REGINEABEL
ILLUSTRATIONSBY
Hojolabor
NiklasCloister
Pleko
Vvevelur
Copyright©2024
Allrightsreserved Theunauthorizedreproductionordistributionofthiscopyrightedworkisillegalandpunishablebylaw Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproduced electronicallyorinprintwithoutwrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedinreviews
Theauthorexpresslyprohibitsanyentityfromusingthispublicationforpurposesoftrainingartificialintelligence(AI)technologiestogeneratetextorimages,including withoutlimitationtechnologiesthatarecapableofgeneratingworksinthesamestyleorgenreasthispublication Theauthorreservesallrightstolicenseusesofthiswork forgenerativeAItraininganddevelopmentofmachinelearninglanguagemodels
Thisbookusesmaturelanguageandexplicitsexualcontent Itisnotintendedforanyoneundertheageof18
Thisbookisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,andincidentsareeitherproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Anyresemblancetoactual persons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental
CONTENTS
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Epilogue
AlsobyRegineAbel
AboutRegine
Wouldhesaveherorbeherdamnation?
Houndedbyanecromancerhellbentonappropriatingherancestrallands,Ronikamustrecoveranancientrelicfromacursed mansion to keep her enemy at bay. To do so, she requires an escort. Convincing an enraged wraith to help seems like an impossibletask.Butshediscoversthatthebeingbehindthebillowingshadowsisanhonorableprotectorwhomovesherinan unexpectedfashion.
Aftercenturiesofterrorizingthelandwhilelosttomadness,Asheroncannotbelievethisfragilehuman,withherweakgreen magic, has managed to bring back his sanity. Ronika’s incredible strength, fearless determination, and the gentle way she toucheshimsoothesthemonsterhehasbecomeandawakensapowerfullongingandpossessivenessinhim.Butshedoesnot realizethedeadlinessofthedealshehasstrucktodefendherland.
He will stop at nothing to protect the woman who has claimed his heart. But will Asheron’s efforts bring about Ronika’s salvationordoomthemboth?
To those who strive to see beyond labels, appearances, and the often deceptive first impression Some monsters cannot be redeemed Others are merely deeply tortured and scarred souls hiding behind a hideous mask to shield themselves from further harm. The challenge is knowing which ones to cast out, and which ones to nurture back out of their darkness and into the light.
To mothers and fathers who will never give up trying to protect or save their child, no matter the cost, no matter how long it takes, and however arduous the journey
As my horse approached the wrought iron fences of the Hag’s residence, the heavy gates barring the entrance to the domainpartedontheirown Nodoubt,theimp-like‘statues’sittingatopthepostsframingthegateshadplayedapartin it. Their small bodies looked scrawnycompared to their massive wings spread outas iftheywere preparingto take flight. Owlisheyesateupmostoftheirtriangularfacesframedbyoversized,pointybatears.Duringtheday,theyseemedmadeoutof oxidizedwroughtiron.Butrightnow,underthesoftmoonlight,theyappearedtobemadeofleatherandstone.
Ididn’tdoubtsomeformoflifeanimatedtheimps,whoactedasguardianstotheestate Whatevertheywere,magicoozed outofthem likewitheverythingelseinthisplace inthistown
Althoughthe imps remainedimmobile as Irode myhorse pastthem,Icouldswear their intense gazes lingeredonme.It didn’tfazeme.BeyondthefactthatIsensednomalicenearby,solongasonedidn’tcometotheHagwithevilintent,you’dbe grantedsafepassage…ifnothingelse.
Aluscious forestofthe oddesttrees linedbothsides ofthe wide,two-hundred-meter pathleadinguptothe house Most magicuserswouldkilltohaveaccesstosomeofthisexoticvegetation.I’dneverhadthepleasureofworkingwithatenthof their leaves,sap,roots,or barks tonameafew asthemajorityofthesetreesshouldn’tbeabletosurviveinour climate. Furthermore, the kind ofmagic required to successfullymaintainsuchaneclectic combinationofplants, manyofwhichhad completelyoppositeneeds,defiedcomprehension
Butthen,fewthingspresentedachallengefortheHag
Thetreelinefinallygavewaytoahumblethatched-roofcottage,withwallsmadeofaclevermixofwood,stone,andclay. Obviously,itwasanillusion.Ineverunderstoodwhyshepresentedthatclichéwitchhutfront.Thesizeofthedomainimplied amassivemansionhidbehindtheillusion.Whateverherreasons,Ididn’tcare.Solongasitdidn’tinterferewithmylife,she waswelcometodoasshepleased
IstoppedDamarafew metersinfrontofthehousebeforedismounting Althoughtheblackthoroughbredwouldn’trunor wander,Inonethelesstiedhisleadtothepostoutsidethecottage.Icaressedthebridgeofhisnosebeforeheadingforthedoor. Madeofdarkwoodthatlookeddeceptivelyworn-out,itcreakedopenwithadrawn-outwhine.Althoughinvisibletotheeyes, countlesswardssweptoverme,makingmyskintingle,asIenteredthehouse.
The spacious roombelied the small exterior Surprisinglycleanand orderly, distinctive sections divided the place The far-left corner, a long counter laden with neatly organized vials ran the entire length of the wall On each side, shelves containedvariousorganicpartsfloatingincolorfulliquidsononeend,andherbs,stones,andothermagicalparaphernaliaon theother.Ontheoppositeside,totheright,avoluminousgrimoiresatonapedestal,surroundedbybookshelvesoverflowing withancientbooksandscrolls.
Straightbeforeme,theHagsatbehindalargetablethatclearlyservedasadesk Onceagain,Irepressedanamusedsmile atfindingalltheclichéitemsproperlysetuponit,fromthecrystalballtothetarotdeck,candles,smallcontainerwithbones, anotherwithrunestones,andofcourseagrimoireorincantationbook.
However,shewasn’tworkingonit.Sittinginalow-backwoodenchair,shewasfacingtherightsideoftheroom,while spinningthe oddest‘yarn’into a glowinggoldenthread ona wheel The Hag, legallynamed Cliona Nox or so the records said alsoknownastheWeaver,wasbelievedtobethousandsofyearsold
Ofaverage heightandslender,she hada timeless yetfrighteningbeauty.Her silver-white hair plaitedinone longmessy braidfelltothefloor.Surprisinglyshedidn’thavetheclichéblackwitchdresswithripsandfrayededgesaroundboththehem oftheskirtandthewidesleeves,togoalongwiththerestofher theatrics Instead,sheworealong,formfitting,beigedress embroideredwithgoldenthreads,andanelegantpatchoffur aroundthecollar andwrists.Ithadamedieval styletoit,with trumpetsleeves.AlthoughIcouldonlyseeherprofilefromhere,shedidn’thavethewizenedfeaturesonemighthaveexpected. Barelyvisiblewrinklesmarkedherforeheadandthesideofhereye.
Everythingaboutherexudeddangerandpower,butnotanactualmenace WhereIdidn’tdoubtshecouldturnmeintoashes withaflickofafinger,IfearednoharmsolongasIdidn’tstirtrouble
“Youcameatlast,RonikaOrtega,”theHagsaidwithoutlookingawayfromthethreadshewasspinning.
Ashiver randownmyspine atthe soundofthe sultry,throatyvoice,almostseductive.This was how Iimagineda siren wouldsound.
Did it freak me out that she knew my name before I even mentioned it? Yeah, a little You couldn’t exactly make an appointmentwithher Youshowedupandhopedshewasavailableandwillingtoseeyou
“Atlast? Youexpected me sooner?” Iasked, stoppinga meter awayfromher worktable while loweringthe hood ofmy blackcloak.
“Considering your plight, I didn’t think you’d wait until the last minute to act,” she said, still pulling the ‘yarn’into a narrowthread
“Youheard?”Iblurtedoutinshock,immediatelykickingmyselfforstatingthedumbestobviousfact.
The Hag lifted her foot from the pedal that activated the wheel and turned her purple eyes towards me, a less-thanimpressedexpressiononheragelessfeatures.
“That’s thequestionyou’regoingtoask?”
Ugh,bythe Devil’s horns,this womansure knew how tomake youfeel lower thandirtwithoutflinginga single insult I neededtogetmyheadtogether.Ofthemanythingssaidabouther,theonerecurringthemewasthatshedidn’tsufferfools.If youtriedherpatienceorstruckherasbeingtoodumb,she’dkickyouout,andhergateswouldneveropenagainforyou.
“Right.NothingthatoccursinWillowGroveescapesyournotice,”Isaidsheepishly.“Ididn’tcometoyousoonerbecause Ihadhopedtoresolvethatissueonmyown Imakeitapointtoavoidbeingindebtedtoanyone especiallyinthistown”
“Agenerallywiseapproach,”sheconcededinaslightlysoftertone,thoughhardlyfriendly “Butlesssoifyouwaituntilit istoolate.”
Myheartdropped.“Isittoolate?”Iasked,worryseepingintomyvoice.
Thistime,theHagfullyturnedtofaceme orrather,herchairpivotedbyitselfandglidedsoundlesslyoverthepolished floortobringhernexttothecenterofthetable OnlythendidInoticetheredpentagramadorningthefloorinthecircularnook atthebackofthecottage,behindher Icouldn’ttellfromhereifitwasdrawnwithblood,nordidIcare
TheHagshrugged.“Itdependsonwhichpathyouwillfollowonceyouhavestatedyourrequest.”
“IneedanescortintoHemdellintwoweeks,”Isaid,liftingmychinwithahintofdefiance.
Abarelyperceptiblesmilestretchedherthinlips.Althoughsheworenoapparentmakeup,thevermillionofherlipswould stirtheenvyofmanyafemale
“You need to be more specific, child,” she said, her voice laced with a mix of a stern and taunting edge. “Hemdell’s grounds?Thecrypt?Thecatacombs?Ortheestateproper?”
“Theestate,”Irepliedinanon-committalfashion.Inthistown,itwasneverwisetorevealtoomuchaboutyourpersonal affairs
“Letmeguess,”shereplied,thetauntingglimmerinherpurpleeyescrankingupanotch “Youwantanescorttotakeyou safelyintoHemdell’sobservatorysothatyoumayretrievetheWardingMicrolithwhenthebloodmoonrises.”
I felt the blood drain from my face that she should have guessed with such complete accuracy so cryptic a request. AccordingtoWillowGrove’slegends,Hemdellcontainedinnumerablemagicalartifactsofgreatpowerthatcountlesstreasure hunters and power seekers had lost their lives attempting to retrieve How had she managed to guess this was the one I specificallysought?
“WhatIseekinHemdell is mybusiness,” Isaid ina slightlyclipped tone. “Canyoufind me anescortup to the taskof gettingmeinandoutunscathedornot?”
“Themomentyoucametome,youmadeit my business,littlegirl Youwoulddowelltorememberthat,”shesaid,hergaze hardeningjustlike her voice. “As youstated so well, nothingoccurs inWillow Grove thatescapes mynotice. Considering yourcurrentordealandtheshorttimeyouhavetoresolveit,theonlythingHemdellhastoofferyouistheMicrolithtoward Corneliusoffyourproperty.”
Mystomachdroppedathavingheroncemorefiguringoutmydesperateplansocompletely Haditbeensoobvious?Could anyoneelsealsosuspectwhatIwasupto?CouldCorneliusattempttobeatmetoit?
“There’sreallynokeepingsecretsfromyou,Isee,”Ireplied,tryingtosoundnonchalantaboutit.“Butthequestionremains whetheryoucanhelpmeornot.”
“Icandomanythings,RonikaOrtega,”sherepliedwithadismissivewaveofherhand.
Her claw-like nails shone under the light of the glowstones hoveringoverhead whenshe pointed at the chair I had not noticedbytheentrancedoor Withasoftrubbingsound,thechairglidedoverthefloor,stoppingnexttomeinfrontofthetable
“Sit,”theHagorderedinatonethatbookednoargument.“Doyouhaveatypeofescortinmind?”
Relieffloodedthroughme as Isettledinthe chair.Thatshe invitedme tositinsteadofkickingme outwas a goodsign. Maybethiswouldallworkoutintheend.
“IfiguredagatekeeperdemonwouldbestrongenoughtodealwithanythingthatImightencounterthere,”Isaidfeelinga littlenervous.
Asalow-levelgreenwitch,Ididn’tknow muchaboutspiritsanddemons.Theylovedtotrickanddeceive.Dealingwith themheldtoomanyrisks ofyouendinguponthelosingend.Ididn’tcravepower or wealth,justthebasichumancomforts. Therefore,I’dbeencontentmakingalivingsellingpotions,healingspells,andwards
The Hagpursed her lips, her eyes all butstrippingme bare as she gave me a slow, assessinglook Ifoughtthe urge to squirm.
“For your purpose, there are three viable options. You can go with a demon, a necromancer, or a wraith,” she said pensively.“Thequestioniswhatdoyouhavetooffer?”
Ihaddreadedthatpart FightingCorneliushaddepletedallmysavings Ididn’thaveanythingleftofvalue,butmyhouse, andespeciallythelanditwasbuilton
“Icanpayyouwithpotionsandherbs,”Isaid,mycheeksheatingwithembarrassment.
Asagreenwitch,Ihadanatural talenttogrow rareherbshighlysought-after for spellsandpotions.Butafter seeingthe insanevegetationthatthrivedalongthepathwaytotheHag’shouse,sheobviouslyhadnouseforwhateverIcouldoffer. She scoffed, looking almost disgusted, if not offended “I have no need for your herbs or potions And the cost of my servicedependsonthechoiceyou’llultimatelymake Iamaskingwhatyouhavetoofferyourescort”
Iblinked, takenabackbythatcomment.“Well, isn’tthe whole pointofsummoninga demonthe factthatyoucancontrol themforthedurationofthesummon,andthattheyhavetoobeyyourcommands?”
Nooneinexistencehadevermademefeelsosmallandsoignorantwithasinglelookasshedidinthatinstant.Sheslowly shookherhead,theslighttwitchofherrighthandmakingmethinkshewashitchingtoslapsomecommonsenseintome
“ForaBruja,you’reincrediblycluelessandnaïve.Controllingademonrequiresapowerfulwitch whichyouarenot and the performance of a complex ritual that you will never master in time. The slightest mistake could have dire consequences,notonlyforyourself,butalsoforthecommunity.ThelastthingWillowGroveneedsisforademonicgatetolay openinHemdell”
Iflinched,feelingstupider witheachword Apartofme hadknownthis wouldbe her answer,butI’dhopedshe would haveanalternative,somepowerfulincantation,ademonicstone,orsomeotherarcanemethodonlyabeingasancientasshe wouldhave.
“Right.AndIguesshiringasummonerisn’tanoption?”Iaskedinasubduedvoice.
“With your limited means, any summoner you could afford would use that demon to claim the prize you seek for themselves,”theHagsaidwithadismissiveshrug “Thetrustworthyoneswouldlikelyrefusetotakepartinthisventureorbe
wellbeyondyourpurse.”
I clasped my hands in my lap, my chest constricting with growing despair. Why did I wait so long to come seek aid? DespitethewitlesswayI’dbeenactingsincearrivinghere,Iwasn’tbrainless Icouldhavelearnedtheritual “Areyousayingyoucan’thelpme?”Iasked,myvoiceastenseasthemusclesinmyback. TheHagleanedbackinherchairwithaslightlyboredexpression.“I’msayingthatsummoningademonyoucancontrolis notanoptionforyouatthispoint.Thatleavesyouwithtryingtocoerceorreward.”
I shifted inmyseat and flicked myblue hair over myshoulder “Okay How would either work? And doesn’t that still requireasummoning?”
“Thesummoningrequiredinthoseinstancesarealotsimplertoperformthanthosethatinvolvecontrollingademon,”she explained.“Bothcoercionandrewardrequirethesummonertohavesomethingthedemonfears,cannotresist,ordesperately wants.However,asyoudonotdabblewithspirits,Idoubtyoupossessanyrelictheycouldbecoercedorenticedwith.The addeddifficultyisthateachdemonrespondsdifferentlytowhateverisplacedbeforethem Youwouldneedtherighttrinketfor therightdemon Yourchancesofacquiringsuchanessentialelementintimeareslimtonone”
Iglaredather,feelinglikeshewasmakingfunofme.“Thenwhybringitupsinceyouknowit’spointless,andI’mscrewed eitherway?”
“Becauseyou’renotyet,butyoucouldchoosetobe,”shedeadpannedwithatauntingglimmerinherpurpleeyes. Iblinkedagain,thistimewithconfusion “Excuseme?”
“Youdonothavethemagiclevelneededtosummonandcontrolademon.Youhavenoobjectofpowertocoerceorentice them.Butyouareanattractivefemale.Youcouldseduceanescort.Itisthefastestandeasiestwayforyou.”
Myjawdropped,andIgapedatherindisbelief,wonderingoncemoreifshewasmakingfunofme.Tomyshock,sheheld mygazeunwaveringlywithaseriousexpressiononhers
“Seduceasin havingsexwithademon?”Iasked,myvoiceuncertain
“Yes,”shereplied,matter-of-factly.“Isthataproblem?”
I took a couple more seconds to let her words sink in before coming to a decision. I lifted my chin and squared my shoulders.“IfitcangetmewhatIneedwithoutmeendingupmaimedordead,thenyes,I’llfuckademon.”
An imperceptible smile stretched the corner of her thin lips, and something akin to approval or was it triumph? glimmeredinhereyes Withasuddenbone-deepconviction,Irealizedshehadalwaysmeantforustogettothispoint “No,notademon.Foryou,awraithwillbemoresuitable,”sherepliedcalmly.
I recoiled, my eyes all but popping out of my head in both shock and outrage. “Awraith? Are you insane?! They are mindlessandconstantlyenraged.Merelytouchingthemmeansdeath!”
Her smile broadened, and she slowlymoved her thickand longbraid infrontofher shoulder, gentlycaressingitinthe process Therewassomethingsensualyetlethalinthewayshemoved,likeasnakepreparingtostrike
“Thatistrue,unlessyougetthemunderyourcontrol.”
Iscrunchedmyface,completelybaffledbythatstatement.“YoujustsaidIdidn’thavetheskilltocontrolthem,andthatit wouldtaketoolongtofindsomethingtocoercethemwith!”
“Iwasspeakingofdemons Wraithsareacompletelydifferentbeast Thereisnoneedforcomplexsummoningrituals,and theyhave verysimple needs,” the Hagretorted withconviction. “Theycrave physical contact and peace intheir tormented minds.”
“Fine,Icanseethat.Butwraithsarestillrabid!”Iargued.“I’llneverlivelongenoughtomaketheofferbeforehetearsme toshreds!”
Actually,wraithsjustsuckedtheliferightoutofyou,leavingadesiccatedcorpsebehind,andevenapileofashesforthe mostpowerfulones.Ashuddercoursedthroughmeatthethoughtoffacingsuchabeing.Acoupleofthemhadbeenrampaging inthecountrysideforyearsnow.
The speculative glintreturned inthe Hag’s eyes as she observed me withanundefinable expression. “Iwill give youa soothingcharm Itwillhelpyouinappeasinghimlongenoughforyoutomakeyouroffer”
freshlybakedlemoncakes.Iwouldcertainlywanttooffersuchaproductinmystore.
“I’veneverheardofsuchathing,”Isaid,carefulnottoletmydoubtsseepintomyvoicetoavoidoffendingher.“Butdon’t youhavesomethingsimilarforademon?”
Shewavedadismissivehandandleveledmewithanannoyedexpression.“Forgetdemons.Theyarenotthesolutionfor you.Andno,thereisnosuchcharmforthem.”
Ipinchedmylips,myownannoyancewantingtosurface.Whyintheworldwasshesosetonawraith?Myguttoldmeshe could have found a solutioninvolvinga demonifshe wanted to But what did she have to gaininforcingme to go witha wraith?Didshetrulyhaveahiddenagendaorwasshemerelyinsistingonitbecausesheknewittobemyonlyviableoption?
“Assumingyourcharmworks,andImanagetostrikeadealwithawraith,canIevensurvivetheencounter?”Iasked,my toneslightlyclipped.
Herannoyancefaded,replacedbythatobnoxiousteasingsmirk.
“Ofcourse,solongasyoumakeagooddeal,”sherepliedbeforegraciouslyrisingtoherfeet Sheheadedtowardsaheavy, ornatechestonthefloor,neartheshelvesoverflowingwithscrolls “Inexchangeforyourfavorsforonenight,hemustpledge toensureyoursafetywhilehetakesyoutoHemdell’sobservatory,protectyouwhileyouattempttorecoverwhatyoucamefor, andthensafelyescortyoubackoutoftheestategrounds.Throughouttheprocess,andafter,hemustpledgenottoharmyou.”
As she spoke, the Hag rummaged through the chest. I couldn’t see its contents from here, but her words held all my attention IwishedIhadbroughtapenandpapertowriteitalldown Still,herwordsgavemeasuddenboostofconfidence Theyaccountedforeverythingthatconcernedme.Iespeciallylikedthefactthatitspecificallyspelledoutthathecouldn’tharm meatanypoint,evenafterourdealwasconcluded.
But I still have to lie with a wraith.
Ididn’twanttoimaginejusthowunpleasantthatexperiencewouldbe Wouldhereekofdeathanddecay?Wouldhisskin beslimyorrottinginplaces?Wouldhebewrithingwithmaggots?Wouldhe ?
“Waitaminute,howdoIeventouchawraith?”Iasked,struckbyasuddenthought.“Aren’ttheyethereal,likeghosts?”
TheHagstraightenedandobservedanobjectshehadpickedupfromthechest.Apleasantchimingsoundemanatedfromit.
“Awraithhasbothaphysicalandetherealform,”shereplied,herbackstillfacingme.
Sheclosedthechestbeforeturningaround Herpurpleeyesalmostseemedtoglow,givingheragelessfaceanevenmore mythicalaura Ashiverrandownmyspineasshereturnedtoherseat Mybraininsistedthatshehadwalkedback,butmyeyes sworeshehadmerelyglidedoverthefloor.
Mygazezeroedinontheobjectinherhand,whichsheplacedonthetableinfrontofher.Itwassomekindofbronzecharm bracelet.Everycharm nineintotal resembledasmall spherewithslitsonbothsides,andeachoneboreadifferentrunic symbollikeI’dneverseenbefore
“Whileenragedorwhengoingintobattle,thewraithwillremaininitsetherealform Youwillknowyouaresucceedingin appeasinghimoncetheshadowsshapinghisbodyfade,givingwaytohistrueform.”
“Alright.But…”Forsomesillyreason,mycheeksheatedasIforcedmyselftospeakthenextquestion.“Doesheevenhave apenis?”
TheHagchuckled Forthefirsttime,agenuinesmilelitupherface Itsofteneditinthemostincrediblefashion,givingme aglimpseofthestunningyoungwomanshehadoncebeen.
Or does it?
ForallIknew,thisface,thisbodywerecompleteillusions,justlikethiswitchhutIwassittingin.
“Ofcourse,hedoes Therewouldbeno‘screwing’happening,otherwise”
Shegrinnedfurtheratmydiscomfortofhavingherusethatword Iwasn’tprudishinanyway ButImadeitapointtobe respectful in front of elders. And Cliona Nox exceeded any definition of elder. So having her speaking the crude term I previouslyusedmadeitallthemoreawkward.
“Butdonotworry,hecannotimpregnateahuman.”
Shehesitated,asiflookingforherwords Thatimmediatelygotallmysensesonhighalert
“Couplingwithawraithmightfeel
letthattrouble you. Itwill pass. Justmake sure youhold your end ofthe deal. The value ofyour offer is notjustphysical contact, but that it’s voluntary and consensual. Do not give him grounds to think you failed to deliver. It will make your agreementnullandvoid”
Iswallowedhardandgaveherastiffnod.Ihadabsolutelynointentionofsubjectingmyselftothisonlytohavehimwalk out onour deal because Ididn’t fake it well enough. Simultaneously, Ikicked downthe dreadful images ofa decomposing zombieruttingovermewhichkeptflashingthroughmymind.
However, the waythe Haghad described it made me wonder ifshe had lainwitha wraithbefore It didn’t sound like hearsay,butafirsthandexperience
Shepushedthebracelettowardsme,refocusingmywanderingthoughts.
“Andthiswillhelpyoutogethimtocalmdown.Wearitandshakeitwhenheapproaches.”
Ipickedupthebracelet.Itwaslightandexquisitelycrafted.Eachspherecontainedasmallballthatactedliketheclapper ofabell Withinsecondsofholdingit,afrowncreasedmyforehead
“Isensenomagicwithinit,”Isaid,confused
Theoddestexpressionfleetedoverherfeaturesandvanishedtooquicklyformetointerpretit.
“Whenthetimecomes,itwillserveitspurpose.Butrememberthattheburdenremainsonyou,”shewarned.“Noonecan everguaranteeyoursuccesswhendealingwiththenetherworldortheoccult.Wraithsfeedonsorrow,fear,anddespair.You must remain calmand confident in your ability to soothe him No amount of magic will save you if you cannot keep your composure.Remaincalm and confident. ”
“Calmandconfident,”Iechoed,understandingthis wouldbethetruetest.Iglancedatthecharmbraceletbeforelooking backather.“Andwhatisthecostofyour assistance?”
Ibraced,mystomachflipfloppingwhenamockingsmile withwhatresembledahintofmalice stretchedherlips
“Myprice is a strand ofwraithhair,” she said ina mysterious tone “Youmustbringitto me withina monthofhaving completedyourjourneyintoHemdell.”
“That’sit?!”Iexclaimed,havingexpectedhertoaskmeforafingeroraneye.
TheHagsnorted,andmyuneasyfeelingcamebackwithavengeance.ShehadthatlookthatimpliedIhadnoideawhatthis truly entailed I mean, the whole point was to have a wraith rutting over me for a while Surely it wouldn’t be too hard grabbingastrandortwowhiledoingthedeed?Afterall,ifItouchedhimlikealoverdid,I’dberunningmyfingersthroughhis hair,so…
But do wraiths even have hair?
Thatgavemepause.
“Yes,that’sit,”sherepliedinafactualtone
Inarrowedmyeyesather “Wraithsdohavehairintheirphysicalforms,right?”
Herfacehardened.“Ineverlie,RonikaOrtega.IfIaskyouforawraith’shair,it’sbecausetheyhaveit.”
Iflinchedandloweredmyeyes,feelingdulychastised.“Verywell.Iwillgetyouastrandofawraith’shair.”
“Thenwe have a formal deal. Intwo days, atmidnight, under the full moon, youwill go to the sacrificial altar near the Duskwallow burial grounds,”shecontinued,her voicebacktoaconversational tone “Lightcandlesatthefour corners You willthencalloutAsheron’snameandshakethebellsonthecharm.Althoughitisnotneeded,youmaycastaprotectionspell.” Idefinitelywould.ToomanyfoulthingslurkedintheforestsurroundingDuskwallow.
“Thankyou,Iwill,”Irepliedinasubduedvoice.
“And remember well thatfear and despair fuel a wraith’s rage and hunger Calmand confidence appease them, and joy repulses them Do not make the mistake of thinking the wraith your servant He will be your temporary partner Treat him accordingly.Youwillonlyhaveonechance.Donotfail.”
Withthose final words, the Hagturned her backto me. Once more, her chair appeared to glide over the woodenfloor before stoppingnexttoher spinningwheel.She pickedupher strange yarnandresumedspinningit,mypresence apparently forgotten
hadended.Withoutaword,Iturnedonmyheelandheadedfortheexitwhilepullingmyhoodovermyhead.Thedooropened onits ownuponmyapproach. Istepped outside, hope and fear warringinequal measure withinme as Iinhaled deeplythe fresheveningair
AsIdetachedDamarandhoppedontohisback,anaggingvoiceatthebackofmyheadsaidthatIhaddoomedmysoulby agreeingtosleepwiththedamnedandbyenteringintoadeal withtheWeaver.IfIfailedtohonor myendofour agreement, whatshecoulddotomepaledincomparisontoeventheworstdeathatthehandofawraith.
Andyet,asIrodebackhomeunderthemoonlight,hopeandasenseofpurposedominatedmythoughts
The two days to the full moonflew bymuchtoo fast Idevoted mostofthemto readingup onwraiths and lookingfor whateverspellscouldbeusedtocontrolorappeasethem Unsurprisingly,everythingconfirmedtheHag’swarningthat onlyacalmandcollecteddemeanorstoodachanceofpiercingthroughtheirrageandlustfordestruction.
Assoonasthesunbegantoloweronthehorizon,Itookalongbath,castaspellofstoicismonmyself,thendonnedasheer bridalrobe.Thewhitefabrichidnothingofmycurvesoreventhedarkcirclesofmynipples.Abuttonheldtheplungingcollar closedbetweenmybreasts,hiddenbythedelicate,narrowrowofflorallacethatlinedtheedgesofthegarment Asecondone didthesamerightbelowmynavel Thelongskirtpooledaroundmyfeetlikeaweddingtrain Andlong,puffysleevesfellto mywrists.
Ididn’tbotherwithanyundergarmentsastheywoulddefeattonight’spurpose.
I gave myself a critical lookthroughthe Psyche mirror. Pursingmylips at mywavyblue hair, witha hint of purple, I consideredpullingitintoabunbutdecidedtoleaveitcascadingfreelydownmyback
HadIbeenmeetingwithahuman,oratleastamortal,Iwouldfeelfairlyconfidentaboutmycurrentappearance.Likethe Haghadstated,Iwasareasonablyattractivewoman,withcurvesattherightplaces,andwithjusttherightamountofmeaton meforamantogetagoodgrip.
But I’m not meeting a human
After nearlyfive years of celibacy, I never imagined I’d get backonthe saddle witha demonic ghost I just hoped the encounterwouldn’tleavemementallyscarredforlife.
Withthreehourstogobeforemidnight,Islippedonmycloakandapairofflatshoes,thencarriedmybagtomyphaeton. I’ddebatedlongandhardwhethertousemysmallcarriageorsimplyrideDamartoDuskwallow.Intheend,Isettledforthe former as itwould be more stable to transportthe candles and vials Iwas bringingwithme Furthermore, as Ididn’tknow whatstateI’dbeinoncethewraithwasdonewithme,ridingbackhomeonthecushionofmyphaetonwouldlikelybemore comfortablethanasaddle.
Tomyrelief,Ididn’trunintoanyofmynosyneighborsasIexitedtheresidentialarea.Ididn’tdoubtoneormoreofthem spiedonmeonCornelius’sbehalf.Themanhadbeenathorninmysidesincemyfather’spassingthreeyearsago.Tothisday, Ibelieved foul playhad senthimto anearlygrave The physicianhad declared ita stroke, butFather had always beenthe healthiestofmen HadIbeennear him,Icouldhaveintervened Sadly,hehadconvenientlybeenoutoftown Thefollowing week,Corneliuswasbangingdownmydoorwithofferstopurchasetheproperty.
Theforty-minutejourneytoDuskwallowgavemefartoomuchtimetothink,andespeciallytoquestionthewisdomofmy currentcourseofaction.WhatdidIreallyknowabouttheHagasidefromrumors?Desperatepeople,orthosewithchallenges deemedimpossibletoovercomewouldgoknockingonher door Noonetrulyknew whysheagreedtoreceivesomecallers whileignoringothers.Youknewshe’dagreetograntyouanaudienceifthefrontgatesofherestatepartedforyou.
The factthatfew people openlyadmitted to usingher services like Inever would made itevenharder to geta good senseofthetypesofordealsshewouldassistwith.Theonlyrecurringfactwasthatshealwayshonoredheragreements.But likewhendealingwithademon,youneededtomakesurethatwhatyouhadagreedtodidn’texceedwhatyouwerewillingto pay Asingle playonwords could cost youdearly For suchanancient and powerful being, commoncompensationwould
neversuffice.Shealreadyhadinabundancemostofwhatregularmortalscouldofferher.Sothatshehadmerelyrequesteda wraith’shairhadbeenamajorrelief.
But what will she do with it?
Whatkindofpowerfulmagiccouldsheperformwithit?Truthbetold,itdidn’treallymattertome.Ifshewantedtowreak havocinWillowGrove,shewouldhavedonesocenturiesago.Accordingtolegends,ClionaNoxhadlivedinthislocationfor atleastthreecenturies.Asshehadcomeherealreadyafull-grownadult,whoknew how manymorecenturiesshehadlived beforethen?
Still,I’dagreedtoliewithademonicghost
Ididn’tcare so muchaboutthe sexpart. While I’d never beenthe promiscuous type, Ialso didn’tattacha greatdeal of importancetointimacyinatransactionalcontext.Granted,I’dneveruseditthatwaybeforeandneverimaginedthatdaywould come. However, it was the nature ofmypartner that distressed me. Wraiths leeched the lifeforce oftheir victims, ate their souls,orflatoutstolethem
IfthatAsheroncraved contactand companionship as the Hagimplied, whywould he settle for a nightofsexinstead of stealingmysoulandturningmeintohisservantforeternity?
Because stolen souls turn into wights, not wraiths…
Andwightsweremindless,wanderingsouls,filledwithangeranddespair.Whatwouldbethepointofhimturningmeinto oneofthoseifitwascompanionshiphewanted?
Misery loves company…
Blastittohell…Ineededtostoptryingtotalkmyselfoutofthis.ConsideringI’denteredintoadealwiththeHag,there was no backingoutnow. Ihad committed to this course ofactionand would see itthrough. Anyway, Ihad exhausted every otheroption Whateverthecost,Icouldn’tallowCorneliustogethisclawsintoourproperty
Vigil theWardenTreeinthebackyard hadwatchedover myfamilyfor centuries Beneathitsroots,myfather andour ancestors were buried, fueling him and me with their magic. Upon my death, I would also be buried there, to add my humblecontributiontothemagicthatwouldbepasseddowntothechildrenIhopedtohaveoneday.
Consideringwhataformidablewarlockandwitchhadconceivedme,Ineverunderstoodwhymymagicwassoweak.But Icouldn’tletthemfallintothehandsofCornelius Asapowerfulandunscrupulousnecromancer,hewouldundoubtedlyraise myfatherandancestorsashisservantsontopofharnessingthepowerofourWardenTreeinawaythatInevercould Andallofitforevil.
ThetallsilhouetteofDuskwallow’sownWardenTreeappearinginthedistanceputanendtomysomberthoughts.Itwas thousands ofyears old, withthick, knotted limbs spreadinghighinto the sky. Itmeasured atleasttwentymeters tall, and its trunk’scircumferenceeasilyreachedtenmetersormore Thickleaveswithamixofgreenandgoldfilledthebrancheslikethe luxuriousmaneofawildbeast
Butitwasthegiantfaceshapedbytheknotsinthetreethatheldmyattention.Althoughitfeltundeniablymale,Icouldn’t sayifitwashuman,demonic,orbeastly.Somerunesappearedaroundtheface,theirsymbolsandmeaningasobscuretomeas theonesonthecharmaroundmywrist.Liketheface,theyhadnotbeencarvedorwovenbymagic.Theyhadappearedontheir ownovertime Thick,gnarlyrootsprotrudedfromtheground,spreadingfarandwide,asifattemptingtoreachforsomething inthedistance.Somewereshapedlikehumansilhouettes.
Accordingtolegends,thebodiesofsacrificialvirgins bothmaleandfemale hadbeenplacedatitsfeetasanoffering forthespiritsbelievedtodwellbeneathitsroots.Thesoulsofthesacrificedwouldhavethengivenanewgod-likelifetothe tree Asitfacedboththesacrificialaltar locatedalittleoverahundredmetersfromit,andthegatedentranceoftheburial grounds,thelocalpopulationhadnamedhimTheWatcher
Despite how imposingandintimidatingitlooked,Istoppedmycarriage inthe shadow ofthe tree.Solongas youdidn’t threatenit,itwouldn’tharmyou.Andinexchangeforanoffering,itmightevengrantalimitedamountofprotectionandluck.
Ididn’thavemuchtooffer,butplacedthefreshcorpsesofthreepigeons,fruitspickedthismorning,anddriedmedicinal herbsinthesmallcradleshapedbyitsrootsatthebaseofthetrunk
“I have little to give, ohgreat Watcher But please accept this humble offering I seeknothingfor myself but would be
gratefulforwhateverprotectionyoumaygrantmyhorse,Damar,duringmyshortstayhere,wereyousoinclined.”
Inseconds, the ground appeared to softenbelow mymeager gift, and theyslowlysank, soil and moss quicklycovering them Myheartsoaredatthispromptdisplayofacceptance Icouldonlyhopeitwasasignofmorepositiveoutcomestonight
Butwithtime ticking, Ineeded to prepare for whatawaited me. The firstorder ofbusiness was to cleanse thataltar of negative magic and energylingeringfromwhatever rituals had beenperformed onit. The second was to physicallywashit. TheHaghadnotneededtospelloutsheexpectedustodothedeedontopofthataltar.Ihadnointentionofgettingpoundedby awraithwhilelyingonthebloodandgrimeofothers
Thatsecondtaskcompleted,andwithbarelythirtyminutes leftbeforemidnight,Ilitupthecandles ateachcorner ofthe altar aspertheWeaver’sinstructions thensetupaseriesofwardsonawideradiusaroundthealtar.Iheldnoillusionsthat theywould stop a beingas powerful as a wraith, butitmightslow himdown, givingme extra time to tryand appease him beforehechewedmyfaceoff.
Inthetenminutesremaining,Ikneltinfrontofthealtar,mybacktoitwhileIfacedtheforestfromwhencethewraithwould likelycome Despitetheimpressiveeffectsofmystoicismspellsthatkeptmefromgivingintothepanicthatshouldbechoking merightnow,Ireacheddeepforinnerpeacewithmeditationtechniques.
Calmandconfident…Imentallyrepeatedthosewordslikeamantra,thefingersofmyrighthandcaressingthespheresof mycharmbraceletfor further reassurance.IftheHaghadn’tbelievedIstoodachanceofsuccess,Idoubtedshewouldhave sent me to a certaindeath Therefore, it was up to me to make it happen I had the tools Now, I onlyneeded to show my confidence.
The suddenrustlingof the Watcher’s leaves had myeyes snap open. Aglance at mywatch whichwas hooked to the cinchinghematthewaistofmyrobe indicatedtwominutestomidnight.WhileIcouldn’tsayforsure,mygutsaidithadjust warnedmeofsomeoneapproaching
Irose to myfeet, discarded mysandals, and removed mycloak After foldingit, Iplaced itneatlybythe altar withmy sandalsnexttoitandresumedmypositionfacingtheforest.Withdeep,controlledbreaths,Ikeptmypulseslowwhilestaring attheneedlesofthewatchracingtothehoursthatwoulddecidemyfate.
As soonas theystruckmidnight, I raised myleft hand and shookit, the bells of the charms resonatingwitha beautiful crystallinesound AlthoughIstillfeltnomagicemanatingfromthebracelet,thesounditcreatedhadamythicalqualitytoit In itself,thatbolsteredmyconfidence Itspowerwaslikelyundetectablebyalow-levelgreenwitchlikemebutwouldaffecta powerfulentitysuchasthewraith.
“Asheron!Ihumblystandherewithanoffering.Will youheedmycall?Asheron!”Icalledout,still shakingthecharmat regularintervals.
The Watcher shook its leaves again I glanced at him over my shoulder My innards twisted at the sight of its runes beginningto glow Had he sensed somethingso evil he alreadyfeltthe need to activate its protectionfor Damar? Was this merelythemanifestationofitswatchbeginning?Coulditbethat ?
Adistantsoundfromtheforestreclaimedmyattention.Strainingmyeyestodiscernanymovementinthedarknessofthe thickforest,barelypiercedbymoonlight,IresumedcallingonAsheron.Thewholetime,IsilentlyprayedAsheron andnot someotherfiendishcreature wouldanswermysummon
Moments later, a bone-chillingscreechanswered me. Mystomachdropped. If not for the stoicismspell, I would have screamedwithfright.Instead,awaveofpeacewashedoverme,evenastheredglowoftheinterloper’seyesappearedinthe distance.Theywereapproachingmuchtooquickly,accompaniedbyfurtherterrifyingshrieks.
Thetemperatureoftheotherwisewarmsummer nightsuddenlydropped Achill ranover myskinas athinsheetoffrost settledovertheshort,yellowishgrasscoveringtheclearinginwhichthealtarsat Theskydarkened,asiffromthegathering storm. The suddensurge ofhopelessness, anger, and hatred attemptingto engulfme confirmed mydeadlywishwas aboutto cometrue.
Awraithwasapproaching.
HadInotknownthecauseofthatsuddensenseofdespair,Iwouldhaveunwittinglyfedthecreatureexactlywhatitneeded tofurtherunleashitsbloodthirst Nowonderasingleoneofthosebeingscouldwreaksomuchhavocwhenevertheydescended
uponunsuspectingvillagesorhamlets.
Betweenmystoicismspellandsheerwillpower,IshruggedoffAsheron’sdebilitatingauraandcontinuedtocalltohimin afirmandconfidentvoice
“Asheron,peace!Castawayyouranger.Heedmyvoice!Iamnotyourenemy.Asheron,comepeacefullytome.”
Adarkfigurefinallyemergedfromthetreeline.Oncemore,Iswalloweddownthefeardesperatelytryingtotakerootdeep within.Eventhoughitwasstillahundredmetersaway,thewraithappearedalottallerandbroaderthanIexpected.Billowing shadowsgavehimamore-or-lesshumanupperbodythatfadedintoaflowy,skirt-likelowerbody,typicalofthosecreatures Butitwashisheadandchestthatfascinatedme
Whilehisglowingredeyesconstitutedhisonlydefinablefacialfeatures,thelongpairofshadowhornsjuttingfromthetop ofhisheadtookmeaback.Icouldn’trecalleverfindingacaseofahornedwraithinthelore.Andhischestappearedtohave fractured right inthe middle, the fissure akinto one left byanearthquake. Within, a pulsatingred light seemed to markits heartbeat,whichalsohighlightedthebonesofhisribcage
That,morethananything,confirmedhewasneithertrulydeadnoralive I could feel my fight or flight instincts increasingly battling my stoicism spell as the wraith continued his threatening approach. This was the moment of truth. I would either succeed in appeasing himor die trying. Forcing myself to remain focusedonmytarget,Iremindedmyselfthatfleeingatthispointwasnolongeranoption.HewouldtearmetoshredsbeforeI evenmanagedtocrosshalfthedistancetomycarriage
As I continued to shake the charmand entice himto come in peace, I noticed his speed had lessened, as well as the luminouspulseinhischest,andtheredglowinhiseyes.This had tomeanmyeffortsweregettingthroughtohim.Itgavemea much-neededsurgeofconfidencethatrangloudandtruetomyownears.
Inturn,itseemedtofurtherslowhisapproach
Wordsfreelyflowedfrommylips,moresoothingandseductive,asifagreaterpowerhadtakenoverme AlthoughIstill didn’tperceiveanymagicfromthecharm,Ibegantowonderifitwasturningmeintothisassertivesiren.Whateverthecause, Iembracedit.
Asdidthewraith…
His advance faltered whenhe reached the firstward For a splitsecond, Iwondered ifIhad somehow managed to cast somethingpowerfulenoughtostophim Buthisannoyed maybeevenoffended sneerasheglancedatthegroundgavemea firstglimpseofhismouth.
He closed the remainingdistance betweenus almost at a leisurelystroll, althoughglided would be a more appropriate term.Hestoppedbarelyacoupleoffeetinfrontofme.Hiscoldaurahadmyskineruptingoosebumpsandmademynipples pebbleundermysheerrobe Mybreathfogged,andmybarefeetfeltunpleasantlyfrozen Heliterallytoweredoverme,thetop ofmyheadbarelyreachinghisshoulder Nevertheless,Ibentmyheadbacktolockeyeswithhim,refusingtoacknowledgethe five-inchclawsatthetipsofhisfingers,orthedaggerteeththatpeekedthroughhisstillsnarlingmouth.
How in the world am I supposed to lie with that?!
Atleast,hispresencedidn’tmakemegagwiththestenchofrotanddecayIhaddreaded.Instead,aratherpleasantscentof smokedwoodwithadaboffreshthymewaftedtome
“Greetings, Asheron. Myname is Ronika Ortega. Thankyoufor grantingme the honor ofanaudience. Iwantto strike a dealwithyou.”Oncemore,thepoiseinmyvoicegenuinelyimpressedme.
Bythewayhetiltedhisshadowyheadtotheside,Icouldonlypresumeitsurprisedhimaswell.
“RonikaOrtega,whatmakesyouthinkIwanttostrikeadealwithyou?”heasked,hisvoicedeepandotherworldly,filled withmalice
“BecauseI’vealreadyhelpedyoureclaimthepeaceyouhaven’tfeltinalongtime,andIamheretograntyouafavorin exchangeforoneofyourown,”Isaidwithanassurancethatborderedonarrogance.
Iwas playinga dangerous game.Basedonthe Hag’s statements,Iassumedhe hadwanderedinendless rage for months, years,maybeevendecades IfIhadmisreadherunderlyingmeaning
InearlyjumpedoutofmyskinwhenAsheronlungedforward,stoppingabreath’shairfromme Simultaneously,awaveof
fear and despair crashed over me. Bywho knew what miracle, I remained rooted inplace, despite myslight movement of surprise.Iclosedmyeyesandwilledhappierthoughtstosilencethedreadhewasattemptingtostirwithinme.Heemitteda hissygrowl,hisfacesoclosetomineourlipsalmosttouched
Heartpounding,Iheldhisgazeunwaveringlyandevenattemptedaslightglare.
“Donotwasteyourenergytryingtoscareme,Asheron.Thetimeforthatislongpast,”Isaiddefiantly.
“Youthinkyourselfabletostandagainstme?”hehissedinasoftvoicelacedwithdisbelief,hisetherealbodyinchingeven closertomine
Mystomachchurnedfromthedistressingsensationofhisaurawrappingaroundme Itfeltlikemyfleshwasshiftinginand outofexistencewitheachbeatofmyheart,andthatmyorganswantedtofalloutwitheveryotherbeat.Butthat,too,Iclamped downon.IfIallowedmymindtolingeronthis,despairwouldindeedengulfme.Afterall,ifhismereproximitymademethis nauseous,howwouldIsurviveembracingandkissinghim?
The Hag warned of this and said it would pass Ilatchedontothatthoughttofurtherhelpmethroughthis
“I’dbe a fool tothinkIcanbestyou.WhatImeantwas thatifIintendedtogive intofear,Iwouldhave done thatlong before youexited the forest. Itwould be pointless now. As Istand no chance ofdefeatingor outrunningyou, all Icando is strivetoconvinceyoutoacceptmyoffer.”
The red pulse glowing from his chest slowed further, reaching almost half the normal rate of a human heartbeat The shadowsforminghisfaceseemedtodeflateasifgettingpartiallyabsorbedbyhisskull,makinghisfeaturesabitmoredefined. Thecoldaurathathadmefreezingtotheboneabated.
“WhatcouldyoupossiblyhavetoofferthatImaywant?”heaskedinahaughtytone,hisvoicedrippingwithcontempt.
Bracingmentally,Idetachedthetwobuttonsofmysheerrobeandpushedthefabricdownmyshoulders,keepingithooked atmyelbows Despitemyarmsbeingpartiallyfoldedbeforemystomach,mybreastswerefullyexposedtohisview,andthe partedpanelsofmyrobehidnothingofmysex.Asheron’sredeyeswidened.
“Physical contact.The warmthofa woman’s touch,andthe embrace ofa willinglover,” Isaidfactually,annoyedbythe sliveroftensionseepingintomyvoice.
Tomysurprise,herecoiledandmovedastepbackawayfromme Thiswas not thereactionIhadanticipated HadtheHag beenwrongaboutwhathecraved?Didmyappearancerepulsehim?Forasplitsecond,Iconsideredpullingmyrobebackon, tocovermynudity notthatthesheerfabricwouldachievemuchofthat.
“Youareofferingmeyourfavors?”heasked,soundinglikehethoughtIhadlostmymind.
Whichwasn’ttoofarfromreality.
“Is that so outrageous? Whenwas the last time youwere held, caressed, and kissed bya womaneager to please you? Years?Decades?Centuries?Whenwasthelasttimeawomancametoyou,offeringherself?”
“Areyousocluelessastoignorewhathappenstoafoolishmortalwhentouchedbyawraith?”heasked,theglow inhis eyesstrengtheningwhilehispulsepickedup.
Iswallowedhard,refusingtocontemplatethepossibilitythatthisreactionimpliedhisangerwasresurfacing.
“Iknowthetouchofanenragedwraithwilldrainthelifeforceofamortal,turnthemintoadesiccatedcorpseorevenashes inseconds.Butyouarenolonger enraged,”Iaddedquicklywhenheseemedreadytocall meoutfurther.“Youarehavinga rationalconversationwithme,withaclearandsoundmind.Itiswellwithinyourpowernottoharmmewithyourtouch,ifyou sochoose.”
Theoddestglimmerflickeredinhiseyes Tomyrelief,theirglowandthepulsinginhischestdiminishedagain
“I can feel the nausea twisting your insides You can barely stand my presence, and yet you offer to lie with me?” he challenged.
“I have never been in such proximity to a wraith,” I replied, proud of the assurance in my voice. “It is true that your etherealauraunsettlesme.Butitisalreadyfarmorebearablenow thanitwaswhenyoufirstapproachedme.Ibelieveonce youfullyshiftintoyourphysicalform,itwillfadeaway”
“Andifitdoesn’t?”heinsisted
“Itwillnotstopmefromholdingmyendofourdeal,”Isaid.
He remained quiet for a moment, apparentlyweighingmywords. Thenthe billowingshadows around himfaded, along withthe pulsatingglow onhis chest,as ifa door hadclosedbefore it The vanishingshadows gave waytowhatresembled grayish-beigebonesonhisforeheadandshoulders.Forasplitsecond,myheartsankatthehorrifiedthoughtI’dbelyingwitha skeleton.ButwonderquicklyreplaceditasAsheron’struephysicalappearancewasrevealedtome.
Althoughthereindeedwerebonesaroundthebridgeofhisnoseandforehead,flowingintohispairofhornsformingaVon topofhishead,skinotherwisecoveredtherestofhisbody Long,mostlystraightblackhairfell looselytothemiddleofhis chest Noeyebrowsoreyelashesframedhisentirelyredeyes,scleraincluded Butwiththeglowhavingreceded,Icouldnow seetheirdilatedpupils.Ifnotfortheunusuallybroadbridgeofhisnosemadeofbones,therestofhisnosecouldhavepassed forahuman’s,asdidhissexyandperfectlydrawnlips.
To myrelief, ontop of his surprisinglyattractive face, Asheron’s bodywas inno waythe putrid walkingcorpse I had dreaded Hewasfitandmuscular Itstruckmeasoddthathedidn’thavenipplesbutpossessedanavel Thatconfirmedhehad beennaturallybornbeforeturningintoawraith Bone-likescalesformedbeautifulpatternstheentirelengthofhisshoulders, arms,andpartsofhischestandsides.Thesamepatternslinedhislegs,andbonyscalescoveredpartofhisfeet.Sharpclaws tippedbothhistoesandfingers.Butthankfully,theywerenolongerthefive-inchesdaggershe’ddisplayedinhiswraithform.
At first, my mind froze at the sight of his smooth crotch covered in bone scales and devoid of the necessary organ to performthedeed Thenmyjawdroppedwhenthescalesparted,andhismanhoodextruded Iforcedmyselftoavertmyeyesas amassiveclubjuttedoutbetweenhisthighs.Evensoft,hisshaftappearedthickandlong.Itsshapeseemedtomatchthatofa humanpenis,withaslightlypointierhead.Butthechevron-shapedridgescoveringtheuppersideappearedmadeofthesame bone-scalesonhisforehead.Howhardwouldtheybe?Howmuchwouldtheyhurtinside?
Asheronraisingahandtowardsme,asiftofondleoneofmybarebreastssnappedmeoutofmyshamelessexaminationof his body Ipromptlytooka couple ofsteps backand closed the panels ofmysheer robe infrontofmychest, coveringmy nudity.Thebellsofmycharmjingled,asifinfurtherdisapprovalofAsheron’sattempttotouchme.Hissensuouslipstwisted intoasneer,baringsharpteethframedbyapairoffangs.Theystilllookedintimidating,butnotterrifyinglikethedaggerteeth hehadinhiswraithform.
Headvancedtowardsme,theredglowofangerreturninginhiseyes Itookacouplemorestepsbackuntiltheedgeofthe altarstoppedmyretreat
“Youcannottouchyet,”Isaidfirmly,hopingitcameacrosswithfarmoreassurancetohimthantheweakwayitsoundedto me.“Wemustmakeadealfirst.”
“OrIcouldjusttakeyou,”hecountered,invadingmyspace.
ThemereheavingofmychestasIbreathedhadmynipplesalmostbrushingagainsthistorso
Mystomachknotted “Youcould,” I conceded “As youalreadycanwithanyone else But that would defeat the entire purpose.Don’tyouwantawillingpartner?Tobeembraced,kissed,caressed,and…fondled?”Iadded,castingameaningful glanceathiscrotch.
Heclenchedhisjaw.Bythelookonhisface,heappearedtobedebatingwhetherhereallycaredaboutmyconsentorlack thereof
“Andwhatisthecostofyourfavors?”heaskedatlast.
Iflinched inwardlyathow itsounded whenworded like that. Butthen, Iwas indeed tradingmyfavors for somethingof valuetome.
“IneedapowerfulprotectortoescortmesafelytoHemdell’sestateontheeighteenthofthemonth,underthebloodmoon” Asheron snorted, and the oddest expression flitted over his features “You want help retrieving the Microlith in the observatory.”
Isilencedagroan.Wasthereanyonewhodidn’tknowabouttheWardingMicrolith?
Analmostmalicioussmilestretchedhislips.“Verywell.Inexchangeforyourfavors,IwillsafelytakeyoutoHemdell’s observatoryontheeighteenth Deal?”
“Notsofast,”Isaidsternly Henarrowedhiseyesatme “Inexchangefor one night ofmegrantingyoumyfavors,youwill
ensuremyprotectionfromtheoutergatesofHemdelltotheobservatory,watchovermewhileIretrievewhatIcamefor,and safelyescortmebackoutoftheestateanditsgrounds.”
Thewayhesmirkedandtheshamelessglimmerinhiseyesconfirmedhehadindeedwordedthedealinawaythatwould allowhimtodemandmyfavorswheneverandasoftenashewished.WhileIknewtotrytoaccountforeveryloopholewhen dealingwithdemonicentities,IstillfeltgratefultotheHagforspellingitouttome.
“Thatisacceptable,”hesaid.“Isthatall?”
“No,” Isaid,myheartsoaringatthe thoughtwe were abouttoseal the deal “Furthermore,youalsopledge todome no harm,tonight,inthetimeleadinguptotheeighteenth,orafterourbusinessisconcluded” Myspinestiffenedwhenhisfaceclosed.
“Thatistoobroadapledge,”hesaid,histonemakingitclearhewouldn’tconsenttothis. Iblinked,baffledbywhatcouldmakesuchasimplerequestsoabhorrenttohim.Washesodeterminedtodomeharm? “Howisittoobroad?”
“Shouldyoudecidetoattack,enslave,orotherwisewrongmeinanywayonceourdealisdone oratanytimeleadingup toit Iwillbeunabletofightback.Suchapledgewouldleavemenochoicebuttoflee.I do not fleebeforeanyone,”hesaid inahardtone.
Myjaw dropped.Ihadnotthoughtofthat.WhywouldI?Todosuchathingwouldhaveneverenteredmymindtobegin with Hadourrolesbeenreversed,Iwouldhavegiventhisridiculousamountofpowerovermetomytemporarypartner “Fairpoint,”Iconceded.“ThenI’mhappytoamendittowhereyouwillbefreeofyourpledgeshouldIwillfully attemptto harmorwrongyou.”
Asheronsnorted again, anamused smile settlingonhis face whenIstressed the word willfully. Ididn’tknow whatfoul creatures we might run into in Hemdell, but I wouldn’t be accused of breaching our agreement over some monster mindcontrollingmeintoattackingAsheron
Hepursedhislips,whilestudyingmyfeatures.Icouldseehiswheelsspinningashesearchedforanyotherloophole. Or is he looking for a workaround to take advantage of me?
Notforthefirsttimesincethebeginningofthisentireordeal,Ifeltwayoutofmydepth.Buttherewasnoturningbacknow. Ireviewedthetermsofouragreementinmymindandcouldn’tthinkofanyweaknessesthatmightendangerme Icouldonly takealeapoffaithandhopeforthebest
“Anyothertermsyouhaven’tmentionedyet?”heaskedatlast.
Ishookmyhead.“No,that’sallofit.”
“Then,withtheWatcherasourwitness,wehaveabindingdeal,RonikaOrtega,”Asheronsaid.
Somethinginhis tone made me uneasy Itwas the smug, satisfied edge, like the catthatgotthe cream Somehow, Ihad missedsomethingthatwouldcomebacktobitemelater
“Nowitistimeforyoutodeliveronyourendofourdeal,littlehuman,”Asheronsaidinatauntingvoice. His hands reached for the top ofmyrobe, still wrapped around myshoulders. Idropped myhands, whichheld the front panelsclosedovermychest.Asheronloweredthefabric,andIletitslidedownmyarms.Itpooledaroundmyfeetwithasoft rustlingsound
MystomachflutteredasahungrylooksettledoverAsheron’sotherworldlyface.
“Touchme,Ronika.”
MyhandsshookslightlyasIraisedthemtowardshismuscularchest Iwantedtobelieveitwasthelingeringeffectsof the chilling aura that previously emanated from him Granted, apprehension gnawed at me There was something dangerous nottosaymaliciouslyevil behindhisunexpectedlyattractivefaçade…atleastforademon.
As soon as my palms made contact with his chest, an intensified version of that queasy feeling of my skin oscillating between dimensions coursed through me. My stomach roiled, and my gorge rose. I steeled my resolve, inhaling deeply to regaincontrol while myhands continued to roamover his skin I focused onits unusual texture to distract myself fromthe distressingsensationtouchinghimawakenedinme
Hisskinwassoftandpliable,inanalmostleatheryfashion.Itgraduallybecamesomewhatgrainierandabitharderinthe areascoveredinbonyscales.Buteventhosewerenotunpleasanttothetouch.Ifnotforthatdreadfulaura,I’dbemarvelingat thewayfleshandboneformedthemostunusualtapestryonhismuscularbody.
Asheron’shissybreathclaimedmyattention Iliftedmyeyestopeerathisface Hisupperlipwasraisedinasnarl,once moreexposinghissharpteethandfangs.Hisredeyesglowedagain,andanalmostsavageexpressionhadsettledonhisface.It should have frightened me, butIinstinctivelyrecognized this as himtryingnotto lethimselfgetoverwhelmed bypowerful emotions.
Eyesgluedtohisface,IignoredtheunsettlingcrawlingsensationskitteringovermypalmsandarmsasIgentlycaressed hisbroadchest,onanupwardpathtowardshisneck,thenhischeeks,beforesinkingmyfingersinthelongstrandsofhishair Heclosedhis eyes,his headtiltingbackas hebreathedinthroughhis teeth.Aviolentshiver shookhis body,andasenseof triumphsurgedwithinme.Ashecouldreadmyemotions,I’dfearedmydiscomfortathistouchwouldruinhisenjoymentof mine.
Thetextureofhishairbetweenmyfingerstookmybreathaway Nowordcouldproperlydescribethefeelofitasitflowed over myskin Eachstrand was incrediblythin, almosttranslucent You’d thinkIwas runningmyhands througha curtainof water,withoutthemoisture,andthatacquiredabouncy,almostspongyconsistencyonceyoutriedtograbafistfulofit.
However,Asheronplacinghishandsonmyhipsanddrawingmeagainsthisbodyputanabruptendtomyexploration.For a second, IthoughtI’d go into shockfromthe violence withwhichfull contactwithhimaffected me. Myskinburned, and I almostexpectedittoturntoashesandfalloffmybones
Heswallowedmystrangledgaspinavoraciouskiss Ipartedmylipstocryoutinpain,buthistongueinvadedmymouth Withit,hiscoldbreathraceddownmythroat,throughmylungs,thenradiatedoutwardthroughoutmybody.Theburningpain instantlyfaded.Imoanedinreliefandclungtohim,mylegsfeelingwobbly.Ifelthimchuckleagainstmylips,thesoundsmug withthathintofmaliceI’dperceivedearlier.
His tongue dove backintomymouthwhile his leftarmheldme tightlyagainsthim Withthe other,he caressedmybody withamixofroughnessandpossessiveness.OnepartofmebelievedAsheronwastryingtomakemetapoutearlyonwhilehe still hadsomecontrol over himself,rather thanlater,whenhe’dbe hopefully lostinthethroes ofpassion.Theother part speculatedthathewastryingtoputmethroughtheroughestphasenow,sowe’dgettothestagetheWeaverhadclaimedwould becomemorecomfortableformesooner
Whateverhismotives,Iwouldseethisthrough Ihadn’tgottenthisfaronlytobedefeatedbyabitofpainanddiscomfort
Thankfully,likewithhisscent,Asheron’stastealsoprovedratheragreeable.Thymeandpeachescametomind,withatouchof coolmint.Butthelattercouldmerelybeamisinterpretationduetothecoldnessofhisbreath.
Asanadditional pleasantsurprise,thewraithturnedouttobequitetheskillful kisser Withhissharpteethandfangs,I’d worriedhe wouldlacerate mytongue andlips.Butthe momentthe painofhis aura faded,Icaughtmyselfpressingmybody againsthis,mytonguehappilyjoiningthedancewithhis,andmyhandsresumingtheirexplorationofhisunusualskin.
Althoughasliverofthediscomfortfromhiscontactlingered,ithaddwindledtoaweakenoughlevelthatatimidarousal sparkedlowinmybelly Iwilledittogrowintoaragingbrazierthatwouldfacilitatethecompletionofmyendofthedeal Ididn’tknowifempathicpowerwastherighttermtodefineAsheron’sabilitytosensemyemotions,butthewayhistouch becamemorefeverishandbolderhintedhehadfelttheshiftinme.Hebrokethekiss,andhishandfistingmyhairyankedmy headback.Hislipskissedapathdownmyneckbeforehesuckedonthepalpitatingarterythere.
Hisfangsgrazingmyskinsentathrilldownmyspine.Withasinglebite,hecouldendmylife.I’dcrossedpathswiththe occasionalvampireandalwayswonderedwhatitwouldfeelliketohavetheirfangssinkintome Whydidthatthoughtstirup suchanirrationalappeal?
The strange mix of relief and disappointment fleeted through me when he didn’t bite me and reclaimed my mouth in a possessivekissinstead.Icaressedhisback,theprotrudingbonesofhisexposedspineticklingmypalms.Onthejourneydown, myfingersencounteredabumpwhichendedabruptly.Mygutsaidithadbeenmeanttoextendintoatail.DidAsheronpossess aretractabletail?Haditbeenseveredinthepast?
Despitemycuriosity,Icontinuedmyexploration,revelinginthewayheshiveredbeneathmytouch.Ididn’tneedtobean empathto sense how muchhe enjoyed thatstill mostlyinnocentcontact. Myhands settled onhis behind. Theywere sinfully round and firm. The smatteringofbonyscales thatfanned outfromthe base ofhis spine tapered offrightwhere his behind begantoround
Igavehischeeksagoodsqueeze Inresponse,hisshaftjerkedagainstme Toofocusedoncontrollingmynegativereaction tohisauraandonmyjourneyofdiscoveryofhisbody,Ihadlockedoutthethoughtofhiscock.Thissuddenreminderpiqued mycuriosity.Whilemylefthandcontinuedtofondlehisleftbumcheek,theotherslippedbetweenustocoverhissex.
Asherongaspedagainstmylips.Hisbodytensed,andhejerkedhisheaduptostareatme.Teethclenched,hisupper lip curledup,he appearedtostruggle toremainstoic andfailingmiserably Iheldhis gaze,studyinghis features intentlyas I slowlybegantorubmypalmoverhislength Hishandfistingmyhaironmynapetightened Itstungandhurtalittle,butina goodway.
Tomypleasantsurprise,thebonyridgesliningthetopofhisshaftdidn’tscrapemyskin.Infact,thebumpsfeltwonderful tothetouch.Mymindimmediatelywonderedwhatitwouldfeellikeinsideme.ButAsheron’sbreathingbecomingshallower andlouderdrewmyeyesbacktohisface
Healmostlookedinpainashepursuedhislosingbattlefor control Bythegods,seeinghow mymeretouchcouldmake suchapowerful beingtrembleandnearlycomeundonewasboththrillingandemboldening.Theall-consumingdesiretosee justhow far Icould pushhimtookover me. As muchas Ihated to lookawayfromhis hauntingface, Ileaned forward and pressedmymouthtohisneck.
“Yes Touchme ”Asheronwhispered,hisvoicetrembling,almostpleading Icomplied,mylefthandreleasinghisbehindtoresumecaressinghisback.Mymouthbrushedovertheleatherytextureof hisneck.Thetinyscalesinterspersedoveritmademylipstingle.Iblazedatraildownhischest,kissing,licking,andnipping hisflesh.Hetastedalittlesalty,withthatsamethymeundertone,butthistimewithoutthehintofpeach.Asaproudlickerand kisser,itpleasedmetremendously Unfortunately,hedidn’tpossessnipples Ihadathingforsuckingonaman’stautlittlebuds Irubbedmyfaceoverhischestbeforecontinuingmyjourneydownward Whenmylipsclosedaroundhisnavel,Asheron exhaledashudderingbreathbeforeinhalingsharply.Thatsoundresonateddirectlybetweenmythighs.Heknew whereIwas headed.Feelingthetremblingofhisbodysteadilyincreasingdidinsanethingstome.Butseeinghimbendovermetosupport himselfwithonehandontheedgeofthealtaratmybackturnedmeonbeyondwords.
Bythegods,hiscockwasmassive Thatmyfingerscouldn’tfullytoucharoundithadmadeitobviousbutseeingitupclose asIcrouchedbeforehimtookittoanotherlevel
