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Episode 20:

Repent for your sins

It had been another full day before I could attend to you properly. I found myself upon the sofa in the den, your head in my lap. "I do so hope your days here have been well my pet. I regret that I cannot attend to you as often as we both would prefer." I Hum the words gently while stroking your head.

"I believe I was going to tell you about Kazemde wasn't I?" I smile and look towards the crackling fire. "He's an interesting one to be sure..."

I clear my throat. "Let's pick up the next day after meeting him. I had a lot on my mind at the time..."

#

"Alex... how do you feel about my love?" I spoke out to him while leaning against the guardrail of the small balcony, outside of Gloria's bedroom. The sun had just dipped down into the horizon, the spring sky now a deep orange and purple. I had awoken early, the wolf stirring and following me outside, my movement having woken him as well. Our retriever was still very much passed out in bed, a satisfied look on her face and a faint snore on her breath.

"How do I feel?" He lifted his ears then drooped them in thought. He lowered himself to prop his own arms on the rail and looked into my face. "It makes me happy and it fills me with pride to know I have your heart."

"Do you though?" I showed my teeth as I spoke the words. "Katrina, Gloria and You. I have said I love all of you and you have returned my love." I shrugged my shoulders and looked out at dusk settling over the sky. "I have told Val and Lo- others as well... perhaps not said I loved them, but said they had my heart. They returned the sentiment as have all of you."

Alex looked at me questioningly for a long moment before speaking. "It does not bother me, I underst-"

"Why do you understand?!" I spat the words at him and showed my teeth, heat in my voice. "What if I were a normal vampire, or a member of your pack? What if I didn't have the excuse of being a succubus? Would you understand then?"

The wolf looked away from me and grew quiet. I hissed through my teeth and jerked my own gaze away in the opposite direction. We stayed like that for several moments before he finally called out to me. "What is this about, Alice? What's it really about?"

I felt a sigh escape my throat and shook my head. "I love all of you... and I love Elias. I've been through so much with him and for him. Yet he will not return the words."

"Ah..." Alex nodded and then turned to look upon me. "So you only defend your family for him. not for me or Katrina?"

"No, of course not. I love every one of you and stand proud to defend house Blackpaw." I spoke the words sternly and felt the pride in my voice when I did so.

"Alice, why does this weigh on you so? All of us care about you and all of us-"

"Because what if you don't?!" I fired back, showing my teeth and feeling my chest grow tight. "What if it's not your decision? What if it's the nature of what I am?"

"You think you're enthralling and coaxing our love for you?" Alex spoke up questioningly.

"I question if I am, yes! I don't deserve a single one of you, let alone all of you!" I almost shouted the words and felt my eyes burn, feeling the frustration and anger tearing at my chest.

Alex shook his head. "I don't think that's the case at all."

"Why would you say that?" I sniffled the words, tears in my eyes now.

The wolf pulled the small metal chair forth on the balcony and took a seat upon it. He then patted his lap. "Come here."

I said nothing but quickly slid into his lap, straddling and facing him. I felt his large hands moving to my face, brushing the tears away and moving up into my hair to rub at my ears. "You fight the hunger to feed daily, do you not?"

I nodded at him. "Yeah, so? Everyone in the family does, even you have monsters to fight off."

"Indeed, but the vampire in you wants you to kill for blood and the succubus wants you to kill for energy, no?" He continued to rub at my hair and ears, pulling me against his chest now.

I clung to his large strong chest, my cheek nuzzling it. "Yeah... the voice is there every time, no matter how nice the situation is, it's there telling me to push further and take it all."

"Remember how possessive you were getting yesterday?" He asked me pointedly.

"Y-yes... that was the demon in me. I know it's not how I truly feel." I blinked up into his amber eyes and tilted my head. "Why bring that up though?"

He showed his teeth in a grin to me. "If your demon had its way, we would be a harem, not a relationship, Alice. Encouraging love amongst us as you've done with me and Gloria, It would never want that."

I raised my ears at the notion. "O-oh... that's true... I never thought of it that way."

Alex rubbed at my head gently. "Alice, I don't think any of us love you because you're making us. I think it's because you show your feelings for us so powerfully and purely."

"Me? Pure?" I giggled and pushed my forehead to his chest. "Love like a hurricane huh..."

Alex moved a hand to rest on the back of my head. "Elias is from a different time than any of us can understand. Anyone that looks upon him knows he is head over heels for you. He simply can't say so for some reason."

I sighed and nodded my head. "Thank you... do you feel my love for you is stretched too thin?"

"I do not. I'm not jealous of the others you love, I knew what the rules were before I played the game with you." Alex growled the words and rubbed at my left ear gently.

I blinked up at him and gave a nod. "Y-you're right... I've always been transparent of what I am and whom I have..."

"That's right." The wolf showed his teeth and gently poked at my forehead with his fingertip. "The problem is, you think too much about this, Alice."

I gave a playful huff at his poke and quickly moved to nip his fingertip. The wolf yipped slightly at my bite then grinned upon me. His finger pulled from my mouth then his palm pushed over my face. "I don't care how many others say it, know that I love you, Alice. If more people love you that just makes me glad, it means you are happy and surrounded with love."

I showed my teeth in a grin and raised up off his lap to push closer. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I brushed my lips to his own. "I love you too Alex, I'm lucky to have you in my life."

He growled against my lips and I felt his hand grab my rear, pulling me closer to his chest, my little fluff of white tail brushing his fingertips. "Yeah? Even if I abuse your dog and won't let her dominate me?"

I giggled and gave him a quick kiss. "I know you love... you can't keep the facade up indefinitely. She is going to have her way with you sooner or later."

"Ha... sounds kind of fun... she really is a cute thing. Are you sure you're okay with sharing her with me?" He grinned and looked into my eyes.

I smiled and shook my head. "She is not mine to share, neither are you. You two being happy makes me happy."

"So now you steal my lines eh?" He barks the words playfully at me and I show my teeth.

"Ha... it was a good line, so yes I'm stealing it." I giggled the words then gave out an excited huff as he went for my throat, kissing and nibbling at me. My small tail wiggled as I dug my nails into his shoulders.

"How about we go in there and wake her up together?" The wolf growled the words up into my ear with a hunger in his voice.

"Ngh... I like that ide-" I huffed and felt my phone buzzing in my pocket and frowned. "Rude..." I grumbled and dug the cell phone out to look at the screen, my ears lifting to see it was the number my Master had given me.

"Oh... uhm... it's Kazemde." I frowned at Alex apologetically.

"Well, I guess we're still on the clock..." He smiled and lowered me back into his lap gently.

I nodded and connected the call. "Ah, hello?"

"Mrs. Blackpaw, this is Kazemde. I hope this is not too early to call upon you." His voice came out raspy but also smooth and fluid.

"Not at all sir Kazemde. How may I help you?" I spoke politely, then lifted my ears and bit my lower lip. I felt Alex grab my hips and begin to grind my small body in his lap slowly. I blinked up at him, my cheeks growing dark, feeling my crotch pushing against the bulge in his jeans.

"Alex's tribunal is set to begin within two hours. I would like to collect the three of you soon. Also if you would be willing to give statements before our council, it would be of great assistance." Kazemde spoke the words in an all-business tone to me.

"Y-yes sir Kazemde... I can-" I gaped my mouth in a silent gasp, my tongue lolling as the wolf moved a hand to my chest and began to pinch and tease at my left nipple. I had thrown on a shirt without a bra and the thin layer of cloth did little to protect it.

Alex gave me a playful growl as I glared up at him, before snatching his wrist and pulling it off my chest. "Huff! Y-yes, sorry about that. I can rouse Gloria... from slumber and reach back to you in a few... minutes to give you more... details!" I huffed the words, and swatted at his hand, his other moving up my shirt. I gave out a squeak of a gasp as his hand squeezed my breast hard inside my top.

The cobra was silent on the other end of the line for several moments then spoke out smoothly. "That is fine, Mrs. Blackpaw. Please do not dally too long with your escapades." I heard the phone click at the words and my cheeks grew deep red.

"You fucking jerk!" I shouted at him with a bit of a laugh and gripped both his wrists, pulling his hands from my body.

Alex gave me a playful grin and flicked his tail. "I didn't do anything."

I showed my teeth and slid off his lap. "Just for that... I'm gonna tie you down with silver wire and make you watch me and Gloria have sex later!" I grumbled the words as I moved to step back into the bedroom.

"You know you can't stay mad at me." He barked the words and I felt his hand rest on my backside, rubbing it.

"I suppose that's true, I am quite fond of your troublemaking ass." I grinned at him and lower my ears, giving him an amused smile before returning to the bedroom with him.

#

Gloria had never been a morning person, so it took a little bribing with coffee and cuddling to get her moving. Soon enough though we were all ready to go and I gave Kazemde a call to let him know we were prepared.

The phone connected on the first ring and Kazemde answered. "Ah, that was faster than I anticipated." He spoke out to me in a casual if not amused tone.

My cheeks blushed and I huffed out. "Yeah well... it's not what you were thinking, okay?"

I heard a hiss of a chuckle from the cobra before he spoke. "Mrs. Blackpaw, I assumed nothing. Are you and your associates ready for travel?"

"Uh... yes, where should we meet you at?" I looked between the two dogs before me. Gloria gave me a sleepy yawn and leaned against Alex, still slightly groggy.

"From your current location... Hmm... I will need you to all to travel approximately twenty feet down, then one hundred and ten feet west of there." The mage spoke the words in a matter of fact tone to me.

"Uh... Kazemde, sir. We're inside a building. It's not so simple to just follow directions like that." I rubbed at one of my ears and frowned. "Still twenty feet down. That would be the ground floor most likely... maybe somewhere in the parking deck..." I mumbled the words to myself distractedly.

"Ah... at least you tie some thought into your ignorant words, I can respect that. Of course, I know you are within a building. Do your best and I will be waiting for you." He clipped the words sharply as he spoke them and hung up on me.

I blinked at the phone and frowned. I wasn't sure if I should be insulted or feel praised by him. "W-well... Let's get down to the parking deck and go from there."

Alex gave a nod. "Nothing else I will smell him out. I think I recall his scent from last night." The wolf stepped towards the living room. Gloria gave an objection of a bark as he moved away, forcing her to stand up straight, having lost her leaning post.

I gave the dog an apologetic grin and moved over to her to grip her hand with my own. "Come now, my angel. You can rest your head in my lap once we get there."

"That sounds nice." Gloria gave a cute yawn and wagged her tail.

Once we got to the ground floor, Alex indeed was able to find Kazemde's scent and track him down. The gate was in the corner of the parking garage near the stairwell. The snake was dressed exactly as he was the last time we came upon him, large ivory staff in hand.

"Because you don't stand out like a sore thumb just sitting here in a parking garage with reality tore open?" Alex barked the words playfully at the cobra upon our approach.

Kazemde gave him a polite nod. "Warrior Alex, no one can see me or this rift except the three of you, because it is what I have willed to be so."

"That sounds so freaking cool!" I spoke the words excitedly. Gloria just brought her hand that wasn't holding mine up to her mouth and yawned again.

The cobra looked to see me holding hands with the angel and I saw him processing things in his mind at a rapid pace. "Well at any rate... I have adjusted the gate accordingly. You should feel nothing but a faint dizzying effect that will pass moments after arrival." Kazemde spoke the words pointedly and turned to move towards the rift.

I felt Gloria clench my hand tighter as we moved to the gate, I gave her a smile and stepped through with her. I half expected some cool effect like reality-bending or twisting but it literally felt like we walked into a room. I felt a very momentary leap in my stomach, like that sensation you get when riding in a car that goes over a small hill very fast.

"Huh... that wasn't so bad..." I hummed the words, then flinched as Gloria grabbed my arm hard and held her hand over her mouth as if fighting back the urge to throw up. "Y-you okay, angel?"

She took in a steadying breath and gave a quick nod after a few moments. "Y-yeah... I'm definitely awake now..." She panted the words after a moment and shook her head.

"My apologies holy knight, Gloria. I shall bring you some water." The cobra gave another bow of his head.

The dog smiled and shook her head. "Please just call me, Gloria. No need for so much formality sir Kazemde."

Alex had already started looking around our environment and I finally took the time to also make a note of it. We were on the ground floor of what looked like a large circular room. Bookshelves lined the walls and small work stations dotted the floor. A spiral staircase resided in the center of the room leading to another floor above and below us.

I looked around in awe for a few moments before turning back to Gloria and Kazemde. My dog was now holding a large glass of water, happily drinking it down, her tail wagging a little faster. "This is someplace... can I get a look around later?" I asked him curiously, my own tail flicking now as well.

"Of course. I will give everyone a proper tour once the tribunal is over." The cobra gave a bow then looked upon the wolf. "Warrior Alex."

Alex showed his teeth and shifted his attention back to the cobra. "What?"

Kazemde sighed. "Unless you plan to speak of business with us. You may relax. You are a guest here and you stand to just cheapen your enjoyment of our hospitality by remaining on edge."

"Alex, please try to enjoy yourself." Gloria gave him a reassuring smile while holding her empty glass.

The wolf growled and ran his fingertips through his sandy hair. "Fine... look it's nothing personal okay? I just... my pack has a bad history with mages."

"A story I would like to hear from you at a later date. However, for now, we should focus on our task at hand." Kazemde strode past the wolf and gave him a nod. "Be at peace though, you and your lovers are safe here."

I'm pretty sure all three of us lifted our ears at once to the statement. I spoke out first though. "W-what?"

Kazemde gave us all a knowing nod. "Aside from how you carry yourselves, and that you reek of one another? We mages can see all sorts of energy or aura as it were. The three of you, your aura's are tightly intertwined together. It is especially potent of yours, chimera." He finished the statement giving me a direct look.

My ears lift sharply and I gasp. "Y-you know what I am? How?"

"The why's and how's are irrelevant at this time." Kazemde gave me another nod. "The records have some information on your people, Mrs. Blackpaw. I will share what I can with you once we are done with business."

"H-Hang on... why do you keep calling me, Mrs. Blackpaw?" I finally asked him, curiosity getting to me.

Kazemde gave me a curious look. "You contacted me under Elias's authority, his energy and power drip from you. I had assumed you were his new wife."

I clench my teeth and look away, my cheeks dark. "I am not... I am countess of our house, like my sister. However-"

"I see, my apologies." Kazemde showed me a look that appeared to be understanding. "Like with your warrior here, it is a topic I would be curious to learn more of in the future. For now, let us delay no more."

We were escorted to the spiral staircase and moved downstairs into the basement levels. Eventually, we came out into a large amphitheater with benches circling the center area. There were several dozen people seated within the rows, assumedly members of the circle. The center of the theater had six chairs before a small stand.

Kazemde had us take seats on the lowest rung of the benches. "Just to be clear, may I call upon you with questions?" The cobra looked to our group with a quick tilt of his head.

"Of course sir Kazemde." Gloria spoke with a polite nod.

Alex showed his teeth but gave a nod and I also gave him a nod in response. The mage gave us another thankful bow of his head, then moved to leave us and took up the only unoccupied seat of the six.

Kazemde stood and called out to the theater for silence and began the trial. He gave a long talk about their laws and values, how the mage Alex had broken them. He spoke out about how the cat had practiced forbidden rituals and broken their laws.

We learned how he had injured several members of the circle upon his flight and on more than one occasion, thwarted or evaded attempts to bring him back to answer for his crimes. The mage in question, the other Alex, was brought before the stand in manacles and wearing a gag of some sort to keep him from uttering incantations.

Kazemde called upon Gloria first who explained the initial reason for the encounter with the mage. Explaining the attacks on the mundanes and what led us to his trail.

Alex was called upon next. The wolf was on edge but he answered the few questions they had for him, including how he had become injured and how Kazemde had to heal him. I could tell he wasn't happy about admitting to the injuries and admitting to the weakness before the court.

"Let it be noted this warrior was locked in the heat of battle with a bear lycanthrope and attacked from behind while shielding his companion. Do not let any here assume his injuries were from negligence or weakness." Kazemde spoke the words sternly out amongst the theater in a sharp authoritative voice. I saw Alex give him a hard look of appreciation before stepping down.

Then they called upon me. I came to the stand and Kazemde gave me a polite nod before speaking. "Countess Blackpaw, we already know the details of the whys and the hows. Can you please tell us specifically what Alex was doing while you engaged him in combat? Could you describe the powers he was using?"

I frowned and nodded. I explained about the screen of power my fire infused bullets slammed against. I explained the blades of wind he used against me as well as how I finally broke his shield with my whip strikes. Kazemde asked me to go into detail about the numbers of blows his shield took and how much he was using the blades against me. I didn't think anything of it and explained as best I could.

"So! Could any of you normally hold up to that kind of assault and still throw attacks forth? Eleven rounds of both divine and dark magic slamming into your defenses? Multiple lashes from thaumaturgy infused divinity striking at your shield?" He gave me a hard look. "How many lashes do you assume it took to break past his barrier?"

I blinked at the words and mulled it in my mind for a moment. "Ah... several... at least... yes at least a dozen before I landed a strike upon his body."

"Could any of you had held up to that kind of assault? Held up and had the energy to throw complicated air incantations? I certainly could not!" The cobra thrust a finger at the shackled mage. "Unless! I was fueling my willpower with life essence from sacrifices!"

The whole theater broke out in a murmur of whispered talk at his words. It dawned on me then, I had been wondering why he even participated in the lycanthropes killings. He had been using the killings to fuel his power in some twisted ritual.

"Thank you Countess Blackpaw, for your testimony. And thanks to all three of you for returning this blight to us to be dealt with properly." Kazemde spoke the words sternly and I gave a nod before returning to my seat.

"There you have it. I now go to take my seat and upon that, anywho feels this mage has been tried unjustly, any that feel he deserves more consideration than he already has been given. Stand and let your voice be heard." Kazemde spoke the words and moved to his seat.

A silence filled the amphitheater and a long poignant amount of time passed. It sounds insane but in a way, I felt for the poor cat. I could only imagine being in that position, bound and gagged, time slowly ticking away hoping someone would stand in your defense.

No one stood and finally, Kazemde slowly rose from his seat once more. I looked to Gloria and frowned. "Is it okay? I mean for him not to even get to explain himself?" I whispered the words to her.

"I agree, he should answer for his crimes, but to not have any say in his own defense seems cruel." The angel nods at me and shakes her head.

Alex looked at us both like we were insane. "This guy tried to kill us, he murdered half a dozen mundanes. His buddies threatened to rape and kill you Gloria, what justice does he deserve?"

"No. I feel he should be put to the sword, but doesn't he at least deserve to speak in his own defense in his last moments?" The angel fixed Alex with a challenging look.

The wolf frowned and put his hand to his forehead. "We're outsiders, do we have any weight in this?"

"Guess we will find out." I spoke out pointedly and stood from my seat. Alex barked out his protest, then grimaced as he saw Gloria also rise.

"Fucking..." The wolf growled and followed suit and stood as well.

The amphitheater broke out in shocked chatter and whispers right away at our display. Kazemde looked upon us in disbelief, his mouth slightly agape. He composed himself and spoke out towards us. "Erm... You three, the very ones that brought him to us. The very ones he tried to slay... why do you now rise to his defense?"

Gloria stepped forward and spoke out. "I do not seek to defend him, he has done horrible things and should pay for them. However, it wrenches my heart to think of it. Should he not have a chance to explain himself? If any of you were in his shoes right now, would you not want to desperately speak out and say something... at the very least express final concerns or sympathies for your path, before you were put to the sword?"

"Holy knight Gloria. You are gracious and kind, you do your lineage proud. However..." Kazemde hesitates before he continues. "You are not of this circle, you are honored guests and you have done us a great service. However, these are our laws and must be decided by our people."

"It became part of our problem and my laws when your circle member started preying on MY flock! He did not kill mages, he killed mundane that were under my protection!" The celestial showed her teeth and thrust a hand out towards the bound cat. The look in his eyes was one of shock and bewilderment.

"I understand your position holy kni-"

"You said we had done you a service. You said you owed us a debt. This is the request I make of you!" The angel shouted the words pointedly, loudly enough for all to hear her. The whole room erupted in loud talking at the words of debt and repayment. She looked to me and Alex as if to confirm it, we both gave her a resolute nod.

Kazemde showed his teeth and hissed. "Such a waste... we could give you so much more, but you would expend your favor on this man? This murderer?"

"I do not seek anything but justice to be done properly. Let him speak, let him say his peace, then I will strike him down myself. At the very least I can offer him last rights before he is sent for judgment to the divines. That is my request, let him speak and let me end it!" The angel drew her rapier and pointed the blade towards the bound mage.

"You celestials have an odd sense of pride..." Kazemde looked back to the five mages seated who all nodded. He stepped forth and called out. "Very well... our circle will honor its debt. Bring Alex forward and let him speak, let him have his final words!"

Two more mages grabbed the bound cat and brought him before the stand and removed his mouth gag but left him in shackles. He showed his teeth at the angel, his eyes wet with tears.

"Speak sinner. You have no excuses, you have no recourse to save yourself." The angel spoke the words in an almost unearthly tone of voice that seemed to resonate in the large chamber.

"Why..." his voice was weak and raspy from not being used. He gave a cough then focused on the dog before him. "Why waste such a boon on me! I am nothing and unworthy of it!"

"You are someone's child, you may have been a father or a brother, or just a dear friend to someone in the distant past. I owed it to them." Gloria swung her rapier wide, the blade gleaming in the light. "Your guilt is plain, you have committed terrible attoricites and you will pay the price this day."

The cat lowered his head and his tears were plainly obvious. "Yes... I am a monster. I did horrible things in my thirst for power..."

Gloria set her sword and nodded. "Eyes to me, Alex." The mage looked upon her with tears flowing. Gloria swallowed before speaking the words in a kind motherly tone. "Please... do not go down the path your two friends did. For the second time... for the last time... Repent for your sins before me."

He clenched his teeth and focused his eyes upon her. "Thank you... after everything I've done... I mean it and... I am sorry. I'm sorry for the pain I wrought."

"Close your eyes my lamb." She whispered the words gently and the mage did so. "Your words have reached my ears and the divines will remember them. I pray they give you your chance to make amends... go to them now." The silver blade struck through the air and cleanly pierced the cat's chest. There wasn't even so much as a flinch of pain, his body simply went slack.

The entire theater was still and silent as Gloria withdrew her bloody sword and his body crumpled before her. The dog clasped her rosary in her left hand and I could hear her quietly praying aloud, her eyes lifted upwards, tears flowing from them.

A few moments later she was composed. She withdrew a small cloth article from her pocket and wiped her blade clean. She looked upon Kazemde, her cheeks still wet with tears but her face looked set with resolve. "Thank you for fulfilling my request, Archmage."

He gave a polite nod. "With it, our debt is repaid. I also thank you personally for your kindness to our brother in his final moments."

Gloria turned and moved towards me and immediately shoved her face into my chest. I smiled and held her gently, feeling her body shiver. Alex stepped up to us and held her as well.

"The tribunal is now over. You may all return to your studies." Kazemde called out to the theater before turning to the other five mages and speaking with them.

"You're really something else, angel," I spoke the words into her ears while rubbing at her head. Gloria just shook her head while hugging against me and Alex.

"Are you okay, Gloria?" Alex whispered the words into her ears gently while rubbing her head with me.

She gave a ragged sigh and nodded her head. "I will be fine in time..."

After a few minutes, Kazemde returned to us. "That was a little more dramatic than I expected, I still thank you for your testimony."

Gloria showed her teeth. "I do not mean to be rude sir Kazemde, however, I must ask. Why not allow your condemned to speak for themselves outright?"

The cobra gave a sigh that almost sounded like a hiss. "The manacles he wore suppressed his magic, but all those with the natural talent for magic, possess the ability to call upon powers in great potency in the throes of death. Being able to speak or gesture before execution is a great risk."

"So your condemned have no opportunity to repent..." Gloria frowned and folded her arms, looking away.

"That's not entirely true. We do offer them such opportunities before they are gagged. We also have clergy who offer their bodies last rights. We certainly do not wish to have curses and ghosts to deal with after the fact." Kazemde gave a shrug. "Had this been an issue I wish I would have known prior. I could have explained to you he had been offered his rights and you would not have had to waste your favor."

"Did he repent at your offer?" Gloria spoke out sternly.

"He did not." Kazemde responded simply.

"Then it was not a waste..." The retriever spoke the words gently and placed a hand to her chest.

"So none of us objected to her request and that was payment. Are you kicking us out now or do I still get that tour and chat about my power?" I spoke out curiously.

The cobra gave a chuckle and shook his head. "Do not be absurd, of course, you are still our honored guests. We shall tour the tower and have a nice dinner in your honor."

My ears lifted and I smiled. "That sounds wonderful, thank you for your hospitality."

#

Kazemde took us through the tour of the tower explaining its functions to us. It stood ten stories tall, six of those were dedicated to library facilities and research. Two other floors were dedicated to workshops for alchemy and other magical crafting. The upper two floors were dedicated to classrooms with the subterranean levels dedicated to living quarters for the mages.

"So what is the point of this place? You just sit around studying between assassination contracts?" Alex spoke out as we walked.

"Well it is first and foremost a place of study and education, the assassination is just part of our duty." Kazemde nodded in response.

"I keep hearing you say duty, do you have some code you follow?" Gloria spoke out this time. She walked next to me, clinging upon my arm.

"We do. We are not just marauding thugs that kill for coin." Kazemde looked upon the angel as he spoke. "We aren't far off really. Most of our targets are rogue creatures preying upon the mundane population. We also target particularly vile mundanes at times."

"My blade arm is one of necessity, not a sellsword. You pretty it up with flowery words but you still simply cast judgment where it is not your place to do so." The dog grumbled the words and clutched tighter to my arm.

"I will not debate with you on this matter celestial. Simply know your people would have their hands full and be burying many more mundane than you would like if it were not for our kind." The cobra clipped the words sharply but politely.

"He's not wrong Gloria," Alex spoke out, the angel turning to look upon him. "Things have calmed down these days, but if you go back a century or more. This circles was one of the prominent key players in keeping the supernatural at bay and keeping mundane society functional."

"I did not expect you to come to our defense so readily, warrior Alex. Thank you for your kind words." Kazemde gave the wolf a polite bow.

The wolf rubbed the back of his head and frowned. "It's just stuff I've read... it's like the three of us. We don't work together on paper. Vampires hate lycanthropes, celestials hate both of us, we don't like them much either. Yet here the three of us are, working together and being... uh... so much more."

I gave the wolf a grin then smiled upon my angel. "Yeah... just think if you hadn't given me a chance that night, angel?" I hummed the words lovingly at her.

Gloria sighed and shook her head. "It is obvious my judgment and eyes are clouded. I do not agree with your methods but I cannot dispute the good you have done, even if it were simply for profit. I apologize for my sharp tongue, sir Kazemde."

"The profit is to keep the circle going, knight Gloria. Nothing more than that. We do not own yachts and mansions." The cobra hissed the words and nodded once more. "Thank you for your understanding."

"So when do we eat?" Alex barked out excitedly, showing his teeth in a grin.

"I confess, I also feel hunger setting in..." The smaller dog spoke the words, a blush on her cheek as I heard her stomach growl in agreement.

Kazemde showed his teeth in a smile. "I will make arrangements post haste. Let us go to the dining hall."

The circle put an impressive spread out for us. It was obvious they were catering to the dogs because there was plenty of meats to choose from. There were also vegetables and cheeses and I felt myself a little jealous watching Alex and Gloria happily eat. It may as well have been cardboard to me and I begrudgingly snatch up a carrot trying to will my taste buds to find the flavor as I nibbled on it.

Kazemde approached me and bowed politely. "Countess Blackpaw, might we speak of things while your companions eat?"

"That sounds good." I nodded and offered both of my dogs a smile. "You two enjoy your meal, I will be around."

Alex wagged his tail and nodded. "I will keep an eye on her."

Gloria grinned at him and blushed. "T-thank you, uhm... honey?"

I pursed my lips at the two of them. "Well you guys iron out pet names, but don't take mine for her."

I sauntered off with Kazemde and followed him out onto the terrace adjoining the dining hall. It was the middle of the night and the air had a chill in it. Looking out over the horizon I saw nothing but desert and cliffs all around. "Wow... you guys are in the middle of nowhere."

"Literally. You don't want a tower of mages in the middle of downtown." Kazemde hissed the words and leaned against the guardrail overlooking the scene. "It is beautiful in its own way. I would say to gaze upon it during the morning hours, but... well, that would be rude."

I gave a laugh and flicked my tail. "Nah... I do think it's pretty under moonlight too... Even as a mundane I loved the way things looked bathed in moonlight."

The cobra smiled and then gave me a frown. "I apologize that the spread was not uh... appropriate for your diet. If you are terribly hungry I'm sure we have some preserved blood in the labs I could gather."

I showed a grin and shook my head. "It's okay sir Kazemde, I'm not ravenous and I wouldn't want to go drinking your lab supplies up."

With a frown, I stared out over the desert and rocks for several moments before speaking out. "So were you still going to talk to me about chimera's or is that off the table?"

The snake bowed his head to me. "I will not lie, I-"

"Like big butts and you cannot lie?" I clenched my fists and grinned at him.

The cobra gave me a confused look as he processed the words, after a few moments he spoke. "I'm sorry... I do not understand the context?"

I felt a pout form and looked away. "It's nothing, please continue with what you were saying, Kazemde."

He cleared his throat and spoke once more. "As I was saying... I will not lie, I had intended to trade the knowledge to relieve us of the debt we owe you."

I frowned and nodded. "I understand... business is business, right?"

He gave a sharp nod. "Yes, I appreciate your understanding. That being said, your lover was very selfless and you both followed suit. Normally I would not be moved by such things, but since it brought peace and comfort to our brother's troubled soul... well, I am willing to still share some knowledge with you."

"Really? That's very sweet of you, Kazemde. Thank you." I showed him a smile and flicked my tail happily.

"I've been called many things in my time, but never sweet." He hissed out a laugh and turned from me. "Let us go to floor five, I have a book on it there."

I followed behind Kazemde eagerly, my tail flicking about in excitement. I looked at his profile from behind while we walked. He was tall and elegant in his suit and his lithe form looked well-muscled from what I could see. I found myself growing warm looking upon his form, I wanted to see what the rest of him looked like, see how much of him those scales covered and the tight muscles I assumed he had beneath.

I had lied to him, I engaged in a very demanding battle last night and was very hungry. Though the sex with my partners was invigorating, I had spent most of my focus on tending to Gloria and Alex, the retriever received the majority of the energy I would have normally gotten. I also had poured a lot of my reserves into her in comfort after the execution as well.

I tried to focus on the task at hand, removing my eyes from his lithe form and looking straight ahead while we walked. The cobra flicked his black eyes back at me in a dart and I felt a shiver go down my spine as if he had noticed or felt my intentions. I said nothing and just continued to follow him.

We made our way to the fifth floor and he took a moment to look over a few bookcases. I took a seat and awkwardly looked away from him. The floor was devoid of anyone. It stood to reason I imagined, why would the circle need to be nocturnal, most were probably asleep by now.

"Hmm... here we are!" The cobra brought down an old weathered looking book, the spine looking worn and threadbare, the pages seemingly brittle with age. "Oh, you're an old thing..."

I frowned as he moved back to me and sat right next to me. My ears lifted at his presence and I caught his scent. It was an odd odor that I had never smelled before, like grass and sand mingled with that musk all predators shared. I felt my heart pace faster and gave a controlled breath.

Kazemde opened the old book and frowned before meeting my eyes. "Alice... I know a few things about chimera. I can sense your energy as much as smell your body right now. I thought you said you weren't hungry?"

My cheeks darkened and I jerked my gaze away. "I'm fine... I don't want to impose any further upon you and your circle."

The cobra gave me a small smile. "Would you like to feed upon me to curb your hunger? I will allow it."

I blinked upon him with a deep blush. "Ah... w-wait... just like that?"

He gave me a hiss while grinning, his tongue flicking out a few times. "Please understand, Countess Blackpaw... I do not offer it out of any sort of sexual need. I simply desire the experience, I wish to gain the knowledge of being fed upon by a chimera... a legendary creature that has not been seen in centuries."

I felt my cheeks flush and gave him a fussy glare. "K-Kazemde! That's rude... I am not a 'creature'!"

The mage offered me an apologetic smile. "I did not mean any insult with the words, forgive me, Countess."

With a shake of my head, I bit my lower lip. "It is fine sir Kazemde." I met his eyes and then recalled what I was dealing with. I narrowed my focus and asked him skeptically. "What are your terms, sir mage?"

"I do not seek to lock you into debt if that is your concern, Countess. We are not allies of your family, but I have no intention of encouraging your lord's ire." Kazemde gave me another smile. "I simply wish the experience for my own knowledge. I give you enough to sate your hunger, you allow me a once in a lifetime experience."

"Ah... I- I am rather hungry... and I do find you rather lovely to look upon." My teeth showed and my eyes shifted to red. "I do so desire to see what the rest of you looks like under that suit..."

Kazemde cleared his throat. "Ah... and therein lies my stipulation. If you wish to do so, we do so without mating."

My red eyes blinked at him and I felt a frown show on my face. "Oh... W-well... I am not opposed if that is what you desire... a shame, I will admit though..."

The cobra gave me a polite bow. "My apologies, you see I do not actually desire such things. I could do so, but I would get nothing out of the act. Would you still wish to engage knowing it would do nothing for me on a physical level?"

I bit my lower lip and half wished to say yes just to get the experience. I shook my head and gave him an understanding smile. "I would not wish to use you like that, you already offer me more than you should. I thank you for your consideration."

"I thank you for your understanding..." Kazemde hissed the words and like that he was pressed to my body to make contact. His hands tugged the gloves off, showing the scales moved over the tops of his fingers but the underside of his palms were incredibly soft. He pressed them to my cheeks and I shivered and rested my forehead to his chest.

"J-just... tell me when to stop..." I panted the words, his energy pouring into me. He wasn't resisting and the hunger in me was eager to pull it from him as quickly as he would offer it.

"Ha... this is fascinating... I can feel you stoking the fires of my desire..." His words came in a slow hiss and I could hear a faint pant on his breath.

My hands moved up his chest, digging into his body through his suit, I couldn't see the scales beneath but could feel them, they were surprisingly giving to my touch and the tightly coiled muscles were obvious beneath them. "Ha... if you desire it... I will do much more for you than simply touch..."

Kazemde gritted his teeth and I could see in his eyes he considered the offer for a moment before shaking his head. "I am grateful... but my heart would not be in it... I can feel you are the type that thrives upon your lover's pleasure..." He gave me a quick nod and a weak pant. "This is more pleasurable than I had expected... know I enjoy myself simply from this touch..."

I sighed happily at his words and nuzzled his strong chest, feeling myself growing satisfied. My arms wrapped around him and I felt myself hugging tightly to the mage, pulling heavily from him, my tail flicking rapidly. "I'm glad... ha... ha... so good..."

The cobra gave a fatigued hiss and nodded his head. "I think... we should stop... I feel it starting to take its toll..."

The demons in me didn't want to comply, but then again they never did. I kindly told them to sod off and nodded at Kazemde. "Y-yes... you have been more than generous... I thank you..." I panted the words and willed the flow of energy to cease.

We both stood there, embraced, and panting in fatigue. I sighed happily and nuzzled at his chest, feeling euphoric from the feeding. "Ha... that really hit the spot... I'm sorry I could not please you though..."

I felt his hand gently rest upon my head, stroking at my ears and hair in a comforting gesture. I could tell it was a foreign thing to him and awkward. "Do not be silly, it was educational and I felt plenty of pleasure in the act... There is more to pleasure than simply sex..."

A grin showed on my face as I nodded. "Yes... I suppose that's true... it's very much like when I use dreams I suppose..." I hummed at the thought of it and stepped from his arms, offering him a small smile, my cheeks dark. "S-so... what did you think of it?"

His composure returned slightly and he folded his arms in thought. "It was... very intimate... more so than I expected. I will not lie... I could see myself wanting it again."

I showed my teeth in a grin and put my hands behind my back. "Ah... that was my own special little trick I do."

His hood puffed out slightly as he looked at me curiously. "Special trick? What do you mean, Countess?"

I showed my teeth in a grin, the display was rather cute to me for some reason. "Ah... well, I feed by pulling energy, but I also push some back when I do so... I found it enhances my partners pleasure when we are in the moment."

"I did not know that was possible... this has already been a very educating experience." He hissed the words and flicked his forked tongue, then met my eyes and smiled. "And pleasurable... I thank you for not just taking from me without returning some pleasure. The gesture is appreciated."

I looked away with a smile and flicked my ears. "My pleasure... even if no sex is involved, I would be happy to embrace you again, it was fun and I enjoyed feeling you hold me."

He showed his teeth and I saw his composure return. "I will seriously consider your offer." He moved to the book and motioned for me. "Now come... your energy reserves are restored, let us see what there is to learn, before the last of mine dwindles..."

"We poured over the book the remainder of the evening before Kazemde had to finally sleep. The book mostly spoke of theories and rumors, a lot of them I was able to personally debunk for the mage. In the end, I learned nothing new, however, I felt I walked away with something very valuable. Something I needed... a friend, not a lover but simply... a friend."

#

The look on your face was one of confusion and I shake my head. "My pet... You need to understand my position at the time. When all I had were lovers, what I needed was to know I could have a relationship that wasn't simply sex. It was a reassurance that I could build bonds that were not simply about physical desires."

I show my teeth in a grin. "Yes... I and he were still getting pleasure but it was on a different wavelength." I roll my eyes with a smile and shake my head at your confusion. "No matter... just understand it was helpful and needed."

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