by Bailey Dark
I feel a sense of strength and bravery as I stare at my evolving mortality, finding that my human traits have not failed me. My body has adapted, and my mind grows wiser. I don't know if this bravery will always be here, but in this moment, I need it.
I run a brush through my hair and pull it back into the side, twisting it up and around the back of my head, pinning it gently to my scalp. My fingers move over a thin frail tiara made of fragile black metals, shaped and twisted into the vines. I have yet to wear anything that marks my betrothal to Death, but if I am to be here, in this place, part of whatever Kane is masterminding, I need to play the part to a tee.
I place the tiara on top of my head and pick up the stick of charcoal laid atop a satin handkerchief. I have never done my own makeup before, but it's time I become self-reliant. No matter how much I want Kane to be the soul that led me through the island, I must remember that I am the only one I can rely on during this transitional period of confusion. The only way that I can do that is by relying on my own self strength and confidence. I darken my eyes, thinking of the women, the goddesses, and the royalty that danced at the party for Kane's mother.
When I am done with that, I set it down and pick up a small jar of red stain, dipping my pinky in and spreading it across my full lips. It is blood red, and the color turns my stomach for a moment. Flashes of piled bodies and pools of blood echo through my mind. I know it's not the last time I will see a carnage of that measure, and I need to start taking it in stride. I press my lips firmly together and give myself one last look before standing and walking toward the door.
As I swing open the chamber door, a servant, the same one that had led me from the gardens stood up tall, his eyes shifting away from me. "Shall I escort you?"
I stand in front of him, staring at his strange features, and unnatural smoothness to his skin. But then again, his body is nothing but a manifestation within the confines of the Underworld. He is a soul, one with a job, but today that job is not going to be me. "No thank you. I will return later."
I head through the castle, and as usual, no one pays me much attention. I am learning to not care. I glance around the castle grounds as I skip down the staircase and hurry toward the tall hedges at the back. As I come closer, seeing no way to enter, the hedges begin to shake. The long thin branches covered in deep green leaves twist and move outward, creating a hidden doorway inside.
I don't hesitate. I walk straight through, keeping my nervousness tucked in the back of my mind. Two steps through the moving archway, a hand reaches outward and grabs my arm, yanking me to the right. My feet catch and I stumble, falling straight into Willem. I put my hands up, catching myself on his broad chest, feeling his muscles tense. His hands grip me around the waist and steady me.
For a split second, there is a flutter in my chest, the feeling I get when I am close to Kane. Willem chuckles. "Mortals. You are all clumsy as hell."
I clear my throat and get my footing, pushing away from him. My eyes shift up to his and back down as I smooth the front of my dress. "Are we free to talk openly here?"
I follow Willem's eyes back toward the archway but it is closed. "Yes. This area was originally created to give privacy to the gods and goddesses when they wished to speak without being heard by everyone else. Even Kane's magic is not strong enough to remove that enchantment."
Clearing my throat, my eyes glance up, realizing that the hedges have completely enclosed the area. I turn from Willem and walk slowly toward the bench in the center, running my fingers across the warm iron back. "I know you've seen that Kane is not the same."
"I have," he says sternly.
I turn my head toward him, my eyes beating into his. "What do you think is happening? He has some sort of plan."
Willem's chin clamps down and I can see him gritting his teeth through the square drawl. He moves toward me, his speed so fast I barely see him coming. He stops just inches from me and I lean slightly back, stopping myself from gasping. His hand goes to my elbow and he holds it tightly. "You need to be careful. You are no longer the center of Kane's focus. In fact, I feel as if we may all be just pawns in some sort of larger game. I don't know what's happening, but I do know that a little mortal like yourself is in even more danger than you originally were."
My lips quiver, and I can feel the pressure of Willem's fingers digging into my skin. His eyes flutter over my face and I can feel his breath cascade across my skin. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and divert my eyes breaking whatever connection is happening. He releases my elbow and takes a step back. "What can you sense from Kane?"
My eyes shoot up toward him. "What would make you think that I can read Kane?"
Willem keeps a stern look on his face. "There is no need to lie to me. This is not a time for games. I know that you can read Kane because I was there when that connection was made. When the Nephilim attacked you, and Kane didn't reach you until you were just inches from death, Kane did something. He did something without thought of the repercussions."
My brow furls and I step toward him, my fingers wrapping around the iron back of the bench. "What are you talking about?"
Willem pauses for only a moment and shakes his head. "You had no soul. The only bit left Kane had to search for, and it wasn't enough to expound on. So, he gave you a bit of his own. That created what's called a soul bond. That bond is unbreakable, as you share a soul. You can feel him, and he can feel you."
My mind begins to think about all the times Kane's voice has echoed in my mind. All the times that my emotions, my lust, my connection was so strong I felt as if I couldn't bear it. And then it dawns on me. "If he dies, so do I."
Willem nods. "And vice versa. Now, it's not necessarily a death, but your soul will be gone and you will be back where you were when the Nephilim had drained you."
"A capsule," I whisper. "A soulless capsule. If Kane dies, I might as well be dead too."
Taking in a deep breath I let the information settle in and shake my head. "Well, it's a really good thing that I never killed him. But now I have to figure out what's happening, protect him, and myself. If something happens to one of us, it happens to both."
Chapter 5
Briar
Standing in my chambers, I clutch my hands in front of me as I pace back and forth. The news of my soul bond isn't as shocking as it should probably be. It explains so much. When I look back at the timeline of the intensity of me and Kane's relationship, it all matches up perfectly with the event of the Nephilim. That stretch of time after the attack was when we really started to grow close. On one hand, it's concerning, as my emotions and my feelings aren't my own. On the other hand, I can see that it helped to bring us closer which tells me that Kane is not all dark. He feels remorse, caring, and up until we returned, made attempts to fix whatever negative emotions he set upon me. Still, there's a bit of embarrassment, and irritation at the idea that the entire time we were together he could feel what I was feeling.
There's nothing I can do about that now, but it does make me realize that I need to protect what I'm feeling and what I'm thinking. I've known that all along though, even before I came to the Underworld. Now though, it's more important than ever. Kane is changing, and he's even crueler than he was when I first arrived. There is something going on and I'm dead set on staying as close to him as possible so that I can figure out what he's up to. It's going to take a little bit of effort though, it's obvious he doesn't fully trust me, not that he ever has.
Placing my hand on my stomach, I close my eyes and think about the heat that has always been there between Kane and me. Sometimes the pull between us is so strong I fear I will lose myself to him and never turn back. I crave to be near him, to feel his hands on my skin, the prick of his fangs on my neck, and his body rolling against mine. I know he feels it too, perhaps even stronger than me.
My eyes shoot open and I stop in place, glancing down at myself. That's it. Our sexual and sensual tension is exactly what I need to use to get closer to him. It's
no shock that Kane, like most other men, are entranced by the curves of a woman, the potent sexuality emanating from every move. Lilith is the perfect example of this. She isn't a good person or being, she's nasty and dark, and will stab you in the back sooner than help you off the ground. She pulls men in with her luscious curves, her tight revealing clothing, and those eyes that can stare right through a soul.
I quickly move over in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. I definitely look a bit more sensual since taking control of my makeup and my hair, but I'm nowhere near where I need to be. I need Kane to stop looking at me as the lost little mortal he has captured, and instead, have nothing but lust for me when he sees me. I've spent so much time pushing and poking through the wardrobe that has been provided for me, trying to put on the most conservative outfits possible, but it's time to stop that. It's time to embrace my revealing wardrobe and grow my feminine assets. I need to use them, flaunt them, make it impossible for Kane to resist me. And when I have him panting after me, I shut him down and make him wait for more.
I've seen women do this over and over again, turning even the strongest men into putty in their hands. The only one I know personally though, is Lilith. I can't stand Lilith, but I can't stand a lot of things about this new life. I have to make sacrifices to keep myself and Kane safe. If I want to get close to him, then I need to ask Lilith for some help. Maybe I can strike up a tenuous partnership and ask her to make me irresistible. I'm not sure if she'll help me, as her sights are set on getting back together with Kane, but I'm sure she can be convinced. Lilith doesn't want Kane for him, she wants Kane for his powers.
Biting my cheek, I mull it over for another couple seconds and then grab my shoes and hurry out of my chambers. I know Lilith is in the Castle somewhere, she's always here. She has a regular place within the royal court and her room is across the Castle below the ground. She likes the dark, which isn't surprising for a vampire. I never go down there though, it's hard for me to see, and I have to admit a mortal girl, even the future Queen, walking around with a bunch of hungry vampires isn't the smartest choice. But I've made a conscious decision that I'm going to be braver, and I'm going to push myself regardless of what could happen.
My footsteps are quick, hurrying down the twisting stairwell into the darkness of the dungeons below. This part of the Castle has been refurbished, and it's not like what I imagine a dungeon should look like. The hallways are lit with long large torches and deep red carpet runs down all of the corridors. There are pictures hanging just as they are in the main part of the Castle, only darker and more ominous. I wrestle back my fear, swallowing hard and clutching my hands in front of me. I walk lightly, hoping no one will notice me deep down in the shadows.
I'm not sure which room is Lilith's, but as I pass by an open doorway, glancing quickly before continuing on, I see her standing in front of a fireplace, her eyes closed, no one else around. She looks elegant and sensual, ready for anything. Her black dress hangs from her robust breasts, the back completely cut out, and the fabric sparkling against the roaring fire in front of her. I wonder if it takes effort for her to always look that way, even when no one is around. I can see her eyes flickering beneath her eyelids and I'm curious as to where she is, what she's doing.
"I know that you're a mortal, which automatically makes you less intelligent than the rest of us, but I'm curious as to why you're standing in a doorway, deep within the dungeons, surrounded by souls who would love nothing more than to taste your blood." She keeps her eyes closed, her body as still as a doll.
My lips curl into a smirk. "I've come for your help. I know that you're not the biggest fan of mine, but this help I think you'll enjoy. It has to do with clothing, makeup, and sex."
Very slowly, Lilith opens her eyes and turns them toward me. She looks me up and down and purses her pouty red lips. "You have my attention."
I smile as I walk in the room, closing the door behind me. I don't have to like her to make her my ally. Sometimes the best allies are our enemies.
* * *
Drogaem
My irritation is written all over my face. I stand in the hallway just outside the throne room waiting on Briar to join me. God's wait for no one, but I have no choice in the matter. I have to make things seem as if Kane is running the show. The court gathering inside is annoying, as it takes up time that I don't have, but I'm here and on the verge of finding Briar myself and letting her know just how much it irritates me to make me wait. Even the servants are slowly inching away, sensing the anger boiling inside of me.
From down the hall, I get a whiff of the mortal, as well as someone else with her. A vampire, one that Kane's body immediately reacts to. I lift an eyebrow, speaking to Kane in the dungeon I've shoved his soul deep inside. "How cute. You allow your mortal bride to be around your former lover. What's her name?"
Kane's manifestation of a body is barely holding on as he fights against the powerful dreams that swirl through the empty void he is caged in. He struggles for words. "L… L… Lilith."
"Lilith the vampire, daughter of Clandestine," I say with a knowing laugh. "Of course, you would. I still can't figure out what this mortal sees in you. You're no better than me, you just like to flaunt it a little bit less."
Before he can continue with his worthless muttering, I send a wave of confusion in his direction and push him to the back of my thoughts. I'm in no mood to deal with his pathetic weak existence. At the sound of clacking heels, I turn and force a smile on my face, watching as Lilith and Briar strut toward me. Lilith is exactly what I expect, but Briar is different. Her clothes are revealing, her body much more interesting than I had originally assumed. Her makeup is dark and sensual, and her hair is pulled up off of her neck, revealing her fine pale skin. My eyes trace down over her collar into the crest of cleavage she triumphantly shows as her hips move in rhythm with the vampire.
As Briar approaches, Lilith continues on and into the court event, a smirk on her face. Briar puts her arm through mine and clutches her fingers tightly against my skin. She turns toward me, her other hand coming up and resting on my chest. I notice her sudden interest in me, her brazenness. My first instinct is to not trust it, as it is so sincerely different than the girl I've been watching for the last few days. However, seeing as I need her, the powers that are inside of her, being controlled by Lux, maybe creating a trusting relationship with Briar isn't such a bad idea. At least then, I won't have to worry about her sniveling mortal tears. Wouldn't that be grand? To turn Kane's little plaything into a shell of what her mortal self has been. It almost makes me want to spare her life.
Almost.
"I'm sorry I am late," she says with a bat of her lashes. "I wanted to look nice for you."
I force down the bile building in my throat. "It was worth the wait. Shall we?"
The servants open the doors to the hall and I can hear everyone stand. As we walk through the court toward our chairs up front, I can feel the disgusting admiration they have for Kane. These pathetic souls are in for a treat once I get done with my plan. Torturing them will be fun. Surely there will be at least a few who refuse to bow to my reign. Imagining that is the only thing that is going to get me through the event.
I hold Briar's hand gently as she takes a seat. Turning dramatically, my robes fluttering around me, I sit down and lean back, taking a glass of wine from the servant trembling next to me. The events drone on, and my attention has left the piles of souls in front of me, focusing on my next steps in resurrecting my body. After we eat, I stand and raise my glass to the court who sits watching me. The looks on their faces is the last straw, I cannot be subject to this any longer.
"Thank you all for coming," I bellow. "I will simply say, in the coming days I will have very important news concerning the future of the Underworld."
With that, I finish off my glass of wine and storm from the room, moving from the watching eyes as quickly as possible. Before I can reach the large ornate doors, the servants are scrambling to open
them for me, and I can hear the clacking of the mortal running to catch up with me. I don't stop, walking through and turning right, heading back for my study.
"Kane," Briar yells out from behind me as the doors shut once again.
I slow my steps and turn to her. She catches up, out of breath, her cheeks blush. "Where are you going? The events have just begun. You should stay and watch the revelry with me."
My lip twitches and my eyes sink to her heaving breasts and back again. "The Underworld will benefit much greater from my research than from some show of clout the court wants to put on. Feel free to enjoy yourself. Represent us both."
"Kane," she says playfully, reaching out and touching my arm.
I immediately swing around, gripping her with one hand. I push her back against the wall, hidden in the shadows. My anger is ablaze and I've had all I can take from this little mortal. "You should be careful who you put your hands on."
Chapter 6
Briar
The sudden shift of personality mixes with an unexpected physical blow and I feel breathless for just a moment. Kane's hand presses against my stomach, my back arching into the cold stone wall. He stands close, his breath cascading over my cheek as he speaks in whispers to me. A streak of fear runs through me, and my hands clench into fists. I keep them firmly next to me, trying to control my movements and calm my mind. As his lips reach my ear, and his breath dances across my nerves, my tension begins to release and the heat bubbles in my stomach.
He senses my arousal, I can tell. His hand loosens just a bit, and I can feel his wet lips brush over my exposed skin. He smiles, the pull of his flesh caressing my neck as he slips his tongue from between his lips and just barely skims it down to my collarbone. My breath catches in my throat and I lean my head back, closing my eyes. The initial arousal though, quickly fades as his hand inches up, gripping my breasts tightly. Suddenly I am fearful, and I try my best not to tense, not to let him know what I'm feeling.
