"Yes, of course," she whispered, her tone rich with desire. "I want to stand by your side, as your mate… fight beside you, live beside you, and—"
Her words trailed off as her hands began to roam across his chest, tracing every hard line of muscle as though memorizing his body.
"I can't afford to lose you," she murmured, voice trembling with possession. "You're my man… and no one else's."
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, her breath mingling with his. She lifted herself onto the desk, lips parted to claim his mouth—but before she could, his hand rose, blocking her. Her lips brushed against the back of his palm instead.
"Haven't you found your mate yet?" His voice was low, seductive, but the glare in his eyes was sharp enough to wound.
Aracely sighed, frustration trembling in her chest. "C'mon, Horace, what do I need a mate for? I have you. I want you. I've already pictured our future together—"
"Future?" His chuckle was deep, dangerous. "We have no future, Aracely."
Her voice cracked. "What do you mean? I'm your official partner! Am I not enough for you?"
Horace's smirk darkened. Without warning, he pushed into her, making her gasp.
"Enough?" he growled, his breath hot against her neck. "I never get enough."
Her words dissolved into a moan as his hands gripped her throat, his thrusts silencing every question she had. The sound of their bodies and her muffled gasps echoed through the dim study as the light outside faded into black.
---
Scene Break
Ariel and Haven stumbled through the dense forest, panting heavily. Their hands were tied to a galloping horse, their bodies dragged mercilessly over the dirt path.
Ariel clutched her stomach, feeling the acid burn rising up her throat before vomiting violently.
"I—I can't… continue… m-my body's giving out," she choked, her voice barely audible.
"Yah!" Killer Joe barked, striking the horse's flank. The beast neighed and surged forward, dragging them faster.
Ariel's eyes rolled back, her body too weak to keep up. Then, with a final gasp, she collapsed—her body tumbling and rolling down a rocky hill.
"ARIEL!" Haven screamed, his voice raw with panic.
She couldn't hear him. Darkness swallowed her whole.
"Stop! Stop the damn horse!" Haven roared, but Killer Joe ignored him.
Without another thought, Haven's eyes flared crimson. His fangs lengthened, claws slicing through the rope. In a blur, he leapt off, cutting Ariel free before catching her limp body in his arms.
The hunters halted, eyes wide with disbelief.
"How dare you cut the rope, you filthy vampire!" Killer Joe bellowed. "Have you forgotten you're under my punishment?"
Haven ignored him, shaking Ariel gently. "Ariel… wake up. Please, Ariel!" His voice cracked, his blood-red eyes darkening to near black.
"She's not waking up. Please—do something!"
"Then let the beasts feed on her corpse if she's dead," Joe sneered.
"She's not dead," came a calm, commanding voice. "A human body simply can't endure that much torture."
Everyone turned. A tall man in a knight's uniform stood before them, his presence demanding silence.
"General Flavio!" the hunters gasped, bowing low.
"Welcome to Demise," the general said with a faint, cold smile. "You've done well, Killer Joe. We'll take them from here."
"Leon," he ordered.
"Yes, General!"
"Count the slaves and pay Killer Joe his due."
Joe grinned greedily. "Thank you, General."
Flavio gave him a dismissive nod. "I'll see you in town." Then he turned, leading his soldiers and the remaining captives toward the heart of the central city of Demise.
---
Scene Break
Where am I? Why is it so dark?
Ariel's voice echoed in her head as she slowly regained consciousness. She was sitting on a cold floor, her knees pulled tight to her chest. The darkness was suffocating—she could hear nothing but the rapid thump of her own heart.
"Who's there?" she whispered hoarsely. "What do you want?"
A shadow moved—a large, looming silhouette gliding toward her. Her pulse quickened.
Then, a faint groan escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered open. The light stabbed at her vision.
She blinked several times. The pain in her body was unbearable—her back throbbed, her waist and legs screamed. But the bed beneath her was soft… too soft.
Confused, she looked around. The room glowed warmly with the light of wooden lamps. The walls were hand-painted with intricate symbols. It wasn't modern—but it reeked of wealth. A tall tree stood beside the open window, its leaves whispering in the breeze.
Where is this place? How did I get here?
Her thoughts froze as she heard footsteps approaching.
She clutched the quilt tight, trembling. No… please… I don't want to go back there…
Click.
The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged woman dressed in a maid's uniform. She stepped inside silently, closing the door behind her before placing a wicker basket on the table.
The woman's gaze lifted, locking onto Ariel.