Disclaimer: I do not own Balem or the Jupiter Ascending universe (though I wouldn't mind owning Balem =D) but I do own Amoya.

A.N: Alright, this is one of my favorite chapters of this entire story! Amoya meets the Abrasax siblings! *starts cracking up* I'm sorry, this chapter always cracks me up! Without further ado, please enjoy!

Song inspiration:

None specific to this chapter.

Chapter 9: The Spell Deepens

Amoya was dressed in a gold dress that shimmered. She wore gold jewelry, hoop earrings and bracelets. As beautiful as the outfit was, (and as much as she felt like a princess though she wouldn't admit it), Amoya was currently bored out of her mind, as she stood behind Balem's floating settee.

The elder Abrasax was calm but in the past three days Amoya sensed an underlying annoyance that built the closer his siblings arrival time was upon them. An annoyance that was different and slightly more volatile then what she had experience from him. She suppose that is why she allowed Balem to have his way without much fuss these last days. Amoya wasn't particularly thrilled with meeting his siblings anyway (at least the way Balem talked about his siblings gave Amoya pause) and wondered why his brother seemed so interested in meeting her.

Okay, so she tried to escape from this place. She didn't know it was worth so much speculation and drama. She was doing what any sane person would try to do.

Amoya heaved a sigh, her eyes fluttering close as she almost started nodding off. It wasn't like there was anything else to do. She had been standing here for the past ten minutes. She shifted on her other foot.

The door opened then, waking Amoya from her mental stupor, causing her to blink. Two beings walked in, dressed as elaborately as Balem. The first was a tall girl with brown hair cascading over her shoulders and brown eyes. She wore a white pink dress that trailed behind her. The second was a tall man, not quite as tall as Balem. He also had brown hair and green-grey eyes darker than Balem's hazel ones. He practically sauntered in as if he knew everyone was awaiting his presence.

Titus and Kalique stopped in front of the throne and bowed simultaneously. Straightening, she noticed Titus' eyes trailing towards her. He took in her appearance and smiled once. Amoya gave a crooked smile, feeling unsettled by this man. If it was possible, more unsettled than when she first met Balem.

"Titus, Kalique. It is a pleasure to see you again", Balem's soft voice spoke. The way he spoke Amoya could tell he was not pleased.

Titus brought his eyes to his brother, "Of course. It has been far too long since we've seen each other...personally."

"Yes, it is... regrettable."

Amoya inwardly sighed. Did they always have two conversations going on at once?

"To what do I owe this visit?" asked Balem.

"We are still family, my brother. Must there be any other reason?", Kalique spoke with a smile.

"Hmm." Balem moved his head.

"Can we not see how our brother is doing?" asked Titus.

"You can see just as well over a hologram."

Amoya resisted the urge to sigh. Did they always do this dance? It was very clear none of them wanted to be here. Must be nice. Amoya always figured if she had a family she would appreciate them more than these three seem to.

"And who is the lovely lady?"

Amoya blinked out of her thoughts when she realized that that lady was her. Titus was staring at her, his green-grey eyes running over her form. Amoya twitched at that.

Balem waved a hand to her once, "Amoya."

That was all he said.

"The Earthling girl?" Titus pressed.

Balem leaned his head in his hand as a response.

"Welcome to Jupiter, Amoya. I trust you are getting along well here." Kalique smiled.

Amoya nodded once, "Just fine, thank you."

Kalique smiled as Titus raised an eyebrow.

"She's not...trained?" asked Titus looking at Balem who only continued his level glare at his younger brother.

Amoya twitched visibly then and resisted the urge to growl at him. Instead her voice became sugary sweet, "What...pray tell does that mean?"

"It means you do not understand how to address royalty properly, I take it."

With a good slap.

Amoya didn't say this though. Instead she managed to ground out, keeping her voice calm and level, "I'm sorry, your majesty. I'm still learning the ropes."

"Clearly" was the cool reply.

Amoya felt her hands twitch.

"I could not believe what I heard about this new pet of yours", Titus turned to Balem, "I meant what I said, Lord Balem. I would be happy to lend my assistance."

"I suggest you watch it, brother." spoke Balem, "My business is simply that. My business."

"Of course." Titus inclined his head. Turning to her he held out is hand, "Please my dear."

Amoya hesitated before coming forward and placing her hand in his cool one. He helped her down the stairs before raising her hand to his lips. His kiss lingered on the back of her hand. His lips seemed to lack any warmth and his hands were cold. Amoya smiled pleasantly fighting the urge to shiver at his touch.

Titus slowly straightened, "I must say, you are..."he looked her up and down once, "...most beautiful. For an Earthling."

Amoya couldn't help her eyes looking to the ceiling in an half eye roll. "Thank you, your majesty. You are too kind."

"She should join us for dinner, no?" Titus asked looking at his siblings. Kalique only smiled and gave a nod and Balem waved his hand in agreement. Amoya inwardly groaned. She was not looking forward to this. She only smiled when Titus seemed to pull her closer resisting the urge to pull away.

Dinner was different from normal. Instead of sitting at the opposite end, she was instead placed on the long side of the table. Titus sat directly in front of her and Kalique took up Amoya's normal spot. As usual, Amoya began to load up her plate. The siblings only got a few spoons of food.

Titus raised an eyebrow at her as she began to eat. He looked at his brother who was ignoring him in favor of his food. Silence rained for quite a bit as Titus became fascinated with how much she was eating.

"My my, was there not sufficient food where you are from?" he asked gingerly taking a bit of his food.

"Yes, there was", Amoya answered not pausing in her consumption. Kalique watching silently also amazed by how much she was eating.

"Then why do you eat like a dog? ", Titus asked.

Amoya twitched as she slowed her eating. Balem looked up at this and slowly sat back in his seat. His hazel eyes settled on Amoya awaiting her response to his brother.

After a moment, Amoya swallowed her bite and looked up at Titus with a broad smile, "Feed a dog well and he won't lose his bite."

Kalique's mouth twitched. Was this girl serious?

"There is more than one way to tame a dog", Titus smoothly interjected taking another bite of food.

Amoya nodded absently and sat back in her seat her eyes narrowing, "Better a dog than a cat. Can't trust a cat. Dogs are known for loyalty."

Balem lazily surveyed the scene watching both closely. Kalique was amused and quite shocked that Amoya was in affect talking back to Titus. Her eyes went to her oldest brother. Did she give him this grief and was still alive?

It was baffling but was that cold amusement that Balem's eyes displayed at this scene? But Kalique could see the fascination that Balem displayed. He hadn't shown much interest in anything besides power and his inheritance up until this point.

The only sister of the Abrasax family turned her attention back to the duel before her.

Titus breathed slowly the only sign that he was getting annoyed. "Cats...are cunning. They know the exact. Moment. To. Strike." He emaciated each word as he leaned forward.

"Yes, perhaps so..." Amoya nodded and continued softly, "...Until they get caught in their own trap."

Titus mouth opened and closed a few times. Kalique's eyes widen a fraction. Was her brother rendered speechless? When has that ever happened? Her eyes was caught by Balem's movement. He had leaned forward to take a bit of food. Was his eyes laughing?

Titus went silent after that, focusing on his food. He simmered as he stabbed his fork into his food. Amoya went back to eating as if nothing was wrong.

All was silent until all four of them finished their dinner. It was only than that Kalique rose and gave Amoya a friendly smile.

"Perhaps we can take a walk, what do you say?"

Amoya glanced at Balem who tilted his chin. She took that as an okay and stood. Turning back to his sister she smiled with a nod and followed Kalique out of the dining room.

Titus didn't speak until they were both gone and then he turned to Balem and hissed, " Did you see that?"

Balem barely looked at his younger brother as he stated softly, "My eyesight is fine."

"You allow that?"

"I do not fight your battles for you brother."

Titus scowled and got up from the table in a huff and left.

Balem took a sip out of his goblet.

"I'm afraid you might have made and unintentional enemy", Kalique spoke once the two were down the hallway.

"What else is new?" Amoya muttered.

"I must admit, as shocked as I was, that was the most fun I've had in centuries!" Kalique smiled.

Amoya winced subtly reminded of the family's tendency to harvest. She shrugged as a response since she didn't know what to say.

Kalique chuckled and continued, "I have never seen Titus rendered speechless." She sobered as she added, "He is sure to retaliate, please be careful."

Amoya looked at her surprised. Kalique stopped making Amoya stop as well. "I think I like you, Amoya and I believe I'm understanding my brother's fascination with you. You aren't like most human women. I think you are good for him."

Amoya ducked her head not knowing what to say.

"Surely you are aware by now, why you have escaped his consequences of his wrath?" Kalique pressed, "I mean your escape attempt should have had you killed by now."

"I realized it", Amoya said quickly her face heating up.

"And what do you feel for my brother?"

Amoya shifted on her feet and burst out, "He irritates me! I don't feel anything!"

Kalique looked at her amused, studying her for a moment, "And yet he fascinates you as well."

Amoya opened her mouth but no sound came out. After a delay she shook her head profusely. Kalique simply laughed, though it stopped when she saw Titus walking towards them. Amoya turned. Upon seeing his striding from she almost groaned. He seemed pleasant enough but she knew better than to let her guard down with someone like him.

Stopping before the two he gave a low bow, "My ladies."

Rising his eyes locked onto Amoya's, "I was wondering if I could borrow a moment of your time."

"You plan to give it back?" It just popped out of Amoya's mouth. She gave a mental wince. Sometimes she said things before she thought them through.

Titus only smiled pleasantly and held out his arm. "Please humor me, Amoya."

Amoya glanced at Kalique before taking his arm. They walked a few paces before Kalique turned back and began walking the way she came. She hadn't gone far when she came across Balem who raised his eyebrow in question.

"Amoya is with Titus."

Balem's eyes blazed much to Kalique's surprise, "I will not allow my brother to take her from me!" he snapped surprising Kalique further.

So she was right about her brother. How did Amoya, of all beings in the universe, managed to cast her spell over her brother? And she clearly did it without meaning to.

She was so shocked she had to turn and catch up to Balem who had stormed past her. "Wait, Balem, let us see how she handles Titus. If it's anything like at dinner, she will be able to match him."

"I won't let that playboy take what is mine." came the hiss.

"Let us see if she is even worth the trouble. You do want to see if she is worth the trouble don't you? You would not be satisfied otherwise."

Balem slowed at his sister's word until he finally came to a stop. He gave a sigh before quietly beginning to walk towards the duo.

Amoya and Titus had walked a little bit before he spoke, "I must admit you caught me off guard, Amoya. I commend you. That is not easy to do."

Amoya said nothing. The two was unaware that Balem and Kalique had caught up but stay out of sight.

Titus stopped and turned to her. "Amoya", he practically purred her name.

Amoya stiffened watching him closely.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot", Titus continued, "I think we have the potential to become...better acquainted."

"Meaning?"

Titus took, her hand from his arm and held it in his own. "Do you honestly think that once this...little fascination wears off that my brother won't harvest you? I know you think you have it made, but the truth is you are wasted on my brother."

Kalique glanced at Balem. The only evidence of his anger was his eyes. She admitted even if Titus thought they were alone, he was pretty bold to utter such words here in the House of Balem.

Amoya must have rattled him more than they realized.

"We will see, won't we?" Amoya asked mildly after a moment.

"Amoya, Balem, as benevolent as he is, is lost when it comes to...the opposite sex. All his other pets lasted...well, too short to even mention. He grew tired of them very quickly. He will grow tired of you, my dear." Here Titus reached up and grazed Amoya's cheek with the back of his hand, "So I offer you a proposal."

Amoya moved her face away from his cold hand, "Which is?"

Titus smiled but to Amoya she saw a hidden agenda as he took a step towards Amoya, making her take a step back. "I have...skills that I think you can benefit from."

Amoya took another step back but Titus followed her until she found herself backed into a pillar. "Skills? And how would this benefit me?"

Titus smiled, pressing both hands next to her head on the pillar affectedly trapping her in. Amoya was beginning to get uncomfortable.

"I can utilize my skills far better than my brother. In exchange, you help me, help you."

"Help you how?"

"Well, there are things that are...inaccessible to me. You would help me get them."

Amoya blinked confused by what he was getting at, "What are you...?" She trailed off before asking, "Are you asking me to be a spy?"

"I'm asking no more than you want to give", Titus answered as he began to purr once more, "Amoya, I am something of an connoisseur."

"An connoisseur?" The Caribbean girl repeated.

"I know fine wine when I see it..." Here he looked her up and down once, "...and you would be...a fine wine."

It looked to Amoya, like in a little bit, Titus was going to lick his lips. It took a moment for Amoya to get the innuendo. When she did, she gave an awkward laugh, "I see."

Titus pressed closer lowering his voice, "I just...want what's best for you. Let me offer you my assistance. My skills have been honed to precision, you understand."

"You say that like that is something to be proud of. What you have a trophy room?" Amoya asked.

Titus only smiled, "I don't like to brag..."

"I'm sure you don't." Amoya's tone implied she knew he did.

"But like I said, my skills are legendary. I can help you win your freedom. I can help you escape back to Earth. Back to your, mundane life. Only..."

This time Titus stepped unbearably close to Amoya. His breath was almost in her face and she turned away from him. She was now getting annoyed at his forwardness, uncomfortable with the fact that their bodies were almost touching.

Elsewhere Balem growled silently, his whole body tensed as he waited to see what Amoya would do. Would she betray him?

"Wait, see what she does." Kalique spoke his very thoughts.

Balem barely heard his sister's soft voice, as he felt that familiar anger that slowly began to simmer.

His temper was rising.

Finally Amoya smiled and turned back to Titus whose lips was inches from hers, "Your skills may be legendary, your majesty. I just got here so I wouldn't know."

Titus' voice was husky, "But you'd like to, wouldn't you?"

Amoya chuckled once, "You are Lord Balem's brother and as such I will allow you the benefit of my next words rather that my preferred actions, your majesty."

Titus smiled handsomely, "Oh yea?"

Amoya's fought to keep the fake smile plastered on her face as she leaned up to Titus ear and spoke charmingly, "If you do not take three giant steps away from me, by the time I finish this sentence..." Here her voice went deadly cold, "...your "skills" will be harvested and removed. Permanently."

To make sure that Titus didn't miss the point, she strategically moved her knee in place. Titus blinked and looked down. It was only his iron-will that allowed him to fight off his natural instinct to leap away rather than to gracefully back off.

"It's good to see that the male species even in space, share the same collective man pain at the thought and the threat", Amoya said with a tight smile., "It's comforting to see something so familiar."

Titus's eyes fluttered with anger. "You wouldn't. Do you not know who I am?" He straightened, "I am Titus, third primary of the house of Abrasax."

Amoya didn't miss a beat, "And I am in house of Lord Balem, first primary of the house of Abrasax. Now I may put up with him but I will not put up with you."

Titus made a little gasping sound in the back of his throat. His face was turning red with anger. How dare this little she-mortal embarrass him so? How dare she refuse him? He had never been turned down by a woman before.

"You tread on thin ice. Very thin ice", Titus hissed.

"I know how to ice-skate." retorted Amoya. She shot over and suddenly Titus found a finger pointing up in this face. "I will only tell you this one time. If you ever pull a stunt like that I will not be so kind as to give you a warning. The only reason you get one now is because you are Balem's brother, and am trying not to embarrass him, but so help me, pull a stunt like that again, and I'll take you down with me before he toss me into the void!"

Amoya dropped her finger, "Where I'm from I had to learn to protect myself, especially as a woman when shady cats like you want to drag us into the proverbial ally, as it were. I will not let a man threaten me like that. Never!"

Titus raised his hand to slap her.

"Do it. I dare you. Give me a reason!" Amoya hissed.

It was then that Balem and Kalique walked up to the two. Titus lowered his hand and inclined his head to the two of them. Amoya took another step back from Titus, her golden-brown skin flushed with anger.

Balem glared at her before glaring at Titus. "Leave us" His soft spoken order was obeyed after a moment.

Titus had looked between the two before bowing and leaving. Kalique gave Amoya a reassuring smile who managed to give a small smile back before the former followed after her younger brother who practically stormed away.

Once alone Amoya hissed, "You can stop the tirade before you get started. I may put up with a lot of things but I will not have some man backing me into a corner like that!"

Balem said nothing.

Amoya continued her rant walking back and forth in place, "What the devil does he think he is? He may be your brother but I don't believe he has an upstairs brain. Everything cycles downwards with him."

"My brother...is notorious for his appetites." came the soft injection.

Amoya didn't seem to hear it as her eyes blazed, "Embarrassment or no, I promise you, if he puts his hands on me again, I will break them!".

She looked at Balem then and then did a double take. Was there a twitching smile on his face? However Amoya was too mad as she hissed, "Do you-do you find this funny?"

"Per the contrary", came the soft voice, "I have never seen my younger brother so rattled. In all this time, there has been no one that has made him shut up."

Balem didn't quite understand why he felt...was it relief, that Amoya didn't chose to play Titus' game. He didn't quite understand why he felt a certain weight vanish that had settled on him moments ago. He felt his temper receding where it had threaten to burst out moments before.

Here Balem stepped closer and reached out his hand to touch her cheek. He was trying not to smirk and failing, "You are...an fascination."

Amoya breathed but found she could not back away from his hazel eyes.

They were...soft and Amoya found herself shocked at seeing such a look in Balem's eyes. He had never displayed this kind of thing towards her before.

And Amoya found she didn't know what to do with it

TBC...