Title: To Brave the Darkness

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon.

Author's Notes: First off, a big apology to my beta reader. In my last chapter, I spelled her name wrong. It's Bzee10, not Beez10. That was incredibly rude of me. See, this is why I need a beta reader. I'm obviously dyslexic.

Now, thank you so much to all of you who reviewed! I got a lot of positive feedback for this story, so I'm happy to keep going with it. Here's the next chapter and I hope you enjoy it as much as you enjoyed the first one!

Oh, and this chapter is rated M.

It was late. Serenity was up, staring at herself in the mirror on her vanity. The soft candlelight illuminated her face, showing the thankfully flawless skin on her face. Her stepfather had not bruised her. Her cheek hurt to touch, but it was not bruising yet.

She had let her hair down, brushed out and hanging in light golden curls down her back. Her blue eyes were as bright and beautiful as ever, if not a little sad.

Her beauty was apparent, even to her, but she did not wish for it. It had caused her nothing but pain and loneliness. Had she been ugly she wondered what her stepfather might have done. Surely he would not have used her in this way. Would he have used her in another way?

She tried to choke down the anger that kept pushing at her throat. If she couldn't stay calm, then she wouldn't be able to get out of here.

But what could she do? Her stepfather, whatever he might do to her, could hide it all within the walls of this house. She didn't have any sort of connection to the outside world. To him, she could stay here forever, as whatever he wanted of her, and there was nothing that might hurt his reputation. He had been smart about it all. There was a reason she had never had a chance to get to know anyone who might be considered a friend, and this was it.

Despite all she had been through, it still hurt to know he had always intended something much worse. To think he was keeping her just to be another future wife. Or worse yet, nothing more than a mistress. The idea was so disgusting she could hardly think of it without cringing.

There had to be something she could do.

Slowly, the conversation she had had earlier with her maid started making its way back into her mind. Thinking of it made her nervous, as if considering it was already taking a step she really shouldn't.

But wasn't it her only option?

She couldn't run away. Her stepfather had made that impossible. She had tried many times. There was no way to get outside the walls surrounding the house without alerting guards. She had tried making friends whom she could visit, but she hadn't met anyone new since the last time she had attempted that. She had tried getting sick, hoping a doctor would say she needed to go somewhere to be cared for. She had tried everything.

Everything except destroying her reputation so her stepfather couldn't use her anymore.

But she had to do it in a way that would inform the rest of the world. Her stepfather violating her would indeed do the trick, but it would never go outside her caged little world. She had to do something that would make a greater impact, so that even if he kept her trapped, he would still feel the affects of it.

Giving herself to Lord Endymion was the perfect way to do it.

And he was here, in her house, along with a crowd of men who would certainly take the news out into the kingdom.

The question really was, was she desperate enough to go through with it?

Serenity clutched her hairbrush in her hand, staring at herself in the mirror. She had always told herself that she would do anything to get out of here. She had talked to her maid about how unhappy she was. But was this the answer?

She tried to picture life, out there, with a reputation bad enough that the upper class would condemn her. She didn't care about her title. She had never really had a chance to use it so why would she miss it? But she had also never seen what it was like living in poverty, trying to beg for just enough food to eat.

Was that better than being violated by the man who was supposed to be your guardian?

Serenity had never known any other life than this, and even though she was unhappy, she wasn't a fool. She knew that there were people in the world who had it worse than she ever could. Was it worth risking that, just to escape this?

She made up her mind suddenly, and immediately got up.

She would never know unless she tried.

She was in her nightgown with her hair down, but she didn't care. If Lord Endymion was the kind of man his reputation promised, it wouldn't matter what she wore. She was beautiful and that meant he wouldn't be against ruining her reputation.

Her father made it very hard to get out of the grounds, but there were almost no guards within the house. The few he had told her to stay close to were at the other end of the hall. Serenity knew how to get around the house while avoiding the main hallways.

She slipped into the servants' entrance and down the small corridor that lead from the west wing to the north wing without being seen. Her maid had shown her everything about the house when Serenity had been bored enough to go mad. Her stepfather, out on all his business trips, had never learned of her behavior while he was not around.

The guest wing was deserted. A soft light peaked out below some doors, but there were no sounds to accompany them. The seven gentlemen guests would probably be getting to sleep, as it was very late.

She knew where her father would have placed Lord Endymion. Not only was it the largest guest room, it was also the room farthest away from the rest of the house, providing security for anyone wanting to get both to and from it. But nobody would expect on this night for someone to go to him. His reputation said he didn't mind being the one to go to whichever lady he had his eye on.

Serenity hesitated outside his door, taking a breath. She had never attempted anything like this before. She had never even considered really doing something like this. Her stepfather had always made sure that nobody could ever touch her.

She knocked softly, hoping nobody would hear.

When he opened the door she held her breath.

He looked at her, with those intense blue eyes, surprised for a moment. But then a cocky amusement flickered across his gaze and he leaned against the door. He really was devastatingly handsome.

"Good evening my lady," he said in a very low, smooth voice that sent shivers through her.

She gulped. "I request entrance."

He raised one eyebrow, contemplating her for a moment before stepping to the side smoothly.

Serenity slipped into the room, trying to keep her breathing calm as he closed the door softly behind her.

The sound of the lock seemed to echo in the room.

Serenity was sure of one thing. She had to stay in control. It was fine if he did with her what he wanted, but she had come to him, and she would leave afterward. So she turned to face him, holding her chin high.

"I offer myself to you for your enjoyment tonight my lord."

His white shirt was rolled up to his elbows and opened at the collar, but he was still fully dressed in black pants and shoes. Whatever he had been doing, he hadn't been intending to go to bed yet.

"I am intrigued," he said calmly. "Why would you want to do that?"

"My reasons are none of your concern."

"If I am to take a woman to my bed, perhaps I should be allowed to know."

"That never stopped you before," she said boldly.

"True," he said. "But I've never cared to know before. You are indeed the first young lady of your class to ever come this boldly to me. Most of the time I have to go after them myself. It takes days if not weeks to convince them they want to, despite what they know about me. I assumed it would be no different with you."

Despite herself, it was flattering to know he had actually intended to pursue her.

"I heard you were beautiful," he said, stepping gently towards her so that he was so close she could feel the heat from his body against her. His breath was hot on her skin. "Rumors really," he lowered his voice. "Rumors that couldn't be true. Men talk about you out in the world, as if you were a pure, untainted flower. They weren't wrong about how alluring you are."

She looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "Then consider me your trophy."

His eyes studied her, trying to figure her out. He looked her over, breathing her in. She knew by the darkness swirling around in his beautiful blue eyes that he desired her. It made something deep within her swirl to life, warm and intense. She had never expected to be instantly affected by him. Was this how he had convinced all those other ladies to let him in? Did they all feel how dangerous he was and desire it?

"You would indeed be one of my greatest trophies," he said. "Is that what you want? To be one of my trophies?"

Her breathing had quickened again. "Yes."

"You are unique," he said appreciatively, "but why would I not be weary of a woman so used to using her beauty for the gain of her stepfather?"

"I don't care what you think of me," Serenity said. "If you won't do with me what I want you too, then I will have to find another of my father's guests to do the job. I assure you, based on their reactions to me tonight, they will not be hard to convince."

"Then why come to me at all?"

Serenity stood her ground. "I'm not interested in wasting my time," she said as seriously as she could. "If you're not interested, then say so at once."

He smiled, taking a lock of her hair in his hand and gently bringing to his lips and kissing it.

For such a simple gesture, it certainly made the warmth in her lower stomach move into a smoldering inferno.

"I like to be in control," he said in a whisper.

Serenity gulped, nodding slightly.

"I like the lady to be both willing and ready."

Serenity wasn't really sure what that meant, but she nodded anyway.

"Will you give into me, lady Serenity," he asked, movingly to wrap an arm around her waist and speak softly into her ear. His hot breath tickled her neck in a tantalizing way. "Will you give yourself to me freely and not struggle or cry?"

His power of desire was almost astounding. Whatever her intentions when she came here, in this moment she really just wanted to give him whatever he wanted. She understood why he got away with being with so many women. Chances are, they had willingly gone to him, just as she had.

"Tell me you want me," he demanded breathlessly.

Her mind had gone foggy and it was hard to remember what exactly she was doing here. "I want you," she whispered, knowing that it was something like the truth.

She felt his hands pull gently at the ties of her nightgown, loosening it. His smell was musky and alluring, with a soft hint of roses. She didn't even realize she was holding on to him, breathing raggedly when he kissed the exposed skin on her neck.

Just as her nightgown was about to fall from her shoulders, she clutched him tightly, stopping the fall of fabric.

"Wait," she whispered.

He didn't move away from her. His eyes looked at her, full of dark desire. The idea of what this man could do to her sent shivers up and down her entire body. Shivers of pure lust.

"Seconds thoughts?" He asked amused.

"No," she said shakily. "I've just…..I'm not….."

His smile was somehow more excited when he realized what she was going to say. His eyes smoldered.

"Don't worry," he said in a whisper. "I'm always gentle when it's their first time."

He kissed her then, full on, and Serenity was completely unable to do anything other than respond to him. Everything about him seemed to burn through her, torturing her. His taste and his touch as her nightgown cascaded down to the ground. His hands running firmly down the bare skin of her back. His hard form pressed up against hers, searing her through his clothes. She kissed him hungrily, tasting her freedom in him and yearning for it.

Serenity, lost in her lust and empowered by her control, pulled his shirt out from his pants, ripping the buttons apart eagerly. She ran her hands up his firm chest, moaning into her kiss.

Her energy seemed to fuel his desire, because he kissed her passionately, grabbing her to him and moving back to the bed.

Serenity wasn't sure what she had expected, but the way he laid her on the bed, crawling quickly over her and kissing her hungrily, made her entire body heat up. His shirt was thrown across the room as he moved down to kiss her neck, running his hands up her body. She closed her eyes, relishing in his touch.

She didn't want to wait. All the nerves had left her body and she seemed to ache for him. Her mind was screaming at her to find release for her body, which was blazing within her.

The sound he made when she reached down to undo his pants was a possessive growl that excited her. Her heart was beating madly in her chest and her vision was clouded. She was hardly aware of how suddenly his pants were gone and he was kissing her again, positioning himself over her.

She had barely a second's time to think about it before he slid fully into her.

Serenity gasped, feeling a sharp pain bring her suddenly back into focus.

He groaned, holding himself in her, kissing her neck and caressing her breast, giving her time to become accustomed to him.

Serenity hugged his hips to her with her legs, not allowing him to pull out. As much as the pain throbbed dully within her, straining against his size, the fire also continued burning in her. His hot breath on her skin made her tingle and his touch made her burn.

"Don't stop," she whispered breathlessly, loosening her legs from around him as he slowly pulled out.

She groaned in pleasure when he thrust back in, slowly at first. His movements were smooth and deliberate, and the pain was completely overshadowed by the throbbing desire within her.

He slid in and out of her, easily and smoothly, causing sensations within her she never thought possible. She was powerless to stop her cries of passion as they filled the room.

The heat burned and swirled within her, heightened by his pace. She clutched at him, digging her nails into his back as she seemed to explode, losing her focus and arching into him. The pleasure within her throbbed as she cried out in pleasure.

She felt his body tense, and he groaned a deep moan. She felt him release into her.

For a full moment, all Serenity could do was cling to him as she slowly came back down into reality. She was breathing hard and all her muscles were still tense, but she was able to start focusing again, however hazy it remained.

As soon as she relaxed a little, he pulled out of her, moaning as he did so and shifting to lie on his side, pulling her tightly against him.

She rested on his chest, feeling limp as if she had overexerted herself.

He sighed deeply, sounding satisfied. "I usually last a lot longer than that," he said in a slightly sleepy and amused voice.

She looked at him, warm and confused. "What do you mean?"

He kissed her forehead gently, cradling her against him. "Something about the way you came in here, all stubborn and in control, excited me."

She smiled despite herself. "Well, I'm glad I could please you," she said yawning.

"I could say the same to you."

She blushed, not feeling embarrassed with him at all. In fact, she felt good. She felt like she had taken a step to making her life better. It was true that she was technically ruined. Her reputation would be thrown in the mud by tomorrow. But she didn't care. She was content knowing that she was close to being away from her stepfather. All she had to do now was rely on his temper, which had rarely let her down before.

"I should go," she said softly, sitting up and scooting toward the end of the bed. She was very aware of how wet it was between her legs, and of how it might be likely she would become pregnant. But she still didn't care. She reached down to pick up her nightgown.

He grabbed her wrist softly, causing her to look back at him.

He really was beautiful. His tall body seemed almost chiseled from stone. He was strong and lethal looking. And his blue eyes gazed at her, no longer storming with desire, but lazy and content.

"I'm not kicking you out," he said. "You don't have to leave immediately."

"Isn't that how this usually works?" She asked.

"I have no idea," he smiled at her slyly. "Usually I'm the one leaving their room."

"And do you leave immediately after?"

He thought about it. "As soon as they start talking to me."

She laughed lightly. "Well then, it's probably past time that I go."

"I find it very strange being the one left behind."

"You'll get over it," she said pulling on her nightgown. "I'm sure you will."

"I am resilient," he teased.

Serenity found herself liking him. He was supposed to be this dark, cruel man who used women. But it didn't feel like he was. Sure, he had easily taken her when she offered, and admitted he was hoping to pursue her, but while she had been with him he had treated her respectfully enough. He even went out of his way to make her comfortable.

"You're going to be sore tomorrow," he said kindly.

She looked at him surprised. "What?"

"It was your first time, and I've been told that the morning after can be quiet sore. I just wanted you to know it's normal."

She nodded. "Thanks. I'll remember that."

"You are truly unique, lady Serenity."

She smiled at him. "You, Lord Endymion, hide very well behind your reputation."

His smile, amused and teasing, was the last thing she saw as she slipped out of his room and back down the hall. She was still smiling when she got back to her room.

That night, she slept better than she had in a long while.

End of chapter Two! Please review!