Kapitel 21: Chapter Eleven - Back to the Start (Part 1)
It was the night of the official Cronoan ball and there she stood, glancing at her reflection in the mirror that not long ago reflected her unsullied innocence. Wrapped in a bold dress of lace and tulle, the low neckline revealed her ample bosom and the elegant arch of her shoulders, sweeping down to the tip of her heeled slippers. Unlike the traditional hooped dresses she often wore, this was made to fit her curves like a glove. With each twist and turn, the fabric whispered against her skin like a lover's touch, and strangely, it made her feel...restless.
The mature woman staring back at her screamed of sin and seduction, like someone who knew the secrets of a man's touch, his kiss, and the delicious heat of his body inside her. Her flush deepened, matching her scarlet gown that gradually faded into white at the hem, sewn in with hundreds of blooming red magnolias. It was a striking gown, and all eyes would be upon her tonight.
The dressmaker whispered that the flowers were the emperor's idea, and her silly heart skipped a beat, while heat rushed between her legs.
Had Zagan been thinking about her?
Her thrill was short-lived when a fine, bejeweled tiara was weaved into the crown of her loose, raven curls.
She looked every inch the royal concubine — a princess, fallen from grace. Resentment overwhelmed joy at the reminder of her fate. It infuriated her how helpless she was to deny the attraction as much as she secretly yearned for Zagan's attention. He had done nothing but hurt and humiliate her. There was no logical explanation for her diabolical feelings.
Bennu painted a finishing touch of crushed crimson upon her lips, taking a step back to admire her handiwork. "You look incredibly beautiful. If I were a man, I would make off with you into the night."
Akila giggled at the ridiculous picture those words painted. "If only that were true, for you would make a much better companion than the officials I have to face tonight." She sobered promptly; her lips tightened with determination. "These men used to serve alongside my father and when they realize the state of disgrace I have fallen into, it would be hard not to feel ashamed. How do I face them — these people who have watched me grown from a child into a traitor of my own country?" She stopped short, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. "Forgive me. It's not my intention to put you in a difficult position. I know you're loyal to Zagan."
Bennu touched her arm, offering comfort. "You have every right to feel the way you do. I don't know what I would have done had our positions been reversed. I admit you're brave for a human. Despite the way I have treated you, not once did you fear or retaliate against me. If there is one lesson I have learned in this life, it's that all living beings are greedy and eventually, they will hurt the ones they care for." Her features softened. "This is our reality."
Akila's answering smile was tinged with sadness. "Thank you, Bennu. I hope I can be as brave as you believe me to be. I'm aware that Zagan's using me for his political gain but at the same time, the royal blood in my veins tells me that I must uphold my dignity." She palmed her beating heart, adopting a pensive look. "It's hard to forget what's important here."
"Then do what you feel is right," Bennu encouraged soundly, her chin lifted. "I may be a maid but I'm not a fool. If something goes against my principles, then I won't stand for it and I know you will do the same. Being human or demon doesn't matter. After what you've done for me, I admit I was too stubborn and prejudiced." She appeared briefly chagrined. "But that's all in the past and I have learned from my mistakes."
Bennu turned her mistress to face the mirror. "Take my advice. I've enough experience to assure you that a woman's best weapons are her beauty and confidence." She gestured at Akila's reflected twin. "What you see here is what everyone will see tonight — a survivor. Demons scent weakness like a bleeding prey. If you were truly weak, Zagan would have killed you the day he met you, regardless, because he despises weaklings." Her voice lowered insidiously, and her fingers marked Akila's flesh. "You have power. More than you know. The only question is — how will you wield it?"
Akila visibly shuddered. "Have you always been this charismatic?"
"Tricks of the trade," the demoness winked at the same time Zagan casually strode in.
Akila sucked in her breath, hoping he hadn't overheard their conversation. As usual, he wore an impassive mask, making it difficult to read his thoughts. She silently pleaded for Bennu to stay but, the demoness threw her a saucy wink as she shut the doors behind her.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded. "I thought we would meet below stairs." Butterflies brushed against her stomach as he erased the distance, the scent of shaving soap and bergamot engulfing her. How she wanted to bury her nose into his chest and breathe him in. Realizing she was staring; she quickly lowered her gaze to the carpet. Even that failed to drown out his presence. Everything in her was attuned to him, and she was painfully aware of his glorious body behind her.
Reaching around with an arm, mimicking a half embrace, Zagan presented her with a square velvet box. "I have a gift for you." The words rumbled off his chest.
Her head lifted and their eyes met and held in the mirror. "A gift?" Anxiety banished in the face of breathless excitement. She loved receiving gifts. "What is it?"
"Open it. I had it made for you." Imperceptible excitement bled from his tone. "I know how fond you are of jewels." After all, he had witnessed her delight over her father's gifts during her engagement night.
"How did you know?" She lifted the lid to reveal a twin set of necklaces dripping with rubies and a matching pair of teardrop earrings. "Oh my! These are beautiful!"
Something inside him loosened at her genuine excitement, the feeling of dread he didn't know he harbored melted away. "Allow me to put it on for you." Carefully, he draped the choker like jewelry around her bare neck, the twinkling gems nestling deep into the valley of her cleavage. For a short while, he struggled with the dainty clasp, having never done this before but, he was pleased to see she adored his gift.
Akila couldn't stop smiling, her eyes lingering on the necklace before lifting to study the male responsible for it. Tonight, Zagan resembled the gentleman she first encountered. He looked devilishly handsome decked out in a matching suit of crimson red shot through with fine golden threads and fitting trousers that flaunted muscular thighs. His hair was tamed and slicked back, drawing attention to prominent cheekbones that appeared more gaunt than usual. The longer she stared, the more she realized he had lost weight.
An involuntary frown worked its way between her brows. "Are you feeling alright?"
His hands stopped, his eyes clashing with hers in the mirror. Even though she didn't outright say it, he knew what she referred to and he didn't wish to talk about his eating habit or lack thereof. "I'm perfectly fine."
He was lying.
She wanted to ask why he wasn't eating right — or what he was hiding from her — but wisely held her tongue at the brooding line of his mouth. Abruptly snatching the earrings, she murmured, "I'll wear these myself."
While she busied, Zagan allowed himself to admire her, knowing he had made the right choice with the dress. Akila looked even more glorious than the last time at her engagement ball. Where once there was purity, now was layered with sophisticated sensuality. She was so beautiful, it almost hurt to look at her, and yet he was tempted to dirty her up — to devour her. She was like an angel whom he yearned to seduce and trap within his darkness. It appealed to his senses, and he liked the tell-tale flush over her cheekbones, noticing how she shifted everytime the fabric brushed against her skin. He bit back a chuckle. No doubt, his little lamb was aroused.
And then it hit him.
What he had dismissed as basic hunger was an electrifying attraction that superseded his rigorous control. Even now, his fingers itched to touch her, to trace her warm skin and slide his tongue along her pulse. To taste her rich, velvety blood. He bit back a shuddering groan of desire.
Unaware of his inner battle, Akila turned and rose on tiptoe to plant a heartfelt kiss on his cheek, startling him. "Thank you," she said shyly. "For the gift and this dress. I know the magnolias were your idea."
Zagan felt her gentle kiss like a brand on his skin, the leash of his control stretched thin. His hungering eyes dropped to her dewy red lips, knowing he would die if he didn't have a taste. "If you truly wish to show your appreciation then you'll have to do it right."
Akila's breath hitched at the sensual growl of his voice, coupled with the fierce hunger in his dilated pupils. So dark, she could barely see the whites. "W-What do you mean?"
His coat lapels brushed her breasts as he bent closer. "I want you to kiss me."
Her gaze widened before dropping to his mouth, her heart thundering loudly and she wondered if he could hear her excitement? Fear? Trepidation? Perhaps it was everything. Unknowingly, her tongue darted out to wet her lips and his answering growl sent a bolt of lust straight to her core. It was only a kiss. They had done much more, and Zagan had already seen and worshipped every inch of her body.
Bracing her palms on his hard chest, she leaned up and pressed her lips to his. Her kiss was hesitant, untutored, and searching but, it was enough to break Zagan. One moment she was straining on tiptoes and the next her body was hauled into his, her legs lifting off the ground and her mouth devoured by the beast. The hard pressure of his lips forced hers open and his tongue swept in to taste her, barely allowing her space to breathe.
Akila's fingers sunk into his hair, clutching tightly as their kiss escalated to a heated frenzy. Moans filled the air, and she couldn't tell whose they belonged to. All she could think was — it wasn't enough. She wanted, no needed more.
Zagan's hand imprisoned her head as his mouth slanted deeper over hers, curling his tongue around hers before retreating for her to chase him. His other hand cupped her derriere, squeezing hard and she wiggled impatiently, feeling the hardening length of his arousal against her stomach. She whimpered when his fang nicked her flesh and he latched onto the tiny bead of her essence, sucking so hard, a frisson of fear penetrated the haze of passion.
"Zagan! Wait!" Her words smothered between kisses. "Stop!"
He was beyond listening and she panicked when his arms tightened with bone crushing intensity. She shoved against him, twisting her head away only for him to shift his attention down her neck, sucking on a patch of skin just above her jiggling cleavage. Before he could slip her bodice to reveal her aching nipples, Akila pulled her hand back and slapped him hard.
SMACK! The sound echoed violently in the quiet chamber.
She froze when he did, his head snapped to one side. Fear slithered around her chest when his jaw clenched, a stark imprint of her hand marked his cheek. "I'm sorry!" she blurted, torn between terror, and wanting to soothe his pain. "You seemed so out of control I was...afraid."
A heartbeat. Then two.
Zagan's closed his eyes tightly, counting to ten as he reeled in his beast. He HAD been out of control. Certain that he was calmed down, he gently lowered Akila's feet to the ground, his arms still encircling her. "Forgive me, that was...my fault. I lost control of myself."
Taken aback by his apology, it took her awhile to find her tongue. "Why did you lose control?" Her brows narrowed. "Were you lying about being fine? Because it's plain as day that you're starving."
"It's none of your business," he said, annoyance replacing the passion.
She folded her arms, scowling defensively. "The way you reacted to my blood says otherwise. You need to feed. Now."
Zagan retreated, forcing some distance between their bodies. He didn't trust himself not to pounce on her in his volatile state. "I'll feed later."
Akila refused to be dismissed, ignoring her instincts to tread carefully. "No, you need to feed now." She trustingly offered her wrist. "Take my blood."
Zagan pounced on her so swiftly, she instinctively back-pedaled until he cornered her into a wall. His protruding fangs crowded her vision. "If I drink from you now, it's only going to worsen my hunger," he sneered ferociously. "My beast won't be satisfied until I've drained your veins dry and fucked that tight little hole of yours until you're begging me to stop. I'll have you flat on your back, with your legs over your ears and me pounding away with my name on your lips and my seed overflowing inside you. Even then, I won't stop because that's how much I crave you and I'll fuck you so hard that you'll beg me to stop, but I won't. I'll fuck you to death, little lamb. Your pussy will master the shape of my cock and if you're fortunate to be alive, you'll feel me inside you for days." Despite the lusty nature of his words, his tone drenched with scorn. "Knowing all this, are you still willing to offer me your blood?"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein