Second Circle, by lyradaemon

Chapter 9: Very Unexpected (Part 2)

A/N: This is pretty violent in some parts (don't worry – not too graphic) but some of the, umm, ideas certainly are. Sorry if it offends anyone. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

The inn was surprisingly large and comfortable and they had enough spare rooms for them all to have one each. They trudged upstairs to the second floor, each looking forward to a hot bath and some clean, dry clothes – fortunately they all had a spare set of clothes which they could call in.

The rooms had their own small bathrooms, including a large tub. Eli locked the door behind her before stripping off her sodden clothes and running herself a nice hot bath. Lying back in the tub she sighed gratefully, relishing the feel of the steaming hot water washing away all the dirt which had accumulated from the rain.

She lay there for a long time, reluctant to get out. But eventually the water turned cold, so she decided it was time to get herself dried off and into some clean, comfy clothes. Reaching for a towel, she wrapped it round herself and headed into the bedroom.

"Good evening, Lady Eliene," a voice said politely from behind her.

Eli whirled around, almost dropping the towel in surprise. "P-Prince Falian," she stuttered, staring in astonishment. "What…what are you doing here?" She finished weakly.

He took a step forward, an odd look in his eyes. "I could ask you the same thing," he purred sensuously.

Mother Night, what is he doing? Eli thought desperately. Swallowing hard, she made a desperate attempt to keep her voice level. "I'm afraid I'm not really in an appropriate state right now, Prince Falian," she said lightly, her voice wobbling only slightly. "If you could come back later…"

"Oh, I don't think there's any need for that." He moved closer. "After all, we both know why I'm here."

"We- we do?' She said weakly, stepping backwards – into the bathroom door.

In a movement quick as lightning he was on her, lips bruising hers, fingers digging into her upper arms, body pressed tightly against hers.

Eli struggled, "Prince Falian," she protested, but it was lost as he kissed her fiercely, almost brutally. She tried to push him away, but he just held on tighter.

Suddenly he lifted her up and took her to the bed. He lay her down before ripping away her towel.

"No-" Eli said desperately, trying to cover herself. But he took her hands and pinned them beside her head. His eyes burned into hers, full of lust and desire.

"Don't try to struggle, dear Eliene. It will only make it much, much worse." He lowered his head to hers again.

Eli shook her head, begging him not to, but he didn't listen. Again he crushed her mouth with his, teeth biting into her lips; Eli tasted blood. She tried to move her hands, but they were held fast. Tears of desperation welled up in her eyes; she was completely helpless to stop what Falian was doing to her. She squeezed them shut, trying to block out what was happening.

Falian reached down and spread her legs; Eli screamed, but it was cut off by his mouth. He slapped her, keeping the arm he had released secure with Craft. "Don't make a sound, bitch," he snarled. Tears of pain and loathing stung her eyes.

His hands moved up her body, gliding over her flesh, cupping her breasts before pinching her nipples, hard. Eli whimpered, biting her lip.

"You like this don't you? Dirty little whore," he leered at her, a mad look in his eyes.

Eli couldn't believe what was happening. But he'd been so nice! Her mind screamed at her.

Then she felt him press himself between her thighs. "Are you ready for this?" He purred in her ear. "I know you're going to like it…"

A muffled scream escaped her lips as he thrust himself into her. The pain tore at her, blinding her, gripping her lungs and leaving her breathless. She didn't recognize her own voice, pleading with him to stop. "Don't…Stop please…Oh Luc, help me, please…"

Falian continued to pound into her, his shrill laughter resounding in her ear. "You'd better enjoy this, Lady Eliene. Enjoy it while it lasts…"

Eli didn't know how much longer it went on for; all she could think of was the excruciating agony tearing through her…

"Eli!"

Even through the fog of pain, Eli recognized that voice. "Luc," she gasped.

Suddenly the room turned icy cold as Luc took in what was happening; "Leave her alone, you bastard," Luc snarled before lunging at Falian.

Falian let out an angry yell before jumping to his feet. "What the Hell are you doing here?"

Then he sent out a blast of Grey, knocking Luc to his knees.

Luc clutched at his heart, moaning in agony, before lurching to his feet again. "I've come her to get Eli," he hissed through clenched teeth, throwing a ball of Red strength at him.

Falian reeled, surprised at the attack, but recovered himself quickly. "I wear the Grey, little Prince," he taunted. "And all you wear is the Green. You'll never beat me."

Luc growled before launching himself at Falian again.

He didn't know how long it went on for; all he knew was the pain and agony Falian was causing in him. He tried to fight back as best he could, be he could tell Falian was driving him back. He was going to lose. He was going to lose Eli.

That thought urged him on. Without thinking he dove into the abyss, ignoring the blasts of power that shook every part of him. He descended quick as a flash, not knowing how far he was going. A huge weight pounded on his inner barriers, but still he went further down, until he couldn't stand that awful pressure any longer.

With a battle cry Lucivar would have been proud of, Luc launched himself at Falian, throwing all the power he had at him.

With a scream Falian fell, his Jewels shattering, his mind collapsing, his body…

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Luc came around sometime later; he was lying on the floor. He sat up groggily. All around him was…

"Mother Night," he gasped, clutching his stomach, fighting desperately not to be sick.

Falian was literally plastered around the room.

"What have I done?" He whispered, turning around to see the extent of the damage.

Then he noticed the bed. "Eli."

She was lying on the bed, curled up in a ball, her whole body shaking with sobs. Luc rushed over to her, reaching out to pull her into his arms. He was half-expecting her to resist him, but to his surprise she threw herself into his embrace, clinging on to him, her tears soaking his shirt. "Luc…" she sobbed. "I'm so sorry."

Tears stung Luc's eyes. "You have no reason to be sorry," he practically snapped. "I should have been here to protect you, and I wasn't." Anger was building inside him again; the cold was overwhelming him, gripping his heart.

"Falian-" she began, voice barely audible through the heart-wrenching sobs.

"Dead," Luc said heavily. "Completely." He called in a blanket to cover her in, then stood up and, still holding her, he strode out of the room. He slammed the door behind him and locked it.

Charon was standing in the middle of the corridor, wearing only a pair of trousers, a look of bewilderment and shock on his face. His eyes widened as he saw Eli lying still in his arms.

"Eli-"

Luc snarled at him, his eyes glazing over. "Stay away from her."

"But,"

"STAY AWAY!" He yelled.

At the sound, Titian and Arianna both rushed out of their rooms, stopping dead at the sight of Luc standing there covered in – was that blood? – and holding Eli in his arms.

"What in Hell's name is going on out here?" Titian demanded.

Luc's gaze turned slowly to gaze unerringly at her. "Do not touch her," he said too quietly.

"I wasn't-" she began, but quailed under that gaze. Mother Night, it was terrifying.

"Luc, what happened?" Charon said, keeping his tone level; Arianna could tell the effort it was taking him not to shout.

"Falian happened," he replied. "He's not a problem any longer," he added bluntly.

Charon took a step forward; Luc snarled.

"I told you to keep away, didn't I?"

"Luc, she's my sister."

"Don't come anywhere near her. No one is going to hurt her again."

"What do you mean, 'again'?" Charon said, his voice rising.

"You don't need to know."

"I do-"

"No you don't!"

"Damn it Luc, she's my sister! I have a right to know!" Charon yelled, his fury spiking. The air around him scorched, but Luc was still icy cold.

They looked at each other a long time; so long, in fact, Titian and Arianna started to worry. But eventually Luc spoke.

"Falian attacked her. Tried to rape her." Luc's voice was level but emotionless. His face was blank of any emotion. I've seen that look before, Titian thought. And it wasn't on Chaosti either.

"But he didn't succeed." It wasn't a question.

"No. I dealt with him." Mother Night, he's just like Daemon! Titian practically moaned to herself.

"He wore the Grey though; you only where the Red." Charon had a slightly confused look on his face, but his voice still had that dangerous edge to it.

"It doesn't seem to have made a difference, does it?" Luc replied calmly. Too calmly. He was still riding the killing edge – and would continue to do so until he thought Eli was safe.

Charon didn't have an answer to that.

"I'm taking Eli to my room. Don't even think about stopping me." His gaze moved slowly over the three of them. Then he strode down the corridor to his room.

They all breathed a sigh of relief when the door shut behind him.

"Mother Night," said Titian, whistling. "I've never seen him like that before."

"Nor have I," Charon said weakly. He sagged against the wall; his face was grey and his eyes were slightly wild.

"Charon, maybe you should go back to your room," Arianna suggested, looking concerned. "I think you're in shock."

Charon simply nodded and let Arianna lead him away, her arm wrapped protectively around his waist.

Titian just stood there, staring. She couldn't quite believe what just happened. Then a thought stuck her and she let out a tiny moan. "What are we going to tell Jaenelle?"

A/N: Pretty horrific – sorry about that. Hmm; what are they going to tell Jaenelle? And will Eli ever be the same? Keep on reading to find out more!HH