I was playing absent-mindedly with my pendant when I felt a familiar presence. The monster within me stirred, sensing something intriguing. I immediately jumped up from the bed and almost tore the window out of its case. My eyes immediately found the hooded figure in front of the gate. She noticed me too and darted away.
"Hey!" I called after her as I threw myself out of the window.
My feet had hardly touched the ground before I was sprinting. I leaped over the fence and pursued the fleeing figure. Her movements were terrifyingly fast, almost matching the speed of the fae. I turned into a side street, ran through a few narrow corridors, and with a final burst of speed, I pounced on the hooded figure.
She hissed in pain, but I kept pressing her against the hard concrete. Her hood fell over her shoulders as she fell, and I could now confirm what I had known for some time from her scent. The mage of a thousand colours.
"What are you doing here?" I growled through clenched teeth.
"Actually, I was looking for you," she said with a smile.
In the next moment, I felt magic engulf me, pulling me across the space. A second later, I found myself sitting on a comfortable sofa, feeling as if I had just forgotten to blink. The woman stood barely an arm's length away, shedding her cloak with a deep sigh.
I jumped up angrily. "Where am I?"
"In my house," she replied, giving me a careless look. "Please, make yourself at home."
She wore a low-cut sweater, and the monster within me took notice, its curiosity piqued by her boldness. I simply grabbed her throat, feeling her pulse beneath my fingers.
"What do you want from me?" I demanded, my voice dripping with hostility. The monster within me thrilled at the tension.
She looked at me calmly with her blue eyes. "Is it because of your vampire ancestry that you like to touch other people's necks?" she quipped, slapping my hand away effortlessly.
When did my grip loosen?
"What?" I asked, momentarily thrown off balance.
"I owe you a life, remember?" she said. "I'll repay you by saving you."
"Oh," I groaned. "That's kind of you, but I must say I don't trust you."
"That's wise," she said, her eyes flickering with amusement. "Trust no one lightly!"
"My name is Lilinette," she added casually, "But you can call me Lil."
I gave her a scowl—yeah, sure, kidnap me and then make friends? She simply shrugged her shoulders and then headed to the kitchen. Not wanting to stare aimlessly at the wall until she returned, I followed her.
"Sit down," she motioned to the chairs as she busied herself at the kitchen counter. "Tea, coffee? Perhaps something else?"
I hesitated. Would it really be wise to trust this woman? She might be trying to poison me... I shrugged inwardly—I'd be able to smell it anyway.
"Cocoa," I said. "Three cocoa, two sugars."
She looked back at me in disbelief, then, seeing my serious expression, laughed with noble simplicity.
"Do you have cocoa or not?" I asked, feeling a bit offended.
"Sorry, no," she grinned, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "Is tea OK?"
I shrugged.
"Twinings, Greenfield, Milford, Lipton?" she rummaged in the cupboard. "Or Sir Morton?"
"Milford blood orange?" I asked, and shrugged again. "If not, Sir Morton will be fine."
"You've got taste," she remarked, taking out the tea bags and putting the water on the gas.
Without a word, she flicked a spark from her index finger instead of using a lighter, then settled opposite me.
As I watched her, the monster within me stirred, intrigued by her effortless charm and grace. This woman — Lil — was clearly powerful and confident, traits the monster admired. Despite my skepticism, I couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for her. It was a dangerous combination, one that demanded vigilance and caution.
"So, what's your game, Lil?" I asked, trying to gauge her intentions.
"No game," she replied, not looking up from her task. "Just trying to make amends in my own way."
"By kidnapping me?" I retorted.
"By helping you," she corrected, her voice steady. "You may not trust me now, but you'll see."
"So, have you figured out the identity of the serial killer yet?" she asked, resting her chin on one hand.
My eyes widened in shock. "How did you..."
"You do know you're the target of all this, don't you?" she interrupted with a sweet smile.
I pressed my lips into a sharp line. "Can you tell me why you brought me here?"
Her demeanor turned serious in an instant, her eyes darkening. "I think one of the black mages will soon attempt to take your life," she said calmly. "I just wanted to warn you."
"Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it's not necessary," I sighed. "I can take care of myself."
"I know," she said cryptically. "The question is whether you want to."
Her words carried a hidden weight that struck deep. It wasn't just about me; it was about my famiglia. Slowly, I raised my head and fixed my gaze relentlessly on the mage's eyes.
"Why do you care?" I questioned.
"Because we have a common enemy," she replied evenly.
I watched her in silence for a moment. "What are you planning?" I asked finally, breaking the silence.
"For some time now, I've had only one goal," she said, her eyes boring into mine, "the complete and final destruction of the Shadow Veil Syndicate."
"The Shadow Veil Syndicate?" I was surprised.
She nodded. "Mostly, they have loose business relationships for survival or trade artifacts. When their interests align, they help each other. But if one is in danger, the others won't lift a finger. You could call them the 'Outer Circle,' where the scum belongs. Then there are the 'Inner Circle,' groups of mages forming covens — the leaders of these covens together form the 'Shadow Circle'."
"You seem to know a lot," I noted, suspiciously.
Perhaps sensing my suspicion, she smiled wryly. "Of course," she began, "because I was the founder."
My eyes widened.
She stood up as the kettle whistled. Pouring the water into both mugs, she returned to the table, sliding one in front of me. I watched as the tea steeped, its aroma filling the air. Taking the hot porcelain between my hands calmed me down a little.
After all, it's not every day you drink tea with the darkest mage ever. The most unusual thing was that I believed her immediately. I just felt that the woman sitting across from me could actually do something like that. She exuded power —enough to potentially take over the world. Yet here she was, calmly sipping her tea.
"No questions?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"Well, you can start by telling me why you want to destroy the organization you created," I said, meeting her gaze.
She took a sip of tea and sighed deeply. "The members of the Shadow Veil Syndicate share one common belief: that we can use the power of artifacts to change the world. Over time, however, that idea has morphed into something entirely different. Their goal has become one of subjugating not just humans, but all monsters too, believing themselves to be the pinnacle of evolution — the only life form fit to rule or even destroy others at their whim. If they were to succeed, they would bring true hell to this world."
"Then why did you create it?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Don't get me wrong," she began, "I agree that we should use artifacts to change the world, but not to dominate it. Back then, mages were hunted by all races... I just wanted to create a safe place for my people."
Her eyes glittered with golden brown intensity. I understood completely, and she knew it.
"It's time for me to go," I stood up abruptly. "Alex will be looking for me."
She nodded and reached for my hand. Before I knew it, I felt a familiar tug and found myself a few blocks from home. Our eyes locked for a long moment. Leaning close, she whispered against my lips, "Take care, Shaytan. There's one thing the Shadow Circle desires more than the throne right now."
"What's that?" I asked, intrigued.
"You. Dead or alive," she said bluntly.
I shivered, realizing she hadn't missed the effect of her words. "So, as long as you live, you won't be free."
She stepped away from me suddenly. "Well, I should be going."
She turned her back on me and walked away. I just watched her long wavy hair, her swaying hips, and her long legs. While I noted that she had a good ass, I wondered when I'd gone mad. She was catching my attention in a way that was almost distracting.
(...)
The atmosphere in the bustling pub was a blend of dim lighting, soft music, and the murmur of patrons enjoying their drinks and conversations. I was behind the sleek bar counter, meticulously wiping down glasses, when Geri's familiar silhouette appeared at the entrance.
Geri strode into the bar with purpose, his leather jacket creaking faintly as he moved. Spotting me behind the bar, he flashed a quick grin and made his way over, taking a seat on a high stool.
"Shay, long time no see," he greeted, his voice carrying above the background noise of the bar.
I nodded in acknowledgment as I reached for a clean glass.
He leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. "I suppose you've heard about the recent killings," he began, his tone lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.
I nodded knowingly, pouring him a generous measure of whisky. "Yeah, rumors have been swirling. What's the hunter's perspective on it?"
Geri took a moment to sip his drink, contemplating his words. "It's got everyone on edge," he admitted quietly. "No one's seen anything like it before. The victims, they're... brutalized."
"That bad, huh?" I responded, keeping my voice low as I continued cleaning glasses. "Any leads?"
Geri sighed, rubbing his temples thoughtfully. "Not much. The usual sources are quiet. It's almost like someone's covering their tracks."
I nodded in agreement, setting a fresh glass down in front of him. "It's a dark mage."
"A mage?" Geri's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Are you sure?"
I nodded gravely. "As sure as I can be without diving into their cauldrons myself."
"That complicates things. We're in for a mess."
"Exactly," I agreed.
"Tell me about it," I muttered, leaning in closer. "The disappearance of Nándi's clan. That's linked to these killings."
Geri's expression darkened. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I can't tell you much," he admitted, taking a slow sip of his whisky. "The usual sources are tight-lipped."
Nándi, the powerful vampire who had vanished without a trace, was not someone you'd expect to go quietly into the night. "What did you uncover?" I asked eagerly.
Geri leaned forward, his voice lowered. "There's speculation among some hunters that Nándi was onto something big. Nándi wasn't just sniffing around randomly. He had intel suggesting that the mage were up to something big. Something that could threaten not just vampires, but all supernatural beings in the city."
I frowned, processing the implications.
"What was he looking for?" I asked.
"A relic," Geri confirmed, his voice dropping to a whisper. "He was gathering intel of the relics that hunters possess."
I felt my eyes widening. "What?"
Geri finished his drink in silence.
"I'll keep digging," he said finally, standing up with purpose. "I'll be back in the middle of the week,"
"I'll be waiting," I assured him.
I watched him disappear into the night, his figure blending into the crowd of people.
(...)
After my shift, I walked home, the night's revelations swirling in my mind like a storm. The streets were quieter now, the city settling into its nocturnal rhythm. My thoughts kept drifting back to Nándi and the danger that relic posed in the hands of those wizards. I couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get much worse.
When I reached my place, the familiar warmth of home provided a brief respite from the turmoil. The house was quiet, save for the faint sound of a video game coming from the living room. As I stepped inside, the smell of something cooking hit me – an unusual occurrence for 2 AM.
"Alex?" I called out, kicking off my shoes and hanging up my jacket.
"In here," came the reply from the kitchen. "You're late."
The aroma of spices and meat filled the air, and my stomach growled in response.
Rolo was sprawled on the couch in the living room, a controller in his hands and his eyes glued to the TV screen. "How was work?"
"Eventful," I replied, hanging up my jacket.
Rolo paused his game and looked at me. Nevertheless, I walked into the kitchen to find Alex stirring a pot on the stove. His brow was furrowed, and the tightness in his shoulders told me he was worried. He only cooked at this hour when something was bothering him.
"Late-night cooking session?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
Alex looked up, his eyes reflecting concern. "Yeah, couldn't sleep. Thought I'd make something to calm my nerves."
Before I could respond, Rolo appeared in the doorway to join us.
He glanced at Alex and then at me, clearly sensing the tension in the room.
"What's going on?" I asked, leaning against the counter.
Alex exchanged a glance with Rolo before turning back to me. "We need to talk, Shay. About the scent of that mage around the neighborhood."
I stiffened, trying to mask my surprise. "What about it?"
Rolo stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "It's been lingering for a while now. Alex picked up on it first, but I've noticed it too."
"I don't know anything about a mage," I said, feigning ignorance. "Why are you bringing this up now?"
Alex put down the spoon he was using to stir the pot and crossed his arms. "Because the scent is mixed with yours, Shay. And you still have some lingering on you. I caught it as soon as you walked in."
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. Alex's sense of smell was incredibly sharp, and there was no use lying to him. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Alright, fine. I ran into someone. But it's not what you think."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "Then tell us what it is. We're worried about you."
I could see the genuine concern in his eyes, mirrored in Rolo's. They both cared about me, and that made it harder to keep secrets. I took a deep breath and began to explain.
"There's this mage... she's powerful. I don't know her full intentions yet, but she said she wants to help. She even warned me about a potential threat to my life from black mages."
Alex's expression softened slightly, but the worry didn't leave his eyes. "And you believe her?"
"I don't trust her completely, but there's something about her... I think she's telling the truth about the threat. We might share a common enemy."
Rolo crossed his arms, his gaze piercing. He didn't even have to say anything.
"I know," I replied a his unspoken words. "I promise I'll be cautious."
Alex nodded, returning to his cooking. "Alright, but don't keep us in the dark. We're in this together."
Rolo gave a small nod of agreement.
Alex finished up at the stove, dishing out what looked like a hearty stew into three bowls. The smell was rich and comforting, a stark contrast to the tension lingering in the air. Rolo set the table, placing the bowls and some bread in the middle.
We all sat down, the silence between us thick but not uncomfortable. Alex finally broke it as he passed around the bread. "Alright, let's eat. It might be late, but we all need this."
I nodded. "Thanks."
We started eating, the warm food doing wonders to ease the tightness in my stomach. Rolo took a bite and then looked at me. "So, this mage... do you think she's a real threat?"
I shrugged, still unsure. "It's hard to say. She's powerful, that's for sure."
Alex frowned.
"But if there's a chance she's right about the threat, we need to be prepared," I said, taking a sip of my water.
Rolo nodded thoughtfully. "We should start looking into these black mages. See what we can find out about their movements, their plans."
Alex nodded. "Agreed."
After we finished cleaning up, the three of us settled into the living room. Rolo picked up his game controller, though he kept the volume low out of respect. Alex leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes still sharp with concern as he watched me.
I sank into the couch, feeling the weight of the day starting to catch up with me. "You two should get some rest," I said, trying to sound casual. "It's late."
Rolo glanced at me, then back at the game. "I'm good. Just a few more levels."
Alex folded his arms, his worry evident. "What about you?"
I rubbed my temples, feeling the stress of the situation bearing down on me. We remained silent for a few moments, each lost in our thoughts.
I sighed. "I could use some rest too, I guess."
Alex finally seemed a bit satisfied by this, Rolo gave me a small nod of encouragement before returning to his game.
I headed to my room and lying in bed, I couldn't help but think about Lil's words and the danger that loomed over us. As I drifted into a restless sleep, the lines between reality and dream began to blur.
In my dream, I found myself in a lavish room, dimly lit by flickering candles. Rich fabrics draped the walls, and the air was thick with an intoxicating scent that was both familiar and foreign. I recognized the place as Lil's private quarters, a place I'd never been but somehow knew intimately.
I stood there, disoriented, when the door opened, and Lilinette stepped inside. Her presence was magnetic, drawing me in with an irresistible allure. She wore a flowing gown that clung to her curves, accentuating her every movement.
"Shaytan," she purred, her voice a sultry whisper that sent shivers down my spine.
Deep within me, I felt the monster stir. It was intrigued, almost purring with a primal curiosity and attraction towards Lil. I could feel its dark energy mingling with my own, amplifying every sensation.
"Lil," I responded, "What is this place?"
"This is where our destinies intertwine," she said, her eyes smoldering as they met mine. "Where we confront our desires and our fears."
She moved closer, her steps deliberate and graceful. The room seemed to pulse with energy, amplifying the connection between us. I felt a magnetic pull, drawing me towards her, and I couldn't resist.
As she reached me, her hand brushed against my chest, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. The monster inside me stirred again, its dark energy wrapping around my heart. She smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. Her fingers traced a line down my chest, igniting a fire within me that the monster eagerly fed upon.
Before I could utter a word, she closed the distance between us, her lips capturing mine in a searing kiss. It was as if all the pent-up tension between us exploded in that moment, and I lost myself in the sensation. Her hands roamed my body, leaving trails of heat in their wake, and I found myself responding in kind, the monster within me practically purring with satisfaction.
We moved together, a dance of desire and need, exploring each other with a fervor that bordered on desperation. Her touch was both demanding and tender, pushing me to the edge of control. The monster's energy surged, enhancing every sensation.
As we tumbled onto the bed, our clothes disappeared in a blur, and I was acutely aware of every inch of her body against mine. The monster's satisfaction was palpable, a dark echo of my own pleasure.
We moved together in a rhythm that felt primal and ancient, a dance of bodies and souls intertwined. Every touch, every kiss, every movement was charged with a raw, electric energy. The monster within me reveled in it.
I found myself gazing into Lil's eyes, her expression a mirror of my own feelings. There was something deeper than desire there.
I woke with a start, my heart pounded, and my body ached with the memory of the dream. It had felt so real, so vivid... I took deep breaths and fixed my eyes on the ceiling. I didn't want to look at the blanket. I guess I really was going crazy.