Author's Note 11/9/19: Finally managed to get chapters 5-7 revised. It took way longer than I expected, but it'll be well worth your time to re-read these now that I've added new material and updated some of the original sections. Also, just as an FYI- chapters 6 and 7 are slightly redacted to comply with FanFiction's rules about MA content. If you want the full chapters, PM me or have a look at my DeviantART acct (VernichtenAlles).
1/Terreille
Freedom. To not live at Meredith's beck and call or submit to her coven bitches ever again. Alex had never wanted something so badly in his life- dreamed of it all his life. Could hardly believe that the offer was being made to him, considering how long ago he'd given up all hope it could ever happen. But Lilith was indeed standing before him, offering to be that one chance he never expected to get.
Does she even know what she's offering to unleash? He doubted it. She had likely assumed that the Red was his Jewel of rank, since he hadn't noticed the illusion spell hiding her Ebon-gray. Which begs the question why I didn't notice it. Because I should have. As concerning as that was, Alex found himself more preoccupied with a different question. Do I tell her that my Jewels outrank hers?
He probably should. Lilith ought to know the risk she was taking. On the other hand, Alex was reluctant to take what amounted to a risk of his own by drawing her attention in that direction. She might have second thoughts about relinquishing the only means she had of controlling him. Or she might not. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to find out.
"If there's a way to escape this place…I want it."
"All right. I'll do it, then."
She closed her eyes and set herself to the task. The Ebon-gray Jewel in her pendant glowed as she tapped into its reservoir of power. Alex didn't say anything, but noticed that her brow furrowed. Lilith muttered a few choice curses under her breath before opening her eyes. Obviously, something hadn't gone as expected.
"What?"
He didn't think she was going to answer at first, but then she mumbled reluctantly, "Well this is just going to be awkward as bedamned." Not really an explanation; Alex kept his gaze fixed on her until she gave one. "The other Rings could all be keyed by Craft alone. I expected this one would work the same way."
"Let me guess- it doesn't?"
"No. I mean, I do need the Ebon-gray to do this, but…"
Another long pause as the sentence trailed off without finishing. He realized that she wasn't going to complete it on her own, and so he prompted, "But?"
"But it also requires a, um, physical connection."
Hence the 'awkward as bedamned' comment. Already, a blush crept up the back of Lilith's neck and into her cheeks. No doubt from thinking about just what the words 'physical connection' implied. On his part, he wasn't surprised at the turn of events. After all, fitting the Ring on his cock had required the touch of a witch; hardly seemed odd that removing it wasn't any different. Doesn't mean it won't be any less awkward.
Alex considered how he might help with that and hit upon an idea that might work. With a slightly mischievous curve of his lips, he told her, "Well, I'd tell you that it's nothing to worry over, but I wouldn't want you to think you had to make good on your threat."
She blinked once. Twice.
"You really enjoy dancing on the knife's edge, don't you?" With an aggravated sigh, she added somewhat sourly, "Not like it should come as any surprise."
"Why not?"
Lilith ignored his question to mutter, "All right, time to stop stalling and just do this."
Easier said than done. Several times she moved a hand towards him, only to freeze in nervous hesitation before lowering it again. Alex waited patiently, even though the anticipation was killing him. But he wouldn't move, fearing that if he drew any attention to himself she would lose her nerve. As it was, he hardly dared to breathe as her index finger finally slid across the metallic surface of his Ring.
The spell released with a suddenness that shuddered through him and the gold band loosened. Lilith gently slipped it off and laid it on the low blackwood dresser to her left. Alex stared at it for a long time. Lying there, it appeared benign. Harmless. A plain circle of gold that caught the flickering glow of witchlight. Hard to believe that such an innocuous looking thing had been the source of so much suffering for so long. Hard to believe that he'd never have to experience its agonizing misery ever again.
On the heels of that thought, Alex looked askance to the witch who'd freed him from it.
"It's done," she said quietly. "They can't use your body to make you do what they want anymore. You're free to be whatever you're meant to be, Alex."
"And what's that?"
He'd asked the question, but wasn't really sure he wanted an answer. Meredith and her coven hadn't just tortured and raped his body, they'd ripped apart his soul for so long that he wasn't sure that there was any part of him they hadn't tainted in some way. He'd meant it when he'd told Lilith that kind of damage didn't leave a man with anything. And although she'd been adamant that it wasn't true, Alex couldn't quite shake the certainty that it was.
She can't possibly understand.
How are you so sure?
I just am.
Look at her- really look- and tell me she doesn't understand.
Alex did, just to prove to himself that he was right. Lilith must have been waiting for his full attention before answering, because she hadn't spoken yet. Just regarded him in measuring silence. He found that he couldn't move under her steady gaze. Something about the way her eyes changed as she studied him- as if she'd stripped away the surface layers and was looking directly into the Self beneath it.
The look faded, leaving in its wake an air of anguished sadness. Oh yes, she understood. And yet…the corners of her mouth turned up slightly in a ghost of a smile as she replied, "That's up to you now."
She meant what she said. Truly believed that in spite of what had been done to him that he still had the power to decide. It scared the living hell out of him and left Alex so stunned that he almost didn't notice that she'd moved until she was halfway into the hall.
He caught hold of her and queried sharply, "Where are you going?"
"I was thinking with that done, then, I'd just- I mean, I'm really feeling much better. So maybe there's no need to do anything…drastic."
You're lying. Alex could see the tension building in her already. Removing his Ring had been a temporary distraction that kept it at bay for a little while, but the safframate wasn't done with her. Lilith was in no better position to fight it alone than she was an hour ago when she'd agreed to having her Virgin Night. But now you're not so sure you want to go through with it.
And whose fault is that?
His, but Alex didn't really need the self-lecture right now.
"Lilith, what I said before- it doesn't change the offer I made to you. Or that you really need to take it. The safframate isn't going to let up." She said nothing, posture rigid beneath his hands. Alex saw it in her face; he wasn't fixing this. Foolish to even try. And so, resigned, he offered up a choice that would likely end with her walking away. "Tell me you don't want to do this and I'll let you go."
2/Terreille
If he'd wanted to rile her up, Dahlen had gotten his wish. Fire burned in her eyes as Kareal's temper ignited. She couldn't even sit still, rising to her feet to pace the closet-sized room. As she did so, she gestured at the door with one hand.
"What task do you think she's going to do? Meredith caught her stealing from the store room. From what I heard, she and Valinna did a fair job of prying into her inner web before they dosed her with safframate and gave her Grael."
"I know, but-"
"Who would have been bad enough, but then DeSade stepped in to take his place. I'm telling you that you're wasting your time believing she's going to be of any use to you at this point, Dahlen. That witch is most likely dead."
The woman sure knew how to lecture. And he'd love nothing more than to stay here to put all that energy to good use, but he just didn't have time. If he didn't get moving, Idrina would get suspicious that her message was not delivered as promised. Dahlen rose from the bed and caught up Kareal with both hands.
"I don't have time to go into all the details, but trust me, it's not a fool's errand I'm on. Have just a little faith in me. Please?" She glowered for several seconds before relenting. Not by much, but she didn't look as though her next retort might strip the hide off him. Dahlen pushed forward. "I have to go. Remember, you need to go pass on the message to Paeter from Kaeremi."
"I guess so."
"And in the meantime…"
He wrapped his arms round Kareal and drew her close. Her temper melted away as she ducked her head shyly, shoulder-length hair covering her face. Just as she'd done last night. Dahlen had thoroughly enjoyed overcoming that natural shyness to discover the passionate woman hiding behind it. He had been looking forward to doing even better tonight. But since his obligations put him elsewhere, he'd have to content himself with this.
He nudged her chin up and captured her lips in a teasing kiss. Meant to keep it light, but then Dahlen just couldn't help himself. His fingers threaded into her hair and slanted his mouth across hers with single-minded possession. Damn near forgot about Idrina and everything else until sanity kicked in a minute- he hoped it had only been a minute- later. Reluctantly, Dahlen released her and took a step back.
"That should fuel your imagination for what I plan to do when all this is done."
Kareal's expression remained slightly dazed, eyes passion-dark. Pleased that he could excite her so quickly, he risked another brief kiss before guiding her to the door. It wasn't until they'd taken a step or two into the hallway before she'd gathered enough of her wits to aim an arch glance in his direction and declare, "Don't think you can use that tactic to win every argument."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
Dahlen left her to deliver the coven's message to Paeter. Only after he'd turned the corner did he allow himself to focus on the task ahead, not wanting her to see how much he dreaded it. And dread it Dahlen most certainly did. He hadn't lied to Kareal; he was committed to playing this role for just a little while longer. But that didn't mean that he found it easy. Especially after knowing what it was like to be with a witch he truly wanted. To go back to servicing Idrina after that…
I can do this. I can survive one more night.
Survival meant banishing all thoughts of Kareal. Empty his mind of any thoughts at all and become emotionally numb. Dahlen had learned quickly after being ringed that men who couldn't learn to detach themselves from the degrading violation inflicted upon them rarely lived more than a handful of years. If that. And even the ones who did endured far worse treatment- in and out of the bedroom.
Halfway down the hall, Dahlen ran into Paeter. Surprised to see the Warlord out of his room, he rocked back a step. For his part, Paeter looked equally startled. After a moment of silence while he regained his mental balance, he remarked cautiously, "Dahlen. Didn't expect to see you this far from our wing of the hall."
"Likewise." His gaze landed on the bundle in Paeter's hands. If he took into account the direction he'd come from. "I'm guessing you were planning a private meal in your room tonight."
"Fawne said she could get away early, so…" Something must have shown on Dahlen's face, because the Warlord trailed off without finishing. "Something's happened, hasn't it?"
"Only what we were hoping wouldn't happen."
"So you're-"
"On my way to Idrina's suite."
Paeter's jaw clenched. After a second or two had passed, he replied tightly, "And I assume I am expected in Kaeremi's."
"The sooner the better."
A reluctant sigh.
"Well, I should at least drop this off in my room or Fawne will worry. Should I have her pass along a message to Kareal?"
"She already knows."
Paeter raised an eyebrow. "From your tone, I'll venture to guess that she was none too pleased about it."
"Not one bit. Nor was she overly thrilled with my reasons for going through with this, but-"
"Reasons? Just what did you tell her?" The Warlord glanced around before leaning close to whisper quietly. "Dahlen, we said we'd keep the ladies out of this."
His friend was right. The blood males who'd all gone into this agreement had done so with the understanding that none of them would mention it to the witches serving the hall. Hadn't been a difficult bargain to make. Most of the blood males kept as pleasure slaves had little interaction with anyone outside of the coven- or their pet warlords, Othar and Larkin. The few who did, however, knew the stakes they were risking, and couldn't ask their friends and lovers to take the same risk without any of the benefits.
After all, when this is over, Paeter and I will be free of this place; Kareal and Fawne won't be.
You could ask Kareal to go with you, he argued against himself.
And offer her what exactly? If everything goes as planned, I'll be a wanted fugitive by this time tomorrow. I won't even have a copper mark to call my own.
"Dahlen?"
Apparently, he'd been thinking longer than he realized, and so he answered with a wry shrug, "Easier said than done, my friend. Kareal was quick to figure out enough of what was going on without me having to tell her anything, and I'm fairly certain she'll pass all of it onto Fawne before you get there."
"Fair enough," Paeter replied with a reluctant nod. While the other man wasn't exactly happy, he couldn't refute the point. "And just how much did she figure out?"
"She knows the Rings don't work and a few details about why we're all still here. Wasn't time to go into anything more."
"And if the summons from the coven bitches was as urgent as you implied, I won't be able to do much better."
"I'll try to buy you a little time," Dahlen said. "But if I'm going to do that, I should be on my way."
They parted company. He wished his friend luck with the ladies. And with Kaeremi. Meanwhile, he picked up his pace and cut through the hall to reach Idrina's suite in record time. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Dahlen steadied himself to knock respectfully on the door. Ignored the sick dread coiling in the pit of his belly as footsteps approached from the other side.
Idrina pulled open the door a moment later. Her eyes raked him up and down, a predatory smile curving her lushly painted lips. She was wearing one of her favorite ensembles- filmy layers of transparent silk that flattered her svelte figure. A fool might assume she wore it as an enticement for her bed partner. Dahlen knew better; the narcissistic bitch wore it for herself.
Even so, he understood what he was expected to say. Unless he wanted to suffer from the outset, he would pay the appropriate compliments that Idrina felt were her due. Better to placate her vanity and make it as convincing as possible.
"My Lady- I couldn't have thought such beauty possibly existed, but you have proved me wrong yet again."
Empty words, but she gloated over them all the same. With one hand still on the door frame, she advanced a step into the hall and splayed the other against his chest. Dahlen resisted the instinctual desire to recoil from her touch. Or worse. In his mind, he envisioned ripping the hand off and listening to the bitch wail in agony. Dangerous thoughts to be having, even when Idrina no longer had the ability to monitor him through his Ring. She could still read the expression in his eyes.
Fortunately for him, she didn't- or she just dismissed any hostility lurking there in the interest of getting to what she wanted. Although she did toss her head with an arch look as she pouted, "And here, I was almost growing concerned that you weren't interested in performing your duties. I sent my messenger quite a while ago."
The words were delivered casually enough, but he heard the threat beneath them and the danger they implied. For him and for Kareal. He smiled at her and shook his head, seeing an opportunity to dispel any suspicion on her end and to buy Paeter the some much-needed time. Provide her with story that would sound just plausible enough without incurring too many questions.
"Not at all, Lady. Paeter and I were having a late dinner in the kitchen, and so it took longer for your messenger to find us. For that, we sincerely apologize."
Idrina mulled over his answer for a half-minute or so, pretending to debate whether or not she believed him. Dahlen doubted she even cared one way or another, but she put on a show. Again, only until she grew impatient to get on with her evening. The smile was back soon enough as she played with the collar of his shirt, undoing the top several buttons before sliding her hand inside. A particularly calculating look glinted in her eyes.
"Well, then. Apology accepted, Warlord. And now that you are here, why don't we make up for lost time."
She withdrew and gestured to the low-lit suite behind her. Despite knowing what awaited him inside, Dahlen took a step forward.
The last time, he reminded himself. She promised that this would be last time.
3/Terreille
For a minute or two, Lilith truly thought she could walk away. It was the right thing to do, even if Alex would tell her that it wasn't. Damned stubborn Warlord Prince that he was, he'd insist on seeing this through. No matter the cost to himself. But after what he'd said about being a pleasure slave, how could she even think about asking him to do anything more for her than he'd already done?
Lilith opened her mouth to tell him the four words that would release him from the obligation; they stuck in the back of her throat. After several tries, she cast her eyes down, feeling disappointed with herself as she whispered a different four words instead.
"I can't say it."
Not smart, Lilith. What are you thinking, she berated herself.
You're thinking that you want him, an amused voice chimed in from the back of her mind.
It's the safframate, she denied quickly. You heard Alex- there's no getting through this any other way.
You keep telling yourself that, but we both know it's not true. Why are you so afraid to admit that you want something?
Lilith knew the answer to that question, but dared not utter it- not even to herself.
Alex, meanwhile, had already drawn her back into the room. His fingers slipped beneath the open collar of the silk shirt and deftly eased it over her shoulders. As one hand traced the curve of her spine down to her waist, the other gently tilted her chin back up until her gaze met his. Lilith wasn't sure what to make of his expression.
"Then that settles it- you're staying right here."
She wasn't given the opportunity to protest as he swept her from the ground and carried her back to the bed. Alex laid Lilith down carefully before sliding in next to her. They were so close that she could hear the steady beat of his heart. A much calmer rhythm than her own, which pounded wildly against her ribcage. Lilith closed her eyes.
Mother Night…I don't know if I can do this.
Yes you can.
But, I-
You trust him, don't you?
"Relax and let go, Lilith," Alex murmured, interrupting her thoughts as he trailed kisses along the line of her throat. "Let me lead you to the end of this dance."
He cradled the back of her head in his palm while the other slowly drew her even closer. A dance, he'd called it. Was he expecting her to contribute any steps? Did she dare to find out? Hesitantly, she laid a trembling hand against his chest; the muscles contracted beneath her fingers, but Alex didn't tell her to stop.
Her fingertips skimmed the ridge of his collarbone of their own accord. This time, no voice in her head warned her to be cautious. Quite the opposite. Lilith followed the line upward to the slope of his shoulder, compelled by a need to touch him. She bent her neck, letting her hair fall against his bare skin. Warm breath whispered in her ear. No words, just a ragged sound that sent shivers through her.
Let go, Lilith.
"Mother Night, I- Alex."
She didn't know the expression that filled his eyes when he heard her call his name- didn't have words to describe it. His eyes sought hers and he whispered, "This will hurt."
A half-second passed, but Lilith didn't tell him to stop. She cried out despite her determination not to, breaking the kiss to bury her face in the crook of his shoulder. It will pass soon, she tried to assure herself as half-choked sobs scraped past the knife lodged in her throat. Just a few more minutes.
4/Terreille
Alex held perfectly still, even though it cost him dearly. But he wouldn't. Dare. Move. After what he'd just done, he'd suffer whatever he had to before hurting her again. Dammit, she was crying.
Wouldn't be the first time a witch has cried on your account.
It wasn't even the hundredth time. Alex had lost count of how many witches had screamed and begged him for mercy over the centuries- ever since Meredith put that cursed Ring on him. Never once felt the slightest remorse for the way he'd hurt them. Quite the opposite; he had reveled in it. They'd inflicted pain and suffering without feeling any guilt, so why should he? So no, their tears hadn't hurt him.
But Lilith's…Mother Night, the sound was worse than any torture he'd known.
At least this time I deserve it.
"I'm sorry." His fingers stroked her hair as he murmured words of apology; Alex thought them inadequate, but had nothing better to offer. "I'm so sorry."
"The worst has passed."
He wasn't sure he believed her, but Lilith's breathing gradually steadied. Her eyes were still tear bright, though, when she finally drew back enough that he could see her face. Alex gently brushed away the ones shimmering on her cheek with the pad of his thumb, unsure what to do next. Wasn't sure she wanted him to do anything else. He gathered up what was left of his courage to find out.
"Lilith- I know what I promised you, but I'm not sure what will happen if I go on." After a slight pause, he asked, "Are you certain you want to take the risk that the pain will only get worse?"
She remained silent for several minutes. Long enough that Alex was sure he could guess her answer.
"No," she said at last. Just as he expected. Her next words, however, caught him by surprise. "But I am willing to gamble that maybe it'll get better."
No small gamble. Alex wondered why Lilith was willing to take it. Wondered, but didn't ask. Instead, he focused all his attention on ensuring that her faith in him wasn't misplaced. He fondled, petted and teased until she finally rewarded him with a contented sigh.
Mine, he asserted with blatant possession. Tonight, Lilith, you're mine.
He didn't want it to end, but oblivion claimed them eventually. A rush of fulfillment beyond anything he'd ever experienced or thought possible. Absolute surrender. He floated on the eddies in its wake for some time before awareness drifted back to him by degrees. The room, the bed, the woman beneath him.
Lilith hadn't recovered quite as quickly, still too caught up in her own surrender to have regained her self-control. Or to regain something else Alex doubted she'd intended to lose: An illusion spell. In addition to the ones she'd already revealed, Lilith had been maintaining another she'd failed to mention. But it was swept away now, and Alex was coming to terms with the knowledge that he hadn't taken an Ebon-gray witch to bed. He'd taken an Ebon-gray Queen to bed.
Why didn't you tell me, Lilith?
A stupid question for him to be asking. He knew why she likely kept this particular secret from him. Revealing that she was a Black Widow was one thing, but after what he'd told her about Meredith and her coven, Lilith was wise to be cautious when it came to the subject of Queens. Had he known she belonged to that caste before taking her to bed…Alex was forced to admit that he may have seen the Queen first and the woman second.
And now that I do know- what am I going to do about it? Several minutes passed and he was no closer to having an answer. Then the slightly unfocused look faded from Lilith's eyes, narrowing his window to make that decision. A few seconds more and the illusion spell rekeyed itself to leave him staring down at a witch again. As if he'd only imagined the Queen in the first place. So let's just leave it at that, then, and do nothing.
"Hell's fire," Lilith murmured. "That was quite the gamble."
From his perspective, Alex thought it had paid off; he wasn't quite able to ask Lilith if she felt the same. With a wordless nod and what he hoped passed for a smile, he withdrew and rolled away from her. Only then did he notice the blood. So much blood. On the sheets. On him. Alex froze with horror, memories of her in pain, crying, resurfaced.
Mother Night- what have I done?
Lilith looked before he could stop her. She paled and swallowed carefully. "I had no idea it would be so…"
"It's the dark Jewels you wear. It's always worse the darker they are."
He'd said the words with conviction, but they rang hollow in his ears nonetheless. Alex was sure that Lilith wasn't any more convinced by them. A beat of silence passed before she seemed able to reply. Not surprisingly, she skirted the worst to redirect her focus to something she could face. Her gaze remained on the bloodied sheets.
"These are most likely ruined." Alex snarled when her hand stretched out, startling both of them. Lilith froze in place. A second later she shook her head and mused warily, "Obviously that set off something, so we won't be doing anything with those until tempers calm down a bit."
He couldn't settle, no matter how hard he tried. Not with her there. Alex offered a suggestion that he hoped she would take.
"Why don't you shower? I'll take care of this."
"But I cou-"
"No." Alex cut off her protest mid-word, grinding out between clenched teeth, "It reminds me of what I had to do to you. Just let me deal with it on my own."
A beat of silence. Lilith's gaze dropped to her lap for a second- only a second- but Alex felt somewhat uneasy when she looked at him again.
"I understand."
5/Terreille
When she heard the knock at Paeter's door, Fawne wasn't expecting to see Kareal standing on the other side. Especially as she didn't see Dahlen with her. And taking in her friend's expression, she became instantly alarmed at what that could mean. She hadn't seen Kareal since leaving her with the Warlord yesterday evening, and hadn't been able to set her mind at ease. Not even with Paeter's repeated assurances that the witch would be safe. And to have her coming here at this time of night…
"Kareal- what's wrong? Is everything-" she hesitated before continuing- "okay…with you and Dahlen?"
The witch appeared puzzled at first until she realized how the situation must look from Fawne's perspective. She shook her head emphatically and said, "We're fine. We're, um-" Kareal blushed, a tell-tale sign that 'fine' was an understatement- "really fine."
The tight knot of worry eased a bit. Whatever had brought her friend to Paeter's door, it didn't appear to be on Dahlen's account. But if she and the Warlord were contented with one another, then what was she doing here? Fawne raised an eyebrow as she decided to find out the answer.
"If that's so, then why aren't you knocking on his door?"
Kareal's dreamy look evaporated, leaving behind an anguished grimace.
"I was given a message to deliver. Is Paeter here?"
"No, but he should be back soon. He was fetching dinner for the two of us." Fawne furrowed her brow. "Why? Who is the message from?"
"Kaeremi," the witch replied flatly.
"Oh."
Well, there goes our plans for the evening if that greedy bitch is asking after him for tonight.
"Do you mind if I wait inside," Kareal asked. "I'd rather not be so conspicuous out in the open."
Fawne stepped aside to admit her friend into the room. After a quick look down the hall just to be sure she didn't see Paeter on his way, she closed it again and turned around. Kareal was pacing a tight circuit around the room, fidgeting with nervous energy. As if she couldn't stand still. Agitated. Fawne was fairly certain she knew why.
"I'm guessing a similar message came for Dahlen, then."
"Yes."
"And he's already answered the summons."
"Just left," Kareal answered through clenched teeth. "Said he knew what he was doing, but I still think he's lost his mind."
She felt for the witch. She really did. It wasn't easy to accept sharing your lover with another woman, even if he wasn't bedding her willingly. Fawne had wrestled often against her own jealousies in the past few weeks, and had learned a hard lesson when she'd thrown those feelings at Paeter in anger. The resulting argument had only served to cause needless pain on both sides over a situation neither of them could control.
Seeking to spare her friend the same heartache, she advised gently, "If you intend to make things work with Dahlen, you're going to have to let go of those kinds of feelings. It's not like he has any choice."
"Yes, he does."
The words were vehemently spoken. So much so that Fawne was taken aback in the radical change that had come over her usually timorous friend. Just what had happened since yesterday? She couldn't fathom the answer to that question, but she did think it wise to put the situation in perspective for the witch. Obviously, she was letting her emotions cloud her good sense.
"If you think resisting is an option, remember what happened to Cassel. Or any of the others before him. Idrina will punish him with the Ring, and then she'll dose him with safframate for good measure. If Dahlen's lucky, that's where it will end. But if that bitch truly wants to make him suffer, she'll do far worse."
Fawne had spent enough time serving Meredith's coven to have seen just how cruel those bitches could be. She'd seen warlords whipped so badly that their backs were flayed open; most died from their wounds. Scores of them had been broken. But nothing- nothing- was worse than the 'parties' the coven held where they shaved a male who had disobeyed one time too many.
She shuddered at the memory of the malicious glee in their taunts as a helpless victim struggled against the blades carving into his flesh. Meredith ensured that the warlords were kept conscious by brews and Valinna's Black Widow Craft. No hope of escape and only the crushing knowledge of the hell that awaited them even after the maiming was over drove many men into the madness of the Twisted Kingdom. Witnessing it was the stuff of nightmares.
Nightmares that Fawne knew Kareal had seen for herself. Hopefully, the reminder would convince the witch of the folly in asking Dahlen to risk any of that. If she truly cared for him, she wouldn't. Judging by the lengthy silence that followed, maybe Kareal was willing to concede the point.
"The Rings don't work."
Not exactly the response Fawne had been expecting.
"What do you mean they 'don't work'?"
"I mean that the thing with Cassel wasn't just a fluke. None of the Rings work and haven't for several days."
She shook her head slowly and demanded, "Who told you this?"
"Dahlen." After a slight pause, Kareal continued, "That servant witch Meredith caught in the store room? He said she'd already stolen the coven's controlling rings and fixed it so that none of their Rings actually worked."
Fawne struggled to keep her jaw from scraping the floor. The sheer audacity of the witch to conceive of such a plan- much less to carry it out- was beyond insane. How had she even managed to steal right from under the coven's nose without any of them suspecting?
"I don't believe it."
"I wouldn't have, either, but how else do we explain Cassel? You were there when he attacked Zirah. You said it yourself that she panicked because his Ring wasn't working. Everyone- the coven included- wanted to shrug it off and hasn't said a word about it since. But I think they suspect something's gone wrong with the Rings and don't want to admit it."
The hall had been very quiet on the subject since yesterday. Fawne hadn't seen any of the coven emerge from their suites until well after midday- and never alone. She'd assumed they were keeping to themselves to avoid Meredith, but in light of what Kareal just said…maybe it wasn't altogether too far-fetched to think that the crazy witch could have pulled off the scheme.
"All right. Let's say I believe you and the Rings are useless. That doesn't explain why Paeter, Dahlen and the others haven't just fled the hall the moment the coven's back was turned. You have to admit that since yesterday, they've had plenty of opportunities to disappear. So why haven't they?"
"Because they're morons," Kareal snarled. "Waiting for something that has zero chance of happening."
"I see I've picked a bad time to join the conversation," Paeter remarked drily from the doorway. Fawne and Kareal spun around to face him, startled. He held up the covered bundle in his hands and mused, "Guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Dahlen did warn me that you weren't exactly on board with all this."
"Paeter," Fawne began before her friend could get a word in. "Is what Kareal said true? About the Rings."
"Yes, love, it's all true."
A myriad of thoughts passed through her mind, but Fawne focused on one in particular. She fixed him with a searching look and said quietly, "You could have fled the hall and disappeared into the city days ago- left Hayll entirely if you'd wanted to."
"I could have."
"But you didn't."
"No, I didn't."
She wanted to think that he'd stayed for her sake. That he hadn't left because he wanted to be with her no matter the cost. Maybe that was part of the reason, but Fawne suspected that it wasn't the whole reason. To prove it, she forced herself to bring up the most compelling evidence why it couldn't be.
"And if I'm not mistaken, you'll answer Kaeremi's summons just like Dahlen answered Idrina's."
"Yes, I will."
Dumbfounded and somewhat hurt, Fawne could only respond with an incredulous, "Why?"
"Because we promised not to raise the coven's suspicions until she'd finished with what she came here to do."
Fawne cut a look to Kareal and back. No doubt the 'she' Paeter meant was the servant witch who'd run afoul of Meredith. Her friend's barbed comment was starting to make a lot more sense. Whatever the witch may have planned to do, she had no hope of accomplishing it after being drugged with that much safframate. Two spoonfuls, she'd overheard. And then to be given to DeSade…
"Paeter, I would think you of all people would be realistic. DeSade doesn't play by anyone's rules- not even Meredith's- when it comes to witches. There won't be anything left of that witch come morning. If she isn't dead already. If you truly are free as you claim, you might as well cut your losses instead of waiting."
Paeter sighed.
"Raenel can handle DeSade." He handed his bundle to Fawne. "I really have to go, but I promise Dahlen and I will explain tomorrow. All right?"
He didn't wait for her to reply, slipping back into the hall even before she'd gotten hold of the covered dish he'd likely pilfered from the kitchen. When he'd gone, she turned to Kareal.
"What do you suppose he meant by that- that she could 'handle DeSade'?"
"No idea. He wears the Ebon-gray, so to have any leverage against him she'd have to wear something equally dark, and I find that impossible to believe."
"You don't suppose…" Fawne trailed off for a moment, almost unwilling to finish her thought.
"Suppose what?"
"Dahlen told you that Raenel stole all of the controlling rings. If he's right, then that means she has DeSade's."
6/Terreille
Lilith understood all too clearly. Alex's words rang in her ears- what he had to do to her. An unwelcome reminder that he hadn't really wanted to do this. She tried not to feel bruised. After all, she'd been telling herself from the beginning that's all this could ever be, hadn't she? Just one night of pleasure to be followed by a lifetime of regret. Well, she'd gotten more than she bargained for on the former; it was time to accept the pain from the latter.
Are you so certain that's how this needs to end?
Yes, I am. You heard what he said.
I'm wondering if you did, the voice in her head argued back stubbornly. Or did you just hear what you wanted to hear?
What else could he have meant?
I don't know- perhaps you should ask him that.
"Lilith?"
She jolted at the sound of her name and realized that she must have been quiet for longer than she thought. Somewhat unnerved by Alex's mildly concerned expression, she cleared her throat and forced out a sharp, "What?"
"Were you going to shower?"
"I suppose that would be a good idea." She glanced around. "Where?"
He pointed to a door opposite the way they'd come in and said, "Just through there."
Lilith scooted to the edge of the bed and stood. A trickle down the inside of her leg made her hurry across the room more quickly than she would have liked. She slipped through the door and closed it behind her. Once out of his sight, she took inventory of herself. Pinkish rivulets of blood spidered down to her left knee. Mildly unpleasant. But other than that, not much cause for concern.
I should be thanking the Darkness for that. This night could have gone so much worse. And she wasn't just thinking in terms of injuries. Lilith considered herself lucky that while her self-control had failed, her remaining illusions had not. They could have- should have, actually. But they'd held. Somehow. If they hadn't, and Alex had somehow found out what she was…I simply can't go through it all again. Once was bad enough.
With a sigh more resigned than relieved, she stepped into the shower and turned on the water. It sluiced over her skin for several minutes while she tried to let go of thoughts of tonight- all of them. Tried, but failed miserably. Lilith gave up and called in her soap, working it into a lather that she rubbed liberally into her hair and on her skin. She'd nearly finished when her body clenched.
The safframate.
Alex had warned her that it would be back when the distractions faded. Bracing her hands against the wall, Lilith gritted her teeth and waited for the spasm to pass. Thankfully, he was also right about the sex; it had taken some of the edge off. When the drug finally released her, she shut the water off and reached for a nearby towel to dry herself.
Not a moment too soon, it would seem, as Alex walked into the room. A quick glance told her that whatever he'd been doing in the bedroom, getting dressed hadn't been on his list of priorities. Lilith quickly turned her attention to wringing the excess water from her hair so she wouldn't be tempted to stare at him. Or do something stupid…like throw herself into his arms.
Unlikely he's here for anything like that.
Question was- what was he here for? Alex hadn't spoken a word to her, just standing inside the door. Most likely, having dealt with the bedding he'd come in to shower as well. But he just stood there. Watching her with a hooded expression. Lilith found the scrutiny unnerving, and hastily escaped the suite just as it looked like Alex might say something.
He didn't follow her.
The sound of running water suggested that it would be a while, and so she cautiously took in the room around her. The bed drew her attention first- more like demanded it. Lilith's eyes drifted over the indigo coverlet that had been smoothed over a set of charcoal sheets. If she'd only just walked in, she would have assumed it had been empty this whole evening. Like a blank slate.
Would that it worked that way for more than just sheets, she lamented wistfully.
Is that really what you want, though? To move forward and pretend that nothing happened?
With a cynical smile, Lilith repeated Alex's words. Wanting has little to do with it.
Wanting has everything to do with it, or you never would have entered this room- safframate or not.
Thoughts like that served only to reinforce her guilt. A reminder of how selfish she'd been to satisfy her wants and needs at Alex's expense. Lilith pushed past it, determined not to repeat that misstep as she called in some of her clothes. With the safframate wearing off, she might be able to tolerate wearing them. Not to mention, Alex would certainly appreciate it if she spared him the sight of her now that he'd fulfilled his part of their bargain.
She'd just settled on something when Lilith heard footsteps approach from behind.
"What are you doing," he demanded sharply enough that she dropped the tunic onto the bedspread. She was so startled by the question that she didn't even have time to respond before Alex had turned her to face him, hands gripping her shoulders. "Lilith, you're not going anywhere."
Leaving hadn't been her original intention. But now that Alex brought it up, maybe that wasn't the worst of ideas. His Ring had been dealt with and the safframate was mostly under control. Given the hour, very unlikely to run into trouble from Meredith and her coven as they quietly slipped out. A far better plan when compared to the awkwardness of waiting out the night here.
And then I can see Alex delivered to his family and get on with my life.
"Think about it, Alex- why not leave," she countered, hoping to convince him to agree with her. "You're free of Meredith now and I can deal with the safframate so long as I've got a task to focus my attention. If we slip out of here tonight, we could reach your family in two days."
"You're not going anywhere," he repeated in a low, deadly calm voice as another shield went up inside the Red. Not Black, but not quite Ebony, either. A Jewel that straddled the line between- the Ebon-Black.
Clearly, they had differing opinions about what made the most sense. Lilith was forced to take a mental step back and weigh her options. He likely thought that he'd ended the debate, but she could still get her way…if she was willing to tell Alex that an Ebon-Black shield couldn't stop her from leaving if she really decided to go. Not ideal. By a long shot. And even if she was willing to reveal that much, she suspected something more than the general stubbornness natural to Warlord Princes was driving him to draw this particular line.
Better to just ride this out and leave in the morning.
"Okay, fine. Forget I even brought it up."
His mood lightened almost immediately, and he gestured with one hand to the clothes still lying on the bed and queried, "Then why bother with these?"
Because I don't trust myself without them.
Words she couldn't say to Alex, and so she shrugged and slid her gaze away; he brought it back to him, frowning slightly while assuring her, "You don't have to be worried about spending the night here."
"I'm not worried." Not for my own sake, anyway. "I'm just- look, I'm exhausted and…" she sighed, running distracted fingers through her damp hair. "I dunno."
His hands skimmed soothingly over her arms. Lilith had to quell the accompanying trill of pleasure, sure that he hadn't intended it to be the sensual invitation her body had taken it to be. Alex appeared not to notice, his expression solemn as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Exactly my point. It's been a long two days. You really ought to get some sleep if you can- there's no need for clothes."
An expectant pause followed and Lilith felt compelled to ask, "I take it you meant for me to sleep in here, didn't you?"
"Where else?"
From his tone, she realized that she had no hope of winning this argument. Or at the very least, she would waste a good portion of the night trying, and she was just too tired to do it. Too tired to battle a man who possessed the stubbornness of a brick wall. She vanished everything with a sigh.
"Where else, indeed?"
Satisfied by her answer, Alex drew back the coverlet for her and watched intently as she got in. Lilith tried not to feel nervous, but she found herself wondering what would happen next. Would he join her, or did he intend to spend the night somewhere else?
7/Terreille
An Ebon-Black shield. What were you thinking to create an Ebon-Black shield?
He hadn't been. When Lilith mentioned leaving, he'd reacted without any conscious thought whatsoever- driven by an overwhelming need to be sure she remained in his suite. No rational reason for it. In fact, Lilith had pointed out every reason why it was better not to stay. But Alex hadn't been swayed. He wanted her here. And even that hadn't been enough. Alex didn't completely relax his guard until Lilith got into bed. His bed.
Mine.
The feeling solidified into that single word and burned in his veins as he watched Lilith curl onto her side and pull the sheet to her shoulders. Alex fought the impulse to draw it back so that his gaze could roam over her body. In truth, he wanted to do a whole lot more than just look. Wanted to touch, taste and listen as he reawakened Lilith's desire before surrendering to the need to possess her again. Wanted to hear that word- mine- echoed in his name when she cried out in the final moment of ecstasy.
Mother Night, what is wrong with me?
Alex took a step backward, trying to regain some control. Was disturbed at how difficult he found the task, having never craved sex this strongly before. Had never craved it period. Then again, he suspected this feeling was about more than just sex. If he got into the bed now, though, he knew he wasn't going to be able to stop himself. And while Lilith might want- or need- release from the safframate still lingering in her system, he had to resist.
Wouldn't want to hurt her any more than I already have.
His mind superimposed images of blood on sheets, and he stumbled another step backward as all thoughts of passion died. All too aware of the horrifying scene he'd been faced with after Lilith had gone to shower. He'd vanished all of the bedding the second she'd left the room, unable to stomach the sight of it and the psychic remnants of her agony embedded in the fibers. Just how much pain had ridden alongside the pleasure he'd coaxed out of her body? Alex didn't need to ask; he'd seen the answer for himself in her face. Pale and strained from the minute the ordeal was over. Wanting to leave his suite as soon as possible.
Still think that I can decide to be better than what Meredith and her coven made me? Or have you changed your mind?
"Whatever you're thinking of, you might want to stop," Lilith said as she groped for the down counterpane with one hand.
Alex hadn't realized just how far his temper had slipped the leash. The room had a definite chill; he reined himself in enough to make things more comfortable.
"Sorry."
"I just figured I'd warn you before either of us lost toes to frostbite."
Humor. An unusual approach. Unlike most witches, who panicked when they realized his temper went cold, Lilith defused it with a joke. Alex couldn't quite bring himself to laugh, but he managed a wry, "I'm sure you'd have come up with something long before that happened."
"Witchfire would solve the problem." She paused. "But it's a cure that might be worse than the disease, so I'd recommend not having to find out."
Another joke, but given the wording Alex wondered if she might be referring to more than just witchfire. Was it a subtle means of referring to the safframate and the 'cure' that was supposed to help deal with it? He had to ask.
"Lilith?"
"Hmm?"
"You're sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
That answer was given too quickly to be true. When a witch said she was fine, it meant something was very wrong, but she wasn't going to tell a man what it was. For the court bitches, it was part of a test. If the unwitting subject didn't guess what was wrong, the bitches punished him. Lilith, though…she just didn't want to talk. Alex knew he ought to leave it at that; he pushed back, anyway.
"You don't sound fine."
"Alex, I'm fine."
Her sharp-edged tone discouraged any further inquiry, and so he gave up. Her Jewels and her mind came through the Virgin Night intact. Alex tried to convince himself that should be enough, circling around to the opposite side of the bed. He got in facing the wall and doused the witchlight, though he didn't expect sleep to come easily. For either of them.
Lilith drifted off first. Alex heard her breathing change somewhere close to four in the morning and flipped over to stare at her. Thinking. In a few hours the housekeeping staff would be up and about. The coven wouldn't likely surface until nearly noon, but he couldn't take the chance that Meredith would sense that he no longer wore the Ring. He wanted Lilith well away from here when the bitch came looking for him.
She's expecting me to go with her.
He should. After all, she was offering to reunite him with his family. But Alex considered what she'd just said about how long it would take to get there. Two days. He didn't know where they were headed, but two days sounded like a lot of ground to cover. Far beyond Draega- and Hayll, for that matter. More than likely, they'd be travelling it alone.
If he spent two more days with Lilith, he knew he'd give into the temptation to take her to bed again. And beyond tonight, he wouldn't have the excuse that he was only helping her through the safframate- wouldn't be able to hide the truth. What would Lilith do if she knew he wanted her that badly? Resist, if the past two days were any indication.
But suppose she doesn't?
Of the two outcomes, that scared him more. Alex knew he couldn't trust himself when it came to witches. He'd already hurt Lilith badly enough when he wasn't trying to, but next time…next time something might shift inside him like it did with Kareal and Fawne. Or with the hundreds of other witches he'd brutally tortured over the centuries. Alex couldn't risk it- not with Lilith. Couldn't risk emerging from that chilling rage to find her mutilated corpse waiting for him.
Best to get away from her for a while. Clear my mind and cure myself of whatever wants her so badly. Then maybe I can face that journey.