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Claws on my Heart Ch 9

We had been running in the middle of the night with the moon shining down on us, it only took a few short hours instead of half a day to make the journey. I was loving this new body of mine more with each passing minute. We're coming up on what appears to be the remains of a mining town. It looked rather empty, probably abandoned after the glass was mined dry of mithril. I sniffed the air, there were still a few people left here and the smell of blood was absent. As we approach the first building Killian slows to a comfortable walk, he doesn't seem tired or winded just breathing a bit hard.

“That's pretty amazing stamina you have Killian, sorry for slowing you down so much in the past."

He pats my back “It was fine, I enjoyed getting to see the countryside rather than run past everything for once. We have reason to be quick now. Let's take a break, tell me more of this demon we hunt. We can chat with the locals later, at least I don't smell blood here."

We find a rather run down looking shack it was definitely abandoned as we head inside, wiping the dust off a table and chairs with a rag that was lying around. The old wood creaks something fierce in protest to our weight as we sit down. The early morning sun starting to illuminate our surroundings. “I have something to admit, I no longer need sleep or food. You can rest easy while I keep watch and have my rations should you become hungry."

He looks at me funny “Are you sure?"

I nod “I can force myself to sleep, but eating is more of an enjoyable option now rather than a necessity. For some reason I still need water though."

He grumbles “This … this will take getting used to. You are certainly more resilient now Daniel."

Indeed I am, but time to move onto other topics. “The one we hunt is not mortal, he is far stronger than both of us combined. He knows that we are coming, and he will be ready. The last time only his body died, but his soul lived on. If we cannot destroy his soul with your spear, then I will have no choice but to … consume him."

“What exactly can he do and what do you mean by consume?"

I think for a moment, he has lived a long time “While I have an affinity for fire, he has an affinity for ice. This is why he loves the north so much, he loves the cold. He has more tricks up his sleeve than I can count. He has lived far longer than either of us, mastering every weapon, art, craft. It is dizzying, he was an arrogant fool last time and just let the spear pierce him believing he was immortal. This time I fear, the battle will be bloody and long. If we cannot kill him, then I must contain him again, within me."

Killian just grumbles “That is not very helpful, how are we supposed to go after him when he knows we are coming and has innumerable ways to kill us? The last thing I want is for that demon to be inside you again, the thought of it makes me sick."

I snap my fingers and produce a little flame in my palm “Well, you have me. Neither me nor him know the limits to what I can do with the power he gave me. He may have far more raw power than I do right now, but something just tells me that I can win. It is instinctual, I look at him and know."

Killian lets out a little sigh “Okay, I trust you. So far from what I have seen I believe in you. Do you have any sort of plan as to how we should go about this?"

I ponder for a minute, the plan was to consume him. I want the power he has, a strength cultivated over hundreds of years after consuming innumerable souls. I saw how he did it, the same could be done to us. I just needed him weakened enough to sink my teeth into him and take a bite. Killian would never approve of this, but I would do this for him he will understand one day. “We will have to make it up as we go, there is no telling what we are walking into."

This is not the answer he was looking for, but this was new territory we were in. “I do not like this, let us ask around see if he came through here."

We get up and walk out of the run down shack, there were only a couple of brown wolves moving about tending to their crops and livestock. The locals were not very chatty, when questioned about a white wolf with eyes like mine everyone looks at me with fear as they point to the west. Saying how a red eyed white wolf was spotted in the next town over heading toward the capital. There isn't much point sticking around so we leave heading in that direction. I can't help but stare at Killian's ass as he leads me off into the distance. We end up taking a break to eat and drink at a stream we happen to find.

“How much farther is the capital from here? Must be a large place if Brinn was so developed."

“I have no doubt every city has grown, the capital is still a week away heading west at this rate, I do not like where this is going. You will experience how wolves like us are treated there and for that I am sorry."

“I have a feeling that's on purpose, he wants us to suffer. Do not worry about me, my greatest fear is what might happen to you. This demon loves pain, both receiving and giving. The best way to hurt me, is to hurt you."

“Daniel, I will not let you face this threat alone. Need I remind you that I am not easily beaten. I will leave the demon to you let me handle the rest."

“When the time comes, make sure you live Killian. Life without you would be unbearable."

He acknowledges my request and we move on having finished our break. We run until the next town comes into view, but we can smell it before we see it. This makes Killian run faster, the sweet smell of blood in the air assaulting our noses. The carnage that we found there was only about a day old. All of the buildings were intact as flies buzzed around feasting on the scene. Draegor had painted the town red, dried blood paved the road leading to the capital, this was an invitation. In the town center there was a male black wolf strung up by his ankles. The head was missing and his mangled body was badly broken, limbs pointing in directions they shouldn't be. Various other corpses were strewn about in not much better condition than the black wolf but there was one major difference. All of the other bodies had white fur. We take a look around but there is nowhere to hide from this mess even inside the buildings the furniture was bloody. We opt to walk out of town down the road toward the capital, Killian was crestfallen.

“Killian wait, let me put those souls behind us to rest. They died in great pain I wish to ease their suffering. Let me burn that place to the ground, it will be their funeral. This is the least I can do."

He nods “That sounds nice, burial is more common here but a funeral pyre is also acceptable."

I decide not to tell the whole truth, I wanted to test out what I could do. Without wasting any time I feel the fire within me, it swells and surges with purpose as I deign what to do with it. Flames course through my veins and gather in my palms, Killian watches in awe as a stream of fire works it's way around the entirety of the town. Once the circle is complete I let it move in, consuming all in it's path. A great plume of black smoke rises high into the sky as buildings, bodies, and blood are all turned to ash. I watch as my mate bows his head and says a prayer for the dead. I feed the flames myself, ensuring that the fire did not abate in intensity as most of the wood was gone. It was truly a sight to behold, a patch of land was turned into a raging firestorm. I felt that there was nothing left to burn and let my flames die out, leaving rubble and ash where there once was a town.

“There, may that give the dead some comfort knowing their bodies have been laid to rest."

My mate lets out a heavy sigh. “I can only hope they find peace in the next life after coming face to face with the monster that killed them all. We must finish this quickly Daniel, I don't wish this fate on my worst enemies white fur or not." We continue down the road, just walking as Killian is lost in thought.

“I know, but this is the kind of demon we hunt, he enjoys this carnage."

“I have seen my fair share of battles and rotting corpses, but everything back there was deliberate. There was a meaning to the madness, he left us a message back there."

“He did indeed, I think I know what he meant. The headless black wolf surrounded by the mangled corpses of all the white wolves. He means to force my hand to slaughter those living in the capital. He wants to see what I can do, what I am capable of."

Killian looks at me with worry “Please tell me Daniel, you're not thinking about stooping to his level. I don't want you to become like … him."

“No, I will do my best not to. I just can't help but worry about you though. I would do anything to save your Killian, I would kill every man in my way to do so. Maybe that black wolf was meant to be you, he's asking how far would I be willing to go."

Killian stops me in the middle of the road and pulls me to the side. The sun is beginning to set as we start setting up camp. We do not speak, the weight of the task I have forced upon him becoming clearer each passing hour. “Daniel, I don't want you to kill like that. I fell in love with you because we were peaceful and happy. I want this pointless killing to end, you can be sure that I won't let that demon get to me so easily."

I gather some wood and make a little fire with the snap of my fingers. I enjoy the flames as I put my paw in them, letting the fire kiss my skin. Killian eyes me with concern, everything would take some getting used to. I add more wood to the fire so it becomes a nice blaze.

“Test out my blessing Killian, put your paw in the fire." He hesitates, everyone knows fire burns if you touch it. “It's okay love, you won't burn."

He takes a deep breath and approaches the fire with his paw, I see a confused expression on his muzzle. He could feel it, the fire was not hot. He eases his paw into the flames, watching in awe as the fire danced around his fur leaving him unscathed. “Daniel, what is this?"

I smile “Think of it as my love for you, I am always with you. You will never burn this I swear."

“That's a nice sentiment, now I don't have to worry about being burned alive. Usually that punishment is reserved for the worst criminals."

I watch Killian eat dinner, offering him my portion as well. “Here love, you can have mine as well if you're still hungry."

He pushes my paw back to me “So even that is true, you don't need to eat. I find these changes difficult to adjust to, please just eat it's making me feel weird."

I don't fight him on this and eat my portion of dried meats enjoying the flavor all the same. Killian lays out his bedroll and snuggles in as night has set around us. “Sweet dreams love, I will keep watch. Still, wish I could join you down there."

He closes his eyes and gets comfortable “One day Daniel, we will sleep together every night and neither of us will need to keep watch."

I hear his snoozes behind me soon enough as I look out into the night. I don't see nor hear anything that would cause me concern. I do not grow tired, but one thought has been nagging at the back of my mind. We haven't encountered a single soul on the road yet. Perhaps I took too long to pursue the demon, but I needed my mate by my side to do this. Whatever horrors lay on the path ahead I would be ready to face them. The night was long and uneventful as the sun rises. I let my mate sleep, he looks so peaceful I don't want to wake him. The sun gets a bit higher in the sky before I nudge my mate awake. We have a quick bite to eat for breakfast before moving down the road again. The journey was still far from over, we hunted and foraged most nights. To my dismay the same horror as the first town repeated for every settlement along the road to the capital. We were alone on our journey, every other person in our path had been slain. My anger grew and so did the intensity of my fire. This demon would pay for the suffering he caused, I would use my teeth if I needed to.

After many more nights and funeral pyres the capital came into view. It had a striking resemblance to a human city. Stone walls surrounded the place as it was backed by a mountain. In the distance I could make out where the chief lived, a large building carved into the mountain itself. There was plenty of activity going on inside as plumes of smoke rose from chimneys. Guards were patrolling the outskirts of the city and looked on edge.

“Here we are, does it look like you remembered it Killian?"

He shakes his head “So much has changed, this was little more than a few buildings and the great house where our chief lived. Now they have carved a castle out of the mountain itself. I do not like the look of those patrols, we aren't getting in without being noticed."

I focus on one of the patrols and peer into their recent history. Seeing what Draegor has been up to here confirms my worst fears. “Killian, I know what Draegor has been doing and you're not going to like it. He is a great liar and manipulator, everyone believes us responsible for the massacres behind us. He waits for us in the mountain but we're going to have to cut through all these innocents to get him."

We are spotted easily as we watch several groups of white wolves begin to charge in our direction. “Daniel, I don't want to kill them. I will if we have no choice, but can you do something?"

I stand my ground and think, was there truly no way out from this fate? I decide to try something new, a trick I learned from the demon himself. I gather my voice on the tip of my finger and press it into Killian's skull. He looks at me funny, I make sure he is staring at my lips when I think in my head. “Can you hear me love?" his eyes go wide as he hears my voice yet my lips do not move.

He speaks out loud still “Yes Daniel, I can hear you." I shush him, pressing a digit to his lips.

“Don't speak, just think about what you want to say. Try it."

He complies as I hear his voice in my head as well “Can you hear me Daniel?"

The soldiers were gaining ground quickly, we only had another minute at best. “Here's the plan, let them take me. I will guide you, move swiftly and silently in the night. You will have to be the one to strike the demon down. I fear that if I try, I will kill everyone in the city as collateral. Now go, I won't let them chase you."

The soldiers are almost upon us as I hear Killian in my head “I trust you, stay safe pup."

He runs in the opposite direction as I raise a wall of fire to block their path. The fire rages but does not spread to the grass surrounding us. Eventually I surround them with a ring of flame, but do not burn them. The look on their faces is one of pure fear, having witnessed a spectacle like this recently. Their captain shakily extends his paw as he keeps his distance speaking with uncertainty. “Pluto, you are invited to dinner in the great hall. Please, there is no need for violence."

I am a bit shocked at this, I wasn't all knowing but this was not what I was expecting, most definitely a trap but I would not become him with more senseless slaughter. I will not lose myself and succumb to my baser instincts like Draegor has. I let my flames die down, leaving a few scorch marks on the ground as the soldiers around me seem to relax. I simply tell them “Lead the way." Whatever the demon has told them it does not matter, my business is with him alone. We walk at a brisk pace into the city, I could smell the fear oozing out of everyone around me. I think in my head, feeding Killian the layout of the city and any other important information. He says that he will come up with something to get inside undetected I have to trust him. We come to the building carved directly into the mountain itself. Ornate pillars appear to be holding up the entrance as a large flight of stairs lead up to two large iron doors. Intricate carvings are etched into the stone telling the lands history. I am not looking long as the doors slowly open and there he is with his smug face, Draegor. He has his arms around what appear to be the chief and his eldest son both white wolves they had a look of terror on their faces. “There you are Pluto, I was wondering when you would show up. Had to take some time to collect your lover no doubt, gave me plenty of time to get comfortable here. Come on inside we will have dinner shortly."

Studying the two mortals the chief appeared to be quite old, his face was drooping and his fur was greying from age. He wore a regal outfit dyed purple while a mithril crown rested on his head. His son appeared to be in his 20s, a rather scrawny wolf dressed in blue finery. I grunt and walk in, the floors were lined with expensive looking rugs as tapestries hung from the walls. It looked like the mountain itself had been hollowed out to make room for such a grand design. “I won't do it Draegor, you can't make me."

Several servants are scurrying around hastily, I sniff the air and don't smell any blood or death. Draegor releases the two in his grasp and comes up next to me as he wraps an arm around my waist. “Relax, look around you I'm not making you do anything. Isn't this wonderful? Surrounded by your own kind in such gilded halls. Think about my offer, we could have all of this and more."

I do look around, everyone is terrified of me. I see what he's been up to, building a legend for me. Everyone fears me now, turning that into love and belief would be more difficult than ever. With some difficulty I pry his arm from around me and push him back to keep us separated. “My own kind, that is hardly the case. I know what all of these beautiful white wolves think about my black fur. We both know I've already made up my mind."

He puts on a sad excuse for a pained expression mocking me. “I'm hurt, after all the work I have done to pave the way for you the least you could say is thank you. I can personally guarantee that not a single soul here will ever insult your beautiful black fur. After all, you are a king."

I do not know what lies he has been spreading, but he leads me to a great set of wooden doors that open into a large chamber. Long tables have been set up and lined with expensive looking food. I can smell their alluring aroma all around me. So much meat, fish, and drink too much for one man let alone a hundred. The room is empty save for me, Draegor, the chief and his son. “This is overly wasteful, all of this just for four. This food could save so many mouths from starving in the winter." I silently feed Killian more information, I don't know if the demon can hear us converse but I do my best to keep him in the dark.

“Come now Pluto, the only two people that really matter in the world are me and you. Everyone else is just here to satisfy our every need and worship at our feet." I am led to the head of the largest table, a grand chair that belongs to the chief no doubt. The son takes my pack and spear, placing them next to my chair. The chief himself holds his tongue and serves me, placing food on my plate and pouring ale into my cup. Draegor just sits on the table like an animal and picks at a roast turkey. “Aren't you enjoying this? The great chief himself reduced to a lowly servant, as it should be. I know you can feel it, the pain in his breast. Don't worry I will beat those feelings of hate out of him." He keeps munching on a few dishes. The sheer volume of food in this room makes me sick, not to mention the anguish this beast was forcing upon everyone.

I do not touch my plate or tip my cup “No Draegor, just no. I will not partake in this charade any longer. This is not the way to convince me to join you we both know that. You're just having some fun."

He laughs as he tosses a bone on the floor “You're right of course, I am just having some fun. I will convince you to join me, one way or another. You just need a few good nudges in the right direction. Say, where is Killian right now anyway? Shouldn't you two be glued to the hip after such a lovely mating ceremony?"

It doesn't seem like he knows, and I intend to keep it that way. “You're not getting to him that easily. I won't let you use him against me this is between you and me."

He lets out a little sigh and walks over to grab the chief's son by the arm. Picking him up easily and dragging him over to me as he struggles weakly to escape. The pain on his father's face is apparent as Draegor puts the white wolf in my lap. “Here, I saved this one for you. I know how much you enjoyed that last one. He's all yours, and if you refuse then he's mine. We both know just how unfortunate that would be." I can feel his entire body shaking no man should go through the torture that Draegor would unleash upon him. I decide to take pity on the young wolf, not another one would die because of me. I grip his muzzle gently and yank it so he's looking me in the eyes.

“What's your name?"

He replies in a shaky voice “Horace your grace."

I give him a simple task, degrading but it would spare his life for now. “My feet are tired from running all the way here Horace, put those paws to work and give them a massage." His father has rage in his eyes as he watches his son get on his knees and massage my feet under the table. Draegor was enjoying the sight in front of him.

He looks pleased so far, “A good start, but aren't you hungry? Must have been quite the journey here having to slowly run next to your mate." He picks up a chunk of spiced beef off my plate and presses it to my lips.

I give in and let him feed it to me, it tastes exquisite. The depth of flavor was something I had no idea could even be possible. “It tastes good, but still a waste. We don't need to eat, you just enjoy spreading misery."

The chief loses his composure at this point, he breathes in hard and is about to give us a piece of his mind but a cold smile from Draegor silences him. I do not know what he did to instill such fear in these people, but I would not rest until the damage was undone. “I meant what I said Draegor, you will die soon. I have seen it, would you like to know how it all ends for you?"

He laughs and humors me “Sure, go ahead and tell me how a sapling is meant to topple the tree it grows under."

I can feel in in my chest, how I was going to end him for good. “I'm going to drown you in a river."

There is a moment of silence, before he breaks out into laughter once again. “You do realize, that I control water right? I would really love to see you try, just so that I can tear you to shreds afterwards. You think you know pain from that little ritual you performed? I can show you pain." He continues to eat his fill, I give Horace a swift kick in the leg to get him to stop.

Draegor looks at me with a devilish smile as he swallows his food clearing his throat before speaking up again. “I'm sorry but I have to ruin your surprise, the anticipation is literally killing me. You wouldn't understand, being back here I just can't help myself. I let the Duke know what happened to his son, how that black wolf Killian is responsible. I wonder what a father would do to avenge his son slain in such a horrific manner." I can't tell if this is another trap, was he baiting me to speak to my mate or is he being honest. I decide not to risk it, Killian can talk to me if he needs to.

“You're truly a cruel and vile beast through and through. Devouring the bits of your soul after I tear them from Heimal's body won't be pleasant. But he deserves a proper burial after what was done to him. I don't worry about my mate, he can handle whatever the Duke throws at him."

He lets out a little sigh “Pluto, I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. I hope your confidence in your mate isn't misplaced. Color me curious though, why did you pick that name anyway it's the first time I have heard it."

I don't entirely know myself it was just a feeling. “I'm not sure why I picked Pluto, it came to me in the moment. I had a glimpse of what was to pass, I was standing next to a river as so many souls were ushered down it. Not yours though, I made sure to devour you whole."

“You claim to see the future then, like so many others. We both know it's possible since you've seen it for yourself. I will admit, I can't see the future just the past and present. You're growing up so nicely it is truly beautiful."

I stick out my paw and offer it to him “Let's make a deal."

His eyes go wide and he starts panting, saying that really got him riled up. “Go on."

“I won't become like you and slaughter this entire city just to wound your pride a little. You are stronger than me, but the bonds I have formed give me a power greater than you will ever know. If you accept, we will finish this where it started. The plains of Kassa at that very same altar. I will drown you in a river rip your soul to shreds and devour you whole. Your vision will still be made manifest, but on my terms. In a way we will rule together still with you in my belly. If I fail, then I accept your terms. I will abandon my mate, become yours and together we will rule through fear for all eternity."

He chuckles and starts to dig his claws into the nice wooden table “I have one condition, I'll accept your deal only if we show Horace here a good time. I want you to know what pleasure we will have together, let his poor father here watch his son be taken by the future kings of this world. It will be considered a great honor in the years to come."

A threesome with this demon was not what I was expecting when I walked in here. I look down at the poor young wolf, he was trembling as he started to sob and whine. “You have something to say Horace? Speak."

He barely manages to squeak out the words “I- I … don't like men."

Draegor licks his lips I can practically feel his lust from here. Carnal and perverted he enjoyed inflicting as much suffering as possible. The chief can't take it anymore, he grabs a knife from the table and lunges across it howling with rage. Before he can even get close Draegor gives him an icy stare as his body begins to freeze from the inside out, he collapses and dies instantly. Having your innards frozen solid like that was bad for your health. Horace whimpers more as I push him down to my feet to spare him from the sight.

The young man is frozen with fear, he looks up to me for guidance only to be met with another pair of red eyes. “Father … is he." This wolf was nearly broken completely, I have come to realize that it is harder to peer into someone's past the more recent the events. What Draegor has done here is still a mystery to me, but it was nothing good.

I pet him to try to console his heavy heart, rubbing his ears and cheek lovingly. “I'm sorry Horace, but the demon has killed him. Don't look, why don't we take a walk just you and me." I grab the young man's arm along with my things and pull him with me, he can't help but look anyway. Letting out a pained sob upon seeing his dead father I usher him out of the great hall quickly back to where we came from. Draegor watches us go, waving goodbye as he continues to eat.

The demon calls out to us as our feet tap the smooth ground “I'll be waiting for you both in Horace's chambers don't take too long now."

I slam the door behind us as Horace breaks down into tears “I can't, I can't. Why is this happening? Father is dead…"

There isn't really much I can say or do to console him at this point, it was the least I could do to get him away from that demon. “Horace I hate to do this, but I need you to calm down and get a grip right now we don't have a lot of time." I take the crying young man by the arm and practically drag him with me, we needed more space between us and the demon. Having peered into his past I knew where we could go for a momentary reprieve, away from prying eyes and ears. I spread the word along the way, letting several servants know about the death of their chief and to spread the news. I take him up a flight of stairs so that we are sitting in a dark lounge. With a snap of my fingers I light the lanterns in the room letting us have some light. I put Horace in a chair and let him continue to cry just giving him some time. Setting my belongings down I take a seat across from him.

He can't keep it up forever as he composes himself, I try to put on a soft face to ease his worries. All he can see when he gazes in my direction are two blood red demonic eyes. I can smell the terror in the room as he sits there, sadly I was his best chance at getting out of this alive. “I know you're in pain and I'm sorry. The demon speaks nothing but lies, whatever he told you about me is false. I have no intention of forcing you to lay with me."

My words seem to calm him slightly but he's a complete wreck still. “I uhm, sorry could I get a few moments alone?"

It pains me to push him like this but there was no time to waste. Every moment counted as we sat here in a dimly lit lounge. “No Horace, we have no time. The longer we keep the demon waiting the more he will punish those still here. I need you to tell me what he's been up to since he got here."

More pained sighs as he closes his eyes and looks straight down. “Don't make me do this. Please don't make me think about it." He's trembling in his seat, crossing his arms across his chest and holding his biceps tightly.

I let out a sigh, there was another way. “You could always just show me." I hold out my paw to him. “Just take my paw, and let me in. You won't have to speak about it I will be able to see for myself."

He looks at my paw and then back to his, unsure of what I had said. “What do you mean let you in?"

“Just relax, take my paw and I will do the rest. You need not fear I mean you no harm I swear it."

He takes one last look at my outstretched paw before clasping it in his own. I feel the connection between us as my being swallows his whole. I can see recent events clearly, and the atrocities that demon committed to etch fear into the people here. Wolves who had only known warmth within their thick coats of fur were frozen solid. Both soldiers and guards didn't stand a chance as they fell one after another. The bodies were given a proper burial at least, their blood did not run in the streets. He simply walked into the this great building and took what he wanted. The chief's family was the first thing he took. It was sickening what he did, no wonder Horace was such a wreck. The demon violated Horace's mother, sisters, and brother before he quite literally ate them alive. His gnashing jaws painting the walls red as the family was forced to watch him consume them one by one. Their pained screams still fresh in Horace's mind, wondering why he was spared the same fate. Only to be told he was going to be nothing more than a cheap whore for a black wolf with red eyes just like the demon. One who had already slaughtered many in the surrounding settlements just like Draegor himself had done in the capital. While we are connected like this I can feel his very soul and the anguish it is in. I have mercy on Horace and take away some of his pain, consuming the most traumatic parts of his recent experiences. I sink my teeth into his soul and take little nibbles out of it, he would forget the screams of his family, and the sight of his lifeless father. I let him retain his knowledge of these events, just not the worst parts of them. For a brief moment I consider doing more, putting my paws on his soul to prepare him for what is to come. I have no idea what the consequences would be for doing more, so I let him keep his base desires. He was not interested in men, but even I was dreading getting into bed with that demon.

I break the connection between us and we snap back to reality. His tears have slowed somewhat as he wipes away the wetness on his face. “What did you do?"

I give him the truth “I took away some of your pain, you still know everything that happened here. The only thing that's different is that you won't remember the screams and twisted faces of those you love. I could do more, but I don't want to hurt you. We have to face that demon, or he will no doubt torture your people."

Horace just looks at his paws, burying his face in them as he sinks further into the seat. “My people, I'm going to be chief now. The first thing that I will do as chief, is raise my tail for two demons."

I growl “No, not if I can help it. I am no demon, the fear you harbor for me is unfounded. Lies fed to you by that beast waiting for us. If I were to fight him here, there is no telling how many innocents would be caught in our battle. If you have anything to ask of me, now is the time."

Horace does not respond, he sits there in silence for a good amount of time. “Thank you, he called you Pluto if I recall. You have dulled my pain, but while I am not technically our chief yet I still have a duty to my people. From what I have seen, angering the demon will only make things far worse for everyone. Do you think you can kill him if I go through with this?"

“I know I can, we have only just met but it is the best shot we have. Nothing else will be able to stand against him, we have only just met but I ask that you trust me."

I see the smallest glimmer of hope in the young man's golden eyes as he breathes out hard. “Can you take away my memory of this after we are done?"

“Yes, I can. Nothing can really prepare you for what is about to happen and for that I am sorry. I will say this though, I will do everything I can to make sure it does not hurt."

Horace steels himself and stands up rubbing his brow. “I hate this, I can't believe this is happening to me. I don't want to know what's going to happen, let's go get this over with." I get up and gather my things once more, with a pained heart I decide to leave my trusty spear behind. I had no more need of it at this point it was just a nostalgic stick now. Horace leads me to his chamber the long walk helping to calm his nerves ever so slightly. On the way I feed Killian more information on what has transpired, telling him to be wary of those that were now hunting him and of the new plan. We come up to a door, I could see Horace start to tremble as his paw wrapped gripped the handle.

“It's okay, let me go in first." I gently brush him out of the way and open the door to peek inside. Draegor was laying naked on the large regal bed, lanterns lined the walls which were decorated with tapestries. To my horror he had brought the chief's corpse along with him having propped the man up in a chair. “You're sick, I'm not doing it like this."

He sees me and laughs “I told you, daddy dearest was going to have to watch. One way or another, this is just how things turned out. Now get that sweet tight ass in here and lets have some fun with him."

I close the door and turn to Horace who looks like he's about to be sick himself. “No… no I can't. I won't, fuck it all just kill me now. Please, I can't do this anymore."

I pull Horace into a hug and whisper into his ear. “I'll make sure you won't remember a thing, I'm not going to enjoy this either. Just a little more and this nightmare will be over I swear it."

He sobs and closes his eyes as his lip quivered. “Okay, for my people. Make sure you kill this demon." He opens the door himself and walks inside, the sight of his dead father making him look away as he shakily gets on the bed. I follow closely behind as we start to strip doing my best not to let the corpse behind us rattle me further. Draegor is idly rubbing his sheath as he watches us get naked.

I try to spare him from the worst of it, laying down next to Draegor and planting a kiss on his lips. He quickly breaks it and pulls Horace toward him, making the young man shudder and try to pull away. “That's it little chief, struggle all you like it won't make any difference." Using his far superior strength Draegor forces Horace's lips to his own cramming his tongue in the man's mouth. His eyes go wide as he starts to panic, trying to get away in earnest. It pains me to watch this. This is the first time I have been really uncomfortable during sex. Draegor takes one good look at me and shoves Horace against my chest.

“Don't you want to show our future pet a good time? Give him a little kiss." Draegor forces our lips together. I can feel the tension in his body, he is practically a rigid board pressed up against me. I pull him closer to me, away from the demon. I don't force myself on him, just plant a few pecks on his lips.

Pulling back I try to help him just a little “You can get through this, do your best to relax. Just focus on me, look at me." His skinny build is odd, most wolves had a good amount of meat on their bones. My words do nothing to help, he is suffering greatly. I watch as Draegor's paw finds Horace's ass, giving it a firm squeeze. This makes him dig his claws into my shoulders as he clings to me.

He begs the demon to no avail. “Please … things aren't supposed to go in there. It's not natural."

Draegor chuckles and gets on top of him sandwiching the young man between us, yanking his tail out of the way and pressing his sheath against his ass. “Feels perfectly natural to us, you will learn to enjoy it with time. Ask our friend here, he knows all about getting fucked in the ass."

My touch just seems to make things worse, Horace has started to tremble again as he holds his tongue just accepting his fate. The fire in my loins was absent, this wasn't turning me on. Even with a warm body brushing against my sheath. I will kill the demon for making me do this, it was all fun and games before, but this was real and it made me feel awful. I need to ignite the fire in my loins by force, I breathe out hard and remember a passionate night with my mate. I gather that feeling and focus it between my legs. Soon enough I can feel my arousal start to push its way up my sheath, pressing against Horace. I know not what would happen if I tried to forcibly pleasure Horace, but surely it would be better than grinning to bear it. I rub his cheek and make him look at me while the demon toyed with his rear. “Horace, remember what I said earlier? Give me a kiss and I will make sure it doesn't hurt."

He breathes shakily as he slowly presses his lips to mine. I deepen the kiss and we make out in earnest. I press my own arousal into him, letting it seep deep into his core. It was starting to work, as I feel him kiss me back. He was pressing his tongue against my lips and I let him slip inside as our tongues wrestle.

Draegor chuckles behind us “How interesting, I see you're learning. I admit it would have been more fun if we worked together to hold him down kicking and screaming but this is acceptable. I wonder what dear Horace will think after we're done." Horace lets out a little moan into my maw as his tailhole is poked and prodded. I feed him more of my own experiences, he was starting to get into it. I would cleanse the memory of this from him once we were done. Horace's paw starts to stroke my chest as it travels further down, eventually gripping my sheath and stroking me.

I start to pant, he was doing this of his own volition. I hated to admit it, but turning a straight man gay was exciting even if it was temporary. My shaft was squished firmly between our warm bellies and it felt quite nice. Draegor gets off and gives him a powerful tug so he slides down coming to face my hard cock. He looks conflicted and confused, part of him was liking this and it was tearing him apart. Nervously he sticks out his tongue and gives my cock a lick making me shudder and throb against him. I decide to give him just a little more encouragement, rubbing his cheek as I push further into his mind. Soon enough he was taking my shaft into his muzzle and sucking my cock in earnest. He raises his hips and lifts his tail, exposing his tight virgin tailhole to the demon.

Draegor laughs at the display “Oh Pluto, you are a wicked one indeed. Shaping a soul is no small feat and you do it so naturally. Turned our little chief here into a royal cock sleeve." My eyes go wide, surely that's not what I did, was it? He was just fucking with me. I watched him lean down to lick Horace's hole which makes the man moan around my shaft. He was going up and down with a fervor in order to pleasure me, and it was working. My knot slips out and he wastes no time to wrap a paw around it to squeeze me gently. The demon puts his hand on the back of Horace's head and gives it a hard shove down, I lean back and spread my legs groaning as his throat was so deliciously tight. I feel no teeth, I had given him enough knowledge just as Draegor had done for me.

The demon pulls back and strokes his hard red shaft, it was similar in size to mine. His tip is dripping pre as he spreads Horace's cheeks to rub it against that tight virgin ring. It just made him moan around my shaft and press his hips back to meet the demon's cock. Draegor holds his shaft with one hand and presses forward, spearing the man eliciting a loud moan from his maw. I'm getting a sloppy blowjob at this point, he's getting my crotch a bit wet and I pull his head off letting my cock flop out and smack him in the face. There's a weird lust filled expression on his face as he wiggles his hips to stuff his ass with more cock. The demon is happy to oblige as he presses forward firmly burying himself inside that tight ass.

Draegor gives me a wicked grin “I think he can handle two, what do you think Horace? Do you want two big dicks in your ass?"

The young man looks lost, he gazes at me with a blank stare as he nods and pants. “Y-yeah, I can handle two."

Draegor pulls out making Horace whine, then he grabs my ankles and yanks me toward them so that I'm on my back. My cock stands straight up as it throbs, new kinds of sex always got me excited. Horace straddles my hips, smiling down at me while he lines my tip up with his ass. My tip pokes his tight hole and he slides down. His legs start to shake as he struggles to fit my shaft, as soon as he forces the thickest part past his ring the rest slides in easily. It was so very tight as he squeezed me exquisitely. My paws find his hips and grab them firmly, lifting him up and down making my knot press against his tight ass. I fuck him like that for a few minutes before the demon pushes Horace down so that he's laying on my chest. Horace wastes no time to start kissing me passionately pushing his tongue into my muzzle. I close my eyes and let his ass clench around my shaft while the demon starts playing with us back there. A paw gently massaging and tugging on my balls while his hard tip presses against my shaft, trying to fit inside with mine. I can't help myself but to start humping up into Horace, my shaft sliding in and out of that tight hole. Draegor gets impatient, his leaky tip pressing in hard. I can feel Horace's ass give way with some tension but he manages to relax enough and let us both inside. Feeling another cock sliding in to rub against mine was heavenly. Everything was so slick with both of us under Horace's tail. We break the kiss and look into each other's eyes, he was loving this now.

Draegor starts fucking him hard and fast, it feels incredible to have another slick shaft rubbing against my own. I just lay there and enjoy the sensation, Horace looks like he's enjoying it too. His hard cock is rubbing on my furry belly with every hard thrust his ass receives. His cock is smaller than mine but his knot is still large as it throbs against me. I wrap my arms around his upper body and hold him close, laying his head down next to mine as he moans into the sheets. “That's it, feels good doesn't it?" I whisper sweet nothings into his ear as he gets his ass railed from behind. Soon enough I can feel Draegor's knot trying to force its way inside. Horace was so full with two dicks in his ass I wasn't sure if it would fit.

The demon's arm slips between us as he grabs Horace's cock and starts to jerk him off. The young man loses himself entirely, throwing his ass back onto both of our dicks trying to stuff at least one knot inside himself. I grab his knot while his shaft is getting stroked with a flurry of slick wet noises. He surprises us both as he finally speaks up for himself. “Please, knot me."

Draegor wastes no time as he starts pushing his knot inside, I feel that tight ass stretch slowly as he gets pounded harder. My dick is in heaven as I'm getting close myself, squeezing Horace tighter in the process. With one final hard thrust Draegor grunts and moans as he manages to get his knot in the tight hole. It gets uncomfortably tight as my shaft is getting crushed by a big knot, I decide to pull out as Draegor cums in Horace, closing his eyes as he fills his ass to the brim. I see both of his strong paws holding Horace's hips firmly against him as he humps forward. It only takes another second before Horace is melting against my chest while I squeeze his knot and he shoots is load all over me a second later. Thick heavy ropes of cum stain my black fur, there was so much considering the situation we were currently in. A few ropes manage to land across my muzzle drenching my front in a good amount of cum. His seed pools on my stomach, some dripping down onto the sheets.

I still need to finish, releasing Horace's knot and getting out from under the two men I present my still hard and throbbing cock to Horace's hungry muzzle. He happily takes me back inside as his tongue works overtime to wrap around my shaft and slurp me down his gullet. Draegor is watching me with a devilish grin as his paw lands on the back of Horace's head and forces him down all the way to my knot making him choke and gag on it. His throat closing around me and struggling to take it felt incredible. No wonder Killian loved doing this to me it felt so damn good. Drageor was dragging his head back and forth at this point, making Horace suck me to his satisfaction. As Horace's two paws wrap around my knot and squeeze hard I can't hold on any longer as I hump forward hard stuffing myself down his throat. Those soft lips kissing my knot drive me wild as I start to cum, filling his front end with my cum. I close my eyes and grab his head, holding him firmly against me as he struggles to pull off and get a breath of air. He could handle it, I keep him there as he starts sputtering and gagging. Those paws release my knot and start to push against me trying to free himself. I wasn't done yet, I watch his eyes look up at me pleading and begging. It was difficult but I have mercy and pull out of his muzzle letting him take in hard gasps of air. I shoot another few ropes across his face before my softening cock hangs in front of him. All three of us are panting after such exertion as we calm down.

I hold out my paw to Draegor as he still stuck in Horace's ass. “Now Draegor, do you accept my deal? We will meet on the plains of Kassa where this all started and I will drown you then consume you. With your strength added to mine, I will achieve your vision, but on my terms. Should I fail to kill you, then I am yours and we will rule how you see fit."

Draegors looks at my outstretched paw as he takes it in his own and shakes it. I feel something stir within me as soon as he does, the bargain is struck. It felt completely and totally binding, if I did fail then I would be compelled to uphold my end of the deal. Draegor decides to taunt me as we shake “Don't worry Pluto, when you fail I won't punish you. We are going to have so much fun together. Don't you agree little chief?"

Horace has flopped down on the bed and is just basking in the afterglow of our threesome. He speaks up weakly “Yeah, so much fun. Can I have Pluto's knot too?" his tail starts to wag, brushing against Draegor's front as he speaks.

“Of course little chief, we have a crowning ceremony to attend after all. I will have to find someone to craft me a crown fit for a king, the time of chiefs is over. Hopefully the guests don't mind if the feast is a little old though. I have a date at an altar later."

I furrow my brow “Fine, I will let you have your fun but we leave for the plains after your pointless ceremony. You won't be a king for long and please don't force people to eat rotten food. You vile disgusting beast."

Draegor smiles as he holds Horace's hips, pulling back suddenly and sharply as he yanks his knot free. Making Horace yelp out in pain as the tie is painfully broken, a little river of cum leaking out of his ass as he lays on the bed. “No promises, don't worry I won't keep you and your mate waiting long. Just a few days and you can try whatever pointless attempt on my life you have planned out. Fair warning though, I'm not letting that spear anywhere near me and I would hate to crush my future spouse's soul like that if my hand is forced."

I growl angrily “Don't worry about it, like I said before it will be just you and me the only weapon I require are these two paws." I get dressed then go to collect Horace, picking him up easily and standing him on his feet. He winces in pain so I just throw him over my shoulder to carry him. Collecting his clothing as well “I'm taking this with me, have some things I want to try."

Draegor gets off the bed, his cock going back into the sheath as he walks over to the corpse in the corner. I had forgotten he was there as Draegor removes his crown and comes over to place it on my head. “Be sure to give the little chief his paltry crown, have fun you two."

I get us out of there as quick as I can, Horace's groans of discomfort gracing my ears as I walk aimlessly. “Horace, I know it will hurt for you to walk. Is there somewhere you want go rest?"

He just grumbles weakly as he gets his wits about him. “Put me down, I can walk." I do as he asks, it looks like he immediately regrets it as his face lights up in discomfort. He holds onto my shoulder to steady himself as his legs tremble. “I take it back, carry me to the infirmary."

I carry him to the infirmary, down a set of stairs into a dimly lit room with many beds. There was nobody else here, the doctor was out. This is no issue, I put him down on a bed along with his clothing and crown. I dcour the place for medical supplies, creating some pain relieving ointment as I walk over to Horace. He is completely silent, what just happened appears to be weighing heavily on his mind. “Keep your promise, make me forget. I don't want to remember what happened back there. I don't know what you did to me and I don't care, just fix it and make all this go away." Tears silently streamed down his face, he was a man at his limit.

I put down the green ointment on a bedside table “Here, this will help with the pain. You aren't badly injured should go away in a few days. As for fixing you and making you forget, I will keep my promise." Horace closes his eyes and lays on the bed just waiting for the next bad thing to happen to him. I place my paw on his head and reach out deeper into him, what I find there troubles me. It was as the demon had said, he felt different than before I had changed him somehow. Thankfully I have complete access to his life, we sit there for a long time as I gently reshape him back to his original state. Once that is done I can see a look of horror on his face. Conflicting experiences clashing together in his mind, I go to mend those as well. I gather the feeling of sleep on the tip of my finger, pressing it into Horace's skull making him quickly drift off to slumber. Reaching back into his mind I dive deep, finding the recent trauma he had just gone through. I erase it completely, biting it off from his soul until there was nothing left. His memory would have a large gap but this is what he wants.

He looks peaceful getting some much needed sleep so I leave him there. I get some water and a rag to clean myself. Wiping the dried cum from my fur and brushing myself with a comb afterwards. There wasn't much I could do about the smell. I see him start to stir in his sleep with troubled dreams. I shake him awake and he blinks a few times, it appears to have worked he looks much calmer than before. “What, how did I get here?" He tries to get up and the pain gives him a good clue as to why that is. Looking at me for answers I don't really know what to say.

“We made a deal with the demon, the ointment on the table is for the pain. Your suffering was part of his terms, I have done all I can to mend the recent wrongs. I have taken away your memories like you requested, would you like to know what happened regardless?"

He sits there and ponders this for a moment just looking into my red eyes. “With everything that has happened recently, I don't think I want to know. I do remember you saying you will kill this demon that plagues us. Do you still intend to do so?"

I nod “Yes, he has agreed to a duel to the death with me so to speak. I am sorry that you were part of the price, no man should suffer as much as you have. In the next few days the demon will torment this city for his amusement, then he will face me and I will kill him." Horace notices the crown on the small pile of his clothes, letting out a shuddering sob.

“Oh father, give me strength I know not what to do." He glares at me, I do not blame him. I can see that he both wants me to go for some privacy and also stay for his protection.

“It might not seem like it now, but I intend to fix the damage he has caused. Some wounds are harder to heal than others. Is there anyone you would like me to get for you? I'll give you some time alone if that is what you wish."

He grips the bed sheets tightly “No, don't drag anyone else into this. That demon has already killed my family. My friends are next no doubt, I will have them sent away when I get a chance. It truly pains me to ask you this, but can you stand guard outside? I want some time to myself."

“Of course, call me if you need anything." I leave my things inside the infirmary with him just patiently standing outside the door to give him some time to process his new reality. Now is a good time to catch up with Killian, I reach out to him in my head again. “Killian, can you still hear me?"

I hear his response though it was strained and faint, our connection weakened with great distance. “Yes, but I am hunted like you said Daniel. There are so many, too many to count. They are onto my scent, I can't run forever. Food is low, I am barely sleeping. You need to end this soon."

I bite my lip, Draegor no doubt planned to tear me in two like this. Should I concern myself with protecting the people from his cruelty or do I go to my mate's rescue? I would let him decide, we are in this together after all. I update Killian on what is happening here, including the threesome I was forced to take part in. I can hear him growl in rage, his anger burns hot like min. “You say Draegor forced you into bed with him and another man. Is this true?"

The memory of having to forcibly pleasure myself and Horace was fresh in my mind “Yes, I did not enjoy it at all. I feel guilty about it but the bargain is struck, he will face me in a few days on the plains of Kassa. Listen closely Killian, I want you to stay away from us. You aren't as resilient as me, he will torture you to hurt me. I don't think I can live with myself if I let that happen."

He snaps back at me quickly “Don't tell me what to do, I'm on the run while you're holed up in another royal house. Honestly, you're making me madder than the demon at this point." My mate's words sting deeply, I was doing the best I could in the given situation.

“Then what would you have me do? If I fight him here then countless innocents will die as collateral. Just say the word and I will come to you, it is me they really want after all."

There is silence for a while, I do not press the issue as Killian finds his words. “Don't worry about me. I can manage for a few more days on the run. Now that you've made that deal, do everything you can to protect the people. Don't let your mistake harm anyone else."

I sigh, this was going to hurt no doubt. “I will, Horace is resting while I guard the door as we speak. If you need something from me, don't hesitate to ask and I will come running."

“I will, things are manageable for now. Hurry up over there I don't have forever."

Now that is taken care of I hear Horace speak up in the infirmary. I go inside and find him sitting up with his shirt on. “I'm feeling much better after some rest and that ointment. It's actually been a while since I've had something to eat. Accompany me to the great hall, it will be cold but the food is still edible."

I turn around and let Horace put his pants on, feeling a shaky hand on my shoulder I let him lean on me as we walk out. “I think I have some good news, now that our bargain is struck I don't have to acquiesce to the demon's whims. I don't plan on letting him torment you or your people unchallenged anymore."

Horace grunts in discomfort “I remember what you said before, don't let your fight spill out onto the streets or ring out in these halls. Spare my people the worst of it."

We come up to the great hall again, I open the doors to find that it was as empty as ever and countless platters still stacked high. “What do you wish to eat? I can heat it up for you as well." I set him down on a nearby bench at a table, picking up a plate to serve him.

“I want beef and turkey. Some water too, I am quite parched."

I nod and pile his plate high, there was an abundance of food still. I decide to show off just a little bit, placing a full cup in front of him as I snap my fingers to produce a flame in the palm of my hand. This puts a worried expression on his face, he could feel the heat from where he was sitting. My fire dances around the bottom of the plate and over the meats heating them up nicely.

“That's incredible, could your fire overcome his frost?" he watches as his plate is turned from cold cuts into steaming meats. I place it in front of him and he gorges himself like a ravenous starving beast.

“It most definitely can, my fire will burn far too hot for him to handle. But it is not the cold he has control over, it is water. Almost everything has some water in it, which makes him dangerous. My veins are filled with fire, he has no power over me."

Horace looks at me as he chows down on his meal. Wiping his muzzle off with a napkin he chugs his cup of water. “I suppose it doesn't really matter, not like us mortals can do anything about it at this point."

The doors open and Draegor walks in “There you two are, been looking for you. I am going to crown myself as king soon. Will have to explain to everyone what that means. Since it upset you so much Pluto, we can invite everyone to fill this room and eat this feast."

I pull Horace to his feet and give him a command. “Leave." He doesn't stick around to get between us, hurrying out the door and shutting it behind him. “No more Draegor, we have our deal. I won't let you torture these people any more than you already have. Should you win I'll be your faithful companion to the end, but you haven't won yet."

I can feel the temperature drop around us as he looks at me with a blank expression. “What are you going to do about it then?"

I let my emotions take over, the memory of how he violated and devoured the ruling family. The things he made me do, his lies that ran deep. The temperature rises around me, while the rest of the room was chilled. Frost formed as the feast was frozen solid. “What am I going to do about it? Show you how far I have come."

I walk toward him, the ice melting in a bubble around me as I approached. I could see that he could feel the burn as I stood directly in front of him. His paw rests on my shoulder, it was bitingly cold but my limbs did not freeze and shatter. We stare into each other's eyes as the temperature in the room continues to fall. “Don't take this the wrong way Pluto, but you're hot as fuck." His other paw wraps around my hip to pull me against him. “You're the best thing that has ever happened to me." He catches me off guard as he leans in to kiss me. Cold lips touch mine as I indulge him this one last time. No longer will I appease him.

I pull away to break the connection “No, you don't get to do this to me. I will never love you, not after everything you've done. You're going to burn." My rage flares, and so does my fire as it bursts out of me and engulfs us both as the flames swirl angrily. I watch as his fur and flesh are burned away bit by bit, but his flesh simply heals too quickly for it to matter. I push harder, I needed more. The heat intensifies as the wood around us catches fire momentarily only to be extinguished by the biting cold moments later. Metal plates and utensils melt but solidify a second later. I calm myself, this wasn't getting me anywhere the demon was still unharmed.

The fires die down but I keep my flames around me to ward off the cold. Draegor slowly claps “Good, very good. You still have so much to learn from me, and I am going to enjoy teaching you every step of the way. Just a little taste of what is to come though, let me show you what you're really up against." His paw pushes through my fire, the flesh burned away to reveal his bones underneath. The moment they touch my arm I can feel the horrible pain in my limb as my blood freezes solid and melts again and again. I get distracted by the pain, just a momentary lapse as my arm is frozen solid. His bony paw delivers a surprisingly strong punch to my arm as it shatters and breaks falling to the floor. I look at my missing limb, could I really kill this demon? My arm slowly regrows layer by layer, bone, nerve, muscle, skin, fur. Until I am left with a new arm like nothing had happened. “It really hurts to be burned alive you know, well I guess you of all people wouldn't. Oh fuck now look what you've made me do. All this meat is frozen solid, now our guests won't be eating rotten food just like you wanted. My coronation is still on, but how about another little deal to make you feel better." He sticks out his paw as he smiles “Craft me a golden crown and I promise not to torment, torture, violate, or otherwise harm the people here. I promise I will behave like you want me to. Until you lose of course, then I am going to enjoy making you watch me turn your mate into my slave. You will learn to enjoy being with me eventually, we have plenty of time."

I look at his outstretched paw and don't even think about it. Deep down I am confident that I will win, for I have glimpsed it in my future. Taking his paw in mine I give it a firm shake “You have a deal. Now where can I find enough gold and jewels to appease your appetite?"

He chuckles “I don't know, that's your problem now. The ceremony is tomorrow, I have already invited enough people to fill this grand hall. I expect a truly grand crown to be resting on my head come this time tomorrow."

I grunt, bastard still found a way to annoy me even after the bargain. I walk up to him and examine his head, taking mental notes of how big to make it. “Oh please invited people, more likely forcing them to attend. I'll craft your crown, stay here and keep the feast frozen. I can heat everything back up later."

He smiles warmly “See, we make such a perfect pair together. Opposites attract you know. I'll have you eating out of the palm of my paw soon enough, you'll see. I might have to get someone to keep me company it will be so very boring keeping things cold in here."

I growl “Behave, don't you hurt anyone. Wasn't raping and eating the chief's family enough for you? I could never get on your level, you're sick and twisted." I turn to leave, there was no time to waste.

He calls out to me as I walk out “Don't worry a deal is binding as I'm sure you've realized by now. I couldn't hurt anyone even if I wanted to." That gives me a few creative thoughts, but I was going to be true to my word. I had seen a glimpse of the end I wanted, I needed him at the agreed upon place to make it reality.

I leave the great hall and sniff around trying to find Horace, the few servants that are left avoid me like a plague. I follow his scent to a random room up a few flights of stairs. I knock on the door and hear his voice on the other side. “Who is it?"

I reply “Pluto, we need to talk."

I hear the lock unlatch as he opens the door inviting me in. “What happened? I got the feeling that I would have died had I remained down there."

I nod to confirm his suspicion “You would have died, we had a little clash so to speak. But it is good news actually, we made another deal. The demon will not harm anyone else as long as I craft him a golden crown tomorrow for his coronation. Then we leave for the plains to finish this, but I need gold and jewels."

“You are right to assume I have those things, my family is in possession of gold and jewels. A small price to pay for the lives of my people even though it will hurt to see them sit atop the demon's head. There is but one small issue."

“What issue is that?"

“You will have to collect everything yourself. I tried to go back to my room but for some reason I got a truly awful feeling in my stomach every time I try to go inside. The same thing happened with the rest of my family's rooms. I can't even open a door there's no explanation for it. The treasury is not here, but the rooms where my siblings and parents slept are filled with gold jewelry. You will have to make do with that."

I decide not to explain the details to him “I suggest you find a new room, there's a reason you get that feeling. Best not to dwell on it, forget about it and move on."

He looks crestfallen as he sighs heavily. “I will take your word for it, anything else?"

I think for a moment, I would need a place to forge the metal. “Yes, is there a forge around here? Or at least someplace that can handle the heat?"

Horace doesn't need long to think “A forge here? No, but there are some rough corners here and there where the workers stopped digging into the mountain. Should just be mainly rock the further down you go."

I rub his shoulder firmly “That will do, everything will be okay. Get some more rest, you're going to need it." Horace gets back into bed while I wander a little, eventually finding my way. I walk into gilded room after room, the scent of their former inhabitants still lingering. Collecting all manner of golden jewelry, gems, and other things I could use. I get a few cold stares from the servants as I walk around clinking with a bag filled with gold. They do not matter, I walk into the former chief's room and immediately regret it. The stench of death was being held back by doors that were apparently air tight. I saw the bodies, mangled skeletons that had a few strips of rotting flesh still attached to them. I will take care of that later, now I need to craft a crown.

The materials I have collected so far will be more than enough. I just head down, eventually finding a staircase that led to a rough stone wall. This place was as good as any. My foot finds an indentation in the floor, a good place to pool the liquid metal. Dumping out the contents of the bag I pick out the large gems of different colors, greens, reds, oranges, blues. I have never seen such large and beautiful things, same they will be sitting on a demon's head. I begin, stripping and tossing all my flammable belongings far up the stairs. I gather flames in my hands and increasing the intensity. The air heats up around me as I bring my fire to the gold, it begins to heat up and soften. I use my fingers to pry open the settings and remove the smaller gems from the jewelry. A small pile of small gemstones now sits next to me as my fire gets hotter, making the pile of gold melt into one puddle on the floor. Then I wait, the metal cools slowly as I just stick a paw in to pick up the malleable metal. I keep some fire on the tips of my fingers as I work the shapeless mass into a crown. Forming a solid ring, then pinching out some wide points all around it. I have made a rather crude looking crown, it has the right shape it just needed refining. I spend the next several hours down there in my dimly lit corner with only my own flames for light. Fixing gemstones all around it until the opulence I was holding in my paws made me sick. To think such a beautiful creation of mine was destined for such a monster. The way the light dances across the stones and recrafts it in several ways looks stunning.

Gathering the remains into the bag I had tossed up the stairs I get dressed before returning them to Horace, showing him the gold crown I had crafted. He shared a similar sentiment, that such a regal beauty is wasted sitting on Draegor's head. I walk back to the great hall, a layer of frost clinging to the doors as I pry them open. He was keeping his word so far at least. My foot steps create a small puddle of water that refreezes as soon as I walk away. Draegor is sitting there in the former chief's chair with a big smile on his face as I present him with his crown. “I knew you had it in you, look at this beauty. Made from the belongings of the recently departed as well. You know me so well, thank you Pluto."

He takes it and places it on his head, it fit perfectly around his skull as his ears poked out of the center. “There, you will have your ceremony then we leave for the plains." He pats a chair next to him but I remain standing.

“Fine, suit yourself. It is awfully lonely here just waiting for my guests to arrive, won't you keep me company for a while?" I don't want to, I was done appeasing his demands.

“You will be fine, what's another day in the face of eternity?" He scowls at me as I leave.

I can hear Killian in my head once more, his voice worried me. “Daniel, need help. I'm being surrounded. Run fast, I will have to surrender."

The doors open behind me as Draegor walks out, draping an arm around my shoulder. “Oh, that doesn't sound good. Your mate in a bit of trouble? You needn't worry about me, I will miss you at my ceremony tomorrow but I will live."

I brush off his arm and scowl at his smiling face “You… you did this? You could hear us the whole time?"

He smirks like the bastard he is “Of course I can hear you two, but all I did was nudge the right people in the right direction. That man is truly a slippery one, I would hurry if I were you. The things that they are going to do to him, you'd need my help to heal the wounds." He grabs his crotch as he says that last part, making my stomach turn.

“Fuck you, plains of Kassa, be there after this bullshit. We have a deal, no harming anyone else here until we finish this." I can't control my rage as I sucker punch him right in the nose. Breaking it as blood splatters and trickles down the nice outfit he has on.

The wound heals as he laughs at me “Better hurry, no time to waste just hitting me is there?"

He was right, I take off in a full sprint out of the city. My rage grows as I reach out to Killian once more “I'm coming! Head toward the capital I'm running as fast as I can."

His voice sounds panicked as he replies “Can't go that way, have to run toward the ocean. Running out of land, go faster."

I felt helpless in that moment, even with my new found power it wasn't going to be enough. I needed more, jumping over the wall people look at me in awe. The patrols outside give me a momentary glance as I take off again, they had no hope of ever catching me. The landscape blurs as I run in the direction of my mate, I can feel our connection grow stronger when I'm going the right way. He was so very far away, was there no better way than to run? Quieting the thoughts of despair I gather my flames at my back, with a strong burst of fire I am propelled forward at an increased rate of speed.

“Not good enough." I needed more, trying again and again each time my fire grows in intensity and duration. I could feel my feet lift off the ground as I no longer ran, almost there. I use my arms, legs, and back all at once. As fire erupts out of me burning the landscape to propel me upwards and forwards. I had gathered enough force to fly, propelling my body through the air at speeds never before seen. I am quite a sight, gliding through the air naked while being propelled by angry fire. “Killian, I will be there soon, just hold on a little bit longer."

His voice comes back much clearer “I'm sorry, it's too late. They're going to find me soon, hiding in a cave. Tried to cover my scent and tracks, there's nothing else I can do."

I push myself harder, I go just slightly faster. I can see the coastline in the far distance. Having an aerial view would help pinpoint my mate's location. “No, I won't let you come to harm I swear it."