt like hours as the gruesome noise continued, and I hunched there, lost in my own fear.

Suddenly, a hand rested lightly on my shoulder, jarring me from my thoughts. I turned to see Alabaster’s fingers, stained red, poised over me.

“I’ll be back,” he remarked coldly, his voice devoid of emotion as he walked past me, snatching the blanket off my bed. He returned shortly, dragging the grotesquely wrapped body of the man behind him. I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, wishing the nightmare away. My mind flashed back, and for a moment I was back in the castle, gazing at the bodies of all of the other servants, Alabaster looming over me.

I squeezed my eyes tighter, forcing the image from my mind.

Alabaster was gone for what felt like an eternity. When he returned, his appearance had transformed; the blood washed away, leaving him eerily clean yet still a little unsettling. He approached and stood over me, the air around him thick with tension.

“Why didn’t you fight back?” he demanded, an edge of anger creeping into his tone.

“I can’t…” I stuttered, trying to steady my breath. “I don’t know how.”

“That’s bullshit!” he thundered, the sound ringing off the walls. His frustration manifested as his tail whipped around violently. “I’ve seen it.”

His expression shifted as he moved closer, and I instinctively scooted away, pressing my back against the cool wall. Amidst the storm of emotions, I felt his intense heat radiating from him.

“You killed me,” he whispered.

I looked up, rage surging in me like a tidal wave.

“Yes. I killed you!” I yelled, the words bursting out with the force of my hurt. “And I killed the Mistress too. But I don’t know how or why it happened!”

His brow creased, as our eyes locked.

“You were going to kill me,” I shouted, defiance rising within me. “No… you were killing me! Something inside me just snapped. I don’t remember it at all, but when I woke up, you were both dead. That’s all.”

“I…” he faltered, and I noticed the change in him. His bravado diminished, the harsh lines of anger softening.

“I wasn’t going to kill you,” he murmured, almost too quietly.

“No? But you would have let her,” I shot back, my voice chilled.

He broke eye contact, his gaze drifting away as he sighed deeply.

“Well…” he conceded, his voice weary, “I saved your life, so now we’re even.”

“Even? I wouldn’t have been in danger if it wasn’t for you,” I retorted, turning my head away in disgust.

Alabaster let out a deep grumble, frustration evident. “Fine, I still owe you one.”

Silence enveloped us, heavy and uncomfortable, as we both searched for the right words. Suddenly he perked up, seeming to remember a long forgotten memory.

“I recall,” he began hesitantly after a moment, “I still owe you from last time too.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, my brow furrowing in confusion.

As I looked up, a sly smile crept across his face, and a pit of dread settled in my stomach.

In an unexpected move, he knelt and hoisted me over his shoulder. I screamed as he secured his arm around my waist, his grip unyielding.

“Relax,” he said, his tone oddly cheerful. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

As fear and anger battled within me, I felt an unsettling mix of confusion and anticipation in the air, hinting that my troubles were far from over.

He flung me onto the bed, my back pressed against the stiff mattress.

“Alabaster!” I yelled, sitting up.

“Elizabeth.” He said, looking back at me. He closed the front door and moved my nightstand in front of it to keep it shut. He moved back in front of me, positioning his body in front of my legs that remained shut tight. He placed both of his hands on my knees, his claws gently scratching into my jeans.

“You did me a great favor once.” He said, his eyes seemingly lost in his own memories. “I told you I would return it. I intend to fulfill that promise.”

He slowly pried my legs apart, pinning them down tightly with his hands.

I looked up at him shocked. Did he really mean to do this now? What happened to his desire to kill me?

His hands shot up to the button of my jeans, and he began quickly undoing it.

“Alabaster, wait,” I said, placing my hands over his, forcing him to stop, my heartbeat pounding in my chest.

He looked me directly in the eyes, in that moment I saw no hatred or malice, just a pure fiery passion.

“I took a lot from you three years ago,” He said in a soft voice. It was a tone I hadn’t heard from him before. It was almost comforting. Almost. “Please let me give it back.”

I stared at him for a moment, my breath quick with shock and anticipation. The gaze in his eyes was soft yet firm, gleaming with a determination that did nothing to calm my nerves. Slowly I let my hands drop to my sides and stared up at the ceiling.

He undid the button to my pants and slowly pulled them off of me. He tossed them casually to the other end of the room. Instinctively I shut my legs again, bending them at my knees.

“No,” He said, placing his hands on my knees. He pulled them open again with far less effort.

“Elizabeth?” He asked, rubbing the inside of my thighs. His hands were so warm against my skin, it made me burn with a hot passion.

“Yes?” I asked, lifting my head to look at him.

“Are you still a virgin?” He asked, his hands sliding farther down my thighs with each lingering stroke.

“Yes…” I replied. I almost wished I hadn’t answered.

“Hmm.” He thought, dipping his head down.

His tail curled up and over his shoulder, positioning itself in front of my panties.

“And…” he said, as his tail moved closer. The tip gently pressed into the fabric of my panties, applying a gentle pressure to my clit. He slowly moved the tip of his tail in hypnotic circles. I leaned my head back, a gentle gasp escaping my lips.

“Has anyone ever touched you before?”

“Just… you…” I said, my breath becoming heavier.

“Oh yes,” He said with a chuckle. “I remember the night we were in the broom closet.”

His tail increased its speed, causing me to arch my back.

“In fact, I think about it all the time.” He paused abruptly, as if he wanted to hold back what he was about to say. “That’s what I thought about yesterday.”

I thought back to last night. The vision of him pleasuring himself with the very tail he was using to pleasure me now. It sent shivers down my spine.

“Do you want this?” He asked, stroking my thighs softly. “Do you want me to touch you?”

I thought about it for a moment. The rush of him pressed against me in the closet, him thrusting himself down my throat in the bed chambers. The thrill of it all. It was utterly exhilarating.

“Yes,” I said through my heavy breaths. I lifted my head and looked him in the eyes. He had a slight smile on his face.

“But I want you as you are.” I said locking eyes with him. “Don’t take me like a man, take me like a Demon.”

A wicked grin split his face.

He grabbed my panties and tore through them with his sharp claws, ripping the fabric from my body. Grabbing me by my hips he pulled me into him, positioning his face between my legs.

He wrapped his arms tightly around my thighs as he buried his face between my legs. His split tongue whipped wildly, exploring me inside and out.

My jaw dropped open at the overwhelming fire growing inside of me. I tried to lift my hips, but he pinned me to the bed. He slid up a little higher and began sucking on my clit. The heat from his mouth mixed with the chills that ran down my spine caused a loud cry to escape from my lips.

My body squirmed wildly, but he held me tightly in place, his strength easily overpowering me.

I reached down and grabbed onto his horns, pulling him even closer into me. He lifted my legs over his shoulders, pressing his face deeper into me. His long snakelike tongue hungrily lapped up the juices that seemed to be overflowing from me.

He reached his right hand up and slid it under my shirt, taking hold of my chest in his hand. The contrast between what I had felt just a few hours ago and now was overwhelming. I wanted Alabaster’s touch. In this moment, there was nothing else in the world I wanted more.

He squeezed me tightly, while his other hand slid down to his pants. I tried to peak over the edge of the bed, but could barely see straight due to the waves of pleasure rippling through my body. His tongue seemed to have a mind of its own as it snaked around wildly, entering me and exiting at just the right timing. From what I could see over the side of the bed, he was pleasuring himself. Stroking his cock to the same rhythm his tongue pulsed inside of me. I longed to see it again, to feel it again. I so desperately wanted him inside me.

He slid his hand out from under my shirt and quickly slid one finger inside of me. I let out a surprised gasp at the sensation. I couldn’t feel the sharpness of his claws as he entered me, almost as if he had retracted them. He quickly slid his finger in and out as he suckled on my clit. Then without warning he slid another finger in. Quickly sliding them both in and out, over and over again. I felt a swirling fire building inside me, like a volcano about to explode.

I squeezed my eyes closed tightly, arching my back.

As he quickened his pace, I slid my hands down his horns and gripped his silky white hair.

His fingers moved at an inhumanly fast speed, sending vibrations throughout my entire body. I gripped his hair tightly. His name slipped from my lips as I felt my hatred and anger for him slowly melting away.

In a sudden explosion, waves of my orgasm rippled throughout my body. Everything I had been holding onto for the past three years suddenly exploded past my body, in an eruption of clarity. I felt impossibly hot and cold at the same time as my body writhed in pleasure.

He continued to suck on my clit, causing my eyes to roll back. A cry escaped my lips as my toes curled. The pleasure felt like it would never end as he pushed me past anything I had ever felt before.

After a moment he released me, slowly sliding his soaking fingers out of me as my body relaxed limply on the bed. I took a moment to catch my breath, panting heavily as my heart pounded. Holy shit, I had never felt that good in my entire life. I didn’t know that level of pleasure existed.

After a moment I sat up and looked at him. He was staring at me with a satisfied look on his face.

“Alabaster,” I said, through my heavy breaths. “I want you to fuck me.”

“I know,” He said with a sly smile. “And I will. But first…”

He stood up, revealing his glorious cock, still fully erect.

“I want to have some fun.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but in one swift motion he spun me around and pushed me back down on the bed.

My head hung upside down off the edge of the bed, facing him, and he held my shoulders tightly, pinning me down.

“I’ve always wanted to try this.” He said, positioning his cock directly in front of my face. My view of him was strange from this angle, I couldn’t see his face well, but I had a marvelous view of the underside of his cock and his balls which were both adorned with the strange writing that ran up his shaft. The ridged rings that ran along his shaft looked much more prominent than they had the last time I had seen his member, and the tip was already dripping his hot white seed.

He brushed his cock against my lips, and I opened my mouth in response. He slowly slid it in, the ridges of his cock satisfyingly sliding against my tongue.

He slowly slid it out, and placed his hands gently on both sides of my face. He slid it in again, holding my head firmly in place.

“Suck.” He demanded, and without hesitation I obliged. I curled my lips around his member, gently pulling it into my mouth. My tongue ran along his ribbed shaft, and danced around the head.

The taste was surprisingly pleasant. His seed was slightly sweet and burning hot. I slowly moved my head back and forth, but I found it difficult from my position. I reached my hand up and gripped the rest of his member since only about a third of it was in my mouth. I used my hand to stroke the rest of him.

He let out a deep guttural sigh, slowly rocking his hips to match the pace of my motion.

“You’re such a good girl.” He cooed, gently stroking the sides of my face.

He carefully took both of my hands in his, removing my hand from his shaft. He held me gently for a moment, entwining my fingers with his. Then he wrapped my hand around his thighs. I held onto him tightly. He readjusted me a bit so my neck was bent at a harsher angle, and then without warning he shoved the length of himself down my throat.

I let out a muffled cry, which was instantly swallowed up by his loud grunt. He gripped the sides of the bed on either side of my face and slowly pulled himself out. I coughed, desperately trying to catch my breath.

He pulled himself all the way out of my mouth, and I looked up at him.

“I’m going to fuck your throat now.” He said, smiling down at me.

He pushed himself inside my mouth again, slowly sliding himself all the way to the back of my throat. I closed my eyes tightly and held onto his legs.

He kept sliding until my chin was pressed against his skin.

“Oh my god, you’re amazing.” He said, breathing heavily. He held himself inside of me, sliding his arms up to my chest. He tore the fabric of my shirt, exposing my breasts.

Slowly he began rocking his hips back and forth. Slowly but firmly sliding himself out about halfway, and pushing himself back in. He squeezed my chest tightly as he rhythmically thrust himself into my throat.

I coughed, choking a bit on his hard cock. He let out a slight chuckle and increased his pace.

I held onto his legs tightly as he let out deep grunts with each thrust. My eyes watered, threatening to spill over. Unlike last time he didn’t afford me the chance to catch my breath.

“You… know…” he said with each thrust. “When it’s time… I’m going to fuck… the shit… out of you…”

With a tight squeeze of my chest he increased his pace again, pounding himself into me ravenously.

“I’m going to fuck you… so hard…” he breathed “You’re going to… have to beg me… to stop.”

He leaned into me, pushing my head further back against the side of the bed. His tail whipped back and forth wildly as he pumped himself in and out of my throat.

I allowed my tongue to caress his cock each time it reentered my mouth. He leaned his head back and let out a loud grunt.

His cock shuddered in my mouth as I gripped his thighs tighter. He slid his hand down to my throat, gently running his fingers across my skin. He pressed down lightly. I felt the pressure of my throat being squeezed between his cock and his hand. It was such a strange sensation. He moved his hands back to the sides of my head and began roughly pounding himself into me.

I could tell it was coming. He held onto me tightly as loud moans escaped from his lips. In an instant, his hot seed began unleashing into my throat. It burned going down as I swallowed each burst. He suddenly pulled his cock out, which was still spewing his seed. He gripped his cock in one hand and my hair in the other. Pulling my head down further, he let the remainder of his seed erupt onto my face. I shut my eyes tight and I felt its heat. It burned my skin, but not enough to cause me pain. He let out a deep sigh as he released my hair. He rubbed the sides of my face gently, and then released me.

My eyes remained closed, and I heard the sound of his footsteps walking away. I sat up on the bed, too afraid to open my eyes.

“Here,” he said, reapproaching with a gentle demeanor. He handed me a towel from my bathroom, the fabric slightly damp. I wiped my face, feeling the chill of the cloth contrast with the warmth of my skin.

As I opened my eyes, I caught him staring at me with an intensity that made my heart jump.

“Thank you for that,” he said, his voice unexpectedly sincere, as if each word weighed heavy with meaning.

“I… thank you,” I replied, a little breathless, unsure of how to navigate the space between us. His hand came to rest on my head, and he began to stroke my hair gently, the movement oddly reassuring.

“I’m…” He hesitated, turning his gaze away as if collecting his thoughts. “I’m sorry about what happened three years ago.” He shifted on the bed, sitting beside me, the weight of memories settling in the space between us.

“Everything that happened on that last day was a surprise to me too,” he sighed, his voice laced with regret. “I think I was in shock after she killed Dottie.”

“Did you love her?” I ventured, my heart pounding at the question I had long wanted to ask. “Dottie, I mean.”

He turned to me sharply, his expression suddenly fierce.

“Demons don’t love. I told you that. But she was always there for me. The closest thing to a mother I had.”

“I know,” I said, a smile touching my lips at the thought of Dottie. She was like a mother to all of us back then. No matter how grim our situation got, she never stopped caring.

His nod was slow, almost reflective, as if he too was allowing the warmth of those memories to envelop him. I reached out, my hand trembling slightly as I extended it toward him. As he met my gaze, I saw the deep sorrow etched in his eyes, a pain that resonated with my own. Without a word, I wrapped my arms around him, slipping under his wings and around his torso.

To my surprise, he felt relatively cool against my skin, a soothing contrast that calmed my racing heart. After a moment’s hesitation, he returned my embrace, his arms enveloping my shoulders, pulling me closer. In that moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of us bound by shared loss and unspoken understanding.

Chapter Seven: Everybody Dies

I stared at the chaos of my apartment, the remnants of the long day strewn about. Blood smeared the corner of the room, a grim reminder of Alabaster’s brutal confrontation with the intruder, and shreds of my clothes lay scattered on the floor.

Taking a deep breath, I stood from the bed, feeling the cool air against my skin, and made my way over to the dresser.

“What are you doing?” Alabaster’s voice cut through the silence, laced with both concern and curiosity as I slipped on a clean pair of panties and a fresh t-shirt.

“I’m going to clean up,” I replied, my voice steady despite the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. I walked to the kitchenette, grabbing a sponge and an old bucket from beneath the sink.

As I filled the bucket with hot, soapy water, steam rose, enveloping me in warmth, a small comfort amidst the chaos.

I began scrubbing the stains from the floor and the wall, each stroke of the sponge accompanied by eerie memories that resurfaced. My mind flashed back to another day, the last time I had scrubbed away blood – there had been red everywhere then too, and I had cleaned it all, just like I was doing now.

I tried to push those memories aside, focusing instead on the rhythm of my movements, but the heaviness of my past weighed down on me, making it hard to breathe. Desperation clawed at the back of my mind, but I pressed on, determined to erase the remnants of violence that had taken root in my home.

***

Three Years Earlier

I jolted awake, heart racing as I shot up from my bed. The room around me was shrouded in an unsettling silence. I strained my ears and eyes, but there was no one to be found, no familiar voices to pull me back into reality. Rubbing my head, I winced at the soreness that lingered after a few restless nights in the cage. Finally back in my own bed, I should have felt comforted, yet something felt off.

I threw on my uniform, still dirty from yesterday’s toil, and glanced at the chore board hanging on the wall.

“Dottie?” I called hesitantly, but only echoing silence replied. A knot tightened in my stomach as I grabbed a cloth, feeling an unsettling weight settle over me. I noted that the daily chores had gone unchanged:

Windows: Elizabeth

I had already scrubbed the panes to a shine just yesterday. It didn’t make sense. Where was everyone?

As I made my way through the familiar halls, an eerie void enveloped me. Usually abuzz with the chatter of fellow servants, they now felt hauntingly empty. I paused outside the Mistress and Master’s bedroom, their door tightly shut. A frown creased my brow. Unease curled in my gut as I trudged toward the foyer, every step magnified in the stillness.

The sun streaked through the stained glass windows, casting colorful shadows on the floor. I was on a futile mission, but something kept me going. Perhaps this was a dream? I decided to continue with my task anyway.

I began meticulously scrubbing the glass panes, wiping away imaginary dust, my hands moving almost automatically. Time slipped past, couldn’t tell if it was an hour or two, just me and the sound of my own breathing amidst the tense void.

Once I finished, I retraced my steps back to the servants’ quarters, each step echoing in the stillness, amplifying the loneliness that surrounded me. I sank onto my bed, breathing deeply, trying to shake the nagging feeling that something had gone horribly wrong. Just as I began to convince myself that I was in fact just dreaming, a loud sound erupted from the depths of the castle, a bell, my bell. I felt a rush of relief mixed with apprehension. Perhaps I wasn’t alone after all.

I quickly made my way down the hall to the grand door of the bedchambers. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

“Come in,” the Mistress said, her muffled voice uncharacteristically cheerful.

I turned the handle and stepped inside – what I saw sent my mind reeling. The room was drenched in a vivid, horrifying red that glimmered like wet asphalt under a sickly light. I felt as though I was peering through distorted glass. Bodies littered the floor, grotesquely torn to ribbons. Their faces were contorted in an expression of pure terror, eyes wide and unseeing, mouths agape in silent screams, as if they were forever caught in the throes of their final moments.

At the center of it all stood two figures, grotesque contrasts in their presentation. The Mistress was completely nude, a horrifying macabre canvas splashed with the thick, warm blood of the fallen, her skin glistening as if she wore a crown of shadows. She exuded an aura of predatory satisfaction, a hunter reveling in the carnage laid at her feet.

In stark contrast, Alabaster stood shockingly clean, his pristine appearance an unsettling juxtaposition to the blood-soaked chaos around him. He gazed solemnly down at the floor, a stoic statue amidst the ruin. His eyes seemed to search for an answer in the blood-soaked rubble before him.

The mingled stench of iron and death hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, a reminder of the violence that had unfolded. My breath quickened, heart pounding in my chest like a drum of panic. I felt the walls closing in, the reality of the scene crashing over me like a tidal wave, this was not merely a murder; it was a celebration of darkness, and I had just entered as the next victim.

“Come in,” she said again, this time more harshly. I looked up, and she brandished a kitchen knife, dripping with crimson.

With each step, I scanned the bodies, a chilling realization sinking in – it was everyone. All my fellow servants I had come to know and care for now lay lifeless. My heart shattered as I spotted Carlos and Dottie, their bodies limp and torn toward the center of the room.

The pain turned into an inferno of rage as I screamed, “How could you?”

The Mistress scoffed.

“We owned them, darling,” She laughed, her voice dripping with madness. “We can do whatever we want.” She turned to Alabaster who was still motionless beside her.

“Chain her up,” she commanded, twirling the knife like a macabre dancer. Alabaster’s eyes flickered to me, they were filled with an emptiness that chilled my blood.

“Just one more darling.” The Mistress whispered in his ear, “And then we’re free.”

I wanted to run, but my body seemed frozen in place. Alabaster approached and grabbed me by my arm, which seemed to shock me out of my daze.

“No!” I screamed, fighting against his grip, but he was relentless, dragging me toward the wall. He lifted my arms above my head, fastening them in rusted cuffs, this familiar prison now felt like my tomb.

“Why are you doing this?” I pleaded, desperation clawing at my throat. Alabaster briefly glanced at me, and then turned away, resuming his place beside the Mistress.

“I’ve seen the way you two look at each other,” the Mistress sneered. “Alabaster and I have come to a mutual agreement. We have decided to end all our active contracts.”

With a mock sigh, she added, “It’s such a shame, but fresh starts do wonders for a relationship.”

Stepping closer, the knife glinted menacingly in her hand.

“It truly pains me,” she said, faux remorse heavy in her voice. “I do love you the most.”

Her gaze flicked to Alabaster, then back to me, a predatory gleam in her eyes, as the reality of my fate closed in.

“Since you are my favorite, I’ve decided to give you a little present. A parting gift for being such a wonderful servant.” A wicked grin split her face. “I don’t believe anyone should die a virgin, so I’ve decided to let Alabaster take your virginity, and then I’m going to watch him kill you.”

She let out a cheerful huff.

“I think it will be quite the healing experience for all of us.”

My jaw dropped open. She had definitely lost it.

She danced back to her place beside Alabaster and ushered him forward. He stared at me with his empty eyes.

“Please,” I pleaded as he approached me. “Don’t do this.”

He brushed his hand against my face, his fingers gently caressing my cheek. His hand was cold as ice against my skin, as if all his fiery heat had been sucked out of him. He leaned into me, his face inches from mine. I couldn’t feel any warmth radiating from him, just the cool air between us. He closed the gap, pressing his lips against mine. In an instant, he leaned back, staring into my eyes again. He kissed me once more, his lips feeling slightly warmer than before. He slid his hand around my waist while his other hand caressed the back of my neck, letting the kiss linger, pulling me in tighter, his warmth slowly spreading.

He pulled away for a moment and leaned in close to my ear. “I’ll be gentle,” he whispered, causing tears to spill down my cheeks.

“Stop,” the Mistress said flatly.

Alabaster let his arms drop and turned back to her.

“I’ve changed my mind,” she stated, her expression unamused. “We’re skipping straight to the killing.”

Alabaster let out a sharp breath, and my body went numb with fear.

“I’m sorry,” she continued, letting out a chuckle. “I thought I could do it. I thought I could do this for you, but the thought of the two of you together truly disgusts me. I don’t think I could look at him the same way again.”

She grabbed Alabaster’s hand and placed a knife in his palm.

“Do this for me. Do this one thing, and whatever feelings you had for her will be forgiven. I will never let anyone question your loyalty or hurt you again.”

He stared down at the knife in his hand, as if it were a weight bearing down on him.

“Kill her, Alabaster,” the Mistress commanded.

His fingers curled around the knife, and his eyes locked onto mine.

“Kill her,” she repeated, her tone growing harsher.

His brow furrowed, and his hand shook.

“Kill her!” she shouted, steam rising from her skin.

Alabaster let out a cry, raising the knife high above his head and swiftly bringing it down toward me. I screamed, closing my eyes and flinching into the wall, awaiting the sharp blow that would follow.

It never came.

I slowly opened my eyes to see the blade inches from my head. Alabaster was frozen in place, his hands still shaking as he stared at me with a burning look in his eyes.

“What a fucking shame,” the Mistress said, plucking the knife from his hand with a disdainful flick of her wrist.

She moved closer, disappointment flickering in her piercing gaze.

“I really had high hopes for this relationship.” With a deep sigh, she added, “Well, you know what they say. If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.”

Without hesitation, she plunged the knife deep into my chest. A shrill scream tore from my lips as a searing pain surged through my body, a torturous mix of fire and ice. The blade slid through my ribcage, puncturing my lung. Alabaster’s eyes widened in shock.

She pulled it out only to plunge it again, this time into my side. Tears streamed down my cheeks as another scream erupted from the depths of my being. Time seemed to slow, and Alabaster stared at me, fists clenched and eyes wide open, yet he remained frozen, a mere spectator to my agony. I begged him in my mind, pleading for him to intervene, but he was paralyzed, watching me die.

My vision blurred, the world around me fading into a distant echo as I surrendered to the brutal reality of my impending end. The Mistress yanked the knife from my side and thrust it into my stomach, and as my eyes fluttered shut, I felt detached, as if I were floating above my own body. No longer in the throes of pain, I drifted away, enveloped in a bright white light that surrounded me with warmth and a serene comfort.

It felt like I was gliding through a milky sea, high above the castle, far removed from suffering. Was this death? I dared to hope so.

Then, out of nowhere, flashes invaded my tranquil state, accompanied by horrific screams and chaotic scenes—a slash of black blood, sharp claws rending flesh, another flash revealing a torn wing, and then pale and purple skin being shredded apart. My heart raced unnaturally, and I clenched my trembling fists, realizing they were no longer chained. The cold wall that once pressed against my back was gone, along with the burning sense of the knife’s betrayal.

As I opened my eyes, the blinding white light receded into darkness, giving way to clarity. I stood in the center of the bedchamber, hands dripping with sickly black blood – Demon blood. My gaze dropped, dread filling me as I took in the gruesome sight at my feet.

I gasped in shock.

It was them. Both of them, torn limb from limb, grotesque remnants scattered across the floor. Placing a hand on my chest, where the Mistress had stabbed, I felt no wound, no pain at all.

I dropped to my knees, overwhelmed by the carnage sprawled before me. Everyone was dead. I was the sole survivor of this horrifying massacre.

What the hell had I done?

***

Present Day

I stopped scrubbing, my hands trembling as the sponge slipped from my grasp, landing quietly on the cold wooden floor. Tears began to stream down my cheeks, each drop a silent confession of my guilt and sorrow. Alabaster turned to me from his position on the bed, an expression of concern etched on his face.

“What happened?” he asked, rising abruptly as worry flickered in his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I choked out between sobs, my voice cracking under the weight of my anguish. “I’m so sorry.” I could feel the depths of my remorse suffocating me.

He knelt down beside me, his presence a fragile tether to the reality I desperately wanted to escape.

“For what?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, confusion etched on his face.

“For killing you,” I whispered, unable to hold his gaze. I felt so small under the burden of my guilt. “I- I really don’t know how it happened. It was like I passed out, and when I opened my eyes again, you were… you were torn apart. I was all alone, and I couldn’t just leave you there. I couldn’t abandon Dottie, and the rest of my friends. So, I buried you, and her, and everyone else. I tried to clean up the blood – there was so much of it. I scrubbed day and night until the castle was spotless, but the memories never faded.”

My voice trembled as my heart broke open. “But I’ve thought about that moment every single day since, replaying it like a twisted nightmare. I dream about it every night; your face, the devastation – it haunts me. I never wanted to hurt you. I swear I didn’t. I just… I’m so sorry.”

His arms wrapped around me, his warmth pouring over me like a balm as I let my tears flow. For a brief moment, I felt enveloped in his comfort, a refuge from my guilt.

He pulled away slightly, his hands picking up the sponge, his expression serene yet sorrowful.

“You don’t have to do this again,” he said softly, his eyes searching mine, filled with an understanding that made the weight in my chest feel just a little lighter. “I will clean up the blood.”

Those simple words hung between us like the fragile threads of hope, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I believed there was a chance for reprieve, if only for a moment.

Chapter Eight: Tick-Tock

I lay silently on my bed, curled into a tight ball. The air in my apartment was frigid, seeping in through the giant hole in the wood of my door frame, left gaping where the lock used to be. Alabaster had meticulously cleaned the entire place, moving with slow deliberation, but he hadn’t said a word. Now he sat in the corner of the room, wrapped in a cocoon of his own wings, looking almost ethereal in the dim moonlight.

Huddling my knees to my chest, I wished for my blanket, my only hope of warmth against the chill, which was likely abandoned in a ditch somewhere, now wrapped around the body of the unfortunate home invader who didn’t realize my apartment would be his last. I sighed in frustration at the absurdity of it all. There was something I could do about the cold, of course, but embarrassment flooded over me. I shut my eyes tightly and pulled my pillow over my head, but it did nothing to stave off the icy air.

Finally, I lifted my head and glanced toward Alabaster. He looked so cozy in his cocoon, his wings tightly wrapped, and I couldn’t help but feel a stir of longing.

“Alabaster,” I whispered, unsure if he had drifted off.

He lifted one wing, revealing his glowing yellow eyes from within the folds.

“Yes?” he said, peering out at me with an intense gaze.

I hesitated, caught in the eerie darkness beneath his wings. He unfurled them and moved closer, his shadow enveloping me. He watched me with a look that made my heart race.

“Ah.” He seemed to read my mind instantly. Climbing onto the bed, he settled in behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me snugly into his chest. His warmth was overwhelming, like a furnace against the cold air that enveloped me. He wrapped his wings around me. They covered me like a shield, trapping his warmth inside, and protecting my body from the cold.

“I’m sorry about your blanket,” he murmured, a hint of remorse lacing his voice.

“It’s alright,” I replied, surprised at how comforting his embrace felt. To be honest, this was better than that old blanket ever had been. His arms were a gentle but firm weight against me, shielding me from the relentless chill.

“Why are you so warm?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me, turning my head slightly.

“It’s a gift of Demons,” he responded matter-of-factly. “We’re always warm.”

“Not always,” I countered, curiosity still piqued.

He thought for a moment, his brow furrowed. “You’re right…” he admitted, his voice trailing off. “Sometimes… When I’m unhappy, I’m cold.”

He paused again before continuing, “No, not unhappy. When I’m angry, I’m hot. When I’m happy, I’m hot. When I’m in the mood, I’m hot. It’s only when I’m feeling the absence of feelings that I’m cold.”

I frowned, intrigued by the complexity of his emotions. “And how do you feel now?”

He took a moment to consider my question, as if weighing his words carefully.

“I feel very hot,” he said finally.

A warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the temperature of him, and I found myself smiling at the inexplicable comfort of being wrapped so tightly in his embrace.

***

Alabaster

A Few Days Earlier

I floated in an endless pool of darkness. My senses were numb, no feeling, no sounds, only my own thoughts to keep me company. I had been here before, trapped in the empty space between life and death. Somehow, I had been killed, but it happened too fast for me to grasp the reality of it.

I remembered her, Elizabeth. She had been in pain, and my wife, in a fit of jealousy and rage, had stabbed her, just as she had done to the others before. That morning, my wife had confronted me about my feelings for Elizabeth, and despite my assurances of indifference, she didn’t believe me. When she asked for a fresh start, I agreed, painfully unaware of what that truly entailed.

One by one, she had killed them and I had stood and watched, locked within myself, unable to move. She saved Dottie and Elizabeth for last, the two the both of us cared for most. When she asked me to take Elizabeth’s virginity, I finally felt movement return to me. It was something I wanted so dearly, from the first moment I saw her, something I had planned to do before the unfortunate circumstances that had fallen upon the castle. But as quickly as my wife had decided, she changed her mind.

She gave me the knife, and told me to kill her. I should have been able to, she was just a human after all. But as I lifted the knife I was suddenly locked in place again, immobile, like a stone statue. She took the knife from my hand, fulfilling her unthinkable request. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t stop her. I was frozen. But she didn’t die.

It was Elizabeth who ended me.

She tore us apart with a speed and a strength I had never seen from a human before. No, she definitely wasn’t human, but not a Demon either. In my hundreds of years, I had never seen anything like it. In just a few short moments it was all over, and I was here. Floating in an endless nothingness. Waiting for death, or the end of time.

Though time passed, my suffering felt relentless. Memories of Elizabeth consumed me, causing me to both curse her and yearn for revenge. I fantasized about what I would do if I ever returned, how I could make her suffer as I did now. I wanted to taste her blood, to intertwine pleasure with pain until she begged for release. The thought kept my spirit alive.

Gradually, sensations returned; it started as a tickle in my hand, then the soft earth beneath my fingers. My limbs awakened one by one, until finally, I gasped for fresh air, sitting up and coughing out dirt and rocks. The sun blazed above me, and a winged figure loomed nearby.

“Welcome back, Alabaster,” a voice chirped playfully. I recognized that voice – the same one that had nearly condemned me to death nearly two decades ago, and the same voice that had screamed my name in pleasure several decades prior to that.

“Judge Lenore,” I uttered, gaining my footing. I could see the remnants of battle etched into my skin, still healing; she had painstakingly reassembled me. Looking around, I examined my surroundings. The courtyard lay in disarray, overgrown grass, unkempt bushes, dirt and moss covering the castle’s walls. We were surrounded by dozens of mounds of dirt covered in fresh green grass.

“How did you find me?” I asked, brushing off the remnants of my time underground.

“You never responded to my request for another evaluation of your marriage,” she replied, arms crossed. “I thought you’d either died or fled. I’m glad it was the former.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her determination, recalling how she had scrutinized every detail of my life when we last met. My wife had saved me from a brutal fate, and I had provided her with what she craved, myself. It was a good deal for both of us, but Lenore wouldn’t stop until she found a flaw.

“How long has it been?” I inquired, my heart quickening.

“Three years,” she answered, and a flicker of hope ignited within me. Time had passed so slowly in the ground, but perhaps my long-cherished fantasies could finally unfold.

“Shall I?” Lenore asked, pointing to the mound of dirt next to where I had just emerged. I could feel her – my wife was buried there, radiating a burning anger that matched my own.

“No,” I snapped. I knew she would want Elizabeth for herself, and she wouldn’t let me touch her.

“Not yet, anyway,” I responded. Lenore wore an expression of curiosity and confusion.

“Don’t you two love each other?” she teased, “One would think you’d want your lover to return.”

“I do,” I hissed, “But I have to take care of something first. Something for her.”

The words were lies. I wanted my fun with Elizabeth, without interruption.

“What will you do?” she asked, her eyes narrowing in interest.

“I’m going to kill the servant who did this,” I sneered, confidence blooming within me. “I’ll return on my own after I’ve settled my score.”

“You have one week,” she warned, her gaze piercing through me.

One week, I thought, The plan was simple: Step one, find Elizabeth. Step two, discover what she really is. Step three, torture, fuck, and kill her. Step four, vanish before Lenore even started searching for me.

***

Elizabeth

I awoke feeling an overwhelming amount of heat on my body. My back was pressed tightly against Alabaster’s radiating chest, and his burning hands were against my bare skin. At some point, while I was asleep, his hands had pushed up my shirt and he was gripping my chest tightly in both of his palms. My face turned red as soon as I realized the position we had been sleeping in.

“Alabaster,” I whispered, but he didn’t respond. I tried to shift my weight, and slip out of his grip, but he only squeezed tighter, pinning me back against him. I felt an uncomfortable bulge poke my thigh as he shifted in his sleep.

I placed my hands on top of his in an attempt to pry them off, but his grip was locked on tight.

“Alabaster!” I yelled, sweat beading on my forehead.

He let out a low grunt, burying his head in the back of my neck. In one swift motion he rolled over onto his back, pulling me on top of him, his growing bulge resting between my thighs.

“Shhhh.” He cooed, squeezing me tighter. I couldn’t breathe under the pressure of his hands.

He began to massage my chest, the heat from his hands increasing. They felt like they would burst into flames at any moment.

“Alabaster sto-“ My voice caught in my throat as he pressed his bulge into me, the tip of his head rubbing against the fabric of my panties.

Suddenly he grabbed hold of my nipples, and the heat from his hands became too much to bear. I let out a loud cry as his hands scorched my skin.

“Shit!” Alabaster yelled, suddenly releasing me from his grip. I tumbled off of the bed and onto the floor, clutching my chest.

“Fuck.” He yelled. I stared up at him, and steam was rising from his hands and chest.

I stood on shaky legs, still holding my chest tightly I winched as the fabric of my shirt touched my burnt skin.

“I-” Alabaster stuttered, looking at me with wide eyes, “I was dreaming. I didn’t… I didn’t think I would get that hot.”

I ran to the bathroom and shut the door behind me.

Lifting my shirt I examined myself in the mirror. My skin was red where he had touched me, like I had a really bad sunburn. I could see a clear outline of his hand prints on my chest: It was tender to the touch, and still felt like it was on fire.

I quickly stripped down and stepped into the shower, the cool water cascading over my skin like a gentle embrace, soothing the reddened burns. It felt so refreshing, almost like washing away the weight of the world. Time seemed to blur as I stood there, letting the water wrap around me, trickling down my body helping me forget, if only for a moment. When I finally turned off the tap and stepped out, I faced myself in the mirror, examining the lingering imprints of his hand—still visible, though slightly less pronounced now. I let out a deep sigh, wrapping a towel around myself, only to wince again as the rough fabric brushed against my sensitive skin.

I stepped back into the living room, and walked up to my dresser. Alabaster examined me as I entered, but I refused to turn to him.

“Let me see.” He said, approaching from behind. I ignored him, slipping on a fresh pair of panties under my towel.

“I can help you.” He said, frustration evident in his voice.

“You’ve already done enough.” I snapped back. He grabbed my arm and spun me around.

“Open it.” He demanded, anger flickering in his eyes.

“No.” I pushed back. He grabbed hold of my towel, but I pulled back.

“Why do you have to be so difficult Elizabeth? Let me see!” He practically yelled, pulling my towel open. My bare chest was exposed to the air for just a brief moment. His eyes widened at the sight, and I quickly closed my towel.

“Elizabeth…” he said, his voice suddenly several tones softer. “I really… didn’t mean to.”

I turned away from him, letting out a deep breath.

“I can fix it.” He said, suddenly. “I can help you.”

“I don’t want your help.” I protested.

“Please.” He said softly. He looked deep into my eyes, and once again I saw no malice behind his look. He simply, truly did want to help. I relented, letting out a short breath.

He sat down on the bed and pulled me in close to him. He slowly opened my towel and let it drop to the floor, exposing my body again. He examined me with a frown, and he slowly traced his fingers along the handprints on my chest. I winched as he made contact with my skin.

“I’m sorry.” He said softly. “I’ll be gentle.”

He leaned in close to me, gently wrapping his arms around my waist. His breath was like fire across my chest as his lips softly brushed against my skin. Slowly he traced his tongue along my chest, lightly tickling my skin. Almost instantly I felt my pain being relieved. I looked down at him in disbelief. My skin was slowly returning to its original color, like I had never been burned at all.

I suddenly remembered what he had done for me three years ago, in the closet. He had healed my bite mark with a gentle flick of his tongue. He finished with my right breast and moved onto my left, sliding his hand up to cup my right gently. He used his other hand to pull me in even closer to him. His tongue felt so soft and soothing. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. I moved my hands up to the back of his head, and softly gripped his hair.

I let a deep sigh slip from my lips and he paused for a moment. The pain had completely faded and I felt a cool soothing sensation on my chest. It sent chills down my spine.

In an instant he suddenly pulled me in close, closing his lips around my nipple, and massaging my right breast feverishly in his hand.

“Alabaster…” I breathed as his tongue wrapped around my nipple.

He pulled me onto his lap, sliding his hands under my thighs, I held onto his hair tightly as he slid his hands up my rear, gripping me tightly.

I pressed my hips into him, feeling his bulge growing between his legs, with only thin layers of fabric separating us.

He looked at me with a feverish glint in his eyes as I rotated my hips onto him.

I could feel myself growing wetter by the second, and Alabaster was growing hotter and harder.

He leaned into me, his face inches from mine, his breath like fire on my skin.

I grabbed his hair tighter, pulling him in closer as I increased my speed.

Oh how badly I wanted to pull his cock out and push it inside me.

He grabbed onto my hips and pushed me down onto him, so that his bulge was pressed firmly against my slit. I slid myself up and down the length of him, increasing speed with each motion. My clit brushed against his ridges, causing my body to shake with pleasure.

He slid his hand up to the side of my neck, his fingers softly brushing my skin.

“Please.” I whispered.

He ran his thumb along my cheek, stroking my skin softly.

“What do you want me to do?” He asked, pulling my face closer to his.

“Fuck me.” I whispered, my lips brushing against his,

“There’s something else I want from you first.” He whispered.

“Anything.” I said, holding onto him tightly.

He cupped the sides of my face in his hands, and angled my face towards him.

“Do you still feel guilty?” He asked, “For killing me?”

“I…” I stuttered, slowing my movements to a halt. “I do.”

“Good.” He said, holding onto me tightly. “Because I still feel the urge to punish you,”

“Punish me?” I practically yelled, a knot forming in my stomach.

“Yes.” He replied plainly.

“You burned me.” I said with a frown, “Isn’t that enough?”

“That wasn’t intentional.” He said, his brow creasing, “And I don’t want to cause you that much pain.”

“I don’t want you to cause me any pain.” I said, pulling away from him.

“Please.” He said, holding onto me tight, “I will make it pleasurable for the both of us.”

“Alabaster, I-” He cut me off, pulling me in close and pressing his lips against mine. I suddenly felt like I was struck by a bolt of lightning. My heart pounded in my chest.

Alabaster pulled away, and stared at me for a brief moment.

“Please.” He repeated in a softer tone. I nodded slowly, my breath heavy. His lips curled up into a smile.

“Stand up.” He ordered. I complied, the nervous pit in my stomach only growing. I didn’t want him to hurt me, but I couldn’t say no to him. Not after that feeling.

His eyes traced my body. I covered my chest with my arms, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

He smiled at my shyness.

“Take those off.” He said, gesturing to my panties.

“Alabaster.” I whined, my brow furrowing.

“Or I will.” He remarked, “Though I’d much rather watch you do it.”

I let out a deep breath, and slowly began sliding my panties down to the floor. He watched me intently with a hungry look in his eyes.

Once I dropped them to the ground he held out his hand. I slowly picked them up off of the ground and placed them in his palm. They weren’t sexy or fancy, just a plain black pair with a small bow in the front. He chucked, examining them.

“Don’t laugh.” I frowned, my face turning red.

“I’m sorry.” He said, his smile still lingering. “They’re very cute.”

I folded my arms, letting out a huff.

Suddenly he grabbed me by my waist and pulled me into him with such force and speed that I nearly let out a scream. He took both of my wrists into one of his hands and used my panties to bind them together in front of me.

I let out a gasp as he grabbed me by my throat and pulled my face close to his.

“You have been very bad recently, right?” He said, his skin growing hotter.

I nodded, my brows furrowing.

“And you deserve to be punished, right?” He said, pulling me closer.

“Yes.” I whimpered as he held me tightly.

“Good.” He said with a dark smile. In one swift motion he threw me over his lap, positioning my bottom in the air.

Wait, he wasn’t going to-

SMACK!

He slapped my rear so hard, a cry escaped my throat. the room echoed with a resounding slap. He tightly gripped my stinging cheek and rubbed me softly.

“See now.” He said in a soft voice. “That wasn’t so bad was it?”

“No,” I breathed “It-”

SMACK!

He hit me again, and I cried out in pain, tears welling in my eyes.

“It’s alright.” He said, rubbing me again.

SMACK!

He hit me a third time. I leaned my head down, letting out a whimper and gripping my bed sheets into my bound hands.

His strikes were so hard and painful, it felt like I was being hit with a metal paddle.

I shifted slightly, feeling his rock hard erection beneath my stomach.

He gripped me again. his palm burning against my skin.

“I was so angry at you.” He confessed, holding me tight. “When I was in the ground I dreamed about doing this, and much much worse.”

SMACK!

SMACK!

SMACK!

Tears began to stream down my face.

“I’m sorry.” He said, rubbing me softly. “I guess I’m still a little angry.”

He pulled my legs apart.

“But I promised I would make this pleasurable for you.”

He slid his hand down my rear and gripped my thigh. I let out a shuttered gasp as he worked his fingers along my slit.

“Oh?” He said in a teasing tone, removing his hand. I turned my head to him to see him examining his fingers, which were slick with my juices.

“Apparently you are already enjoying yourself.” He said with a smile.

“I-”

SMACK!

“Don’t talk.” He said, suddenly pushing two of his fingers deep inside of me. I curled my toes as he slowly pulled them out and pushed them back in again. He repeated the slow rhythmic motion for a while, causing heavy breaths to escape from my lips.

I closed my eyes, my face still wet from my tears. It was such a strange mix of pleasure and pain. I wanted him to spank me, to hit me again, but I also wanted him to slowly give me pleasure. It was like night and day occurring at the same time.

He pulled his fingers out and rubbed them along my slit. He teased my hole, gently prodding it with his finger.

“I can’t wait to stick my cock in you.” He said coyly.

“Please do it.” I cried.

“Soon.” He remarked. I felt a pang of disappointment in my chest.

“I can do something else for you now though.”

He pulled my legs apart with both of his hands, and something teased at my hole, prodding me slightly. It was too thick to be his finger, and didn’t burn like the rest of his body.

I turned my head and looked over my shoulder. The tip of his tail was slowly entering me.

He pushed it in further and I felt a sharp pain. It was quite a bit thicker than his finger, and I wasn’t used to such a sensation.

I let out a cry as he pushed further.

“Oh wow.” He exclaimed. “You’re very tight.”

He suddenly shoved himself further in. I let out a loud cry and buried my head in the mattress again.

He very slowly pulled it out and slid it back in.

I whimpered, holding onto the bed tightly.

“Oh, you’re bleeding.” He remarked pushing my legs further apart, “It’s making me hungry.”

He pushed himself in deeper, increasing his speed.

I cried out, the mix of pleasure and pain blurring in my mind. I couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began.

He squeezed my cheeks tightly as his tail fucked my hole.

“You look so beautiful like this.” He said. His bulge poked into my stomach, I could feel it pulsing, like it had a mind of its own.

“Please, let me pleasure you.” I whined, shifting my weight.

He paused for a moment and then stood into the air, lifting me by my hips. I screamed as I hung upside down in front of him. His tail continued its rhythm, not missing a beat.

He wrapped one of his arms around my waist and held me tightly to his body. He started unbuttoning his pants with his other hand. The moment his cock was out I took it into my mouth, sucking on it with a fierce passion, needing to return the pleasure he was giving me. It was so hot it nearly scorched the inside of my mouth.

He let out a deep moan.

“Now that’s a good girl.” He said. He buried his head between my legs and began sucking on my clit.

I let out a moan as I pushed his cock further down my throat. He rocked his hips in response. I wanted to take all of him. I pushed until my eyes watered.

Seeming to read my mind he removed one of his hands from my hips again, and placed it on the back of my head. He slowly pushed my head forward until he was all the way down my throat.

“Now suck.” He ordered. I obliged, hungrily pulling him in and out of my mouth with rapid succession. I wanted his seed. I wanted to taste it, and to feel it down my throat.

He returned the favor tenfold.

He pulled his tail out of me and began exploring my hole with his tongue.

My body squirmed uncontrollably, but he held me in place tightly.

He gripped my rear tightly as he pulled me closer to his mouth.

I pulled his cock out of my mouth and used my bound hands to stroke his shaft as I traced my tongue along his head.

He let out a deep groan.

“Give me permission.” He said through heavy breaths.

“To do what?” I asked, tightly gripping his cock and running my fingers along his pulsating ridges.

“To touch you.” He said, his tail swiftly reentering me. “Whenever I want.”

I let out a cry as his tail buried itself deep into me, squirming around. I felt the fire growing within me again. A great volcano getting ready to erupt. My eyes rolled back, I wouldn’t last much longer.

“Okay.” I breathed heavily, “Whenever you want.”

He pushed my head back down, and I took him into my mouth. He began to feverishly rock his hips as he held the back of my hair tightly. I braced myself. I wanted it all, every last drop.

He let out a loud cry, his wings spreading wide as he unleashed into my throat. His seed poured into my mouth and down my throat. His whole body shuddered as he leaned back, holding my head into place. I took it all, every single drop. It burned my throat as it went down.

Without a moment’s hesitation he pulled me onto the bed, turning over so he was laying on top of me. His weight pressed down on me, he felt as heavy as a truck as his body pinned mine down.

“Alabaster, I can’t-”

He buried his head between my legs again, fiercely sucking on my clit. I struggled to move beneath him.

He ignored my struggles, holding my thighs tightly. His tongue circled around my clit, and I bit my lower lips, trying to stifle the cries that were about to erupt from my throat. I slowly felt it building again. The fire within me, ready to explode.

“Elizabeth.” Alabaster whispered, stopping for just a moment before continuing.

I suddenly felt like I had been struck by lightning again, at just the whisper of my name, like a bolt of electricity radiated inside of me. I was nervous and elated at the same time. I didn’t want him to stop. I wished this moment could continue forever.

He brought me to the edge, and on his command I erupted. Pleasure rippled through me like a firework had gone off in my body. I cried out loudly, unable to hold myself back anymore. My body writhed beneath his, but he held me firmly in place.

I felt nothing but pure joy, and the purest of pleasure. A tear rolled down the side of my face as my mind reeled. I wanted him to never let go. The past few days had been complete chaos, but this moment defined our time together for me. At that moment, I wished he would stay with me forever.

***

Alabaster

Elizabeth slept at my side on her old, uncomfortable bed. I wrapped my wings around her, keeping her warm, but I didn’t dare to put my hands on her again while we both slept. My desire to end her life had faded completely, and I didn’t understand why. Whenever I was around her, all I wanted was to please her. Three years of planning and hatred dissipated in just a few days. I chuckled to myself, how pathetic I was. Though my plans had changed, there were still things I wanted to do. I desperately wanted to fuck her, but I knew it would be too easy for me to lose control. It had never been a concern for me before, whether or not I would burn her, but now, crossing that threshold felt risky. I didn’t want to hurt her. Not like that. Not anymore.

She stirred at my side, delicately wrapping her arms around my torso. I took a deep breath and shut my eyes, overwhelmed by such a strange feeling.

“Alabaster,” a soft voice called out.

I shot my eyes open, searching the dark room for the source. There was no one there, just Elizabeth by my side.

“Alabaster,” the voice echoed again. I knew that voice. I felt her presence radiating through the room. I sat up slowly, gently moving Elizabeth to the side.

“Show yourself, Lenore,” I whispered, my heat rising.

“Oh, I’m not there, sweetie, only watching,” she teased.

“How did you find me?” I asked, scanning the empty room.

“I always know where you are. Ever since I put you back together,” she replied with a laugh.

“I…” A shocking realization hit me like a brick wall, heavy and undeniable. “You didn’t.”

“Oh, but I did,” she chuckled, her voice laced with mischief. “You were so helpless. I couldn’t resist.”

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? What this means?” My voice grew tight with rage.

“Of course I do,” she replied smugly. “That little piece of me inside you can never be removed.”

“Not unless I kill you,” I growled, fury boiling within me.

“Which would be a very dumb decision on your part, considering our current social standings.”

I inhaled deeply, feeling a burning fire rise in my chest as steam rolled from my skin in response to my frustration.

“You have twenty-four more hours to finish whatever it was that was so important to you,” she continued, her tone ominous. “Then I’m coming to get you.”

She let out a cheerful laugh that echoed in the silence.

“The two of us will have a lot to discuss.”

And just like that, her presence was gone, leaving the room calm again. I cursed quietly, placing my hand over my chest.

How fucking dare she?

“Alabaster?” Elizabeth murmured at my side, her voice pulling me back to her.

I shifted my gaze to her, feeling that familiar need again.

“I’m sorry,” I said, lying back down beside her. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

She shut her eyes once more and wrapped her arms around me. I studied her peaceful face as she breathed softly.

Twenty-four hours, I thought. We only had twenty-four more hours.

Chapter Nine: Forever

I awoke to the soothing heat of Alabaster beside me. His presence felt comforting, the warmth radiating from him as if he were a living furnace, yet not unbearably so. His wings were wrapped around me like a soft blanket, cocooning me in a gentle embrace, though his arms remained peacefully at his side. Rolling over slightly, I could see his face bathed in the dim morning light, his sharp features softened in his sleep. I couldn’t help but brush my finger along his cheek, marveling at the silky texture of his skin. It felt almost surreal, the heat emanating from him, a constant reminder of his otherworldly nature.

I thought back to the sensations that had coursed through my body from the night before, and memories flooded my mind: his touch, his teasing, the overwhelming pleasure he’d given me that had brought me to tears. I couldn’t shake the ridiculousness of my longing, the wish that he would stay with me forever. I was quickly brought back to reality. He was a Demon, centuries old, and I was just a human fumbling through my twenties. Did he really want me? Did he want to be by my side? It seemed impossible.

Just then, he stirred, and instinctively I turned over, slipping out of the warmth of his cocoon. Heart racing, I grabbed my uniform from the dresser and scooped my towel from the computer chair before darting into the shower. The warm water washed away the sweat and remnants of last night, and when I finally reentered my room, I was met with Alabaster sitting up, a soft smile on his lips.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Good morning,” I replied, slipping into my uniform with hurried hands.

He stood, an imposing figure with his wings stretching wide, and approached me. Gently, he wrapped me in his arms from behind, the familiar warmth enveloping me again as his wings cocooned us both.

“What shall we do today?” he asked, his hands gliding up along my sides, his fingers dancing dangerously close to my chest. My heart raced – my mind raced – as his touch stirred memories I desperately wanted to revisit.

“Today, I have to work,” I managed to say, grabbing his hands before he could squeeze my chest.

“What?” he exclaimed, his wings drooping slightly as he spun me to face him.

“I have to work.” I repeated, “But I will be back tonight.”

“But…” Alabaster said, his voice trailing off. “You haven’t been to work in two days..”

I let out a sigh. “I’m not a servant Alabaster. It was the weekend. Today I go back to work.”

He looked at me with frustration in his eyes.

“You can’t…” He said, “We only…” His voice faded out.

“I will be back tonight.” I promised, reaching up to touch his chest. It felt cool to my touch.

“Tonight…” I whispered, feeling the weight of my own nervousness. “We can do anything you want.”

“Anything?” His eyebrow arched, curiosity flickering in his eyes, a hint of mischief dancing beneath his serious demeanor.

“Yes,” I asserted, though the pit of nervousness in my stomach tightened. I quickly grabbed my jacket, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “I’ll be back before sunset.”

***

Alabaster

I paced the dark, empty room, the shadows stretching and warping around me. It had been an hour since Elizabeth left, sixty painful minutes ticking away like a countdown to something irreversible. Heat surged from my chest as I expelled a deep breath, filled with regret and longing.

I shouldn’t have let her go. The thought gnawed at me, I should have just opened my mouth and told her that our time was fleeting. Hell, maybe I should have tied her up if it meant keeping her close. Stopping my restless pacing, I leaned against the wall, trying to collect my thoughts.

Fifteen. There were fifteen hours left before Lenore would come for me, a ticking clock I felt deep in my bones. We had already lost so much time, and if Elizabeth returned at the same moment as the last time she left for work, we would be left with just seven hours together. Not enough, not by far. Frustration bubbled in my chest like a boiling pot, and I couldn’t help but wonder: would the full twenty-four have been enough? Doubt clouded my mind; even after I held her, needing her, I didn’t want what little time we had to slip through my fingers like sand. I craved every moment, every whispered word, every second of shared pleasure.

Could I dream of a year, maybe more? The thought felt intoxicating, yet still painfully short. I couldn’t help but think how fragile human life was, flickering out like a candle, while I longed for an eternity.

“Fuck Lenore,” I muttered under my breath. I needed more time, and not just a little, an inexhaustible stretch of time.

With determination igniting within me, I spread my arms wide and tucked my wings tight to my back, feeling the air ripple around me, and closed my eyes. A dark cloak enveloped my form. There was no time to be cautious. I had to find Elizabeth, had to ask her for more time, for more of her. I had to ask her for eternity.

***

Elizabeth

I leaned on the checkout counter, my head buried in my hands. It was like another painfully slow day. Rain poured outside, deterring most people from emerging from their cozy homes, which left us without a single customer since I clocked in. Harvey was already in one of his moods, spending most of the morning sulking in his office, and now he had scurried off for an early lunch, leaving Miles and me in charge. Honestly, I was grateful to have arrived on time today. At least he couldn’t blame me for his bad mood.

“Oh!” Miles said, striding over with a broom and a full dust pan in hand, his voice a mix of excitement and relief. “They caught that home invader I was telling you about.”

“Oh yeah?” I replied, shivers crawling down my spine as I recalled the awful memory of his gruesome demise.

“Yeah,” Miles continued, leaning in closer, “They found his body in the river just outside the city. Police say he looked like he was attacked by an animal.”

“Huh…” I exhaled, letting out a short breath.

“He was definitely not a good guy, but I kind of feel bad for him,” Miles shrugged. “Just seems like a horrible way to go.”

It was a terrible way to meet his end, and Miles didn’t even know the half of it. I thought back to the gut-wrenching sensation I felt when he touched me, the memory churning my stomach. Who knew how many other women he had taken advantage of before? I felt a flicker of relief that he was gone, followed by an unexpected sigh of gratitude for Alabaster’s intervention.

Miles wandered back to the back room, emptying his dust pan.

A sudden tapping on the window startled me from my thoughts. I lifted my head.

“What the hell?” I exclaimed, eyes wide. It was Alabaster, his horns, and tail on full display, standing outside in the pouring rain, a playful smile stretched across his face as he waved.

“Everything alright?” Miles called from the back room.

“Uhh…” I stammered, scrambling for an excuse to keep Miles back there. “I just realized I forgot to fill my drawer.”

I scrambled to make the excuse sound believable.

“Can you grab me the key to the safe?” I yelled, hoping to buy time.

“Isn’t it usually under the counter?” he called back.

“Yes,” I answered, slipping the key into my pocket, “But I think Harvey moved it to his office. Can you check?”

A passerby lingered at the window, staring at Alabaster with wide eyes and clutching their chest. Meanwhile, Alabaster’s gaze remained locked on me, unwavering.

“Alright,” Miles yelled back.

In a rush, I ran around the counter and flung open the door, pulling Alabaster inside. I ushered him through the store and past the counters. Peeking around the corner I saw Miles rifling through Harvey’s desk drawers.

I gripped Alabaster’s hand tightly as I snuck him through the locker room. We reached the broom closet next to Harvey’s office, and I shoved him inside before closing the door behind me. It was a tight fit with both of us pressed together.

“This is cozy – and familiar,” Alabaster chuckled, adjusting his wings, which were restricted beneath a black cloak, in the cramped space.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed, keeping my voice hushed.

“I followed you,” he said, grinning. “Well, rather, followed your scent, which was quite tricky in all this rain.”

I raised my hand to hush him. “I told you I’d be back soon!”

“But you were taking too long,” he responded, cupping my face in his hands. I felt a wave of his warmth and hesitated.

“I can’t find it!” Miles shouted from the other room.

“Keep looking!” I called back. “I’m sure it’s in there!”

“Are you in the broom closet?” His voice had a hint of confusion.

“No!” I yelled, “Well… yes. I decided to look for it in here.”

Alabaster leaned in, and pressed his lips against mine. A shiver sparked through me, and my mind felt hazy. I tried to pull away, but he held me firmly.

“Alabaster!” I whispered, frustration tinged with desire in my voice. He simply smiled down at me. “I really…”

I placed my hand on his chest, feeling the heat radiating from him. “I can’t. Not now. I’m working.”

“Then stop working,” he said softly, his eyes shining with intensity. “Spend the day with me.”

He pressed another kiss to my lips, and I momentarily closed my eyes, leaning into him. He was so persuasive; I began to contemplate the consequences of leaving my shift early.

“Lizzy?” Miles called again.

Alabaster turned his head toward the door, annoyance etched on his face.

“One second!” I called back, anxiety bubbling.

“I have to go,” I said, turning to Alabaster.

“I will follow,” he replied, his smile unwavering.

“No, you can’t,” I insisted, gesturing toward his striking features.

“You’d frighten people,” I added, tracing my fingers along one of his horns, appreciating its rough texture. “Normal people don’t even know your kind exists.”

“That’s not a problem,” he said, releasing my face from his grip. He took a deep breath and spread his arms as wide as he could in the cramped closet. In an instant, his extraordinary features began to melt away, wings, horns, and tail disintegrated into dust, claws retracting into his skin, the vibrant glow from his eyes dimming. Aside from the pale hue of his hair, he looked fairly human.

I blinked at him, wide-eyed.

“What do you think?” he asked, a playful grin on his face.

Still in shock, I responded, “I didn’t know you could do that.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he said, the grin deepening. “This is just one of three forms I have. We see it as the lowest one. I also have my usual form, and my highest form.”

“What does the highest form look like?” My curiosity soared.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “It’s my true Demonic form,” he whispered. “It’s beyond anything you humans have ever seen before. It would most certainly terrify you.”

“Can I see it?” I asked eagerly.

“Absolutely not.” He said with a frown. “It’s more than just my body that changes. My mind does as well. That form will only follow my most primal desires. I could devour dozens of people, if I’m not careful.”

A shiver rolled through me. I craved to see his true form, but I knew that satisfying my curiosity wasn’t worth the potential danger. I studied him again.

“Alright,” I sighed. I opened the closet door, peering around cautiously.

“Come on,” I ordered, taking his hand and pulling him down toward the main floor. He followed quietly, his presence both comforting and exhilarating.

“Um… Lizzy?” Miles said just as we approached the door.

Shit.

I turned around slowly, a knot tightening in my stomach. He stood there, staring at us with a bewildered expression.

“Lizzy?” Alabaster echoed, turning to me, confusion written all over his face.

“Who’s this?” Miles asked, his brows furrowed in intrigue tinged with suspicion.

“Oh,” I took a heavy breath, my mind racing. “This is just my friend, Al… abaster…”

“Who’s this?” Alabaster asked, his tone darkening as he shifted his focus to Miles. His grip on my hand tightened, and I felt warmth radiating dangerously from him.

“He’s my coworker,” I explained quickly, holding onto Alabaster’s hand, as if to ground both him and me.

“Why is he here?” Miles asked, confusion still clouding his eyes.

“Umm…” I stuttered, operating on instinct. “He just came to-”

“I came to pick her up,” Alabaster interjected, his voice booming through the cramped space.

“The shop doesn’t close for another several hours,” Miles replied suspiciously, his eyes narrowing at Alabaster.

“Which is what I was just telling my friend,” I quickly added, trying to regain control. “You can stay in the shop until my shift is done.”

Alabaster huffed, pulling me to his side like a protective shield.

“What the hell is going on here?” a booming voice yelled from behind us.

Fuck.

I turned to see Harvey, face flushed and arms crossed, a storm brewing in his expression. He looked ready to explode with every word.

“I leave for ten minutes, and no one’s manning the cash register while a stranger is in my back room, and my only two employees are back here doing fuck-all!” With each word, his face flushed an even deeper shade of red.

Alabaster faced him, a slight smile creeping onto his lips as he moved closer.

“Who the fuck are you?” Harvey thundered.

Alabaster dropped my hand and approached Harvey, steadily lowering himself to be eye to eye with the stout man.

“And what is your name?” Alabaster asked, peering into Harvey’s eyes, who abruptly froze, mouth agape.

“H-Harvey,” he stuttered, clearly unable to break the unyielding eye contact.

“You’re Elizabeth’s boss, right?” Alabaster inquired.

Harvey simply nodded, still captive in Alabaster’s gaze.

“It’s been a long time,” Alabaster said, leaning in closer without blinking. “We’re old friends. I’m here to pick up Elizabeth. She told you earlier.”

A moment stretched out into eternity, the air thick with tension. Harvey stared blankly at Alabaster, as if he had completely lost his mind. Slowly, a smile broke across Harvey’s face.

“Alabaster!” he exclaimed, suddenly warm and welcoming as he opened his arms, wrapping them around Alabaster’s hulking figure. “I’m so sorry, I had completely forgotten!”

I shot a look back at Miles, whose expression mirrored my confusion.

“It happens,” Alabaster replied, unwinding Harvey’s embrace with a polite smile.

“Are we good to go?” Alabaster asked, gesturing toward me.

“Of course, of course!” Harvey agreed, stepping aside.

“What about my shift?” I asked, glancing between Alabaster and Harvey, uncertainty creeping in. “I can’t leave Miles alone.”

“I’ll cover the register,” Harvey reassured me, approaching to place a hand on my back, ushering me toward the door. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

Alabaster took my arm and pulled me toward the exit, grabbing my jacket on the way out.

“You two have fun now!” Harvey called after us, his voice fading as we stepped into the rain-soaked world outside the bookshop.

***

“What was that?” I asked as Alabaster and I walked down the street, dodging puddles that shimmered under the city lights.

“Another one of my gifts,” he replied, a sly smile creeping onto his face.

“I didn’t know Demons could control minds,” I said, pulling my jacket tighter around me as a breeze cut through the air.

“It only works on… more weak-minded individuals,” he explained, his tone casual yet intriguing.

“Have you ever used it on me?” I inquired, curiosity bubbling within me.

Alabaster stopped in his tracks, his expression shifting to something serious.

“No,” he said firmly, “But I suspect it wouldn’t work on you.”

A smile tugged at my lips for a brief moment before the loud rumbling of my stomach broke the tension between us.

“Are you hungry?” Alabaster asked, his curious smile returning.

I realized I had skipped breakfast and hastily left for work without lunch. In fact, I hadn’t truly had a proper meal since Alabaster had arrived.

“I’m starving,” I admitted with a frown.

“We should find you something to eat,” he suggested, grabbing my hand and pulling me down the sidewalk.

The street Harvey’s was on was quiet but things soon began to pick up as we navigated toward the busy city center. The lights of the city glimmered in the puddles, reflections dancing in time with the upbeat music and car horns that created a backdrop for our outing.

“There,” Alabaster pointed ahead. He directed me toward an extravagant Italian restaurant nestled at the bottom floor of a grand hotel. I had walked past it countless times on my lunch breaks, always too intimidated to step inside due to its apparent exclusivity.

“Not there,” I protested, pulling back, the restaurant clearly far out of my budget. “I can’t afford it.”

I met his soft gaze, confusion washing over me as he gently tugged me closer to the entrance.

“It’s no problem,” he said, his voice soothing.

I stared at him curiously as he gently pulled me closer to the restaurant. He seemed so much softer than he had before. Not just in his appearance, but in his actions and mannerisms as well. I wondered if his more human form, his ‘lowest’ form too affected his mind like his ‘highest’ form.

As we entered the dimly lit restaurant, we were instantly enveloped by a symphony of scents, roasted garlic mingling with fragrant herbs, and the sweet aroma of desserts swirling through the air, teasing our senses. The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the room, casting warm shadows that highlighted the elegant décor. I found myself drawn to the paintings that adorned the walls, each telling a story that felt as rich as the fine cuisine being prepared just behind the kitchen doors. The hushed murmurs of patrons savoring their meals intertwined with the delicate clinking of crystal glasses, creating an enchanting atmosphere that filled me with a mix of nervousness and thrill.

The hostess behind a small podium eyed us with an air of scrutiny.

“Can I help you?” she asked, her tone unwelcoming. Her gaze flicked back and forth between Alabaster and me. Soaked from the rain, Alabaster in his cloak and me in my worn jacket and work uniform, we clearly didn’t belong, and she was acutely aware of that.

Her eyes flitted to Alabaster’s face, and I caught the slightest hint of a blush on her cheeks.

Alabaster stepped closer to her podium, leaning in with a charm that seemed to radiate from him.

“I was wondering if we could get a table,” he said, his relaxed demeanor contrasting with the tension in the air.

“I-I’m sorry, we’re all full for the night,” the woman stuttered, clutching a menu to her chest.

“I’m sure you have something available,” Alabaster pressed, gazing deeply into her eyes.

“Well…” she breathed, her voice faltering. “There are the VIP booths, but those are only available for special guests.”

“That’s perfect,” he interrupted confidently, tapping his hand lightly on the podium. “We’ll take one.”

“I’m sorry sir, but they’re not open to the public. You’d have to get permission from the owner if you… wanted…” Her words trailed off as Alabaster’s gaze seemed to capture her.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured, speaking in a soft, calming tone. “The owner and I go way back; we already got permission.”

For a brief moment, she looked confused, a cloud of uncertainty passing over her face before her frown softened as if lost in thought.

“Of course,” she said, her voice airy now. “I can’t believe it slipped my mind. Please follow me.”

She led us down a path to the back of the restaurant, past thick velvet curtains. The hall was silent except for the soft music that enveloped us. When she pulled back one of the curtains, we were greeted with an ornate U-shaped booth surrounding a deep mahogany table. A breathtaking bouquet of flowers sat in a sparkling crystal vase, their colors a vibrant contrast against the polished wood. A gasp escaped my throat as the sight washed over me; I hadn’t experienced such a level of luxury since serving at the castle, and I certainly had never been on the receiving end of it.

The hostess placed the menus on the table as I scooted into the booth, Alabaster sliding in close beside me. The ambiance wrapped around us like a warm blanket, and for the first time in a while, I felt a flicker of excitement for what lay ahead.

***

Alabaster sat silently beside me, slowly sipping on a glass of wine. I had ordered a creamy pasta, which turned out to be absolutely delicious; the flavors danced on my tongue, and I only wished I had stopped to savor it more, but my hunger had driven me to practically scarf it down.

Alabaster turned to look at me with a curious expression in his eyes.

“What is it?” I asked, staring back at him.

He held my gaze for a long moment, a hint of something unspoken lingering between us. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers gently twirling a lock of my hair.

“I want to ask you something,” he said, lowering his eyes, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Anything,” I replied, scooting closer to him, feeling the warmth radiating off his body.

He took a deep breath, sliding his hand down to my neck and pulling me in closer. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on the side of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. My heartbeat began to quicken. He slid his hands down my sides, gripping my waist tight.

He kissed my neck again, his lips warm against my skin. I closed my eyes, tilting my head, my fingers clutching his arms tightly. Without warning, I felt a sharp pain as he sunk his fangs into me. A soft cry escaped my lips before I covered my mouth with my hand, trying not to draw any unwanted attention to our booth.

He wrapped his arms around me tightly, pulling me into an embrace as he feverishly drank from me. His fangs felt like shards of ice in my skin, sending pain radiating through my body, tempered only by the warmth of his presence. He held me tightly to his chest, drawing my essence into him.

My mind reeled. The last time he had done this, I had offered myself to him in desperation. I was angry and scared then, but now I felt a strange comfort in his actions. I knew he craved my blood; for some reason, it was desirable for him, and in that acceptance, I relished.

As my mind grew fuzzy, my body began to feel weak. I leaned into him, resting my forehead against his shoulder. And just like that, he withdrew his fangs. I felt his soft tongue on my neck, and the pain soon subsided, replaced by a lingering warmth.

He placed his hands on either side of my face and lifted my head gently. Slowly, I blinked my eyes open. He had returned to his usual form, horns, wings, claws, and all. I smiled at the sight of him.

“You are exquisite,” he said, holding me tightly. He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine, sending chills down my spine. I placed my hands on his, and he gently stroked my cheeks with his thumbs.

He broke our kiss but kept his face close to mine.

“I feel very strongly about you, Elizabeth,” he said. “I don’t want you to leave my side.”

I nodded, biting my lip in uncertainty.

“I want you to stay with me,” he whispered, his words dripping like honey. He leaned in, kissing me again. I ran my fingers through his silky hair, feeling intoxicated by his touch. He pulled away, still holding me close, and the realization of how much I longed for him hit me like a wave.

“But I have to leave,” he said, his tone somber. My heart sank.

“Why?” I asked, dread creeping into my voice.

“I have a problem I need to take care of,” he said, tightening his grip around me. “But as soon as I’m finished, I promise I’ll be back.”

“When are you leaving?” I asked, anxiety gathering in my chest.

“Tonight,” he replied, the solemnity of his response wrapping around me like a heavy shroud. My body felt numb, as if someone had stripped me of all joy.

“There are several things that I want to do first,” he said, leaning in close. “A few things that I want to ask you.”

“Ask me anything,” I encouraged, my heart racing.

Suddenly, he pulled me in for another kiss, parting my lips with his as if conveying a thousand unspoken words. I gasped softly as his snake-like tongue entered my mouth, entwining with mine; heat surged within me as he gripped the back of my hair tightly. I took his hand and placed it on my chest, yearning for his touch, needing it. He complied, squeezing me tightly in his hands. He brought both hands to the front of my shirt and tore it open, sending several of my buttons flying across the booth, and exposing my chest before him.

He took hold of my chest with both hands, sending jolts of pleasure coursing through me as the kiss deepened, spiraling into a whirlwind of desire.

He broke away, leaning his forehead against the nape of my neck, continuing to massage my chest with firm tenderness.

“Do you want to stay with me?” he asked, his voice low and alluring.

“Yes,” I said without hesitation.

“Forever?” He pressed, planting gentle kisses along my neck, flicking his tongue against my skin.

“Yes,” I breathed, feeling myself melt into him.

“Will you give me your virginity?” he posed, his voice compelling. “Right now?”

A sudden pang of nervousness twisted in my stomach. Right now? In this restaurant?

I hesitated, though my longing was undeniable.

“Yes,” I replied after a moment, my resolve crumbling beneath the fire igniting within me.

He planted another kiss on my lips.

“Good,” he said with a smile. “But there’s something I want from you first, something that will ensure we are together forever.”

“Anything,” I said, enthralled by his presence, my body aflame with anticipation. The pounding of my heart grew louder, drowning out my thoughts.

He leaned in close to my ear and whispered a proposal that sent a chill creeping up my spine, freezing me in place as I took in his words.

“Sell me your soul.”

I felt my world shatter into a million pieces.

“What?” I yelled, pushing his hands off of me as panic surged through me. I scooted back in the booth, putting distance between us, my mind racing.

“It wouldn’t be the same as your last contract,” he insisted, moving closer. “And it would make it so we wouldn’t have to truly be apart.”

“Was this your plan all along?” I accused, my body beginning to tremble. “To make me fall in love with you and then lock me into a life of servitude again?”

“No,” he said, furrowing his brows. “It wouldn’t be like that. We would, in a way, become soulmates.”

He reached his hand toward me, but I instinctively pushed it away, my heart racing in defiance.

“No!” I yelled, my voice rising like an alarm. “I won my freedom! I don’t care what you choose to call it. I won’t give up my soul. Not to be your servant, pet, or soulmate!”

“Elizabeth, listen to me!” Alabaster shouted back, desperation lacing his tone. “I’m not asking you to be my servant!”

“I don’t care!” I shot back, resolve hardening within me. “I won’t do it.”

Throwing on my jacket, I zipped it over my torn shirt, my heart pounding like a war drum.

“Don’t!” he yelled, grabbing my arm as I tried to leave the booth.

I pulled my arm back, a fire igniting in my chest. I felt angry, hurt, and utterly overwhelmed. “Just leave me alone.”

I threw open the curtains and bolted from the booth, hearing a crashing sound behind me as I ran down the hall, escaping into the world beyond. I quickly exited the restaurant, racing through the confused stares of several patrons.

I broke into the street, only stopping once the restaurant was out of my sight. The sun was sinking low, and heavy rain pelted down around me. I stood alone in the downpour, gasping for breath, my heartbeat practically pounding through my chest. My thoughts felt frayed and chaotic.

Why had I let this go so far? He was a Demon, after all. Of course, he was only after my soul.

Tears began to slide down my cheeks, mingling with the cold rain. I bit my lip, but the sobs escaped my throat uncontrollably.

No matter what I felt for him, or how strong those feelings were, I wouldn’t allow myself to be owned by a Demon. Not ever again.

***

Alabaster

I slammed my fist onto the table, causing it to split in two with a resounding crack. The flower vase teetered precariously before plummeting to the floor, shattering into countless shards.

“Fuck!” I yelled in frustration, the sound echoing through the now-silent room. Why wouldn’t she just listen to me? I wanted to hurt her, to punish her for running off like that, but deep down, I also wanted to punish myself. I couldn’t explain myself properly; the right words eluded me like smoke slipping through my fingers. I didn’t want her as a pet or a servant; I just wanted her to remain by my side, forever.

“Sir, is everything alright?” A voice called from the periphery. The hostess peeked behind the curtain, her eyes widening in horror as they locked onto mine. She let out a shrill scream, backing up so quickly that she tripped over her own feet and tumbled to the ground.

“Please don’t hurt me!” she cried, panic lacing her tone as I stood from the booth, fury boiling just beneath the surface. Steam rolled off my skin like smoke from a fire, and in one decisive movement, I shed my cloak and stretched my wings wide, feeling the power coursing through me. The woman let out another terrified scream at the sight of my outstretched wings.

I stepped over her, moving toward the front door with purpose. The other guests, drawn by the commotion, turned in unison, their faces contorted in fear. Gasps and cries erupted as I made my way through the main dining area. A few of them stood from their seats, desperately trying to beat me to the door, but I didn’t care about them. I didn’t care about anyone else. My mind only wanted one thing: Elizabeth. I needed to find her before it was too late.

***

Elizabeth

I sat on a swing in a small park resting on the outskirts of the city. The rain continued to pour down, soaking through my clothes, each drop hitting me like a reminder of everything I wanted to escape. The sun had set, leaving the park shrouded in darkness, save for a single flickering lamp that cast sporadic shadows.

I let out a deep sigh, the weight of my thoughts heavy on my shoulders. I didn’t want to return to my apartment; the thought of Alabaster waiting there twisted my stomach. No, I didn’t want to see him, not tonight, maybe not ever again. I wanted him, more than anything else in the world, but the cost was too high; I couldn’t give up my hard-won freedom, not after everything I had built for myself. Why couldn’t he take me as I was? Why did he need my soul to stay with me? Why wasn’t I enough?

I wiped the tears from my eyes with my sleeve, but it didn’t help since it was already soaked.

“A soul is a very powerful thing.” A dark voice cut through the patter of rain.

My head snapped up. Before me, under the dim light, stood a menacing figure with tall, sharp horns and long wings that dripped with moisture. My breath caught in my throat as I gaped at the specter. Panic surged through me, sharp and suffocating, like I was suddenly drowning in my own chaotic thoughts.

“I would know,” she breathed, the air thick with an unearthly chill.

“Mistress?” I whispered, my shaky voice barely escaping my throat, squinting through the relentless rain that blurred my vision.

“No,” the figure replied flatly, stepping into the light. She resembled the Mistress, but her skin was a dim shade of green, adorned with lavish black beads and drapes of silk fabric that clung to her body in the downpour.

I remembered her, the judge who had visited the castle just weeks before everything fell apart.

“What do you want?” I managed to ask, pushing myself up from the swing, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged bird desperate for escape.

“I’m just here to knock some sense into an old friend,” she said with a knowing smile that sent chills down my spine.

“I’m sorry,” she continued, taking a step closer. I instinctively took one back, a shiver of instinct warning me to be wary. “Time’s almost up.”

In the blink of an eye, she was on me, faster than I could comprehend. A sharp pain struck the side of my head, and the world around me swirled into a vortex of darkness, engulfing me in a chilling silence.

***

Alabaster

I flew through the air, soaring high above the city, desperately trying to catch Elizabeth’s scent on the wind.

“Where the hell has she gone?” I remarked, my eyes scanning over the bright lights that twinkled like distant stars against the backdrop of the night.

Suddenly, I caught a whiff, a sweet and familiar smell that sent a cold chill running through my core. Blood. Elizabeth’s blood.

Panic tightened in my chest as I dove down, landing hard on my knees in the center of a small park. I sniffed the air intently; she had been here very recently.

With urgency, I walked over to the rickety swing set, which gently swayed in the rainy wind, its creaks echoing the tension in my heart. I bent down to inspect the puddle that had formed below the seat, the water rippling slightly as raindrops fell. It smelled of Elizabeth’s blood mingling with the earth. Just a few drops had mixed in with the water, a horrifying indication of her presence. Along with her blood, I detected an elegant, perfumey scent – something floral and sharp. Lenore.

“Where the fuck are you?” I yelled into the darkness, convinced that she was listening. There was a brief pause, broken only by the sound of rain softly drumming against the ground.

“You know where I am.” Her voice rang out inside my head, cold and taunting.

I spread my wings, feeling the power surge through me, awakening every instinct. I took to the sky, urgency propelling me forward. She was right, I knew where she would be. She had taken Elizabeth back. Back to where it had all ended.

Chapter Ten: Soul Mates

I awoke to a cold chill on my body. My hands were restrained uncomfortably above my head, and my back pressed against a cold stone wall. My eyes fluttered open, greeted by sharp pain stabbing at the side of my head, pulsing through my entire body.

As my eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light, the furniture and space began to reveal themselves, each object drenched in an eerie familiarity.

“No…” I cried out, trouble rising in my chest as I recognized the surroundings. A cold shiver crept up my spine, and my breath quickened. I was back. Back in the castle. Back in the very bedroom where I had spent the last harrowing day of my servitude. The room looked worn, enveloped in a thick layer of dust from three years of neglect, mirroring the torment still etched in my memory.

Tears began to well uncontrollably in my eyes, streaming down my cheeks as flashes of the other servants’ lifeless bodies invaded my thoughts. I had promised myself to never return, no matter the circumstances. Yet here I was, as hopeless as I had felt on that fateful final day.

“I’m glad you’re awake,” a voice called from the other side of the room. My eyes darted toward the sound and found her – the judge – standing in the corner, gazing intently into the floor-length mirror opposite her. She wore a sheer red dress flowing gracefully to the floor, hugging her curves while elegantly hinting at the bare body beneath.

“This is marvelous,” she said, running her hands up the delicate fabric. “I wonder why you didn’t take anything with you when you left.”

She turned to me, a smile playing on her lips, but her icy demeanor sent chills down my spine.

“What do you want from me?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling and weak.

“Nothing,” she replied, gliding toward me with an unsettling grace. “It’s Alabaster I want. I suspect he will come for you.”

As she approached, she reached out a hand, placing it against my cheek. It was surprisingly cold.

“If he hadn’t been such a fool, I would have no need for you at all. I truly am sorry,” she sighed heavily. “He should be here any minute.”

“So strange,” she remarked softly to herself.

“What is?” I asked, desperation creeping into my tone, but she offered no answer. Her black eyes roamed over me, scrutinizing. Suddenly, she turned to glance over her shoulder. Her fingers brushed along my skin, an unexpected heat spreading momentarily before she removed her hand.

“You’re right on time,” she said, a wicked smile creeping onto her face. Steam began to rise from Alabaster’s skin as he emerged from the shadows, a dark look marring his features. I hadn’t even seen him enter, yet there he stood.

“Alaba-” I called out, but her hand clamped around my mouth, stifling my cry. I let out a muffled scream as her touch seared my skin, her hand now burning hot.

“Let her go, Lenore,” Alabaster thundered.

The judge just laughed, the sound echoing eerily in the dim room.

“We can settle whatever the issue is between us alone. She has nothing to do with this,” he asserted, flicking his gaze between us.

“No. She has everything to do with it,” she retorted vehemently. Lenore released my mouth and began to circle him, her tail whipping around his legs.

“With a human, Alabaster? Really?” she hissed, her brows knitting together in a mixture of anger and confusion. He swung at her, reaching out with his sharp claws, but she effortlessly dodged him, her expression unchanging.

“That’s not very nice,” she said, laughter lacing her voice. “You’ll never hit me, you know. I know everything you’ll do the moment you decide to act.”

He swung again, and again she effortlessly evaded him.

“Come now,” she teased. “Let’s get back to the task at hand.”

“Why does it matter to you?” Alabaster demanded, steam surging from his body with fury.

“Because why the fuck would you do this? After everything you went through. After Malachi.”

“Don’t!” Alabaster shouted, a raw intensity that shocked me with its ferocity. “You of all people don’t get to say that name, especially after what you did.”

“He broke the law; I simply intervened,” she said coolly, folding her arms as if proudly recounting an old tale.

“He was our friend,” Alabaster yelled back, pain evident in his voice.

“He was a fucking heretic!” Lenore shot back, her voice rising with rage. “He tainted his bloodline. He deserved the punishment he got, as do you.”

With a sudden flick of her wrist, Alabaster’s arm raised shakily at his side, as if a puppet bound by invisible strings.

“You’re insane!” he yelled, trying to pull his hand back down. “There’s no way you put that much of you inside me.”

“Don’t worry,” Lenore said with a manic smile, “I’ll get it back, one way or another.”

She waved her hand, and Alabaster’s body moved toward me, slow, unsteady steps betraying his panic.

“What’s going on?” I yelled, grasping for understanding as my mind spun wildly.

“My dear,” Lenore said, her smile chilling. “You see, Alabaster and I are true soulmates.”

“Not by choice,” he interjected, terror flashing across his face as he approached.

“I heard his little offer to you, but unfortunately, that position has already been filled. You see,” she continued with a grin, “I could see and hear everything you two did after his return.”

A wave of shame slammed into me. She had been watching during all those intimate moments? I felt exposed, vulnerable, as if every secret had been laid bare.

“So, believe me when I say this: I know you must die. And by his hand specifically.” She stepped forward as Alabaster finally reached me. “I will not have him make the same mistake Malachi made.”

Lenore placed a knife in his trembling hand, the same blade the Mistress had plunged into me three years ago. “So I will guide his hand.”

Lenore turned her gaze to me, her expression softening momentarily. “For whatever reason, he has been too weak to take your life.”

Alabaster’s expression mirrored my own dread as he stared into my eyes.

Lenore looked at me with a frown. “I’m sorry dear.”

Lenore and Alabaster raised their hands simultaneously, Lenore the puppet master pulling the strings. Alabaster held the knife high above my head, his hands unsteady.

“I’m so sorry, Elizabeth,” he murmured.

Lenore smiled, bringing her arm down in a swift stabbing motion, her body a conductor in this malevolent symphony. Alabaster followed, bringing the knife down to my head.

I watched as the blade came down to me. I refused to close my eyes. But, just inches before it could slice into my skull, it stopped.

Alabaster let out a surprised gasp, his eyes wide with shock. Lenore looked up at the two of us, confusion etched on her face.

She swung again, Alabaster forced to follow her movements. He swung the blade at the side of my face. It stopped again, right before it hit my skin, almost like it had hit an invisible wall that prevented it from slicing through me. Lenore’s eyes flickered from me to Alabaster.

“Holy shit.” She took a step back, realization dawning upon her as she looked between us. “I thought you were just being weak, but this isn’t you.”

With an intensity that rocked the room, she glanced back at me, eyes wide and suddenly knowing. “You have him bound.”

As Alabaster swung the knife again, this time directed at Lenore, she leaped back, evading effortlessly, laughter spilling from her lips.

“I told you, you won’t be able to hit me.”

“This is between us, Lenore,” he growled. “Leave Elizabeth out of it.”

“You have made her part of this,” Lenore scoffed, her laughter ringing bitterly. “You want to make her your soulmate? That’s a fucking joke.”

“What did I do to you, Lenore?” Alabaster pressed, swinging toward her again. “Why do you hate me so much?”

“Because I was right there!” Lenore screamed, an edge of insanity in her voice. “I was right there, and you chose to marry that stuck-up noble for protection.”

He unleashed a roar of anger: “You betrayed me! You sent me to be executed!”

“I would have never let it get that far!” she shrieked back, fury bubbling between them.

Alabaster, seething, dropped the knife and stretched out his sharp claws, but she caught both of his wrists with a swift motion.

“And so I rescued you again,” she said darkly, gesturing at me. “Dug you up from the hole that thing put you in, and you want to make her your soulmate?”

She laughed maniacally, her eyes glinting with madness.

“We’re already halfway there,” Lenore said, releasing his wrists and raising her arms high, his arms mirroring her movements, compelled to dance against his will.

“I just need a little bit of you.” With one hand, she pressed against his chest, pulling back as if grasping some invisible thread from his core.

As she did so, darkness began to seep from him—a swirling black mist, more like the absence of light than anything tangible, filling the charged room. So black, it almost looked impossible, like seeing a new color for the first time. Alabaster’s body slumped, his eyelids fluttering as he fought against the pull.

“Stop!” I cried suddenly, finding my voice within the chaos. “What are you doing to him?”

Lenore turned sharply toward me, the black smoke halting its flow, swirling instead in a ball above her palm. She let her other hand drop, and Alabaster crumpled to the ground, eyes wide, gasping for air. I would have almost thought he was dead if not for the speed of his frantic breathing.

“Don’t worry,” she cooed, stepping cautiously toward me. “I’m not going to hurt him.”

Alabaster lay still on the floor, teetering on delirium.

She regarded the black orb in her hand, then looked back at him with malevolent glee. “We are almost ready to be one. But I need to take care of your pet first.”

She bent down and picked up the knife. With it gripped firmly in her hand, she approached me. She leaned close to me, and pressed the blade threateningly against my throat.

“No,” Alabaster groaned weakly, trying to reach for us.

“It’s nothing personal,” she whispered, her voice cold and calculating. “You’re just in the way.”

Without hesitation, she sliced the knife across my throat. Pain ignited as I felt my life pour out in a crimson waterfall, cascading down my body to the floor, sharp and hot like fire.

Suddenly, a crushing darkness engulfed me, my body feeling weighted, succumbing to a heavy exhaustion. My head drooped; my eyelids fluttered closed, and as consciousness flickered, I struggled to call out to Alabaster—only to be dragged into an abyss of nothingness.

***

Alabaster

She sliced through Elizabeth’s throat in one quick motion, causing blood to spill from the open wound. I felt a deep chill in my body, like my core had completely frozen over. I reached out toward her, but I was too weak to stand. She had taken too much from me.

“Don’t worry, darling,” she said in a bright voice. “I’ll fix you right up.”

She clutched the ball, the fragment of my soul, in her hand and pushed it into her chest. Emotions hit me like a tidal wave, and I instantly felt her. She was angry, furious, but elated that her plan had finally worked. She would have me, and now with our unbreakable connection, we would remain a part of each other forever. The only way to break the connection was for one of us to perish, but with the amount of my soul she had taken, and the portion of hers that she had snuck into me, we knew clearly what each other was thinking.

I looked over at Elizabeth; her head hung low as the last bits of blood slowly dripped to the ground. Fuck. A part of me hoped that she would wake up and slice through Lenore like she had done with the Mistress and me three years ago. But last time hadn’t taken this long.

“Don’t worry,” Lenore said, reaching over to Elizabeth. She took a handful of Elizabeth’s hair in her hand and lifted her head gently. I could practically feel her soft curls in my fingers. “I’m sure you’ll come to forgive me.”

“Stand.” She commanded, reaching her hand toward me. My body betrayed me, obeying her every word. I slowly made my way to my feet, but I couldn’t feel my limbs; my own soul was too weak. I could only feel her, pulsing inside of me, puppeteering my body.

“You’ll come to realize this was a good thing. I will pardon you of all of your crimes, as long as you remain by my side.”

I shut my eyes, not wanting to look at her. My core felt like ice. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of loving her. No matter how hard she tried, I would never stop fighting against her, no matter how strong her influence was. She didn’t deserve satisfaction for what she took from me.

A soft rattle of chains caught my attention. My eyes shot open and I looked towards Elizabeth. She was stirring, her body swaying ever so slightly.

“Elizabeth!” I yelled, and she lifted her head in response, her eyes still shut tight. The wound on her neck had stopped bleeding, and there was a long gash across her skin that allowed me to see deep into the flesh of her throat. She shouldn’t be alive. There was no way she could have survived that.

Her eyes snapped open, revealing two milky white orbs. I felt a pit of nervousness in my stomach, remembering those eyes when she first tore me apart. What the hell was she?

“What the fuck?” Lenore exclaimed. She examined Elizabeth for a moment, and then Elizabeth’s head snapped toward her. Lenore raised her knife above her head and brought it down toward Elizabeth. But the knife stopped just before it reached her, frozen mid-air as if held back by an unseen force. Lenore’s eyes widened in disbelief.

I let out a hoarse laugh.

In stealing a piece of my soul, Lenore had apparently inherited my inability to kill Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked at Lenore like a feral animal, revealing sharp fangs not unlike my own. Lenore bared her own fangs in response.

In an instant, Elizabeth broke out of her chains, pulling the metal apart like it was paper. Her fingers sprouted sharp claws, and she crouched low like a cat, ready to pounce. Lenore flapped her wings, pulling herself several feet back in a desperate attempt to escape, but Elizabeth was on her in a flash.

Lenore let out a shrill scream as Elizabeth’s claws tore into her flesh. I immediately clutched at my own body, feeling her pain as clear as day. Elizabeth clawed and bit into her, sending a spray of black blood across the room.

I fell to my knees, feeling the agony of my chest being ripped apart. I pressed my forehead against the stone floor, digging my claws into it as the pain became excruciating. In the back of my eyes, I could see Elizabeth’s face, wild and ravenous. I felt the panic flowing through Lenore’s body as she desperately tried to escape.

Lenore broke free for a brief moment, and attempted to crawl away, but Elizabeth grabbed hold of her, and dragged her back, leaving a tail of black blood across the stone floor. She reached for me, a look of desperation in her eyes. I could barely manage a smile through the pain. I gritted my teeth as I felt each of my limbs being torn off one by one.

And then, in the blink of an eye, it all faded. She was silent.

I looked up. Lenore’s body lay in pieces on the ground, her eyes frozen wide with horror. She wasn’t dead, just ‘decommissioned’ as I had been when Elizabeth tore me apart. She no longer felt, which meant I no longer felt her. I knew if she were to be put back together, our forced connection would reignite again.

My eyes trailed up to Elizabeth, who was standing over her body, breathing in rapid succession. She clenched her fists tightly and shut her eyes. Her wounded neck slowly sealed itself, and the burn marks on her face, left by Lenore’s touch, faded as well.

“Elizabeth?” I said in a soft voice, but she didn’t seem to hear me.

I called her name again.

Unsteadily, Elizabeth took a couple of steps back, her wild breathing starting to calm as realization washed over her face. The feral glint in her eyes dimmed, replaced by a flicker of recognition.

She began to speak, but I ran to her, and wrapped my arms around her tightly. I had so many unanswered questions, and I’m sure she did as well. But she had just saved us from a grim fate at the hands of Lenore, and I wanted nothing more than to hold her, for as long as possible.