"MY LORD..."
I smiled as I pushed Tenebrarum down upon the chair. The wood groaned beneath his weight. His golden eyes watched me—curious, amused, hungry.
My lips found his throat. I kissed the column of his neck, feeling his pulse quicken beneath my mouth. I sucked gently at his Adam's apple, my tongue tracing the hard knot of flesh. He tasted of salt and something darker—like smoke and wine and ancient power.
I moved lower.
My fingers found the red cotton wrapped around his waist. I pulled it free, letting it fall to the floor. His manhood sprang forth—thick, proud, the head swollen and glistening with moisture.
I paused.
This is for Flavia, I told myself. This is for Father. This is for everyone he has destroyed.
I lowered my head.
My lips found the head of his manhood. I kissed it softly—a whisper of contact. Then I opened my mouth and took him inside.
The taste of him flooded my senses. Warm and Alive. I swirled my tongue around the tip, tracing the sensitive ridge. I sucked gently, feeling him grow harder against my tongue.
His eyes were fixed on the ceiling. His jaw was tight. A low groan escaped his throat—a sound of pleasure he could not contain.
Good.
I took him deeper, feeling him fill my mouth. I moved my head up and down, my lips tight around his shaft. I hollowed my cheeks, sucked harder, faster. My hand wrapped around the base of him, stroking what my mouth could not reach.
His hand found my hair. He gripped it, pulling my head.
"Yes," he breathed. "Just like that."
I looked up at him through my lashes. His eyes were dark, his lips parted. He was lost in the pleasure I was giving him.
Perfect.
"Please," I murmured against his flesh. "I want more."
He pulled me up, positioning me above him. His hands gripped my hips, guiding me. I felt the head of him press against my entrance—hot, insistent, demanding.
"No... no, Aurelia, do not—"
The thought was distant, fading.
I slid down upon him.
Pain exploded through me—sharp, searing, tearing. I cried out, my body tensing around him. He was too large. I was too tight. I felt stretched, filled and broken.
"Ehhhh! Ehhhh! Ehhhh! Ehhhh! Ehhhh! Ehhhh!"
The moans tore from my throat. My body bounced on his cock, up and down, the friction unbearable.
And then—
I looked down.
Between my thighs, there was a knife.
No—not a knife.
It was...
"Ahhhhhhhh!"
---
I screamed, my eyes flying open.
I was on the bed. The silk was cool beneath my feverish skin. The candles burnt low.
It was morning.
What kind of dream was that?
"Ahhhhhhhhh!" I screamed again.
Luna was standing between my thighs, her head tilted, her eyes curious. My legs were spread—open, exposed, vulnerable.
I shut them immediately, pressing my thighs together.
"Oh, forgive me," she said, her voice soft and unapologetic. "I was merely wondering... why there is no trace of hair there?"
"Get out!"
"I cannot," she said, stepping back. "I was commanded by Cornelia to show you the estate. But I paused because I was wondering... why your flesh is so bare and tight."
"Get out!" I screamed again.
She did not move. She simply watched me with those dark, knowing eyes.
"You are strange," she said softly. "Most mortals beg for mercy. You beg for death. Most mortals weep. You scream. Most mortals have hair between their thighs. You are bare as a child."
She tilted her head.
"Why?"
I had no answer.
I could not tell her that I had planned to give myself to Tenebrarum. That I had even dreamed of him. That my body had betrayed me in the night, aching for the very thing I swore to destroy.
"I do not know," I whispered.
She studied me for a long moment.
Then she smiled—a small, sad smile.
"Perhaps that is why he keeps you alive," she said. "You are... different."
She turned and walked to the door.
"Dress yourself," she said over her shoulder. "Cornelia does not like to be kept waiting."
She left.
I lay on the bed, trembling, the ghost of a dream still clinging to my skin.
I touched my lips.
I could still taste him.
I squeezed my thighs together.
I could still feel the ache.
What is happening to me?
I reached up and touched my neck. The wound had been cleaned and bandaged. Someone had tended to me while I slept. The bleeding had stopped. The pain had dulled to a faint throb.
---
"But wait," Luna said, her head reappearing around the door. "Why were you moaning in your sleep?"
"Was I?"
"Yes. Loudly. Do you wish to be deflowered?"
"No... my maidenhead is for my husband."
"That is peculiar," she said. "But rise. We must go. I have many places to show you."
"Show me? I am not even dressed." I looked at the rag I was wearing.
"Can you not see the clothings?"
"What clothing?"
"I have prepared a bath... and the clothing next to you is what you shall wear."
I raised the clothings. They looked manly. I did not understand why I had to dress like this.
"This is what men wear."
"You should say that to Cornelia. She is dying to see you in male garments. This is supposed to be Lord Tenebrarum's chamber... but he prefers to stay in the dark room downstairs. He is strange. So you may enjoy it for now." She smiled and left.
---
I bathed in the few minutes I had. The clothing fit me well—it suited my skin. But the shirt was another matter entirely. It was too revealing, my breasts exposed, only my nipples covered. The neckline cut too low, but what could I do? I had to wear it with the sandals I was given. The bandage on my neck was visible, a stark white against my skin.
"Finally, you are done." Luna smiled, walking in.
"How did you know I—"
"I was right at the door waiting. You took too much time. But you look beautiful, so it is not a problem. Let us go."
Her journey began. She took me to most places in the estate. My legs were almost broken—it was of no use.
Now we were at a room where tea was served. Luna called it something—I could not remember. It was pink and boring. Only the tea made sense.
"I am so tired. We need a break." Luna sipped her tea slowly.
"Is this all in the estate? The whole place?"
"Oh no. I have not shown you the guards' room yet. You will need that."
"Is the estate not protected enough?" I sipped the carrot tea softly.
"No... I meant the folding at the middle of your legs would actually appreciate their company."
Oh heavens. I do not need that. I can clearly live an eternity without sex... why do these foolish dark creatures believe everything is about sex?
"You would need them," she continued. "Your flesh is really tight. I tried inserting a finger before..."
I choked on my tea.
What? This place is actually filled with LUNAtics.
"How dare you invade my privacy and touch my private area!"
"There comes the rude you. Let me continue what I was saying—you do not wish to have Lord Tenebrarum take your virginity. It will be painful. Oh, his is always painful. Follow me, let me show you the guards' chambers."
I did not move an inch, rethinking everything.
"I have not asked for your name," she kept talking, walking. "Are you not coming?"
"No."
"What?"
"No. I do not wish to know the guards' room. Does the estate not have an armory? A place for swords and weapons? A training ground where people learn to fight?"
"No... yes, the estate has those, but they are for the male gender. We sit and be pretty as we are."
"Then take me there."
"Fine. I hope you do not regret it after." She laughed. "After this, you shall meet Cornelia in our chambers."
"Why do I wish to meet her? She is nothing important to me!"
"You are important to her. I heard she personally begged the master to release you. You were extremely favored."
She walked faster, and I had to quicken my step. Knowing where this armory is... that is a master plan. I could hide more weapons for my purpose.
---
The armory was vast.
Swords lined the walls. Shields gleamed in the torchlight. Spears stood in rows like soldiers awaiting command. The air smelled of oil and metal and sweat.
I stopped at the threshold, my breath catching in my throat.
This is what I need.
This is how I will kill him.
"This is the armory," Luna said, her voice flat. "Are you satisfied?"
I did not answer. I walked inside, my fingers trailing along the blades. They were cold. Sharp. Perfect.
"These are beautiful," I whispered.
"They are weapons," Luna corrected. "They are not meant to be beautiful. They are meant to kill."
I smiled.
"Exactly."
I held a sword, cutting the air with it. The weight was familiar in my hand—like an old friend.
"It is strange to find ladies in an armory," a deep voice spoke out. "If you wish to find the master Tenebrarum... I could show you where he is. He did not come for his early lessons today."
I turned.
I had seen this face before.
Tenebrarum had called him...
Vasile.
---
To be continued...