One Week Later
It had been a week since Lycius had taken Xylara prisoner, yet by the look of things, one would hardly call it imprisonment.
The former Desire Queen's palace—now under Lycius's rule—contained a dark and merciless dungeon where prisoners were kept, tortured, and eventually discarded.
When Lycius first saw its condition, the stench of rotting flesh and the lingering cries of the damned nearly made him recoil in disgust. The very idea of placing Xylara in such a place felt... distasteful.
Instead, he had confined her within his own quarters, a gilded prison of luxury. Though she was forbidden from leaving, her treatment was far from cruel.
Lycius took on the responsibility of bringing her meals and—though he'd never admit it—ensuring her comfort. It was an unfamiliar feeling, this need to care for someone he had rightfully conquered.
Lana and Elizabeth, ever the keen observers, found endless amusement in their son's obliviousness.
They would exchange knowing glances and quiet laughter behind the scenes, watching as Lycius unknowingly wove the chains of manipulation around Xylara—except, rather than breaking her, he was slowly binding himself to her.
Meanwhile, Vynessa, her mind much clearer now that her hunger had been satiated, had attempted to speak with her mother. But Xylara refused to engage. She either ignored her or stared her down with a gaze filled with venomous hostility.
Present
Lycius lounged in the grand chamber that once belonged to Xylara. It was a room that screamed royalty, with high, arched ceilings adorned with gold, intricate carvings of succubi and incubi locked in eternal seduction, and a large window that overlooked the ruins of what was once the Desire Kingdom. Yet despite the magnificence, Lycius found himself more interested in the woman lying on the bed.
He had taken the couch as his sleeping space, while Xylara was granted the luxury of the king-sized bed. He didn't mind—yet. But as he stretched, rolling his shoulders lazily, he strode toward the bed and gazed down at her.
Xylara stirred, awakened by the sensation of being watched. Slowly, her silver lashes fluttered open, revealing mesmerizing violent eyes that burned with restrained anger. Her long, silver hair cascaded past her shoulders in soft waves, with the succubus horns adorning her head—making her seem as an angelic demoness.
Her voice was quiet, sweet yet laced with bitterness. "Morning, you bastard."
The words should have irritated him, yet instead, they pricked something within his chest. A discomfort he didn't quite understand. That broken tone in her voice… He inwardly vowed to erase it. She was his now, and he wouldn't allow his possession to sound like a woman robbed of everything, even though she was literally robbed of everything.
For a moment, he merely admired her. Even after a week of confinement, she looked divine. It was unfair how beautiful she was, how effortlessly alluring.
Xylara was not the only masterpiece. At just twelve, Lycius stood at an impressive 5'6—a product of his grueling training under Lana's brutal discipline. His body was already sculpted, lean yet powerful, far too attractive for his age.
His voice was firm but laced with an odd gentleness. "Xylara, you need to understand that I only did what was necessary. Those people would have been an hindrance to the development of our relationship."
Xylara blinked. "...Relationship?"
"Of course," he said simply, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Besides, it's not like I wiped them all out. Some escaped, and others you never even claimed as yours. You'll have your chance to rebuild, but under me."
Xylara stared at him, disbelief and something else flickering in her crimson depths. "Does he really not feel an ounce of guilt for slaughtering innocents?" she questioned herself. But then, looking at him—the way he carried himself, the way he spoke—she realized the truth.
He genuinely didn't.
To him, people were obstacles. No different from the monsters he hunted in the dark forest.
She sighed, pressing her fingers against her temples before shaking her head.
"Damn it," Lycius exhaled sharply, his frustration evident as he folded his arms. "When exactly are you planning to submit to me?"
Xylara would have laughed if she wasn't in such a foul mood. Submit? This arrogant little dragonborn truly thought people surrendered their will in just a matter of weeks? She hadn't even suffered any real attempts to break her yet.
Before she could respond, a familiar chime echoed in Lycius's mind.
[Ding! Unread Missions: 5]
A cold, robotic chime echoed in Lycius's mind as the blue holographic screen flickered before him. His gaze sharpened as he stared at the holographic screens, curiosity piqued.
For six years, he had ignored his system, relying solely on instinct, raw power, and the brutal training imposed by his mother and aunt. But now, things were shifting.
He wasn't just a child being nurtured in an isolated forest—he was the ruler of this palace, the conqueror of this kingdom.
With a flick of his fingers, the unread missions unfolded before him.
---
[Mission: Subjugate the Succubus Queen]
Briefing: Xylara remains defiant, her spirit unbroken despite her confinement. This is unacceptable. A ruler must ensure his possessions know their place. You must conquer her completely—mind, body, and soul. No defiance should remain, only unwavering devotion.
Reward:
Passive Skill: Seductive Authority (Your words and presence hold undeniable allure, making others more susceptible to your will.)
Basic Skill: Dark Psyche Analysis (An enhanced understanding of psychological weaknesses, allowing for efficient manipulation.)
---
[Mission: Bind the Dragon Matriarchs]
Briefing: Lana and Elizabeth—your mother and aunt—have nurtured and guided you, yet hidden desires linger beneath their regal exteriors. They are proud, dominant beings who refuse to voice their deepest yearnings. Their silent submission will never be granted—you must take what is yours.
Reward:
Genetic Skill: Dragon Monarch's Physique (Enhances muscle density, resilience, and stamina to an unmatched level.)
Passive Skill: Draconic Dominance (Your very presence exudes the authority of a Dragon God, making weaker beings instinctively submit.)
---
[Mission: Claim the First]
Briefing: Vynessa is your first mate, yet others threaten to take precedence. She is watching, waiting, perhaps even resenting. Make her understand—she was yours before she even realized it.
Reward:
Passive Skill: Absolute Bonding (Strengthens your connection with those you've claimed, allowing for shared emotions, thoughts, and even momentary boosts in power.)
Basic Skill: Emotion Perception (A heightened ability to read the emotions of others, making manipulation and understanding effortless.)
---
[Mission: The Art of Breaking]
Briefing: Power alone does not ensure control. There exist methods—both subtle and brutal—to bend even the most defiant to your will. Learn them. Experiment. There is a book hidden in this palace, a tome of mind-breaking techniques practiced by the desire kind (Incubi and Succubi Kind). Find it, study it, and use it.
Hint: "Beneath the throne of the fallen queen, where whispers of the broken echo still."
Reward:
Basic Skill: Psychological Warfare (Grants insight into mental fortitude, allowing you to dismantle an opponent's confidence.)
Passive Skill: Subjugation Mastery (Your presence alone creates an oppressive aura, making resistance feel futile.)
---
[Mission: A Ruler's Right]
Briefing: A king does not seek permission. He takes, dominates, and engraves his rule into the souls of his subjects. There are infinite realms, filled with empires, sects, and power-hungry beings who would dare oppose you. Prove them wrong. Begin your conquest by expanding beyond the palace walls.
Reward:
Passive Skill: Conqueror's Will (Grants resistance to all forms of mental attacks, illusions, and influence-based abilities.)
Basic Skill: Battlefield Presence (Enhances strategic thinking and charisma in warfare, allowing for effortless command over troops.)
Mission Type: Chained.
Time Limit: 10 years.
Penalty: 10yrs Growth-Suspension.
---
Lycius narrowed his eyes at the glowing mission screens before him, his mind processing each task with a calculated ease. He was intrigued, not by the challenge itself, but by the rewards—each one tailored to strengthen his rule, to carve his name into the very essence of those around him.
As he absentmindedly moved toward the bed, his focus entirely on the missions, his body acted on instinct. Without realizing it, he sat down—directly onto Xylara's lap.
A stunned silence filled the room.
Xylara, still groggy from sleep, stiffened beneath him. Her violet eyes widened in disbelief as she felt his warmth settle against her. Then, as if things couldn't get worse, Lycius casually leaned back, resting his head directly against her soft, ample chest.
"Wh-What the hell are you doing?!" Xylara's voice wavered, her hands instinctively reaching up to push him away.
But she hesitated.
She should have shoved him off. She should have snarled at him, reminding him of her status, her pride. Yet, her hands, now pressed against his shoulders, barely applied any force. It was clear as day—she wasn't resisting.
Lycius, still engrossed in his mission screen, remained oblivious. His golden eyes flickered with interest as he read over the details.
Conquering Xylara... Mind-breaking... Draconic Dominance...
"Hmm, these rewards are interesting," he muttered, shifting slightly, his movement causing Xylara's breath to hitch.
Xylara clenched her jaw, her heart pounding. "I swear… you're doing this on purpose."
Lycius blinked, finally glancing up at her. His face remained impassive, completely unaware of the situation. "Doing what?"
Xylara glared at him, her silver locks cascading over her shoulders as she fumed. "You're sitting on me, brat."
Lycius tilted his head, finally realizing his position. He smirked. "Oh? You don't seem to mind."
Xylara's face burned, her tail flicking in agitation. "Shut up!"
Lana and Elizabeth, who had just stepped into the room, stopped in their tracks. Their piercing gazes took in the scene before them—Lycius nestled comfortably against Xylara, who, despite her half-hearted struggles, was doing little to actually push him away.
A knowing smirk spread across their lips.
Their son had no idea what he was doing. But they did.
And they enjoyed every second of it.
Yet, as they watched him rest so naturally in another woman's embrace, the Sin of Envy crept into their hearts once again, dark and insidious, whispering cruel truths they refused to voice aloud.
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