Arcanus 17

[catriana_fiction]

Title: Arcanus (Previously known as Demon King)
Series: Original
Genre: Fantasy/Drama/Romance
Rating: M
Chapters: 17/??(WIP)
Summary: He is the Demon King of the West, one of the few true immortals of the western lands. When his kingdom is frozen by 'Olde Magick' he goes out into the world to find clues and answers. Along the way he binds himself to a young vampire, encounters a half-elf that is more than what he seems and quickly begins to realize that freezing his kingdom was only the beginning.
Notes: The character at the end of the story decided to worm its way into my head and will now be playing a large role in Transcendence. You'll figure out who he is in detail soon.

 

17

xxxxx

“This is from Ma...Xene.” Rori told her, a small smile on his gentle face. “And this...is from me. Liari you’re one of the few people that...” he shook his head. “Please keep it and...if you ever want or need anything from me, I’ll do my best to respond.” Blinking, his smile turned into a laugh. “Ah, Xene says that...”

“Considering how long I’ll be alive stuck with you,” the vampire began “that I could just put this on my ‘tab’.”

Rolling his eyes, Rioran took in the large sunstone. Mentally, he shook his head; was this Xene’s way of helping? Not that he could complain; this particular sunstone would last for quite a while; months at least.

“So he’s not completely heartless, that’s good to know.” The redhead said dryly. “He’s still a bastard.” He began to throw the stone up in the air idly. The inn’s lobby was thankfully empty. “Once Naliel wakes up we’ll began to head towards Liunos lands. Gods knows when that will be, considering how much energy the idiot spent trying to revive that dark elf.”

It wasn’t so much what he said as how he said it that caught Liari’s attention. “Rioran?”

He glanced at her briefly, scowled and looked away. “Nothing.” He muttered, snatching the stone from the air and handing it to her. “How are you feeling?” she had his attention again. “You seemed to like Rori and you two are about the same age. You wanted to take him with us.”

“Yes.” She smiled sadly, looking down at the golden stone. “I didn’t spend a lot of time with him but he was very nice. Everyone I meet tends to be centuries or even millennia older than me. It was nice associating with someone still in the double digits.”

Chuckling, he motioned for her to come closer. When his arm came around her waist she blushed horribly but Rioran was unrepentant, looking up at her directly. There was a strange emotion swimming in his bright green eyes.

Then he surprised her even more when he pulled her in, forcing her to bend her knees. Grabbing the back of her head, she made a startled muffled sound when warm lips slid over hers. Her hands fell on his shoulders and he continued to pull on her until she was in his lap. He deepened the kiss then, tongue trailing lightly over sharp incisors. ‘Startled’ and ‘surprised’ were probably not the words she would use to explain how she currently felt.

Rioran?

His hands were firm on her hips when they parted, breathless. Although she did not mind what was going on, she had no idea what spurred his strange reaction.

“It doesn’t matter to me.” He told her, bright green eyes darkened and slightly hooded as he regarded her. The statement only confused her more and he smiled in response. It was a small but understanding smile; along with other things that Liari didn’t understand. Rioran was...acting rather strange lately.

“What doesn’t matter?”

She fought the urge to close her eyes and sigh when his hand cupped her cheek. Instead she leaned into the touch. His thumb brushed along soft skin. “Your age.” He murmured and she blinked at him. “Up until now, it has bothered me. It made it difficult for me to accept our bond because of it. It has been a bit of an invisible force against us on both ends but for me, it is no longer an issue.”

“O-oh.” Liari had a good understanding of what he was saying but she wasn’t sure how she should feel. “What does that mean?”

Strong arms wrapped around her lithe frame as the redhead chuckled. “It means,” he sat up, tilting his head so that his lips were near her ear. “That I desire you as a woman and not a child; which had felt wrong and perverse at the time.” Hands slid up her back and she shivered at the touch. This was a little intense for her. “I think I am starting to...”

A low growl escaped Rioran as he turned his head, eyes narrowing at the newcomer who was walking down the stairs. The vampire took in Naliel’s life mate as she had never seen and knew very little about dark elves. His skin was dark brown and his short hair was such a pale blue it almost seemed white. He held somewhat angular features and was more slender than Naliel although he was the taller male.

He smirked at them and to Liari it seemed as if the expression was a part of him. Underneath her she could feel Rioran’s agitation rising and she wondered just what happened between those two earlier. Obviously, they had ended up having some sort of encounter and it must not have gone well for the demon king to be upset.

Sarnaiel tilted his head slightly, a pale brow rising. The smirk widened and he was definitely looking at Liari. “So you’re Red’s lifemate?”

Rioran bristled. “What did I tell you about calling me...”

“Nice ass.”

Silence. Liari’s mouth dropped. Still smirking – she was convinced at this point that he did little else – he finished walking down the steps and walked over to the counter that held complimentary fruit. Tossing an apple up in the air twice he began to eat, his back turned to the couple.

She was completely stunned. Well, he certainly wasn’t what she had been expecting Naliel’s lifemate to be like. After only two minutes Liari was able to tell that the man was arrogant, cocky, rude, and pretty much everything Naliel was not.

How...?

“I have absolutely no idea how those two got together.” Rioran responded mentally and he sounded rather infuriated. “When I met him earlier, I wanted to rip out his throat after five minutes of interaction. If Naliel doesn’t wake up, he’s going to find himself without a life mate.”

Normally, Rioran made death threats and never meant them. There was no humor in his voice; he was definitely mostly serious.

“Um...” she decided to intervene before Rioran’s jealousy – which was mostly the reason he was about to seriously injure the dark elf – got out of hand. “Do you always say whatever comes to mind?”

The other male turned to her, his expression blank. “Normally.” He gave her a look, as if he didn’t know why she was asking such a question.

She slowly removed herself from her ‘seat’, frowning. “Naliel –“

He held up a hand, stopping her. Sarnaiel regarded them seriously. “I’m not like Nal, let’s get that straight now; because I have a pretty good idea of what you were possibly expecting after I spoke with the demon king here. That’s first and foremost.

“Secondly, don’t try to understand our relationship. I sure as hell won’t do it with you, mostly because I could give a damn about either one of you.”

That made Liari angry and she took a few steps forward, scowling. “Yes, well, I’ll remember that next time Naliel almost dies because of your inability to stay out of danger and I have to heal him.”

“Speaking of that,” He shifted his hip on the counter. His lack of reaction startled her but he didn’t smirk at her nor did he look condescending. “I owe you, healer. I don’t enjoy being in someone’s debt but I would have enjoyed life much less without Nal.” His gaze shifted to the redhead before going back to her. “You’re a shadow magic user, right?”

I...I don’t get this person at all. He was a difficult person to peg down. He had no problems insulting people but wasn’t arrogant enough to deny accurate accusations. Either that or her comment simply meant nothing to him. “Yes...most vampires are.”

“As are most dark elves.” He tossed the apple into a small bin, uncaring if it was for trash or not. He leaned back against the counter. “After practically twisting Red’s arm I was able to get some information about you.”

“That’s why he was asking about you?” Rioran was genuinely surprised by this. “I had thought he was merely trying to find ways to hit on you, he had definitely implied it.”

He’s...really strange, Rioran.

After a moment, a slow smile split on the redhead’s face before he leaned back in his chair and started laughing. Liari stared at him as if he had lost his mind but Sarnaiel had that smirk playing on his lips again.

“No, he’s just a very intelligent asshole.” Came the response. “I think I understand now although I have to admit, I’ve yet to meet anyone quite like him in all the years I’ve been alive.” When she still didn’t get it he glanced at her, his smirk similar to the dark elf’s “I know a little more about this guy from Naliel. I think the best way to put him is ‘shadowy’. He is and is not what he appears to be.”

“What sort of information?” she wasn’t sure if he knew that she could communicate mentally with Rioran but she didn’t want him to suspect if he didn’t.

The tall male shrugged. “Mostly that you’re young; which only really matters to me because it means I can repay you in a sufficient manner. You dual-wield?”

Her hands moved to where her blades would normally be at her side and frowned. They were upstairs. She then recalled that they were dark elven blades. “Oh! Are those...are they yours? They said they were dark elven made.”

He shook his head. “No, although I did acquire –“

“You mean you stole.” Rioran cut in, amused.

A snort. “Same difference. Anyway, after having a conversation with the owner –“

“You mean after you tortured him.”

“Same difference.” Sarnaiel snapped, glaring. “Who’s telling this story? In any case; I learned that they were soul bound swords and I tend to avoid those, although he told me...” he looked at Rioran who was pointedly avoiding his gaze. “He told me that they had been silent for centuries. Veciel took them off of me, I guess. My blades are gone but they were high elven made; a gift from my father.”

Liari frowned at this. He wasn’t a high elf, obviously. “Your father?” Maybe he had ‘stolen’ the blades?

“You don’t know?” his surprised gaze turned in a feisty grin. “Naliel and I are brothers. We have the same parents. Incest at its finest.” When she paled he laughed out loud and even Rioran was trying hard not to laugh. “I’m kidding, we’re not blood brothers. I was adopted by his parents when I was an infant, so they’re pretty much as close to parents as you’re going to get. I’m older than Nal by four summers.”

Did she have a sign on her head that said ‘please pick on me’ or something? She sniffed indigently, frowning at both of them. This had to be because she was the youngest; everyone just enjoyed teasing her.

“There’s that and the fact that you’re cute when angry.”

You’re not helping.

“Should I have said ‘sexy’ instead?”

She hated men; except for Naliel and Rori, those two were fine. Everyone else could jump into a vat of acid. “So you want to repay me by training me?” she decided to change the subject.

Turning, Sarnaiel began to grab a few more pieces of fruit. “Yes. Specifically in shadow magic,” he turned to her “I know you think you’ve mastered it, but I promise you haven’t. Not by a long shot.” Grabbing a small pouch that had been attached to his belt he began to place the fruit inside. “There are things about it you wouldn’t even dream could be possible.”

 Bundle in hand, he began to head back up the stairs. “Naliel is awake, although tired as all hells.” He glanced at the redhead. “Give him two more days at least, demon king. I know he’s supposed to be guiding you to our lands.”

“I’m not on a time table.” Rioran stood, walking over to put an arm around Liari’s waist. Surprised and a little shy at his bouts of affection, she leaned into him, avoiding his gaze. “I have some things I want to do anyway.” He looked down at her. “We have clothes to buy you.”

She had completely forgotten about that; so much had happened in their short stay. Liari ducked her head, unable to take the intensity of his bright eyes.

“If you have need of us,” Sarnaiel looked as if he wanted to roll his eyes at the two. “We’ll be in Nal’s room. If the door is locked, go the hells away...” he grinned at Liari “Unless you’re into that sort of...”

“Don’t make me change my mind about murdering you.” Rioran snapped, his arms going around Liari almost possessively. “Stick with men, or specifically, Naliel.”

Sarnaiel blinked once. “I go both ways, for your information. Nal just got to me first. Doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate.” Shrugging, he began to walk up the steps, stopped, and grinned at Liari again. “By the way, Nal and I tend to ‘appreciate’ the same things.”

“I’m going to kill him before we reach Liunos lands, I just know it.” The demon king thought irritably as he took in Liari’s red face. The dark elf had been referring to his earlier comment about her and she was honestly stunned.

So...does that mean that Naliel is...?

“And if he is?”

Liari decided to drop it at the tone. She really wasn’t in the mood to deal with a jealous two thousand year old demon.

xxxxx

Upon opening his eyes, Naliel found something green in his face. A few more blinks had him realizing that he was looking at a fruit. An apple specifically. He was not exactly sure how to feel about this considering that the last thing he remembered was him in a forest about to die so that Sarnaiel could live.

“The one time you actually choose me over the ‘the right thing to do’ and you almost kill yourself.” Naliel closed his eyes at the deep voice, trying to ignore the burning behind his lids. “That wasn’t exactly what I had in mind concerning –“

Sarnaiel was cut off as Naliel sat upright on the bed, throwing his arms around the older male. Chuckling, the dark elf’s arms were tight around his middle. He felt the familiar sensation of a hand moving through his long hair and he shivered. Five years. Five years he had gone without his lifemate and they had been the most miserable and longest years of his life.

“Nal,” Sarnaiel buried his face in his lover’s neck, taking a deep breath. “I’m...sorry. The demon told me everything. I cannot imagine how you must have felt these past few years; for me it’s as if I’ve only awakened from a dream. Even unintentionally, I still manage to hurt you.”

Instead of responding immediately, Naliel pulled back only to press forward. A low noise escaped the hunter as his lips connected with his lover’s after five years of loneliness. It was returned eagerly and with equal passion and for the first time since the disappearance the younger male felt alive.

“Sarna,” He swayed, feeling light headed and slightly disoriented. “Sarna, I...”

Hands gripped his arms and he felt himself being gently pushed back down on the bed. “Calm yourself, Nal. You tried to do the impossible and your body isn’t very pleased about it.” Leaning down, Sarnaiel brushed aside stray strands of hair before pressing his lips against Naliel’s temple. “I’m not going anywhere.” He began to move slender fingers through dark strands in a soothing gesture.

Blue eyes closed and a sigh escaped. “I love you, Sarna. These past few years...I wish never to repeat them.”

“Hopefully this time Veciel will remain dead.” Naliel’s eyes snapped open at the dark elf’s tone. Sarnaiel was not looking at him. “It would appear this time you saved me from him...”

For one terrifying moment, Naliel felt as if he was back in the past. It was just like before; Sarna before him after a length of time apart. Him lying on the bed, looking up at crimson eyes that looked haunted and full of sorrow. This time, however, his body wasn’t sliced to pieces. For some reason though, it still felt as if that day had happened yesterday instead of two centuries ago.

He really hoped Veciel was dead for good. Dead and gone. Of course, there was the boy in the casket but he was human. Veciel was no longer a threat; at least, he hoped so.

Still, he knew that look on his lover’s face and did not want it coming between them. Again. “Sarna...”

“I know.” His smile was thin. “I’m no longer a child and this wasn’t the same.” He shook his head. “You’re alive, that’s all that matters. Are you hungry? Your energy level is still very low.”

“In a moment.” Reaching out, he smiled when Sarnaiel took his hand, interlacing their fingers. “You have been awake for a while, it seems. Have you met all of my companions?” when the dark elf grinned that grin Naliel sighed, remembering that his lover had mentioned having met Rioran earlier. “Please tell me you did not piss off the demon king, Sarna.”

The grin widened. “I swear that guy wanted to disembowel me with his teeth after five minutes.” He looked quite proud of himself. “I wasn’t even trying, that’s what makes it so sad.”

He wanted to be upset with him but Naliel knew just how easy – and fun – it was to rile up Rioran. Besides, anger was never something he felt towards Sarnaiel; at least, not in a very long time. “He really will hurt you if you push it. Especially if you mention his life mate. He is bound to her and he tends to become extremely jealous; I believe mostly because he has not yet completed the bond.”

A shrug. “He’ll get over it. Him and his cute lifemate.”

“She is rather adorable, isn’t she?” smiling warmly, Naliel leaned back. “She is very young but she has inner strength and she is very determined; even if she is unsure of herself and her worth. She is skilled in shadow magic.”

“Red told me.” Sarnaiel frowned thoughtfully. “Melee-wise, I don’t think there’s too much I’d need to teach her. Just looking at her move I can tell she’s skilled. The only thing that will help her on that is time and practice.”

This surprised Naliel “You are going to train her?” he paused. “Are you going to teach her the more advanced forms of shadow magic?” when Sarnaiel nodded the other male looked uneasy. “Those techniques are not simple, you know.”

“She can handle it.” At that, Naliel relaxed. If the dark elf believed she could handle it then she could. “I was just thinking; it’s rare to see a vampire skilled in shadow magic and healing. The two energies are completely different.”

“Liari can also teleport short distances.” At that, Sarnaiel’s eyes widened slightly.

“Truly?” the other nodded. “Interesting. Does she hold any other elemental affinities?”

“No, just shadow, healing was the ability she manifested. We spoke briefly about it. Apparently, vampires have personal manifestations which normally involve an element. Healing isn’t really an element, but she says she holds no other skills in the other fields. With her abilities, she is much more powerful than she believes.”

“She’s young.” He shrugged again. “And she’s got Red, although they look a little...off together. Like they don’t really know what to do around each other or something.”

“You have no idea.” This time Naliel chuckled. His other hand motioned for Sarnaiel to come closer. Shifting, the dark elf decided to lie down beside him, pulling him close. It felt so good, being with him again, being like this again. He wanted time to stop, wanted them to have their moment for eternity.

There are so many things I need to tell him. Sarnaiel would be devastated when he learned the truth about their mother and their relationship as a whole. With his temper, he’d probably react much more aggressively than Rioran had. The dark elf was good at keeping secrets, even from his lover, but he sure as hell didn’t enjoy the shoe being on the other foot.

Warm hands began to slide up the mutilated flesh that was his back and Naliel closed his eyes, an appreciative noise emerging.

“I cannot be that appealing.”

“Your lifemate did not seem to mind it.”

Even after two centuries, Naliel’s scars were perhaps his one serious insecurity. Not really because he had them, but how he had gotten them. The disgraceful action he had committed to enrage Veciel enough to want to kill him outright. Even now the memory disgusted him and he realized that who he had really been angry with all these years was not Veciel, but himself. For discarding his honor and self-worth. Even though he knew better; he still felt as if he should have been stronger. Done something differently.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he was shifted to his back. Sarnaiel’s hand slid up his shirt, earning him a low moan as blue eyes closed. The hand shifted to his scarred arm as he felt warm breath along his neck.

“Naliel.” Lips brushed up his neck and he shivered when a warm, wet tongue slid along the shell of his ear. “I love you, Nal.” Fingers traced over rough skin before sliding down and underneath the waistband of his pants. By this point the dark elf was all but on top of him, trailing kisses down his chest and abdomen as his hand moved over the scars along his thigh. “And you are perfect.”

A bittersweet smile graced the brunette’s lips. Trust Sarnaiel to be able to see through him without him doing anything or saying a word. Perhaps it was a given; he had been there, he knew...had seen him that night. With Veciel’s reappearance, it was only logical that he would have possibly slipped back into that same depression as he had years ago.

“You are annoyingly perceptive.” Sarnaiel smirked along his skin at that. “But you do not need to do this. I know how you see me and that...is all that matters to me in the end.”

“Hm?” now his hand was sliding back up his thigh. The smirk turned to a grin when Naliel let out a strangled noise and arched his back, gasping. “It’s been five years for you; maybe I’m just in the mood to thoroughly worship this body of yours. I noticed you were heavier and you actually have a bigger frame than me now. Obviously, I’d want to see the extent of this. I’m sure it’s been difficult...” crimson eyes glanced up at his lover “Unless you took on another lover...”

“Never.” Naliel looked up at the ceiling. “From the beginning, Sarna.” He didn’t elaborate, didn’t need to.

“From the beginning.” Straightening, he pressed their foreheads together. “I honestly would have been surprised if you had. I wouldn’t have blamed you though...if anything...” tilting his head, he trailed his tongue along lips “I would have been thrilled.”

He knew he was going to regret asking. “Sarna, why on earth would you be thrilled about me sleeping with someone else?”

“Because then if I were to say I’m the best lover you’ve ever had, you’d know I was speaking the truth through comparison.”

With a sigh, Naliel put a hand through his hair, rolling his eyes. “You are so overwhelmingly conceited it’s a surprise your head hasn’t exploded from your overinflated ego.” But I missed it. I missed you.

An arm went underneath him, pulling him up as Sarnaiel moved his hips. Their moans were muffled as the dark elf’s lips moved over his in a hard kiss. It was Naliel who immediately deepened it, one arm going around the other’s shoulders while his hand plunged into pale blue hair. The grip tightened as he met his lover’s movements, tongue fighting for dominance, possession.

The dark elf pulled back first, gasping, blood red eyes hooded. He smiled. “You wouldn’t have me any other way.” The grip in his hair tightened to the point of slight discomfort and he closed his eyes. “And I love it when you’re possessive, by the way.”

Sitting up, this time Naliel smirked. “Just wait until I fully regain my strength.” He murmured.

Very little was spoken after that.

xxxxx

Shivering, a young man hugged his middle, his stomach completely empty but still contracting, still lurching. He slammed his shoulder into a tree trunk as he stumbled around, lost, confused, and disgusted.

Memories flew through his mind; memories that were not his. Memories of a man; a sick and twisted man.

“You do love me, don’t you, Mironel?” Veciel asked, his smile almost sly as he idly lifted a vial, holding it between his thumb and pointer finger. “You’re always so loyal, so good to me.” Turning to the larger male, he crooked his finger, violet eyes dancing with amusement. “Come here, I have something I want you to try.”

With a sharp cry, the male fell down to his knees, closing his eyes tightly. No matter how much he wished it, however, the images wouldn’t go away. They kept flowing through him, years and years worth of memories that were not his own.

“Ciel I...” Mironel looked very ill. He slumped down to his knees, eyes pleading. “I don’t...I don’t think I can...”

“Then leave.” The high elf’s face was completely devoid of emotion. “I have no need for you if you’re just going to give up on me.” His eyes narrowed. “You’re just like them. I’d rather you leave than abandon me –“

“No!” struggling, the large male was finally able to stand, albeit shakily. Slowly, he walked over to Veciel, his fingers brushing along graying skin. “I promised I wouldn’t hurt you like they did. Please, Ciel...I just...it hurts. B-but...” he reached behind and grabbed the slender vial full of bright green liquid. With a shaking hand, he pulled back and downed the contents, blinking back tears. “I love you so much Veciel, please don’t push me away.“

Arms wrapped around Mironel and he sighed, burying his face in his lover’s neck, relieved. He closed his eyes when slender fingers moved through his hair. He didn’t see the smirk on the elementalist’s face, all he felt was lips as they pressed lightly against his neck.

“Thank you, Mironel. I know you love me, I won’t doubt you again.”

Both men smiled, but for completely different reasons.

Stumbling again, this time the blonde practically fell down on his face. He curled into a fetal position, still shaking terribly.

Memories of a young elf with hair so pale it almost looked white and bright violet eyes slammed to the forefront of his mind. The beatings, incest, rape, torture...things that had warped and twisted the child into a demented, insane individual thirsty for only one thing: power. Power had been everything, all that he had lived for. Power meant that one couldn’t be harmed, couldn’t be used and manipulated.

The strongest survived and the weak were good for nothing else but being dominated by the strong. Everything that wasn’t a high elf was weak and even then only the most powerful clans meant anything to him. Mironel had been weak and so he had been used as a test subject; the only useful thing the idiot had been good for.

He was superior, he would be superior. It was what he had been raised to do, what he had been bred for. It was the only thing that his family would acknowledge; the only way he would receive true love from them. He had tried so hard and then...

The young half-elf looked up at him, bright blue eyes blinking almost owlishly. He was only seventeen, practically a baby, yet Veciel couldn’t help the way his chest tightened upon seeing him. Although he had known the boy all his life, for some reason today it was as if was looking at him for the first time. He took in the too-dark skin, the black hair; all signs that he wasn’t a pure high elf. It should have been repulsive, this boy was mixed, a mutt. An abomination.

He was only half-human, so what was this undeniable power radiating from him? It drew Veciel in like a moth to a flame and it was not until he was standing right in front of the young elf that he realized what he had been about to do. Confusion emerged; he actually desired this boy? Why?

Anger and shame ripped through him at these strange emotions and he grabbed the boy by the collar, eyes narrowing. “Stay out of my path, half-breed.” He snarled the words out, infuriated at this...thing making him feel in ways he had never felt before. “Do not think that you are something simply because your father rules these lands.”

Shoving him back, Veciel moved to walk away but then paused. When he looked back at the boy he started.

Instead of looking angry or hurt – then again, Veciel wasn’t sure if he had ever seen Naliel Liunos upset – he looked calm and collected. Even at his age, the boy was incredibly passive and highly intelligent. Blue eyes, eyes that would haunt his dreams from then on, warmed slightly and a soft smile emerged.

“I don’t.” the brunette said. “If I become anything, it will be from my own skill and merit.” With a small bow, he turned. “I will do my best to respect your wishes, Veciel. Forgive me for upsetting you.”

Why? Came the thought. Why did that boy seem so weak in personality and yet at the same time was strong? It was a silent strength and yet he didn’t try to prove himself. He didn’t try to dominate even though he probably could. Why? Why was he different? Why weren’t they the same? Why?

Violet eyes took in the city before him as he finally reached the edge of the forest. He was damp from morning dew and sweat; pale from illness and fatigue. His face was caked with dirt and dried tears; once pristine clothes were muddy and pretty much ruined. Leaning against a tree, he choked out a sob, nails cracked and ripped from having dug his fingers through bark and rocky ground. A hand flew to his mouth.

The high elf looked at the male he had finally captured; pinned to the tree. Finally, the years of longing and pining would end. It went against everything he knew and stood for, but he didn’t care anymore.  I will have him. And if I can’t, no one else will. Smirking, he began to walk towards the surprised half-elf. Oh, the things he was going to do to this one tonight and for years to come...

Only bile spilled to the hard ground this time and he coughed, hand practically clawing at his throat from the burning sensation. Still sobbing, still shaking, he eventually raised his hands, finding them unfamiliar.

“Who...am I?” he asked, but no answer was forthcoming.

Back Next

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Lol I'm really enjoying the introduction of Sarnaiel..he's freakin hilarious!
And jealous Rioran is just too dang funny...i just love the way you torture him:D
Totally excited to see Liari's growth and development as she learns from Sarnaiel..just want the poor thing to learn some self-appreciation already lol
I love how her relationship with Rioran is also moving forward...i just can't wait for them to get all their sheet together lol
But yeah awesome work man:D
<3

[catriana-chan.livejournal.com]

I love Sarnaiel. He's honestly not a nice person but he's funny.

And yes, poor Rioran. Guy just can't catch a break.

LOL! I think Liari would be more confident if she weren't surrounded by extremely powerful individuals. If you noticed at the beginning, she was not like that growing up. She was much more confident and sure of herself. ♥ But she'll be getting more screen time definitely.