Hi Everyone! Welcome to a new story of mine which I wrote when I hate 'the dip' as I like to call it. The good thing about this story is that it is already finished. Yes, that's right, I will not be able to abandon this story because it's already done. This means that I will get the chapters up in a regular update.
That said, though it is already mentioned in the summary, this story is not everyone's cup of tea as it is very dark. There will be torture, gore, lots and lots of blood, sex between Yami and Atemu, lots and lots of fluff, despair, bashing of certain female characters and did I mention torture? As in, cruel, downgrading and not for the faint of heart torture. So yes, this story is rated M for a whole different reason that just a lemon. Please, please, please, be cautious when you proceed passed these warnings. Though I do admit, the first chapter starts off rather lightly.
Now that we have that out of the way, I hope everyone who does continue, will enjoy reading this story. It happened because Koobre challenged me unconsciously when she reviewed White Picket Fence. After the review I asked myself: can I make Yami more of a Neko than in WPF?
The answer is yes, I definitely can.
So, more warnings: Atemu and Yami are practically out of their minds while loving each other very much. Atemu is cruel and Yami stands by his side, enjoying every moment of it. I hope you will too.
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Chapter 1
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Screams continued to sound through the dungeon's stone hallways whie it was joined by wails and sobs from men and women snivelling in their cages. The shadows moved and curled as they slithered across the floor and walls, hanging like menacing threads between the metal bars. They made the place dark, their presence alone penetrating through feeble minds to eat from the fears and hopeful dreams prisoners would cling to. Simple dreams to either be set free or just the smallest wish to be skipped. That they would not be picked out of the line-up today which was a wish the shadows so freely fed from as it was truly delicious to squash those hopes.
Sipping from the goblet in his hand, the tanned man pursed his lips slightly as he watched the movements of the blunt knife. It carved into the skin of the screaming woman as her back was whipped to shreds with a leather belt. The shadows around the tanned man's feet curled with glee as the woman cried in agony and in their excitement, the shadowy tendrils curled up on his lap while slithering across his arms and into his tri-coloured hair. They swept a few blond bangs from his face as they perched atop his shoulders to gain a better sight at the tortured woman like curious children presented with candy. Gently, and with a smile curling his lips, the tanned man calmly stroked the other part of the tendrils as if he was petting a contently sleeping cat while enjoying the show before him.
Yet, softly, he lifted the black mass with one hand and they slithered to the ground as he rose from his seat. There was a smirk on his lips which revealed fangs as they fell over his bottom lips while cruelty reflected off his features and gleamed in his rose-red eyes. Waving his free hand slightly in order for the puppet-like executioner to stop, the tanned man set his goblet on the arm rest before walking down the steps of his podium.
"That would be enough", he said softly, while watching how the red liquid flowed from her wounds and towards the stone floor beneath their feet. Pursing his lips once more as if he was trying to measure if it truly was enough, the demon tilted his head and nodded so the puppet-like executioner would lift the woman's head. Tears had wet her face and most of her sanity had left her, but that didn't seem to bother him.
"Tell me", he ordered and her green eyes seemed to focus upon him. There was fear only, however, and the tanned man chuckled in delight. "Did you learn your lesson?"
At his question, she swallowed thickly and even if with willpower alone, she managed a nod. "Y-Yes, my Lord", was her choked response and the tanned man sighed as he crossed his arms in front of his broad chest. The shadows danced around his feet as they lapped at her blood, though he didn't look at them. He could hear them purr while he tilted his head the other way and examined the tortured woman again.
"You wish for me to show mercy?", he asked with a small smile and there was a spark of hope in her eyes next. A spark that caused her to feel alive again and she eagerly accepted the proposal.
"Y-Yes, my Lord. Please-", she begged, but his features curled in disgust at her words and she shuddered in fear.
"Did you show mercy when you whipped those children? Did you?", he snarled with a hiss and she fell silent. He chuckled again as he happily took away her hope and dreams. "No. No, you did not. You abused those children even when they begged you to stop. You are no mother, but I'm glad you were able to feel what they felt", he answered in her stead with the shadows creeping up her frame as he spoke. She shuddered and whimpered as she felt their cold touch while she was still forced to look in the cruel rose-red eyes of the demon before her. He was enjoying this, she could see that much, though that thought only fuelled her fear.
"Kill her", he whispered, yet his voice was loud and clear as he smiled. The black tendrils penetrated through her skin and entered her body through every entrance they could find to suck her dry. Her skin paled, her screams were absorbed by the powerful magic, before she lay twitching upon the floor in agony with her veins being emptied of their life-force. He stared at it and smirked in glee as he had made sure to extract the rightful punishment for her crime. As she died, a white hue shone upon her skin, before it turned in a white orb and he slowly held out his hand. A tendril captured it and dutifully brought it towards their master. As they did, he received many images from them, their true meaning somewhere between happiness and joy. He smiled at them and stroked them gently as he brought the orb to his lips to swallow it whole. He shuddered slightly after he did, before straightening as if he hadn't been bothered by the awful taste. "You can have her", he said kindly, though he waved at the dead body as if he was bored. He was because the show was over, though the shadows would happily feast upon the last bits of what had once been a woman.
"More...", the puppet-like executioner growled and rose-red eyes turned to the man. Before he could reply, however, the shadows curled at his feet at the gentle sound of a small bell ringing in the distance. It was a sound clear like crystal and the tanned man smiled as he heard it.
"No, no more for today. Maybe another time", was his answer, before he turned on his heel and walked towards the staircase leading out of the dungeon. As he took each step at a time, he left the screams behind him. He left the cold and dreary place of the dark black stones, to emerge in a sunlit courtyard. It was the complete opposite of his earlier surroundings, with water cascading into a basin beneath a fountain and flowers blooming brightly. Rose-red eyes blinked momentarily to adjust their sight, the pupils turning to slits as it was much brighter outside than it had been within the dungeons. The peaceful silence was like music to his ears, before he let his eyes fall upon the pale man before him. The other was an odd mirror-like reflection of himself, their skin tones not the only difference between them. Their gravity-defying tri-coloured hair was partially the same, yet where his hair was rimmed in rose-red, the other was outlined in crimson. They shared high cheekbones and a slender frame, even though he was just that little bit more muscular than the pale man.
Then, there was the furry black tail swaying behind the pale man's back and cat-ears were set up in a curious question while they perched within the Neko's black mane of hair. Both ears were tipped in golden fur however, just like the end of the slender tail. The bell which had been rung disappeared in the pocket of the pale man's vest, while he tilted his head ever so slightly in a new question. As he did, the sun reflected of a tag hanging from the Neko's collar.
"Yes, Yami, we enjoyed ourselves", the tanned man answered and a smile curled pale lips, before the Neko beckoned the other man ever so slightly. A frown played on tanned features, before rose-red eyes spotted an advisor coming their way. Angry at himself for not hurrying after he had heard the bell, the tanned man schooled his features in a blank look. If he had hurried, he would have had a moment longer with the Neko after all.
"Lord Atemu, your presence is required. Lord Tamil has asked for an audience with you", the advisor said and rose-red eyes gleamed slightly. The Neko had taken a step back as the third man had entered the courtyard and was now standing behind Atemu. The look upon his face was as blank as that from the tanned man, perfectly schooled into place with possibly years of training.
"Please tell me why you allowed for him to enter my home? It may not be a palace, nor a castle, but I am still your Lord and Prince. This man has caused enough harm, so do you have a good excuse?", Atemu asked, his stare turning into a glare as his anger rose. The blank look turned into one of idle disgust as the advisor trembled slightly.
"H- He brought a woman... t- to offer in a gift of peace. Would we not want that, my Lord?", the advisor asked, his eyes catching the tremble of shadows as they curled around their master's feet. Atemu barely refrained from rolling his eyes, though a soft pale hand lay itself against his arm gently. As it did, he could feel himself calm down and he took a deep breath as the shadows mourned their loss.
"What I want", he said, his voice laced with ice, "is for people like you to be ripped to pieces. Slowly", he warned, yet, the demon walked away before he actually ordered for horses to be brought this instant. The Neko followed close behind him, though Atemu tugged the other at his side and wound a possessive arm around his waist as soon as they were alone. Yami purred softly at the contact, his tail curling in delight while they walked inside the grand mansion. It was made from beautiful sand-brown stone and it didn't appear to be big, but that was the main point. Atemu loved to deceive people and his home was a part of that game.
"It is unfortunate we must attend this silly business. I would much rather rest within your arms", the tanned man said and he squeezed the slender hip playfully. At his tease, Yami merely purred and pressed a soft kiss beneath the pointed tanned ear, before he took a step out of the embrace as they were greeted by sentries on either side of the large door leading towards the throne room. At least, people called it that, though it really was nothing like it. Yes, there was a comfortable seat upon a raised platform made out of beautiful stone, while the seat itself was cut out of hardwood with pillows made of silk. The few sentries who had assembled inside the warm room, bowed their heads with their glassy eyes as both men entered and watched how the pale Neko took his stand behind Atemu who sat down and folded one leg over the other.
Because he did not need it, Atemu didn't wear royal clothes. No extravagant jewellery or a billowing cape. Just black trousers made of silk and an off-white dress shirt covered by a black vest to accentuate his slender form. Yami was dressed in a different colour, though he wore black trousers beneath his charcoal-grey dress shirt and dark-blue vest. A silver thread adorned the top of Yami's clothes, the embroidery upon the right side of his vest that of an inverted pyramid. A black choker with name tag adorned his neck, just to make clear to whom he truly belonged.
"Let him inside so I may call it a day", Atemu ordered off-handedly and he wished he could just get up and leave. Yet, even though he was as close to his father's throne as a pig to gaining wings, he had to deal with his own troubles the right way. Because he expected that from himself, but also because his problems did not go away on their own. Atemu was from the blood of the Sennen family and that meant he had duties to perform which he would do to the best of his abilities. His past teachings would make sure he did.
His train of thoughts was interrupted, however, by a man entering the room with a young girl firmly held within his grasp. She seemed to have given up on fighting, her wild brown hair falling in her face though she couldn't hide her tears. Nor the fear that displayed in her dark-blue eyes and the tanned demon narrowed his eyes slightly. Next to him, Atemu could hear how Yami growled ever so softly, though the pale man's features were as blank as always. The tanned man couldn't help but grind his teeth as he could hear the brunette's soft sobs which made the Neko tremble in contained anger.
"Presenting, Lord Tamil", was the soft announcement and Atemu bristled softly. It was no wonder his army had won from this excuse of a man. An insect that called himself a leader which had resulted in his own demise. Greed had been his downfall and the tanned man sneered in disgust as the other Lord was brought forward. Tamil continued to tug the small brunette girl along, her soft cries echoing through the room even though she tried to keep them inside. She knew her faith and this coward was abusing that knowledge to the full extend of his power.
The shadows acknowledged Yami's trembling form at Atemu's side and the tanned man sighed mentally, allowing one tendril to sooth his kitten while he could not do so himself. The corresponding rumble from Yami's gratitude did little to calm his mind, especially when the soft purr turned to a growl again instead. Unheard by others, yet it rang clear in Atemu's ears.
"That would be close enough", the royal ordered from his seat on top of the raised platform and he watched how guards readied themselves to attack if necessary. Not that it ever was. The guards were there for themselves, he could protect both Yami and himself before they were able to move. Tamil stopped walking and instead gave a bow while he pushed the young girl to her knees. Atemu realised she had been picked from a crowd and even though she knew her faith, she did not know what to do but lament the situation. Atemu could smell her fear from where he was, but also the cockiness Tamil possessed.
"Your Highness", the man uttered, bowing down a little further, before shaking the young girl to make her shut up. She gave a soft pained sound, however, and the cat-like ears in Yami's hair trembled as they caught the noise. She kept her head down though, possibly too afraid to look up once more or else feel another punishment coming.
"Why did you want this audience with me? What more do you have to say for yourself after you tried to steal land from me? What is it you think you can possibly gain from meeting me in person?", Atemu asked, his baritone voice never loud, but it carried across the silent room like thunder either way. Yami flicked his tail in pride because it was his master who could cause fear merely by speaking his mind and he hoped the other demon would learn his lesson. How dare he bring a girl to the audience? How dare he try to persuade his master's mind? At another soft sob, however, Yami felt his ears drawn towards the brunette upon her knees and he sighed mentally while stroking the black tendril to calm himself.
"My coming here is to plead with Your Highness for a change of mind. I wish to beg for the forgiving hand my Lord has when it comes to faults. As a peace offering, I have brought this lovely young woman so she will bear you many sons, my Lord", the man said, his ground-kissing words creating a soft hiss from the Neko next to the hardwood seat. Yet, nothing could be seen upon his facial features as Yami kept his face straight. Nobody could read him, even though his master could hear him. His lover, who would set all of this right.
"You think a young girl could persuade my mind to forgive you? You belittle me so? You would have everyone believe that I would sacrifice the life and sanity of a young girl so that you may try and rally people once more to fight me? So that you may have the chance to slaughter many good people for your desperate cause?", Atemu asked, his rose-red eyes narrowing once more as he gazed down upon the man. He felt sick to the stomach as he watched how the girl tried to find understanding in what her 'master' was trying to do. The insect had believed for the tanned man to be swayed by a lovely woman, like many others of his brethren. The thought alone did not go well without punishment. Perhaps he was a royal, but he would never rule more than the land given to him or what he had taken from others for their crimes. The tanned man felt his anger calm as a soft hand laid itself upon his shoulder and he turned an eye towards Yami. One glance of crimson towards the girl and Atemu knew what the Neko next to him wanted.
"Your Highness, please. The fault is mine, I must take the blame-", the man started and Atemu chuckled rather darkly.
"Which you will, obviously", he answered and waved his hand at a set of guards. "Contain him", was his order, soft and dark at the same time. Guards came into motion and grasped Tamil firmly. He tried to fight against them and, as he did, released the girl who scurried away as far as possible. Her back hit the wall, where she remained while watching the display before her. A powerful man upon the raised platform, his demonic skills far greater than anyone would ever believe and then the other, who was fighting against the guards.
"Stop this instant!", was the defiant growl and magic started to brew. Tendrils of shadow magic sprung forth to catch the offered meal and Atemu merely chuckled softly. If it was up to them, every minute of every day was a feast to them, which amused him greatly.
"Your magic is useless here. You wanted to fight me. You wanted to sacrifice lives in a battle you should have known was without victory for you. You will take all the blame", Atemu said as Tamil was pushed to his knees. Shadow magic slithered around the offending insect, who snarled as he fought against the bond, but could no longer with the shadows eating his strength. He locked his eyes with rose-red ones however and growled low in his throat.
"The blame is yours! You did this to us! You are a cruel piece of filth that sits on a throne and doesn't even fight his own battles. Without your magic you're nothing!" The room fell silent at the insult, the last words echoing as they were spoken. Slowly, Atemu rose from his seat and walked down the raised steps with his rose-red eyes burning in anger.
"As you are aware, you already lost a battle and with that, you have lost your home, your wives, your villages and your land. All of that is now mine and I will make sure your name is erased from the streets. Yet, you still wish to challenge me?", the tanned royal asked, his sight burning with contained hatred as he stared down upon the kneeling man. Atemu sneered, however, as Tamil tried to break free from the guards and his magic in a desperate attempt to make his point clear.
"You can't do that! That's mine, all of it!", was the new call, but Atemu pursed his lips slightly as he disagreed.
"If it had truly been important to you, you would not have set that as the main price for your wager. You lost the battle, you were defeated by me and my army. You are nothing but an insect who is waiting for my foot to come down upon it. And trust me when I say I will enjoy your screams", the tanned man hissed, before he gave a dark smirk and the gleam in his eyes foretold nothing good. It said he would enjoy torturing this man who no longer had the right to live.
"Coward! That's all you are, a coward! Hiding behind your magic! You did not even fight your own battle. I bet even the cat's not afraid of you when you are without your magic. I will challenge you over and over again because I will beat you!", the man called out, yet his fear could be seen in his eyes. He had lost everything after all, his pride, his land and his family. He also knew the price he would pay, he knew that smirk, he knew his death would not be simple.
Seething and with a dangerous flash of anger gleaming in his rose-red eyes, Atemu smacked the man with the back of his hand. How dare he? How dare he insult his kitten? From the top of the raised platform, growling could be heard and Atemu equalled it as the man recovered from the blow. "This fear you harbour towards me is well placed, for even without my magic I will have your live. My pet knows it. He does not growl at your insult, but because he pities you. He can smell your fear and finds it utterly disgusting. You shall have your battle and I will have what you believe is yours. But first, you will apologise", Atemu hissed and stepped aside ever so slightly to look at the Neko next to his seat. Yami's features were schooled back in a glance of dismissal, as if nothing could bother him, though his ears were held back and his tail flicked in anger. If one couldn't read Yami's body language, one wouldn't know, but Atemu knew and he pressed his foot down upon the man's back so he had to bend his head towards the floor.
"Apologise, now", Atemu hissed, releasing Tamil as the mere thought of touching him was disgusting. Instead, he returned towards the platform slightly and glared at the man who called himself a 'Lord'. To have insults thrown at himself was nothing new, but he would not let someone hurt what was his. For a moment, the insect looked up and gazed into blazing rose-red eyes, before they turned towards the Neko and the man spat at the floor.
"Never to a cat", were his words and black ears folded back ever so slightly. Atemu said nothing, yet the room grew dark and cold. Shadows slithered across the floor, reacting to the tanned man's mental state. His anger radiated off of him and for a moment he took a deep breath while gazing at Tamil.
"The battle has already been promised to you, but you insulted me and my pet. You will apologise", Atemu said, his voice easily carrying through the dark room. Even the girl had stopped weeping as she stared at the happenings before her. The royal man stared down upon the one who had brought her here, his rose-red eyes set aflame while the Neko next to his seat seemed utterly calm. His gaze appeared bored somehow, as if he had seen all of it before and she shuddered as the shadows passed her to join the tanned Prince near his raised platform.
"One last chance", he whispered eerily. "Apologise". The demon on his knees shook his head, which only made Atemu smirk cruelly. "Burn him, but keep him alive", was his next order and shadowy tendrils crept underneath the other man's skin. The guards released Tamil, but as soon as they did a scream bounced from the walls. Atemu smirked as he gazed at the writhing man at his feet and he chuckled darkly because he knew what the shadows caused. Pain, paralysing pain as he was mentally burned to death. Within Tamil's mind, the fire licked and burned his skin, ate away at his flesh and left only more pain as bones turned to dust. The agony would repeat itself over and over again, as the mind was tortured into submission.
"Torture him. Make him apologise", Atemu ordered, a gleam of joy flashing in his eyes as the insect continued to scream. Then, he chuckled softly and knelt down to observe Tamil as he stopped writhing about while the shadows lessened their strain. If they would have continued, their master would have been very upset with the insect's death. They enjoyed the pained moans still escaping Tamil, however, as his body twitched while his eyes filled with fear as soon as he was able to pry them open. The first glance they saw was Atemu smirking in satisfied cruelty after all.
Atemu nodded at the guards as he rose from the ground and they heaved the man into a kneeling position. To the tanned man's dismay, the insect had to cry out in pain, but he let it slide as he grasped the brown hair and twisted the face of the offender towards Yami. "Apologise", he hissed in the presented ear, the shadows curling at his side in glee. It was a shame the toy had been broken...
"I- I'm sorry, please, I'm sorry!", Tamil cried out, his wide eyes staring at the Neko who simply gazed back at him with that same bored expression on his features. Black cat-ears twitched towards the apology, before crimson eyes turned towards Atemu. It was almost as if the tanned royal wished to pout, before he released the man and smirked instead.
"Good little insect", he muttered, turning on his heel to walk back towards the raised platform and his seat. He gave one last glance at a guard. "Let him recuperate in the dugenons with food and water. Our battle shall be when the sun is at its highest the day after tomorrow", Atemu continued and waved his hand in order for the insect to be taken out of his sight immediately. There were more sniffles and pained cries, but as he turned and sat down, the room held a deafening silence. Softly, Yami touched his shoulder and stared at him, before his crimson eyes went towards the girl.
"Another?", Atemu asked and as he did, the girl turned her head towards them. "Very well", the tanned royal consented and she watched how Yami gave the tiniest smiles, before it vanished and he walked down the raised dais towards her. She tried to make herself one with the wall, her dark-blue eyes bright with fear as they stared at his approaching form. Then, he beckoned her, though that made her gasp for a shuddering breath while she remained frozen against the wall. Upon his seat, Atemu sighed softly.
"He does not speak. Follow his command and he won't hurt you. Go with him, now", Atemu said, the tune upon his voice filled with boredom and she divided her wet gaze between both men. Crimson eyes were commanding as the Neko beckoned her again and she stood up while shaking like a leaf from head to toe. Her raising from the floor made the Neko turn with another wave of his hand, however, before he walked away from her. Silently, as tears fell down her cheek, she followed. The grand doors closed behind them and she was almost tempted to run away, but her mind served her with an image of what had just transpired. The lingering scream of the man she had come with made her follow the Neko through the hallways.
"What will you do to me?", she whispered while trying to contain her sobbing. The brunette was scared, as she didn't know what would happen and the Neko didn't offer her any comfort. He glanced back at her once, moved his hand again to tell her to follow him, but remained silent. As he did, she started to sob softly anyway.
"I don't want to... I don't belong here, please. Please let me go", she begged, but he didn't say anything and merely continued to walk. With fear blooming in her chest, she followed. Especially as they passed a couple of guards, which meant no turning back unless she wished to lose her life. She halted her sobs as they walked through an arch in the wall, her dark-blue eyes gazing around the room with awe. Flowers were blooming brightly, the sun shone through the large glass windows and she could smell the scent of medicine drifting through the small entry. She took a step back in fear, however, as the pale Neko fetched something from the pocket of his vest. Her dark-blue eyes were drawn towards it as she saw it was a small bell. The young girl was amazed by the soft and delicate sound it produced when he shook it. As it finished, a door opened in the right wall and a black-haired woman walked through it with her blue eyes gleaming in question.
"Yami", the woman greeted and the Neko inclined his head just a little, before he stepped aside and gazed at the brunette girl behind him. His face was unreadable, though the taller woman apparently understood either way. "A new one", she said softly, walking forward to approach the young girl who seemed ready to bolt out the door. "Welcome to Lord Atemu's house. My name is Ishizu and I am the medicine woman for everyone who lives here. May I know your name?", the taller woman asked and dark-blue eyes focused upon her.
"M- Mana. My name is Mana. You can talk? He didn't say anything and I don't know what to do! What do they want from me, why am I here?", the young girl rambled and Ishizu walked forward. Slowly, she held her arms out and the brunette sobbed as she let herself be embraced. Yami merely stared at the display and flicked his tail, before he squeezed the young girl's shoulder softly. She stared at him and the odd display of comfort, while he turned his gaze back towards the archway. Ishizu smiled and nodded.
"Understood. I will take care of Mana", the woman said and Yami appeared to be pleased with that answer as he squeezed Mana's shoulder again, only to walk out of the room afterwards. Alone with Ishizu, Mana gave another sob as she let everything out. The other woman embraced her like a mother would, rubbing soothing circles against her back, while leading her away from the entry room towards the one she had come from. There, she placed Mana upon a seat.
"What will happen to me?", the young girl asked softly while her emotions swirled in confusion. Ishizu smiled reassuringly at her, however, before she walked towards another door and revealed the bathroom.
"First, you will take a nice, long and warm bath while you tell me stories of where you came from and of what happened to you. As you tell me, I will treat your wounds and make sure you understand why you are here. Now, come, and don't be scared", Ishizu said as she helped Mana from her seat and into the bathroom. The brunette was wary of her surroundings as she gazed around, though the sand-coloured tiles were cleaned to perfection. Some of them held pictures of sea creatures and the aromatic smells Ishizu added to the bath soothed her nerves. "I'll help you", Ishizu continued softly and Mana looked at her, before nodding. She needed help getting out of these clothes as they were too big for her, yet strapped to her frame. The brunette felt ridiculous in her dress-like garments that would probably fit a woman twice her size in length and width better than it did her.
Ishizu was gentle as she helped the young girl remove her clothes and gently touched a tattoo upon Mana's right shoulder. "Mark of Magic", she commented, though that appeared to sadden the brunette.
"Yes, I'm cursed. It is why I cannot stay. Please, you have to let me go", Mana begged, but the older woman shook her head gently and ushered her into the tub. The water was hot against Mana's tanned skin, yet her muscles appreciated it greatly.
"Not until you have been looked after. Mana, I will be honest with you. Lord Atemu does not want you the way your previous master has said you would be used. Our Lord has no interest in you, but he does wish you to be well. That is why you are with me and later, you will be send to one of the reformed villages where you can live your life as you so choose", Ishizu said, though that received her a surprised glance.
"Master? I have no master!? This man took me from the streets, dressed me up and took me to this place. Said I would die here and it's true. Everyone knows what happens here... Once you enter, you never get out!", Mana wailed and she started to cry again. Ishizu calmly stroked her wild brown hair and held a reassuring smile upon her lips.
"The only reason you will not leave is when you anger our Lord, but I don't see that happening. Our Prince means you no harm, only those that oppose him or defy his rules. The man who took you from the streets, Tamil, he rallied up forces against our Lord and went to battle in an attempt to overthrow him. That is something unforgivable and will be seen to with punishment. Had Tamil not taken you with him, a mere reminder would have sufficed, but he offered you. A young girl in bloom of her life, hurt and forced by someone who thought he could do so. Lord Atemu does not forgive that fault and especially not if Yami took a liking to you", Ishizu explained as she handed the brunette a sponge and soap. She looked at a few scratches the young girl carried, as well as a few bruises which were already fading. It was odd, though, as most offerings were usually not damaged like she was. Mana had been taken in a hurry, which told the older woman Tamil had acted in blind panic. By coming to the palace, he had not changed his faith. He had merely worsened it.
"Yami? You mean the Neko?", Mana asked softly and Ishizu nodded. In return, the brunette shook her head. "Liking or not, I can't stay here. I am dangerous. I was smuggled out of Dalmascar and grew up in several villages because people didn't want me. I can't control my magic, so please, let me go before somebody gets hurt", the young girl pleaded again, but all she received was a reassuring smile.
"This house is well protected against magical outbursts, Mana. There is no need to fear yourself or our Lord, he will not harm you. He will not do as the rumours say. Not to you at least", Ishizu answered, but Mana wasn't sure if that reassured her or not. What would he do to her? Ishizu had said there would be no need for her, but still... What else did she have to offer? Could she just accept this kindness? Could she live a free life, one wherein she would no longer be a torment to others?
At the sound of a soft bell ringing, Mana froze and wanted to grasp for a towel. To have a woman near her while she bathed and had her wounds looked after was one thing, but the bell signalled the Neko and she would not let him see her. Ishizu offered her the towel she desired, before she walked from the bathroom and back into the entry. She didn't hear anything, aside from the black-haired woman apparently replying to something. As she came back, Mana wrapped the towel around her frame.
"Mana, I have brought someone with me. Her name is Anzu and she will fit you some clothes. May we enter?", Ishizu asked through the door she had closed as she left and for a moment, the young girl didn't know what to say.
"Yes", was the timid reply as she tightened the towel just a little more, but as Ishizu entered with another girl, only a few years older than Mana, the brunette felt she could relax. Her dark-blue eyes caught the large diagonal scar across the other woman's face, whom was also a brunette.
"This is Anzu, she is our head seamstress and has been asked to fit you some clothes. Our Lord wants you to join us for dinner", Ishizu said, while she handed Mana another towel and grabbed one herself to gently dry the young girl's hair. Anzu gave a small wave.
"Hi, welcome to the Sennen Home", Anzu said, her voice carrying a lovely accent Mana didn't recognise. The other woman was tall as well, her brown hair straight and shorter than Mana's whereas her skin was pale instead of tanned. Anzu was lovely to see with a slender waist accentuated by her corset. Her dress was a soft golden yellow and she wore a headpiece in the same colour. Truthfully, the young girl thought the other brunette looked like a princess and when she was dried and dressed, she had never seen herself so beautiful before either.
Was this an odd dream? Would she wake up in the mud where she had been only a few days ago? Would her life turn out to be cursed again as soon as her mark would mess everything up again? She couldn't let that happen, but as she looked at her reflection, Mana didn't see herself. She saw someone beautiful with the chance of having a decent life as someone's wife she didn't know. The girl she saw had a roof above her head, even if it would only be for one night.
"You look wonderful", Anzu said as she adjusted the silver headpiece upon Mana's head. Ishizu returned from her own chambers dressed in a off-white gown, a golden chain around her waist and a beautiful necklace shining in the dying sunlight. Ishizu smiled almost shyly.
"It is not often our Lord dines with us. It is always a special occasion when he does", she said and Mana couldn't help but wonder if deep down, this was all a lie. To warm her up, to sooth her nerves before she would be taken to a room and never see the light of day again. She swallowed thickly as she followed both Ishizu and Anzu through the hallways, fear growing in her heart as she didn't want to be someone's wife. She didn't want to be with the man she just saw, one who smirked as others screamed in pain. She didn't want to bear someone's sons just because another thought she could be a nice offering. The brunette fought her tears however, as she didn't want to ruin Anzu's work, but it would be ruined either way. Mana knew she would cry the moment she would be chosen to do something against her will.
Swallowing thickly as guards with glassy eyes opened the door for the tree women, Mana followed the other two into a large dining room. At the table were two other women, an older blonde dressed in purple clothes matching her fiery eyes and an auburn-haired woman who appeared to be more or less Mana's age. Her eyes were a stormy-grey and she smiled brightly as everyone entered the room. On one end of the table was a younger male, his sand-blond hair touching his shoulders and next to him, a tall brunet man with a woman at his right side. Her hair was the colour of silver and as everyone seemed to take their places, Ishizu patted the seat next to her. Shyly, Mana walked over towards the table and stared at the different people whom had gathered at it. Ice-blue eyes stared her down and the young girl shivered for a moment, before she averted her gaze away from the tallest man at the table.
Mana couldn't help but feel as if she was at a party, probably her last, when everyone rose from their seats as another door opened. The tanned man came through with the Neko following him closely and rose-red eyes peered at the table. Atemu glanced around for a small moment, before he nodded and pointed at Mana with his hand. "As you have seen, Mana will join us tonight for dinner. Her master thought her to be an offering for peace, which was kindly rejected. Mana, for you to remember: my brother Lord Seto with his wife, Lady Kisara. Shizuka, our head of the kitchen", Atemu introduced, pointing at the tall brunet first as well as the woman with the silver hair, before he moved to the younger woman and her stormy-grey eyes. "Mai, the caretaker of my weapons and Malik, Ishizu's younger brother and the overseer of my Dragon stables", were the next two introductions as Atemu pointed at the blonde woman and the younger male.
"Then there is Anzu, whom you have met as she made your lovely dress, and Ishizu, my medicine woman. Please visit her if you are in need of medical help. Then there is me, Lord Atemu, although you will address me as 'my Lord' from this day forward and the lovely Neko at my side is Yami. You owe your life to him. He does not speak, but you will follow his every order", Atemu said and Mana nodded quickly. There was a slight touch of a pale hand against the tanned man's elbow and rose-red eyes focused upon Yami, before he motioned for everyone to sit down. Mana did so with trepidation as the fear was still there. What did all of this mean? Was this some ridiculous form of dress-up?
"Mana, Yami wishes to know how you are. Where are you from, are you well?", Atemu asked and Mana looked at him, before she gazed at the Neko. Dinner was served by waiters, though she noticed Atemu had little to eat. Crimson eyes turned her way and she nibbled her lip, before she nodded.
"I am well, my Lord, thank you. Yet, I do not understand. Why am I here? What is the meaning of this? I'm so confused and I don't want to hurt anyone, so please... let me go?", she whispered in despair, which resulted in Atemu tilting his head. The table was silent as everyone ate their meal of baked potatoes, vegetables and roasted deer. Ishizu gently stroked Mana's hair however and the young girl wiped the tears from her eyes as she felt shame rise within her.
"Your master tried to offer you as my bride, so that I might have a change of heart and not rip the insect's head from his neck. As it turns out, I have no use for you and you will not become my wife the way you imagine. He was cocky in his believe of playing me and he will pay dearly for that. Beheading him is no longer an option", Atemu explained, to which Seto gave a soft cough. Rose-red eyes turned to the taller man and a smile curled tanned lips. "But as promised, we will not discuss details of what his death will entail. Not everyone can stomach that over a lovely meal which Shizuka has provided us with. Thank you", Atemu said as he turned towards the auburn-haired girl.
"You're welcome, my Lord", was her reply and she smiled brightly, her hands wrapped in white gloves made of lace with silver threading. Mana was silent while Ishizu still stroked her hair. Atemu nodded slowly.
"To continue, however, you need not fear me Mana. You are free from the excuse of a living being whom I will make sure will never hurt you again. You do not need to uphold those disgusting duties as my wife, you will have a free life within these walls and if you want, you may leave. Even though I would advise you against it as it would hurt Yami's feelings. Now, Ishizu told my possession you had the Mark of Magic. Is that true?", Atemu asked and he seemed genuinely interested. The brunette wasn't sure what to do and not sure what to think either. The demon before her had called the Neko his 'possession' which she wasn't sure was offending or not. Yet, Yami stared at her with an equal interest shining in his eyes and the young girl sighed softly.
"Yes, I do, but I can't control it. I have never learned how", she whispered and played with her food. Black cat-ears moved at the sound of her voice and Yami looked at Atemu as if he had an idea. There was momentary silence, before Atemu tilted his head and seemed to muse upon the unspoken words.
"Perhaps, later. Though we will of course help you with your magic, Mana. We can't have you blow up half the house, now can we?", the tanned man jested and he chuckled rather darkly as his rose-red eyes gleamed with a pleasant thought. Mana wasn't sure if she could join him in his mirth though, but as she gazed around the table, nobody laughed.
"My Lord? Might I ask Mana a question?", Shizuka spoke and Atemu nodded.
"Of course", he consented and the young woman smiled, before turning to the brunette.
"As you are new, we will guide you through the house to the best of our abilities. Please, if you have questions ask them freely. We only want to help", Shizuka offered and Mana looked at her. She nodded slowly, which seemed to brighten the other woman's day immediately. "What I'd like to know is what you would like to eat for breakfast?" At the question, the younger girl looked down at the plate of food she hadn't finished yet. She didn't have much of an appetite as the air around them was slightly tense and still had a form of comfort.
"I don't know... Anything will do", Mana answered, considering she would be glad with about anything for breakfast as long as her appetite would return. Having food at all was a blessing, which added to her shame of not eating the plate before her.
"Please, Mana, that is not an answer. If I'd give you the option to bleed to death or have you ripped to pieces and 'anything would do', I could also decide to skewer you. Give Shizuka an honest answer. Do you like bacon, cheese, baked eggs, toast, croissants or nothing at all? Which would be perfectly fine as some people on this table live off of coffee mostly", Atemu answered, though Mana trembled at his interruption. Was he to kill her still? Hurt her? Get rid of her? Was this all a façade?
Seto sighed softly, breaking her train of thoughts effectively. "Please, Atemu", he muttered and rose-red eyes turned to him. Kisara was biting her lip in order not to laugh softly, though she couldn't stop the giggle from escaping unfortunately. It received her a disbelieving look from her husband as his ice-blue eyes turned hard and cold, though that didn't seem to offend the silvery-haired woman. Somehow, her giggle broke the partially tense air and everyone started to laugh softly. Mana wasn't sure why, but it did her good even though it had freaked her out at first. A joke, it had been a joke and she giggled as she finally felt better than she had all day. Her fear fell off her shoulders as she could answer Shizuka freely, though Ishizu still stroked her hair in offered comfort. The other woman was speaking with her younger brother, while Anzu engaged herself in a conversation with Kisara while Atemu discussed unknown terms with his cousin.
As everyone talked with one another, Mana dug into her food and stared around the table. It was odd to see how much Atemu and the Neko looked alike, before her gaze turned to Anzu. She wondered if others at the table were as hurt as the older brunette and Mana felt her eyes fall upon Shizuka's covered hands. As she looked at Malik, she could see the white slivers of scars around the collar of his tunic; the black top decorated with a white leaf-like pattern at the hem. Within the talk surrounding her, Mana was reminded of the many rumours surrounding the Sennen home. Lord Atemu had many wives, given to him in peace offerings, though the ones giving him the sacrifices never returned to their own homes. He was a cruel man, a true demon proven by his pure blood. His dark magic made him insane and there was nothing that could stop him.
She could see how crimson eyes watch her as well, before they turned to Atemu. Gently, Yami placed his cutlery down on top of his plate and touched the tanned man's elbow again. Rose-red eyes turned towards the Neko who let his own irises glance at the door they had come from. Slowly, Atemu nodded and rose from the table. "We shall take our leave. I hope you will enjoy the rest of your evening. Mana, you are in Ishizu's capable hands and Yami shall see to you tomorrow. Your master will be dealt with, I promise", the royal vowed, before he walked away from the table. Nearly everyone wished him a good night's sleep, which was returned moments prior to both men leaving the dining room.
Once outside and with no one in sight, Atemu wrapped a possessive arm around Yami's slender waist. The Neko purred softly, nuzzling Atemu underneath his pointed ear and the tanned man chuckled softly in answer. "Finally I can rest within your arms", he commented and Yami smiled.
"Finally", he whispered in return, his rough tongue licking Atemu's skin in comfort, before he nuzzled it once more in submission. The tanned arm tightened around his frame as Atemu drew the Neko closer to himself.
"Kitten", Atemu murmured fondly, which received him another nuzzle that made him smile with love.
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Thank you all so much for reading and if you have the time, please leave a review. See you all in chapter 2!