Chapter Eleven: Demons Don’t Love

“Elizabeth?” A voice called, shaking me awake. My eyes slowly fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light. I stared down at my hands, which were a sickly black, drenched in Demon blood. Piles of what used to be Lenore lay scattered around me, haunting remnants of a battle I couldn’t recall.

My chest felt heavy as my heart pounded violently within; it was as if I had just run a marathon. My limbs ached, each movement a reminder of the struggle, and my breath was heavy, coming in quick gasps.

I looked up, and Alabaster was staring at me with a mix of concern and curiosity from across the room.

“What-” I began, but before I could finish, he was suddenly in front of me. His arms wrapped tightly around me, cocooning me with his wings like a protective shield.

“What happened?” I asked, my whole body trembling in the aftermath of adrenaline and fear.

“You saved me,” he said, holding me even tighter, as if anchoring us both in this chaotic moment.

“Did I kill her?” I asked, wrapping my arms around him in a desperate attempt to ground myself.

“Yes.” His voice was low, tinged with somber understanding. A wave of dread washed over me; it had been three long years since I last entered that state. The blackouts were a complete mystery to me, mere shadows of memory that had been entirely erased.

Alabaster released me from his grip and pulled me to the side.

“You saved my life,” he reiterated, “and I owe you a great deal. But first, I have to burn her body.”

I nodded slowly, the reality of my actions sinking in.

He grabbed a candle from across the room and began moving the dismembered pieces of Lenore into one pile at the center.

I turned my head away, attempting to block out the memories from three years ago. I sank to the floor and tucked my knees into my chest, shutting my eyes tightly.

Before long, I could hear the cracking of the flames and feel the heat radiating toward me. Uneasy, I finally looked up to see Alabaster standing over the fire, the dark ball of smoke Lenore had pulled from his chest, swirling above his hand.

“What is that?” I asked, curiosity piquing despite the grim circumstances.

“My soul,” he said softly, his gaze fixed on the dark mass. “Or at least a piece of it anyway.”

I stared at the swirling, shadowy energy, captivated yet wary.

“When Lenore put me back together, she infused a piece of herself into me, and then, as you saw, she took this from me.” He glanced up at me. “In our world, the only thing equal to the value of a soul is another soul. That’s what it means to become soulmates—to sell each other one’s soul.”

“You want to put that inside of me?” I asked, my brow creasing with concern at the enormity of his offer.

“Not this much,” he said, returning his gaze to the ball. “Just a drop. It’s not a very common practice anymore since it’s completely irreversible. But yes, I would like to share this with you.”

I let out a deep breath; he truly did want forever with me.

Alabaster pressed the dark mass of smoke against his chest. It dissolved into his skin, and he let out a sigh of relief, as though a burden had been lifted.

“We have time now,” he said, looking over at me with a tender smile. “You can take your time.”

“Take me away from here,” I said, yearning for his warmth and presence to envelop me once more.

Without a word, Alabaster approached me and scooped me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, seeking solace in his embrace. With a powerful flap of his wings, he soared into the air, smashing through one of the massive stained glass windows, taking us out into the night sky, far from the chaos we had just escaped.

***

We landed in a small clearing, several miles from the castle, the moonlight shining down on a small pond nestled in the middle of tall grass. Alabaster set me down on the ground and looked out at the water.

“What are we doing here?” I asked, looking around. It was completely silent, aside from the gentle chirping of crickets. There was not another soul for miles.

Alabaster turned to the water, taking a moment before he spoke. “Take a swim with me,” he said, turning back to me, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Here?” I said, glancing around. “Now?”

“Yes,” he replied confidently, unbuckling his belt with an air of nonchalance. The moonlight reflected off his rippling chest, sculpted in shadow and light.

I took a deep breath, feeling my body heat up as he slid his pants down. I tried to keep my eyes from wandering, but I couldn’t help it. He was absolutely gorgeous. The way the moonlight shone on him made him look like a statue of a Greek god brought to life. His wings spread wide behind him, seeming to glow softly under the moon’s embrace.

He stared at me for a moment, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Join me when you’re ready,” he said, turning and heading for the water. Steam gently rose from his skin in the cool night air as he entered, the water lapping up around him like a warm embrace. It looked so refreshing.

I let out a deep breath as I stood up, kicking off my shoes, the grass cool against my feet. It was soft, almost like stepping on a cushion. I stared out at him, deep in the clear water. His broad shoulders shimmered under the moonlight, captivating me.

Taking another deep breath, I stepped forward, hesitating as I reached the edge of the water. He stood waist-high, his white hair slicked back, eyes fixed on the starry sky. Slowly, he turned to face me, his piercing gaze lingering on my toes before traveling upward, taking in every detail until they met my eyes again. I could feel a shift in the atmosphere; he wanted me to join him fully.

I inhaled deeply, my heart racing, and began to shed my layers. I slowly slid off my jacket and the remnants of my work uniform top, feeling his gaze on me the entire time. A chill ran through me as I unzipped my jeans, letting them drop to the ground before finally stepping out of my panties and taking a step forward into the cool night air.

His eyes examined my bare skin from head to toe and met my gaze, holding it with an intensity that made my skin tingle.

“Come here,” he mouthed, raising a hand from the azure water, inviting me closer.

My body moved before my mind could catch up; I walked into the ice-cold water, the shock of it sending goosebumps cascading across my body. I reached for him, and he grabbed my arm tightly, pulling me closer, his warmth radiating through the chill.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his chest, and there we stood, chest to chest in a longing embrace. He kissed the top of my head softly before lifting my chin toward him.

He stared down at me with those haunting, piercing eyes, and then pressed his lips firmly against mine. My heart raced as though I were experiencing it for the first time. I parted my lips, and his tongue entered my mouth, igniting a fire deep within me, drawing me further into the moment.

He placed his hand on the back of my head and gripped my hair. Pulling me in closer, he easily lifted me onto him. I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist and my arms around his torso. I could feel him, already hard, tenderly brushing against the back of my thigh.

We stayed lip locked for several minutes, drowning in the tranquil silence.

Suddenly he pulled away, unwrapping my legs, a smile teasing on his lips. I reached for him but he disappeared beneath the water’s crystal surface.

“Alabaster?” I called out, gazing down. He was so fast, how would I ever keep up with him? I gradually moved a little towards the center of the pond, where the water was deeper, and started treading. He was nowhere to be found.

“Alabaster?” I called again, a little louder. Suddenly I felt something brush against my thigh. I let out a short gasp. He spread my legs beneath the water, gripping my rear and pulling me closer to him. I squirmed as I felt something prodding between my legs, his finger.

He traced his finger around my slit, finally letting his curiosity get the better of him.

I reached into the dark water and grabbed ahold of his horns.

He pulled me closer to him, until his head was between my legs. I gripped his horns tightly in anticipation.

He placed gentle kisses on my inner thigh and one directly between my legs. I arched my back.

Finally he let his tongue explore me once again. His gentle yet needy movements made me bite my lip. He gripped me tighter and pulled me closer, his tongue’s movements becoming more feverish and hungry. I let a moan escape from my lips but quickly clamped my hand over my mouth. As soon as I did, I realized there was no reason for me to try to be quiet. We were alone. Probably the only two people for miles.

I relaxed my body a bit and allowed myself to melt into him. The moment I did, he shot out of the water, lifting me effortlessly onto his shoulders, his head unmoving from its position between my legs.

I let out a gasp as I peered out at the clearing from my elevated position. The moonlight glimmered off waves of grass that looked like an ocean, each blade swaying gently in the night breeze. It was beautiful.

As he carried me, I felt the coolness of the water running off my skin, a stark contrast to his warm skin. Alabaster entered me with his tongue, sending shockwaves of pleasure through my body. I gripped his horns tighter, feeling their strength beneath my fingertips, and shut my eyes to fully embrace the sensations.

He gently placed me down onto the soft grass, the earth cool beneath me, alive with the gentle sound of the wind. Leaning over me, he positioned his body between my legs, his eyes locked onto mine, filled with an intensity that took my breath away.

I glanced down for a moment, he was rock hard, his cock dangerously close to entering me.

He ran his hands up my thighs, his fingers exploring the soft skin and sending shivers down my spine. As he moved gently up my torso, he squeezed my chest softly, his warmth enveloping me. His hands were already burning hot, igniting a feeling that coursed through me like electricity, but the coolness of the water droplets on our skin helped. I couldn’t help but wonder if this had been his plan.

He let out a deep breath, a low sound that resonated in the quiet space between us, and cocked his head slightly, his eyes tracing over me.

“I’m going to fuck you Elizabeth.” He said with a smile. “Would you like that?”

“Yes,” I said, my chest tight with anticipation, but I couldn’t help the massive pit of nerves swirling in my stomach. I could feel butterflies fluttering wildly.

“I want you to ask me nicely,” he said, teasing my nipples with his fingers, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. The soft warmth of his breath sent shivers down my spine.

“Please,” I begged, biting my lip as he leaned over me, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“Please?” he said, raising an eyebrow in mock disbelief.

“Please fuck me,” I breathed, my heart racing. The moonlight cascaded over him, making his white hair glisten like freshly fallen snow, the drops of water dotting his skin looking like tiny sparkling diamonds against his flawless complexion.

He leaned into me, his warmth radiating against my chest like a heater.

“It’s going to hurt,” he said, his voice soft, laced with a hint of concern. “A lot. I could take that pain away from you, if we were soulmates.”

I considered his words, letting them hang heavy in the air as I took several deep breaths, each more deliberate than the last.

“I want to feel it,” I said, my voice steady but filled with yearning. “I want to feel you, all of you.”

In response, he leaned in closer and kissed me, his snake-like tongue exploring my mouth with a strong intensity. He gently brushed his hand against my inner thigh, slowly spreading my legs apart, sending sparks of electricity through my veins. He leaned in further, stirring a primal instinct in me as I felt him brush against my thigh. My heart began pounding wildly, a frantic rhythm echoing my escalating desires, and I grabbed hold of his arms, anchoring myself.

I slid my tongue into his mouth, matching his fervor as his wrapped around mine, deepening the connection. He opened his mouth wider, an invitation to explore further, but a sharp jolt of pain shot through me as my tongue grazed one of his fangs. I let out a slight whimper, and he quickly pulled away, breaking our kiss. I immediately tasted the metallic warmth of blood pooling in my mouth.

“It’s okay,” I reassured him, sliding my hands up his shoulders, pulling him closer with a fierce determination. “It’s okay.”

He kissed me again, this time his tongue plunging deep into my mouth, his warmth wrapping around my senses. He swept it against mine, and I felt the pain slowly dissolve. He kissed me rougher than he had before, fired by the tantalizing hint of my blood mingling with our heated exchange.

He broke our kiss, staring into my eyes with a dark determination, his gaze smoldering.

“I won’t be gentle,” he said, his voice taking on a deeper, almost primal edge. “I can’t. Not when I want you so bad. Are you sure you want this?”

“I do,” I replied without hesitation, the weight of my desire eclipsing any fear. I had never wanted anything so fiercely in my entire life.

He leaned over top of me, his face mere inches from mine, and in that moment, the world around us faded, leaving just the two of us suspended in a singular, electrifying tension.

He used one hand to support himself and his other reached down between his legs. He took hold of his cock and gently brushed his head against me. I moaned softly as he traced his head up and down my slit, sparking a fire within me. He rubbed the length of himself up and down me, his ridges stimulating my clit. I curled my toes as soft waves of pleasure coursed through my body.

Placing a kiss on my forehead, he repositioned himself.

He gently pushed his cock against me. I shut my eyes and let out a breath. He brought his body closer to mine, pushing deeper. His head slowly penetrated me and I bit my lip, shutting my eyes tighter.

It was so hot and so incredibly big. I felt a sharp pain as he entered me. It had hurt when his tail entered me, but it was nothing compared to this.

“Open your eyes.” He said in a deep, commanding voice. He slid his hand up my body and grabbed my face, tilting my head toward him. I blinked my eyes open.

“Look at me.” He demanded. I shifted my gaze to meet his striking yellow eyes.

Slowly again he began pushing himself into me. The pain increased tenfold. I felt as if I was being split in half. He was too big. I shut my eyes again.

“No.” He said. He leaned down closer to me, gripping my face tightly.

“Look at me.” He demanded again. I could feel my cheeks turning red.

I met his eyes again, and again he began sliding into me. He made it about halfway and my gaze shifted.

“Elizabeth.” He barked.

“Alabaster.” I pleaded, my eyes watering.

He reangled my face toward him.

“Look at me.”

Brow furrowed, I met his eyes again.

Slower than before he continued to slide himself inside me. I let out a hoarse scream. I felt like I was being torn apart. My mouth hung open and I inhaled sharply. The feeling of his ridges sliding inside of me sent a chill up my spine. I gripped a clump of grass tightly.

I held his gaze, but couldn’t focus my eyes on his face. I could feel myself trembling as he pushed himself firmly inside of me until his pelvis was pressed against me.

He let out a slight grunt and I let out a deep breath. I hadn’t realized I had been holding it in.

I shifted my gaze to where we met.

Did he really put the whole thing in? Did it really fit?

I looked back up at him. As he placed his hand on the grass, one on either side of my head.

“Holy shit.” He said, his breath heavy.

He was grinning slightly, the corners of his lips curling up. At that moment, when my brain was running wild, I couldn’t help but notice how strikingly handsome he was. His damp hair fell in disheveled strands across his forehead, framing his chiseled features. The sharp gleam of his fangs caught the soft light, while his skin glowed under the moonlight, giving him an ethereal quality that was hard to ignore.

I opened my mouth to say something, my thoughts racing to find the right words, but he spoke first.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice cutting through the fog of my astonishment before I could get my words out.

I nodded. I felt him pulsing inside of me, his cock twitching like it had a mind of its own. I looked up at him in confusion, and he simply smiled down at me.

He slowly withdrew himself. I opened my mouth, letting out a small gasp. His ridges felt heavenly as they slid out of me. He continued sliding himself out until only his head was inside of me. I looked down again. He cock was slick with a mix of my blood and my juices.

He looked down and then back up at me, his eyes wide with excitement. He slowly pushed himself back in. I let out another cry as he filled me up again.

It was so hot inside of me, it radiated warmth throughout my entire body, feeling so incredibly good and painful at the same time. It was so big, it was uncomfortable, yet I didn’t want him to stop.

I spread my legs wider, as I took the full length of him.

He withdrew again and reentered, growing hotter by the second. I grew wetter and wetter, making it easier to take him with each stroke.

He continued his motions, slowly picking up speed.

He glanced over my body as he thrust himself in and out of me.

He sat up slightly, rubbing my body with his hands. He squeezed my chest tightly, a smile spreading across his face.

“Fuck.” He breathed. “I’ve been waiting for this… For so long.”

He gently massaged my chest as I took every inch of him, thrust after thrust.

“From the day we met.” He breathed. “The first second I saw you. I imagined this moment.”

“From that… long ago?” I breathed, trying to think back to the first moments we saw each other. My mind was clouded and my memory failed me.

“Yes.” He recalled. “You looked so sweet back then. I wanted to ruin you.”

I let out a small gasp at his words. He picked up speed, his brows furrowing like he was concentrating on something difficult. He suddenly looked back up at me.

“Are you doing alright?” He breathed, staring deep into my eyes.

“Yes,” I responded, meeting his eyes. I could see a glint of something else. The same look he had given me before he spanked me.

“Good.” He replied.

I held onto his arms tightly, but he grabbed my wrists and pinned my arms above my head.

“Alaba-“ I began.

“Be quiet.” He said sharply, cutting me off. In one swift motion he slammed himself into me.

I let out a cry, shutting my eyes tight.

“Look at me.” He almost yelled, and I weakly opened my eyes.

He began to fuck me in quick rough pumps, shaking my body with each thrust.

I let out a short cry with each pump, a mix of pain and pleasure filling my body.

“You… left… me…” he said, as he slammed himself into me. His tone was laced with anger.

“I’m… sorry…” I whimpered, my mind flooded, unable to fully comprehend his words.

“You… deserve… to be… punished… right?” He asked between heavy breaths.

“Yes…” I breathed my mind reeling. “Please… punish me.”

A wide grin spread across his face. He suddenly pulled his cock out of me and flipped me over. He pulled me up to my hands and knees and shoved himself into me again. Gripping my rear tightly, he spread my cheeks apart as he fucked me roughly.

He let out loud grunts with each thrust and I gripped the grass tightly.

He put his legs between mine, and kicked my legs open wider, causing me to lower toward the ground. He slid his hands up my back and gripped my shoulders, his claws slightly scraping my skin. I let out a cry as he picked up speed again.

“Fuck!” He yelled, pounding himself into me. He leaned forward and pushed my head on the ground, my face pressed against the soft grass.

I was lost in his depth, in his heat. The cold air bit my skin, and his body was my ultimate source of pleasure, pain and warmth.

He gripped my hair, pushing my face further into the ground.

“Do… you… like… being… punished?” He asked his cock burning inside me.

“Yes… Master…” The words slipped out of my throat without a thought. Alabaster let out a dark laugh and pulled me upright, my back pressed against his chest. He slid his hand up my body, lingering for a moment on my chest, and gripped me by the neck. He slowed his thrusts just a bit as his finger curled around my throat.

I grabbed onto his wrist as he choked me, restricting my airways.

“That’s a good girl.” He said, as he gripped me tightly. I clawed at his hand, a whimper escaping my lips, unable to breathe.

“Shhh.” He said, tightening his grip “Try to take it.”

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to focus on his thrusts. His ribbed cock was the most satisfying thing I’d ever felt in my life, even more so than his tongue.

He reached his other hand around my front, and began rubbing my clit in small circular motions. My mouth opened to let out a cry, but no sound came out. I felt the fire in me rapidly growing. My fingers dug into his wrist. I was lightheaded, but also felt like I was about to explode. His cock pulsed madly inside of me, sending pleasure rippling through my body with each stroke.

“Don’t come.” He ordered in my ear. I bit my lip tightly, fiercely trying to hold it in, My mind was reeling, I wanted nothing more than to melt onto him.

He continued to choke and fuck me, while I struggled against releasing myself completely.

He let out a dark laugh and suddenly let me go, and I dropped to the ground, gasping for air. He slipped out of me, and I lay on the grass panting.

“You did very well.” He said leaning over me. Heat radiated off of him like a bonfire. “But now…”

He lifted me and stood. He wrapped my legs around his waist and placed his hands under my rear. He brought me close to him, my eyes rolling back as he slid himself back in.

“I want to see your face.” He smiled.

He wasted no time picking up his rhythm where he had left off. He pulled me into him, as he thrust himself inside. He looked me deep in the eyes and I held his gaze. My brows furrowed, I held onto his arms tightly, feeling like I was ready to explode.

“You’re so… beautiful…” He muttered, his eyes scanning my face. He lifted one hand and stroked my cheek gently.

“I’m… going to… come…” I breathed, my entire body felt like it was on fire. “I can’t… hold it… anymore…”

“Okay.” He said with a smile. He flapped his wings, and the grass around us swirled like waves in an ocean. I let out a surprised scream as we slowly lifted from the ground. He held onto me tightly, supporting my weight. He lifted us high above the clearing, till the ground looked like it was miles away. I stared up at the sky, seeing the stars twinkle like diamonds on a black velvety tapestry.

“Come for me.” He whispered. He picked up his pace and I held onto his arms tightly. My heart pounded in my chest. I was unsure if it was because of his cock or because we were so high up. He moved one hand to my front and started rubbing my clit again.

I leaned my head back, letting out a loud cry.

“Look at me.” He ordered in a loud tone. “I want to see you come on my cock.”

I lifted my head again, meeting his gaze, my brows furrowed. My mouth hung open as I dug my fingers into him.

“Come for me.” He whispered again. I felt my body erupt in an ocean of colors that splattered in my mind against the night sky. I let out a loud cry, as my whole body convulsed. He held onto me tightly, not letting me go. Tears flowed from my eyes as waves of pleasure ripped through me like a tsunami.

“Alabaster.” I cried out, holding onto him tightly. I melted onto him. My mind raced as fast as my heart. He gripped my hips tightly with both of his hands and continued to pound himself into me. I wrapped my arms tightly around the back of his neck, bringing our faces closer together. I wanted his seed. I wanted him to erupt inside of me.

“Fuck!” He yelled, picking up his speed. He pounded himself into me, his cock pulsing rapidly inside of me. “Oh fuck.”

He gripped me tighter, his claws threatening to pierce my skin.

His body grew uncomfortably hot, dangerously close to burning me. I braced myself, I was determined to have his seed.

He held my gaze as his brows furrowed.

“Elizabeth.” He called out, his body tightening. His mouth opened, revealing his sharp fangs. He pulled me into him, shoving his cock was all the way inside of me and he unleashed. He let out a loud cry as his cock erupted inside of me. His burning hot seed poured into me. I let out a yelp as it warmed me from the inside. It was a feeling unlike any I had felt before. He unleashed pump after pump of it, his eyes rolling back. He held me tightly to him, completely filling me until his seed started dripping out of me. He pulled himself out, and I watched as his seed poured out of me like a waterfall. Dripping down to the ground far below.

He closed his eyes, letting out a deep breath. I collapsed onto him, wrapping my arms around his neck tightly, and he responded by encircling my waist with his strong arms. We both panted heavily as he slowly lowered us back down to the ground, the soft grass cushioning our fall.

He lay beside me, gazing up at the vast expanse of twinkling stars scattered across the night sky.

“Thank you for that,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with sincerity.

“Don’t say that.” I turned toward him, feeling the warmth radiating off his body. He looked at me with confusion etched across his face, his deep-set brows furrowing in concern.

“I mean it,” he insisted, eyes searching mine for clarity.

“Tell me you love me,” I urged softly, my heart racing.

“Demons don—”

“I know.” I cut him off, urgency lacing my words. “I just would like to hear it.”

A soft smile spread across his lips, illuminating his face in the moonlight. He pulled me in close and wrapped his arms around me more tightly, as if shielding me from the world.

“I love you,” he whispered, the words fragile yet profound. Though I knew they might hold little weight for him, they filled me with a great sense of joy. I wrapped my arms around his torso, pulling myself closer, relishing in the heat of his skin radiating against me like a warm blanket, enveloping me in a comforting embrace.

***

Alabaster

I stood slowly and carefully, doing my best to avoid waking Elizabeth, who slept peacefully in the grass below me. The moonlight cast a soft glow on her features, illuminating the gentle rise and fall of her chest. I grabbed her jacket and gently draped it over her like a blanket, hoping it would be enough to keep her warm for the short while I would be gone.

Looking down at her, her face radiated a serene tranquility that made my heart flutter. Those words lingered on my tongue.

I love you.

I let out a deep sigh, the weight of my thoughts pressing heavily on my chest.

Demons don’t love, I reminded myself. Love was dangerous, a perilous sentiment that could get you killed in my world. Especially this kind. Demons don’t love. For her sake, I would not love.

With resolve, I spread my wings wide and took off into the air, soaring through the sky. There was one thing I had to do, one thing that would completely ensure Elizabeth’s safety. I cut through the air like a bullet, the castle’s silhouette looming in the distance. I flew through the broken window I had exited from, coming to a halt as my eyes scanned the shadowy room. All was silent save for the faint crackle of embers. In the center of the room lay a smoldering pile of ashes, what remained of Lenore.

I grabbed a candle off the wall, igniting it in the fiery remnants on the ground, and pushed open the grand bedroom door. As I made my way down the dark halls, past the silent servants’ quarters and down the stairs, I stepped out into the vast courtyard, where the cold night air greeted me with an eerie stillness. I protected the flame of the candle from the wind, glancing at the makeshift graves of the servants as I passed, the mounds of dirt standing solemnly in the moonlight.

Approaching my own place of rest, I eyed the freshly turned dirt scattered about, the memories still vivid in my mind. But it was the grave next to mine that sent a chill down my spine. It lay disturbed, the dirt turned; the ground freshly opened where patches of grass had grown just a week ago.

“No…” I whispered, dropping the candle. Panic clawed at me as I dug into the ground with my claws, flinging dirt everywhere in a frantic search for some trace of her.

It was empty.

My wife’s body was gone. She had been dug up, just as I had been.

“Fuck,” I whispered, realization crashing down on me. This was Lenore’s doing; she would never have revived her, but what did she want with her body?

Lenore was smart and cunning, always harboring a plan.

Perhaps this was her backup plan?

My mind raced back to Elizabeth. I couldn’t shake the urgency coursing through me as I spread my wings once more, the night air rushing past me. If Lenore intended to revive my wife, Elizabeth would never be safe. She couldn’t be safe unless I remained by her side.

Chapter Twelve: Come With Me

He looked down at me, a soft smile playing on his lips, the man who had visited my dreams for so many years. As I studied his face more closely, I could see the years etched into his features. His curly white hair framed his kind, wrinkled face, while a short, neatly trimmed white beard accentuated his gentle expression. The signs of aging danced across his skin, telling a story of time well-lived. 

When he smiled, joy radiated from him, and his eyes crinkled in the corners, bright and inviting. Suddenly, a brilliant light enveloped him, casting a bright white glow, and I felt a strange, strong pulling sensation in my chest. Panic flickered within me, and instinctively, I raised my hands to shield my eyes from the dazzling brightness, overwhelming and blinding.

***

My eyes fluttered open, the bright sun pouring a golden warmth over my face. Startled, I quickly rolled over, burying my face in the cool, soft grass. I stretched my arms wide, feeling the earth beneath me, and turned my head just enough to squint against the radiance.

“Alabaster?” I called out, my voice tinged with anxiety. Silence enveloped the clearing, interrupted only by the rustling of grass and the gentle hum of nearby insects.

“Alabaster?” I raised my voice again, an unsettling knot forming in my stomach. Had he left me here?

“Elizabeth.” A voice called from above, and I glanced up to see him descending gracefully from the sky, landing softly beside me, his wings fanned out majestically. Relief washed over me as he looked down, eyes wide and breath heavy. I quickly sat up, holding my arms out instinctively. He embraced me, and just being near him felt like a balm to my rising worry. He lay down in the grass beside me, his arms wrapped around me.

“I thought you had left,” I admitted, his warm skin brushing against mine sending tingles through me.

“I would never leave you,” he replied, a smile breaking across his face that made my heart flutter. But the moment was disrupted as a sharp pain jolted between my legs, causing me to wince.

“Are you alright?” Alabaster asked, concern lacing his voice as his brows knitted together.

“Yeah,” I breathed, forcing a smile. “Just a little sore.”

“Was I too rough last night?” His eyes searched mine, filled with genuine worry.

“You were quite rough,” I admitted, my face warming under his gaze.

He turned slightly away, embarrassment creeping in.

“I apologize. I should have at least tried to be gentle… For your first time.”

“It was wonderful,” I reassured him. “More than I ever imagined.” My heart raced as memories of last night flooded back, the heat of his skin, the intensity of his stare. The recollection reignited a familiar fire deep within me.

Alabaster leaned closer, his hand finding its way just below my throat, the warmth of his palm sending shivers radiating through me as he pressed it against my chest. He closed his eyes for a moment, almost serene, the sunlight reflecting off his horns, casting shadows on the grass beside us.

After a moment, he opened his eyes and pulled back slightly.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” he said, his expression shifting from relaxed to serious.

“Yes?” I felt a nervous flutter in my stomach.

“It’s not pleasant,” he warned. “It’s about… my wife.”

A chill ran down my spine, the joy of the moment abruptly replaced by a wave of terror. I lowered my gaze, breath hitching in my throat.

“You don’t have to answer,” he rushed to assure me. “If it’s too difficult.”

“Ask,” I said determinedly, forcing myself to look at him. “I’ll answer as best as I can.”

With a deep sigh, he turned his head, clearly conflicted.

“How did you end up in your contract?”

I hesitated, the weight of his question pressing down on me.

“You don’t strike me as the type to sell their soul – what could she possibly have given you for you to exchange yours?”

The question hung between us, the stillness amplifying my anxiety.

“Nothing,” I finally whispered after a tense silence. “She gave me nothing. I didn’t sell my soul. My mother gave it to her.”

His brows furrowed, confusion etched across his handsome face.

“Your mother… sold your soul?”

“Yes,” I sighed, feeling the heaviness of the memory wash over me. “My mother, well, my adoptive mother, sold me to bring my father back to life.”

Alabaster’s eyes narrowed, anger mingling with confusion. “That doesn’t make sense. Your mother doesn’t own your soul. She doesn’t have the authority to give it away. Your contract should have never been accepted.”

“What?” I said, sitting up a bit straighter. “Then why did she-”

“She should have known better.” He shook his head. “That kind of contract is illegal in our world.”

My mind reeled as I absorbed his words, trying to piece together this puzzle.

“Even so, my wife was a powerful Demon, but none of us can bring a human back from the dead,” he continued, his tone revealing the weight of his thoughts. “Once a soul is gone, it’s gone forever.”

“How does it work?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued. “Souls, I mean. There’s so much I don’t understand.”

He paused, considering. “Think of souls as a glass of water. The soul is the water and the body is the glass. Once you pour out the water, you can refill it from any glass you want. When two people become soulmates, it’s like mixing two glasses of water; they’re both still full, but it’s impossible to sort them back into their original glasses. When a soul dies, the water evaporates from every glass it may have been poured into. That’s where humans and Demons differ. Once a human soul dies, it can never be recovered. Demon souls only die when exposed to fire.”

“And my soul?” I asked hesitantly. “Why doesn’t it die?”

“I have no clue,” he said softly, gazing deeply into my eyes. “I’ve never encountered anything like you before.”

Taking a deep breath, I decided to probe further.

“Who is Malachi?” The name sprang to my mind unexpectedly.

Alabaster’s expression shifted – shock flickered across his face before he relaxed, breaking eye contact.

“He was my dear friend,” he murmured, pain lacing his tone. “But he died a long time ago.”

“Because of Lenore?”

“Lenore betrayed him. But Malachi made his own mistakes. He broke the law.”

“What did he do?” I asked, sensing the weight of his sorrow.

He hesitated, brow creasing as if the memory pained him.

“He fell in love. With someone other than a demon.”

“I thought you said Demons don’t love?” I said, confusion blooming in my chest.

“Malachi was a black sheep,” Alabaster replied, his voice softening. “A bit abnormal.”

“So he fell in love with a human?” I probed further.

“Something like that,” he said, turning away as if it was hard to discuss.

“And that’s illegal?” I faltered, taking in the gravity of the situation.

“Having sexual relationships with non-Demons is not, but marriage or conceiving a child with one is,” Alabaster explained. “There are many… purists in the Demon world, Demons who believe that bringing a half-blood Demon into existence is an abomination.”

“Is that possible?” I gasped, the reality washing over me. “For a human to carry a Demon baby?”

“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’s possible.”

I jolted upright, memories of last night flooding my mind.

“But last night… you-”

“It’s alright,” Alabaster chuckled softly, trying to ease my panic. “You won’t get pregnant. I’ve been safe, on my end.”

I slumped back down, his words offering little solace as I wrestled with questions about how birth control worked for Demons.

My mind reeled; there were still so many facets I didn’t grasp.

“Lenore said you were bound to me. What does that mean?” The memory of her words resonated loudly.

“It’s a powerful type of protection. The person who is bound will never be able to kill or seriously harm the holder,” he explained, thoughtful. “I don’t think she was correct about that, though. Whatever is between us seems to have the same effect as a binding, however we would both remember it being put in place. I’ve been bound before, due to my previous occupation – it’s quite a long and tedious process.”

“What did you do?” I asked, curiosity piquing again. “Your previous job.”

“I was a protector of sorts,” he replied with a half-smile. “Kind of like a bodyguard to some important figures.”

I vaguely recalled a conversation I had with Carlos three years ago. It was Alabaster’s previous occupation that led to his death sentence. A knot formed in my stomach.

“And what did you do to be sentenced to death?”

Alabaster let out a deep sigh. For a moment, the air felt colder as he recounted his past, shrouded in shadows.

“I helped Malachi and his lover,” he said quietly. “I opened an illegal contract with her parents in order to protect her and Malachi, but I failed.”

Silence loomed palpable between us, his words heavy with unspoken regret.

“I’m sorry…” I ventured, placing my hand on his, seeking to offer comfort.

“Don’t be,” he said with a sigh. “It was a stupid decision, and everyone involved paid dearly.”

He looked at me, the pain evident in his eyes.

“I’m going to be very safe with you, Elizabeth,” he vowed, his words wrapping around me like a warm blanket. “Always.”

As we sat there together, the hours felt like mere minutes. He asked about every moment of my life before and after my time at the castle, and I shared what I could, my memories still fragmented yet slowly piecing together. In that moment, however, nothing else mattered. I simply wanted to stay beside him, forever.

***

Alabaster flew, holding me tightly in his arms, back to the edge of the city. My mind swirled with his revelations about Malachi and the brutalities of the Demon world. I had always thought of love as something beautiful, not a reason for execution. Upon landing, he gently set me down on the ground, away from the bustling crowds, and shifted into his lower form. As we began the long walk back to my apartment, silence enveloped us, but he stayed closely by my side.

When we finally approached my building, I noticed my front door was slightly ajar, a twist of confusion knotting my stomach. I glanced at Alabaster, who furrowed his brow.

“I closed it,” he assured, his voice laced with tension.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t lock,” I sighed, pushing the door open with a cautious creak. My heart sank as I surveyed the wreckage of my room; furniture was upturned, and my belongings lay scattered across the floor. I buried my head in my hands, frustration washing over me.

Alabaster walked past me into the mess.

“I don’t think anything was stolen,” he remarked, moving through the chaos with purpose. I heard the sounds of him righting furniture as I contemplated what I should do.

“Wait,” he said suddenly, drawing my attention. I lifted my head, looking toward him. He was staring intently toward the kitchenette, where a sole sleek black envelope lay on the counter. It looked out of place in the clutter of everything else.

I approached cautiously, but he raised a hand to stop me.

“Let me.” He moved forward with deliberate care, lifting the envelope as if it were made of glass and opening it slowly, cautiously, as though defusing a bomb. Unfolding the sheet of shiny golden paper inside, his expression shifted from curiosity to dread as he read its contents.

“What is it?” I asked, my brows knitting together. He remained silent, engrossed in the letter.

“Alabaster,” I pressed, gently grasping his arm. He turned to me, his eyes heavy with concern.

“This wasn’t random,” he said, his voice low and serious. “It was the work of Demons.”

He let out a deep sigh, mulling over the letter again.

“I’m being summoned for a Coetus by Arrallan.”

A chill ran through me, and I felt my stomach drop. “A what? Who is that?”

“It’s a meeting of sorts, a way to resolve ongoing conflict without violence,” he explained, folding the letter and tucking it back into the envelope. “Arrallan is… was… Lenore’s husband.”

Terror surged through me as images of that ancient creature flickered in my mind. The man who had sat beside Lenore at dinner, his presence a living nightmare. Twisted horns and gray taut skin, and those solid black eyes.

“Does he know…?” I asked, eyes wide with panic. The rest of the words remained unspoken on my lips: That we killed her?

“It’s possible,” Alabaster replied. “Clearly Lenore told him I was alive and where to find me.”

“We can’t stay here,” I urged, fear coursing through my veins.

“Pack up what you need,” he instructed, urgency in his tone. “I know somewhere we can go.”

I hurriedly grabbed my clothes and toiletries, shoving them into a small suitcase. After a quick shower and a fresh change of clothes, I lugged the suitcase out the door. I called Harvey, explaining my absence with a trembling voice. He was angry at first, but the moment he heard Alabaster in the background, his voice softened, suddenly understanding of my plight.

Alabaster led me down the street and into the heart of the city. He gripped my arm tightly as we walked at a hurried pace. We soon stopped at the grand hotel where we had shared a meal just the previous day.

“You can’t be serious,” I said, disbelief coloring my tone.

“I told you,” Alabaster nodded. “It’s no problem.”

We stepped into the hotel lobby, careful to avoid the entrance to the restaurant. A golden chandelier hung high above us, casting a warm glow onto the intricately designed marble floors. I felt so out of place and vulnerable in the vast open space as we approached the counter.

“Good morning, sir,” the man behind the counter greeted cheerfully. “Do you have a reservation?”

Alabaster leaned in closer, his brows furrowed intensely.

“In fact, we do,” he murmured, his tone low and commanding. “We’ll be staying on the top floor; you’ve already checked our reservation.”

The man faltered briefly, the cheerful smile wavering for a split second under Alabaster’s penetrating gaze.

“O-Of course,” he stuttered, quickly recovering his smile as he retrieved a key from the cabinet behind him.

He handed the key to Alabaster, gesturing to the left.

“You’ll find the elevator down the hall.”

“Thank you,” Alabaster replied, taking the key and firmly grasping my arm as he led me toward the elevator.

As we stood alone in the lift, I turned to Alabaster, concern etched on my face. He stared blankly at the elevator doors, a storm brewing in the silence. My heart raced with unease, a feeling that something was about to change irrevocably.

The doors creaked open, revealing an ornate hallway adorned with red carpets and golden wallpaper that shimmered like the tail of a peacock. It felt like stepping into a painting of a grand palace. We made our way down the hall, our footsteps muffled by the thick carpet, until we reached two large wooden double doors. Alabaster produced a key, unlocking the door with a satisfying click before pushing them open.

The room unfolded before us, a breathtaking vision that seemed plucked from a dream. Sunlight from the setting sun streamed through a large window in the kitchenette at the back of the room, illuminating the delicate wallpaper that adorned the walls. The marble floors gleamed in shades of cream and soft lavender, creating a luxurious foundation for the elegant space. A plush, overstuffed sofa sat invitingly in the living area, surrounded by beautifully arranged armchairs, all draped in floral-patterned pastel hues of pink and mint green, reminiscent of a blooming garden, each petal painted with exquisite detail. A quaint dining table, crafted from polished wood and adorned with a vase of fresh flowers, nestled beside the kitchenette, where high-end appliances gleamed like jewels amid the charming décor. The scent of lavender and jasmine wafted through the air, wrapping the room in a serene and welcoming ambiance, as if nature itself had been invited inside to share the beauty of this enchanting oasis.

I let my suitcase slip from my grip, mesmerized by the pristine beauty surrounding me. I had imagined what the luxurious rooms in this hotel might look like, but nothing could compare to the reality that unfolded in front of me. My slow exploration led me through the stunning living room, sleek kitchen, and the inviting dining area.

“Wow,” I breathed, savoring the atmosphere. “I could live here.”

From behind me, Alabaster wrapped his arm gently around my chest, his warmth slightly dimmer than usual. He unfurled his wings, transforming back into his usual form.

“Would you like to?” he whispered, kissing my cheek tenderly. “I’m sure I can work something out.” I traced my fingers along his arms, feeling the subtle heat radiating from him.

“Can you really do that?” I asked, curious but with a hint of disbelief in my voice.

“For you,” he replied, tightening his embrace, “I would do anything.” The sincerity in his voice sent a thrill down my spine as he pressed another kiss to my cheek. I turned around in his arms, and he pressed my body tightly against his. I searched his fiery eyes, finding an unexpected depth of sadness nestled within.

“Are you alright?” I asked, my concern deepening as I brushed my hand along his cheek, feeling the coolness of his skin.

“If it’s about Arrallan, you don’t have to go. We could always just skip town,” I suggested lightly.

He sighed, closing his eyes momentarily as if collecting his thoughts.

“It’s tempting,” he admitted, holding my hand firmly. “But he wishes to resolve this peacefully. Not attending would send the wrong message.” He paused, rubbing my hand softly with his thumb.

“It’s not him that worries me, but the nature of the meeting itself.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, confusion knitting my brow.

“Come,” he urged, taking my hand and leading me to the plush couch. He knelt before me as I sat down, his expression serious.

“It’s complicated,” he muttered, gathering both of my hands in his. “And I need to ask something of you.”

“Okay,” I replied, straightening slightly, anxiety swelling in my stomach.

“I would like you to come with me,” he said, his grip on my hands tightening. The thought of facing Arrallan again sent a chill through me, yet the reassurance of Alabaster’s presence calmed my racing heart.

“I will-”

“Wait,” Alabaster interrupted, his voice steady but urgent. “You need to understand what type of meeting this is first.”

He drew a deep breath, his face tensing.

“You are not my servant,” he insisted, looking deeply into my eyes. “I don’t view you like that, and I never will again. But if you attend this meeting with me, you will be expected to serve.”

I stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in.

“What kinds of things will I have to do?” I asked hesitantly.

“Serve drinks, food, and…” his voice trailed off, leaving an unsettling silence. “Other things.”

“What kinds of other things?” I prodded, anxiety creeping into my voice.

“A Coetus is meant to resolve issues between two parties by discussing whatever ails them in their most relaxed and blissful states. It’s an ancient practice, not commonly used these days, but Arrallan is quite old.” He met my gaze, the intensity of his expression unnerving me. “You would be expected to perform sexual favors at the meeting as well.”

“For Arrallan?” I exclaimed, shock sweeping through me.

“No, no, no,” Alabaster quickly reassured me, moving his hands to my waist, grounding me. “Just for me. He will have a servant of his own.”

A wave of panic washed over me at the thought of being intimate in front of anyone, especially Arrallan.

“I want you to be there,” Alabaster urged, sensing my distress. “If it’s not you, they would assign me a servant, and I don’t want to be with anyone else.”

“I…” I began, my voice wavering. “I need to think about it.”

“I’ll be honest with you,” he said softly, holding me tightly. “It won’t be easy. We would have to travel quite far to a city run by Demons, and they are not kind to humans there.”

His hand lifted, brushing one of my curls gently out of my face. “Things would not be the same as they are now. You would have to act entirely as my servant, but when we come back, we can do whatever you want.”

I let his words swirl around the air for a moment, contemplating how things would unfold.

“Whatever I want?” I echoed, curiosity flaring as I pulled him closer.

“Yes,” he replied earnestly, holding my gaze with intensity.

I drew him in, capturing his lips with mine. His cold skin slowly warmed beneath my touch as our kisses deepened, the tension and uncertainty of our conversation melting away in that shared moment. His tongue explored mine as he climbed atop the couch, his hands tangling in my hair, igniting an undeniable spark between us.

He ran his fingers through my hair as I trailed my hands up his sides, savoring the electric connection between us. Suddenly, he grabbed my hair in one hand and pulled my head back, forcing me to look up into his deep yellow eyes that seemed to hold a world of secrets. His other hand glided down my neck, pausing momentarily as I felt a shiver of anticipation shoot through me.

With a swift motion, he tore the fabric of my shirt open, the sound echoing in the quiet room. His clawed index finger lingered against my skin, sending a thrill down my spine, as he grabbed the front of my bra, pulling me closer.

“I want you to come with me,” he said, a slight grin playing at the corners of his lips. The grin was both mischievous and enticing, making my heart race as he sliced through the front of my bra with ease, the cool air washing over my exposed skin.

He lowered himself, pushing the fabric of my shirt aside. Sliding his hand down my chest he squeezed my breasts with both palms, the pressure igniting something deep within me. He took my nipple into his mouth, sucking on it fervently, while his other hand toyed with the other, rolling it gently between his fingers. I closed my eyes, leaning my head back and allowing a soft moan to escape my lips. It was intoxicating, his every touch was so convincing. Though the thought of seeing Arrallan again stirred unease in my heart, the lure of Alabaster’s desire to do whatever I wanted was simply too hard to resist.

As his hands slid down my body and slipped under the remaining fabric of my torn shirt, I felt his warmth radiating against my skin, igniting a fire within me. I arched my back instinctively, craving more, the heat pooling between my legs intensifying with every teasing caress. The world outside faded away; it was just us, lost in this moment of raw, unyielding desire.

“Please.” I begged, gripping his shirt tightly, the soft fabric wrinkling beneath my fingers.

“Please?” He questioned, looking up at me. His eyes wore a look of mock confusion. He wanted me to say the words.

“I will come with you, just please fuck me.” I breathed.

He leaned back and in one swift motion, tore the front of his pants open, revealing his magnificent cock in all its erect glory. Grabbing my pants, he tore a hole through my jeans and was in me in a flash, penetrating me without a moment’s hesitation. I let out a loud cry at the unexpected sensation, my eyes welling up.

“Be a good girl for me.” He said, sliding his hands down to my hips. He pulled my legs apart further as he gripped me tightly. “And try not to cry.”

Slowly he slid himself out and then harshly reentered, causing my body to slam into the cushions of the couch. I winced as he repeated the motion again. He slid one hand up to my neck, and pulled me closer to him, inserting himself deeper with each stroke. I held onto him tightly, gripping the fabric of his shirt as he drilled himself into me. His motions were hungry, angry even, much rougher than he was yesterday. They felt as if he was trying to fulfill a primal need that would only be satisfied by fucking me as hard as he could.

He drilled into me, over and over, and I treasured each stroke, his cock satisfying my own primal desires.

“I want every piece of you Elizabeth.” He said, his voice growing deeper. “I need it.”

“You can have me.” I breathed, panting heavily, “As much as you want.”

He suddenly pulled himself out, and flipped me over. He tore apart the back of my jeans, exposing my rear. He ripped my panties from my skin and gripped me firmly in both of his hands.

“Every piece of you.” He said, rubbing himself against me.

He squeezed me tightly, and realigned himself.

“Why don’t we try something new.” He said, suddenly prodding himself against the wrong hole.

“What?” I exclaimed, my heart beat quickening, “Alabaster?”

I tried to turn around, but he held me firmly in place, pushing my head down toward the couch.

“You said as much as I wanted.” He said, pressing himself further. I felt an uncomfortable pressure building, as he threatened to penetrate me.

“Not that Alabaster!” I yelled. “We can’t do that!”

“Come on.” He teased, gripping my hips tightly. “It’ll be fun.”

“Alabaster!” I yelled, my voice shrill.

He let out a deep laugh, which echoed through the room.

“Alright, alright,” He said, easing up. “I was just joking.”

He shoved himself back inside me and continued his thrusts. I let out a breath of relief as I felt the familiar pleasure I had so desperately craved.

He grabbed a fistful of my hair and pulled my head back.

“But we will try it eventually.” He whispered, his voice sounding like he had a grin plastered on his face. “Tonight, however, you deserve all of the pleasure I can give.”

His tail whipped around me, curving under my stomach and dipping between my legs.

I let out a gasp as I looked down at it. It slowly slid up and down me, stimulating my clit. A loud cry escaped my lips as waves of pleasure crashed through my body. I suddenly felt like I was about to explode.

“Alabaster!” I cried out.

He leaned into me, wrapping his hand around my throat again.

“I love it when you say my name.” He said, leaning in closer to my ear. “I want to hear you scream it.”

I closed my eyes as I gripped his wrist in one hand and the back of the couch in my other.

“Alabaster!” I screamed, pressure building within me.

“Fuck!” He yelled, as he unleashed before I did, his hot seed pouring into me like a water fountain, triggering a release of my own. I felt as if I was soaring through the sky, or swimming in a vast, endless sea that was entirely made of him as we reached our climax together. My heart raced and with each heartbeat my entire world seemed to revolve more and more around his presence.

In that moment, I surrendered every other feeling; he became my sole tether to reality. The thought of being by his side filled me with a warmth I had never known, and I knew without hesitation that I would follow him anywhere, even to the heart of the Demon city, joining him for his Coetus. There was an unwavering certainty in my mind, nothing would keep me from him.

Chapter Thirteen: 5..4..3..2..1..

I pulled my jacket snugly over my shoulders, the cool evening air brushing against my skin as I flicked off the lights in the front of the bookshop.

“I guess I won’t be seeing you for a while,” Miles remarked, his voice slightly muffled as he fumbled with the lock.

“Don’t worry,” I replied with a half-smile, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Miles let out a huff of disbelief, his brow arched.

“I can’t believe Harvey approved your time off so fast. I had to beg at least a month in advance last time I took a day off.”

“Perks of being the favorite,” I teased, watching as he secured the front door with a definitive click.

“You know, had you said that last week, I’d have thought you were joking. But now… I guess dating the boss’s friend has its benefits.”

A heat rose in my cheeks.

“We’re not dating,” I shot back, though the question lingered in my mind. Were we? Alabaster and I had never made anything official.

“Does he know that?” He asked, “I saw the way he looked at you. He seemed pretty head over heels.”

“De… He doesn’t love. I mean, he’s not that kind of guy.”

Miles turned to me, his deep brown eyes searching mine for an answer.

“Then you deserve better,” he said softly, holding my gaze as if trying to pull something deeper from me.

Better? Honestly, I couldn’t imagine how things could be better. Alabaster’s manner was warm and thoughtful; he treated me with kindness that was rare to find. Sure, it’d be nice if he could love me, but was that really necessary?

With a resigned shrug, I zipped up my jacket, feeling an unshakeable mix of anticipation and anxiety choke my thoughts.

“Enjoy your vacation,” Miles said, giving a slight wave before retreating down the street, his silhouette swallowed by the dim light.

I let out a deep sigh, knowing this wouldn’t feel much like a vacation at all. A pang of nervousness shot through my chest as I recalled what awaited me.

“Three days,” I whispered to myself, each step feeling heavier as I headed in the opposite direction. Three long days, and then, as promised, Alabaster and I could finally do whatever I wanted.

***

“Alabaster?” I called out as I flicked the light switch on, flooding the vast hotel room with subtle light as my voice echoed back to me. The moonlight spilled in through the large window, casting a soft glow across the dimly lit space. I stepped into the bedroom and peeked inside; the master bed was still a mess from last night, the sheets crumpled and tossed around, but he wasn’t there. I grabbed my suitcase, zipping it up and shoving my toiletries into the pockets.

“Three days,” I reminded myself, rolling my suitcase into the living room. I flopped down on the couch, leaning back and closing my eyes. Memories came rushing back from our first night here, the way Alabaster held me tightly, his fierce grip sending shivers down my spine. I could still hear his voice suggesting all those daring things, and my cheeks flushed at the thought.

His little joke had been stuck in my mind since we got here. At first, I was totally against it, but the more I thought about it, a part of me became undeniably curious, almost eager to explore that side of myself with him. After all, if he wanted me that way, maybe I was ready to give in. A warmth blossomed between my legs, and I squeezed them together, my heart racing. Would he really fuck me like that? I felt so embarrassed, yet the thrill of wanting to experience it was intoxicating.

Just as I was lost in my daydream, a gust of wind hit me, snapping me back to reality. I stood up abruptly and saw Alabaster standing there, wings outstretched, with the now open window blowing a cool night breeze around him.

“Good evening,” he said, a charming smile playing on his lips. He looked absolutely stunning, his hair slicked back, a crisp white ruffled shirt tucked neatly into dark pants that hugged his sculpted figure. Small black beads adorned his horns, forming intricate patterns that mesmerized me.

“You look amazing,” I couldn’t help but say, my gaze traveling up and down his form.

“I ran back to the castle to grab a few things for our trip,” he said, stepping closer. He extended his hand, offering me a neatly folded set of clothes. The stiff, dull fabric sent a wave of familiar discomfort through me, it was the uniform I once wore during years of servitude.

“It’s not the same one,” Alabaster quickly reassured me, sensing my hesitation.

That part I knew considering I had burned my old ones to ashes.

“This one has never been worn. I know it brings up bad memories, but we need to play the part.”

“It’s fine,” I breathed, accepting the clothes before heading towards the bathroom. But he caught my arm, pulling me back gently.

“You can change in here,” he said, taking a seat on the couch with an air of confidence.

I scoffed, feeling embarrassed at his suggestion, and turned away. Slowly, I unbuttoned my pants, letting them slide to my ankles and stepping out of them. As I picked them up, I caught a glimpse of him; his eyes were locked onto me, drinking in every inch of my body.

Just as I unfolded the uniform pants to slip into them, he spoke in a commanding voice.

“No. Take it all off first.”

Surprise coursed through me as I turned to face him, but I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I slowly undid the buttons of my top, his gaze never wavering as I let the fabric drop to the floor. The moment I unclasped my bra, letting it fall away as well, his intensity shifted, a bulge forming in his pants that mirrored my growing anticipation. The air between us thickened, charged with an undeniable tension waiting to unfold.

He shifted in his seat, spreading his legs wider and leaning back. Slowly he began unzipping his satin pants. My eyes traced his body as he pulled his magnificent cock from his open zipper. He was truly a sight to behold, in all of my time with him I had never seen him look so utterly beautiful.

He began slowly stroking it in a slow yet steady rhythm as his eyes scanned my body.

I slid my panties to the ground and displayed my naked form before him.

“Spin around.” He breathed, ever so slightly increasing the speed of his strokes. I did as he commanded, gracefully twirling before him. He eyed me, a smile playfully teasing at the corners of his lips. Suddenly he stood from the couch, his shadow eclipsing me, sending a nervous shiver through my body.

“Get on your knees.” He commanded in a stern voice, pushing on my shoulder with one hand. I dropped to the ground, eyeing his thick member which he held just before my face.

Tightly, he gripped my jaw in his other hand. He pressed his cock against the side of my face. The heat of it burned against my skin. It pulsed slightly in his hand, and against my cheek. It was like a wild animal with a mind of its own, ready to unleash at any moment.

“We don’t have much time before we leave. Let’s play a game.” He said, staring deep into my eyes. “If you can make me come in five minutes, you’ll be safe.”

He pushed his thumb into my mouth, and slid it against my tongue. His sharp claw traced against my soft flesh.

“If you fail,” he said with a dark grin “I’m going to fuck your throat until you cry.”

A pit of nervousness dropped in my stomach as his words hit me like a truck.

“Sound good?”

I nodded slowly, curling my lips around his thumb.

“Good girl.” He said, his deep yellow eyes burrowing into my soul. “You may begin.”

He pulled his thumb away and I immediately took his cock into my mouth, wetting it with my saliva. He leaned his head back as I began feverishly sucking him, desperate to draw his seed from him before the time ran out.

I gripped him in both of my hands sliding them up and down the length of him, squeezing him tightly in my palms.

He grew hotter, burning against my tongue as I slid him in and out of my mouth. Letting out a deep moan, he placed his hands on the back of my head, holding my hair tightly. I forced him further into my mouth, rolling my tongue around the tip of his cock.

Fuck, it was so hot, and tasted so good. I wanted to please him, to make him erupt with pleasure as he had done for me. I didn’t know who would enjoy this more, me or him.

“Four more minutes.”

His cock pulsed wildly in my mouth as I sped up.

I moved my hands to his thighs, holding him tightly as I drew him further into my mouth, towards the back of my throat. I could taste his seed slowly leaking out from the head of his cock as my tongue ran up and down his shaft.

“Come on.” Alabaster said, through heavy breaths. “You can… do better than that.”

I shoved his cock further down my throat, curling my lips around his shaft as I drew him in and out of my mouth.

“Good girl.” He remarked, running his hands through my hair.

I gripped his thighs tightly as I bobbed my head up and down, trying to move as fast as I could.

“Three… more minutes.” He breathed his whole torso leaning back.

I reached my hand up and placed it on his stomach, feeling the hardness of his sculpted body beneath his silky shirt.

He gathered my hair and lifted it out of my face.

I released him from my mouth, stroking him with my hands and catching my breath. I traced my tongue up and down the length of his shaft as I stroked him. The ridges of his cock vibrating pleasantly on my tongue as it slid up and down them.

“Two.” He said, smiling down at me.

Stroking him faster, I dipped my head down below his cock, capturing his balls into my mouth.

“Oh fuck.” He breathed, his tail whipping wildly behind him.

I sucked on them desperately, running my hands over the length of his cock, squeezing him tightly with each stroke. His cock pulsed madly, like it would explode at any moment.

“One…” He breathed, his body twitching with pleasure.

I quickly pulled his cock back into my mouth, moving faster and harder than I had before. The sound of me feverishly sucking on him echoing through the vast space.

He cursed, arching his back and spreading his wings wide.

I gripped his balls in one hand and his shaft in the other, as I drew him deep into my mouth.

“Shit… Elizabeth.” He whined, his grip on my hair tightening.

He was so close. Just a few more-

Without warning he pulled back on my hair, forcing his cock from my throat. I gasped for air as he held me a short distance from his cock.

“Times up.” He grinned. He held my hair tightly as he knelt to eye level.

“That was a very good effort, and you were very close.” He said, his other hand gripping my chin. “But you failed.”

He eyed my face, as I struggled against his tight grip.

“Apologize.” He ordered, a sudden seriousness taking over his demeanor.

“I’m sorry.” I muttered, my eyebrows creasing.

“For?” He said, cocking his head.

“For not making you come.” I breathed.

“Don’t worry.” He said, standing again. He angled my jaw towards him, holding me tightly. “You will.”

Pinching my cheeks tightly his voice rang out in a commanding tone

“Open. It’s my turn now.”

Without hesitation I did as he said. He placed his thumb over my bottom teeth and pulled my jaw open as wide as it would go. He angled my head up toward him for a moment.

“Beautiful.” He remarked, before re-angling me toward his cock.

In one swift move he shoved his cock down my throat, far deeper than I was able to go on my own. I immediately choked, my eyes closing tightly. He wrapped both of his arms around the back of my head, holding me into place. As he leaned into me. Instinctively I pushed against him, but he didn’t budge. My eyes watered as I gripped his thighs tightly.

“Relax. You’re doing so well Elizabeth.” He remarked, as he held me tightly. “I’ve been dying to do this to you again.”

He slowly began rocking his hips, thrusting himself in and out of my throat, while holding my head tightly to his abdomen.

I struggled to keep my composure as his ridges rubbed up and down my throat.

After a moment he stopped moving, still holding me in place.

“Swallow.” He ordered. I tried, but with his hot cock pulsing down my throat I couldn’t quite manage it.

I let out a small whine, gripping his pants even tighter.

He let out a chuckle and kicked my legs open, beginning his thrusts again.

I felt his tail curve around me, brushing my thigh gently. It curved around my rear, rubbing against my slit, which by this point was practically dripping. Quickly, without any warning it penetrated me. I let out a cry which came out as no more than a muffled scream.

He began fucking me with his tail, while his cock fucked my throat.

I couldn’t breathe, or see, but I felt like I was going to explode. The feelings were so overwhelming, yet I couldn’t help but want more. I wanted to give myself to him completely. Every part of me, every hole was his for the taking.

I held onto him tightly, reaching my hand up his shirt and feeling the hard contours of his sculpted abs. I gave in completely to the sensations, tears flooding from my eyes.

He increased the speed of both his tail and cock, a deep guttural moan escaping his lips. He held me to him almost too tightly, completely locking my head in place.

“Fuck.” He yelled, suddenly pulling his cock from my throat. I gasped for air. He held my hair tightly and lifted my face toward him as he erupted over my naked form. He spilled his seed onto my face, hair and chest, the white liquid burning hot on my skin.

He shoved the head of his cock back into my mouth, emptying the last of his sweet seed over my tongue.

His eyes rolled back as he finished his release.

He slowly slid his tail out of me, staring down at me for a moment. His expression shifted from the bliss of his release to one of sudden seriousness.

“Fuck.” He repeated, dropping to his knees beside me. “I didn’t expect to go that quickly.”

He slid his hands between my legs and inserted his fingers into me. I gasped at the sudden and unexpected sensation.

“Alabaster, it-“

“Relax.” He said cutting me off. He plunged his finger in and out of me while using his thumb to stimulate my clit. “I won’t leave you wanting.”

I held onto his shoulders as his fingers danced inside of me, small moans escaping my lips with each penetration.

I looked up at him, and our eyes locked. He was staring at me with wide, intense eyes, his brows furrowed like he was trying to figure out a puzzle. There was this familiar buzz in the air between us, almost electric, and I could feel my cheeks heating up under his gaze.

As he leaned in closer, the world around us seemed to fade away. His lips brushed against mine, and I felt this surge of warmth go through me, like a spark igniting something deep inside. But before I knew it, I pulled back, resting my forehead against the nape of his neck, trying to breathe amidst the whirlwind of feelings swirling inside me.

I cried out as I unleashed in his grasp. I held onto him tightly as my body shook. He pulled me into him in a tight hug, pulling my body on top of his as his fingers continued their work.

Slowly, as my orgasm subsided he gently slid his fingers out.

I took a deep breath, my chest rising and falling as I stared back at him, feeling his warmth envelop me. He met my gaze, and even though I had released completely, the energy between us still crackled like a live wire. Gently, he brushed a few stray strands of hair away from my face, his fingertips lingering on my cheek as he pulled me in closer.

“I-” I started, suddenly pausing to weigh my next words carefully.

“Thank you,” I finally managed to whisper, my heart racing.

“Anytime,” he replied, a hint of confusion crossing his features. He gently lifted me to my feet, steadying me as if I might tip over.

“We’re running late,” he said, glancing at the clock on the wall. “You better get cleaned up.”

“Of course,” I nodded, hurriedly gathering my uniform from the floor and making my way to the bathroom. Once inside, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, my heart pounding in my chest. I nearly let the words slip out – I love you – and that scared me. Did I really feel that way? I wanted to say it so badly, but the thought of how vulnerable that would make me felt overwhelming. I had been reckless once already, asking him to say it after our first time together, and now it felt like those words held little weight for him.

With a resigned sigh, I turned on the shower, letting the warm water wash over me as I tried to sort through the jumbled mess of my emotions.

***

Alabaster

“Fuck.” I breathed, looking out at the mess that lay before me.

What the hell was it about Elizabeth? I didn’t think I had ever come that fast before in my life. I had thrown her an impossible challenge, and she almost pulled it off. I mean, she really would have if I hadn’t been actively fighting against her.

As I snatched a towel from the kitchen, the sound of water splashing from the shower filled the air, creating a strangely soothing backdrop. What was it about her that drove me wild? We were already running behind schedule, but just watching her made me feel this intense urge, like I wanted to explore every inch of her. Her skin looked so soft, the way her delicate features caught the light was mesmerizing, and those little gasps she made when I brushed against her? Absolutely intoxicating.

I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. I needed to stop spiraling before I got too worked up. It took every ounce of self-control not to just jump in that shower with her and forget about everything else.

It was such a bizarre experience; I’d never felt like this before, not with my wife or Lenore. What was it about Elizabeth?

Chapter Fourteen: Into Calvoria

I sat next to Alabaster at the back of the night bus, bound for our destination. The bus was mostly empty with the exception of a few passengers who dotted the seats. Flying would have been faster, but Alabaster had a hard time managing my suitcase. I glanced down, rubbing the irritated skin on my wrists through the grey uniform that felt scratchy against my skin. I had no choice but to wear it, though I’d happily have gone in anything else. Outside, the street lamps flashed by as we drove further into the dark, away from my home for the past three years. Even though I had won my freedom I hadn’t left my home since I moved there. The mundane life I had built for myself was comforting in its consistency.

I looked up at the map of the bus route above the driver’s head. Calvoria, the Demon city, was the final destination on this route, and according to Alabaster, out of all of the human cities in the country, it had the highest population of Demons. While most preferred to live away from humans, there were a few cities run entirely by them. They often masked their true forms to blend in, but in Demon-only zones, their real selves emerged. The thought of what awaited us there sent a nervous shiver down my spine.

Letting out a deep sigh I leaned my head against Alabaster’s shoulder, and he turned to me.

“It’ll be a long ride,” he whispered. “Sleep.”

I closed my eyes, my mind drifting back to our conversation a few days ago when he had invited me along.

“Anything I wanted?” I pondered, unsure of what to ask. I could always ask him to say those words again. I so desperately wanted to hear it, but I also wanted him to mean it. My mind drifted back to that night, the first night we spent together, the moonlight glinting off his skin, the warmth between us contrasting against the cool night air. That memory lingered in my mind, one that I knew I would cherish forever. He looked so beautiful…

Suddenly, the bus screeched to a halt, jolting me back to the present. I opened my eyes to see ‘Calvoria’ flashing on the display. I rubbed my eyes. I hadn’t even realized that I had dozed off.

“Let’s go,” Alabaster said firmly, retrieving my suitcase from under the seat as he made his way down the aisle. I stood slowly, looking around at the empty bus, we were the only two left.

“Enjoy your stay,” the driver remarked as we exited.

Outside, the city buzzed with life, even though it must have been far past midnight. Neon signs lit the streets, and the scent of smoke and alcohol filled the air, making me cough as I stepped into the cold.

“Here,” Alabaster said, handing me my suitcase. “You’ll have to carry it yourself from now on.”

I nodded and grabbed the handle.

“Please walk behind me, and don’t speak to anyone unless I give you permission,” he added.

Another nod, this one filled with resignation. I followed him through the crowded streets, where laughter and chatter filled the air. Groups of people mingled, blending together in a haze of music and life, whether they were humans or Demons was unclear. Occasionally, however, I noticed several figures casting curious glances at Alabaster and me.

We navigated through streets lined with clubs and bars each one filled with a life of its own. Though the places were likely run by Demons, and unsafe for someone like me, I couldn’t help but feel a pull toward the vibrant lifestyle. I felt a strange feeling that entering one of those places would allow for an escape into a night of fun and ecstasy.

“Stay focused.” Alabaster said, turning his head back towards me slightly.

I took my eyes off of the building and focused on following Alabaster’s figure. Perhaps this place was a bit more dangerous than I thought.

We continued walking until we reached a residential area, music from downtown still booming in the distance. We stopped in front of an old brick building with iron bars over the windows. The building looked ancient. The kind of building that probably used to be nice, but now was far too outdated and neglected for anyone to live comfortably in.

“Wait here,” Alabaster instructed before approaching the door. I set my suitcase down beside me and watched him knock softly on the wooden door. Almost immediately, the door opened just a crack, revealing a glowing red orb peering out.

“What do you want?” a dark voice sneered.

“I need a room,” Alabaster replied, leaning in to peer past the threshold.

“We’re full,” came a harsh retort.

“You’re lying,” Alabaster countered, leaning even closer. “Not many would choose to stay in such a dump.”

“You’re right.” The voice said, “But we’re not quite up to your standards anymore. You should try for a place downtown, they’d be more accommodating.”

The door began to close, but Alabaster stopped it with his hand.

“Wait,” he insisted. “I have a human. I need a place for us to stay together. The downtown spots won’t accommodate her.”

The red eye lingered on me, sending a chill down my spine. “I see,” the voice mused.

“Please,” Alabaster urged, “for an old friend.”

The voice laughed, a loud hoarse sound, and then the door swung wide open. A young man with pale skin, striking red hair and matching eyes stepped out, wrapping his arms tightly around Alabaster, who returned the embrace.

“It’s good to see you, Red,” Alabaster said, holding him close.

“You can come inside,” Red replied, stepping back into the building.

Alabaster turned and gestured for me to follow.

***

The inside of the building matched the outside, old and run down. Dark wood dominated the interior, and the air was thick with dust and the smell of burning cigarettes. I followed Alabaster and Red down a long hall, passing a few Demons lingering by the walls, tails, wings, and horns on full display. Their glowing eyes watched me with curiosity as we walked.

Red led us to a small dining room where an old wooden table sat at the center. He took a seat and gestured for Alabaster to join him. Alabaster sat down, returning to his usual form, his wings unfurling to either side.

“Sit,” Alabaster said to me, pulling out the chair next to him.

“Who is she?” Red asked without looking up, lighting a cigarette.

“My servant,” Alabaster replied, his jaw clenching.

Red chuckled softly, finally looking at me, his blood-red eyes seemingly piercing my soul. His eyes looked tired, his whole body did in fact. His hair was a bit disheveled and his clothes were nice, yet worn. His demeanor seemed far more closed off than the other Demons I had met.

“What’s your name?” he asked, taking a drag.

I opened my mouth but remembered Alabaster’s warning, glancing at him.

“You can answer him,” he reassured me, his gaze soft.

“Elizabeth,” I said, returning my gaze to Red, who scrutinized me as if assessing every detail.

“Just Elizabeth?” he raised an eyebrow.

“Just Elizabeth,” I replied, slumping down in my chair.

“Alabaster with a servant,” Red said mockingly, turning to him. “You really have climbed far.”

Puffs of smoke curled gently across the table.

“I guess that’s what happens when you marry into nobility. Found yourself a seat at the table after all,” Red continued, sizing Alabaster up. “Yet here you are, back here after all these years.”

“Turns out the seat wasn’t very comfortable,” Alabaster murmured, then turned to me with a slight smile. “This is where I grew up, a home for Demons who are… down on their luck. Me, Red, Lenore… and Malachi were all raised here.”

Red’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Malachi.

“There’s something I should say before we continue,” Alabaster said, turning back to Red.

Red raised an eyebrow.

“Lenore’s dead.”

Red let out a short laugh. “I’m not surprised. Had it coming for a while.”

“I killed her,” Alabaster replied, locking eyes with Red.

“Now that does surprise me,” Red said, suddenly attentive. “I suppose you had your reasons.”

“I’ve come to Calvoria to meet with her husband. Hopefully, we can resolve our issues peacefully.”

“That’s not very likely. The royals tend to be very unforgiving.” Red scoffed. “But I’ll let you stay here until you conclude your business.”

“Thank you,” Alabaster said, bowing his head.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Red warned. “It won’t be free. You’ve come at an opportune time. I have some business I need help with, and I’ll accept your assistance as payment for your stay.”

Alabaster remained silent for a moment, pondering Red’s offer.

“Fine,” Alabaster resigned, “I’ll help you with whatever you need after my business with Lenore’s husband is concluded.”

Red chuckled, extending his hand across the table.

“We have a deal, then.”

Alabaster took his hand and gripped it tightly, while Red’s eyes flickered to me for a moment before his smile widened slightly.

***

Red led us to our room, a small, dimly lit space with two rickety twin beds pushed against opposite walls. Apart from a dresser at one end and an old lamp resting on top, there wasn’t much furniture.

“Hmmm,” I sighed, glancing at the separate beds.

“Just for a few days,” Alabaster reassured me as he took my suitcase and shut the door. He rolled my suitcase over to the dresser and turned back to me, smiling.

“You did well.” He said, stepping closer and pulling me into a tight embrace, his wings wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. “Tomorrow we’ll meet with Arrallan. It won’t be easy, but I will protect you.”

A pang of nervousness shot through me.

“No matter what,” he breathed, “I won’t let him harm you. Trust me.”

“I do,” I replied, looking up at him. He pressed his lips against mine, holding me close, and I felt safe. I felt safer in his arms than I had in a long time, even in this place. I was certain Alabaster would protect me.

He pulled away and studied me for a moment.

“You should get some sleep,” he said, his brow furrowing. “I need to make arrangements for tomorrow.”

“You’re leaving?” I asked, gripping his arm.

“Just for a moment. I have to inform Arrallan side that we arrived safely and are ready for tomorrow,” he said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. “You’ll be safe here. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

Reluctantly, I let go and stepped aside, watching him walk past me. He left the room quietly, and suddenly the cramped space felt even emptier without him. I sank onto one of the beds, releasing a deep sigh as I glanced at Alabaster’s bed across the room.

These three days were going to be tougher than I thought. I pulled out my phone to check the time, 2:32 AM. Had it really gotten that late? I rested my head on the bed, and just as I settled in, there was a gentle knock on the door.

I sat up abruptly, my eyes fixed on the door. There was another knock. My heart beat loudly in my chest, as I suddenly realized I was alone in a building full of Demons. I pondered whether I should open it, but ignoring it might be just as risky. Perhaps I should pretend to sleep until they left? Then tell Alabaster.

“It’s Red,” said a voice from the other side. “I have something for the room.”

A wave of relief washed over me, yet I hesitated before approaching the door, slowly turning the knob and cracking it open.

“I was beginning to think you had fallen asleep,” he said with a smile, holding out two freshly folded towels.

“Thank you,” I replied, accepting them. His eyes quickly peered past me at the empty room. I felt an uncomfortable pang in my stomach.

“Goodnight,” I said, starting to close the door. But he caught it with his hand, pushing it back open, and gripping it tightly. I pushed against the door, but it wouldn’t budge under his grip.

I looked up at him, wide-eyed and uneasy.

“Do you know the difference between humans and Demons, ‘just Elizabeth’?” he asked, the smell of smoke lingering in the air between us. I remained silent.

“Demons are selfish. Far more than humans,” he continued with a smile. “While most humans like to help each other, Demons focus only on their own gain.”

His grip on the door tightened.

“You shouldn’t be with him,” he said pointedly.

“I’m not,” I stuttered. “I’m just his servant.”

“Alabaster was never a good liar. I grew up with him; I know his tells.” He breathed, looking down at me with a sinister glint in his eyes. “He will only hurt you in the end. You should leave and be with your own kind. You shouldn’t trust Demons”

I scoffed and pushed against the door.

“Just something to think about,” he said with a slight grin. He released the door causing it to slam shut.

I gasped, stunned at both the loud slam of the door, and his audacity. He was Alabaster’s childhood friend but didn’t know anything about me or what we shared. How could he judge? I trusted Alabaster, and I was certain he wouldn’t hurt me.

***

Alabaster returned several minutes later, just as he promised. He entered the room silently, but I sat quietly on my bed.

“I figured you would be asleep by now,” he said, surprised to find me still awake.

“Alabaster,” I said softly, rising to walk toward him.

“Yes?” He answered, confusion knitted his brows.

“I want to ask you for a favor,” I said, my heart racing.

“Anything,” he replied as I stood before him. I didn’t plan on asking him now, but Red’s words had left me feeling uneasy.

I took a deep breath, my gaze steady on him. “I want to hear those words, the same ones I asked you to say that night in the field.”

His eyes widened as he paused, then he whispered, “I – I can’t.”

“Why not?” I pressed, my brow furrowing in concern.

“Not here, Elizabeth. Not now.”

I sighed sharply. “Do you feel that way about me?”

He turned away from me.

“I’ve already told you, Elizabeth. Demons don’t… feel that.”

“But that wasn’t the whole truth,” I insisted, my voice rising slightly. “Because some demons do.”

“Well, I don’t!” he suddenly yelled, turning back to me, his voice reverberating in the room.

I averted my eyes and took a deep breath. His anger seemed to fade as I turned away.

“Elizabeth,” he said softly. “I-”

Ignoring him, I quietly made my way back to the bed. I crawled in and faced the wall.

I heard him let out a deep sigh and move to his own bed. Finally, I released my breath, and with it came a waterfall of tears. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to steady my breathing.

Suddenly, a loud scraping noise made me jump. I turned to see Alabaster dragging his bed closer to mine. The metal legs screeched against the wooden floor as he pushed the beds together.

I quickly turned back to face the wall as he climbed into his bed. To my surprise, Alabaster wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his chest, causing me to gasp.

“Elizabeth,” he said quietly, “I care about you greatly. You’re the most important person to me, but I cannot feel that way.”

He sighed deeply. “It’s not in my nature. Once we leave Calvoria, I will do anything for you, be anything for you, but I cannot do that. Please understand, it’s not that I don’t want to; I just can’t.”

His words echoed in my mind, cutting deeper than he could ever know. Silence settled between us, heavy and suffocating. I felt tears slip from my eyes, but I couldn’t face him; I couldn’t bear the weight of this moment any longer.

As exhaustion crept in, I nestled deeper into his embrace, the warmth of his body slowly easing the ache in my heart. Eventually, my eyelids grew heavy, and despite the pain swirling within me, I drifted into a restless sleep, the finality of his words echoing in my subconscious as a lingering reminder of what could never be.

Chapter Fifteen: Preparations

“Elizabeth…” A voice whispered, rich and warm, like a fine wine that has matured over the years. I blinked my eyes open slowly, adjusting to the soft glow surrounding me. The man loomed over me, his features softened by age yet strikingly familiar. His eyes crinkled in the corners as a gentle smile spread across his face.

“My Elizabeth,” he breathed, his voice a soothing balm to my senses as he reached a hand toward me. The warmth radiating from his skin enveloped me as his fingertips brushed against my cheek, igniting a flicker of recognition deep within me.

However, as he suddenly turned his head, a blinding white light erupted around us, overwhelming my senses. Panic surged through me, and I reached out, desperate to grasp the comfort he offered. But as quickly as it had appeared, he was swallowed by the brilliance, leaving me grasping at nothing, filled with an aching longing for his presence.

***

I sat up suddenly in bed, my heart racing and sweat trickling down my forehead. I wiped it away and attempted to steady my breathing.

“Who was he?” I whispered to myself, my fingers brushing against my cheek, where I could still feel the ghostly tingle of his touch. This man had invaded my dreams for as long as I could remember, emerging from a past life that felt like it belonged to someone else, before I was sold into the service of the Mistress. A chill coursed through me at the thought of her.

Glancing around the room, I was struck by how cold and empty it felt, despite the sweat clinging to my skin.

“Alabaster?” I called out, but received no answer. I stood up and brushed down my uniform, realizing I had fallen asleep in it. As I approached the door, I pressed my ear against the wood. I could hear hoarse laughter echoing down the hall, followed by a resounding chuckle that sent a thrill down my spine. Alabaster. My brows knitted together; I had never heard him truly laugh, this was far different from the mockery or sarcasm I had known in our early days together. The sound filled me with a strangely comforting warmth.

I cracked the door open, trying to catch the conversation.

“…had never seen him so…” The voice faded back, and I strained to hear more. “… Malachi… embarrassed…”

Laughter roared again, only to quiet as chairs scraped against the floor. “… thanks again…”

Just then, I heard heavy footsteps approaching my room, making me gasp. I closed the door softly and jumped back into bed, yanking the blanket over my head. The door creaked open and shut gently, and soon I heard soft footsteps nearing my bed.

“Elizabeth,” Alabaster said, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder, rubbing it comfortingly. I pulled the covers down slowly, revealing my face.

“I’m sorry to wake you so early,” he said, kneeling at the edge of the bed. “We should head out soon.”

I let out a deep breath, still gathering my thoughts. “Alright,” I replied, sitting up.

“Listen,” he said softly, his brow furrowing as he seemed to search for the right words. “About last night…”

He took a moment, sliding his hand from my shoulder down to grasp my hand between his, gently rubbing my skin.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said the things I said.”

I exhaled slowly, unsure how to respond.

“About those words…” he continued, avoiding my gaze. “They’re rare in my world, but sometimes they can be found.”

He paused, his grip tightening on my hand.

“If you would like to say that to me… I would be happy to hear it.” I smiled fleetingly before my gaze fell, overwhelmed by uncertainty.

“I know that’s not what you wanted to hear,” he added, his voice sincere. “But I promise to make it up to you. Just get through today with me.”

Nodding, I gripped his hand tightly.

“Here,” he said, breaking the tension as he handed me a small pile of neatly folded clothes. I unfolded them, revealing a brilliant black satin version of my uniform.

“It’s a gift from Arrallan,” he said with a smile. “I thought it’d be more comfortable than the old one.”

“Thank you,” I breathed, marveling at the softness of the fabric gliding through my fingers like a gentle breeze.

“You should get changed,” Alabaster said, standing.

“Can I take a shower first?” I asked hopefully.

“We’ll both bathe once we get there,” he replied with a warm smile, moving toward the dresser.

I unbuttoned the top of my old uniform, feeling the cool air brush against my skin. Alabaster turned away, resting his palms on the wooden surface of the dresser, lowering his head. I took my time pulling on the new uniform, reveling in the way the cool, light fabric felt as if I had slipped into nothing at all.

“Wonderful,” he said, taking a deep breath just as I fastened the last button. He turned around, his eyes sparkling with approval. “We should head out.”

I nodded, following closely behind him as we made our way to the door, the lingering warmth of our exchange energizing me for whatever lay ahead.

***

We retraced our steps down the street, heading back the way we had come into the city. By the light of day, the area looked starkly different, revealing remnants of the previous night’s parties strewn about, forgotten in the bright sun.

The city buzzed with the loud hum of cars and chattering crowds, a far cry from the pulsing music that had filled the air hours earlier.

Alabaster and I walked past the bus station where we’d first arrived, the buildings growing taller and more ornate as we ventured deeper. The pedestrians around us donned lavish outfits similar to what I had seen on the Mistress, but every now and then, I spotted someone in a uniform not unlike mine.

Eventually, we reached a tall stone building adorned with elegant golden trim. It was one of the largest buildings I had ever seen. It towered up toward the sky, threatening to penetrate the sparse clouds above.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a spacious lobby with magnificent marble floors that shimmered like polished glass, reflecting the light of the crystal chandelier suspended elegantly from the ceiling. The chandelier cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls and floor, its facets glinting in perfect harmony with the gentle hum of the lobby. A sleek, minimalist desk stood at the far end of the room, its surface gleaming like a mirror. Soft, cool lighting emanated from the ceiling, casting a welcoming glow over the space.

Alabaster approached the desk, where a petite woman with a blunt black bob and sharp eyeglasses sat. Her eyes, a striking shade of yellow reminiscent of Alabaster’s, lit up as she recognized him.

“Alabaster,” she said, straightening her glasses. “It’s been quite a while.”

He nodded in return.

“I have a meeting with Arrallan,” he stated confidently.

“Of course,” she responded with a sly smile. “Will you be needing a partner for your visit?”

Alabaster gestured gently toward me. I could feel her curious gaze scrutinizing my every inch as she cocked her head.

“She’s human?”

“Yes,” Alabaster replied, maintaining his composure.

The woman sighed deeply, her demeanor shifting as she reached under her desk to retrieve a small black box. With a few strides, she approached me.

“Here,” she said, extending the box my way. I instinctively took a step back, but she opened it to reveal a brilliant silver bangle. Before I could protest, she gripped my wrist and slid the bangle on.

“What’s this?” I asked, pulling my arm back, confusion washing over me.

Ignoring my question, she glanced up at Alabaster.

“You know the rules. We won’t be held liable if anything were to happen.”

“I know,” he assured her firmly. “She will be fine.”

A half-grin returned to her face as she stepped back behind the counter. “You’re free to enter,” she said, motioning toward a pair of grand double doors to our right.

Alabaster placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and guided me toward the doors.

As they opened, we were met with a long ornate hallway lined with shiny wooden floors and gold trim matching the building’s exterior. Our footsteps echoed heavily as we walked.

“What is this?” I whispered, glancing down at the bangle on my wrist.

He examined it gently, his fingers gliding over the cool metal.

“It’s a warning,” he explained softly. “So everyone knows you’re fragile.”

“Fragile?” I repeated, an eyebrow raised in disbelief.

“Humans don’t often come here,” he clarified.

A contemplative breath escaped me as we neared the end of the hallway. We were greeted by two women dressed in short sleek black dresses. The first appeared relatively normal aside from her striking purple eyes, while the second was far from it, her olive green skin bore splotches of black and white patterns, and a long tail swayed behind her, not unlike Alabaster’s, although she had no horns or wings to match.

“You must be Alabaster,” the purple-eyed woman remarked with a wide smile. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Alabaster replied, nodding graciously.

“Arrallan sent me to collect you,” she said. Motioning towards a door on the right, she added, “I will lead you to your room.”

As she gestured, Alabaster followed her, and I trailed right behind him for a few steps. Suddenly, a warm hand clamped around my arm. Whipping around, I found myself face-to-face with the green-skinned woman, revealing sharp fangs in a slight smile.

“Actually, you’ll be with me,” she said sweetly, her grip firm yet not hostile.

“Alabaster,” I called out, turning back.

He halted and turned toward me, concern flashing across his face. He walked back, placing a gentle hand around my shoulder.

“Don’t worry,” he said softly. “We will only be apart for a short while. They will take good care of you.” He leaned down, placing a kiss on my head, causing the woman with the purple eyes to wince from the corner of my sight.

I nodded at him, feeling a pit of nervousness fill my chest. His hands lingered on my shoulder for a moment before he turned again to follow the woman.

“I’m Lea,” the green-skinned girl announced, as I shifted my attention back to her. “And you are?”

“Elizabeth,” I replied, feeling an unfamiliar tension weaving through the air.

“Elizabeth,” she repeated thoughtfully, her smile unwavering. “Follow me.”

She led me through a doorway opposite where Alabaster had gone. Upon entering, I found a spacious, starkly simple room with more wooden doors lining the walls. The contrast in décor from the previous room was striking, a sudden reminder that I was here as a servant. Of course our area wouldn’t be as decorative.

“We’ll be working together today,” Lea informed me, leading me through the room. She stopped halfway down the hall and opened a door.

Billows of steam poured out from the opened doorway, enveloping me in a warm embrace as the air was immediately infused with the intoxicating scent of blooming flowers. The aroma was sharp yet sweet, evoking images of lush gardens under a clear blue sky.

“Together?” I questioned, leaning in to peek into the room. My eyes widened as I took in the sight before me. In the heart of the room, embedded in the smooth, polished floor, lay a large round bathtub that could easily rival a swimming pool in size. Its surface was an array of fluffy purple bubbles, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere that felt like a warm invitation to step inside.

Surrounding the tub were neatly arranged towels in soft colors that complemented the vibrant bubbles, their plushness promising comfort. A display of various scented soaps and bottles of swirling liquid shimmered enticingly beside it.

“Yes,” she assured me, stepping inside. “I will be Arrallan’s partner, and you will be Alabaster’s.”

She held the door wide open, and I hesitantly stepped in, captivated by the steam. As I stared, she approached me and closed the door behind us.

“Since this is your first time here, I’ll explain how a Coetus works,” she offered softly, her voice carrying an oddly soothing tone.

As she began to unzip her dress, I instinctively averted my eyes, a mix of surprise and embarrassment flooding through me.

“Our Masters have important matters to discuss,” she continued, proceeding to let the fabric slide off her shoulders. “It’s our job to ensure they’re comfortable during their meeting.”

With graceful movements, she stepped into the water, her body disappearing beneath the surface for a moment before resurfacing.

“Get in,” she urged, her piercing gaze unwavering as it met mine. “We must prepare.”

Feeling the heat rise to my cheeks, I exhaled a sigh of resignation and began unbuttoning my top, stepping further into this unfamiliar world.

Chapter Sixteen: Coetus

“What exactly are you?” I asked, trying to sound casual as Lea scrubbed my back with a rough sponge. It was thick and scratched uncomfortably against my skin, but her movements were surprisingly gentle, almost soothing.

“You look like a Demon, but not quite…” I said, my voice trailing off.

Lea paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath before she continued to scrub my skin.

“I am a Cambion,” she said finally, her voice as soft as a whisper. “Half Demon, half human.”

I felt a jolt of surprise.

“I thought that wasn’t allowed,” I said, my voice sounding a bit too shocked.

Lea’s voice remained serene, but I could sense a hint of sadness behind her words.

“It’s not,” she said. “But here, in this place, secrets are well kept. And where I live, I am under the protection of Arrallan.”

I felt an unusual wave of relief wash over me as I thought about Arrallan, the Demon I had initially feared. Perhaps I had misjudged him.

Just as I was starting to feel a sense of calm, a bell rang loudly throughout the room, causing me to flinch.

“Come,” Lea said, reacting to the sound immediately. “It’s time for us to go.”

As we made our way out of the water, I grabbed a nearby towel and wrapped it hastily around myself. Lea, on the other hand, dried herself quickly and discarded the towel on the floor. Her body was breathtakingly beautiful, with her olive green skin and patches of black along her waist and legs. Her proportions seemed almost impossible, like a model straight out of a fashion magazine. Her small waist was perfectly rounded by her curves, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of insecurity about myself.

“Here,” Lea said, turning back to me with a smile. She handed me a dress that looked similar to the one she had arrived in. I unbuttoned it, slipping it on over my skin. The fabric hugged my curves tightly, making me feel even more self-conscious. I couldn’t help but glance at Lea, who was slipping on her own dress with ease.

As she reached for my arm, I felt a flutter of nerves.

“Listen,” she said, her voice low and urgent. “It’s very important that during the meeting, you do not speak unless you are directly spoken to.”

I nodded hastily, trying to take in her instructions.

“Once we enter, you must sit beside your Master, and I will sit beside mine. If things get heated, we must deescalate the situation. Do you understand?”

I nodded again, but Lea’s expression told me she wasn’t convinced.

“How can I-” I began, but she cut me off with a gentle but firm touch on my arm.

“You’ll find a way,” she said, her voice dripping with urgency. “You must. We have to get going. They’re expecting us.”

She tugged gently on my arm, drawing me towards the door. I hesitated for a moment, feeling a sense of unease wash over me. But Lea’s words echoed in my mind, and I knew I had to follow her instructions if I wanted us to survive.

***

I leaned in close to Lea as we stood outside a pair of large oak doors, the laughter and conversation within growing louder. Alabaster’s laughter was unmistakable, and a voice I assumed to be Arrallan’s joined in, their camaraderie evident despite the undercurrent of tension.

I could tell Alabaster’s laughter wasn’t genuine, at least not like it had been when he was with Red. There was a forced quality to it, similar to the way I laughed at Harvey’s jokes, rare as those were.

I held the tray of drinks tightly on my chest, its delicate crystal glasses and bottle of red liquid glinting in the dim light. Lea, meanwhile, balanced a large tray of food with ease, her hand moving with a practiced fluidity. The food was an ornate spread of cheeses, fruits and bread, quite the opposite of what I had expected. I eyed my tray nervously, worried that I’d spill something. Lea gently knocked on the door, and the laughter suddenly ceased.

“Come in,” Arrallan’s voice boomed from the other side.

Lea pushed the door open, and we stepped inside. I nearly tripped, my foot catching on the soft, cushioned floor, which seemed to be designed to be as comfortable as a giant bed. The room was small but beautifully decorated, with a magnificent painted ceiling and a large chandelier hanging above our heads. A circular table in the center of the room was surrounded by cushions that acted as seats. Alabaster, looking stunning in his silk robe, caught my eye first. His hair was slicked back, and his yellow eyes sparkled as he gazed at me, a gentle smile spreading across his face.

My eyes flickered to Arrallan, and I froze, my body suddenly feeling tight with fear. He was exactly as I remembered him: twisted horns curled upward, white hair jutting out in wild directions, and solid black eyes that seemed to bore into me. He smiled, revealing a row of sharp teeth, and my heart skipped a beat.

“This must be your guest,” he said, turning to Alabaster. “You didn’t tell me she was so beautiful.”

Lea had already placed her tray down and was sitting beside Arrallan, who gazed at me with an unnerving intensity.

I suddenly realized I had been standing awkwardly in the doorway while everyone else was already seated. I rushed to the table, carefully placing down the tray with a slight clink. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as Alabaster took my arm, pulling me tight to his side. He was warm, and I felt a flutter in my chest at his touch. Lea inched forward, her eyes fixed on me, her brow furrowed in concern.

“What do you say we trade for the day?” Arrallan suggested, a playful smile spreading across his face. “Lea can be quite accommodating.”

Alabaster’s grip on my arm tightened, and I felt a surge of anxiety.

“I don’t think that would work for me,” Alabaster said coolly, his voice light but firm. “I’d get too jealous if I gave Elizabeth away.”

Arrallan chuckled, his gaze never leaving mine. “Suit yourself.”

He gestured to Lea, who poured a drink for him. I copied her movements, taking a glass and pouring a drink for Alabaster.

“Thank you,” Alabaster said, his eyes meeting mine as he took the glass from my hands. They sipped their drinks in silence for a moment before Alabaster turned to me.

“Try this,” he said, holding the glass up. I looked at him with uncertainty, and he chuckled. “Don’t worry, it’s just wine.”

I hesitantly took a sip, and my eyes widened in surprise. The wine was complex, with a deep rich flavor and a slightly sweet aftertaste.

“It’s Arrallan’s favorite,” Alabaster explained. “He owns several vineyards across the country, and this is one of his finest vintages.”

“It’s very good.” I said softly, unsure if my speaking would disturb the situation.

“I’m glad you like it,” Arrallan said, his demeanor softening for a moment. He turned to Alabaster. “I must say, I was surprised when you mentioned that you were bringing a human guest. I’ve never known you as someone who would consort with humans.”

His eyes flickered between us for a moment, a brief smile playing on his lips.

“You see, I have always been fascinated with humans and their customs,” Arrallan continued. “Lea has taught me a lot about their kind, and I’m grateful to have her as a teacher.”

Lea smiled at him, her eyes shining with affection.

Arrallan gestured to the tray of dishes in front of us. “Having a human guest gives me an excuse to have a meal like this. I brought some of my favorite human foods and drinks. It’s rare to find a Demon who wants to indulge in such a meal.”

Alabaster chuckled, and the tension in the room began to dissipate.

“The last time you came to visit, you requested this kind of meal. I thought it was quite enjoyable, but my wife hated it.” He said with a smile.

“Mine too.” Arrallan said, returning his laugh. “Lenore always hated my interest in human things.”

Without warning, Arrallan’s demeanor shifted again. His eyes clouded, and his face seemed to darken.

“My wife… I suppose she’s dead now, isn’t she?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alabaster’s eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of guilt.

“I’m afraid so,” he said, his voice laced with sorrow.

The room fell silent, and I felt a pang of sorrow for the Demon across from us. It was a strange feeling, knowing the fear that had coursed through my veins just hours ago.

Arrallan’s gaze shifted to the ceiling, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “She was very… fond of you, you know?”

Alabaster’s eyes dropped to the floor, and he nodded.

“Did I tell you how we met?” Arrallan asked, his face suddenly brightening.

Alabaster shook his head.

“Before she became our judge, she trained under an acquaintance of mine.”

Arrallan raised his hand in the air and spread his fingers wide.

“I hosted a ball at my estate, and he brought her along.” He smiled, his lips spreading thin.

“She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen,” Arrallan continued, his eyes drifting back to Alabaster. “I knew from the moment I met her that I would do anything for her. We married not because of our mutual fondness for each other but rather an exchange of assets. She desired my influence and power, and I desired her. A deal which I hear was quite the opposite of yours.”

Alabaster’s brows furrowed, and he looked back up at Arrallan.

“Though I married Lenore, her biggest desire was to be with you. It was something we frequently talked about, and something I had hoped to persuade her from pursuing, though it seems I failed.”

“I’m sorry.” Alabaster breathed, the tension in the air as thick as a knife.

Silence cut through the room for a brief moment, making the walls feel tight.

“I don’t understand something.” Alabaster said, raising his head. Arrallan raised an eyebrow.

“Why did she push for my execution, if she was so fond of me?”

Arrallan smiled, a soft chuckle to himself.

“She was angry at your involvement with your friend, Malachi’s betrayal. But she didn’t want you dead. She wanted you to ask her for help. She would have exonerated you, perhaps even married you. But you turned to someone else, and so she stayed with me.”

Arrallan let out another deep breath and shifted his gaze to the ceiling.

“I loved my wife.” He said, his brow furrowing. Alabaster took in a deep breath at Arrallan’s words. “But she did not love me.”

I felt the weight of guilt in my chest.

“I deeply regret causing you so much pain.” Alabaster said.

“Answer one question for me.” Arrallan said, “And I will forgive your actions. Answer truthfully.”

“Of course.” Alabaster replied.

“Why did you kill her?”

Alabaster looked down, contemplating his answer. His gaze slowly shifted to me, and he stared at me with a furrowed brow.

“She wanted to kill…” He paused for a brief moment. “Elizabeth.”

“Your human?” Arrallan said, his eyes shifting to me. “When I visited you, you had a castle full of humans. Most Demons wouldn’t mind losing one or two. Especially to avoid a circumstance like this.”

“It’s not like that.” Alabaster breathed. “Not anymore. I am… fond of her.”

I felt a flutter in my chest at Alabaster’s words.

Arrallan’s gaze narrowed. “And are you fond of him?” His question was directed at me, and I felt a surge of nervousness.

“Y…yes,” I blurted out, my heart racing.

“I see.” Arrallan said, turning back to Alabaster. “What a peculiar situation.”

I thought I saw a flicker of a smile on Arrallan’s face, but it was quickly extinguished.

“Why would you forgive me so easily?” Alabaster questioned, cocking his head slightly.

“I suppose,” Arrallan began, “There was no other way for this situation to end. No matter what you chose to do, she would have pursued you to her dying breath. And if you did not comply she would have made your life a living hell.”

Arrallan thought about his words for a moment.

“I may have responded the same way, if I was in your situation.” He breathed.

Alabaster lowered his gaze again.

“Thank you for your honesty,” Arrallan said. “I must now show you the same courtesy.”

The room seemed to darken, and Arrallan’s brows furrowed. “The true reason I contacted you, and brought you here, is about more than just my wife’s death. Once she revived you, she knew that pursuing you might result in her undoing. In the event that she did not return, she gave me a task to complete.”

Alabaster’s grip on my arm tightened as Arrallan continued. “She told me, under no circumstance was I to speak with you, but, knowing what I know now, I wish I had before I completed her dying wish.”

Alabaster’s eyes narrowed. “What did she want you to do?”

Arrallan’s gaze drifted back to me, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “She gave me a parting gift before she confronted you. The body of your late wife.”

I felt a wave of shock wash over me, and Alabaster’s grip suddenly turned cold.

“Where is she now?” he asked, his voice darkening.

“In my estate,” Arrallan replied. “Unfortunately, Lenore’s final request, was that I revive her.”

I flinched, and felt like tiny needles were rolling over my skin. This Mistress was alive again? My body grew numb, and my head began to get fuzzy.

Alabaster squeezed my hand, grounding me again.

“She doesn’t know you are here. You’ll be safe in the city, at least for a while.”

Alabaster’s eyes scanned the room, his face a mask of calculation.

“Shall we end the meeting here, then?” he asked, his voice dripping with urgency. “I’m not sure if it would be wise to stay for the next course.”

Arrallan’s gaze snapped back to him.

“No. If you leave now, we will not accomplish our goal. You have resentment in your heart, because I have put Elizabeth’s life in danger. You killed my wife, and I revived yours. But I do not wish to leave this meeting as your enemy.”

Alabaster pulled me to my feet as he stood.

“I cannot risk putting Elizabeth in harm’s way,” he said, his voice firm.

Arrallan’s face contorted in anger, and his voice rose.

“Sit down!” He suddenly yelled. His voice rang out like a crack of thunder, the room shook with an unnatural energy, causing the lights to flicker.

My breath caught in my throat. Alabaster’s body tightened, and he pulled me slightly closer to him.

The room seemed to darken, a powerful energy swirling around Arrallan. I turned away from him, feeling dizzy just looking at him.

I turned to Alabaster. He had a look on his face that mirrored my feelings. Fear. Alabaster was strong, but I had never seen such a display of raw power.

Arrallan’s features softened slightly.

“She will not find you here. I will assure your and Elizabeth’s safety while you are here.”

Arrallan relaxed his body.

“When I return to my estate, I will decommission her myself. And I will deal with any consequences of doing so.”

“Please,” he said, his voice softening. “Sit.”

Alabaster hesitated for a moment before lowering himself back into his seat. I followed, my heart still racing.

“We will leave first thing in the morning,” Alabaster said, his voice firm.

Arrallan nodded, a small smile returning to his face.

“Now,” he said, his voice dripping with a newfound warmth. “Shall we begin the next course?”

***

Alabaster bent me over on my hands and knees. He had hastily pulled my panties down and pushed up my dress as he shoved himself inside of me. I gripped the soft pillowy ground tightly as he gripped my hips with the same intensity. His movements were harsh and angry as he pounded himself against me.

Arrallan and Lea were taking things slower. She had stripped down completely, and was perched on top of him, gently kissing his face. I watched as her hand carefully traced his harsh features. His eyes watched her with a burning fiery passion.

I averted my eyes, feeling a strong pang of embarrassment. As I lowered my head onto the ground, Alabaster responded by sliding his palm under the back of my dress and resting it on my back. His skin was not its usual burning temperature, but was only slightly warm. He grabbed my hair with his other hand, pulling my head back off the ground. I flinched as he picked up speed.

He was so rough, to the point where it was almost painful, but I couldn’t help but let out a whimper at the sensation of his ridges sliding in and out of me.

My eyes wandered back to Arrallan and Lea. She was riding him, while he sat with his head tilted back, a blissful smile on his lips. She stopped after a few moments, lifting herself up. She took hold of his member in her hands and slid it back a few inches, pressing it against her other hole. It slid in slowly, and his face turned from one of relaxation to one of pure pleasure.

I gasped slightly as she began to ride him again. I felt a brief pang of longing mixed with a heavy sense of nervousness. Would it really be that easy? I wanted to make Alabaster feel the way she was making Arrallan feel, and I deeply longed to have him explore every part of me.

I averted my eyes once more, feeling the embarrassment creeping in again.

Alabaster pulled himself out of me, and spun me around, saving me from my own lingering eyes. He pulled me into him as he lowered himself back onto his seat. Slowly he slid me down on his cock once more. Placing his hands on my hips, he began lifting me up and down on his hard member. I tried to bounce with him, but found it difficult to keep up with his speed and rhythm. I settled on relaxing my body, and placing my hands on his shoulders.

He looked at me through his furrowed brows, his expression more one of anger than the passion I was used to.

With one hand he pulled open my dress, tearing the fabric and exposing my chest to him. He pulled me closer to him, gripping my hips tightly. He was hungry, desperate for something I didn’t fully understand.

Perhaps he feared the Mistress’s return, and questioned the amount of time we had left, or perhaps he just wished to leave this place as soon as possible, I wasn’t sure, but I knew I could not keep up with his pace.

I shut my eyes for a brief moment, a turmoil of feelings welling in my chest. When I opened them again, they locked onto Alabaster’s lips. They were pressed tightly together, as his face wore a look of frustration.

I quickly leaned into him and placed a kiss on his lips. He pulled back suddenly, seemingly shocked out of his trance. His movements slowed to a halt, and he stared at me with wide eyes. I placed another kiss on his cheek, and another on his forehead.

I sat upon him for a brief moment, staring deeply into his eyes. His expression had shifted to one of sorrow. He let out a deep breath and gripped my skin tightly.

“Elizabeth.” He breathed. “I’m sorr-”

I cut him off with another kiss on his lips. I gripped his shoulders tightly, lifting myself up and sliding myself back down on his cock. His grip loosened and he gently held my hips as I slowly raised and lowered myself again. His brows knitted as I continued to ride him, much slower than he had gone, but each stroke lingering with pleasure.

With each stroke I brought myself to the very tip of his cock, and all the way back down to the base. He tilted his head back, letting out a deep breath. I traced my fingers along his collarbones, savoring every inch of him.

For the first time, I was in control. I determined the speed and depth, and Alabaster’s pleasure was at my whim.

He shut his eyes, finally relaxing. His cock warmed within me, igniting the fire inside of me. It wasn’t the burning flame that I felt when it was just the two of us, but more of a slow flowing magma. Still overwhelmingly hot, yet somehow peaceful.

I picked up my speed ever so slightly causing him to moan softly. He lifted his head, staring deep into my eyes.

Lifting his hips ever so slightly, he matched my pace, causing his cock to bury deeper into me with each stroke. The magma flowing within me grew hotter. It burned like his skin which was pressed against mine.

I slid my hands up to the sides of his face, pressing my lips against his once again. He held me tightly, a soft moan escaping from his lips.

His cock suddenly unleashed inside me, filling me with his hot semen. He pulled back, staring at me with a furrowed brow, and a slack jaw as he unloaded. I held him deep inside of me as I felt every drop of his seed fill my body. He breathed heavily as his cock finished unloading. His body relaxed, but he still gripped me tightly. As he looked into my eyes, his features softened. Raising his hands to my face, he brushed back a few strands of my curls. He placed his hand on top of my head and kissed me softly. I felt a wave of electricity roll through my body.

His eyes were soft as they met mine, filled with passion and longing. They traced every inch of my face. I felt as though I might turn red under his gaze.

I loved him. I knew it from the bottom of my heart. I desired only to stay beside him, and I knew he felt a similar feeling even though he couldn’t put it into words. Even if he couldn’t love me, I would love him.

“Very peculiar.” Arrallan’s voice said from behind us. I turned sharply to see both Arrallan and Lea staring at us. They had halted their movements and were both eyeing us curiously.

Alabaster quickly pulled me in tightly, turning me back towards him. He cocooned us in his wings, engulfing the two of us in his growing warmth.

***

I stepped into the cramped space that would be my room for the night, the walls made of cold concrete that felt blank and unwelcoming. Arrallan had insisted that Alabaster and I stay here for the night, though I would have preferred to return to Red’s place. The room offered barely enough space for a single bed, with a small window above it letting in a sliver of light from the bustling city below.

Sighing, I collapsed onto the bed, the mattress surprisingly firm against my back. As a human, I wasn’t allowed to stay in Alabaster’s room, which I imagined to be far more luxurious than mine. He had offered to stay with me, but the rules prevented that too. It took a lot of coaxing before he reluctantly let me go, and I assured him that I would be safe on my own for just one night.

I closed my eyes, resting my head on the pillow. Although I had let him leave, I couldn’t shake the longing for his warmth. It felt strange to be without him; I had slept in his arms every night since that cold evening in my apartment, and now the bed felt achingly empty. As I focused on my breathing, I tuned into the sounds filtering through the window, the distant music and bubbling chatter of the city coming alive at night. Letting out a deep breath, I sank further into the mattress, attempting to embrace its comfort.

Suddenly, a loud creak shattered my tranquility, jolting me back to reality. I sat up sharply, nearly jumping out of my skin, to find a tall figure looming beside my bed, swallowed in darkness. Even without seeing his face, I recognized him instantly; the twisted silhouette of his horns gave him away.

My heart raced as I instinctively backed away, pressing myself against the wall.

“I’m sorry,” Arrallan said, his voice creaking like the old wooden floor. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice trembling as I tried to scoot further back.

He exhaled deeply, a gust of cold air washing over me. Kneeling beside my bed, he was illuminated by the soft light streaming through the window. For a moment, he said nothing, his eyes scanning my face with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. Then, a warm smile spread across his features, softening his otherwise twisted appearance.

“It is very rare for a Demon to find what Alabaster has found,” he began, his words slow and measured as if he chose them with care. “Love… is not often encountered in our world.”

My brows furrowed at his statement.

“Alabaster doesn’t love me,” I replied, my voice a mere whisper.

“Is that what he told you?” Arrallan raised an eyebrow, and as he extended his hand toward me, I instinctively flinched away. He paused, inhaling deeply, before gently taking my hand. His grip was unexpectedly cold, less frigid than Alabaster’s had once been, but still devoid of warmth.

“I have been alive for a very long time,” he continued, holding my hand delicately as if I were made of glass. “I have seen many things, known many Demons.”

He let out a breath, and I could feel the weight of his words bearing down on us.

“He may not be able to admit it to himself yet, but Alabaster is in love with you.”

He stood up, releasing my hand gently, but his words lingered in the air.

“Demon love is exceedingly rare. Cherish it. You may just save him.”

With that, he turned toward the door. “I apologize again,” he said softly, glancing back at me. “I wish the two of you the best.”

And then he was gone, slipping out the door like a whisper carried away by the wind, too fast and too quiet for my mind to fully grasp. I let his words wash over me as I sank back down onto the bed. Could it truly be possible? Did Alabaster really love me? My mind, racing with conflicting thoughts, was thrown into chaos. I shut my eyes again, trying to block out the maelstrom of doubts, but I couldn’t help the sense of elation that blossomed in my chest, filling the emptiness he had left behind.

Chapter Seventeen: Together

“Elizabeth.” A voice whispered softly, gently shaking me from my slumber. “Elizabeth?”

I blinked, squinting through the darkness as I turned toward the sound.

“Alabaster?” I murmured, struggling to fully emerge from my dreamlike state.

“Is it time to leave already?” I asked, feeling a flutter of anticipation as he placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Not yet,” he replied, his voice soothing. In one smooth motion, he scooped me into his arms. A gasp escaped my lips as I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck to steady myself.

He moved effortlessly through the doorway, ducking slightly to avoid scraping his horns against the frame. As soon as he closed the door behind us, we were enveloped in complete darkness. I nestled my head into the nape of his neck, closing my tired eyes against the night. His familiar scent and warmth enveloped me, and I tightened my grip, feeling comforted in his arms.

Though I couldn’t see, I could feel the rush of air against my skin as he moved quickly through the labyrinthine halls. The cool breeze sent a shiver up my spine.

Suddenly, he came to a stop. I lifted my head, straining to make out the features of his face in the dim light, but my sight eluded me. I heard the creaking of a door opening in front of us, and the air turned warmer around us as he stepped through.

“Here,” he whispered, gently placing me on the ground.

He stepped back, leaving me alone in the darkness for a moment. Gradually, a soft light flickered on, illuminating a beautifully spacious bedroom that felt like a dreamy sanctuary. The walls were draped in rich, deep purple fabric. Lush velvet curtains framed large windows, allowing hints of moonlight to pour in, casting a gentle glow on the gleaming marble floor.

At the center of the room stood a magnificent circular bed, its oversized frame enveloped in lustrous silks and fluffy pillows, all in shades of lavender and amethyst.

“This is your room?” I asked, my mouth agape in awe as I took in the sheer beauty of the space.

“Yes,” he confirmed, making his way back toward me.

As he approached, I noticed how his hair was still neatly styled, with a few stray strands falling delicately over his forehead. He wore a deep blue satin pajama set, adorned with gold threading along the hems. In contrast, I had changed back into my new uniform, which was undoubtedly nicer than my old one but nowhere near as exquisite as his attire.

“But I’m not allowed to be here…” I protested softly.

Alabaster placed his hands on my shoulders and slowly slid them down to entwine his fingers with mine.

“I know,” he smiled, his eyes warm and reassuring. “But I couldn’t sleep without you.”

A rush of warmth blossomed in my chest at his words. He pulled me into a heartfelt hug, his arms encircling me tightly.

“You did so well today,” he murmured, resting a gentle hand on the back of my head.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, relishing his warmth, feeling as if I were absorbing the sun itself.

“I will keep you safe, no matter what,” he breathed, his voice carrying a softness edged with intensity. “We’ll leave first thing tomorrow, and I promise to take you somewhere safe. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”

I inhaled deeply, trying to absorb every comforting element of him.

“Whatever it takes.” He echoed, his body pressed tightly against mine.

He pulled back slightly, leaning in to place a soft kiss on my forehead.

In that embrace, time felt suspended, and we breathed in sync, our bodies melding together as one.

“I promised you,” he said after a moment, breaking the silence, “that we could do whatever you wanted when we got back.”

He ran his hands down my back, his fingers gripping my sides tightly.

“I don’t think I can wait until then,” he whispered, sending a warm tingle down my spine.

“What would you like from me?” he asked, leaning in closer, his lips just grazing mine.

My mind raced, heart pounding faster as a rush of excitement coursed through me. I knew what I wanted, the thought had been teasing the edges of my consciousness, but I wasn’t quite sure how to voice it.

I took his hands into mine, feeling his heat enveloping me. Pulling him gently toward the bed, he followed without hesitation. As I lay back against the soft sheets, I drew him in closer. He leaned over me, a playful smile dancing on his lips, and I scooted back slightly on the bed.

His figure loomed above me, casting a shadow that both thrilled and comforted me. Gripping his shirt tight, I pulled him to me, pressing my lips against his. He responded eagerly, parting his lips as his tongue slid into my mouth. Our tongues intertwined, and I breathed in his intoxicating scent, feeling lost in this moment of shared intimacy.

I felt a sudden sense of urgency, and a fire burning between my legs. Sliding my hands down his body, I made my way to the bulge that was forming between his legs. He let out a short grunt as I ran my fingers along his member, gripping him through the soft silk fabric of his pajamas.

Without warning, he grabbed my wrist tightly, his grip like iron. I stared up at him, a look of confusion on my face. He brought my hand closer to him, my fingers brushing along his lower abdomen. The heat radiating from his skin was so intense, I felt he might singe my fingers.

He slowly slid my hand down the front of his pajama bottoms. He released my wrist, placing his hand on top of mine, curling my fingers around his growing member.

He squeezed my hand tightly, moving it up and down the length of his pulsating cock. A soft moan escaped from his lips as I tightened my grip. He held my hand firmly, quickly stroking himself back and forth. His mouth fell open, revealing his sharp fangs.

He released my hand, placing both of his on either side of my head. I continued to stroke him as he looked down at me with a hungry look in his eyes.

“I want you to fuck me Alabaster.” I said, meeting his gaze with a ravenous hunger of my own.

“With pleasure.” Alabaster breathed, his breath wafting over me like heat from an open flame. He slid his hand between my legs, gently beginning to tease my slit through the fabric of my bottoms.

“Not there…” I said softly, biting my lip.

He looked at me, pausing for a moment, a look of confusion in his eyes. I could feel my face turning red at my unspoken request.

He opened his mouth for a moment, a brief look of surprise on his face.

“I thought you didn’t want to do that.” He said, his brows furrowing.

“I want to try.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled at me softly, sitting up, my hand slipping out of his pants. He sat atop of me, his weight pressing down heavily on my body like a truck.

“Just be gentle.” I stuttered, glancing at the bulge in his pants. “Please.”

“I’ll try.” He said, in one swift move he removed his pajama shirt, ruining several buttons in the process. I marveled at his sculpted body. I slid my hands up his abdomen and chest, tracing my fingers along the markings on his soft skin.

He smiled down at me, slowly unbuttoning my shirt, careful not to destroy my new uniform.

Inching back slightly, he grasped my chest in his palm. He leaned into me and gently slid his tongue across one of my nipples. I felt a chill run up my spine as his tongue moved in small circles. His grip on my chest tightened. He ran his tongue up my chest and along the side of my neck, plunging his tongue back into my mouth. Our tongues danced together for a brief moment before he pulled back. He lifted himself off of me, releasing me from the pressure of his weight.

“Stand up.” He ordered as he stood firmly next to the bed, his voice suddenly darker.

I did as he said, standing before him. He pulled my top off of my shoulders, letting it drop to the ground.

In a flash, he spun me around and bent me over. I let out a sharp breath as he pressed his hand down on my back, pinning me to the bed.

With his other hand he pulled down my bottoms and panties in one swift movement, letting them drop to my ankles.

He placed his hands on my rear, squeezing my skin tightly, spreading my cheeks apart. I turned my head and watched as he pulled his cock from his pants.

“Wait.” I breathed, gripping the sheets beneath me. “Don’t we need to prepare, or something.”

Alabaster chuckled slightly.

“Perhaps.” He said with a grin. “But I’d like to see how much you can take.”

He pushed himself against me, and I shut my eyes tightly. He held my cheeks firmly, as his head threatened to penetrate my rear. He pushed further, and I felt an uncomfortable pain, as my hole stretched to accommodate him. I let out a small cry, though he hadn’t even entered me.

Lea and Arrallan had made it seem so effortless, but the pain felt like I was going to be torn in half.

Alabaster gripped tighter, spread wider, and pushed deeper. I felt the tip of his head penetrate me.

“Stop!” I cried out, reaching my hand back. He immediately released me, pulling himself out.

“Are you alright?” He asked, as buried my face in the bed.

I took in a deep breath, my eyes watering.

“I’m sorry, that was just more painful than I was expecting.”

Alabaster breathed in deeply and put his hand on my back.

“Give me one moment.” He said “I have something that might help.”

I heard his footsteps walk away for a moment. I turned my head to see him rifling through the dresser at the other end of the room.

“Ah.” He said, producing something small in his hand. He brought it back to me, and I turned my body around to face him. It was a small delicate glass bottle with a clear liquid inside.

“What’s that?” I asked, squinting at the bottle.

“Oil.” He said with a smile. “Made for exactly this situation.”

I let out a short breath and nodded.

“Here.” He said, gently holding my shoulders. He slowly spun me around again, holding my waist with one hand.

“Let’s try with this.” He said softly.

I nodded, biting my lips.

I felt the cool drip of the oil on my lower back. He gently rubbed it down my back and onto my rear. He massaged me gently, rubbing the oil deep into my skin.

Slowly he worked his hands lower. He poured more oil, and slid his hands down my rear and between my legs. I let out a small gasp as his finger suddenly penetrated my rear. It slid in with a surprising ease, with help from the oil. He slid his other hand up from my waist to my chest, and gently gripped my breast. He pushed his finger further in, holding me tighter.

“How does that feel?” He whispered in my ear, his words like honey.

“Strange…” I breathed, leaning back onto him. I let out a soft moan as he slid his finger a little further.

He slowly slid in another finger, and I felt an uncomfortable pain again. I held onto his hand which was cupping my breast, and he responded by squeezing tighter. Slowly he slid his finger out and slid them back in. My body trembled, but he was so gentle. I held onto him tightly, a burning fire growing within me.

“Please.” I whined, “Please fuck me.”

He removed his fingers and bent me over the bed again. He pulled my bottoms from my ankles and spread my legs wide.

I looked back at him as he rubbed the oil up and down his thick cock. I swallowed hard, gripping the sheets tightly in anticipation.

He grabbed ahold of me once more, spreading my cheeks wide. Once again he gently, but firmly pressed himself against my rear. I shut my eyes tightly, bracing against the pain.

Much easier than last time the head penetrated me, popping in all at once. I let out a surprised gasp, and Alabaster let out a shuttered breath.

He slowly slid himself further in, and I let out a cry, holding on to the sheets tighter.

“Fuck.” Alabaster breathed, the heat from his lungs wafting over my back. He pulled my body into him, sliding me back a few inches on his cock all at once. I cried out, my eyes watering.

“Please go slowly.” I said, reaching my arm back and placing my hand on his thigh.

“I’m sorry.” He said, his voice hot in my ear. “This just feels so good.”

I breathed in deeply as he began pushing again. He was right. It was a strange feeling for sure, a completely new sensation for me. My body was tense, but the pain wasn’t as unbearable. My body had a strong urge to push against him. It was difficult for my mind to comprehend that I wanted him there, but it did feel incredibly good.

He moved so slowly, slower than I had ever felt him move before. I could practically count his ridges as they entered me.

He slid me down further, pulling my body into him as he pushed himself into me. Further and further until our skin touched. He pulled me upright, forcing me to my tippy toes, pressing my back against his chest, as he held my rear tightly to his pelvis.

He let out a sigh of pure ecstasy as he wrapped his arms around my torso. I could feel him pulsing inside of me, his cock moving on its own, causing a strange tickling sensation inside of me.

I leaned my head back onto his chest, panting heavily. He responded by leaning into me, and trailing his soft tongue along my neck. It sent goosebumps across my skin.

He slid his hand up to my neck, gripping me softly. His claws scratched at my skin, but he held me so gently.

Slowly he slid himself out of me, his ridges each gliding out so satisfyingly. He paused for a moment before sliding back in. I brought my hands to his wrist and gripped him tightly. It was such an incredibly tight fit, I felt as though I would tear in half. My body gripped him so tightly, as he filled every inch of me.

He let out a deep animalistic moan as his cock filled me up again.

Just as slowly as last time he slid himself out again. He continued to trace his tongue along the side of my neck as his grip tightened.

He shoved himself back in with slightly more force.

I brought my knees together, feeling the wetness growing between my legs.

He pulled out again, and shoved himself back in, each thrust growing slightly faster and rougher than the last.

I reached my hands back, gripping his thighs, feeling each of his powerful thrusts.

His grip around my neck tightened, making it slightly difficult to breathe. His other hand toyed with my nipple, latching onto my breast tightly.

I turned my head toward him, and his tongue trailed up my neck, and gently glided across my cheek. He slid his tongue across my lower lip, and plunged into my mouth. Our tongues danced together, only interrupted by the slow rhythmic shaking of my body with each of his thrusts.

I melted into him, finally feeling the satisfaction of completely giving myself to him. Yet, it wasn’t enough. I needed more. I felt a deep hunger within me, and I needed him to take me completely.

I broke our kiss, keeping his lips close to mine.

“More.” I whispered, my voice heavy. “I want more.”

He gripped me tighter, bringing my body closer into him. He picked up speed, pulling me into him with each thrust. I gasped as he buried himself deeper into me. His moans rang out in my ear as he held onto me tightly.

It still wasn’t enough. I wanted him to take me harder than he ever had before.

I needed him to claim every inch of me.

“More.” I demanded, holding onto him tightly.

He let out a loud grunt, and his tail snaked up my leg. Without warning it penetrated my dripping slit, causing a cry to escape from my mouth. I felt heat rising in my body, like a bonfire blazing upwards toward the heavens.

He moved faster, penetrating both of my holes, slamming into me hungrily. I screamed loudly, drowning in the feeling of him and his warmth which threatened to burn me from the inside.

My legs felt numb and were close to giving way, but he held me tightly, refusing to let me fall.

Yes! I cried out in my head. This is exactly what I wanted. He slammed himself into me until I felt my mind going blank. There was nothing else in my world except for Alabaster, his cock and his tail.

He let out a loud ravenous grunt that sounded like an animal in the midst of devouring its prey and I instantly felt myself coming. My mind was an explosion of colors, like a bomb had gone off in my body. It was more intense and raw than anything I had experienced before. My wetness dripped down my thighs, coating his tail in my juices.

“Take me!” I cried out. “Please.”

Alabaster lifted me as he held me tightly. My feet dangled off the ground as he savagely fucked me. Without hesitation he sunk his teeth into my neck. I cried out at the sharp sensation of pain and pleasure. He sucked feverishly, drawing my blood from me. My eyes fluttered and rolled back as he drew my life force into him. I felt every inch of him, every thrust. In that moment, I felt like our bodies had become one. I could hardly tell where I ended and he began. I felt as though our souls had connected, and we were truly soul mates.

“Fuck!” He yelled, removing his fangs from my neck. His cock unleashed a fountain into me. His semen filled every inch of me, as he held me tightly to him. He slid his hand down my body, rubbing my clit feverishly as his tail continued to plunge in and out of me. I squirmed against him, but he held me in place. I felt myself coming again. I let out a gasp as my body reacted to his touch in ways I hadn’t even realized were possible. My heart pounded through my chest as his cock finally released the last bit of his seed.

My legs felt numb, but he wrapped his arms around me tightly, keeping me from collapsing onto the bed.

I leaned back onto him, unable to move, and barely able to speak. My mind reeled, and my arms fell limply to my sides. Alabaster’s grip on me tightened, embracing me with his overwhelming warmth.

I slowly turned my head toward him, exhaustion taking over my body.

“I love you, Alabaster,” I whispered, leaning my head back comfortably against his shoulder, feeling the warmth radiating from him.

He turned his gaze toward me, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. His lips found mine and he kissed me softly. Gently, he guided me onto the bed, cradling me in his arms as if I were the most delicate thing in the world.

As he laid me down, I felt a sense of safety wash over me, like being wrapped in a warm embrace. The soothing cadence of his breathing began to lull me, and I couldn’t tell if I drifted to sleep or simply succumbed to the overwhelming intensity of our intimate night.

Regardless, I slipped into a deeper, more restful sleep than I had experienced in years. With each breath, my dreams unfolded, filled solely with visions of Alabaster, the way he smiled, the softness of his touch, and the warmth of his presence.

Chapter Eighteen: Apart

As I gently awoke from my sleep, my body was still bathed in the warmth of Alabaster’s presence, his wings encasing us both. I stirred, lifting my head to see his face. He was already awake and his eyes sparkled with a soft smile.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice low and soothing.

“Morning,” I replied, stretching in his arms as the sunlight poured in through the cracks in the drapes. The light bounced, casting a warm glow across the room. The soft light shined across his features, highlighting the gentle curve of his lips and the sharp lines of his cheekbones.

“What time is it?” I asked, shifting and peeking out from under his wings. “Shouldn’t we head out?”

“It’s early,” Alabaster responded calmly, his tone reassuring. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

He placed his hand on my cheek, his heat radiating against my skin, and gently planted a kiss on my forehead. His lips were warm and soft.

“Thank you for last night,” he said. He paused for a brief moment as I took in his words.

“I’m sorry,” he said with a slight smile. “I know those aren’t the words you want to hear from me. If you want, I could-”

“No,” I breathed, cutting him off. He seemed caught off guard for a moment.

“Although it’s nice to hear, I don’t want to hear you say that again… unless you mean it.” I explained.

He nodded slowly, a sudden sadness flickering in his eyes. After a moment, his face softened.

“Last night was beautiful,” He said, placing a kiss on my lips. I breathed in his sweet scent, holding my body close to his.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling my naked form even closer to him. I felt a strange mix of vulnerability and complete comfort. Before his return, I had never imagined myself being so intimate with anyone. Yet now I felt, deep in my soul, that being in his arms was where I was meant to be.

“We should get ready to head back.” He said, breaking our kiss.

I nodded solemnly. While I wanted nothing more than to stay in bed with him, forever, I knew there were other pressing matters to attend to.

As we got ready to leave, the silence between us lingered, the stress of our future finally seeming to catch up to us. I used his shower to wash away the remnants of last night’s excitement, and when I came back, he handed me my uniform, neatly folded. I slipped it on as he took his turn in the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the air.

Once he returned, wearing his neat, crisp blouse and black satin bottom, he grabbed onto my arm tightly, holding me close to his side and burying me in his heat. He had shifted into his lower form, and once again looked practically human.

“Let’s go back,” he said, a look of determination in his eyes, his voice firm and resolute.

We exited his room, walking side by side down the long hallways that led back to the entrance of the building, The wooden floor echoing our footsteps as we walked. As soon as we passed through the double doors and into the marble entrance, we were greeted by Arrallan and Lea once more.

As we stopped in front of them, Arrallan gave a knowing smile.

“I hope you enjoyed your night.” He said.

He paused briefly, as if he had to think of his next words carefully again. He leaned forward slightly.

“You have my blessing.” He smiled. “I wish you two the best of luck.”

Alabaster nodded, his face set in a determined expression, and without a word, he led me toward the door, back into the streets of Calvoria, the bright sunlight and bustling sounds of the city awaiting us.

***

As we made our way back into the heart of the city, Alabaster walked closely beside me, his grip on my arm firm and reassuring. It was a stark contrast to how he’d been when we first arrived; now, he seemed unbothered by the curious glances from passersby that seemed to linger as we walked. But those looks soon began to fade as we ventured into the busier streets, alive with the sounds of chatter and the clamor of the city.

“We’ll go straight home from here,” Alabaster said, his voice steady as we approached the bus stop, the bright LED signs flickering overhead.

“From there, I want you to pack a bag. I’ll take you somewhere safe, far from here, until things settle down.”

“What about my suitcase?” I asked, my mind racing back to the few belongings I’d left at Red’s place. “And my cellphone?”

“Forget about them,” he replied, his expression resolute. “We should leave the city as soon as possible.”

“I can’t just leave them there,” I insisted, hesitating slightly. “I need my phone to let Harvey know I won’t be back for a while, and a lot of my important things are already packed.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Alabaster said, his grip on my arm tightening anxiously. “We can replace those things. We just need to get out of here.”

Frustration began to bubble in my chest.

“Just let me get my things.” I pleaded. “If I grab my suitcase, we won’t need to return to my apartment at all. We can head straight to wherever you want to go, avoiding the first place she might look for us.”

Alabaster paused, his brow furrowing in thought as he processed my logic. He let out a long, deep breath that seemed to release some of his tension.

“Alright,” he finally conceded, picking up his pace as he pulled me along beside him. I could feel the heat radiating from his skin; agitation rippled beneath his calm façade, but he recognized the sense in my words. We hurried down the street faster than before, retracing our steps towards Red’s place, the bustling city moving around us like a blur.

***

Alabaster pounded on Red’s door with an intensity that echoed through the lifeless block, the silence of the neighborhood amplifying the frustration in his voice.

“Red, open up!” he shouted, the roughness of his tone cutting through the stillness.

After a moment, a small click sounded, and the door creaked open, revealing Red, his crimson eyes wide with surprise. Alabaster didn’t waste a second before pushing his way in, and I followed closely behind, feeling the tension radiating from him.

“So, the meeting didn’t go well?” Red asked, his voice steady as he trailed us through the dimly lit hallway.

“It went fine,” Alabaster huffed, dragging me toward our room with urgency. “There’s been another complication.”

Red contemplated this, leaning against the doorframe as we reached our bedroom. Alabaster paused at the threshold, taking a moment to sniff the air, then shook his head dismissively.

Without missing a beat, he dashed around the room, moving like a blur as he grabbed my old uniform and began stuffing it into a suitcase. He handed me my cellphone before zipping up the suitcase and dragging it toward the door.

“Alabaster,” Red said slowly, stepping into our path and blocking the exit. “Did you forget about our deal? I still have a job for you.”

Alabaster’s expression hardened, a flash of irritation crossing his face.

“I don’t have time for that,” he replied, narrowing his eyes at Red, who stood his ground, a smirk dancing on his lips.

“And I didn’t have to house you,” Red shot back, cocking his head. “But here you are.”

“No,” Alabaster said firmly, his grip tightening around the suitcase handle, the plastic beginning to crack under the pressure.

I noticed Red’s gaze flicker to me for a moment, and memories flooded back of his words from the night we were briefly alone.

While most humans like to help each other, Demons focus only on their own gain.

We were proving him right. He had helped us, and after he had held up his end of our deal, we were poised to leave without returning the favor. A pang of guilt twisted in my chest.

“Alabaster,” I said, placing my hand gently on his arm. His tension eased slightly as he turned to face me.

Red raised an eyebrow, curiosity etched on his face.

“She doesn’t even know we’re here,” I continued, squeezing his arm softly. “You could still help him.”

Alabaster took a deep breath, his resolve momentarily wavering as he turned back to Red.

“Thirty minutes,” he said through gritted teeth. “That’s as much time as I’m willing to give.”

“That’s all it’ll take,” Red replied, a grin spreading across his face.

***

“The job is simple,” Red said as he led us back to the kitchen. Alabaster held me tightly to his side, his body radiating warmth against mine, making it clear that he was just as anxious as I was.

With a flick of his wrist, Red lit a cigarette and rummaged through one of his drawers. He produced an old piece of paper. He delicately unfolded it to reveal an intricately detailed map of the city. Sprawling the paper across the table, he leaned in. My eyes roamed the map, curiosity piqued.

Red tapped a spot toward the corner. I recognized the building immediately.

“This is us,” he stated, his voice steady.

He slid his finger along the paper to the other end of the city.

“This is where I need you to go, alone.”

“Alone?” Alabaster asked, raising an eyebrow, concern flickering in his gaze.

“Elizabeth can wait here with me,” Red replied, his eyes darting briefly toward me.

“Elizabeth stays by my side,” Alabaster shot back, a glare hardening his expression.

“Are you sure you want to risk that?” Red asked, his brow raised in concern. “Job might get a little dangerous.”

“I thought it was supposed to be simple?” Alabaster challenged, holding Red’s gaze.

Red shrugged casually. “You know how unpredictable Demons can be.”

He exhaled a puff of smoke, the scent hanging in the air.

“It’s your choice,” he said, turning his attention to me. “But if it were up to me, I’d keep her here.”

Alabaster turned to me, his features softening. As he looked at me, I felt a warmth bloom in my chest.

“What would you like to do?” he asked, his voice low and sincere. I hesitated, biting my lower lip, the weight of the moment pressing down.

“I don’t want to be apart,” I murmured, meeting his gaze with all the determination I could muster. “But I also don’t want to be in your way.”

I let out a breath, gently rubbing my hand along Alabaster’s arm.

“I’ll wait for you here,” I decided.

Red nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“What exactly am I supposed to do?” Alabaster inquired, turning back to Red, his expression still wary.

“Just pick up a package,” Red replied, stretching his neck. “It’s very simple. I’ll let them know when you’re on your way.”

“Why couldn’t you do this yourself?” Alabaster pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Short-staffed,” Red shrugged casually. “I’d go with you, but I can’t leave this place alone. It’d probably burn to the ground.”

He let out a slight chuckle, but Alabaster remained tense.

“What’s inside?” Alabaster inquired, steering the conversation back on track.

“Don’t worry about that,” Red said dismissively. “All you have to do is pick it up; you should be in and out in less than twenty minutes.”

Alabaster nodded, letting out a slow breath. He gradually released my arm, his warmth dissipating.

“I will return as soon as possible,” he promised, his brow furrowed in concentration.

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling myself into his sturdy frame for a hug. His warmth enveloped me again as he embraced me in return.

“Be safe,” I whispered against him, my voice barely above a breath. “I’ll wait for you here.”

“You’d better hurry,” Red said, nodding toward the door, breaking the spell of our moment.

As Alabaster pulled away, I felt a cold void in the air where his warmth had been. I let out a shaky breath as he turned toward the exit, his gaze lingering on me for just a moment before he stepped out of sight.

As I heard the front door close with a soft click, I turned back to Red, who was watching me with an almost mischievous grin plastered across his face. He was silent for a moment, studying me intently.

“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing toward the table.

I complied, easing myself onto one of the rickety wooden chairs that creaked under my weight.

“So…” he continued, reaching for a glass from a nearby cabinet.

He placed the glass deliberately in front of me before heading to the fridge.

“Have you thought about what I said last time we spoke?” He rifled through the fridge, his back turned to me. “Have you found my words to be true?”

I shook my head, my gaze fixed on the glass that seemed to shimmer under the light.

“Quite the opposite,” I replied, finally looking up at him. “Arrallan was very kind.”

“Is that so?” Red said, spinning around to face me, a pitcher of water in his hand. He walked back to the table, pouring the chilled water into the glass before slowly pushing it toward me. He settled in the chair beside me.

“You have been very kind too,” I said, wrapping my fingers around the cool glass. I took a sip, feeling the refreshing liquid soothe my parched throat. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was, and I gulped down another big mouthful, relief washing over me.

Red regarded me thoughtfully, crossing his legs and resting his chin on his hand, his red eyes narrowing as they studied my face.

I met his gaze, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. Suddenly, he leaned in close, causing me to flinch and shift back a few inches.

“I don’t see it,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

“See what?” I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion.

“What makes you special,” he replied, tilting his head slightly, his expression curious.

“I…” I began, feeling taken aback. “I don’t know. I don’t understand why Alabaster likes me.”

Before I could gather my thoughts, Red leaned in even closer, his face just inches from mine. I leaned back as far as I could without toppling over.

“That’s not what I mean,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. Without warning, he stood up and turned toward the door.

“Wait here,” he called over his shoulder. “I need to let them know Alabaster is on his way.”

With that, he disappeared from the kitchen, leaving me stunned and confused. I let out a deep breath, my gaze falling back to the glass of water, and suddenly, I found myself hoping for Alabaster’s swift return.

***

Alabaster

I hurried down the winding streets of Calvoria, the image of Red’s map etched vividly in my mind. The city blurred around me as I moved, careful not to attract the attention of the oblivious humans going about their lives.

Red’s map guided me through the familiar, grimy paths of the one place I had hoped to avoid: the city’s slums. It was the complete opposite of the vibrant upper districts where Elizabeth and I had met with Arrallan. This was the very place Red and I had first met, long before we found refuge in the makeshift orphanage, and now, as I retraced those old paths, memories of a painful childhood surged forward.

I paused momentarily, taking in the dilapidation around me. The once-bustling streets now lay nearly abandoned, a reminder of their former life. Buildings huddled closely together, their faces crumbling and faded to a dull gray. Vines and weeds claimed the walls, weaving through rusty bars and shattered windows like outstretched hands. Trash-filled alleys carved their way between the structures, the stench of decay and dust lingering in the air, a heavy cloak of despair that pressed down on my chest, reminding me of the world I had left behind after marrying my wife.

Steeling myself, I pressed forward, keeping my gaze fixed ahead as I reached the spot that was circled on Red’s map. It was an old warehouse, long abandoned. It loomed before me, an empty skeleton amongst a graveyard of neglected buildings, a shell of what it once was. I approached, the gravel crushing softly beneath my footsteps. It wasn’t empty, that much I could tell. I could hear a heartbeat, several in fact. Irregular and strained. Not humans, but not Demons either. I pushed the door open, wincing as its heavy creaks echoed in the silence. Dust swirled in the dim light streaming through gaps in the cracked roof, giving the place an eerie, haunted feel.

“Hello?” I called out. My voice reverberated around the vast emptiness as I stepped into the space. “I’m here to pick up a package.”

The door closed behind me, darkening the space.

In response, a chorus of low, deep chuckles filled the air. From the shadows, figures emerged; eight, nine, ten creatures in total. Their appearances resembled Demons, but none bore the traditional forms of one. Several twisted half-grown horns, a single pair of wings, and various serpentine tails sprouted from their ghastly bodies. One creature boasted a set of antlers instead of demonic horns, while another was cloaked in thick, black fur. They seemed more a mockery of Demons than anything else.

“Cambions,” I sneered, studying the grotesque forms surrounding me. Typically, cambions were hybrids of humans and Demons, but these appeared to draw from a much wider, animalistic lineage. The idea made my skin crawl.

“Red said you would come,” the largest one announced, his skin glinting with iridescent green scales, towering over the rest. He held a case tightly in his grotesque clawed hands. It looked innocuous, black leather, simple, human-like.

“Is that for me?” I gestured, intrigue edging into my voice.

The Cambion’s grin split wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. He tossed the case to the ground and kicked it toward me. I stopped it mid-slide with my foot and bent down to lift it, surprised by its unexpectedly light weight. I traced my fingers over the smooth leather, immediately sensing danger.

“I’ll send Red your regards,” I said, tucking the case under my arm, and turning toward the door. Unsurprisingly the group of creatures had completely surrounded me, making a swift exit nearly impossible.

“Wait,” The Cambion leader called out. I turned back toward him and he cocked his head, an infuriatingly playful look in his eyes. “Don’t you want to check it? Just to make sure.”

A tickle crept up my spine, sending goosebumps racing across my skin. Glancing around, I noticed that the grins of the creatures had grown wider, their muscles tense in anticipation.

Taking a deep breath, I flicked open the case. It was empty.

In an instant, they lunged at me, claws and fangs bared, intent on tearing me apart. I dodged quickly to the side, narrowly avoiding their attack, and hurled the case aside. The group collided in an uncoordinated pile. As they struggled to regain their footing, I shifted back into my usual form. Pain flared in my back as my wings burst forth and my horns split my skull, transforming me.

I bared my claws, feeling the adrenaline surge as the Cambion regrouped, readying themselves for another attack.

Suddenly, the leader lunged at me, moving like a flash of lightning. He was faster than I anticipated. As I leaped backward, his claws grazed my chest, tearing open the front of my shirt and sending a sharp sting through my skin.

I winced, instinctively covering the wound with my hand. My blood, black and viscous, seeped from the gash, staining my clothing within seconds.

Just then, another half-Demon charged at me from the side. He was slower than the leader, and before he could reach me, I slashed out with my claws, cutting through the side of his face as easily as slicing through paper. He tumbled to the ground, clutching his injury and releasing a pitiful, dog-like whine. The leader growled, his anger palpable, clearly enraged by my act of defiance.

“We were warned of your strength, Alabaster,” he spat, baring his teeth, “but you are far outnumbered.”

With a sharp whistle, he signaled his group to gather again, the remaining Cambion aligning themselves to strike as a united front. He was right; I was outnumbered. Even though I could handle each of them easily in a one-on-one fight, the strength of half-demons multiplied exponentially when working together.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself, realizing that surviving this confrontation would require more than this form could give.

“Kill.” I thought, my voice echoing in my head. “I want to kill them.”

I focused my thoughts on the twisted creatures. I pictured my claws ripping them limb from limb.

“Focus.” I breathed. I didn’t know if my concentration would be enough, but it would have to do.

They pounced again, in a chaotic yet slightly more coordinated attack. This time I held my ground. I shut my eyes just before they crashed into me. I felt their claws tear into my flesh, and their teeth pierce my skin. But I didn’t flinch. I kept my mind focused on one thing, my goal: Kill.

I let my mind go numb to the pain feeling a burning heat inside my chest.

“Kill,” I breathed.

“Kill,” A dark voice echoed back.

It suddenly burst forth like a raging wildfire. It extended past my body engulfing everything. I felt a sharp pain as my skin split. Not by the claws of the Cambion, but by the emergence of my true form, my higher form. The skin, if I could even call it that, that emerged from beneath mine was dark and twisted, like it was made of metal. My body grew exponentially, practically doubling in size. I felt the fabric of my clothing tear as I straightened, towering over the pile of Cambion fiercely attacking me. Their teeth gnawed at me, but they no longer found flesh to tear into.

My mind clouded, only focused on one thing.

I saw red. Whether it was the rage of my true form, or the shower of half Demon blood that rained down, I could not tell. My claws tore into them like a knife slicing through a stick of butter. They were torn limb from limb before they could even realize what had happened. And in my uncontrollable state I began to devour them all. A hunger raged inside me that only the sweet taste of blood and flesh could satiate.

My body felt a sick ecstacy, like I had finally scratched a long persistent itch. I needed this. It was my nature. They did not taste good, but the desire to kill and consume was too strong to resist.

I ate until the creatures were reduced to nothing more than a twisted pile of flesh, bones and torn fabric. Their flesh burned to a crisp by the fire raging in my chest. But, in my gluttonous state, I found I was not yet satisfied.

“Elizabeth.” The voice called out in my head. My body, my entire being wanted nothing more than to once again taste her sweet blood. My true form yearned for her in ways I had not known were possible. My mind was suddenly consumed with the thought of devouring her, like there was nothing else in the world so important.

“No…” I managed to whisper, breaking free for just a moment. “I can’t. I won’t.”

But my body moved on its own, attempting to return to the place where I knew she would be.

I crouched down, taking back control over myself. It was as if my body had two occupants, though deep down inside I knew I was just fighting my own darkest urges. A twisted game of tug-of-war with my limbs.

The voice in the back of my head screamed at me, begged me to kill Elizabeth, but I held myself firmly in place. I dug my claws into the cement floor. It crumpled beneath my strength. I gripped the ground tightly, refusing to let myself move.

Flashes appeared in my mind, so vivid, I almost thought they were real. I tore into Elizabeth, devouring all of her sweet blood. Taking my time, and savoring every last drop. I was satisfied, I felt whole, finally completing my goal.

I could return to my wife, and she would happily accept me back. I could live in leisure as I had before. I wouldn’t have to worry about anything ever again. I would be satisfied.

“No,” I shouted, pushing the thought far from my mind. “I don’t want to kill Elizabeth.”

“Why not? Why shouldn’t I be satisfied? Living as a Demon should.”

I thought about it as I held myself in place.

Elizabeth. The time we had spent together. Her smile, her eyes. Her soft gentle touch was unlike anything I had experienced before. The softness of her voice when she said my name. The way she lit a flame in my chest, just by looking at me. I wanted her beside me. No, I wanted to be beside her. Anywhere she went, anything she wanted.

“Weak.”

Was it a weakness that I was feeling? I had thought it was many times, but at this moment I wasn’t so sure.

Images flashed in my mind again. A memory this time. We were laying together in the field by the pond. She had just awoken and I had come to her side. She blushed as she recalled the details of the previous night. I heard the gentle sound of her pulse picking up. Pressing my hand against her chest, I felt her heartbeat against my hand. In that moment I felt nothing more than pure bliss. I felt Elizabeth. I hadn’t told her what that moment meant to me, and the thought of her heart ever ceasing filled me with an unimaginable dread. The thought of me being responsible for such a thing was almost enough to drive me insane.

I would protect Elizabeth forever, no matter what it takes.

“Why?”

The words danced in the back of my mind. Refusing to leap forward. I knew the truth. I had known it for a while, but I fought it with all my strength.

Perhaps it was a weakness, perhaps I was weaker than them all, a pathetic excuse for a Demon. Perhaps I didn’t deserve to even call myself that. But none of it mattered. I only wanted Elizabeth. In my soul, and through my entire being I loved her.

I love her.

Relief washed over me like a tidal wave as I finally admitted the truth. My skin slowly shifted back to its usual form, and the burning rage that had consumed me began to fade. I stood up unsteadily, my breath heavy in my chest, feeling the weight of the moment settle around me.

“Elizabeth,” I whispered, a gentle warmth blooming within me. I knew I had to tell her how I truly felt; she deserved to know.

I headed toward the door. As I walked past the grim pile of flesh I had left behind, an unexpected scent wafted through the air, a piney perfume that instantly tugged at my memory.

I turned back sharply, confusion clouding my head. Approaching the bloody pile I knelt down. I lifted the frayed remains of one of the Cambion’s scrap of clothing to my face and inhaled deeply. It was faint, and mostly masked by the revolting musk of the creatures, but unmistakable.

It was almost reminiscent of a damp forest floor after a long rain. Every time I had smelled it in the past, it had struck my senses like an overpowering punch, a blend of rich resin and earthy musk that felt far too intrusive, clinging to my nostrils like an unwelcome visitor.

That scent had brushed my senses when Elizabeth and I had briefly returned to our room at Red’s place. I had dismissed it as a trick of my mind, but now it was undeniably present, clinging to the tattered piece of cloth.

It was the same scent my wife had worn.

I took another sharp breath, panic coursing through my veins like ice.

Elizabeth.

Clarity struck me like lightning. I had to get back to her, I had to ensure that she was safe.

***

Elizabeth

I glanced at my phone, peeking at the time as I sat alone in the dim kitchen. Alabaster had left about twenty minutes ago, and a thick cloud of worry began to settle in me. I shut my eyes for a moment, feeling an unexpected wave of exhaustion wash over me, like the weight of the world had suddenly pressed down on my shoulders.

“Elizabeth.” A voice cut through the silence, jolting me from my daze.

I excitedly opened my eyes, but it quickly faded as I saw Red standing in the doorway, arms crossed, his intense gaze boring into me. His brow was furrowed, searching my face as if trying to read my thoughts. After a heartbeat, he relaxed, a smile breaking through his serious demeanor.

He suddenly stepped aside, revealing a figure lurking behind him, and I stiffened. Her long black hair cascaded over her deep purple skin, and glimmering gold adornments clung to her body. She was nearly identical to the last time I’d seen her, only sans the blood of her servants.

The Mistress.

“Hello, Elizabeth.” She said, her voice was feigned with sweetness, and there was a manic glint in her eyes that sent a shiver down my spine.

I scrambled to stand, but my legs betrayed me, giving way beneath me. I collapsed to the floor, my glass of water tumbling from my grasp and shattering into a million tiny pieces. The sharp sound echoed unnaturally in my ears, causing the room to spin. I tried to sit up, but my limbs were unresponsive.

Red approached silently, and knelt beside me, mock-concern etched on his face.

“Why?” I managed to whisper, the words barely escaping my lips.

“I told you.” His voice was low, almost a hiss. “You shouldn’t trust Demons.”

As his words sank in, my vision began to spiral into darkness. The edges of my surroundings blurred as a heavy numbness crept through my body.

The Mistress stepped closer, looming over me with a twisted grin that sent ice through my veins.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” she breathed, her voice dripping with anticipation. “The two of us are going to have so much fun.”

Just as her hand reached out toward me, my world faded to black, and everything slipped away.

Chapter Nineteen: Elizabeth

“Elizabeth.” The man called softly, his voice like a gentle breeze against my skin. I strained to see his face through the enveloping darkness, but my vision was clouded and unfocused. All I could make out was his shadowy silhouette.

“Elizabeth.” He called again, his tone more insistent, “Come back to me.”

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain strike my cheek, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of a slap, a harsh jolt that yanked me from my dream.

“Wake up,” a cold, sharp voice ordered.

My eyes fluttered open, and I winced at the throbbing pain radiating from my face. As my blurry vision began to clear, I saw a horned figure looming over me, casting an ominous shadow. A hand, burning hot, gripped my chin, forcing me to look forward.

“Good morning,” the voice declared, heavy with malice.

Finally, my vision sharpened, and I met the gaze of deep purple eyes that bore into mine.

“Mistress…” I murmured, my voice weak and shaky as I became aware of my predicament. I was sitting in an old, wooden chair with my hands bound tightly behind my back and my feet secured to its legs. The dimly lit room around us appeared to be in a decrepit building made of creaking wood and peeling concrete. The only light sources being several torches mounted to the walls. This was definitely not Red’s place; it felt like a forgotten corner of the world, distant from everything familiar.

“It’s been quite a long time, darling,” she said, a grin spreading across her face that sent a chill down my spine. “Three years to be exact.”

“I-”

Before I could voice my thoughts, she clamped her hand over my mouth, silencing me.

“No,” she warned, shaking a finger in front of my face. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I have so much to say. So listen carefully.”

With a deep breath, she exhaled, a puff of smoke escaping her nostrils, adding to her menacing presence.

“It won’t be long before Alabaster realizes what happened,” she continued, stepping back to assess my condition with her scrutinizing gaze. “So I intend to get to the bottom of this before he inevitably finds us.”

“You know, I really meant it,” she added, her smile widening. “You truly were my favorite. I did love you the most.”

“I… hate you,” I spat back, my voice regaining some strength despite my situation.

“Is that so?” The Mistress replied, crossing her arms with a mocking tilt to her head.

“You stole… my life,” I asserted, my voice rising as anger surged through me. “With an invalid contract.”

Her grin only deepened as she made her way in front of me, kneeling down to come face to face.

“You kept me as your slave for years. For nothing.” I spat.

“Oh, it wasn’t for nothing,” she said, her voice low and dark. “I knew you were special from the moment I laid eyes on you. I needed you.”

When she attempted to touch my cheek, I turned my head away sharply, repulsed by her closeness.

“I didn’t know exactly what it was back then,” she continued, her expression shifting to one of cold contemplation, “but now I have an idea.”

Standing up, she gazed toward the ceiling, transforming the room’s tension.

“Did you know I have royal blood?” she asked, her voice a mix of pride and menace.

I remained silent, unwilling to engage with her twisted revelations.

“It’s true,” she insisted, returning her attention to me, her purple eyes glinting with something mysterious. “Royal demons are quite different from average demons.”

Her arms folded as she scrutinized me further.

“Alabaster is average. He may be handsome, but he doesn’t possess the essence of a royal. I doubt he ever sensed anything was off about you, but I knew right away.”

She stepped closer again, her clawed finger pointing at my chest.

“Something is wrong with you, in here.”

With surprising force, she pressed her claw into my flesh, scraping just enough to draw blood. I let out a cry, pain flashing through me.

“In your soul.”

She let out a breath. Pulling her hand back.

“Your adoptive mother summoned me to her, seeking my help for her predicament. She offered me her soul in exchange for three more years with her beloved. I nearly accepted until I caught sight of you.”

A cruel chuckle left her lips at the recollection.

“Poor, young Elizabeth, cowering behind her. Even from so far away I could sense your unusual soul. I immediately sweetened the deal. You, for a lifetime with her husband. Truthfully, I would have given anything for such a unique specimen.”

Her arms folded again, her grin unwavering.

“I take it you’ve guessed by now that you have Demon blood flowing through your veins,” she sneered, her words dripping with venom. “You are a Cambion, but it’s the other half that truly intrigues me.”

She tilted her head slightly, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

“You see, normally Cambions cannot change form. We Demons have three forms, while they are confined to just one. Yet here you are. In all our years together you showed no signs of your other form until I brought your life to an end. Whatever you are mixed with must be incredibly powerful.”

With a chilling calmness, she placed her hand atop my head, and I fought against her grasp, but her grip was ironclad.

“To the best of my knowledge, that other form won’t come out unless I kill you,” she said, the malice in her voice unmistakable.

She pressed her fingers deeper, enjoying the fear in my eyes.

“So,” she concluded with a sinister smile, “I’ll just have to ensure you stay alive.”

She forced my head back and I suddenly felt like my entire being was being pushed down into the ground, as if the weight of forgotten memories and unspoken fears were pressing relentlessly against me. Darkness filled my vision, swallowing the light that once illuminated my thoughts, and an invisible force dragged me deeper into the abyss of my mind. It was as if I was being pulled into a vortex of my own making, a swirling cyclone that drew me into myself, plunging me deep into the darkest pit of my soul. There, in that unsettling void, I knew what I would find, the shadows of my past, lost moments deep and buried flickering like ghosts. It was a place I had never before ventured, a terrifying landscape of emotions and memories that lay dormant, waiting for this moment.

***

Alabaster

I hurried back towards Red’s place, opting to take the rooftops this time. The rush of wind against my face sent a chill through my body. The roof tops allowed me to travel faster than any human could. I knew I might not be completely hidden up here and risked the exposure of my kind to any human who happened to glance up, but I was past the point of caring. My heart raced in time with my feet as I navigated the unusual terrain.

Suddenly, a pungent smell hit me, a sharp, heavy smoke drifting through the air, tightening a knot in my stomach. I squinted into the distance and saw a dark plume of smoke rising ominously towards the sky. My instincts kicked in, and I increased my speed, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, desperation fueling each bound as I fought against the gnawing anxiety clawing at my insides.

“No,” I cried out, my voice breaking as I spotted flames ripping through what was left of Red’s place, the fire consuming everything in its path with merciless hunger. I landed with a hard thud just in front of the smoldering building and was met with the sight of Red standing there, arms folded, his gaze fixed on the raging inferno.

“Elizabeth!” I shouted, ready to storm inside despite the flickering flames that I knew could end my eternal life. A wave of ghastly screams rang out from the inside of the building, as the residents burned alive.

“She’s not there,” Red replied softly, turning to face me, his expression unreadable amidst the chaos.

“Where is she?” I yelled, my frustration boiling over as I stepped closer, grabbing the collar of his shirt in a desperate grip. “What did you do?”

He let out an unsettling chuckle, a smirk playing on his lips.

“I’m finally going to take my place at the table, like you did.”

“Where is she?” I repeated, my voice icy, my very core frozen with fear.

“She’s with your wife,” Red said, his tone calm, unaffected by the storm of emotions crashing over me. I released my grip on his shirt, and he stumbled back a few steps, a smug look spreading across his face.

“I see why you chose to marry her,” he continued, the smile lingering. “Her family is quite influential.”

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” I barked, anger surging through me like the fire through the building behind us.

“I did exactly what you did, what Malachi did, and what Lenore did. I put myself first.” He dusted off his shirt as if his actions were nothing more than a petty inconvenience. “You all left this place behind without a second thought. Why shouldn’t I?”

“She’ll kill her,” I said, the cold truth radiating through my chest like an ice storm.

“Unfortunately, that is not my problem,” Red replied, a stern look settling in his eyes.

“Where are they?” I asked, taking a step forward, my desperation mixing with fury.

“I don’t think it would be in my best interest to tell you,” he said, cocking his head as if contemplating the dilemma.

“Please,” I begged, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on my chest, each breath more difficult than the last. “Nothing else matters to me more than Elizabeth. I will do anything.”

Red’s slight chuckle sent a shiver down my spine.

“Now that sounds familiar,” he said, lips curling into a mocking smile. “You sound exactly like Malachi did when he came crawling to us to help him save that woman and the half-Demon spawn growing inside her.”

He scoffed, as if my plea was nothing more than a trivial talking point.

“You both should have listened to me back then.” His eyes hardened as he focused on me. “This thing with you and Elizabeth will end the same way it did for them.”

“I…” I breathed, trying to fight back the wave of emotions brewing inside me.

“I love her,” I finally confessed, the dam breaking as the words spilled out, raw and uncontainable.

Red studied me, his scrutinizing gaze piercing through the haze of chaos, before finally unfolding his arms and stepping forward.

“You’re dooming yourself,” he said, his face an unsettling mask of indifference. His voice rang out in the empty streets, the weight of his words hanging between us. “This path will lead to your death.”

“I don’t care,” I replied, my voice steady despite the tension in my chest. “As long as I can save Elizabeth.”

He sighed deeply, the sound filled with a mixture of concern and resignation as he took a few slow steps closer to me. The air was thick and seemed to envelop us both. With a slight grin that barely reached his eyes, he leaned in close to my ear.

***

Elizabeth

Darkness swirled around me like a thick fog, wrapping me in a suffocating embrace. I felt weightless, as if I were floating in an endless black ocean, suspended between reality and some ethereal realm.

Was I dead?

Even though the Mistress said she would keep me alive, I couldn’t help but feel like my life had ended, that in this dark space I was so far away from the life I had once known. The thought flickered through my mind, but I couldn’t be sure.

In the distance, a faint murmur caught my attention, barely discernible yet unmistakably the sound of someone speaking. Driven by an instinct I couldn’t explain, I moved closer to the sound, flailing my arms and legs as if I were swimming through the void. Gradually, a soft, dim light began to take shape, illuminating familiar faces that swam into focus. Yet the image was still hazy, as though I were peering through a thick layer of murky water, struggling to grasp the reality before me.

“What would you like to do?” Alabaster asked, his voice laced with an unexpected sorrow as he looked at me with those piercing eyes.

“I don’t want to be apart,” I replied, my own voice resonating like a distant echo through the vast nothingness that surrounded us. “But I also don’t want to be in your way. I’ll wait for you here.”

As my voice spoke, my gaze shifted to Red. He nodded thoughtfully, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

“That’s not quite right,” the Mistress interjected, her voice much clearer than the others, cutting through the dimness like a beacon.

I felt myself being pulled down again, deeper into the shadowy recesses of my mind, as if an unseen force was dragging me into the darkness. When I finally landed, I found myself staring at yet another unsettling scene ahead of me.

“Answer one question for me,” Arrallan’s voice resonated with an eerie clarity, cutting through the silence. He and Lea sat before me, their expressions serious, the weight of the moment pressing down ominously. “And I will forgive your actions. Answer truthfully.”

“Of course,” Alabaster interjected from beside me, his tone steady but his grip on my arm tight, sending warmth through me despite the cold atmosphere surrounding me.

“Why did you kill her?” Arrallan demanded, his eyes locked onto the two of us with an intensity that made my stomach churn.

I turned to Alabaster, who was staring down, his jaw clenched in silent contemplation.

“She wanted to kill… Elizabeth,” he finally admitted, his voice heavy with an unspoken burden.

“Your human?” Arrallan raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. “When I visited you, you had a castle full of humans. Most Demons wouldn’t bat an eye at losing one or two, especially to avoid a circumstance like this.”

“It’s not like that.” Alabaster said firmly. “Not anymore. I am… fond of her.”

Before I could digest his words, I was pulled away again into the dark, landing squarely in another memory.

Abruptly, I was blinded by a beam of bright sunlight, and my surroundings snapped into focus. I was lying in the grass next to Alabaster, his bare form illuminated by the sun, the warmth contrasting with the shadows I had just escaped.

“Who is Malachi?” I asked, my voice echoing against the quiet serenity of the moment.

“He was my dear friend,” Alabaster replied, his eyes clouded with a deep sorrow that seemed to hang in the air like a storm. “But he died a long time ago.”

“Because of Lenore?” my voice ventured.

“Lenore betrayed him,” Alabaster said, his voice tinged with regret. “But Malachi made his own mistakes. He broke the law.”

“What did he do?”

Alabaster hesitated, the silence stretching between us.

“He fell in love. With someone other than a Demon.”

“I thought you said Demons don’t love?”

“Malachi was a black sheep,” Alabaster replied. “A bit abnormal.”

“So he fell in love with a human?” I clarified.

“Something like that.”

“No.” The Mistress’s voice rose suddenly, piercing through the atmosphere like a sudden gust of wind, pulling me back into the shadows once more.

I fell again, spiraling through the tapestry of my life, every feeling and emotion laid bare before me like an open book. I recalled every night spent in Alabaster’s arms, the warmth of each tender touch, the sweetness of every kiss lingering on my lips. Even the hatred we had felt for each other when he first returned.

I delved deeper into my memories than I had ever dared to journey, pushing past my last day in the castle, past that secret moment in the broom closet, and further back to the long years of servitude with the Mistress that shaped my existence.

As I fell, the light gradually dimmed, until it was completely extinguished, plunging me into a thick veil of darkness.

“Now, this is what I’m looking for,” the Mistress declared, her voice echoing through the void like a summons.

Desperation clawed at me as I searched the darkness, my hands reaching out, yet grasping only nothingness.

“It should be here,” she affirmed. “The answers.”

I sat in that darkness for what felt like an eternity, the silence so profound it was almost deafening, as if my ears were about to burst. I yearned for something, anything, to slice through the suffocating void. When it finally came, it was just a whisper, the softest sound breaking the stillness.

It was my name.

“Elizabeth…” it called out again, a familiar resonance that pulled at me.

I swam through the void, propelling myself toward that beckoning sound.

“My Elizabeth,” the soft voice called again, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

Suddenly, a sliver of light appeared before me, and I dove toward it with all my might. Through the haze, I could make out his form, my dream visitor. However, this scene was more obscured than the others, with foggy edges that blurred the finer details.

He loomed over me, a wide smile spreading across his face. As clarity seeped into the memory, I realized how small I must have been at that moment, maybe three or four years old.

“There you are,” he said, scooping me into his arms, enveloping me in warmth. “You shouldn’t run off like that, love.”

The heat radiating from him wasn’t like the searing fire of demons; it felt pure, akin to sunlight, wrapping around me like a soft blanket. In his embrace, I felt cherished and utterly safe.

“Grandpa…” my youthful voice echoed softly in the dark. “I just wanted to visit Mom.”

“Grandpa…” I echoed, the revelation crashing over me like a tidal wave of realization.

“I see,” the man responded, his eyes dimming with sadness. “Then we should go together.”

He held me tightly, but as soon as I found that comfort, I began to sink again, the vision turning murky with each passing second.

“Would you like to bring her some flowers…” the man said as his voice faded into the silence.

I dropped once more, falling deeper into the recesses of my mind.

I landed again in complete darkness, yet this time, warmth enveloped me from all sides.

“Hmmm,” a soft female voice hummed, thoughtful and soothing. “I think Elizabeth if it’s a girl, and Emmett if it’s a boy.”

I could see no light around me, just darkness.

“Love, please think about this logically,” the familiar voice of my grandfather urged, concern threading through his tone. “Do you have any idea what would happen if anyone were to find out about this child?”

“I don’t care,” the woman replied resolutely. “I will protect my child with my life if I have to.”

“If things were to go wrong…” the man’s voice cracked with pain. “I wouldn’t be able to guarantee your safety.”

“It’s alright, father,” the woman breathed, her strength unwavering. “We will be alright.”

“Demons cannot be trusted,” he warned, the weight of his experience echoing in his words. “I know that all too well.”

“I’ve told you this before, father. He is different; I love him.”

“Demons cannot change their nature.” The man sighed heavily. “Demons cannot love.”

There was a pause, a moment filled with heavy silence that spanned across time.

“Malachi can,” the woman asserted, her voice soft yet defiant, a flicker of hope in the darkness.

I was abruptly yanked from the memory, as if a switch had been flipped, and a sharp pain radiated through my head as I fell, landing hard on a solid floor. As I looked up I was expecting to see the Mistress before me, instead, I was greeted by an endless expanse of blackness.

I was still trapped in my own mind, but oddly enough, I was no longer adrift.

I stood up and brushed myself off, noticing a solitary figure in the distance.

“Hello?” I called out, squinting to make sense of it.

The figure remained still, undiscerning.

Cautiously, I approached, and to my surprise, it mirrored my movement and stepped forward as well.

Taken aback, I halted, only to find it paused too. I took another step, and the figure did the same; it felt like a reflection without the glass.

Taking a deep breath, I pressed closer, and the figure gradually came into focus, revealing my own likeness, yet slightly different. Its eyes were milky white, and long claws extended from its fingers, claws I had witnessed in flashes whenever I slipped into that other state.

“What is this?” I questioned, eyeing it warily. Its mouth didn’t sync with mine, but it tilted its head with curiosity as I did.

“What are you?” I asked, a knot of nervousness forming in my stomach.

“Elizabeth,” it replied, its head moving independently of mine.

“What are you doing here?” I inquired, bewildered.

“Waiting,” it answered coldly.

Before I could react, I was once again pulled, thrust back into reality as if yanked violently on a chain.

I coughed, reeling back in the chair, my eyes burning and my mind threatening to shatter.

The Mistress stepped back, her face a mask of terror that was unfamiliar to me.

“It can’t…” she stuttered, barely maintaining her balance. “You can’t…”

She seemed dazed for a moment, unable to move. She stood with her mouth open, her eyes searching every inch of my face.

In an instant, she approached with a new resolve. She ripped open my uniform’s front and placed her now ice cold hand against my chest. A powerful pulling sensation seized me, like the entire world was lurching forward. I cried out, feeling as though my bones were about to burst through my skin.

She balled her hand into a fist, grasping at an invisible string, and started to pull backward. I clenched my eyes shut, bracing against the immense discomfort that enveloped me.

A loud gasp escaped the Mistress as she continued to pull.

I finally dared to open my eyes, only to be blinded by a brilliant, swirling light radiating from my chest.

Was that my soul?

It contrasted starkly with Alabaster’s, his was devoid of light, while mine shimmered with pure illumination, almost like I was gazing directly into the sun.

I quickly shut my eyes again, turning away, yet the intense brightness seeped through my eyelids. Threatening to blind me.

Suddenly, the Mistress released her grip, snapping me back into my body all at once.

I gasped for air, the overwhelming light fading away. My head dipped down toward my chest. I felt an intense wave of exhaustion like I had just run a marathon. My heart beat through my chest harder than I had ever felt it beat before.

The Mistress let out a maniacal laugh. Not one of malice, but one that sounded like she had truly lost her mind.

I looked up at her, and she was holding the sides of her head like she had a splitting headache, staring at the floor.

“I understand it now.” She said, as tears began to pour from her eyes. “All of it.”

She looked up at me, her eyes wide and crazed.

“Your mother…” She breathed, staring at my chest, directly at the spot where she had pulled out my soul. “…was an Angel.”

Chapter Twenty: Choices

“An Angel?” I thought, barely able to wrap my head around the idea. I had spent almost my entire life surrounded by Demons and had never once encountered any notion of Angels. If Demons existed, surely Angels could too, but the revelation made my head spin. And my father? Malachi? The realization was almost enough to split my brain in two.

The Mistress seemed to collect herself, smoothing down her hair which had come undone when she gripped the sides of her head in disbelief. With an unsettling calmness, she looked at me through vacant eyes.

“It’s impossible, you know,” she said, her tone icy. “A Demon and an Angel can’t produce offspring.”

She chuckled lightly, a sound devoid of humor.

“Not that many have tried, but those children always perish in the womb. I was under the impression that Malachi’s baby was carried to term but didn’t survive the birth. Yet, here you are before me.”

She spread her arms wide, as if offering me an embrace, her gaze roving over me as if I were a puzzle she desperately wished to solve. I could feel the malice simmering underneath, she wanted to dissect me, not just out of curiosity, but for her long-awaited revenge. Either way, it spelled doom for me.

“How exactly you were able to survive is still a mystery to me.” She placed her hand on her chin, thoughtfully. “That man, your grandfather… I’ve seen his face before, perhaps he will hold the answers.”

She grinned slightly, relaxing her body once again.

“Unfortunately for you, I have no intention of letting you leave here alive. If it brings you any peace, I will find out the answers after your death.”

Her gaze bore into my eyes. Her face showed nothing but malice, as I awaited my inevitable doom.

Suddenly, her demeanor shifted. She turned sharply, adjusting her gaze to the wall as her grin spread wider across her face.

“He’s here,” she breathed, a twisted excitement laced in her voice. She moved quickly to the wall beside me, retrieving one of the burning torches and gripping it like a weapon. Taking her place behind my chair, she ensured I was facing the heavy wooden door at the other side of the room.

Silence permeated throughout the space, I counted each breath I took as a knot formed in my stomach. Was he really here? I wanted to call out for him.

The Mistress’s hand landed on my shoulder, her claws digging into my flesh. A scream erupted from my lips as pain shot through me, blood seeping through my uniform. I clenched my hands into fists, unable to fight against her.

“Elizabeth!” Alabaster’s voice echoed from a distance, urgent and panicked. There was a series of banging sounds before he kicked open the door with such force that it flew off its hinges, slamming against the wall. The moment he spotted me, his expression shifted from shock to anger, his eyes widening as they landed on the figure looming behind me.

“Hello, darling,” the Mistress purred, her claws still buried in my shoulder, and her tone was deceptively smooth. “You’re earlier than I expected.”

“Let her go,” Alabaster demanded, stepping closer, determination etched on his face.

“You’ve been very naughty, Alabaster,” she taunted, her words dripping with malevolence. “Fucking the help? I thought you had better taste.”

“Let’s talk about this,” he insisted, edging nearer, desperation creeping into his voice.

“Stay where you are!” the Mistress snapped, wrenching her claws from my shoulder and holding up her bloodied hand as a warning. I winced at the sudden throbbing pain, feeling the warmth trickle down my arm.

“You can’t kill her,” Alabaster said forcefully, his eyes looking more like they were pleading. “She’s more powerful than you realize.”

“That’s only half true,” the Mistress countered, bringing the torch closer to my face. The heat radiated against my cheek, making me instinctively lean away, but she followed, her predatory smile visible from the corner of my eye. “She can’t die like a human, but I’m willing to bet she can die like a Demon.”

Alabaster’s gaze darted between us as he stood frozen.

“Elizabeth and I have uncovered something interesting,” the Mistress said, wrapping her hand around my jaw and angling my face toward Alabaster’s. “That day, before she ripped us apart, I asked you to kill her, but you couldn’t.”

“I didn’t want to,” Alabaster admitted, anger flickering across his face.

“Perhaps,” she replied with a hint of condescension, “but that wasn’t your only attempt, was it?”

She leaned closer, her fingers digging painfully into my skin.

“I took a little swim in Elizabeth’s mind,” she continued, a sinister glint in her eyes. “I saw every time you tried and failed, even when you so desperately longed to succeed.”

A soft, mocking chuckle escaped her lips as she caressed my cheek with chilling gentleness.

“Your contract with Malachi’s lover required binding, didn’t it?”

The mention of Malachi’s name caused Alabaster’s expression to shift, confusion clouding his features.

“Her parents didn’t trust you, so to protect their daughter, they bound you to her, ensuring you couldn’t harm her.”

Alabaster’s face contorted into disbelief as the Mistress’s words began to sink in.

“Did you know,” she continued, her tone dripping with disdain, “that when you’re bound to a pregnant mother, the binding persists for her child as well?”

He froze, a momentary blankness crossing his face as realization dawned. A storm of emotions washed over him, shock, confusion, pain, as he stared at me, grappling with the revelation.

“That’s impossible,” he finally stammered, eyes wide with disbelief, burrowing into me. “That child died. I saw it die.”

“Well, here she is,” the Mistress said with a triumphant smirk. “Her memories don’t lie.”

Alabaster stood there, turmoil etched across his features, lost in thought, struggling to come to grips with the unthinkable truth laid bare before him.

He looked up at me, and for a fleeting moment, our eyes locked. In that brief exchange, I could see a hint of softness in his gaze. He stepped forward, hands raised in a gesture of pleading.

“Let her go,” he demanded again, desperation lacing his voice.

“Stay back, Alabaster,” the Mistress warned. With a forceful jab she pressed the torch into my cheek. The searing heat ignited my skin, and I let out a scream, the pain sharp and unbearable.

Alabaster stopped, his brows knitting together with concern, he clenched his fist and lowered his hands to his sides.

“This doesn’t end well for you,” he said, determination etched into his features. “I will tear you apart.”

The Mistress responded with a cruel, shrill laugh.

“You wouldn’t make it out of the city limits,” she taunted, pulling the torch back just enough to allow me a reprieve from the flames. “Did you think I came here alone? My family knows exactly where I am and what I’m doing. If I don’t leave this place alive, they will hunt you both down, and you know how good Demons are at that. Just ask Elizabeth’s parents.”

I witnessed despair wash over Alabaster’s face as the weight of our dire situation settled in like a suffocating fog.

“There’s no way all three of us walk out of here alive,” she said, clutching my shoulder again, her grip like iron. “But your choices will determine who survives.”

She pressed the torch against my shoulder blade, and another scream erupted from my lips as fire licked through my uniform, scorching my skin.

“What is it about her?” The Mistress yelled, her voice a mixture of rage and envy. “Why the fuck did you have to have her?”

“I… I don’t know,” Alabaster stuttered, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something, anything to help in this hopeless situation. When he found nothing, a deep sadness enveloped him, visible in every furrow of his brow.

“But I love her,” he admitted, and the words struck me like a thunderbolt. My head spun, making me unsure of whether I had truly heard him correctly. After so much longing, so much wishing, hearing him say it took my breath away. For a moment, the pain from the Mistress’s torch faded to a dull echo in the background.

A gasp escaped from the Mistress’s lips. She nearly dropped her torch, giving me a few moments of relief.

“I love her,” he repeated urgently. “With my entire soul, I love her.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I leaned forward in the chair, yearning to touch him, to hold him tight and never let go. I wished to promise him my soul, a bond stronger than mere words, I wished to promise him forever.

“Well…” the Mistress said, her voice suddenly softer. I could feel her hand shaking as she gripped me tightly. “Then we have a serious fucking problem, because I love you.”

There was a pause, her words hanging in the air. Alabaster’s demeanor did not shift at her admission, his gaze was solely locked on me. Silence overtook the room for a brief moment, none of us knowing what to say next.

Suddenly the Mistress burst into laughter, it echoed maniacally, causing Alabaster to wince at the sound.

“Even if I don’t make it out of here alive, even if you rip me limb from limb, I will die happy knowing you will never see her again.”

With that, she pressed the torch into my back. The flames blazed through my uniform, and I cried out, the agony merging with the tears streaming down my face.

Alabaster’s expression morphed into sheer panic, the weight of the moment pushing him to the brink. It was as if he were on the verge of losing his mind, bound by fear and anger as our world spiraled into chaos.

Suddenly, Alabaster shouted.

“I’ll be with you!”

His words hung in the air, momentarily startling the Mistress, who paused in confusion.

“What?” she asked, lowering the torch from my back and letting her hand fall away from my shoulder.

“I’ll be with you,” he repeated softly, his voice tinged with sincerity and sorrow.

“I don’t…” The Mistress stammered, bewilderment evident in her tone. I heard her back away a few steps. I turned my head to see a look of complete shock on her face.

“I will be with you, as your husband and lover once again,” Alabaster promised, whispering his plea. “I will love you just as you desire, if you let Elizabeth go.”

“No!” I cried out, a sharp pang of heartache piercing deeper than the pain from the torch.

Alabaster shushed me, turning his attention back to the Mistress, who slowly stepped forward from behind me. He moved closer, a fierce determination burning in his gaze.

She looked at him, her eyes practically glistening as they met his.

“I will give you everything you’ve ever wanted from me,” Alabaster whispered, “Just let Elizabeth go.”

She hesitated, drawn toward him, but he quickly closed the gap. He pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his arms around her, eyes squeezing shut.

The Mistress melted in his arms, dropping the torch to the ground, the embers scattered across the wooden floor, their glow flickering in the dim light.

“Let her live her life, and we will live ours,” he whispered gently into her ear. “Together.”

She pulled back slightly, making eye contact with him once again. She seemed to search his eyes looking for any hint of insincerity. After a moment she stopped, seemingly satisfied with what she found. She nodded, slowly and pointedly. He gently cradled her face between his hands before leaning in for a kiss, passionate and tender. My heart splintered at the sight, feeling as if it had shattered completely.

She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, surrendering herself to him completely as he lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

With a powerful flap of his wings, he created a gust of wind that blew out the embers scattered across the floor.

“Alabaster!” I screamed, but my voice was swallowed by the whoosh of his flapping wings. He glanced back at me, eyes filled with anguish, before soaring upward in one swift motion, crashing through the ceiling and allowing blinding rays of sunlight to pour into the room.

As the wooden planks rained down around me, I flinched, toppling the chair and hitting the ground hard causing the old furniture to crack, finally freeing my arms.

I stared up toward the ceiling where they had just been, but they were already gone, leaving only the eerie sound of the whistling wind behind, and a gaping hole that paled in comparison to the one that was left in my heart. I felt an emptiness so profound and irrevocable that it echoed a sorrow that I knew would never fade, a finality that left me once again, utterly alone in its silence.

Chapter Twenty One: Alone

I slowly pushed the door to my apartment open, the creaking sound echoing in the stillness of the room. Its cold emptiness loomed before me, a reminder of what once was. My belongings lay scattered across the floor, remnants of my hasty packing, while furniture remained out of place, due to Arrallan’s uninvited guests.

Letting out a deep breath, I stepped inside, feeling the oppressive silence wrap around me like a blanket. I used to love this solitude, the freedom to live my own life after shedding the weight of being a servant. But now, without Alabaster’s presence, the space felt like a prison, every corner seemed to whisper his name, and each shadow seemed to carry his absence.

As I made my way across the room, I sank down onto my bed, my mind still reeling. I pulled my phone from my pocket, the only item of mine left intact, the screen cracked from my topple in the chair.

Once I had finally freed myself from The Mistress’s bindings, I stumbled across the city. After wandering aimlessly for several hours, I finally made my way back to Red’s place, but was met with nothing more than a pile of ashes, and no Red to be found. I didn’t know where else to turn, so I made my way back here, back to this place I barely recognized as home now. A home filled only with memories of pain.

My fingers traced the bare sheets where Alabaster and I once lay, the scent of him still lingering. I closed my eyes, allowing my mind to drift back to those nights, to his warmth, the way his wings would wrap around me, making me feel safe and cherished. But as quickly as those memories pulled me back, I forced my focus back to the present. There were things to do, Harvey needed to know I was back, and I had to call a repairman to fix my door, I had to-

Unexpectedly, in my moment of distraction, tears began to spill from my eyes, dotting my phone screen before I even realized what was happening. I stopped, surprised by the sudden rush of grief that consumed me. My phone slipped from my grasp, hitting the floor with a dull thud, and I pressed my hands to my face, overwhelmed.

As the tears flowed uncontrollably, I couldn’t stifle the cries that erupted from deep within me, reverberating off the walls of the empty room. Each sob felt like a wave crashing over me, pulling me further into my sorrow as I mourned not just Alabaster’s absence, but the future we would never have. The echoes of my anguish filled the silence, a haunting reminder that I was alone now, left to navigate this dark reality without him.

“Elizabeth.” A soft voice called out, breaking through the haze of my thoughts and capturing my attention. When I looked up, my heart raced.

There he was, standing in the doorway as he had the first time he returned to my life. The bright sun behind him illuminated his silhouette, making him seem ethereal. I froze, staring blankly at him, torn between disbelief and hope. Was this an hallucination, a fleeting glimpse of that memory? Or was he truly here before me?

His eyes were filled with a depth of pain and sorrow that cut me to the core. I was so captivated by his presence that I almost failed to notice the small, black mass hovering above his outstretched palm. It resembled swirling smoke, dark and chaotic. It was so profound in its darkness that it almost hurt to look directly at it.

“Take it,” he choked out, taking a hesitant step forward.

I stared at him in bewilderment, speechless.

“Take it,” he urged again, closing the distance between us, his desperation palpable.

“I…” I breathed, rising from the bed in a daze. “Why?”

“It belongs to you,” he murmured, his voice trembling. “It always will.”

Despite my hesitation, he moved closer, grasping my wrist firmly.

“Please,” he begged, his voice cracking with emotion. “I don’t need anything in return, just take it.”

I hesitated again, staring deep into his eyes. Slowly I turned my hand over in his grasp and offered my palm.

With a gentle motion, he placed the small ball of black swirling smoke into my hand. A wave of warmth emanated from it, not a physical sensation, but an emotional one, as though it longed for me.

“I love you,” he breathed, his grip on my wrist tightening. “It took me a long time to realize it, but I think I have always loved you.”

The words echoed in my soul, causing a pang of pain to hit me. It felt so different from the last time he had said it, so painful.

He wrapped his arms around me, his frame, however, held none of the warmth I had longed for. His touch was startlingly cold, like ice against my skin. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I clung to him desperately, knowing this moment was fleeting but wishing to capture it forever. He drew back slightly, just enough to press his lips against mine. Their icy touch stung against my skin, sending a chill through my body.

Hesitantly, he released me, pulling back to gaze at my face one last time. In the blink of an eye, he was gone, leaving me once more alone in my empty room.

I stared down at the swirling drop of his soul resting in my palm, unsure of what to do next.

I sat back down on my stiff mattress, taking a deep breath. I placed the swirling drop on my nightstand, and it floated there, waiting to be held by me again.

I shut my eyes, leaning back onto my pillow. I didn’t know if I would see him again, but I knew I would never stop hoping.

As I lay there in the stillness, the weight of solitude pressed down on me, but within that heaviness, I found an ember of hope flickering quietly.

I opened my eyes and looked at the swirling drop on my nightstand, it pulsed gently like a heartbeat. It reminded me that our love hadn’t vanished; it would still linger on in the smallest moments, even if we couldn’t be together.

With a soft sigh, I reached for it, cradling it in my palm once more, feeling a warmth that seemed to promise connection even in absence. I allowed a small smile to break through the tears.

“Forever.” I whispered, holding the small ball close to my chest.

Epilogue

Lea

Arrallan spread his arms and wings wide, releasing a deep sigh of relief as he crossed the threshold of his expansive foyer. I set down his luggage in the center of the polished marble floor, the intricate patterns glimmering under the soft glow of chandelier lights. The room was impeccably decorated, with rich red tapestries hanging from the walls and ornate furniture arranged with precision, making it feel both grand and inviting.

His servants stood in a neat line before the sweeping staircase, their heads bowed in reverence, eagerly welcoming him back to his estate. I quickly took up their position, settling into line among them.

It was quite an exciting journey to accompany him on. Leaving the estate was a luxury afforded to very few. Now, however, I would return to the mundane life of a servant, until he called on me again.

“Good evening, Master,” the head servant said, stepping forward with a warm smile. “How was your journey?”

“Wonderful,” Arrallan beamed, bowing his head in return. “It was very productive.”

“And your wife?” the servant ventured, his voice cautious. “Is she avenged?”

“That wasn’t necessary,” Arrallan replied with a brief chuckle. “The whole thing was quite a big misunderstanding.”

The servant raised an eyebrow, his puzzled expression a mixture of confusion and concern.

“I see,” he said slowly, gesturing for Arrallan to follow him toward the grand stairs. “We do have some unfortunate news about the woman who was staying here.”

“Oh?” Arrallan’s interest piqued as he cocked his head.

“She disappeared a few nights after you left; we haven’t been able to track her down.”

“Oh dear,” Arrallan replied, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. “That complicates things a bit.”

The two of them began ascending the staircase, their conversation shifting to the complications of Alabaster’s wife being free.

Suddenly, Arrallan halted mid-step, his demeanor shifting.

“Ah!” He exclaimed raising a hand, “I almost forgot! Lea?”

I snapped my head toward him, and our eyes locked, his deep black orbs burrowing into mine.

“Yes, Master?” I said, stepping out of the line of servants, curiosity bubbling within me.

“I have a favor to ask,” he said, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “I need you to send a letter to a dear old friend of mine, Marcus, from the House of Hael.”

A murmur of disbelief swept through the line of servants, their glances darting between Arrallan and me.

The House of Hael? I thought, my breath catching in my throat. Angels?

He smiled softly, disregarding the curious whispers.

“Let him know that I’ve located his granddaughter.”

I nodded, excitement tinged with apprehension stirring in my chest. Breaking away from the line, I made my way toward Arrallan’s office, feeling in the pit of my stomach that things were about to get a lot more interesting very soon.

***

Thank you so much for reading ‘Inhuman: A Twisted Love Story’! Alabaster and Elizabeth’s story will continue in ‘Inhumane: A Twisted Love Story 2’. Please keep an eye out for it! I’m looking forward to sharing more of their story with you. – Phantom