by Eden Redd
Shadow elves approached, red eyes glowing in the darkness alongside torches. Young shadow elves stared at Will with deep understanding. Older ones nodded as many others bowed their heads.
“You have awakened me and I cannot give my life again, but my people can. They will give their first life to you so they may be reborn in your new kingdom,” Onika said with nearly cult-like fervor.
Morgan moved to Will’s side, helping to take hold of Stella. Jessica moved closer to help. Sil stood, eyes on her lord. Val watched from the crowd, claws flexing.
Will looked to the shadow elves as they gathered closer. They held up their hands, beckoning him to come closer and begin his deeds. Will stared at them in stark horror. It burned at him, the idea of taking an innocent life. A gloom rippled along his spirit. Hands tightened around the shaft of his hammer. He glanced to the large weapon and pain touched his heart. The player sighed as he sheathed the large weapon over his shoulder to his back.
“Will, please,” Onika pleaded with crimson eyes.
Will gazed on the families before him. Logic and his spirit warred, neither side gaining the advantage.
“I’m… not a killer,” Will whispered.
“You’re our savior,” Onika whispered.
“I will do it,” Morgan said with a hand on the pommel of his sword.
“As will I,” Sil said as her white spear turned into a blade.
Will gave a slight shake of his head. “No… it has to be me.”
A young girl shadow elf, no more than ten years old, stepped forward and looked into Will’s eyes. A small smile appeared, but her gaze never wavered, peering into Will’s soul.
“Please, forgive me for what I am about to do,” Will said and drew his iron blade.
“There is nothing to forgive. Vala has shown us what’s to come and we embrace it with wide arms,” Onika smiled.
“Will, it’s the right thing to do,” Morgan said with a comforting tone.
“I’m… not a killer,” Will repeated as he looked at the young shadow elf.
“You are more,” Onika said with sultry tone, eyes half closing.
Will raised his sword over his head.
“Forgive me,” the young man said and brought the blade down, sorrow painting his soul.
Twelve
Will looked up and saw towers in the distance, deep shadows under his eyes. A sliver of relief touched his spirit, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the exhaustion filling every cell of his digital body. Glancing back, he saw his friends trailing behind him with tired, sunken in features. Horses trotted, Stella’s unconscious form draped over one and Bridget’s struggling, tied body over another. Will was grateful the horses had found them after all the chaos at the demon pit. It was a small reward for the horrors that haunted his spirit.
Images washed on the shores of his thoughts. A blade flashing and ending lives. Morgan, Sil, and Val joined in on the carnage as shadow elves bowed to their weapons. Knowing they gave their lives freely didn’t ease the very act. Will remembered seeing a few with doubt in their eyes before his blade separated their heads from necks. Bodies fell and melted away. Soul stones glowed in the night. Will knelt down to each one, picking it from blades of grass and storing them in his inventory screen. When the last one was slain, the group gathered before demonic screams filled the night.
The trek back was slow. Onika tired many times to sooth Will’s conscious. The player wasn’t listening as he built a shelter for the group and built a separate one for himself. After each sunset, he held soul stones in his hands, coming to terms with the needed, but vile actions to save a people. While he sat, he often wondered if any of the luna elves witnessed his actions, reporting it to their queen so she would have more evidence on how dark his path had become.
Two nights later, Will was staying in the same shelter with the rest of the group. Bridget was tied up most of the time and her mouth gagged. The re-animated woman eyed them with surreal contempt, but Val tended to her. Morgan often spoke about the demon pit as a blessing in disguise. With it on land between Will’s kingdom and the Silver Queen, it would be an equalizer and help keep the queen’s forces from trying to march south to their lands. Despite Morgan’s words, it brought no real comfort to Will. Sil often stayed by her lord. Jessica was silent for most of the trip.
The small group continued until the protective wall of Thorn Spire appeared through the trees. The main gate opened, Milly leading a dozen kobolds with spears. The panu smiled at first, until she saw Will’s grim features. The small smile faded away as they emerged from the tree line. Kobolds moved to the group, helping them by taking weapons and leading the horses. Milly approached Will and he grabbed her, holding her close. She embraced him as he said nothing, pressing his face to her neck.
The group walked past and entered Thorn Spire. After a long moment, Will broke free and walked in, holding Milly’s hand. When the gate closed and everyone was safe inside, Will let go of Milly’s hand and made a beeline for the Soul Home. Hope pushed every step as he made his way and entered the building that was once his first home.
Soul Caskets lined the walls and center of the Soul Home. Will moved to a chest and opened it. Pulling out a fistful of quartz stones, he quickly made his way to Soul Caskets. Taking out the first stone, he gave it a small smile before placing it into a slot and adding a quartz crystal to a slot below it. Closing it, he moved on to the next one, repeating his actions. When he was finished, he saw that he filled fifty caskets but he still had a few hundred soul stones left.
Milly entered and Will looked to the beautiful panu.
“We have new people for Thorn Spire. Have the panu and kobolds build more homes. In six hours, these shadow elves will rise. I will need to add another batch of soul stones once they are finished. Please have the chest filled with quartz gems at all times until the process is finished.”
Milly nodded. “What will you do until they rise?”
Will stood up, darkness covering his eyes. “I will speak with Onika and have her ready to welcome her people.”
Will turned to leave and Milly spoke up.
“I’m happy your home,” the panu said sweetly.
Will stopped in his tracks, but didn’t look back. “I’m happy to be home,” he said before exiting the Soul Home.
Will walked back to the group. Silently they made their way to the castle, pulling two horses with Stella and Bridget on them. Reaching the front gate, Nova and Belle were waiting. The stalker and slime moved forward to help. Nova helped Morgan to carry Stella while Belle, Sil, and Jessica escorted Bridget with Val. The green-skinned woman glared at them and mumbled incoherently as she was led into the castle.
***
Stella lay on her back, hands folded over her chest and bent hat next to her pillow. Will sat in a chair beside her bed. Morgan and Nova had brought the witch to her room and Will informed them to see to castle duties and come to him in six hours. Morgan nodded and left, but Nova hesitated. She reached out a hand to touch his shoulder and stopped a few inches away. The haunted expression spoke volumes and she curled her fingers back, ready to give him as much time as he needed.
Sunlight poured in from an open window as the Witch Angel lay unmoving. Will sat silently until a knock at the door caused him to turn his head.
“Come in,” the player said with a tired voice.
The door opened and Jessica slipped in before closing it behind her. The blonde woman stepped closer until she stood by Will’s chair, gaze on the gray-skinned witch on the bed.
“I never had a chance to thank you,” Jessica said simply.
Will turned and looked to Stella as he spoke, “No thanks needed.”
Jessica’s gaze lowered, “I have something I must say. I wasn’t sure when would be a good time, but I didn’t want to wait.”
“Go ahead. I’m not going anywhere for a few hours,” Will said with a weak smile.
Jessica’s lip firmed up before she spoke, “I don’t know why I’m he
re. I talked to Morgan on the way back here and it seems there is a little confusion on all of our pasts. After a few nights, I felt I was in better company than I thought.
“I do have some memories of my past, but there is something I should warn you about since we will be spending time together. In my previous life, I worked in law enforcement but it wasn’t my destiny. I remember a case where I had to save a young woman from human trafficking in Japan. I didn’t know it was a trap so some dark forces could capture me.”
Will turned and looked at Jessica as she fought to find the words.
“Long story short, I am called an Oni Koibito or Demon Lover in English. I wouldn’t think I would have to tell you this, but since demons were released into this world it might be important. In my past life, I was seduced by two demons. It was enough for me to quit law enforcement and lead a solitary life away from civilization. I thought I had beaten a prophecy, centered on five demons filling my body with their seed so a fallen angel would be born.
“Now that I’m here and demons are filling the countryside, you should know that any demon that comes near me will try to seduce me. If three more demons succeed, something evil may be born to this world.”
Jessica pulled a dagger from her belt, flipped it in her hand and held the pommel side to Will. “I can’t do it myself, I never could. I’m glad I was able to help in some small way, but the longer I am here, the greater the chance my body will be used for a prophecy no one should endure.”
Will looked to the dagger and lifted a hand. Taking the dagger, he turned the pommel back to Jessica and pressed it to her hand. Jessica took it and looked down with a dash of confusion.
“Finding you helped bring a new technology to my kingdom. You fought alongside us and showed your loyalty from the very start. I don’t see the point of killing you when we can protect each other. You know how to use a crossbow and I will need you to train many others. How about we just keep the demons away and you help make this kingdom better?”
Jessica’s face smoothed into an understanding mask. With a quick nod, she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Will turned back to Stella, his spirit encumbered. Eyes heavy, he fought to stay awake. A need to slip into bed and sleep at Stella’s side whispered in his ear, but his duty was to wait by her side. When gray eye-lids fluttered, Will’s heart pumped with power.
Stella stirred, eyes opening and staring up at the ceiling. Turning her head, she gave Will a wicked smile.
“Hello handsome,” the witch said with a sultry tone.
“Hello beautiful,” Will smiled.
“You keep talking to me like that and I’ll have to let you in my haunted house, free of charge of course.”
Will grinned, the weight on his soul getting lighter. “Thank you for what you did. It bought us enough time to escape. We…couldn’t have done it without you.”
Stella slowly sat up. She picked up her hat and firmly placed it on her head. Tilting it to the side until it was just right, she looked to Will with a bright smile.
“Thank you for keeping my body safe. I went beyond my limit and it nearly destroyed my soul. I hope I don’t have to do that again.”
Will reached out and curled his fingers over Stella’s hand. The witch looked down and pink touched her gray cheeks.
“I’m sorry I doubted you. You have earned my trust.”
Stella’s eyes widened a hair, before they slipped back to normal, “And you have earned my loyalty, Lord Asher.”
Will stood up with a smirk, “I’ll let you get some rest.”
Stella’s thighs parted a little as she sat on the bed, hands on her knees. “I could use some cuddling, just so we both know we mean it.”
Will eyed the gray-skinned beauty before his head tilted forward a small grin formed. “Okay, but keep the hat on.”
Stella gave a sarcastic gasp and touched a hand to her bountiful cleavage.
“As you command, my lord,” Stella said before licking her lips and watching Will begin to undress.
***
Bridget grunted and strained against iron chains. Arms and legs were taut against a stone wall in a large chamber. An iron door stood to the right of her as she hung, trying to break free. The cell was devoid of anything else except for a single torch opposite the re-animated woman. Muscles bulged as she struggled again, thick chains clanking, but staying strong.
A lock slid on the other side of the door and it opened. Small light spilled in as Val stepped in, dragging a wooden chair behind her. The pale beauty closed the door and made her way to the center of the room. Bridget watched with an acid stare as Val pulled the chair in front of her and sat down.
The two women stared at one another for long moments before Val spoke first.
“The more I see you, the more our past begins to come back. We were friends. We used to share our lives together. We were close.”
“You’re a vile monster! The Silver Queen has condemned all of you! When I get free, I’m going to burn this castle to the ground!” Bridget said with venomous intent.
Val’s head tilted forward, shadows covering her eyes. “You were the kind, innocent one. I don’t know what the Silver Queen did to turn you into what you are now, but I will be here for you, to help bring you back to who you were.”
“This is who I am!” Bridget shouted.
Val’s gaze drifted to Bridget’s exposed thighs. “I remember the times when we shared our lives, hating our husbands and finding comfort in each other. There may be a way to help you remember who we really are.”
Bridget’s scowl remained as Val stood up. The pale beauty made her way closer, eyes on Bridget’s strong, meaty thigh. The re-animated woman looked down, eyes taking on a hint of confusion when Val brought her mouth close to Bridget’s thigh.
“Stop! What are you doing?”
Val looked up with hungry eyes, “You may be re-animated and stitched together, but you’re alive. I remember your taste in our quiet moments. This may help you remember.”
Bridget’s body twisted, but the chains held her in place. Val opened her mouth, fangs growing longer and her head whipped forward like a cobra. Fangs sank into tender flesh of a green thigh and blood bloomed. Val drank, new vitality filling her once again. Weariness drained away, replaced with growing strength.
Bridget let out a small yelp before her eyes turned glassy. The sharp points in her thigh sent a surge of bliss and warmth along her heart. The thump of her heart beat cascaded along her spirit as foggy memories grew sharper, more defined. Breathing quickened and the re-animated woman relaxed in her chains, lost to a sensation she knew long ago.
“Val…don’t stop,” Bridget whimpered.
The pale beauty pulled away, blood painting her lips and chin. “When I know you have come back to me, you will be free.”
Val’s mouth opened wider and she clamped her fangs back on Bridget’s thigh, a seductive whimper falling from re-animated woman’s lips once again.
***
A soul casket lid flashed with dim light before it lifted up. Will, Onika, Milly, and several panu looked down. Will’s heart hammered in his chest as he watched with wide eyes. A small, violet colored hand stretched out from the open soul casket and a young shadow elf girl sat up.
Will stepped closer and fell to his knees by the casket, eyes filled with relief and his soul getting lighter by the moment.
“Welcome back to us,” Will said with a kind edge.
The young shadow elf looked to Will with warm, crimson eyes. A second later, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
Onika leaned a little towards Milly, “Lord Asher will lead us to a new world.”
Milly eyed the caskets opening, one by one and shadows elves emerging. Red eyes looked to Will as he pulled away from the young girl and stood up. Bodies rose and smiles bloomed. Panu handed out clothes while Onika stepped closer to help them gather themselves and informed them where they will be staying in Thorn Spire.
“Yes, he will,” she whispered before moving to Will’s side and touching his hand.
***
Will arched his back as he thrust deeply. Milly held onto him as his hips spread her tender thighs. She pressed her face to his chest while fingers clawed into his back. Will let out a soul thundering groan before seed spurted. The connection between them remained as both let out heated gasps, bodies burning with passion, lust, and love. When the moment cooled like embers of a dying fire, Will rolled to his side and held Milly close. The panu ran her hands along his body, sweat covering both of them.
“I missed you,” Will said in heavy breaths.
“I missed you,” Milly smiled as she caressed him.
“I know the next few days will be busy, but I want us to spend time before I go. Morgan, Stella, and Jessica are going to help with building a few towns and establish routes. I want to make sure they are secure before we begin expanding our territory and creating borders.”
Milly nodded as she eyed him like a piece of meat, “I wish you could just stay here, in bed, with me.”
Will smiled. “I want to be here all the time, but if we don’t do this, we won’t have any warning if enemies or monsters approach. It will help add an extra layer of protection.”
Milly looked down and Wil raised an eyebrow.
“Is everything okay?”
Milly nodded before she looked up to Will’s concerned eyes. “Everything is wonderful. I just want you here with me a while longer.”
Will grinned, “We’ll be back. It shouldn’t take long to build the towns. The hard part is finding citizens who want to live in those towns, away from the protection of our walls.”
The player’s gaze stayed on the voluptuous panu, “That’s not what’s on your mind, is it?”
Milly shook her head before taking hold of Will’s hand and pressing his palm to her stomach. Will’s eyes widened as she looked to him with warm affection. The mood shifted into excitement as Will looked down to her belly and back to her eyes.
