Mistrust (Alisa: 02)
#2 of Alisa
_Note from the Author:
Graphic sex ahead along with a little blood and violence. This is the second installment of my Alisa series. We'll see where it leads.
-Ilveris
Alisa
"Do not be afraid... claim me... I am yours..."
** Chapter: 02
Mistrust**
The first glimmer of sunlight finally penetrated the dense forest beyond the window. Dawn had come. Alisa was still in the bedroom of Essidus though now she sat in a chair by the window, watching the sunrise as best she could through the trees. She sat perfectly still, her legs crossed with one of her hands resting on her aching shoulder. The pain was fading but what remained of it was deep within her flesh. She was still covered in blood, but the wounds to her shoulder and throat were gone. She slowly stroked her fur over the site of the now gone wound while she stared out the window.
Essidus lived deep within the woods. His home was quite luxurious for a citizen of Oscia. The nation had come on hard times. There were a few other houses nearby, the residents of which had banded together to create a small settlement of sorts, though none of the other houses were visible from the window. Centuries ago, this place had been the site of a rather large town. It had crumbled, however, as all mortal things do and now all that remained of it were a handful of stone foundations buried in the leaves between the mighty oaks.
Alisa looked down from the window to her left ankle. She remained naked, shackled to the bed which lay only a few feet away. When she had first awoken and discovered the chain she had tried a few times to step into the ethereal and pass through the metal, but her attempts had failed. There were a handful of very rare metals that could do what this chain did, and it did not appear to be one such metal. It looked no different than any other iron shackle. It was more likely that the metal had been enchanted by Essidus to perform this function, but she could not tell with any certainty while wearing it. The chain not only restrained her physically, but it restrained much of her power and so she could not sense an enchantment if there was one.
But it was of no concern. Alisa had come to Essidus to die and instead received confinement in a place filled with the scent of her love. She saw little difference other than the fact that she would surely see him at least one more time. Alisa was also a very patient demon. A mortal would probably be bothered knowing that they could not leave. Alisa would not be bothered until she actually wanted to leave, and she had no such desire.
Alisa returned her gaze to the window. The trees glowed in the morning sun. The forest was eerily silent, however. There were no birds, no animals. They would stay away from this place while she was near. They could sense her.
Alisa continued to stroke the fur of her shoulder. Not because of the pain, pain did not bother her. She was instead nagged by a question: Why? Why had Essidus spared her life? Alisa had lived with mortals as a child. She had been raised by a poor family of the Jinto Nation. She knew that mortals were plagued by many things. Fear and self doubt. The trust of others. Faith. Mercy. These were difficult notions for a demon to comprehend. Being raised by mortals, albeit many centuries ago, Alisa had a vague understanding of some of these concepts. For many demons understanding something like mercy or trust was all but impossible. Alisa had little doubt that mercy and self doubt had played some part in her continued existence, but she knew there was another reason. The real reason as to why she still lived.
The handle of the door across the room rattled. Alisa turned her gaze to the door as it opened. Essidus stood silently in the doorway. His beautiful white fur was no longer stained with her blood. He now wore black pants, a matching shirt, and dark boots. Traditional garb of young Oscian male. Colors were reserved for special occasion. In his hand he carried an apple.
He stared for a moment, saying nothing. Alisa stared back. She could vaguely sense his emotion and presence. Her ability to feel others around her and read their emotions were her strongest assets, and thus it seemed the chain could not suppress her ability to do so completely. At least not at this range. After a few moments he stepped into the room and went to a chair which rest against the far wall near the door.
He lifted the chair with his free hand and moved it closer, nearly halfway across the large bedroom. There he plopped it down and sat. Alisa glanced down at the chain. He was inches beyond her reach. She did not need to test the chain to know. She could tell its limits with a simple glance. She raised her eyes back to Essidus. He had produced a small knife and was now cutting the apple into slices which he consumed, all the while staring at her.
Alisa stared back, gazing into his beautiful gray eyes. Alisa was once again filled with indifference. The passion she had felt during the night, when she had made love with him, was sealed once again in the ice that was her soul. It had been so since she awoke, but now with him inches away she again felt the cracking of the ice. She could feel her love for him stir.
Alisa did not need words. She was content to stare into his beautiful eyes forever, but he was a mortal and they needed words. "Been watching me a long time, huh? How long is a long time?"
She could hear the sarcasm in his voice. It did not matter. Alisa did not respond. She simply continued to stare.
He continued to eat, consuming another slice of the apple before trying again. "How long have you been watching me?" Essidus said.
There was no sarcasm in his voice this time. "More than three years. I do not know exactly." she replied.
He nodded, finishing the last of his apple. When he was done, he stood and went to a wastebasket near the door. He dumped the remains of the apple and then washed and dried his hands using a bowl of water and a towel which rest on a small table beside the door. He spoke again as he did so, "And why did you do this?"
"To learn of your capabilities." she replied.
He glanced back over his shoulder to her. "Why would you want to know my capabilities?" he asked.
Alisa cocked her head to the side just a little. An odd question. She was certain he knew the answer but apparently he wanted to hear her say it. "So that I could kill you and take some of your essence." Alisa said.
He placed the towel down and took a deep breath, sighing before he turned back to her. "Brave. Perhaps not the best choice of words." he replied.
Alisa said nothing in reply. Bravery was a lack of fear. Demons had no fear and so his comment did not apply to her. The necessity to apply mortal notions, such as bravery, to all things around them was also another flaw of his kind.
He returned to his chair and sat. "So what happened? Why didn't you try?" he asked.
Try? Arrogance was another notion many mortals suffered from. That one afflicted many of her kind as well, however. Perhaps, though, the word try was justified in this case as he might not know the capabilities of the demon before him. She was unsure as to how much he could sense of her demonic strength. "During those three years I fell in love with you. I..."
He interrupted her. "Demons do not love and I'm not..." He rested his elbows upon his knees and turned his head away, not finishing.
She cocked her head once again. She did not reply. His left eye twitched slightly. Something she knew he did when he was frustrated. "Not lovable" she thought? Perhaps. She had seen him kill. Many of his enemies enlisted the services of young magi. Young and gullible fools who believed they could slay Essidus for a bit of easy money. Some were little more than children, and Essidus did not spare his enemies. Alisa knew that to kill was something that made you undesirable to other mortals and seemed to have a prolonged effect upon the slayer. She did not know how many times he had killed, but she had gathered over the years that not all of the killings had been necessary.
Alisa was a demon. She didn't care that he had killed. So had she, and most certainly, she had killed younger and more defenseless than he. "Then I have surrendered myself to you for nothing." she replied.
He turned his eyes back to her and replied coldly, "Demons are deceptive. This could be some elaborate plot."
"A plot that depends upon you sparing my life is a dangerous plot indeed. One no demon as advanced as I would dare risk their life in." she replied.
He shrugged. "Demons are known to subjugate other demons. You could be doing this at the behest of your master." Essidus said.
He was shrewd. It was quite rare for a demon to become the servant of another. Such encounters usually ended in death. She did not believe most mortals would consider the possibility. Alisa flicked her tail toward her left ankle as she replied, "It is you who appear to be my master at the moment."
He gritted his teeth and stood, turning away from her. He changed the subject. "What kind of demon are you? You don't appear to be a succubus." Essidus said.
Succubus? Alisa was mildly insulted but the insinuation but she supposed her actions the night before had forced him to consider it. Alisa was a type of demon that feasted on the energies of a soul infused with the arcane, usually accomplished by rending the victim and tapping the energies of their soul while it slipped from their body. Mortals saw her kind as an average threat when compared to similarly advanced demons. "You have no name for my kind." She replied.
He crossed his arms and nodded, turning back to her. "Why did you come to me last night? I could have killed you." Essidus asked.
Ah. There it was. That was the question. She'd wondered when he'd ask it. "I have never loved before. I know of no demon that ever has. It was my way of seeing if it was real. I was willing to die for you. Just to touch you." Alisa said.
She lowered her arm and raised her chin slightly, exposing her neck as she continued. "I still am."
He gritted his teeth and sat once again. He was clearly agitated. Alisa lowered her chin. She was disappointed. She'd somewhat hoped he would come closer. Even if just to bite her and end her life. He buried his face in his hands instead.
"Do you have a name, Demon?" Essidus asked.
"Alisa." She responded.
He said nothing further. Alisa did not wait for his next question. She asked one of her own. "Why did you spare my life?"
Without raising his head, he replied quickly. "Hard to justify killing someone with your dick inside them."
She cocked her head once again. She knew the real answer. Mercy might have had its part, but the real reason was power. Her power. It was one of the things that she found so attractive in him. He pursued the acquisition of power with almost demonic dedication. He stopped at nothing to learn more of his art and grow stronger. He practiced his craft with unerring precision. He kept her alive because he believed there was power to be gained in doing so. Alisa found it odd, ironic, that while she saw no point in the gathering of power herself, she found the same trait in him appealing.
They both remained silent for a time. Alisa did not take her eyes from him. She quite thoroughly enjoyed looking at him. She could not remember the last time, if ever, that she had enjoyed looking at something. Finally, without raising his head, he spoke. "What am I to do with you?"
She was puzzled by the question. If he had kept her for her power, then he knew the answer. There were rituals capable of rending her soul, tapping its power, and placing it into a grimoire or even infusing it directly into another soul. Perhaps he did not know one sufficient for a demon of her class, but he was resourceful. He could obtain one if he needed. Nothing she could say would change this. She gave him no answer.
After a few moments of silence he rose from to his feet and went to the door. He looked back to her as he stood in the doorway. "You love me, huh?" he asked.
She could feel the distrust in him. Even with the shackle, she could sense it. He wouldn't believe her no matter the answer. "Yes." Alisa replied.
He stared back at her a moment longer before leaving the room and closing the door. Alisa could sense him beyond the door. He stood there for a moment before leaving. He did not have to go far before he was beyond her ability to feel and she lost him. Alisa took a deep breath and turned her gaze once more to the window.
She was alone again though Alisa was content to sit in her chair, unmoving, gazing out the window. Before finding her sanctuary, Alisa had spent most of her life in the forests of Oscia, alone. She found them restful. She would have remained there if it were not for the superior safety her underground sanctuary offered. Mortals were little threat, she would feel their approach even in her sleep, but elves, fairies, sprites, gods, or even rival demons could stumble upon her in her sleep. A potentially lethal situation. Her sanctuary was far more difficult to detect.
It didn't hurt that his scent was strong in the room. Being surrounded by it was almost as good as being in his presence. She felt close to him.
It was nearly dusk when she heard laughter from beyond the door. She turned her gaze to it as the handle rattled and the door opened. Essidus stepped through the doorway followed by a somewhat short lynx wearing similar clothing to Essidus with the addition of a sword sheathed on his hip. The lynx was still laughing when he entered, however, it did not persist. When he saw Alisa a look of shock swept across his face, accompanied by a backwards stumble of a few steps.
"Holy shit! You weren't kidding!" he managed.
Essidus shrugged, crossing his arms and turning his gaze to Alisa. She recognized the lynx. Jonathan. One of the others living in the small settlement. He was Essidus's best friend. It was in his presence only that she had ever heard Essidus laugh. During a conversation between the two that she had once observed, Jonathon had called Essidus his brother. A sorcerer himself, he was quite powerful, but his demeanor was energetic and playful. From what she had observed of him in the past, she knew that he was loyal and wildly protective of Essidus. She did not expect he would approve of the situation.
As he regained his composure, he took a hurried step toward Essidus. "You've got to be out of your fucking mind! Kill it!" He demanded.
Essidus shook his head but did not reply. Jonathan grit his teeth, baring his fangs some as he turned his attention back to Alisa. "She's covered in blood! Your bed is covered in blood!"
He looked back to Essidus and reached out, grabbing his shirt and lifting it up to reveal Essidus's bare chest, all the while frantically speaking, "Is that your blood!? Whose blood is that!?"
Essidus shook his head and batted Jonathan's hand away. "No. It's hers." Essidus replied.
"What happened?" Jonathan demanded.
Essidus shook his head again and replied, "That's not important."
Jonathan did not persist in the matter, instead, he pointed at Alisa. "Kill it!" Jonathan insisted.
"She could be useful." Essidus replied, never taking his eyes from Alisa.
Another look of shock flashed across Jonathan's face. She could feel the anger inside him. Anger... concern... confusion... "You are fucking insane!" he said.
He turned his eyes back to Alisa and continued. "She's bipedal! Can she talk!?"
Essidus responded with a nod only. Jonathan continued to grow more shocked as he stepped closer to Essidus. "And you want to keep her alive!?" Jonathan shouted.
Jonathan glanced back and forth between Alisa and Essidus for a moment. "What the hell is going on here!?" Jonathan said. He shook his head in disbelief, taking one step toward Alisa as he announced, "I'll fucking do it for you."
With that Jonathan took another step forward, drawing his sword quickly. Alisa prepared to rise, to defend herself. She was ready to die but not at the hands of this man. Her life was for Essidus only. She would have to be careful though, Jonathan was important to Essidus and she dare not hurt him. That was if she could defend herself at all. She wasn't sure how impaired her abilities were with the shackle in place.
Standing was unnecessary, though. Jonathon only made that one step before Essidus reached out, took his arm, and stopped him. "No." he said.
Jonathan lowered his sword and turned back to Essidus. "She will kill you." Jonathan said.
Essidus ignored his comment and turned his eyes back to Alisa. Jonathan moved swiftly, striking Essidus across the face with the back of his free hand, forcing him to stumble backward a few feet. "There is a demon in your house. Wake up!" Jonathan shouted.
Essidus reached up, touching his face where he had been struck. He did not retaliate. Alisa had never before seen one of them strike the other. It was quite unexpected. "Enough, Jon. I'm not killing her yet." Essidus said.
The lynx grit hit teeth. After a moment he let loose a sigh of resignation and sheathed his sword. "The old man is going to fucking freak. It's only a matter of time before he detects her presence and he'll definitely have the others on his side this time." Jonathan said.
"I've already placed a ward on the house. He won't find her here." Essidus retorted.
The lynx turned his eyes back to Alisa. "How in the hell did you capture her?" he asked. His voice tone had calmed greatly. He was rapidly accepting Essidus's decision. Alisa knew that Essidus was quite stubborn and Jonathan rarely managed to change his mind in anything.
Essidus changed the subject with his reply, "I showed you this because I need you to go to Avenguard for me. I can't leave her here alone."
"What the hell am I supposed to tell them?" asked Jonathan as he turned his gaze back to Essidus. The lynx shook his head with disgust. "That you're standing them up?"
"Tell them I'll increase my donation a few thousand. They'll be angry but they won't do anything." Essidus replied.
The lynx shook his head some more, displeased with the idea. "Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, I need you to leave tonight if you can." Essidus replied.
Jonathan looked back to Alisa and sighed. "You know I can. I don't like the idea of leaving you here alone, though. You be careful with that thing, hear me?" Jonathan said.
Essidus reached out and patted Jonathan's shoulder, leading him toward the exit as he nodded his reply.
"You know, I'm not even going to ask why she's naked and chained to your bed." Jonathan said while being led away.
Essidus nodded. "That's good." he replied.
The lynx looked at Essidus as they stepped through the doorway. "You're fucking sick, you know that? Your mama would be ashamed of you." Jonathan declared.
Essidus turned around and reached for the door. He rolled his eyes, replying as he shut it. "Yeah, yeah..."
With the shutting of the door Alisa found herself alone once again. She returned her gaze to the window. The light beyond was fading. Her life persisted. She found it interesting that she had spent centuries of her life being meticulous in her pursuit of power, doing her absolute best to avoid death, and now that she had surrendered herself to it... she would not die. Not that it mattered. She would persist in his presence for as long as she was allowed. She was grateful.
Jonathan's visit was no surprise to Alisa. Essidus consulted him on many, many things. After being spared, she had expected this. Nor did she mind being displayed to him as a naked, bloody mess. She had little sense of modesty. Clothes were for physical protection and to blend in better among others as far as she was concerned.
Alisa spent the day in that chair, unmoving. She watched the light fade with darkness taking its place. A few hours later the door rattled once more. Alisa turned her gaze to it in time to see her love step into the room once again. He stood silent before the door, staring back at Alisa. He held a box in his hands. "You don't have to sit in the dark. You're welcome to light a lamp." Essidus said.
The only forms of light which held any value for Alisa were sunlight and moonlight and even those she did not require. She said nothing in response. Essidus frowned some and went to the table near the door. There he placed the box down and ignited a lamp, brightening the room if only a little. He then opened the box and from it produced: four thin golden bracelets and a black leather necklace which had a simple clear jewel hanging from its midpoint.
He took the items in hand and crossed to the center of the room, to a point just beyond her reach, next to the chair he had used earlier that day. He tossed the items to the bed. "Put those on." he said.
Alisa turned her gaze to the items on the bed. Was he uncertain that the chain would hold her? She hoped he was for she, too, was uncertain that it could hold her. If she tried her best to escape it she believed it quite probable that she would. She did not want her love to be in the habit of making such dangerous mistakes; even with her where she knew there was no real danger. The items upon the bed were an entirely different form of magic and control... and she was quite certain that if they had been made properly, she would not be capable of escaping them. The chain sought to suppress her in a crude fashion, while the items on the bed would return much of her power. Instead, she would be restricted in will. She would not be able to harm the one who forged them or anyone else he so willed safe.
Alisa did not move. She returned her gaze to Essidus. She wondered if he would dare come closer.
"Put them on." Essidus repeated.
Alisa remained still. Essidus grit his teeth. She could feel his frustration growing. She was now certain that he did not believe the shackle could hold her. After considering his options for a moment he stepped forward, gathering the things from the bed. He went to her and knelt beside her chair. He took one of the bracelets and reached for her hand. She raised it and offered her hand freely, staring down at him as he slid the loose bracelet over her wrist. She felt a twinge of energy as his fingertips brushed against her fur. Almost like electricity. She offered her other hand just the same, allowing him to place another of the bracelets. She lifted her foot and offered him her ankle all the while enjoying the feel of his brief touches. When that bracelet was secured she uncrossed her legs and lifted her other foot, offering him that ankle as well. His scent was powerful at such a close distance. His smell only served to further provoke Alisa's feelings for him.
As he slid the final bracelet around her ankle she found herself shaking from his touch. Her breathing was heightened. She felt unsteady. She did not understand entirely why. She was not afraid. No, it had nothing to do with the threat he posed to her life or the potential loss of her freedom. He was the cause. She didn't just want him, she needed him. She had never needed anyone or anything in her life. Nothing had been necessary to her. Even the power she had collected over the centuries was but a want. And here knelt a mortal, touching her ankle, a mortal she needed. It made no sense.
Alisa reached out and touched her hand softly to his cheek as he reach down to pick up the necklace. He flinched, startled. He looked up into her eyes but he did not pull away. It felt as if he was waiting to see if she would slay him, as if he were using his very life to test her. Or perhaps not. Alisa did not trust her senses near him. He had a strong sway on her, and in his presence, no thought or feeling could be trusted.
Still, he did not move. Alisa ran her fingers back along his face, allowing them to slip into his hair. His eyes were beautiful. He was beautiful. All he need do now was secure the necklace to her neck. It would be the fifth point of the pentagram, completing the circle and sealing her power. "Is this what you want?" Alisa whispered.
He did not respond. She could feel a storm of uncertainty and confusion within him, and it was only growing worse. She was making it worse. She could not blame him, for Alisa's actions flew in the face of everything he had ever learned or been told. She could sense the beginnings of fear. Not of Alisa but of his own uncertainty. She knew that Essidus saw the world very much in black and white. He saw the world as he saw it and he did not doubt himself... and now he was feeling doubt, and it was beginning to scare him. It was evident in his eyes that he was searching frantically for a reason, an answer, anything. Any rock to cling to in his sea of confusion and doubt.
Alisa had doubts of her own, but she was certain of one thing. She slowly leaned forward. He frowned, leaning away just a little. Alisa reached down slowly, taking his hands with hers. She raised them, and the necklace they held, gently with hers. She brought his hands to her neck, guiding one to either side of her throat as she whisper to him, "Do not be afraid... claim me... I am yours..."
Alisa closed her eyes and guided his fingers to meet together behind her neck, savoring the touch of his warm wrists against her delicate throat and the scent they brought with them.
He did not immediately secure the leather strap. He hesitated. With such close contact, she could feel him much easier. His mind was racing. "It's a trick. It must be," he thought. "It can't be real."
"Why...?" Essidus whispered tentatively.
Alisa arched her neck softly, rubbing her throat against his wrists as she reply. "...because I love you..."
She could feel him shaking. His uncertainty was becoming unbearable. Essidus lived on his self confidence, much like a demon, and she knew that this was not easy for him. After a moment more of hesitation he finally fastened the delicate necklace around her neck, securing it in place.
The small clear jewel which hung from the necklace, resting in the fur of her chest, grew warm with the fastening of the clasp. Essidus tried to pull his hands away but Alisa held him close and he made no effort to resist. The jewel grew quite warm but it did not last. After a moment it began to cool returning to what it was just moments ago; a simple stone.
Alisa lowered her muzzle to his wrist and nuzzled him softly. Still he did nothing. She opened her eyes and gazed into his. Alisa leaned forward slowly bringing her lips to his. He didn't pull away as she expected him to and Alisa slipped her tongue into his mouth, meeting his. She kissed him softly, deeply, and long... and he did not resist.
When Alisa finally ended the kiss and pulled away ever so slowly, Essidus stared a moment longer. He searched her eyes for answers but only briefly. He then lowered his eyes and hands to the shackle around her ankle. Alisa allowed him to pull away this time. He set to work removing it and within moments she was free of the restraint. Essidus stood and returned to the doorway.
"I've drawn you a bath and I have some clothes for you." Essidus said.
Alisa was content to remain where she sat, but she could feel how overwhelmingly uneasy he was and she did not want to be difficult for him. She would try and behave as he wanted. She rose gracefully to her feet and crossed the room to meet him. He hesitantly nodded upon seeing her compliance and stepped through the door. Alisa followed him and he led her through his living room. While dark, she could see it clearly. He'd converted it to a library and every wall was lined with tall shelves which reached to the ceiling. Most of the shelves were packed with books, scrolls, and trinkets. There was a desk in the center of the room. It was covered with papers and even more books.
Alisa knew the layout of his house well. Four bedrooms, four baths, a large kitchen, pantry, basement, the library, and an attic. While all of the rooms were furnished she rarely saw him use any room other than the kitchen, library, and his bedroom.
Essidus led her to another of the bedrooms which was connected to the library and from there to the bathroom within. He stood beside the entrance to the bathroom, allowing her to enter. The bathrooms were elaborate for a house of Oscia. Stone walls and deep granite tubs with matching counters and sinks. Beautiful mirrors and indoor plumbing. The house was old and dated back to better days for Oscia. The tub was ready as promised, filled with steaming water.
He pointed toward an oak dresser in the bedroom. "There are clothes for you there. Consider this your room for now. Feel free to make use of the kitchen." Essidus said.
Alisa turned back toward him, saying nothing in response. She could feel her silence making him uneasy.
"Good night, Alisa." Essidus said.
She nodded slightly in response but said nothing. He shook his head as well and turned, leaving the bedroom.
Alisa took a deep breath and turned her attention to the tub. Cleanliness was something that Alisa valued. While being stained in blood or dirty was no serious concern to her, she would prefer to be clean and so she slipped silently into the warm waters. She laid her head back and closed her eyes, content. She could feel Essidus beyond the walls of this room in his own bedroom. She could smell him. This was good.
After relaxing for a time Alisa opened her eyes and began cleaning herself. She scrubbed the blood from her fur and rinsed her hair. The pains of her injuries from the previous night were all but gone.
She could feel her power returning and as she finished cleaning herself Alisa reached out, opening the window beside her tub with a soft push. She could feel nothing beyond the window. Alisa extended her hand, trying to reach outside. The bracelet she wore, however, would not comply. As it reached the boundary of the window it stuck. It was as if it had connected with a solid wall and could not pass.
Alisa withdrew her hand and held it up, examining the golden ring around her wrist. It was overly large and common sense would tell one that if she stood up straight with her hands at her side it would simply fall off, but she knew that would not be the case. She pulled gently at the bracelet. Much like before it became stuck upon trying to pass over her wrist, as if an invisible wall blocked its path.
It was an elaborate enchantment indeed. Not only was her power to harm Essidus suppressed, but it prevented her from leaving his dwelling as well. It was proof enough of his skill in the arcane.
She had little desire to remove the bracelets or the necklace, however, and so she lowered her hand. She returned her gaze to the night forest beyond the window and the cool breeze that entered through it.
Her peace did not last long. Alisa heard the door of the bedroom creak open. She turned her head, looking back into the bedroom as Essidus's familiar, Moonlight, strolled in. The small, black, winged fox moved silently into the bathroom. He stared at Alisa as he approached and jumped up onto the edge of the tub where he sat, just inches from Alisa's face.
He examined her closely. "You stay away from him." he said.
His mouth did not move but his voice was quite clear. Most demons had the ability to communicate with animals, both wild and domestic. While wild animals often avoided demons, they did so because they avoided any possible source of conflict, not necessarily because they disliked demons. Animals, however, that spent much of their time in the presence of mortals often shared their distrust and hatred of demons.
Alisa cocked her head slightly. His boldness surprised her. "I have come to be with him. When he is ready, he will kill me." Alisa said.
"He doesn't need you. I am his partner. Stay away from him and maybe he will free you." Moonlight replied.
"I need him." Alisa said, laying her head back and closing her eyes once again.
Moonlight stood, growling. "Liar. You're a demon. All you need is blood and suffering. You stay away from him." Moonlight demanded.
Alisa smiled. He was a good fit as Essidus's familiar. Bold and fearless. Most mortals would dare not confront a demon alone and in the dark, and here this small animal did so without hesitation. "I don't scare you, do I?" Alisa asked.
Moonlight sat back down, raising his chin definitely. "I am his partner. I don't fear pets. That's what you are," He said as he flicked his tail toward the necklace she wore, "His pet."
Alisa said nothing in reply. After a while, Moonlight rose to his feet once more and jumped from the tub to the floor. "I'll be watching you. If you hurt him you'll regret it." Moonlight said.
She listened to the sound of his tiny feet padding away. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She climbed from the tub and dried herself thoroughly with a towel. She returned to the bedroom and the dresser Essidus had indicated earlier. She examined its contents to find a few pairs of pants, shirts, socks, silken slips, and silken panties. All black, as was traditional of Oscian families. A pair of dark boots lay beside the dresser.
Alisa took one of the slips and slid it on over her head. It was simple and loose fitting, covering her from her chest to her knees. She then went to the waiting bed. She slipped between the covers and extinguished the lamp on the nightstand.
There she lay, staring at the dark ceiling. She was not tired. Rest did make her stronger, but she rarely required it. Instead her thoughts were of Essidus whose scent surrounded her, whom she could feel lying in the room beside her. She now believed that demons could feel love, that what she felt for him was the same thing mortals described in their many books. She believed that now. Her love for him was growing stronger, more firm; with every moment that she spent near him.
She raised her hand once again, holding it over her head. She stared at the golden bracelet which hung around her wrist. Pet? It was not the same, she knew, but was the feeling she felt now what mortal women felt when they exchanged rings? Rightness? Belonging? Contentment? Through these trinkets he now owned her, and she cherished them for that. She wanted to be his. They needn't have enchantments to prevent their removal, for she would never do so... but all the same, she was glad that they did.
The hour grew later and the night grew darker. Alisa made no attempt to sleep; she knew she would not be able to. Instead, after a time, she slipped from bed and made her way to the doorway. Upon entering the library her gaze was immediately drawn to the reflective, glowing eyes of Moonlight who lay on the desk in the center of the room. He stared at her as she entered.
Alisa stared back for a moment, thinking. She then approached him slowly. She offered her palm to him gently. "I promise I will do him no harm..." she whispered.
The words were not easy for Alisa to speak. Even in a whisper. Even though she meant them with every fiber of her being, she still found them difficult to utter. They were not the words of a demon.
Moonlight stared at her hand for a moment and then raised his nose defiantly, but he offered no objection. Alisa bowed her head. "Thank you." she whispered.
She turned and made her way to Essidus's door. "I'll hold you to that." Moonlight said as she neared the door.
Alisa did not stop. She quietly opened his door, slipped in, and shut it behind her. Across the room Essidus lie sleeping in his bed beneath the covers, much as she had found him last night. She wondered how he would react this time. Perhaps tonight she would be slain, but she thought it unlikely. He would kill her eventually, she was sure of it. He had already spared her life longer than she would have spared his had their positions been reversed.
Alisa crept across the room toward her sleeping love. The bracelets around her ankles hung loosely and with each step they sang their sweet song upon striking the hardwood floor. He did not stir. Perhaps the ward he had spoken of earlier suppressed even his ability to feel her presence. She soon found herself standing beside his bed with him still fast asleep.
She began to feel pain from her beloved. Darkness. Memories perhaps. Dreams made of bad memories. A nightmare. She stood silently over him, saddened. Saddened to know that the man she loved was haunted so.
She was a demon, yes, but she would try her best to ease his suffering... She lifted the covers and found him naked. It was not a surprise; she knew he slept that way more often than not. She slipped into his bed, beneath the covers with him once again, mounting him as before.
He did not awaken, his painful dream held strong. She began to see it. Thin strands of glowing blood red energy which surround him. They wrapped around him forming chains which bound him to his nightmare. These chains hung loosely around him, save around his neck where they grew very tight. Mortals often dismissed them but Alisa knew that dreams were far more than they made them out to be. To a demon, the assault of a nightmare was as real and dangerous as any physical threat.
Alisa slipped her hands to his chest where she began gently brushing aside the chains. The strands of energy offered little resistance. Their power was over him and, as a demon, she had great power over them in turn. She lay forward gently pressing herself against him. She slipped her hands to his neck and pressed her fingers delicately between his throat and the chains which tightened there. They loosened and gave way to her gentle advances. The chains fell apart slowly and began dissipating into wisps of broken energy which faded from view. She brought her lips to his cheek and kissed him softly. "Essidus..." she whispered.
He finally stirred beneath her, waking slowly this time. His eyes opened with surprise and shock. "...Alisa...?" he whispered.
She lowered her muzzle to his neck and kissed him softly. She could see the wound he had there, where the chains had injured him, even though she knew he would not. She allowed her tongue to touch his fur, to taste his skin. He roused further from his sleep and began to push at her gently. "Alisa, stop." he whispered.
Alisa raised her muzzle to his. "You have nothing to fear, Essidus... you own me... and I could never hurt you...," Alisa whispered. "Let me ease your pain..."
Before he could respond she pressed forward, gently meeting his lips with her own. He offered little resistance and her tongue carefully found its way into her loves mouth. She slid her hands to the body of her love, stroking the sides of his chest. When the kiss ended she lifted her head enough to allow him to speak.
"Why do you love me...?" he asked in a whisper. She could feel his continued disbelief.
She smiled. She did not really know. She knew little of love. She licked his nose gently. "Because, Essidus, you are the one I love..." Alisa whispered.
"But..." he began.
She interrupted him. "Reasons do not matter... It is enough that I love you. Now, no more words," Alisa whispered. "Let me show you my love..."
She pressed her mouth to his once more. Her tongue was greeted by his this time. He returned her kiss. His tongue found its way past hers and into her mouth. She felt his manhood stir beneath her. His hands found their way beneath her slip to her back where they stroked at her fur and massaged the skin beneath. She could feel him accept the passion she offered.
She knew he did not love her; he could not after a single day... but he was in pain and she could ease it. He didn't need to love her. She loved him. She loved enough for both of them and that was enough for her. She would do whatever he desired to ease his suffering. She was his, after all.
Their kiss deepened and he began to grow firm beneath her. Alisa reached beneath them, taking his cock softly in hand. She was eager to feel him inside her once more. She craved it. She needed it as she needed him. She gripped his cock gently and began to stroke it softly between their warm bodies, preparing him for what was to come.
His hands tightened their grip on her back, pulling her closer. She moaned softly and deepened their kiss. It felt good to be held close by him. Better than anything she had ever known in her life.
She squeezed his cock tighter, stroking more firmly. He wasn't interested in her hand, however. He held her tightly and rolled her onto her back. Lying atop her, he pressed her legs apart. She spread herself for him, ready to be his. "...Essidus..." she whispered.
He pressed his lips to her neck, kissing her gently. With her hand still grasping his cock, she guided him slowly to her. She stroked him between her lips, rubbing her clit gently. She arched her neck for his mouth and moaned as he grasped her tighter.
He pressed into her gently. He took her slowly, an inch at a time, filling her. Alisa closed her eyes and bit her lip. She wrapped her legs around him, crossing her ankles as he took her. She clung to him desperately, her nails nearly piercing the flesh of his back. She never wanted to let him go. She could feel her thighs spasm as his cock filled her, the tip of which pressed softly against her womb.
She gasped. Her pussy convulsed softly around him as she cum. He ground his hips against hers for a moment, heightening her pleasure. He began to move, thrusting into her slowly. Alisa could taste blood, but she did not let up on her lip. She couldn't. Even as her orgasm was fading she could feel the next one growing. Alisa held on tightly as Essidus took her, all the while he continued to massage her neck with his tongue and lips.
She felt one of his hands press between them, taking her breast firmly in hand. He kneaded it gently, eliciting further groans from Alisa. "Ahh... Essidus..." she pleaded.
No longer content to just be taken, Alisa found herself grinding back, thrusting against her love as he fucked her. His grip on her breast tightened and their pace quickened, becoming a frenzy. Her orgasm was nearing and she would not last much longer.
Alisa opened her eyes and their muzzles met. She snaked her tongue deep into his mouth as his snaked his into hers. During their kiss her eyes were captivated by a glimmer of reflected light. Her eyes focused upon the golden bracelet which encircled her right ankle which hung high in the air. It shook wildly with the bucking of her leg, moving in time to their movements as she was fucked by the mortal atop her. The sight of it, the belonging it implied, the ownership, was enough to drive Alisa over the edge. She moaned into Essidus's mouth and dug her nails deep into his back pressing even the tips of her fingers into him. Her pussy and thighs convulsed around him, squeezing him tighter. Her orgasm struck in unbearable waves of pleasure causing her to writhe beneath him in ecstasy.
He gasped in response and she felt that most wonderful feeling once again. She felt his warmth spray deep within her, coating her demon womb with his seed.
Their pleasures faded, but she did not loosen the grip of her thighs or of her claws. She could feel the blood running between her fingers. She could feel it in her fur. A drop of blood slipped over his shoulder from his back, rolling toward her. When their kiss ended Alisa slipped her muzzle to his shoulder and took the blood into her mouth. He arched his neck to the side in response, allowing her to do as she pleased. She pressed her tongue into his fur and moaned again, cumming softly one last time at the taste of her loves blood. He held her tightly while the waves of pleasure overtook her.
They stayed together that night, not leaving that position. Him inside her, and her nails inside him. She could feel his pain, her nails were deep, but it was not the pain she had felt when he slept... the chains stayed away.
The night passed slowly. Alisa did not sleep though Essidus did. As he slumber atop her, she could feel his pulse with the nails she had in him. She could feel the blood of her love as it was pumped past the tips of her fingers which just barely entered his flesh. She could feel its warmth. To a demon, there was nothing closer than blood. It was him. An intimate part of him. He was hers now. He might not know it, but she had claimed him.
Alisa smiled and nuzzled the neck of her sleeping love. He was her mortal.
_Final Thoughts:
This series is turning out to be far gentler and love oriented than I had originally envisioned it. Probably not what most people here want to read. I haven't really been able to explore love in any of my other writings so this is probably a result of that frustration. Still, I like it. I'll probably keep going with it.
-Ilveris
Completed 2/21/2007_