Hey!

I haven't finished a new chapter for this fic for a while. I still have a few ready, but I just wanted to warn ya. Dunno if it's because of the new episodes that are disturbing me with all the new info, but maybe I'll stop updating regularly if this goes on for too long. We'll see!

Contant Warning: Mention of vomiting and nausea. Lack of food and sleep. Graphic depiction of sexual assault (starts with #/ and ends with /#, if you want to skip it).

Chapter 20 – Caution

Stolas was falling apart.

He knew it. He could feel it. He spent the whole night awake, not daring to move so as not to disturb Blitz, but he couldn't sleep.

He knew tonight has been a mistake. He was going to regret it soon enough, maybe tomorrow, after Via left. What was done was done, but he couldn't help but worry about it.

If only it was only that. If only he would be the only one to pay for tonight's weakness. He would be more at ease, but even if he didn't think Stella would kill Blitz for that, and therefore end her only way to make him comply, he couldn't ignore the possibility either. He hadn't wanted to ruin the evening, since everyone seemed so enthusiastic about it, but maybe he should have.

He didn't know.

It was pointless to wonder if he had made the right choice now anyway, but he would rather think about that than of all the rest. How he still didn't have any plan to deal with his ex wife, because killing her goons would only stop her for a moment, and end up being too dangerous for Blitz to keep everything a secret.

What was it that he needed to consider, too? Oh yeah, what to say when Blitz would ask when to do their next self-defense lesson. He couldn't ask him for help for his injuries either.

The owl curled up more, hugging himself more tightly, trying to force his breathing to remain calm and even, his gaze fixed on what he could glimpse from outside behind the closed balcony doors. But it wasn't enough anymore to distract him from the knowledge of what happened on this very bed a few hours ago.

If it wasn't for Blitz, Stolas wouldn't have set foot here the whole night. He knew Loona wanted him to talk to the imp, but he couldn't bring himself to. He feared his reaction so much. Loona seemed concerned, but what if Blitz wasn't? What if him, too, realized Stolas was ugly, lanky, filthy, pathetic…

His breathing was getting louder. Stolas closed his four eyes, and tried to focus to keep his emotions in check. The last thing he wanted was to wake the imp next to him.

Blitz wasn't touching him tonight. Did he somehow know how filthy Stolas was, Stolas felt? Or did he notice he was more distant today, and wanted to give him space?

The prince didn't know which option was better. He didn't know if he wanted Blitz to comfort him, touch him, or on the contrary stay away. For that, he would need to talk, but…

No.

Stolas couldn't be sure if it would successfully drive Blitz away. If it didn't, then maybe the imp would be even more dead set on doing something about it, and that was the opposite of what Stolas should do.

He didn't know what to do. He felt lost. He shouldn't be. He should be better to protect everyone, but tonight, he wasn't able to, and…

Tears were starting to pool in his eyes, and he tried to prevent them from falling. Blitz couldn't see him, turned that way, but still, he wasn't alone. He couldn't let go. Because if he started to break, who knows what would follow.

He couldn't. As much as he wished for someone, anyone's help, he couldn't.

It has been this way his entire life, it should be fine. But Blitz had offered to help. Whatever his motives were, he has been there to support him, and he couldn't even let himself have that. It was what made it hurt even more.

Suddenly, it was like a week ago all over. Dark thoughts that swarmed and grew, and trying to process them was doing nothing to suppress them, or just keep them at bay.

Should he get up? But he feared Blitz would notice, so he decided against it. Better do everything he could to appear normal until everyone left. He had failed enough during the evening, there was no need to make matters worse.

It was a very, very long night. As soon as the hellsun was out, he got up, not being able to stay here anymore.

It allowed him to wash and dress alone, then he was back to his study, leaving a note for Blitz to tell him where he was so the imp wouldn't worry. He did say he needed to work, so it shouldn't be weird, at least he hoped.

The morning went by in a blur. Octavia was the first person he said hello to, and she brought him to meet the others. He said he took his breakfast when everyone was asleep, and he was pretty sure the face of the three people around him showed skepticism at this affirmation, but at least no one made a comment in front of everyone.

It's only when they were making their way to the entrance that Blitz managed to have a word with him in the somewhat privacy of being a bit behind the girls, who were talking animatedly.

"Even with the make up, you look like shit. You sure you slept at all this night?"

"Do not worry dear, I simply had to get up early to catch up on my work."

"Really? I don't remember hearing an alarm. Did you truly eat this morning too?"

"Are you doubting me?"

"Yeah."

The honesty took Stolas by surprise. He only drank tea this morning, and he knew it couldn't count as a proper breakfast, but he couldn't tell the truth either, even if he didn't like having to lie. He couldn't always avoid the questions with well expressed answers.

"Don't worry, it was light, but enough for me. Why do you ask?"

"Because you didn't eat yesterday night, only the snacks I brought you. What's the matter?"

Stolas didn't try to deny it, but did try to hide his unease at the question. At least the imp hadn't noticed the vomiting.

"Nothing, I'm just not very hungry these days, for… Reasons you can probably guess."

"Yeah, I get it, but still, you need to eat more than that to recover. I don't think Goetias are different from other hellborns in that regard, aren't they?"

"Probably not, but again, don't worry, I'm fine."

He wasn't, Blitz was so sure of it. He was acting all composed, calm and distant again, and the assassin knew it wasn't a good sign.

"You don't look fine, and Loona says you don't smell fine either, and I'm not just talking about… You know", Blitz had the presence of mind not to mention the injuries out loud with Via close by, even if she didn't seem to be paying attention to them.

"Well, I can't say the whole situation isn't a bit stressful, but that is to be expected! Do not worry, we'll stay in touch, but today, as I said, I only have research to do, once Via leaves, I'll be fine! I'll take it easy even after her departure, don't worry."

Blitz wasn't convinced, but he also felt like pressing it wouldn't help. Maybe he should have suggested Loona that they leave with Via, so he had more time to discuss with the owl, but they had plans, and he didn't want to stress Stolas out. He did say yesterday night that he needed to prepare things for next week. He hadn't asked what exactly, but probably the prince wouldn't be too keen to be kept away from his work for much longer, since Blitz took him away from it yesterday night already.

"Okay… Remember, text me if… You know, you need help with anything!"

Via was glancing toward them, so Blitz had to be very careful with his wording. Stolas probably knew what he meant anyway. The owl nodded.

"I know, thank you."

It didn't take much more discussion before Blitz and Loona were gone.

Via hesitated. From what she heard, Blitz was already trying to get her father to tell him what was troubling him, so she probably shouldn't ask the same, she knew he was more likely to confide to Blitz than to her. Still, she promised herself that she would send more messages, and maybe call more often too, before she bid Stolas goodbye to return to her mother's place.

Just like that, everyone was gone, and the palace was empty and lonely again. Stolas sighed, and reminded himself that Stella probably wouldn't come right away after Via's return. It was his chance to get some things done while he still could, so he did exactly that.

Leaving his phone in space, he portaled to Blitz's and his employees' home, after checking that they weren't there, to cast the protection spells. He even managed to cast them on IMP's van too. He checked some other things, but for some reason, his mind wouldn't come up with a good plan to keep Stella away, and it frustrated him.

Again, he was supposed to be smart. But… When was the last time he slept normally for two nights straight? The answer was simple: before Stella came to torment him. He was surprised he was able to function so well in his current state. He knew not eating enough for as much time wasn't helping either, and even if he did eat a bit this week, he hadn't been able to keep anything solid down since yesterday, and it was… Concerning.

Still, the simple idea of even a light lunch was enough to bring nausea, and the more he thought about it, considering it, the stronger it got, to the point where he gave up even before stepping into the kitchen. It was so strong, even if he somehow managed to swallow anything – which he doubted – he knew he'd just throw up immediately after.

Finally, he retrieved his phone, took care of his plants, and settled in his office to learn more about Goetia anatomy. The books on imps and hellhounds would wait, for he had wounds himself he needed to focus on first. Said wounds from the blessed blade were still painful, and it was obvious the healing spell wasn't as effective on them, even when he was making sure he was doing everything to the best of his abilities to maximize its effect.

Well, surely moving around to pretend he wasn't hurt wasn't helping either, but he had truly tried to be careful and not make things worse. He didn't think he had done a poor job at it, even if sadly he couldn't say the same for concealing everything that was wrong with him.

But really, even when he was healthy, was he really someone others deemed as normal? He didn't remember it ever being the case.

At least, everything was disappearing when he was reading, his worries, anxious thoughts… If he could concentrate, that is, but he was usually good at this. It has been one of his greatest refuges for years, even if it was mostly to counter the loneliness at first. So he read.

Until someone opened the door to his study, and for some reason, Stolas tensed even before looking up, already knowing it wasn't a servant entering just with the way the door was opened.

"Already up and busy this time, eh? Don't dawdle then, she's waiting!"

Stolas gripped the corner of the book he was reading, and forced himself to relax as he closed it to stand up and follow the hellhound, once again the chihuahua like.

He wasn't ready for this. He wasn't, but he also knew he didn't have a choice. Once they left, if he wasn't in a too bad shape, maybe he'd be able to start thinking of a plan again, it was wiser to do so after their daily visit, and he was really hoping she would never start coming twice in the day.

His leg still hurt, but he was able to walk without giving anything away. The chihuahua was small compared to him, so even if he was walking fast, Stolas could easily follow at a slower pace. At least there was silence and no more taunting for now, but the owl knew it wouldn't last. The more time passed, the more Stella's goons became talkative, some more than others. The chihuahua was definitely the worst in that regard.

They took confidence too. This time he was behind, like if he was trusted to follow without making a fuss. Stolas was frustrated to admit he was doing exactly that, because they both knew what would happen if he didn't. The hound was sometimes turning an ear behind, probably to make sure he was still there, but that was all.

Then he entered the bedroom, and he remembered why he wasn't ready to face them again, as Stella greeted him with a peculiar gleam in her eyes, that he recognized, and already didn't like.

Lock. Phone. Cuffs.

He was almost surprised she wasn't asking him to stay still and compliant without the cuffs. Maybe she basked in letting him know he was defenseless, against them, and to save Blitz if he ever made any mistake. But it was still truly helping to ground him, so he couldn't even completely be against the idea. It was also still better than the ropes Striker had used.

It didn't even take a minute before Stella was laying comfortably on the couch without a care in the world, looking him down with a grin as he was forced to kneel in front of her after being patted down to make sure he didn't have any weapon on him.

"It seems like you are starting to miss me dearly, for you to make sure I need to visit you everyday like that. I couldn't even properly welcome back my own daughter!"

Stolas tensed, guessing what she was referring to, but otherwise still trying to keep a neutral face.

"You're not saying anything? Come on, an apology is always welcome, you know! Or maybe you were hoping that I didn't notice? But you are so wrong, my poor thing! I was made aware your impish fuck toy stayed again last night. Are you so weak that you now need him to sleep like a child with his fucking cuddly toy? Hm? I'm waiting!"

Stolas forced the tension away from his shoulders, it wasn't doing his still healing injury any good, before slowly articulating:

"I am sorry Stella, I will make sure it does not happen again."

"While I am delighted to hear that, that's not what I was fucking asking! Why was he there, along with his own trash?"

The temptation to answer 'why do you care' was strong in front of such disrespect for the assassin and what was probably Stella's way to refer to Blitz's daughter, but even with all the lack of sleep and food in the world, it didn't take a genius to know it was the wrong answer.

"Via wanted to spend time with Loona, I didn't…"

"You could have still sent the imp away! Unless you were too weak for that too? Not that I'm surprised, really, but I thought you wanted to keep him alive? So, any good reason as to why he was still there?"

Stolas allowed himself a few seconds before slowly shaking his head in defeat.

"I apologize, I simply did not want to spoil the evening for Via and her friend, and tossing Blitz out would…"

"Of course you'd use her to explain your poor choices!" The swan cut him again. "You are lucky, as long as you don't speak about our little meetings, I decided I don't care all that much if he stays around or not. But! It will still have consequences, but you will be the only one to suffer them… Unless you start feeling a bit too comfortable. So, how about that? It is perfect for you now, isn't it?"

She was smiling mischievously at him, and he met her gaze, suddenly remembering that it was better for him not to look too determined, so he tried not to look back too hard.

"Thank you, that is very generous of you", he answered in a soft and honest voice that surprised even himself.

Stella wasn't expecting that either, from the look on her face, but she was quick to laugh it off.

"Perfect, absolutely perfect! Since everyone's happy with this, let's proceed! We went maybe a bit too easy since you still had company, let's start enjoying ourselves a bit more freely now, shall we? But first, I think I have the perfect way to punish you for your disgusting choice of bed partner."

Her tone had dropped again to something almost teasing as she exchanged a look with the shar pei, who took a few steps forward to kick Stolas on the ground. #/

The owl recognized the hit for what it was: a way to make him lay down more than to truly hurt him, so he complied. He stayed put while the hound knelt next to his midsection, only to freeze in panic when he felt hands undo his pants.

No. No no no. He hadn't wanted to think about it, especially since they didn't go for the bed this time, but he definitely didn't want a redo from yesterday.

"What are you panicking for? If you didn't want this, you should have just sent your plaything away." Stella snickered.

But the hound barely lowered his pants, only enough to slip his hand under the fabric to reach between Stolas' legs, until claws brushed against his entrance.

"Don't squirm", the hound touching him warned when he noticed how much the prince was struggling to stay still. "No worries, it won't be like yesterday. You should be grateful even, all I'm asking you is to cum on my fingers."

The owl blinked at him, taken aback. He didn't even need to voice the 'what' that was so obvious on his features. The shar pei smirked in response.

"You heard me. We're giving you pleasure today, like your toy. It's our small way to repay you for all the pleasure you gave us last time. After all, how rude of us, you didn't even orgasm once!"

All the while, he had started to enter the bird's cloaca with his fingers, directly starting with two, using his free hand to push his legs slightly apart to counter Stolas' instinct to press them together to prevent the intrusion.

"Come on, why so tense? It's a gift before we start getting serious, enjoy it!"

But Stolas could see Stella's big grin without needing to turn his head. The chihuahua was snickering wildly too, and even the watchdog had a slight smile on his face. They all knew that, even if they weren't aiming to hurt this time, it still wasn't about his pleasure at all.

It was about humiliation.

He knew the feeling all too well, but this? This was indeed very different from what they previously did to him while he was naked. It was also awfully closer to when him and Stella had to procreate. The most horrible part was probably that, since it wasn't as painful, he was aware of everyone watching him, gazing at his expressions, breathing, even the involuntary twitches of his traitorous body, first out of discomfort, then his cheeks started to redden out of shame as pleasure started to build, as the shar pei's intent gaze and touch adjusted to his reactions, guessing what was working and what was not.

The other worst part was that Stolas wasn't even actively fighting down the build up. He knew it wouldn't stop until the hound got what he wanted, there was no point in fighting it. Hell, he had to do the same with Stella, he wasn't even a stranger to the concept.

But still… It was bringing back so many things, and creating new ones, and he couldn't even afford to close his eyes or avoid their faces, for when he tried, claws started ripping inside him and a barked order brought his focus back. He knew he wouldn't get another chance, so he watched, taking advantage of his invisible pupils to watch the ground instead of the hand invading his pants.

It took embarrassingly long, but finally, his walls clenched on the three fingers inside him and he came with a gasp, despite his efforts to reduce his reactions. The shar pei smiled and removed his hand, before pulling on Stolas' head feathers to yank his head up, using his surprised yelp to force the slick and cum covered claws inside his mouth.

"Now, lick them clean."

Stolas did as he was asked, mind already blank to avoid the shame and humiliation, and he was pulled up in a siting position again after the hound put his pants back in place. That almost made him hope that part was over, and they would resume their usual treatment now.

He was wrong.

The hold on his head feathers resumed, until there was a dick before his beak, and he was ordered around again.

"Open your mouth. You're gonna take it, I'm gonna release you, and you're gonna suck me until I cum. Then you'll clean me up, and only when I tell you, you'll be able to pull out, understood?"

Stolas slightly nodded, careful of his beak, and started obeying when he was given the signal. He didn't even know whose cock he was sucking off, probably the chihuahua's, but it didn't matter.

Then, it was the shar pei again, who wouldn't let go of his head, but was making him do part of the work too.

It ended with the watchdog, who fucked Stolas' face relentlessly, not giving a care in the world if the owl was almost choking on his cock. Not having a gag reflex was convenient, but yet it didn't make the situation comfortable in any way as the Goetia was close to passing out when the hound finally stopped to fill his mouth his semen instead of his dick.

Stolas struggled to swallow enough, licking the cock clean in the process, before the watchdog was satisfied enough to pull out, leaving the owl slumped, coughing and panting.

"Great, everyone had his orgasm like this, isn't it sweet? Now, let's start my own fun", Stella announced enthusiastically.

/# Stolas didn't have time to recover that a feet pinned him to the ground, pressing on his injured shoulder, and he let out a strangled scream, his abused throat unable to form clear sounds any more.

Then, the usual pain started, and the Goetia only faded further away in the shelter of his own mind.

26/06/2024

I already warned you and I'm warning you again, things will take yet again some time before it gets better, but we're getting here, slowly but surely!

Until then, take care and see you next week ;)