Hello dear readers,
Not even two months! Ha! Gotcha! :)
I don't know why, but this time, it went really easy. Which is weird, considering the contents of the chapter.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This chapter has about 40% cut out, since it otherwise would be clearly MA rating. And since I already had the story banned after hitting the top 10 on Wattpad (f*ck that site, I did not break their rules, they allow explicit stuff, then delete stories they don't like without warning or notice), I am careful around here too. HOWEVER. I would HIGHLY recommend that you check this chapter out on AO3. I can't link to it, but just google "Into the Devil's Eye AO3" and you find it immediately. A lot gets lost because of the stuff I had to take out, namely adding to the characters of the Circle members, besides the impact of the chapter as a whole. I marked the spots where I had to take out stuff with (...), so you know when you are missing out.
TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter is comprised 70% of intense, horrible interaction between Vect and Temira.
I just thought this should be in here. In case you are not up for that.
Lady SindelV again has her credit due. Best beta everrrrr!
Now, to my lovely reviewers:
Grocamol: Yeah, I'm sorry. But you see, I was a lot quicker this time! :D
Shadow of the Hitokiri: Thank you! I do my best! :*
Guest: Thank you for your kind words! I work hard! :)
And with that, enjoy this probably cruellest chapter I have written so far.
Love,
Shâtî
PS: Only read the end note once you have read the chapter. Major spoilers ahead.
Chapter 25
Complexities
"Your rudimentary nervous system is the beaten path, meat. My tools have grown dull travelling these highways and byways, and I've exhausted the spectrum of pain your slapdash biology is even capable of understanding. Congratulations, you are ready for the next level."
— Haemonculus Valdemar
Two months ago…
VLOKARION WAS EYEING Urien carefully as they both waited in the antechamber to the Scrying Chamber. It had been an interesting few weeks. Before he had waved Vect's missive into his face, he had thrown an idea at Urien which he could not resist.
"How would one construct a perfect mon-keigh clone? Essence and all?" he had casually mentioned.
Urien's mind had immediately latched onto the idea, he could not withstand the temptation of this challenge, his title as Master Haemonculus and best fleshcrafter forbade it. And, of course, Urien had additionally not been able to resist rubbing in Vlokarion's face that a multitude of different samples from different stages of mon-keigh evolution were best used for that.
And this was where Vlokarion had sprung his trap beautifully, producing Vect's missive, forcing Urien to part with all those precious samples he had so diligently kept from him. Vlokarion was aware that Urien was feverishly plotting to get back at him for that, and for fooling him from getting a sample from Temira. Life would become pretty dangerous for the next few millennia.
It would just spice things up. Everything had been too boring anyway.
Even though there had been too little time to analyse all the samples, he already had gotten tremendous insights, which would help him greatly in achieving his hidden goal. Vect would be none the wiser, of that he was sure.
However, in the last few days, Urien had been far too happy, so Vlokarion was wary of what he might present in front of Vect to spite him. Urien in a gleeful mood was always a sign of trouble. Then again, the order summoning them to Corespur had only come yesterday, so he was not sure whether Urien would already make his move. He was known for taking his time with a masterstroke.
Vlokarion put his pondering aside as the heavy, metal slabs that functioned as the door to the Scrying Chamber swung aside. For once, he was glad that he was considered second to Urien because it meant that he had to go in after the old monster, and that meant he did not have to watch his back.
As usual, the Overlord was seated in his throne, his expression emotionless and unreadable. This stony, cool exterior unsettled others for sure, but the two Haemonculi were beyond such slight disconcertion.
They dispensed with the usual courtesies, then Vect came straight to the point, "I wish for a progress report on the clones, if you please." The words used implied a level of politeness that simply was not there.
Vlokarion made sure to answer first, even though he knew that this was surely not why Vect had cited both of them up here, "Preliminary stage, sighting of the materials, Overlord. There is a lot to consider."
"Indeed, it is, for one mind. My dear colleague has been rather miserly with sharing his thoughts," Urien added. It was obvious that he wanted to get Vlokarion into trouble since the contract was given to both of them.
Before Vect could react, Vlokarion fluted, "This is just because I have to get on par with the knowledge of the Master Haemonculus in that matter, since otherwise, working together will be inefficient." Urien had to do better than that to spite him. This little humiliation was way better than making Vect think he was spiting both of them.
"I do not care for your squabbles," Vect made clear that he would hear no more of that. "This is not why I have called you both here."
Smiling to himself, Vlokarion acknowledged once more that he had become a lot better in social settings and politics than in the past. As things stood, it also seemed to matter again.
"Urien, I think it is time we included Vlokarion into our little project. His clone idea certainly has merit for it," Vect declared.
Vlokarion's eyes narrowed. That something had been going on solely between Urien and Vect was new to him and this was no good. That he now got included was helping, but he had to be more vigilant from now on. It seemed as if some of his little spies in Corespur and Urien's lab deserved a punishment… or replacement.
Also, that Vect let Urien present what was probably the Overlord's venture, was a carefully calculated, political move. If Urien felt important and was allowed to lecture somebody, he was in his element. Vect knew how to play on that.
"As you wish, Overlord," Urien said, apparently displeased that Vlokarion got included, yet happy about said lecturing. "Vlokarion, as you have failed to notice, the Overlord and I have conceived a backup plan for another possible, massive Dysjunction. As the millennium draws to a close, I have observed signs that also have been conceivable before the Fall. Hence, I proposed the idea of an artificial, folded space pocket, in which another, small city is currently being built and filled with livestock and necessities, to ensure a second home that will be untouched by a possible calamity in Commorragh. It will be only open to those of the Overlord's choosing."
That was huge.
Vlokarion suppressed any and all emotion, he did not want either of them to see that he heard about this the first time.
"Since resources will be even more limited in this pocket, I want you to contribute to the cause. Your idea for cloning mon-keigh and using their essences more efficiently will be important in such a confined space, so I want both of you to get it working, and fast," Vect declared.
Vlokarion nodded and gave back, "Naturally, Overlord. Urien and I shall focus our efforts on this task, then."
"As expected," Vect commented, then said to Urien, "That will be all, Master Haemonculus. You have your orders." Turning his gaze to Vlokarion once more, he added, "Vlokarion, I want you to stay. There is something else we have to discuss."
Oh, Urien was steaming once more, that much was clear. That he had to leave, knowing that Vect had a one-on-one with him, surely had to nag at him.
However, even the Master Haemonculus was not insane enough to voice any protest in the matter and croaked as he bowed, "As you wish, Overlord. I have several tasks waiting for me anyway." Shooting a deadly stare into Vlokarion's direction, he left.
Vlokarion kept his serene smile in place. This day got more thrilling by the minute.
Back to the present…
It had felt like ages until I heard the door opening. I had almost missed it, since keeping my senses at least somewhat in line was an almost impossible task. Through my distorted vision, I thought to see a shadow falling onto me; I would have uttered a tormented sound if I could have since I was sure that it was the Overlord who now found me, though I could not make out a single thing.
I felt a sting at the left side of my neck; it hurt so bad that I would have loved to scream; apparently, the drug amplified my pain sensitivity severely. However, I was relieved for one second, as my senses grew clear again.
Then, I beheld the viciously smiling Overlord, who knelt beside me and had injected something into my carotid, for he put a small injector away in these seconds.
I tried to move, but with horror, I felt that I could not. Arduously, I managed, "What… did I… do…?" I wanted to say 'wrong' too, but moving my mouth was horribly taxing.
Vect laughed at me and that laughter hurt as if millions of glowing hot needles pierced my whole body. "I am surprised, Temira. Did you think I would let you off easy for feeding somebody else than me? For that, I think some penalties are in order." He snorted with malicious glee. "Do not try to move, it is futile, you cannot as long as I keep you in here without the full antidote in your veins."
I died inside with shame as he lifted me effortlessly and carried me to the island, lying me down there on the cushions and seating himself beside me, staring down at me and enjoying my helplessness.
The last thing I wanted right now was to be presented so utterly helpless to this merciless man. I dreaded what he would do to me now, but there was absolutely nothing I could do against it. I should have known. It had been stupid of me to engage Vyras in the first place!
"True, you should have known better. You knew that he is a masterful manipulator," Vect snarled.
Panicked, I asked myself whether he could read my thoughts. I had not found enough strength to talk again.
He chuckled. "No, child, I cannot, but I have perfected my interpretation of the tiniest facial expressions, the movement of eyes and pupils, the rhythm of heartbeats, and the differences in the way breaths are drawn, to make educated guesses about what a mon-keigh might think. And you, dear child, are extremely easy to read." Vect lied halfway down beside me, his torso resting on his left forearm and elbow, leaving his right free. For a while, he stared down at me, apparently contemplating something. I had a bad feeling that his contemplation included my demise.
Then, he said, "Actually, I was not explaining myself properly and you need to understand. I am not disappointed because you fed him. He would have siphoned something off of you eventually, even if you had been smart about it and avoided him as much as possible. The main issue I see here is why you did it. You understood quickly that you could trade your energy for something you are not supposed to know. Usually, I would commend this behaviour, it shows your unexpected wits. However," his face darkened, "you knowingly and deliberately defied me with that. And this, my stupid little slave, I cannot allow."
"Y… you l… l… listen… ed?" I pressed out of my throat. I heaved heavily for air after that. Breathing was a terrible chore right now and talking used up too much of the hard-attained, precious oxygen from me.
Vect shook his head. "Temira," he calmly said, "did you genuinely believe that I would put you into the same room with one of the most sharp-witted individuals I know without precautions?"
Why was he so calm? So far, when he had been really angry with me, he had shown it. This calmness was something entirely new and it scared the hell out of me. Yet, I could feel by the iciness of my stomach that I was in terrible danger. The only question that was burning in me right now was why he had put me with Vyras in the same room in the first place.
A slow smile graced the Overlord's features. He got up and went out of my line of sight. Since I could not turn my head to see where he went, all I could do was lie there and await what he now had cooked up for me. My heart was beating sluggishly, my head spun, and I fought for each and every breath. The only thing that probably kept me from fainting was the pure adrenaline in my veins…
…or the fact that I was in the clutches of somebody who knew exactly what he was doing.
I could just look at Vect when he came back to me, a freshly plucked, longish leaf in his right hand. He delicately held it at its stalk, while he was laying down in the same manner as before. The Overlord put the leaf between us and opened the bow with which my dressing gown was fastened. The light, silken fabric slid apart and revealed my naked torso. The soft fabric sliding down my skin felt rough and prickly, not like silk at all.
I had a terrible guess of what came next.
While the Overlord did this, he said, "Have we forgotten which question not to ask, hmm, Temira? Your time in the Carnival certainly has steeled you, but you forgot a lot about rules of conduct. But not to worry, I will make sure that you remember them."
"No…" I breathed, realising I had betrayed myself. "I… have not… forgotten…" I struggled to say. I had indeed not forgotten that asking why was forbidden for me. But I just had thought about it! Was he going to punish that too, from now on?
"What is formed in the mind will eventually become a spoken word. I have reprimanded you time and again on that topic, and now I am simply tired of repeating the lesson. Therefore, I will imprint the message on you once and for all. So, you might have not forgotten, but your mind sometimes still does not work as it should. I have been too lenient with you in that regard. This was a little experiment of mine, to see what would come of it if I did not restrict the mind of a mon-keigh slave. But now, this experiment is over. From now on, you will not only act as a slave but also think like one. Your sole purpose is to serve me and you better remember that with every breath you take," Vect lectured me.
He then took up the leaf again and ran its tip down my torso, starting at my chest and running it down to my belly button.
I cried out, first in surprise, then in agony.
(...)
I had guessed correctly. The pain amplifier now started working properly.
I fought for air after I had wasted it on screaming. The constant oxygen deprivation made it so hard to think. What I saw in his face did not encourage me. Vect was enjoying this. Rarely had I seen such relish on his features.
"Ah, you mellow, luscious little thing," he sighed. "You know… Tahvyn told me what he did to you. He could not help himself, that lusty, young pup. Always so eager to gain my favour and to impress me… and wasting all his talent on his bedchambers. Nonetheless, I think I made clear yesterday why I do not need his crude little instruments."
I felt sick. It did not surprise me that Ea'nash had not been true to his word. All that I had forced myself to do with him to keep his mouth shut had been in vain. It had been naive of me. But the Overlord was also right. He did not need anything more than his body to subdue me utterly.
"Poor, little Temira. Getting betrayed so much, even though she works so hard. But you did not actually expect anything else, now did you, child?" Vect mocked me.
That I had to stand some more painful strokes with complete paralysis tore my mind asunder.
(...)
"This is where I disagree with the Haemonculi. In their opinion, physical fetters are best, because if they are chosen correctly, they add to the suffering of their subject. However, I found through extensive practice that paralysing your toy holds its own joys. Physical bindings allow a certain level of movement, to show and alleviate pain. Almost complete paralysis does not," the Overlord explained.
He now continued running the leaf over my body, the pain amplifier did its work terribly well.
(...)
As Vect finally decided to desist, he gently tapped the leaf against his lips, while he was contemplating something. I tried to get enough air into my lungs and managed to push the stars that danced in front of my eyes a bit back. I wanted to shake. I wanted to put my hands in front of my face. I wanted to curl up into a ball.
But my muscles did not heed my commands, no matter how hard I tried.
Finally, Vect said, obviously musing, "Nonetheless, on a certain level I have to thank Pachu'a. He showed me clearly how little you can handle even hearing about what I did to little Lisbeth…"
"No!" I pushed out, sobbing and heaving.
(...)
"Quiet! The grown-up is talking," my master reprimanded me.
I barely registered his voice at the edge of my consciousness, as I recovered from the last wave of agony.
He now stroked gently over my cheek with the tips of his fingers, a painful caress. "Not to worry, little slave, this particular torture I will keep for special occasions."
I would have sighed in relief if I could have as he finally sat up again. For some moments, he looked down at me with his piercing gaze, then he said with a cruel smile, "Though I enjoy this to an extent you could never even imagine, I am willing to release you now. There is no use in tormenting you with this paralysis and this kind of pain any further. You got too used to it."
I wholeheartedly disagreed with that statement, but I did not dare to pursue the thought even further. If he deigned to release me, who was I to argue?
With those words, he produced another (or the same?) injector from his robes and used it on my neck. I rejoiced in the fact that I would soon be able to move again, but, as always, things were never that easy in Commorragh.
I felt that my heartbeat accelerated and with relief, I took a deep breath. It had felt like ages since I had breathed freely and easily and the arduous breaths I had managed whilst the paralysis had been barely enough to sustain my need for oxygen. I felt that my muscles started to tense up again and that I could use them at my will once more. It was one of the sweetest reliefs I had felt in a long time.
But not for long.
My eyes widened as I realised that once again, this would be a painful game.
(...)
The battle of antidote versus poison had been by far one of the most intense torments I had endured until now. I did not know how I had been able to take it without snapping.
Yet, I had not fainted, though I should have, by all right.
I wept in relief, as the agony, after what felt like years, started to ease down and released my tortured body from its terrible grip.
Though I had not fainted, it still felt like I came to after this torture.
I found that I was lying on my right side, curled up and shaking all over. I was drenched in sweat, my face was wet with tears, as was the pillow I was lying on.
The first thing that reached my ears again was an evil chuckle. And only with this, I remembered that Vect was still sitting right beside me and had undoubtedly watched my suffering with pure pleasure.
I slowly opened my eyes again, blinked a few times, and then turned my gaze to him, managing to move my head with a strained grunt.
I hated what I saw in his eyes.
Vect had had the time of his life while I had screamed my skull out.
"Intense, is it not? You see, I adapted this method from my own experience. In my earliest days, when I was merely in the position you were in, I was subjected to this torture many times. It amused those that played with me, that even something as gentle as a leaf or feather could make me scream and that even the release is mind-breaking. Of course, what I had you feel now is nothing compared to the stages I went through, you have merely touched the surface of it," Vect reminisced. With a vicious smile, he continued, "Needless to say, when the Fall started, and I decided I had enough of being the plaything of others, I gave those that had tormented me a taste of their own medicine… for centuries… and showed them that I could do a lot better than them." He sighed delightedly. "It was a time in which Urien had his faculties in order and so many, delicious ideas…" Vect almost seemed melancholic.
His reminiscing gave me time to gather myself and slowly rise, in case he needed me upright.
That notion got discouraged immediately.
(...)
"Have I allowed you to get up?" he hissed at me.
"No… my lord. I just… wanted to be ready to serve," I tried to explain my actions, gasping for air, trembling.
Vect scoffed. "I tend to forget that I allowed independent actions and thoughts during your training. However, considering your recent disobedience, I think a little taste of no independence whatsoever will do you good, even if only for today. It is simple, child: if you do well enough today, I will allow you to continue as you did before. If not, I will keep you on a short leash for a while," he told me. It was clear from his inflexion that he liked the second option better.
I had the terrible feeling that he was losing himself a bit here, enlarging upon the topic of my disobedience, gathering everything I had done and would do wrong today. The utterly bitter truth of it all was that I had known. I had known that trying to shake something loose from Vyras would be against Vect's wishes and I had known that it was a bit of a bold leap I took. I had thought it would be worth the risk. Now I got to see how terribly I had miscalculated the consequences of my actions. I had believed it would not be too much of an issue - that Vect took that much offence came as a surprise. Apparently, Vyras knew something I was not to know under any circumstances.
(...)
Vect had toyed with me some more, exploiting some more weaknesses, and now demanded of me to get up for the second time after I had failed the first time. Of course, he had penalised me for failing his command.
"Well? I am waiting, Temira," Vect said demandingly.
The bleeding slash at my side did not make getting up any easier or more pleasant, but the pain was focusing me a bit more. Straining, I managed to get to my feet this time, legs trembling, breath staggering, teeth clenched. I could not stand this particular way of getting toyed with. It reminded me too much of my past when I had been tormented in this way mentally. When I got forced to over-perform in school by having to solve much harder calculations at home, which my parents had thought up for me, so I would be nothing but perfect in school. It was also where my hatred for certain facets of mathematics came from. I stared at him from under my brow, panting, hurting, and inevitably angry.
Apparently, my anger amused him, because he chuckled. "Another soft spot, hmm? Do you think I am unfair?" he asked me.
I was wise enough to not answer this rhetorical question, but dropped my gaze, breathing the anger away. It would not serve me now.
"You see, child, I am not. I give you a chance to do better, but each time you fail, I have to increase the penalties, otherwise, you will never learn. If I was unfair to you, I had not given you those chances and hurt you without reason. You might want to ask Lisbeth about that topic," he lectured me. Grabbing my hair and dragging me behind him, he added, "But we both know that you will not do that."
Vect forced me with him, out of the garden, up the stairs, and back into the nightmarish quarters. Effortlessly, he yanked me from my feet and threw me onto the carpet.
(...)
Instinctively, I rolled off it and remained to lie on my side, panting. My heart was beating loudly and my light-headedness still had not left me. I was terribly aware that my strength was failing me. I just hoped that he would be done with me soon. Again, the physical pain had been intense so far, but what cracked me this time was that he was pushing so hard against my mind. It seemed as if he just found all the right buttons. I did not understand it and I was woefully unprepared, as he never had done it so intensely before. I had the terrible feeling that he was preparing me for something right now, and the thought of more psychic assault coming at me made me frighteningly desperate. If he was out to break me, he was on the best way to do it, that I was aware of.
Vect gave me a break, as it seemed, for I heard him pouring himself a glass of whatever liquid. I was not looking at him, hence, I could not tell what it was. I was lying on my left side, facing the winding stairs and entrance to the quarters. He took a sip, then said to me, "Ah, I always figured you were the type that could stand the invasion of their mind less than physical punishment, which is why I refrained from it so far. But this time, my dim-witted, little plaything, you have pushed it too far. Therefore, we will work on your mental breaking points today."
His complete calmness scared the hell out of me. I realised that I found him less scary when he was angry. But this cold, methodical demeanour made my blood freeze, as I understood that everything he did was not on impulse, but a carefully and thoroughly thought-through method. I barely kept from sobbing out of sheer desperation. Instinctively, I curled up again, as I heard him coming to me. The Overlord sighed delightfully as he walked over the carpet; I only now realised that he was bare-footed.
Vect made me look at him by turning my head with one of his feet, took a slow sip out of his cup, smiled down at me, and said, "As you know, I am an advocate for punishment that fits the crime. Now that we have some basic education and the lesson in discipline out of the way, I think it is time to make you understand why you do not want me to force you to feed anyone other than me." He crouched down, grabbed me by my throat, and lifted me to my feet, without choking me. Forcing me to stare into his relentless eyes, he continued, "You know, each member of my Circle would gladly spend some time with you. I think you should learn in detail what this would mean for you." Quickly changing his grip, he grabbed me tightly by my hair again and dragged me behind him towards the horrible black-flesh-hand-chair.
I immediately understood what this meant for me. It was simply too much. I could not bear the thought of touching this thing, let alone being forced onto it and then listening to what tortures the prime Archons of the Black Heart would inflict upon me if I dared to fail him again. And with this desperation, the fateful words left my mouth, as I whimpered, "No… please… no more, master. I will never again act against your demands. Have mercy…"
Vect froze in mid-pace and so did I as I just realised what I had done.
Never before had I begged him for mercy. Never.
The Overlord let go of my hair and slowly put his cup on the table. I was not able to move, I had my look cast downwards and shook with silent sobs. Never before had I been so afraid of what would happen to me now.
Equally slowly, Vect came back to me, gently put his hand onto my chin, and made me look at him. I trembled heavily in his grip, breath shaking, tears rolling down my cheeks.
Still, no emotion, just this deadly calmness, as he quietly said, "Oh, Temira. Never did I believe I would see the day you begged me for mercy." Gently, he stroked my cheek with his thumb. "You silly, childish, little girl. There will be no mercy for you. Not now, not ever." His soft, fatherly tone made my throat close up with terror. "You will learn what I want to teach you today, even if it will chip your mind. And afterwards, you will be grateful for what you have learned." Ignoring my trembling and sobbing, his hand slid to my throat and he lifted me effortlessly, turned around, and placed me onto this nightmare of furniture.
(...)
Two months ago...
Vlokarion's black eyes followed Urien closely until he was out of the Scrying Chamber and the heavy gate shut behind him. He had not only observed the old snake with his eyes but also with numerous other senses, both natural and artificial. He had to be sure that the insane bastard did not find a way to eavesdrop on the following conversation.
Vect's dark chuckle pierced his thoughts. "Still not trusting my safety measures?" the Overlord asked sarcastically.
Vlokarion turned his attention back to Vect. "It is not that I don't trust your safety measures, Overlord, it is rather that I know about Urien's spitefulness when he is displeased with something. And he can be quite spiteful," Vlokarion gave back.
"That is true. But now that we can be sure that his… spitefulness is not an issue, let us continue," Vect continued grinning. "Now, you surely remember the specific orders you were given for Chu'uk's mission."
"Certainly," Vlokarion replied. He had selected those slaves that were different - Temira being prime among them - for special treatment, which meant getting them to Commorragh without serious injuries and a more or less intact mind. Then, with a fanged grin, he added, "Oh, no, don't tell me that you are finally sharing with me what you have planned with her?" This day surely kept getting better and better.
"Considering that your expertise will be key to what I have planned, it is time to include you. Suffice to say that this stays between the two of us," Vect confirmed.
Patience.
Vlokarion had known that it would pay off. It always did. And this time, it had been a short waiting period. As things stood, he would not even have to pry for information. Pure luxury!
The Overlord continued, "As you undoubtedly noticed, the essences of those mon-keigh brought back from the raid are unusually potent, with a few exceptions."
Vlokarion nodded. Yes, that much had been evident.
"The reason for this is that those essences are untouched by the Warp. They are even purer than anything we have known so far, and therefore, much more potent," Vect explained.
Vlokarion could not entirely hide his surprise and excitement. Warp-free essences? No wonder Temira had been the mellowest sip of energy he had ever had! The possibilities...
However, his thoughts were cut short as Vect proceeded, "Temira turned out to be the most receptive target for my efforts, namely, subtle manipulation without breaking the subject. Hence, I decided for her to be my prime pick. That someone dear to her got found amongst the rest, only made things easier."
Again, Vlokarion kept his acknowledgement to a nod. Those things he had suspected.
"And soon, when Temira comes back from the Carnival, I will be working with her. The mild, psychotropic treatment you provided since the start will continue and I will make sure that she is willing to do everything I demand of her. On this note, you did well to have all weapons used on the prisoners coated with minimal sedatives and especially to constantly dose Temira all the time. It made her far more receptive and able to bear things that would have otherwise broken her. Not much longer, and I will have her where I want her if she proves indeed as suitable as I expect," Vect explained.
Vlokarion acknowledged the commendation with a slight bow, yet his mind did roam. Since Vect had demanded that the special prisoners of this particular raid were to be kept sane and mostly unscathed - which already had alerted Vlokarion to the fact that something was quite different - sedatives and antidepressants had been the only real option here. Luckily, he had experimented with different doses beforehand, so it was not hard to adjust them accordingly for the less evolved mon-keigh. Vlokarion wondered whether Vect had ever noticed that he had dosed Temira a bit higher than the rest, as it had been clear that she would be for the Overlord, and whether she had ever wondered why she had faced all that had happened to her so calmly. Had she been delusional and overconfident about her bravery or had she been curious? Naturally, she still had been afraid and suffered, the doses were not high enough to rid her of that. Still, it had been necessary because it was known that all of Vect's personal mon-keigh slaves had not lasted for long, and surely not as confident and sane as Temira. Even Vect's presence was enough to snuff out their minds most of the time, let alone staying with him for an extended period. That was also why he had taught her breathing and meditation techniques. If the Overlord demanded a resistant slave, those were the best tools to provide it. Maybe he would find time to talk with her about it and maybe reveal some answers to her.
Also, he could not hold it in any longer, "But why the subtlety? It was evident to me that you needed her to act willingly, but the length and gentleness of the game you are playing puzzles me."
"Understandable," Vect smirked. "It is not my usual style when it comes down to slaves, I agree. However, I need Temira willing, because, in the end, I need her to happily follow my commands. I need her to revere me because I need her essence… for ascension." Vect paused, to let the words sink in.
And sink in they did.
He had been right all along!
All his theories about a truly pure soul, they could be done! Resurrection without limits! And the logical step was, that when the subject that received said essence was not dead for centuries, but alive and strong, it was very well possible to create a deity.
So Vect finally had found his last puzzle piece to slip out of She-Who-Thirsts's grip entirely. It seemed as if history would be written very soon.
Vlokarion experienced the odd sensation of his heartbeat accelerating out of pure joy and excitement. It had been millennia since he had felt like that. The world had not been so visceral and alive to him in a long, long time.
"That is… astonishing news, Overlord. However," he slightly shifted his position, "I fail to see where I come in since you apparently have it all laid out for you."
"I am not entirely trusting the sources I got this information from. I will provide you with all that is required to do a few small-scale test runs. Since you are the expert on the topic of essence energy and its potentials, I choose you for the task. However, Temira's essence is only one part of the equation. The other requires the extraction of numerous essences from our kind. The details of this plan are yet in the making, but I will let you know in time. Regardless, I want you to develop a mechanism that lets me absorb essences on a grand scale and you must find a way to enhance my body so that it can stand the procedure. Hence, I order you to drop all other projects you are currently running and work solely on that. After the mass absorption is over, you can go back to refining the clone idea," Vect went on.
Vlokarion nodded and interjected, "That is all very well, Overlord, but how should I conduct test runs if the material that is most paramount to it, namely Temira's essence, is unique?"
Vect smiled deeply and said, "Come with me. There is something I want to show you."
Vlokarion followed silently as the Overlord led him out of the Scrying Chamber, into the set of quarters that was closest to the Chamber, up some winding stairs, through a corridor that was built over the ornate one that led to the antechamber - giving perfect vision to the hallway below without revealing the crossover - and through another heavily secured door at the end of the flyover, behind which another private torture chamber lay.
In there, numerous cages and stasis fields could be found, holding those that deserved Vect's direct attention the most. In force fields, Vlokarion could see foolish Verisael Chu'uk, recently disgraced Pachu'a Masara Vyras, the statue of petrified Nyos Yllithian and, in a stasis field, former Archon Qu, who had been betrayed to Vect by his very own daughter.
On the torture rack, something could be found that Vect entertained himself rarely with: a mon-keigh girl. It was easy to see that the Overlord had given a lot of careful attention to her.
(...)
Vlokarion wondered what Vect wanted to show him with her, but he knew that he would know in a minute, so asking was not necessary.
"This is Temira's acquaintance. You see, she is not much of a treat," the Overlord explained and inserted a slender blade into one of the existing wounds, eliciting a whimper and a small wave of pain from the slave.
Vlokarion frowned. This one was… brackish. "That is… an understatement, if I may be so bold. I am surprised that you even put so much effort into extracting her."
Vect nodded, removed the blade and agreed, "Precisely. That is what I thought too for a long time. If it had not been for her importance considering the manipulation of Temira, I would have dispensed with her quite a while ago." Now, he picked a fine needle and forced her jaws apart. She struggled, but it did not matter. "But if I do this,"
(...)
"then there is something entirely different to behold."
Vlokarion's eyes grew wide as the girl started to scream because, with this excruciating pain, something thoroughly different touched his palate.
He knew this taste. He would recognise it anywhere.
It was Temira's.
The ancient Haemonculus grinned broadly and exclaimed excitedly, "Fascinating! That proves another of my theories that mon-keigh, which spend a lot of time together, can imprint each other with parts of their essence! To finally see it proven is… to say the very least… satisfying."
Vect chuckled and removed the pin again. Yes, too much of that would surely break her, even though it was extremely enjoyable to behold. "I see that you understand my meaning."
"Naturally, Overlord. I would not be much of a Haemonculus if I didn't," Vlokarion gave back, that grin still attached to his features. This surely was a wonderful day for him! And Vect was in such a gleeful mood, he dared to pry with another question, "One last question remains, Overlord: how did you come by all this knowledge?"
Calmly, Vect replied, "Oh, Vlokarion, it would be boring if I told you everything, now would it not? Some things I keep to myself."
No deal here. Fair enough. It mattered little.
The Overlord continued, "Either way, this one must die in the most horrible way it can imagine, to maximise the output of Temira's essence. I guess it will please you to hear that I want you there when it happens, to catch the essence and to make sure it is done as efficiently as possible."
Vlokarion smiled viciously. He had a good guess how that end would commence.
"I can't say that I am not looking forward to it," Vlokarion agreed. "However, surely you are aware that all this will come at a price from my side?"
"Naturally. I have thought no less of you," Vect smirked.
"And that it will have to be a tremendous amount more than just the usual? After all, if I help to deify you, it better be phenomenally good," Vlokarion said confidently. There was no way Vect would deny him. His talents were too vital for this, that much was clear.
Smirking mischievously, Vect replied, "Yes. I think we both know what you really want, Vlokarion."
The two ancient predators smiled knowingly at each other.
It was a sight that would have made anyone flee in terror.
Back to the present...
As always, Vect came back far too early. He had left for the bath, to give me some time to cope with sitting in the chair. Those calculated breaks were numbing.
I had managed to get myself under control somewhat, and
(...)
getting nailed in place by the dead hands of the chair shook me a lot less than before. Before, they had been an axe cleaving into my mind, now they were just dull knives chipping at it. It was… bearable, but still far from irrelevant.
Vect smiled at me, and he took his time. Clad only in a silken cloth that covered his lower body from his hips to his ankles, he paced into the room and made his way to the table, where he took a sip from his cup. Now I noticed that he drank the aged bloodwine I had sweetened for him yesterday. The irony hurt.
Licking the crimson liquid from his lips, his eyes found mine. "A fascinating fact about your inferior race," he pondered. "For all your weaknesses, you still manage to adapt to exceptionally stressful situations the fastest. I believe it has something to do with your short lifespans. To your demise, around here, it is why you make the most entertaining slaves." Vect sighed in a delighted manner and took another sip. "But then again… as you undoubtedly noticed, even amongst your pitiful, yet delicious kind, you stand out, in a lot of ways." He chuckled maliciously. "It is something I had found intriguing from the very beginning with you. That hearing about the things that could happen to you or happened to someone else was always worse for you than actually experiencing them. You see, I never dove into that, because I knew that you could not take it. However, now, you will have to take it." Vect's mocking grin uncovered his fangs.
There I had it. Never before had he admitted so openly that I was different from most of my kind. Surely, he had said it before, but this time I was sure that it was not some kind of twisted mockery, but a sincere statement. I wished he would go into detail, but the whole incident with Vyras showed me that this was an answer I probably would never get.
Casually, with the wineglass in hand, Vect strolled over to one of the cupboards right of me. I heard him rummaging around in one of them, then some noises I could not identify and afterwards, he moved back into my view. I could not turn my head to follow him because the dead hands of the chair nailed me mercilessly in place.
However, as he came back to me, my eyes widened. With him he brought a filled syringe, containing yet another clear fluid, whose effect I most likely would feel in a second.
I closed my eyes and whimpered as he injected the fluid into the veins of my right arm. Moving was impossible for me anyway and I knew that fighting would not help. What Vect had designed to happen to me, would happen. There was nothing in this cursed galaxy that would change that.
"Now, we wait a little bit until the psychotropioc drugs take effect," he said.
I stared at him in pure horror. Had I fallen that hard that I was not even worth proper torture? I had not forgotten his speech about how worthless psychotropic drugs were for that.
Vect apparently caught my meaning, chuckled and explained to me, as he cleaned the syringe, "Oh no, I was not talking about the serious kind, which makes you hallucinate vividly. Regardless of what you did, I would not subject you to this waste of torture. You have not fallen that far. This little thing here will simply make you more receptive to what I am going to do next. Its effect alone would not do much to you, it will still be my actions that will invoke the effect for you. It is merely a moderately psychedelic mixture."
I did not feel reassured at all.
Vect got up again, back out of my line of sight and came back to me with a piece of black, silken cloth. "I will blindfold you now. This makes it easier for your mind to perceive," he explained.
That was the last thing I wanted right now. I had avoided closing my eyes for a reason. I had already dreaded what I would see if I closed them even before I had the drug in my veins. This would just make it a lot worse.
However, hesitating with closing my eyes was not a good idea.
The chair let go of my hair and neck, but there was no time for me to flinch, as Vect caught me by my hair. He hissed into my right ear, "You can, of course, refuse to close your eyes, but getting blindfolded with open eyes is rather unpleasant and will result in severe infection."
Of course, I was not stupid and immediately closed my eyes as he now blindfolded me. At least, he spared me from tightening the blindfold to a hurtful degree. Nonetheless, as usual, I could see absolutely nothing.
As he was done, the dead hands of the chair grabbed me again. There was no way in hell for me to even flinch. Being deprived of my sense of sight made me acutely aware of my laboured breathing and heartbeat. I wondered how Vect did not mind it. The noises were bothering me, so they had to be incredibly loud for his much sharper senses.
Maybe it was just all part of the experience for him.
I could now only hear that my master was pacing around the room a bit, slowly, taking his time, probably giving the drugs in my system enough time to take effect. The silence was unpleasant for me, but I did not dare to speak. I had not forgotten that he wanted me to act only if he allowed it.
Light-headedness set in. Concentrating on the almost utter silence became impossible, as the noises of my body once more had a strange echo to them. I felt completely trapped within myself.
I winced so hard that the hands of the chair tightened their grip painfully around me, as Vect whispered into my ear, "Now, shall we begin?"
(...)
Here, 8 A4 pages are missing, describing the torture preferences of the Circle members. I can't possibly post it here, and it cripples the chapter and the characters. I highly recommend that you read this part over at AO3.
The real horror all this held for me was that it indicated Vect's tastes. I had the horrible feeling that if (and, unfortunately, most likely when) he killed me, this was how it would commence. I would not die in one long, drawn-out session, oh no. I would probably die a million times over until he decided that there was nothing he could reap from me anymore. And I feared before the end, I also would learn to fear and abhor Vlokarion too, for I was sure he would play a prime role in this particular demise.
Also, he had twisted my picture of the Circle profoundly with those horribly detailed descriptions. I would never look at them the same way. Serving them would be so much harder now.
But I had no choice but to deal with it.
"So, you see, Temira: it is best for you to be loyal to me, and me alone. There is nothing but horror and suffering for you out there. Be good - and I will keep you safe," the Overlord whispered into my ear.
The horrible truth was, I knew he was right.
I felt a slight sting in the crook of my right arm. Was this really it? I was not sure. It felt… too easy, even though the past hours had been more than I could take.
Nonetheless, I sighed in relief as he delivered the antidote into my veins. After he was done, the chair let go of me. I resisted the urge to curl up once more, afraid of what might come next. I was completely tense. I was sure that if I let go now that I would jump up and run away screaming, just to get away from him, yet dooming myself in the process.
I fought against wincing as Vect gently ran his fingers through my hair. I remembered that he had punished me the last time I had. "We are done, child. I take it you understand better now?"
I nodded, just not to dare him again. I was completely on my last shred of willpower. I could not comprehend right now.
Nonetheless, he did not seem to mind. "Good. Now, it is time for you to recover," the Overlord stated.
I let out a surprised and frightened noise as he shoved his arms under my shoulder blades and knee pits and lifted me effortlessly. I did not dare to struggle, and, in fact, I was too spent to do so.
Vect carried me into the bathroom. My tense muscles relaxed a bit as we entered because apparently the tub was filled and the air was delightfully warm and humid. Gently, he sat me down into the tub. The scent of lavender and cloves engulfed me. It certainly was a relaxing and calming mixture.
Tenderly, Vect once more stroked my hair and said to me softly, "Take your time. Relax. Drink some tea." Without further ado, he left.
I still sat frozen in the tub, staring at the door through which he had left. I was completely confused by now. First, he had been fierce for hours and had torn me apart. And now, he was so kind to me? I could no longer follow his whims.
No. It had to be another trap. Today, he had promised me relaxation once before, only to punish me if I dared to indulge in it.
The dire problem was that I needed the break. Another minute of tensing up and my muscles would give out.
I needed to focus.
Also, what tea?
I looked around and indeed saw a small tablet behind me, on which a teapot and cup sat. It smelt of ginger and vanilla.
I was very acutely aware of the fact that it could be poisoned, even though I knew this particular blend. However, refusing it could offend the Overlord, hence, I really had no choice but to drink it. Therefore, I poured myself a cup and found that the tea had the perfect drinking temperature. I reminisced about the last time I had drunk this particular beverage. It had been at the very beginning of my journey to Commorragh. I had shared a cup with Chu'uk, after he had gotten me out of the icy torture chamber. At least, back then it had not been poisonous for me.
I dared to hope a little, even though I still felt like I had been frozen on the inside.
And, once more, the bath, the warmth and the taste of the tea helped me to get a bit more back on track with myself. I slipped out of the last remains of my clothes and put them out of the tub. Since they were not bathing clothes, they were unpleasant.
Then I focused heavily on my breathing, making sure I breathed out longer than in, calming myself. I needed to build up some kind of resistance, composure, anything, in case this was another trap. Without regaining some of my willpower, I was not sure whether I would be able to take it if he violated me once more today.
Therefore, for a while, I dared to indulge myself, lay there, eyes open, slowly letting go of what had happened to me. As I did, and slowly processed it all, I got painfully aware of the fact that I actually understood what he had meant, and not just nodded back there to appease him. I had severely disrespected him by thinking I could get to know something I should not know, and even though I felt sick admitting it, somewhere deep down I knew he had been right. I had stepped way beyond any line and actually, I was lucky that I had gotten away with what I did.
Nonetheless, it did not help with the notion that I would never look at him the same way again after what he had done today. It was the first time he had been that relentless; everything else he had done before was child's play. I just had peered a bit deeper into the abyss that was Vect's soul and I wished that I never had caught the look in the first place. There was no going back now.
I flinched massively as I heard a door opening. I immediately tensed up and stared at the main door, but was surprised to see that the secret one had opened and a human female slave came in, with a bottle in her hands. She said, "I was called here to massage you."
It seemed as if Vect was serious about getting me back on track.
Or was he?
His last ruse had been pretty good too.
No, I would not fall for it again!
"No. Go away!" I demanded, shaking my head.
"But, my lady, I have orders…" she tried to convince me.
Not this time. "I said, no!" I snarled and jumped to my feet, actually surprised at my strength. "I don't know what you're actually holding in that bottle and I have no desire to find out!"
"It is just a massage o…" she started, desperate.
"OUT!" I barked at her, cutting her off. Subliminally, my whole body had curled up to jump at her.
That hammered the message home. With a terrified expression on her face, she turned and left the same way she came.
She probably would get punished if she did not do as bidden.
I did not care. My hide was more important than hers.
Panting, I fell to my knees. And then, all of a sudden, I started to cry.
This strain, this fighting mode, had been the last straw. I could no longer hold the horror in. I had to let it out.
I did not know how long I knelt in the middle of the bathtub, shaking, sobbing, weeping, feeling sorry for myself. I hugged myself and tucked my head in, body convulsing with heavy sobs. It might have been minutes or hours. It did not matter.
It did not matter, because it did not really help.
But so it ever was in Commorragh.
I fought hard for my composure. Much, much harder than ever before. Clawing my eyes out felt like a good idea, just to escape my thoughts through physical pain. Was this what it felt like to lose my mind?
Refraining from maiming myself, I bit on my fist until it hurt and I tasted blood. It worked. I needed that. Either I started to reconnect with my emotions or I would completely drown them. The physical pain helped me to reconnect with myself.
Absent-mindedly, I watched as the shallow wounds closed themselves slowly again. Looking at it as it happened was so surreal. Probably for the first time ever, it truly hit me how much I had changed from whom and what I had been before I had come to Commorragh. And even though I knew it had been necessary, it still was a frightening notion. I had had this thought before, for sure, but never before had it been so clear to me how different I was. It seemed as if that mind-breaking torture Vect had subjected me to had opened something up in me and I was letting so much in, which I had barricaded out before.
How much was still left of me?
"Enough to survive," I whispered.
Yes, survival was the name of the game. And nothing more.
I winced as I heard the door that mattered open. Pulling myself together, I turned around and looked at the benevolently smiling Overlord, who now entered the bath.
"Temira, that was quite cold-hearted from you, dismissing that slave like that. You know she will get punished for failing, yes?" he said with a sinister smile, yet a mocking tone, which told me I was not in trouble.
I was acutely aware that he condescended to refer to her as 'she', not 'it'. Probably a test and attempt of him to make me feel guilty. It did not work, not anymore. "I was not sure whether she was really a treat or another curse. I decided my hide was more important than hers," I gave back calmly and coldly.
Slipping out of what little he wore, and stepping into the tub, Vect said, "I am almost proud, Temira. I was not sure whether you had it in you, finally choosing your well-being over those of others." He lowered himself into the water up to his shoulders, his ebon hair floating like a carpet of darkness around him. "However, I have to disappoint you - she was supposed to be a treat." Vect bared his fangs with his smile. "Nonetheless, this time, I cannot blame you for being careful."
All of a sudden, I realised why talking to him was so severely unsettling - apart from the obvious factors.
Vect never took his gaze off of somebody he was talking to.
Usually, when people talked to each other, time and again, their gaze would wander off, regardless of whether they were speaker or listener. It often happened when they had to collect their thoughts or were visualising something they were talking about.
But Vect, he never let his eyes wander when he talked to anybody. He was nailing them down with his gaze. He never even blinked. No wonder it was so unbelievably unsettling. Additionally, his stare was so intense that you also could not look away, adding to the discomfort you felt.
I had no idea why it hit me right now. Strangely, the realisation helped me with coping.
"Thank you, Overlord. I didn't mean any disrespect, but bumbling into another trap didn't seem like something that would please you," I gave back quietly, still not entirely sure what he was up to. Joviality in itself did not mean anything with him - it all could change in a second.
My master reached for my face, I stood it quietly. He gently cupped my chin in his hand and ran his thumb over my cheek. Then, he sighed, let go, came close to me, softly embraced me and kissed the top of my head, saying in a calm, soothing tone, "Wind down, child. I am done hurting you. I know, you have a hard time processing and believing it."
I could not help it - I was frozen in his embrace, eyes wide. Even though his speaking to me in this manner helped, as the deep vibrations of his chest against my head relaxed me, I still did not feel comforted by his touch.
No surprises here.
Of course, he noticed it. My master let go of me again, gently made me look at him by tilting my chin up with his index finger and said, "I see. I have been harsh with you. You need to understand."
There was little to understand, I thought. I had fucked up. He had punished me for it. End of story.
However, since denying him was not an option, I did not resist as he seated himself on the bench in the tub and me beside him, which surprised me. As he surely had felt that bodily contact with him currently held its own horrors and memories for me, I had rather expected that he would seat me in his lap.
Was he actually no longer out for that? Did he mean what he said?
I still was so unsure, it hurt.
I could not bear looking into his eyes and to my even greater surprise, he did not make me, even though he talked to me again, still in this calm and soothing tone, "I meant what I said. You need to understand. This session we just had was not solely about punishment. Of course, you had to be punished for what you did, you know that. I cannot let disobedience slip in any way, especially not from you. But there is more to it, which, of course, I could not expect you to see as long as I was working with you."
Working.
I knew that he was using this word on purpose. It seemed off as I heard it, but I quickly understood why he used it. He was working on me, that much was clear. The problem was, me realising it did not change a thing about it. Still, I was curious what he would say now.
Vect continued, "As you already know, just pain is not enough for good torture. It is about seeing which kind of pain is the worst for each individual. Also, sometimes it is not about pain. I once had a slave, who was extraordinarily resilient against pain. She was a challenge, really. Then, I found out that the most trivial feelings tormented her the worst. She could not stand the feeling of fabric against her teeth, the feeling of a knife cutting into her nails, and satin on dry, cracked skin and split nails. Those things boiled down to rather unique torture sessions. So, you see, child, being a good torturer requires more than just knowing how to inflict physical pain. What regenerates my kind is the pain of the psyche, not the physique."
I had no idea where he was going with this, but I was too scared to say anything right now. I had fucked up enough today.
But this was where things got drawn to a conclusion, "And this is why I had to do to you what I did. Why I had to be harsh with you and assault your mind. You needed to learn this lesson well and I knew that beating the living daylight out of you would not cut it. Therefore, I had to push against your mind, the part of you that has not been hardened in this way. You needed to get a taste of that." He sighed, leant down to me and gently kissed my hair. "That you are now so afraid of me shows me that I was right."
I winced as I felt his hand on my chin. I did not resist as he lifted it, now making me look into his obsidians again. "I hope you see we have something special here. You know that I usually do not care about a reason to enjoy myself with some plaything. But, by the same token, I hope you know by now that I would never hurt you without a reason, right? You will always be my good, little slave, Temira."
It almost seemed… apologetic.
Had I been wrong all along?
Naturally, he enjoyed my suffering. That was in his nature, that would never change. But… he was right. He never had hurt me out of spite, but always because I had deserved it. It was always I that had brought the pain down on myself. It never had been his wilful and wanton cruelty.
It was now clear to me that I had forced his hand. This was all my fault. He did not want to break me, that he had made clear.
Even though Vect had been horrible to me the past hours, I felt that he was now fair to me. After all, this nice relaxation was something he did not have to allow me. Although he had pried the breaking points of my mind open, he still allowed me to cope with it. He needed me to cope with it. He wanted me unbroken, even after all that I did to disappoint him.
In fact, I got his point. I was better off with him. He only hurt me to punish me, not out of pure spite or joy. I was in the best place I could be.
He deserved better than my disobedience.
I could no longer bear looking at him because I was so ashamed. Even though he had been harsh with me at times, he always looked out for me. Hell, he even had made sure that I knew how to defend myself. He had given me everything a master could give his slave without looking suspicious and how had I repaid him? By distrusting him and questioning his motives? It was not my place and it was wrong and I had to count myself lucky that he had forgiven this betrayal with just a few hours of correction.
Holding back the tears, as I knew how much he hated it when I cried, I said with a breaking voice, "I'm so sorry, master. I know what you're saying is true. You deserve better than how I have been. I will not fail you again." This time, I did not say it out of obedience, but because I meant it.
Now, I did not fight it any longer as he embraced me again. It felt good again. "I know that this has just been a short lapse of yours. I know you just have to find your place again, in your mind, you have been away a long time. I forgive you, after all, you are just a child."
I was relieved to hear that. "Thank you, master," I said, eyes closed, my head resting against his chest.
After that, he drew away again, smiled at me and said, "Now, go eat and then sleep. Soaking too long in hot water is damaging to your skin. You have had a straining day and in a while, both Inner and Outer Circle will reconvene and I want you to give your best performance."
"Of course, master. I'll be off," I said and did as he had bidden me immediately.
I still had a hard time wrapping my head around my tumbled emotions, as I finally laid down after some nourishment. My master had been so harsh with me, yet had resolved all of it so gently. He really was fair to me. I had to be better.
I would be better.
With this firm resolution, I relaxed and fell surprisingly quickly asleep.
A satisfied smile graced Vect's features as he came back into the main room of his quarters and found Temira fast asleep. Yes, this had worked out nicely. Cracking her mind open and then filling it with the notion that everything he had done to her was her fault had done precisely what he wanted. She was now bound even closer to him; blind obedience was now almost completely assured.
Maybe he would test it and further the notion with some wanton violence tomorrow. Show her how 'divided' she was from the rest of the slaves and how 'special' she was to him.
That she gobbled it up so nicely only showed him that all the work that had been put into her paid off. It was a long game, but the reward would be worth it.
Yes, and for that matter, she never had been in any real danger, not even in the Carnival. It was why he had made sure that she got combat training and enhancements, to make her able to stand her ground against other slaves attacking her and even evade some of his kin. It was only practical because having her under surveillance without her noticing was annoying and costly. Sending her to the Carnival had been the only way to do it without making others highly suspicious and shifting interest and attention unhealthily towards Temira. Keeping her safe had been challenging, but worth it.
Still, he had invested too much into her by now to have her sniped by some lowlife assassin. This was one of the reasons why he wanted to be linked with her, apart from the easy manipulation he could exert on her.
It was not that he did not have any backup for his plans, no, that would have been foolish, but Temira was the most promising specimen of them all. That was why he was spending his time with her himself and not some doppelgänger of his. Losing her would make things more complicated, and there was no need for that.
Nonetheless, he would use the notion to soften her up a bit more. Have that imbecile friend of yours tell her that everybody but her knew about the paid-off bounty hunter. Make her doubt her place again, only to reassure her again. It was an incredibly slow way to whittle mental defences down, but it worked and it would not break her.
Today had been the closest he had ever brought her to breaking, and he would make sure that it would not repeat anytime soon. This he had not lied about - breaking her was not what he wanted. If she snapped and lost her own will, she was unsuitable for his plans.
As to Vyras, placing him with Temira had also done precisely for him what he wanted. For one, it had given him an opportunity to subject Temira to mind-bending torture without having to step out of his role of the benevolent master. And for two, it had shown him far quicker what Pachu'a and Aurelia knew, than torturing the former. Fallen or not, Pachu'a had been one of his most decorated Archons for a long time, and breaking him was no easy task, not even for him.
So they had indeed come behind it in the first place. It sat well with him that Malys now knew precisely what was going on, but could do nothing to prevent it. It would finally drive her into this state of impuissance he wanted her in and make clear once and for all that she was just a diversion for him, never an actual threat.
What amused him even more was that they both thought that he was insane enough to destroy all of Commorragh to ascend, when indeed he had found another way to do it. It had been nice to play the Harlequins of the Veiled Path with that notion too, only to have them bring the far more efficient key to him, right out of the Black Library. Using their twisted sense of compassion and justice against them had always amused him. It was their downfall.
But enough about stroking his ego. There was work to be done.
Using the communicator at his wrist, he messaged to his doppelgänger, "Have the imbecile patched up, fed, bathed and sent here tomorrow after a long night's sleep. I need it strengthened and well-rested. It is time for it to play its supportive role for Temira."
After the confirmation of the order, he climbed into bed, without the girl even stirring in her slumber. It was no surprise, though. He had tried her today, she needed the rest direly. However, this would just make whispering into her mind even easier, since whilst sleeping, her subconscious mind opened up, perfect for prying even deeper into her mind. In the vulnerable state she was in, it was the perfect addition to the manipulation she already experienced.
A delicious, yet busy time was ahead for sure.
Only read the end note once you have read the chapter. Major spoilers ahead.
Well, well, WELL!
Temira never had that much willpower, but is constantly drugged to be calm. Who would have guessed? (I also could finally update that info in the note to chapter 1, that I ACTUALLY give a reason in chapter 25 for her calmness)
Lisbeth bears a shred of Temira in her. Already guessed that?
And Vect ascending... did you see it coming? ;)
Yes, this one is certainly the chapter with the most reveals.
Leave some words for me to be happy about, if you please. I am so looking forward to them!
Have a lovely day and stay safe!