Author's Notes: DING! DING! DING! For those who guessed Molag Bal, you are correct! Unf! I listened to ALL his audio files in EVERY game in attempt to sync-up his personality. Now, I may have a super tiny love for Molag Bal (have you heard that voice in Skyrim?! It's like sex in your ear!) but Abigale Lynn does not. Just want to let it be known that none of my love for the Voice-Sex-Prince will be present in her. I made him super grotesque and jerky…probably how he is in the actual TES universe. ALSO this story is going to be bumped up to a permanent M rating.

WARNING: This chapter is rated M. You have been warned.

Loved or Blood

Chapter Thirty-five: Molag Bal

xxxx

All air left my body in the form of a shrill, terrified cry. There before me, not more than ten feet away stood a monster. The beast was large and towered over me. It stood tall, easily more than twice my height and then some. It was horned, its skin looked hard and took on a dark grey shade, it pulled tautly over distortedly rippling muscle. Its legs were long and large, built like an animals but without fur. It had a tail that was spiked and was adorned with an axe-like end.

Although its torso was distinctly human the face was not. Spines jutted from the creature's head, its brow heavy, lips pulled back into a permanent snarl revealing a mouth full of large and terrible fangs, slits for nostrils, and all-blue eyes that glowed. The hands were also human, but the fingers were pointed and talon-like. Spikes decorated the beasts' hips. A long, crude, dirty cloth that was embellished with human bones had been jammed upon these spines, covering the creatures' loins.

The monster tilted back its head back and laughed at what I could only assume was my reaction. Its laugh was also distinctly human, disturbingly so. It was rich, smooth and almost sultry. I told myself that I was dreaming and scrambled back to my uneasy legs and attempted to flee.

I stood and fell but proceeded to crawl away from the monster, trying my best to distance myself from the nightmare. But then the laughter stopped and the chain upon my leg was jerked back with alarming force. I yelped as I slid across the ground, back to my previous location. I was frantic, my heart raced, bile rose in my throat. I did not know what to do.

"Mortal," The monster snarled, taking me so by surprise that I flinched and tossed my arms up protectively over myself. "You go nowhere without my consenting to it." More tugging on the chain followed, and I was again dragged closer to the beast. I tried putting my bloodied hands down to stop or somehow slow the process, but all was in vain. He pulled me until I lay nearly beneath him, at his strange animalistic feet. "So long have I wanted to take a look at you with my own eyes. It was well worth the wait, though I knew it was only a matter of time."

I said nothing. I could hardly hear his words over the thudding of my own heart and I preferred it that way. I did not want to look at the creature but my eyes seemed glued to his horrible form. "You have caused a rather displeasing existence for one of my vampires. It has been an entertaining spectacle to witness and watch unravel…but nonetheless, it was pure mockery." The creature paused and his eyes scraped cynically over my face. "You obeyed him well, as any little slave should, yet over a time you lacked the fear for his vampirism. Foolish girl. Look where your baseless resolve has gotten you." He waved his hand and gestured to the surrounding area. "But I am no longer amused by the suffering of one mere vampire. However, I am interested in the mortal that infatuated my beast so. Tell me how you managed to keep such a depraved creature at bay for so long?"

I realized that the monster was addressing me, asking me a question. My mouth was dry and my body was cold from fear. I could not answer it even if I had wanted to.

"Impudent girl! When Molag Bal asks you a question, you had better to answer." At this I held my breath. Molag Bal…the name sounded so familiar. I tried to think back to where I had heard of it when my musings were cut short by him snarling again. "Speak!"

"I-I don't know!" I finally cried out, hiding my face with my hands. Where did I hear that name? And then it hit me with great and unwanted force, my mind spun backwards to my hands turning the page of a dusty tome: 'Daedric Prince Molag Bal, whose sphere is the domination and enslavement of mortals; whose desire is to harvest the souls of mortals and to bring mortals souls within his sway by spreading seeds of strife and discord in the mortal realms'. "Oh no." I heard myself whisper as I then covered my own ears as if to stop hearing my thoughts. This was impossible. It could not be true. How could I end up in -?

"But I think you do know. Surely by now you have gathered the difference between yourself and other mortals? Even one fair as you should not have such rotten luck."

As he paused and watched me, I gathered up the courage to beg. "Please I-I don't understand. I don't know what you want! Please j-just where am I?" The creature, Molag Bal, laughed again at me, louder this time. I had remembered the Count mentioning something about this being not so long ago but I could not remember what it was that he had said.

"You are here with me mortal, in Coldharbor. That is all you need to know about the 'where'. What you should be asking is why." I swallowed hard and managed to look up at him, this Molag Bal, as I tried my best to focus and listen. "Not just any mortals can be pulled into my realm of Oblivion. Yet as I watched you, I found quickly that you are no mere mortal. You are the little blessing of Dibella, a pitiful Aedra whom you do not believe in…a cosmic joke that I find most humorous."

"A blessing?" I managed, afraid that if I said nothing he would demand it of me.

"Yes…A curse, really; blessed with the beauty of the Aedra herself in both body and soul. I believe she intended for you to be a Sybil of some kind. But you ran away. Denied and starved her influence. An initial gift turned rotten. Not one for the Dibellan arts, are we?" I swallowed hard and shook my head at him. "But that is the 'why' of it, Mortal. You are here because I willed it to be so. After your master had left you for dead in your special little closet, I heard your cries, and answered your plea. I am here for you, mortal." An icy sensation suddenly waved through my body alongside his sultry tone. I shuddered at the strange feeling and quickly looked away.

"I-I just want to go home." I pleaded earnestly, eyes downcast at the rocks I sat upon.

"With all the effort that it took me to stretch my hand and bring you to my realm, I get no thanks? You will go nowhere with such arrogance. You had best try that again." Molag Bal had moved closer.

"Thank you!" I said quickly while inching back, but still he came nearer.

"Good. But I believe another sort of thanks is in order. Stand Mortal, so that I should have a better look at you." I felt dizzy at the prospect of standing but did so anyway. If I complied, I would go home. He began to circle me as I stood there, his long tail swaying behind him. My head turned with him and I tried desperately to keep the massive Daedra in my sight at all times. "It is easy to see why your master desired you so. He says your blood is sweet like honey."

"He…talks to you?" I forced as Molag Bal stopped behind me, which made my senses heighten. The little hairs on the back of my neck stood straight as I suppressed the urge to run. Silence stretched for a moment and I hugged myself, I was afraid to turn around, afraid that perhaps I had said something wrong.

Finally the silence broke but I could feel his eyes burning into the back of my head. He slid closer, "Yes, though indirectly. He can keep no secrets from me, but he can keep many from you." His cold breath ruffled my hair. My shoulders hunched and I let out an involuntary squeak as his fingers then slid through my locks. I pressed my lips to my knuckles with eyes as wide as saucers. "Would you like to know them, his secrets?" He inquired and I was again assaulted by that same strange icy feeling in my lower belly. It shocked me to the core but I somehow managed to be still. "This hair…like blood and flame," He purred, his other hand groping my shoulder. "He imagines what it would look like sprawled upon his pillowcase…with you, panting, caught in its tangles. He strokes himself to its scent."

At first I said nothing but a flush burned my cheeks and the sudden warmth of my body compelled me to speak. I had no doubt that these magical ice and heat sensations were induced by the Prince Molag Bal, but I did not understand their purpose. I was quite sure that I did not want to either. "T-that is not – no I cannot b-believe it."

"Believe it." He whispered. I then felt one of his horns graze against my cheek. The temperature inside me suddenly replaced the calm flush. It rose and rose and I could not shake it away. I felt crippled and paralyzed. The closer he came and the more he touched me the stronger the inner flames burned. It was confusing and maddening. I exhaled and saw steam. "He wishes to bury his head between your thighs and taste you. He wants to hear your pretty moans as he spills his cold seed into your womb."

"Stop it!" I shrieked as I escaped his grasp. He cackled and pulled my chain, causing me to fall to him again.

"Why? Does the truth hurt or does it make you ache? Do you feel that fire in your belly, mortal? That is the flame of desire and oppression. You have brought it down upon yourself as you denied your Dibellan blood. That fire will rage on, girl. Only a man may dowse it. How long can you continue to pacify that carnal itch?"

I flushed with anger and humiliation. "Why do you do this?" I implored. "Y-you have enslaved me! You have my shame! Is that not all that you want? I have nothing to give to you! Please let me go!"

"You do not know much of me then, mortal. I am Molag Bal! I am The Father of Vampires, The Harvester of Souls, The Great Defiler and the King of Rape! Your suffering and shame pleases me greatly, girl." I panicked at his words. I had never read much about Molag Bal as I had always found him foul. Apparently it was foolish of me to gloss over his mention in literature. "I wanted you, mortal. So I took you. You clearly do not know your worth…but I do, and I could use you. And in turn, you can use me."

"I just want to go home!" I cried, not wanting to listen anymore to the horrible creature that stole me from the Castle. He was the monster of a child's tale, much like the Count had been. I saw now the terrible resemblance as 'father' of all vampires to my Count.

"You cannot go home until you listen to me, for I have a proposition for you." He knelt down before me and reached up to toy with my hair. My fear kept me still and I kept my eyes screwed shut. "Tell Molag Bal what you know about the Daughters of Coldharbor."

"I know nothing of it." I answered earnestly. Shuddering as I dared a look at the beast, saw his smile, and regretted doing so.

"Then I shall tell you. The Daughters of Coldharbor are pureblooded vampires made by me, through rites and services. When a mortal like you comes to me, pleading for power, I answer. If she can survive my trials then I turn her into the most powerful of beings. She stands above all other vampires. None are her equal. Does this interest you?"

I shook my head hesitantly at him. "I don't want to be a vampire –"

"Unfortunately for you the idea pleases me. However, I cannot make you a Daughter of Coldharbor without consent. Thus, for the moment, you are safe from it. Yet, I wonder…you are so frail and weak mortal. It must be a difficult life, knowing that any and all who lay their eyes on you can overpower you so easily. With Dibellan blood hot in your veins all men see you. They sniff you out like hounds and attack. How many times have you been accosted? Do tell."

I knew what he was doing and I again shook my head. "I-if I am so weak then surely I would not make a good vampire."

"Not without my influence. Your gift can be of great use to me and the idea of having you for my own, being able to mock another Aedra is so tempting… If you accept my offering than you would never again have to worry about your safety among men. You could rule over them if you wished. You would never be so hurt again as you are now."

I said nothing. His words cut deeply into me as I thought of the Count. I felt betrayed. I was here because of him. I clenched my fists, anger swirling inside of me. "I don't want to be a vampire." I seethed. "I refuse to be!"

I thought my outburst would have angered the Prince but instead that demented smile grew. "I thought as much." He said proudly. "Then I shall keep your soul here for eternity. Your body on Nirn is dying without it."

I blanched. "W-what?

"Yes mortal, you are dying. It is only your soul that is with me now. Your master nearly killed you and I took the opportunity to confront you myself. If you wish to be unreasonable then you shall die and your soul will remain here with me forever."

Instantly tears streamed down my cheeks and I looked directly at the beast and begged. "B-but I don't want to die! I-I don't want to be a vampire either! Please send me back! I'll do anything!"

"If you only understood your usefulness. Not only would you have been a burn on the face of a Goddess, you could have been a tool for my utmost disposal. Powerful men desire you and I could have you turn them to my favor. I could make your weak body strong. Pity. It seems now that the only usefulness you shall have is as my bed warmer. Come along, mortal. We must get better acquainted."

Molag Bal grabbed my arm and I shrieked. He yanked me forward and pushed one hand up my robe. He grabbed my breast and squeezed it painfully. The feeling of his hard, cold hands made me panic further and fall to the ground. I felt faint with fear and sick to my stomach. The Daedra stepped over me then, his maw was salivating, his loincloth no longer able to conceal him. I wept and tried to crawl away but the chain he held kept me from doing so. I was crudely turned over, staring up at horns, fangs and grotesque flesh. Molag Bal lifted my robe and as the threads began to tear; I felt my mind doing the same. I pleaded, cried and wriggled as he continued to pull at my clothes and stroke my skin. I could only turn my head.

"Do you submit to me, mortal?" He goaded, hot, putrid breath running over my cheek. "Do you want this for eternity? I do."

"No!" I cried out, throwing my hands up to cover my face not daring to touch the Prince. But then everything stilled. I felt his presence shift and his hands left my sides. I looked up and was surprised to find that he had released me.

"Then I am willing to give you one last chance." He stated coolly, as though he was not atop of me moments ago. He had me wondering if I had somehow imagined it all but I knew that was not the case. "I admire the qualities in you that could be mine given time. I offered you unlimited power and you denied me. However I am not a vengeful God and hold no qualms, presently. In fact, I find you endearing. Therefore I am giving you a chance to go home but only if we strike a deal. You must agree to the terms."

I shakily wiped away the tears that had stained my cheeks, accidentally smearing blood from my palms on them. "L-listening. I-I am listening." I managed through the chattering of my teeth and violent shaking of my body.

"I will agree to send you home mortal but I must gain something from it. Since you deny me now I shall make it so that you cannot refuse me ever again and more." Immediately I did not like what the Daedric Prince was implying but I had no other choice then to listen to his offer. "I shall send you back to Nirn revitalized and disease free, no vampirism…but," He held up one finger and smiled. "If you are ever again attacked by your precious master, if he ever feeds on you without consent, you shall be transported here and you will be mine. You shall do whatever it is I ask of you. You will belong to me and your soul purpose will be to sway those of Nirn to the devotion of Molag Bal. And you yourself would be devote to me until the end of time."

My mouth went dry and I shook my head nervously. "W-what happens i-if I say no?"

His smile twisted and brow furrowed. "Then your body on Nirn will perish. Your soul will remain here forever. You will have no purpose outside of my personal pleasures. I will beat you, bed you, and eat you more than a thousand times over. Your soul will always replenish anew, so I may continue this cycle as long as I please. You will go mad and useless, eventually. When that happens I shall relinquish you to my minions where endless agonies will await you. You will never truly die. You will never know peace or warmth again."

I held my breath. My eyes burned and my stomach turned. A cold sweat formed. The nausea was near crippling.

"So," The Prince began, "Do we have a deal?" Molag Bal stretched out his hand to me. I moved shakily to take it. I bit my lip as my breath came out in short ragged spurts. I placed my torn hand in his. "Done!" He exclaimed, cackling manically. "You mortals are so easily swayed!" He grabbed my upper arms and lifted me off the ground. I shrieked as he brought me close to him. "The odds are in my favor, I will be seeing you again soon." A forked tongue wriggled past his fangs and licked my blood and tearstained cheek. I was then suddenly turned with my back to him. He tore my robe down, revealing my shoulder and with his free hand he began to cut into my flesh with his talon fingers.

"Stop!" I shouted, unable to see or prevent his actions.

"Nothing is permanent unless it's bonded with blood. It will heal. Enjoy it mortal, wear it proudly while it lasts and know that I shall be watching you." Once he had finished, he turned me again to face him. His eyes glowed more brightly and he again licked at my face, tasting the fresh tears. "Go now my little mortal. You have Molag Bal's blessing." He laughed and dropped me, his laugh echoing as I fell. I expected to hit the ground, only I kept falling and falling. I screamed as I was the surrounded by nothing but blackness, only the Prince's laugh filling the void. Then my back made impact.

XXXX

The Green Room was set up nicely. Gold candlesticks, mirrors and trinkets filled the room and brightened the dark furniture. Beautiful ornate tapestries hung heavy and added much needed warmth to the stone. They were paired with matching rugs and other beautiful items. The bed sat in the middle of the room. Green silken sheets embroidered with large golden flowers flowed dreamily. A large cream canopy remained open and tied back, revealing the motionless girl amongst the luxury.

Hal-Liurz sighed, fearful of what would happen when Abigale Lynn awakened. She and Tualga had remained in the newly furnished room with her for several hours now. Neither spoke, fearful of somehow disturbing the sleeping girl.

Then a scream split the quiet air causing both women to recoil with terror. Abigale Lynn shot straight up, her arms forward, screaming. The bloodcurdling cry was shrill and morbid and one of abject horror.

Tualga and the Stewardess ran forward to the bedside and tried to calm the frantic girl. "It's alright, Abigale!" They tried to soothe, but whether the girl could hear them over her own shouting was debatable. After a few more moments of thrashing and weeping the girl stopped, looked at the both of them, leaned over the bedside and spilled the contents of her stomach.

She was sweating profusely, her body trembling and her small form gasped uncontrollably for breath in-between retching. Although it was awful to watch the Stewardess felt immeasurable relief. Abigale Lynn was alive. She was not a vampire.

Tualga went to clean up the mess as the Stewardess walked around the weeping girl and placed her hand on her shoulder to whisper words of comfort. She was shocked; however, to feel something more than perspiration on the girl's back. Hal-Liurz withdrew her hand and stared confusedly at the blood upon them. A strange looking 'M' was carved into the girl's skin.