The Demon's Toy Book 1: Secrets Unfold

 

 

 

The Demon’s Toy: 2

The Angel

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Krinthen Silver, once the proud Head Healer of White City’s House of Healing, now a prisoner, the personal plaything and victim of the demon, Son’Arrin, felt utterly alone now and betrayed by all those that he had called friends. It had all started with being horribly violated one night in his personal suite when the demon had stolen his virginity and left him unconscious in his bed. It now continued on more deprived levels since the violet haired demon decided that just one time was not enough to sate his needs. Son’Arrin had come again a few days later, stealing him from said suite and dragging him away in the middle of the night to serve him over and over however and whenever the mood took the evil minded creature.

Having no idea where he was, collared and unable to use his powers against the demon even though the poison that Son had dosed him with that first night had warn away, the collar kept them in check. The only good they served him now were to heal the physical damage that the demon heaped on him whenever he was in the frame of mind to take Krin’s body. His powers of healing did nothing for the emotion and mental damage of being taken so brutally the first time robbing him of his feeling of safety and security. Nor did they help with the times that followed, being treated like a slave and worthless with no greater value other then to bring the demon pleasure.

Now was one of those times.

Krin stared blankly at the wall before him as he lay on his upper chest, head tipped to the right so that he could draw in painfully shallow breaths. Pinned to the floor by one large hand to the back of his neck, the other bracing his up raised hips as the demon plunged into and out of his body. Ink black hair fanned framed the up turned side of his face, a lock tickling his nose while his body was forcibly swayed back and forth.

Compelling the Fae to remain on his knees with his wrists bound together behind his back, Son grunted in pleasure above him, which Krinthen was trying valiantly to ignore. Instead the dark Fae found himself concentrating on the cold hard floor scraping the side of his face raw and his aching knees from being forced over as he was ridden without remorse by the larger creature.

Son’Arrin’s massive staff was pounding relentlessly into his backside causing blood to trickle down his thighs, slicking the floor under his knees. Grunting in pain as the demon slammed into him again and again sending shooting pain up his back and down his legs causing them to tremble. Krin wasn’t sure how much more of this treatment he could take. Gasping sharply in pain as the demon slammed into him harshly to bring his attention back to the present.

Remaining flaccid through the entire encounter, Krin knew that Son would do nothing to ensure that he enjoyed this act of violence. After all he had tried to smash the demon over the head with a vase and escape, yet again. He would find away to slip away from Son’Arrin, one way or another. He would have resorted to slashing his wrists or throat, had it not been for his healing and how strong it was, attempts at his own life were rather fruitless.

Son groaned feeling the tight cavity of his slave tensing yet again around him as he forced him self between the legs of the Fae healer again and again. The soft grunts of pain that gasped between the dark haired man’s artfully parted lips were music on his ears. He was close to the end of his endurance as he watched his length being swallowed time and time again by Krin’s sweet little body. Son’Arrin snarled as he tightened his hold on the Fae that he had taken forcefully this time. The demon, wanting to teach Krin a lesson, about his place under him and servicing his needs one last time. The Fae was a spirited creature that needed taming to help him learn that he was no longer free, that no one would come for him here in Shadow’s End.

Shadow’s End was a large manner home set on the edge of the Black Oaks Woods, between two villages, who paid their tribute to him as their landlord. Son’Arrin did nothing that would bring attention to him self as a demon other then collecting taxes and taking a few virgins now and then from the small towns, nothing that other landlords did not do themselves. He wanted no trouble from demon hunters and other beings that wished to cause him trouble because he was a demon. Not that he couldn’t handle them, but once one demon hunter or other such being, started the hunt for his hide, then more were sure to follow and he would be forced to move his lair yet again. Son liked Shadows End, it was far from large cities and no overlord claimed the manner or forced him to call them liege other then his one true master that dwelled on the throne of Hell.

With one final thrust into the healer’s bleeding backside, he spilled his seed into the warm moist orifice with a shudder of completion. Laying his head on the middle of Krin’s back as he panted for breath, "So sweet." Pulling him self free of the battered body, he hooked a claw into the ropes and cut Krinthen’s wrists free, "There is no hope of escape, remember that. No one knows where you are and no one cares. You are mine now, to do with as I please." Licking the healers back as if soothing him before he stood up, tail twitching behind him, "Clean yourself, healer, dress then return here when you are finished. I wish to have a few words with you before the real fun beings."

Those words from the demon did not sit well in Krinthen’s mind as he lay on the floor gasping for breath. They stung worse then his backside for he was starting to believe them, he had been here for nearly three months now and no one that he knew had come in search of him. It hurt to think that his friends would leave him to his fate. He had become despondent before he was taken; did that not give them a clue that something was wrong with him?

Apparently not, since he was still Son’s toy. Blinking back the tears once more, Krin drew in a small shaky breath. It would do no good to dwell on those thoughts at this time.

Krin’s backside burned, feeling the warm slide of blood and semen roll down his trembling thighs making them even more sticking and his skin crawl with disgust and sweat. It was all he could do not to become ill on the floor in front of his master. If he did, there was certain to be more punishment. With arms shaking, Krin lifted his chest and face from the floor, feeling like there was not a place that did not hurt or ache.

Garth would be so pleased to see him brought so low. That fucking bastard… Hands clenching into fists as he worked on gathering his thoughts and urging his body to move.

Tears slipping free, Krinthen’s breath hitched with in his chest, with a great deal of effort shoved him self to his feet, stumbling a little as he caught his balance and turned to face the evil bastard. It was hard to look at the demon or utter the words that came out of his mouth on a strained breath "As you wish, My Master." Swaying a little, Krin made a small bow at the waist before Son’Arrin. It was part of his new training. Turning slowly, Krin limped painfully from the room, unable to look up from the floor as he left a trail of bloody foot prints from the demon’s bed chambers to his own that were just down the hall.

The trip had been made nude for Krinthen had been pulled that way from his room moments ago to face Son’Arrin’s wrath, his clothing shredded and discarded. It was just one more thing to shame and humiliate him in slavery. His cheeks flushed with anger then paled with each pained step. Thankfully the trip was short and no one had passed. And even if one of the Demon’s retainers had passed him in the hall, they would not have touched him. Sure they would have looked their fill of his naked, battered, abused and bruised body, but touching him would have meant dire consequences to their own personal safety.

Once with in the shelter of his room, though it offered little in the line of safety when it came to Son’Arrin. The once healer limped into the bathroom and over to the sunken tub that had already been filled with steaming water and oils for him for when Son had finished. Sinking to his knees, Krin slid his legs over the tub’s rim and into the nearly too warm water with a hiss. His backside hurt horribly, causing little black spots to dance before his eyes for a moment. Picking up the cloth which sat on the side along with soap and other supplies for bathing.

With shaking hands, the former healer began to wash his own blood and Son’Arrin’s semen from his body.

The tears started in earnest then. He needed to escape. Find away to leave this place and run far from Son’Arrin. So far that the demon would never find him. Only he did not think that was possible. The demon wouldn’t let him go unless he was dead and Krin believed that Son’Arrin would keep him alive for a very long time to come. Besides, there was the small fact of his healing powers making death very hard to gain.

Tracing the collar of gold around his throat with one hand, Krin was trapped in more ways then one. The demon was very careful neither to bring others to this place nor to reveal what he truly was to the villagers. Lowering him self further into the hot water he laid his head back on the rim of the tub and closed his eyes letting his body heal as the rest of the blood was washed clean, tainting the water a pinkish color. The tears had stopped, they nearly always did. Soon he wouldn’t be able to cry at all over what was happening to him for he would become broken and dead on the inside.

It was sad, but Krin was looking forward to the day when it would stop hurting all the time. When he didn’t have to feel this way. Not that he longed to become a broken toy in the demon’s hands, it would just be easier if he was, wouldn’t it? No one thought he mattered enough to come and save him. Was it because he was part dark Fae? Did they think he deserved what Son did to him over and over?

Leaning back in the tub, water lapping at his chin, Krin closed his eyes willing him self away from the demon’s keep, out of his custody. Silently he prayed in the hopes that someone out there would hear him and come. But it might as well have been a foolish effort. Who would come for him when he him self carried a taint of darkness through his own blood and was a demon’s toy?

Opening his eyes when he felt someone enter the bathroom, Krin didn’t look for the intruder, there was only one person that it could be, that would dare come in here. Lips turning downward, Krin thought about drowning him self in the overly warm water to keep from baring Son’s touch once more.

Son’Arrin smirked at the small healer almost like he was guessing the other male’s thoughts, "I wondered what was taking you so long." Coming further into the room Son headed for the tub, joining Krin in it, "You look rather… delectable… all dewy and soft from the warm water." The demon took the Fae into his arms, dipping his head to trace the line of the healer’s neck with his lips, "And taste so tempting." Setting his mouth to the delicate curve of Krin’s neck and sucking softly on the smooth skin until he left a small bruise from his oral attention.

Whimpering Krin had not had a chance to move away from Son before he was joined and held as if he were made of glass. His hands came up to brace against the demon’s arms to keep from being drowned by the larger creature, "Please…" he whined softly, still feeling tender from the last encounter moments before. He didn’t wish to be touched again so soon. Though he doubted that Son would heed his pleas for mercy.

Son lifted his head, licking his lips, "I like it when you beg for more." Knowing that Krin did not want more but for him to leave. The demon quickly lifted Krin’s wet body into his arms, "Come along, I wish one last night before I have to leave you for some time. I do wish to make this a time worthy of remembrance for the two of us. So much so that you will be here waiting eagerly for me to return to you with open arms."

Carrying Krin’s placid body from the bathroom to the bedroom, laying the healer out on his own bed, "I am sorry about before, but you had to be taught a lesson." Tonguing the pointed ear before sucking on it, drawing out another whimpered moan from the Fae. Laying the dark haired male out on the bed, Son took his time, running his hands over the pale, delectable body, caressing him from neck to hip.

Black eyes never leaving pained silver blue ones, knowing Krin’s weakness, how he liked to be touched and where. Stroking the softly curved body until, Son’Arrin wasn’t a completely selfish lover, he had plans for the small Fae. Bending the young man to his will was just part of them. Showing Krinthen the difference between being desired and raped because he needed to learn a lesson.

Slipping his head between the Fae’s clenched thighs, Son worked Krinthen’s legs apart, "Open for me…" He breathed, lowering his head to take the hardening Fae into his mouth, suckling on the tempting flesh as his hand slipped further between Krin’s spreading legs, searching for the tiny battered hole. Son knew that Krin was probably only half healed and very tender, so he took his time, stroking over the desired entrance, waiting until he had Krinthen a whining, desperate mess that flayed wildly on the bed. Tossing his dark hair back and forth and begging for some kind of relief from the torment that Son was delivering to him with such tender care.

Taking his time with the Fae was very hard when the man became so vocal. Krinthen had no idea how tempting he was when his lips parted and back bowed into everyone of his touches. An amused grin touched his own lips as he pulled away from Krin’s dribbling cock, "Such a pretty sight, my sweet…" Slipping two fingers into Krin’s passage and searching out that sweet place deep with in the Fae.

Krin’s back arched again and he gasped helplessly for air that he couldn’t seem to pull into his lungs. He hated Son for playing his body against him as spikes of pleasure were soon dancing up his spine bringing more needed whimpers to his lips. Shivering under the torment, Krin rubbed the soles of his feet against the silk sheets, "Please…" His voice breaking on a heavy whimper.

"Please what my pet?" already knowing the answer as he with drew his fingers and thrust them in again, scissoring and stretching the young man for something far lager then his two fingers.

Letting out a throat low moan, Krin twisted his face away from Son’Arrin’s dominating presence, "Leave me alone…" Feeling his cock jump and bounce against his flat belly, leaking more pre cum onto his chest. He didn’t want the demon to be touching him this way; much preferring to be raped then treated like a lover. He didn’t matter to his demon. Biting on his lower lip to keep in from trembling.

Son chuckled deeply in the back of his throat as he continued to thrust his fingers in and out of Krin’s body, striking the man’s prostate over and over. The demon lowered his mouth close to the tempting sight of Krin’s manhood; "I am going to give you so much pleasure tonight that you will never ask to be with out me again." Lowering his head to lap the stain of white that was growing on Krin’s flat belly.

Tangling his hands into the demon’s hair, Krin tried to push the male away from his body, "Nooooo… no… no… stop… please… NoooooAAAHHHHHH!!!" Body arching up as he spilled his seed under Son’s chin. Panting, his chest heaving, thighs twitching from the force of his release, Krin came back to his senses, feeling the demon’s tongue laving over his flat belly.

"Ssssooo good, Krinthen, my pet," Son murred happily, starting over on making the healer hard once more, ensuring that he would be drawn in by his own pleasure a multitude of times before Son left him limp and exhausted. Bringing Krin to his breaking point over and over, enjoying the throaty cries of pleasure as the Fae lost him self to the gratification of his body. It was some time just before dawn that Krin was left alone feeling dirtier then when he had first come to stay in Shadows End. The knowledge that Son’Arrin would be gone for at least a month, giving him the time to come up with away to defeat the demon.

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Nearly One Month Later

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The Swan’s Feather was a small, dank tavern in Draven's Port, a small trading city near the Obsidian Ocean where Tanya found herself working. She had not been there overly long but quickly caught on that if one were to lift her skirts she could earn more coin that way then by just serving drinks to the sailors, traders and the other men that came through the tavern’s doors.

So when Tanya’s dark eyes fell on the stranger that strode through the doors she could not help but to lick her lips and hope to catch his eyes. The stranger was dressed in shades of black from his button up shirt that wasn’t all the way buttoned giving a tantalizing view of his chest, to the boots on his feet. His eyes were the most incredible blues eyes the serving wench had ever seen. They seemed to be unearthly in the very intensity of their color and his tanned skin only seemed to heighten the clear. Long white hair neatly pulled back into a tail at the nape of his neck while bangs managed to escape to hide most of the left side of his face. And that face, his face was something that made the woman’s heart race, with his high cheekbones and strong jaw line, there was a strength of character written into every line of that masculine facade. Though the look he bore seemed closed and tight, his eyes far away from where he was even as his gaze roved over the room.

He took a set at the rear of the tavern, choosing to sit alone at a small table for two and away from the others that were already there. Tanya watched as he pinched the bridge of his nose before closing his eyes and sighing as if he were in some kind of pain. Smiling hungrily, she hoped that it was something that she could help him with and not by just bringing him a drink and a meal.

From somewhere he produced a packet of cigarettes and a lighter, thumping the packet of white he drew out a slim cylinder and placed it between his full firm lips and used the lighter to cause the end to catch fire before inhaling sharply. Tanya imaged what those pursed full lips would feel like against hers, she bet they would be warm and soft. Closing her eyes she let her mind wander for a bit longer before looking back at the blue eyed man. The now lit cigarette dangled from one hand the other held his chin as he looked utterly bored before placing the cylinder back against his lips, drawing the smoke into his lungs in one slow long breath. The cherry glowed brightly in the poorly lit room before dying down.

The young serving wench watched as he held the smoke in his chest for a bit longer then slowly exhaled. Shifting her bosom in the low cut blouse before swaying her ample hips as she walked over to him. Reaching the table Tanya leaned low over the table to give him a good view of the cleavage, "’Ello hansum," Giving him her best come and get it smile, "Can aye do anythin’ fer ye? An’ aye do mean anythin’ at tall."

Turning from his thoughts to look the serving woman in the face, ignoring the fact that she was now giving him a free show of her breasts. Instead he impaled her with his clear blue as, narrowing them a fraction as if willing her to take her offer and go else where, "No thank you," His voice may have been rich and smooth but the tone was clipped and cold.

Leaning a little closer, Tanya reached out to pet the white locks from his face, "Come now luv," lust dripping from every word, "Aye bet Aye could have ya purring in no time at tall." Finding that his hair was as soft as it looked. Sooth as silky beneath her fingers as she twisted the fine white threads between her forefinger and thumb.

Slapping her hand away from his face, "Look lady," using the term loosely when he addressed the serving maid, "Your charms are better spent on someone that might find them worth while." Not that he didn’t find her pretty, she might have been, that is, if he liked women, which he didn’t. No, that wasn't right. He did enjoy the female form, it was more that he likd to hunt down his prize instead of having it handed to him.

Huffy hotly Tanya stiffly drew herself up right, "Aye find you plenty worth while," she pouted prettily at him as she tried to reach for him again, "What do Aye have ta do ta show ya?"

Trying not to roll his eyes at her as if he found Tanya to be an annoyance and nothing more, "You could turn into an attractive young man." He offered, giving the young woman a lopsided smile, hoping that she would get the hint that he was not interested and would leave him be for a while.

Tanya’s eyes rounded as she snorted, "Figures ya would be like that," turning she stomped off to the kitchen. She wasn’t happy that the man had refused her offer, and he looked like he would be such a good lay as well.

A soft laugh drew the attention of the blue eyed man towards the door and to the owner of the voice as he helped him self to a seat across the table, "Still know how to charm the ladies, I see Serephium." The man that joined Serephium was of medium height and build with blond hair and soft violet eyes. His clothes were nearly indistinguishable from any other in the room. The only thing that set his man apart was the small mark on his forehead in the shape of a star rimmed with a circle.

He was a Seer of Fate and the reason that Serephium was sitting in the Swan’s Feather putting up with the serving maid hitting on him.

Grinning, Serephium gave a small chuckle before he shook his head, "I don’t need to charm them, Gabriel." Calling the young man by name. Leaning back in his chair, Serephium tipped his head to the side, "I take it there is a reason why you have asked me here?" Taking another drag off the cigarette.

Nodding the blond handed to him a carefully wrapped bundle, "Yes there is. It seems there is a demon living not far from here. Though he has done nothing one would consider truly evil by demonic standards. But the dark Fae servant he keeps with him has in his name."

Arching one pale brow, "How so?" Knowing that dark Fae were nasty little creatures when they set their mind to it.

"Villagers have come up missing, there is a rumor that they are being used in blood sacrifices and rites. There have been a few demon hunters that have gone there and come up missing as well. I … I have known of this demon for some time and he has kept his presence there very quiet. So, whatever he is up to, I think it centers around this Fae he has with him."

Leaning forward in his chair, Serephium stabbed out his cigarette, "So you want me to go there and look into matters?"

Gabriel nodded, "If you don’t mind? I know it’s not really your job and all. But when Levin didn’t come back, well, I didn’t know who else to seek out for help."

Chewing on his lip, Serephium knew that Levin was one of the best demon hunters out there, so who ever this Fae was, he had to be stronger then the slayer. Which was not a good thing. Gabriel had every right to be worried. He was worried; "I will look into matters. Is there anything else I should know about before I had off?"

Gabriel shook his head, "Just that Fate asked me to give you that. Said that you might need it if things got too out of hand."

Looking down at the still wrapped package and frowning. Whatever was in there, had to be important for Fate to want him to have it. And if things got out of hand? What was that about? Things always got out of hand when he was involved, it was his thing. Glancing back at Gabriel as he tucked the package away without opening it, "Thank you… I think." Shoving away from the table, Serephium made to leave, "Are you sure there is nothing else?"

Gabriel grimaced a little, his mouth twisting as if he had bitten into something sour, "I wish I could tell you something more then…’don’t trust everything you hear’." Unsure what else to say about the matter, so he held his peace. Maybe he could figure out what was causing the unease before Serephium had to face the demon and Fae.

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It had taken Serephium a few days of travel in his wolf form to reach the small village of Oak Glade where some of the villagers had found themselves prey of the Demon and his pet Fae. Before he could even enter the village he was staggered by the sheer amount of depression that hung over the people. Changing back into his human form and redressing into his travel clothing, Serephium followed the foot path into the village, letting his eyes, ears and nose confirm what his empathy all ready knew; there was something seriously wrong here.

The people were dirty and looked hungry and hunted. Fear loomed over everyone one of the souls, even the children. It was as if they all waited from something to jump out of the shadows and gobble them up. Unsettling to say the least to one that could not shield his empathic nature, Serephium looked for the village’s leader to ask him or her some questions about what was going on here. All he had was the vague words from Gabriel to go on, they did not seem to convey was he was now looking at.

With a little luck he found a young miss, that with a little flirting, revealed where he could find a man that was named, Striker, who was the Head of the Oak Glade village. Finding the man was not a problem either; he was a good head taller then the rest of the villagers and looked to be an ex-mercenary from the bulk of his body. His long brown hair was tied back into a neat ponytail; Striker’s cold gray eyes were narrowed sharply as Serephium walked over to him, taking in the white haired man’s measure.

Stopping a few feet from the former warrior, Serephium introduced him self, "My name’s Sereph, a friend of mine came this way, his name is Levin. I was wondering if you might tell me where I can find him now?" It wasn’t really a lie; he had met Levin once, a while back when the demon hunter had just started out. He had pulled Levin’s hide out of a den of demons that would have had him for lunch.

Striker’s eyes narrowed on Sereph, "You a demon hunter too?" He asked of the stranger that was still a few inches taller then him self. He could tell that Sereph was no stranger to battle or the ways of the sword, but the last thing they needed was another demon slayer when the other two had failed. It most likely would piss Son’Arrin off and bring the demon’s wraith down on them like the windstorms that ripped up trees.

Well, Sereph thought, Levin had to have come this way if the man was asking if he was a demon hunter, "No. I am not a demon hunter." Giving a shake of his head as he reached up to tuck the white hair that hung into his blue eyes, "But I do deal with demons. Maybe I can be of some help?"

Snorting, Striker sneered, "What makes you think we need help?"

"Levin came here, and he is one of the best. And there is the small fact that this place smells of demon and fear. I would say you have a problem that needs fixing." Sereph answered as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at Striker, "Unless you all want to end up demon chow, then I will be on my way." Not that he could leave them in danger, it went against his nature and the council would have his hide. Sereph really didn’t want to give them another reason to nail him to the wall.

Shoulders slumped in defeat and Striker waved Sereph into the tree line, away from prying ears, "Everything was fine until a few years ago when the this demon, calling him self Son’Arrin, stole the manner house from the dying lord and forced us all to call him, Lord. We thought we were all doomed. That the demon would kill us or worse. But he didn’t, he settled in and ruled over us, taking a few of our children now and then, but nothing more. And then..." Looking around as if he feared they were being watched, "This dark Fae, came to the village, took Thaine and his family, his entire family, to the manner house… there were screams that night… ungodly screams… it sounded like they were being killed, slowly. The next morning one of the serving girls told me that Thaine and his family had been killed in some ritual where the Fae drank their blood in honor of the demon."

Sereph had heard similar stories before, but the man’s fear made him feel a little ill and uneasy. Taking a breath, he regained control, gritting his teeth as he asked, "What can you tell me of this ‘dark Fae’? Anything will be helpful. What does he look like? Does he know how to use a sword? How did he get Thaine and his family to go with him?"

Rubbing his square chin, Striker answered Sereph the best he could, "The Fae is a little shorter then you, lithe of build and fair of face, long ink black hair, and gray eyes, with pink fuzzy antenna stick out of his head. If I swung that way, I might have found him attractive." He was a merc at one time and there were a few in his troop that had taken same sex partners, there was nothing wrong with it, as long as both parties were willing. "He didn’t look the type to know which end of the sword was up though. One of them soft wizard types, though he had some definition to his body, though that could be there by illusion or magic. Ya never know with them Fae types." Striker finished by saying, "It seems that the Fae has control over Son’Arrin’s guards and servants, cause that is how he forced the Thaine and his family to go with him."

From what Striker was saying about the Fae it sounded like he was the one in control at the moment, as if the demon had moved in a mage to gain power? Though he had never known a demon to allow another to gain power through them. And if this one had not acted until now, why allow the Fae to muck things up? Perhaps the demon was a weak one and the Fae had gained control over it? That could be a possibility.

"Thank you for your help, Striker. I will see what I can do to help you and yours." Sereph then asked for directions to the manner before taking his leave from the village head man not wanting to cause him or the people entrusted to him any more trouble then he had by staying around any longer then necessary. Besides it was barely noon, and if the dark Fae was truly as evil as he was lead to believe then the daylight hours were the best to take him on and down.

He didn’t need to ask directions to the manner, he could just follow his nose to the demon’s lair. Though the scent was not overly strong, it was there. Enough for him to follow until he was staring up at the grand manner from the shelter of the woods. The building was very old; sprawling construction made of stone. There were two towers that rose from the north and south ends of the building. The main door was guarded by four summoned creatures that looked like they had been twisted and mashed together of vulture and bull carrying large axes as the stood in silent sentry.

Lips twisting into a frown as vivid blue eyes narrowed on the beasts for a moment. He really did not relish the idea of tangling with them since he did not know what kind of power they held. Besides taking out their master pry was the surest way of sending them back to where ever they came from. Shifting his gaze he scanned the building, looking for another way in, an easier way, an open window, a balcony, an unguarded back door. Anything other then the front doors.

It didn’t take long before Sereph found what he was looking for, he had half run around the building when he found a balcony on what appeared to be the third floor on the west side with the door standing ajar.

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Krinthen felt the cool wisp of the white silk loincloth brush his legs as paced back and forth in the library as he worried his lower lip between his teeth. The clothing he had to wear didn’t really do anything to cover his form as he wished they would. It was more like revealing and teasing to the viewer as he moved about the room. Son’Arrin had chosen all the items that littered his closet, permitting him nothing in the line of normal shirts or pants that would hide his body from the demon’s regard. Instead Krin was compelled to wear garments that were mesh, see through, silk, satin, flowing, barely there or held together by strings of gems and worse.

Today Krin found himself wearing the longest of loincloths that nearly reached the floor, a flowing white concoction that belted just below his hips with thin chains of gold and silver. Around his neck was a torque like collar that ended just above his breastbone in the front and shoulder blades in the back. On his feet were sandals that laced up his long legs. His ink black hair, pulled back in two places by gold and silver cuffs.

He felt like a cheap whore, waiting for the demon to return any moment now. Fear sliding up his spine as his fingers wound in one of the long pink fuzzy antenna that had appeared some time during his stay at Shadow’s End. The demon had forced him to stop hiding them and what he was. Not that Krin hide the fact that he was dark Fae from the world, he just didn’t willing reveal the fuzzies that now poked from his hairline and drooped into his face.

Drawing in a deep breath, Son’Arrin would return and Krinthen had found no one that could withstand him in a fight, so how where they to stop a demon like Son’Arrin? He would be forced to release the village people that he held in the North Tower. They would go back to their lives revealing that he had not killed them, in fact, they would tell others that there was nothing to fear from him, since he had healed their injuries, cured their illnesses, kept them safe, fed and clothed the whole time that they were missing. That was the reason he had taken them all in the beginning. They were ill or injured and needed a healer when there was none to be had in the villages.

But now, he had two useless demon slayers to add to the mess. That surely would not please Son in the least. Growing more agitated, Krin continued to pace the length of the library. The sick feeling in his stomach growing by leaps and bounds as he thought of the horrible things Son would do to him when he returned and found out what he had done in his absents. Son’Arrin would not care for the fact that he had opened his home to the villagers and brought in demon slayers to kill him.

Maybe it would be enough to drive the demon to end his life?

Krin could only hope, but he knew that would be too easy, too clean for a demon that would rape an innocent and then cart him off to the middle of no where and give him no hope of ever escaping his hold.

Sinking to the floor, Krinthen buried his face into his hands, he was damned. No matter the how many good deeds he had done in his life, all those he had helped in the past, it seemed that it was all worth nothing. Not that saving lives was nothing nor was he doing it for rewards other then to see his patient recovering and rejoining their families. It was heart warming to know that he helped…

Even though he was tainted by his dark blood and the demon’s touch, a worthless whore, not worthy of… of… The tears came again along with the self-pity and doubt that plagued him constantly these days. Another companion to the growing bitterness that darkened his heart and would not leave him.

****

Sereph felt the fear and worry like a slap in the face once he had entered the manner and made his way to the room where it was the strongest, making sure to avoid all the servants and guards on the way. There were more guards then servants, on this level and near this room. So, whoever was on the other side was worth watching. It must be one of the prisoners from the village, Sereph thought, or perhaps the villain I have been sent to find.

Pushing open the door, Sereph stepped inside and froze as he watched a man that was half dressed at best with ink black hair. The long white silk cloth brushed the floor while the stranger paced the length of the floor of the room. The easy causal strides were long and graceful, just like the man’s legs that appeared through the slits in the long half robe that he wore. Who ever he was he certainly had a very nice ass, as well. Shapely and round, under that white costume he was wearing. Sereph let his eyes travel up the front of the strange man’s front as he turned around and started back towards the other end of the room, noting the flat stomach and the fact that both of his nipples were pierced.

Whoever he was, Sereph bet that the man was meant to be the Fae’s slave for the night, which is until his slumberous gaze reached the man’s face, taking note of the set of pink antenna. The fuzzy things dipped over the Fae’s brow and hung into the man’s face, or would have if one had not been wrapped around the Fae’s forefinger. The other just touched soft, full, flushed lips. Lips that looked like they had just been kissed as they were flushed and swollen.

The Fae’s eyes were not gray, but silver blue and deeply troubled. The fear and worry the Sereph had been picking up on centered on this Fae. Something was wrong here. The angel thought darkly as his brow creased, very wrong, as if to prove that thought true, the Fae sank to his knees and buried his face in his hands. Sereph could see the slight shake of the other male’s slim shoulders. He didn’t know what prompted him to act, but he did, walking over to the Fae and crouching before him, Sereph reached out and pet back the soft black bangs, "Want to talk about what has you so wound up?" Keeping his voice low and mellow to keep from scaring the Fae.

Letting out a gasp of shock, Krin jerked away from the hand on his brow, falling backward to escape the touch. Crawling further away to see who had spoken to him in a place that none but Son’Arrin should have been able to enter. Finding a stranger with vivid blue eyes and white hair kneeling where he had sat. The man was dressed in shades of black and looked rather at ease where he crouched. Where had he come from? How did he get in here? Searching the stranger for any sign of unkindness and only found a rather bland expression on his face, even though the offer might have been taken for kindness, Krinthen wasn’t sure if the other was truly trustworthy.

Shaking his head, Krin stood up, causing the stranger to stand at the same time, dismayed to find that the man was taller then him, "Who are you and how did you get in here? What do you want?" Trying to keep his voice level and calm while he spoke.

Sereph grinned at the dark Fae, "You can call me Sereph and I flew in through a window, like a little bird." The Fae certainly smelled of the demon and of the village, but he did not smell of blood. Instead he carried the faint smell of herbs and rain, something Sereph would relate to a healer not a demonic minded tyrant. "As for what I want, that all depends on what you have done to the villagers and how you are aiding this demon I hear tell of before I entered the lands."

Fly? Sereph flew through a window? Krin didn’t see any wings. The answer though didn’t sound sarcastic more like a statement of fact. Maybe there was a rope hanging out a window somewhere? If there was, it surely would have been noticed by now, not that he would now of it, since the guards didn’t directly answer to him.

Jerking his thoughts back to the problem at hand, "I am not aiding Son’Arrin in any way, shape or form." He shot hotly at the intruder. Krin balled his hands into fists; "I hate that demon. I despise him. I rue the day he ever darkened my doorway. If I could, I would send him right back to Hell!" Krin’s chest heaved as he shook with anger, the mere thought that he would help the demon in any way sickened him to the core.

Raising one white brow at the Fae, Sereph had not thought to come across such utter black disdain from one that was said to be helping the demon. Yes, things did not add up, but he could tell that the Fae was speaking the truth on the matter, he hated the demon.

Why?

Sereph looked Krin over, what he was wearing, what and who he smelled of and winced, he could guess why the Fae hated this Son’Arrin so much. He would too, "Alright, if you are not aiding him, then why take the villagers?" Wanting to hear the reasoning behind their disappearance.

"I needed away to lure demon slayers here. Son’Arrin has been too careful in his actions to bring them him self, so I acted in his name. It drew a few, but none that could stand up against that demon. They and the villagers are staying in the North wing. I… I have not harmed them. It… it goes against all my training, my morals… who… who I was." Looking away from Sereph, his anger melting away to shame, he couldn’t go back to White City after this. He didn’t think he could pick up the pieces of is life after what Son had put him through.

Clenching his fists, Krin stared at the floor, unable to meet the pure blue of the other’s eyes, "I was once the head of a house of healing." God, that seemed like a lifetime ago. "The demon took that from me when he brought me here to be his slave." Pulling down the high collar of the torque like top, revealing the gold collar of a slave wrapped around his throat. "I have little choice in staying here and only took the villagers that were ill and in need of aid. I healed them, feed them, sheltered them, while I waited for help."

Seeing that collar around Krin’s pale throat made his dark side hiss in disgust. Why would that bother him? Sereph thought to him self as he shoved it aside for the time being, silencing the darker half with the promise that he would see to the Fae.

"I take it that Son’Arrin is not here now?" Finding it hard to believe that Krin would do such things if the demon were lurking about in the shadows. Reaching out, Sereph took Krin’s chin into his hand, lifting it so that he could see the Fae’s eyes, "If you are telling the truth, then I will help you with this demon problem of yours. If not…"

"…You will kill me. I understand and welcome that death." Tears glittered in his eyes, the months with Son now held him still as Sereph gripped his face, "You have no idea how I long for death. It is far preferable then continuing to live here, under Son’Arrin." Krin rolled his fingers over the collar, before letting the top go so that it would again cover the miserable thing wrapped around his slender neck.

Wincing at Krin’s words, Sereph vowed that he would see the demon pay for the damage he had done to this man. Sereph found him self wanting to wrap an arm around the Fae to shelter him against his chest. But he had a feeling that it would be a while before this one would welcome the comfort of another. More the shame to that, Krin seemed to be someone who did not deserve what Son’Arrin had done to him. Then again, he could name only a handful that deserved that kind of treatment.

Sereph’s head jerked up feeling the presence of the demon not far away. Shoving the healer behind him just in time for the door to the library exploded inward, driving it from its hinges and across the room. The plank of planed wood barely missing Sereph and Krin as it whipped by their bodies. Son’Arrin stood silent, silhouetted in the dark portal where the door had been moments before, his black eyes locked onto the Fae before he stepped into the room.

Sereph blinked, looking over the large demon, not knowing what he should have expected or how to imagine Son’Arrin to look. Figuring the demon would have taken a human form at the very least, as most demons would have done, but Son had not. Though Son did appear to be more human then others of his ilk were in the natural state. Son’s appearance rattled him a little; the demon was not unsightly, even with his gray skin and black demonic markings. The wealth of long flowing violet hair and sharp angular features of his face only seemed to add to the demon’s attractive visage. The demon’s body appeared to be that of a fighter, broad, lean and well toned in all the right places. And with the sword strapped to his hip, proving that thought true. Unless the demon just wore it for show.

Son’Arrin raked the pair with his soulless black eyes, his full lips pulled back in a low snarl as he spoke in a voice that dripped honey sweet poison, "I give you freedom. I give you free reign of the servants, the guards, my home. And how do you repay my kindness, slave?" Son spat the words out as his wings clenched tightly over his back as he stalked towards the pair, scenting the air as he approached. Krin smelled of fear, which was good. Very good. It went a long way to sooth his nerves, the other though. The other smelled of wind, wood, and the wild, and worse, celestial magic.

The snarl grew deeper, "You," poking his finger at Krinthen, "You invite not only demon hunters and slayers in to my home! You FUCKING invite a twice damned ANGEL!!" Son stopped two feet from the blue eyed angel and the one that he was hiding behind him. Turning his head he regarded Sereph with cold eyes, willing the angel to die as his lips pulled back further revealing his long fangs. "You," he gritted out, his deep voice seemed to reverberate through room, "are not welcome here. Leave before I gut you and hang your carcass on the wall."

Krin shivered as he clung to Sereph’s back, he didn’t care if Son lost his temper wanting to push the demon as far as he could while he still could, while he still had a shield in front of him. Seething venom, Krin hissed, "I hate you! Did you seriously think that I would be here waiting for you with open arms?" Making sure to keep the angel between him self and the demon, if he did not have Sereph here, he most likely would not have spoken those words, instead, he probably would have been on his knees begging the demon to forgive him for his recklessness.

Sereph growled in warning, feeling the start of the seal crack, ink black markings starting under one eye and creeping down his tanned cheek, "Release the healer and the villagers and I might be persuaded to leave your hide in one piece." Krin’s growing fear making him experience a sense of over protectiveness for the smaller man.

Tossing his head back, laughing at the angel and his threats, "This is my home, Angel. You are the one that should be leaving before I indulge in one of my fantasies and take you just like I do the Fae." Glaring at the dark haired male, "Krinthen is mine as are the villagers. I will do to them what I please."

Krin whimpered hearing the anger in Son’s voice; he could feel the demon pulling on the magical bindings of the collar that kept him a slave.

Glaring back at the demon, a smirk curving his lips, "Try that, I dare you, and it will be the last thing you ever do." More of the thin black lines spread down his face as the thought of the demon coming any where near him in that manner goaded his darker side to take control and rip out the bastard’s throat.

Noting the spreading demonic markings on the angels face as they curved around his chin and ran down his neck, Son did not know if he should be worried or to think it was some kind of trick on the angel’s. Done wasting words and warnings on the being that seemed to be able to change his scent, further off balancing the demon, Son summoned his shadow weaving powers. Forming shadow into the physical will of his being that ripped the Fae from his protector and throwing him into the wall across the room, leaving Krin in a heap of silk, hair and limbs on the floor before turning the shadowy tentacles on the angel.

Sereph’s fingers lit with fire, whipping them out from his body at the shadows that had come to life, connecting with them, the flames seared through the pitch black menace with hiss causing them to fade and retreat back to where the demon had summoned them. Krin was out cold, for now, and it seemed out of harms way as he brought his wrists together, lashing out at the demon with a funnel of flame.

As the tongues of flame leapt at him, they were suddenly doused by an outside force that had nothing to do with Son’Arrin. Sereph’s eyes narrowed as the seal slide further down his side, curling around his chest, thought his could not be seen through his shirt. Son pulled water from thin air, "Fire elemental, meet water," Snarling the demon flung the misshapen ball of water at the angel, forcing him to move or become wet, not only wet, but there was something not right with the water…

Twisting away from the attack, Sereph did a back flip coming to land in a crouch on the floor, the whites of his eyes going from white to black as the darker side continued to emerge from the light. "You will have to do better then that, asshole, if you wish to take me down," This was not Sereph’s first fight with a demon. Not by far, he had served in a war, was a soldier, had fought many demons. Though none were as strong or as powerful as Son’Arrin appeared to be. He had to find away to level the playing field in his favor.

Sereph could no longer call his own celestial sword, which might have helped. He had not thought about that when the darker side wished to make an appearance. Growling at his own stupidity, the angel reached into his boot and pulled the wrapped package that Fate and seen fit enough to send him. Whatever it was, he hoped that it was good, since he wasn’t looking forward to sharing in the Fae’s fate as slave to the demon.

Stalking towards the angel, Son let his claws lengthen, turning from blood red to black, "I have something for you, little angel," he purred. The claws glowing a deep green as the stench of poison filled the air, "Something that will leave you powerless, helpless, open to my whim. Once you have tasted of my venom, I will have a taste of your sweet little body. How does that sound?" Warming to the idea of having an angel flat on his back, legs spread and servicing him, Son’s purring deepened as he came closer to the downed angel.

"You are a sick fuck, aren’t you?" Sereph hissed, rolling to the side to come up on his feet, lashing out with another funnel of flame, sending it over the packaging that wrapped Fate’s gift to him.

Again the fire died before it tasted of Son’s flesh, something or someone was guarding him, Sereph surmised, but what he held would more then level the playing field. In his hand was a dagger that belonged to one of the most powerful demonesses in Hell. It could change one from one form to another, forever securing their powers behind seals that could not be removed unless by Fate, herself. All it needed was a little demon’s blood to activate the dagger’s power. And right about now, Sereph was more then a little demon, more then willing to seal away Son’Arrin and make him a mortal.

Lunging at the angel, Son swung his claws for the angel’s body and face, knowing that if he struck the angel with them his poison would temporally relive Sereph of his power. And that was all he needed for the moment, just an opening to rip the bastard apart and introduce him to a whole other kind of pain. The small dagger in Sereph’s hand did nothing to fend off the claws from reaching his skin; the only thing that was saving the angel so far was the fact that Sereph was rather light and quick on his feet as he dodged yet another strike.

It helped too that the library was the largest room in the mansion and the space that they were in was relatively free of tables, chairs and bookcases. Son was having a very hard time in trapping the light-footed angel as Sereph dodged another blow and scurried out of the way of his sweeping tail.

The two were so occupied with each other they did not see that Krinthen had come to and sat up. Watching them for a bit, Krin knew he had to do something to help the angel or they both would end up with collars around their necks. Looking around the library, Krin’s eyes settled on a chair that was tucked away in the corner. Grinning, he silently got to his feet, walking stealthy over to it and picked it up by the back and waited for the chance to strike at his tormentor.

Son used his shadow bending once again, bringing it up to trip the angel’s feet as he forced the Sereph to side step another blow that would have surely gutted the fleet footed foe. Going down on his backside, Sereph was momentarily dazed as his head cracked against the stone floor. Moaning softly in the back of his throat, Sereph reached up with his free hand to gingerly touch the back of his head, his other hand still held the blade. His fingers came back sticky with his blood.

Howling in triumph, Son closed in on his dazed prey, "Prepare to have a true taste of a Demon Lord, little want to be." Raising his claws high to swipe them through the angel’s arm and chest. Sereph cringed and started to roll away from Son’s attack, but it never came.

Bringing the chair down on Son’s back, across his wings, smashing the wood to bits; the Fae had bought Sereph some time, saved his hide from the demon’s attack.

Howling in pain when the wood splintered over his wings, Son forgot about Sereph as he swung around to face Krin, eyes blazing, as his fist closed and slammed into the healer’s face, sending him backward a few feet and crumpling to the floor, "You will regret that, you bitch." Leaving Sereph winded on the floor, Son stalked after Krin, reaching down and taking a hold of the Fae’s throat, and he closed his hand around the slender column.

Sereph did not waste a moment of time that Krin had bought him, quickly smearing his bloody fingers over the demon blade, he lunged forward hurling him self at the demon’s exposed side. Slashing the dagger through Son’Arrin’s hide, drawing a deep gash, "No, you will regret this. Never leave yourself open to an attack. Always finish off the one before dealing with the other."

The scream that rent the air was anything put human. Soulless black eyes turned on Sereph as Son was forced to release Krin from his grasp so that he could clamped a hand over his injured torso. "What have you done?" He roared as searing pain ripped through his body. How could one simple little cut cause him so much pain? Dropping to his knees he held his side, blinded by tears. His wings were forced to retreat into his back, becoming a set of elaborate tattooing, before fading all together. The twin gold spires of his horns retreated into his hairline, vanishing from his head all together. Gray skin faded to a pale washed out peaches and cream shade that no longer bore the demonic markings. His tail shark then vanished as well. The transformation was anything but pleasant, leaving the demons panting and gasping in pain.

Son’Arrin’s once impressive height shortened as his body shrank and twisted, claws retreating, turning into health pink finger nails, ears shortened, eyes that were once solid black, now had whites. And his powers soon found themselves sealed deeply away from his ability to use them at all.

The demon had been made human. Left curled on his side, Son’s black eyes were glazed over from shock, he was barely conscious as the changes finished. The only reminder to what he once had been was the length of violet hair that lay sprawled around his head in a tangled knot.

Sereph stood, watching as Son was given the greatest gift, a soul and a chance for salvation. Though he could not kill the man now, unless he was attacked first, it was a rather fitting way to deal with something as evil as him. Walking over to where Krin lay, Sereph gathered the little Fae into his arms, his own seal slipping back up his body and face, seeming satisfied about the out come.

****

Krin woke slowly, a moan escaping from the back of his throat as he sluggishly lifted a hand to his jaw, fingering it to see if it were still broken, though he already knew it was not. Opening his eyes, he winced away from the light seeping in between the wholes in the curtains, "Ugh…" His head hurt still, but that would go away with time.

"Welcome back to the world of the living," A warm rich voice came from his left. "I brought you some coffee if you care for any."

Turning his head on the pillow, Krin stared for a moment longer at Sereph, "You are real..?" he breathed sitting up and taking the offered mug, "That means…"

"You are free, Krinthen Silver. Son’Arrin has been dealt with, it will be a long time before he darkens your door. If he ever does." Sereph replied, before he sipped at his own coffee watching the healer over the rim of his mug.

Krin sighed; closing his eyes, "…Free..." He repeated just before taking a sip of his coffee. Though was the nightmare over?