Wraith King

by Jack Porter

  22

  The remainder of our journey back to the castle was uneventful, and once again, when I entered my chambers, there was a hot bath and two waiting servants. They also left new clothes on the bed, these finer than the ones I had one riding. I dismissed the servants and got into the bath.

  I had just begun scrubbing when the door opened. I turned abruptly, sloshing a bit of water onto the floor.

  It was Ilana. She closed the door and came straight for the bathtub. “I heard what happened!” she said. “Why did you go out there with her? You were unarmed, Jon-man.”

  Irritated, I continued to scrub the dirt and blood off my hands. “I don’t need reminding.”

  There was something particularly gritty, like flesh, stuck under my fingernails, and I couldn’t seem to get it picked out. Ilana walked over to a chest and came back with some small scissors. She took my hand and began cleaning under my fingernails. The water was dirty, so I didn’t worry about her seeing much.

  Although now that I had been through two skirmishes, she was growing more tempting. I hadn’t seen her much for two days, and once again, I was struck by how beautiful she was. Her raven hair glistened in the firelight, and the yellow flecks in her eyes shone just a bit more than was natural. My eyes trailed down her perfect throat to her collarbone and then to the top of her corset where her breasts seemed to spill out.

  “Do you like what you see, Jon-man?”

  I snapped my gaze back up to her eyes and saw that she was staring at me. But rather than looking offended, her eyes had gained a hooded look, and she was gazing at me from under her long, dark eyelashes.

  Her scent had permeated the room, again one of desire, and it made it hard to think. “I would be a fool not to like what I see,” I said. I took my hand away from hers.

  The succubus stood from the side of the tub and walked around behind me, her tail brushing up against my cheek. It was surprisingly silky. I turned to keep her in my sight, but she put her hands on my shoulders and turned me back facing the window.

  “Relax, Jon. I have no wish to kill you.”

  “But what if you unintentionally kill me?” I asked. Beneath the water, my erection was rock hard. I wanted to stand and take her into bed. Actually, no. I wanted to pull her straight into the water with me, wings and all. The more I fantasized about it, the harder it became to resist.

  She chuckled softly and ran her hands over my shoulders, massaging the aches there. “I am in control of my power,” she said. “There is no need to fear it unless I wish it so. Do you not trust me?”

  I leaned my head back and up to look at her. “I would like to trust you, but this entire world is new to me.”

  “And so you mean to say that you do not trust anyone. Except I don’t believe you, Jon. I believe you trust Nya. But she lied to you about her name. I have never lied to you about what I am.” The succubus ran her hands down my chest, letting her fingers dip below the waterline. Then they continued further, down my abs, and her breasts pressed into the back of my head. I closed my eyes, fighting the urge to let her have her way with me. It didn’t have anything to do with being noble. But rather, I still felt so unsettled about this new world and the dangers that it held.

  No, it wasn't noble, but it was fear. If this was all a dream—and I wasn’t convinced that it wasn’t—then it would not hurt to sleep with the succubus, and I could possibly have the best sex dream of my life. But if this was real somehow—and I was starting to suspect that it was—then my battle might end right here.

  When her hand closed over my cock, though, my excuses seemed pretty thin.

  “You are overthinking this, Jon,” Ilana said. She ran her hand up and down my shaft, and I leaned back into her, closing my eyes.

  I was overthinking this. If I were to die, would I not rather die like this than a bloodied death in battle?

  The answer was a resounding yes. Who was I kidding? I wasn’t a noble hero, nor was I a battle-hardened warrior. I was just Jon from New Jersey. And he would not say no to a night of extreme pleasure.

  “Fuck yes,” I muttered.

  I grabbed Ilana’s arm, stopping her from rubbing me anymore. Instead, I pulled the succubus around toward me, looking once more into her eyes. She smiled as if she knew what I was thinking. “There’s only one way to find out, Jon,” she said.

  The water streamed off me when I stood, and I didn’t even bother to grab a towel before pushing Ilana backward toward the bed. Reaching around her back, I found the laces of her corset and untied them. The tight fabric burst off her as if it couldn’t wait to stop holding in her body. It fell free, revealing her perfect breasts and dark nipples. They were even better than I had imagined. Pert and soft at the same time.

  I moaned in anticipation.

  Pushing her back onto the bed, I followed her and took one of those nipples in my mouth. She tasted as good as she smelled, and I forgot all my doubts as I licked my way down her body, toward my goal.

  Ilana gripped my shoulder with her strong fingers. “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I want to,” I mumbled against the soft flesh just below her belly button. “I need to know if you taste the same way that you smell.”

  “And what do I smell like?” she asked.

  “Like desire,” I said.

  The leather panties she wore came off quickly, and I paused a moment to look at her. Her lips were perfect and already swollen. Pink and yet a bit dark, just like her nipples.

  When I dipped my tongue inside her, the succubus arched her back, lifting her hips into my face. Her bat-like wings shot out to either side of her with a whooshing noise, and I smiled against her. Finding her sensitive bud with my tongue, I began pleasuring her.

  Ilana’s soft tail curved around my neck and pulled me into her, pinning me until I couldn’t have moved if I had wanted to. For a moment, the thought crossed my mind that this was how I would die, and that no, it wouldn’t be the worst way to go. But then she eased up on me, and I continued to lick and suck. And yes, she did taste exactly how she smelled.

  When she came, she sat straight up off the bed, burying her fingers in my hair as her juices flowed around my face. After placing a final kiss on her pussy, I looked up into her eyes. They glowed brighter than ever. Her wings were spread above us, almost brushing the ceiling.

  I smiled. “Do I please you?”

  The succubus smiled lazily. “When I came in here tonight, I had expected to do all the pleasing. This is supposed to be your reward, after all.”

  I pulled myself up on the bed beside her and kissed her, still sitting between her legs. “Oh, I plan on getting a reward.”

  The succubus grabbed me and flipped me over onto my back so quickly that it jarred me. Then she grinned mischievously. “What kind of reward are you looking for?”

  I glanced down at my cock, which was still hard and ready. “Ride me,” I said.

  When the succubus eased down onto me, I really did think I had died, but I hadn’t landed in Hell. I was in Heaven. And then, with her wings spread, she began moving above me. I placed my hands on her thighs, feeling the smooth skin there, and occasionally moving my thumb to flick her sensitive bud.

  But she didn’t need that. Soon we were both panting, and our bodies moved in a rhythm as old as time. I was close to coming and thought this was how it would happen. But then the succubus moved off me and turned so that her ass faced me. Then she sank back onto my cock and rode me even harder. Her tail flicked around my face, and I grabbed it as I bucked against her.

  I sat up and grabbed her breasts in each hand, flicking her nipples as she bounced up and down on me. Her wings were in my way, or I would have kissed her neck. As it was, I had already learned that Ilana’s wings gave away when she was going to come. As her climax approached, her wings arched higher. I put one hand behind me on the bed to give myself leverage and gave two more good thrusts, hitting her in just the right spot.

  She came. I came. And then we sank down together
in a heap of wings, legs, arms, and one silky tail.

  I was almost ready to drift off to sleep when I felt her hand cup my balls. “Oh no, Jon, we are not done. I am just getting started.”

  And then I found out why most men don’t survive sleeping with a succubus.

  23

  “I told you I would get you a female pleasure servant, Jon.”

  I opened my bleary eyes to see Nya standing in the doorway. Next to me, Ilana stirred. The light was just beginning to shine through the window. I didn’t know how Nya would react to seeing the succubus in my bed, especially after she had seemed to express some interest in my body at least.

  The succubus sat up, the tangled blankets falling from her breasts, exposing them to the cold air of the room. Her wings rested gracefully behind her. “You are welcome to join us, Your Grace.” She reached up and pinched one of her own nipples, smiling seductively at Nya.

  My exhausted cock twitched at the thought, but I thought that’s all it would do. I hadn’t had much sleep at all because Ilana had wanted more. And more.

  And more. So much more that I lost count. I grinned slightly through my sex-induced sleep deprivation.

  “I am smart enough not to lay with a succubus,” Nya said. I thought I heard a rebuke in her tone, but her eyes twinkled a bit with the hint of her characteristic smirk. “So, you survived, Jon. You must be made of sterner stuff than the men of our world. Because I assume that Ilana did her best to kill you last night.”

  I sat up in bed, running a hand over my face. It was sticky with sweat and come. Since I hadn’t shaved since arriving in Hell, it also had several days’ growth of beard. I eyed Ilana. “I think she did,” I said, smiling. “Best night ever.”

  I said those last words to Ilana, whose eyes glowed golden with pleasure.

  Nya sighed. “And now I suppose you want to stay here in Hell? That you don’t want to help us defeat the Wraith King?”

  Some of my euphoria disappeared. The sex had been great. No, the sex had been mind-blowing. But I didn’t belong here. Silently, and without looking at the succubus, I slid out of bed and hunted for my pants. After yesterday’s ride and scuffle with the wraiths, and then after the sexathon with Ilana, my muscles were stiff and sore. But I tried not to let that show as I hunted around for the various articles of clothing that at one point had been laying neatly on the bed and later had been tossed aside in the throes of passion.

  The elf and the succubus watched me get dressed, and I splashed some water over my face, beard, and hair before following Nya out the door. In the corridor, I turned and looked back at Ilana still in my bed. Her expression was unfathomable, and as I left the tower, I carried the image of those glowing red and golden eyes with me.

  Nya led me down outside the keep into what looked like a training yard. Her guard was assembled, all of them except the captain. I turned to Nya when I noticed Jani’s absence.

  “Jani has been removed from my service,” Nya said. “It is not the first time she has failed me, and yesterday was unforgivable.”

  “Because she didn’t see the wraiths attack us?” I asked.

  “Because she was too busy satisfying her own desires while she was on duty.”

  I frowned, and once again scanned the ranks of Nya’s guard. “Is it my imagination, or do you have two new guards this morning?”

  “It is not your imagination,” Nya said grimly. “Now, Jon, if you are going to fight wraiths, then you must learn how to properly handle weapons.”

  24

  One of the guards brought me a wooden sword, the kind used for training. It was long like hers, and felt heavy in my hands but not as heavy as I would’ve imagined. My first lesson was to learn to parry, and as unglamorous as this was, it was a skill I was eager to pick up considering how many times I had been attacked since I’d been in Hell.

  One of Nya’s guards drilled me, and then Nya herself stepped in to give some directions. We practiced all morning, until my shoulder ached and my arms could barely hold the sword. I couldn’t imagine spending all morning in battle, where I actually would have to thrust steel into flesh. But my muscles would strengthen, so I kept working until the sweat poured down my body, soaking my clothes.

  At midday, Nya stopped the training and beckoned for a servant to bring me water, wine, and meat. It looked like some sort of bird, and I devoured it quickly, not realizing how hungry I was until I smelled it. I drained the flagon of wine and then the cup of water, and then told Nya I was ready to continue.

  She smiled. “I admire your tenacity, human. But it is time to wash. Alayna would like to see you.”

  “What does Alayna want with me?”

  “Knowing my sister, she would like to question you about the events from yesterday. And then she would like to question you about your intentions here in Hell.”

  “Your sister?” I raised an eyebrow.

  Nya nodded.

  “And you haven’t already told her any of these things?” I drained the last bit of water and looked at Nya.

  “I’ve told her about yesterday. As to your intentions, I would not presume to give her your account.”

  “I would not have minded,” I muttered, staring into my empty cup.

  Nya motioned for someone to bring me more water. A serving elf appeared at my side with the pitcher of fresh water. Nya waited until after he had refilled my cup and moved away before saying, “Nevertheless, Alayna prefers to question you herself. My sister does not trust me.”

  I drained this cup too. “Why not?”

  “There is bad blood between us. She believes I want her position.”

  “And you don’t?”

  Nya shook her head. “I am content where I am. Beware, Jon, she will try to use you against me.”

  “I don’t want to stir up trouble,” I said. “All I want to do is go home.”

  The elf looked around the training yard. “And yet, I am certain that there are those who will stand against you. I feel it in my bones.”

  25

  I bathed and scrubbed once again, this time using the scissors to straighten and trim my beard. I liked the way it looked, so I kept it for now. Ilana had been gone when I returned to my room, and I was personally grateful. I still hadn’t interpreted that look she gave me when I left this morning, and I didn’t want to try to figure it out now. The idea of facing Alayna and my conversation had unnerved me. Once again, I felt wrong-footed. And I didn’t like it one bit.

  The reception in the great hall was much as it had been before, with all seven Elven Rulers sitting on their dark thrones, the dull red light shining down on them from behind.

  Alayna was dressed especially solemnly, with a dark dress that contrasted sharply with her pale skin, and it had an arching collar that looked reminiscent of wings shooting off her shoulders. Tiny red jewels glittered from her hair when she moved.

  A guard standing at the foot of the dais motioned for me to stop on the bottom step.

  “I hear you fought wraiths yesterday, human,” Alayna said without preamble.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “How did that make you feel? Powerful? Strong? Afraid?” She said this last word with malice in her eyes. I didn’t know what I’d done to deserve her ire, but I hoped that it would pass once she found out my intentions.

  “I didn’t have time for fear, Your Grace,” I answered. “Only action. But I’m afraid I’m no real match for these enemies.” I glanced at Nya, conscious that I could say the wrong thing. But she had given me no direction, and so I was left to stumble along blindly in the matters of her court.

  “A man is no real match for them, no,” Alayna said. She stood. “But my sister reports that you fought bravely, and that you saved her life once again. For that, we are grateful.”

  I looked at the other elves sitting on their thrones. None of them spoke, but a dark brunette beauty sitting next to Nya nodded in agreement.

  Alayna continued, drawing my attention back to her. “I also hear that you
bedded that succubus last night. It is fortunate that you are still alive.”

  I frowned. How many people had known? I should have realized that there would be no secrets in the castle. I raised my chin a little. “I’m not embarrassed by it, Your Grace,” I said as graciously as I could.

  Alayna smiled. “No, I can see that. And it’s apparent that you are no ordinary human male, or you would already be dead.”

  Uncomfortable with discussing my sex life so openly, I glanced at Nya, but her expression remained closed.

  “Do you desire her?” Alayna asked.

  “Who?” I asked, then added, “Your Grace. Yes, I do desire Ilana. Of course.”

  “My sister,” she clarified, placing inflection on the word ‘sister’ that made it sound more like a snarl.

  Clearing my throat, I stood a little straighter. “Forgive me, Your Grace, I was told that I was here to answer questions about my intentions here in Hell.”

  Alayna’s eyes flashed. “But my question is about your intentions. Do you plan to fuck my sister?”

  One of the other elves gave a disapproving frown, but I wasn’t sure if it was meant for Alayna or for me.

  Nya stood. “Enough,” she said. Her voice rang with command.

  Alayna smiled. “My apologies if I’ve upset you.” But she didn’t look apologetic at all, and there was still that malicious glint in her eye. She adjusted her dress and sat back down.

  “All I want to do is go back to my world,” I said quickly, hoping for no more interruptions or crazy side questions. “I have been told there is a portal in the Black Mountains, and I would like to try to find it.”

  “The Wraith King’s portal is barred to anyone but the King himself,” another Elf Ruler said, the brunette sitting next to Nya. “To get to it, you must fight a legion of wraiths and other monsters.”

  I swallowed. “But I have to try.”

  Nya stood. “And I am going to help him. I will take my division of archers with me.”