Beyond This Illusion

The next morning, Mina woke with a start. She groaned quietly, eyes flickering open but seeing nothing. This room was not familiar to her. The bed was softer; the darkness seemed lighter. She blinked several times, her eyes adjusting slowly. Her neck ached something terrible, and as she forced herself to sit up, she groaned again. "Oww...fuck," she murmured, biting the corner of her lower lip to stifle a moan of pain. She reached over, hoping to find a lamp of some sort. Her fingers fell through the air and did not touch anything. She sighed, leaning back into the pillows. Slowly, everything started to come back to her. The library, Jiresue bringing her lunch, and Jiresue having her own lunch. Mina smiled darkly, nodding her head. Of course, she should have recalled that right away. After all, it was just another notch in her devious ladder. Give in to Jiresue, get her to trust Mina. And then the other pieces would fall into place.

"I just wish it didn't hurt so much," she thought to herself, but shrugged shortly after. She'd rather take a few moments pain to spending the rest of her life here. Her life was on the line at any moment, and she didn't like being so on edge. It was time to get out of here. The process would be slow. Mina couldn't hope to fool Jiresue in only a few days. The vampire couldn't be that stupid. Mina chuckled, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She was rather hungry, and needed to find the kitchen soon. And a shower. There was dried blood on the front of her shirt, and it wasn't very pleasant looking. Then again, who did she have to impress? Mina stood, rubbing the back of her neck with her right palm. As she turned to walk toward the door, nearing footsteps could be heard in the hallway. Mina blinked, furrowing her brow. The door swung open, and Jiresue entered. Instantly the candelabras roared to life, and flickering flames shone light into the room. Mina flinched, rubbing her eyes. "G'morning," she mumbled, waving dully to the vampire. "I suppose you are hungry?" Jiresue assumed coldly. Mina blinked again, but nodded. "Yeah...somewhat." Jiresue sighed, and kicked the door open wider with the tip of her boot. "Then go get something," she hissed, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms over her chest. Mina frowned. "What the hell is wrong with her today? Bitch..." she thought, crossing the room and exiting. Jiresue did not follow her. The door slammed shut just as she left.

Jumping, Mina frowned lightly. She was surprised that Jiresue would be this cold to her, especially after she had given herself as dinner the previous day. "I wonder if she gets her period like me...that might be it." With a shrug of her shoulders, she turned and walked down the hallway in search of the kitchen. She hadn't grown used to this wing of the manor yet, seeing as she'd never been in Jiresue's bedroom before. This wing of the manor was more red velvet coloured. Darker colours, though keeping the femininity that she had noticed throughout the entire mansion. Now though, the various shaded blue kitchen was calling to her, as were the fresh, delicious red apples sitting patiently in the fridge for her to devour.

It took her several more minutes that usual, but the found the kitchen and quickly leaped at the refrigerator. Her stomach growled hungrily just as she pulled it open, and the apple sitting on the middle shelf, so perfect in the middle, was snatched in seconds. Mina skipped over to the counter and withdrew a large cutting knife to slice it into pieces. As she pressed the blade to the fruit, she began to think, about Jiresue. "Why is she all...pissy today? Had I done something wrong? I don't remember doing anything..." The distracting thoughts kept her from concentrating on the knife in her hand. A momentary distraction, and the knife slipped. Pain shot through her hand. Mina gasped sharply, stepping back as crimson droplets poured from her palm. She had cut her hand deeply, and there was already a small puddle on the counter. Mina groaned, biting her lower lip. "Damn it...damn it!" she cried, tripping over to the sink to wash her hand. Just as she reached it, a hand snapped out and grasped her wrist, yanking it. Mina shrieked, blinking up at Jiresue. "Where...did you come from?!" she cried, whimpering. Jiresue didn't answer, and simply placed Mina's palm against her lips to lick the blood. Instinctively, Mina pulled her hand back, but Jiresue held tightly. Mina winced when Jiresue pressed her fangs to her skin, though did not break through.

Even after the blood was gone, Jiresue continued to suck the blood from her hand. Mina whimpered, trying to step back. "J-Jiresue...I think it's...okay now..." she whispered meekly. The vampire only smirked and stepped forward as well, mimicking Mina's movements. "Okay...y-you can stop now..." Again, she stepped back. And again, the vampire moved with her, lips still pressed to her palm. Mina tried to yank her hand back, but Jiresue's fangs only ripped her palm open as she did so. Wincing, the girl felt her back press against the wall. Jiresue leaned in close to her, their chests pressing against each other. She tugged at Mina's collar, fiddling with it gently. "You've seemed so calm these past few days...why is that?" she asked the girl, staring directly into her eyes. Mina bit her lower lip again, fidgeting against the wall. "I've...realized...I shouldn't fight you. You...you own me. You could kill me...if you wanted too..." Jiresue chuckled softly, closing her eyes. "You're right, I could. Have you ever thought...that perhaps I did want to? Maybe I'd like you dead. I can always find another pet to play with. You're just a human. You mean nothing to me. Other than a quick meal, of course. And I can always find another meal." Mina shuddered, her eyes growing wet with frightful tears. "But...but...I've been behaving! I haven't done anything! I've been your pet! I haven't fought you! Oh please...please don't kill me!" she cried, her lip trembling as she shook against the wall. Jiresue pressed against her tighter, now mere inches from her face.

"You're such a silly little nit, you know that? Just a child. You don't understand anything of how the world works. I could kill you at anytime. And I will," at this, Mina began to sob uncontrollably, "soon, I will. You'll be dead. Rotting in my garden, with all the others. Everyone who has defied me in someway...who has ever fought against me." Mina shook and shivered against Jiresue's chest, tears cascading like a waterfall. "Pl-please...Jiresue...don't kill me. Please...I'll give anything...anything..." she whispered. Jiresue narrowed her eyes, her lips curling up into a smirk then.

"Anything?" she purred, brushing her lips to Mina's cheek. The girl cringed away, but didn't move otherwise. She nodded, shaking as tears continued to fall down her face. "Anything..." Jiresue moved her lips to Mina's, lightly pressing them together, "would....would you love me?" Jiresue asked quietly, like a gasp in a silent room. Mina's eyes went wide, and she stopped shaking. "Would I...would I what?" Love her? What in the world was she talking about? Mina was utterly confused. Jiresue sighed, stepping back though keeping close to the girl. "Would you...love me..." she repeated, just as quiet as she had the first time. Her eyes were soft and wet with tears. Mina couldn't believe it. The vampire was crying...this was unbelievable. Before she could speak, Jiresue explained. "I've been hurt too many times, Mina. Too many times. I've been loved and abandoned. I've been a pet. A plaything. When I was human no one wanted me. Not even the man I was engaged to marry. So I ran. I ran and I fell in love with another. Oh he was charming, Mina, he really was. I thought I could be with him forever. But he was just a monster. A monster that beat me and bruised me to the brink of death. Only if I were to promise my life as a slave to him would he keep me alive. And I did. So he turned me. He turned me into this filthy monster I am now!" Jiresue cried in anger, twisting around with tearful, wrath filled eyes. Mina remained silent against the wall, listening.

"I had no choice. I pledged my servitude to him. I remained with him for several years. I did everything he told me to. I was just an animal to him. You know...several nights I even had to sleep in a cage? Funny. He kept me alive, but barely. I fed off of the people he had fed from, just the leftovers. Then I needed to bury them, dispose of them. Whatever was needed. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I was sick of being an animal," she paused, turning to face Mina, "I killed him, Mina. I killed him and I drained him dry. I was finally free. I didn't care that it was against our law to kill one of our kind. I didn't care. I was free, to do what I wished. I fled the country. The council didn't track me down. They knew what had happened. They knew I should be punished. But since I was treated so unfairly, even though he was my sire, they let me go. Under one condition." Jiresue took Mina's shivering hands in her own, holding them to her lips. "When I find my love, I cannot turn them. And I've found my love."

Mina blinked, gently tugging her hands back. "But...Jiresue...what are you taking about? You can't love me. You can't. You want to kill me. You just said..." Jiresue shook her head fiercely. "No, no. I don't. I can't believe I said those things. It's hard for me to think of hurting you anyway. I should kill you. I should make you leave. But I can't. I won't be able to kill you, I would hate myself. But I can't let you go, I would never know love then. At least, I wouldn't know it truly. I thought I would be able to. Dispose of you, so I wouldn't need to worry about loving and losing you." Mina closed her eyes, letting every syllable soak in. This was...confusing, to say the least. She found herself torn. Actually torn between two choices.

"Jiresue...no, you can't do this to me. I've been plotting to leave. To trick you into trusting me. Then escaping. But...but..." Jiresue winced, sighing. "Go. You wish to go. I can't keep you here. It would be selfish of me." She stepped back several feet, tears falling from her own eyes. "Go, Mina. Now." The girl stepped forward, her lower lip trembling. She hesitated, and Jiresue saw it. "Go!" she screamed, hissing through her front teeth. Mina jumped, and this time without hesitation, took off. Her hair flew wildly behind her as she ran through the halls, searching for the front door. She knew Jiresue must have dropped the magic on the manor, otherwise she would not be able to leave. She found the front door soon, and paused. Jiresue stood there, her hand on the door. Outside the sun shined brightly. It was mid afternoon. Birds were chirping. She didn't recognize the area, but she didn't care. Fresh air wafted into the room. Mina stepped forward, eyes focusing on Jiresue. "Go enjoy your life, Mina. Go find someone to fall in love with. Forget about me, and what I did to you. Sooner or later I'll be just a dream to you. You'll forget me. I won't forget you though. I don't think I ever will."

Mina closed her eyes, standing in the doorway. She could step out right now. Leave. Forget this place. Forget what had happened. All she had to do was move her feet forward. The sun would greet her, and urge her home. All she had to do was...step...forward.

Growling quietly, Mina's feet moved, but not toward the door. She opened her eyes and ran to Jiresue, diving into her arms. The vampire blinked, but didn't push her away. "I can't!" Mina cried, burying her face into the woman's chest. "I can't leave you, Jiresue! I just can't! Don't make me! Jiresue, I love you!" The words slipped from her mouth so quick she couldn't stop them, nor did she want to. All this time here, plotting to escape. She knew she wouldn't have been able to. Mina knew she loved this woman days ago, she just didn't want to admit it. It was hard to believe. Being kidnapped, tortured. Yet she had loved every second of it. She couldn't convince herself otherwise. She had tried over and over again, but failed.

Jiresue lifted Mina's chin with a gentle finger, gazing into her twinkling eyes. "Mina...do you realize what you are saying?" she whispered, holding her close. Mina nodded, her lower lip trembling. "Yes, Jiresue, I do. I love you. I'm not going. I won't. I want to stay here...with you." Jiresue's lips twitched up into a soft smile. Her eyes softened. As she wrapped her arms around the girl, she pressed their lips together gently. Mina sighed against her, happy to be in the warmth of her arms. Their kiss lasted until Mina gasped for air. Jiresue chuckled, and swung one arm under Mina to lift her bridal style. Mina giggled, curling against her chest. The vampire smirked, and easily carried her through the halls. "Where are we going?" Mina purred, kissing her cheek. Jiresue wrinkled her nose, but did not answer. "Close your eyes," she cooed. Mina hesitated, but trusting her love, she obeyed. Jiresue held her tighter, and stepped into the large shadows in the corner of the hall.

Seconds later they appeared a floor below, in the corner of Jiresue's room. Mina groaned, her stomach twisting. "Sorry," Jiresue chuckled, "first time shadow traveling makes your body upset. It'll pass." Mina huffed, but wiggled to be let down. Jiresue carried her to the bedroom, and gently set her down next to the pillows. Before Mina could get comfortable, Jiresue was crawling on the bed with her, hovering over her body. Mina smiled, lifting her hands to gently scratch down Jiresue's sides. The vampire purred against Mina's neck, gently biting, though only in a teasing manner and not to break her skin. Mina tilted her head to the side, allowing the woman to nibble on her flesh as much as she would like. The woman took up on this offer and nibbled down Mina's shirt, slipping her hands under to softly grope her breasts. Already her nipples were hardened, mainly by the woman's experienced fingertips scratching across them. Mina giggled softly, arching her back up to allow the thin piece of fabric to be removed from her body. Jiresue's mouth immediately tugged on the bra straps, releasing them until it was joined on the floor beside her shirt. Mina lay there topless, breathing slowly and evenly. Jiresue just gazed down at her for a few moments, then with ease, slipped a hand around her waist and pulled her up to meet her in a passionate kiss. Mina's lips opened eagerly to invite the vampire's tongue to mingle with her own.

As always, the kiss lasted until Mina was gasping for breath. Jiresue leaned back to remove her own shirt, which immediately brought Mina's lips to her nipples. Jiresue held her close as the girl gently tugged on them with the front of her teeth. Mina trailed her fingertips down the woman's hips, then slipped them into the front of her jeans. While nibbling on her breasts, she also unclasped the button from her jeans and inched them down. Jiresue shifted her legs to allow the garment to be removed, and once it was on the floor, she pulled Mina's jeans down as well. Mina's legs entangled with Jiresue's, though soon she moved out of her arms to crawl on top of her. Jiresue blinked, but lay down on the bed with a gentle smile. She placed her hands on Mina's hips, pulling her forward. "What...are you doing?" Mina whispered, being pulled up until she was nearly sitting on the woman's chest. "Shh...just follow my lead, all right? You won't hurt me." Mina hesitated, but nodded. Jiresue pulled her closer, until her face was between Mina's legs, and her knees were on either side of her head. Mina's breath quickened as Jiresue's tongue flicked out quickly to sweep up the center of her petals. Jiresue held onto the back of her thighs, keeping her held there firmly. Mina gripped onto the head bar of the bed, careful to keep her weight on her knees so she wouldn't hurt her, not that she could anyway.

Jiresue smirked at her prize, and again flicked her tongue out to taste her, though this time moving the very tip of her tongue across Mina slowly, barely touching her. The teasing caused Mina's thighs to quiver, and soon a thin layer of wetness coated her. Jiresue was quick to lick it up, though keeping movement of her tongue slow and steady. Mina clenched her teeth, trying to keep herself under control when all she wanted to do was stop the teasing, and make Jiresue truly taste her. The vampire could see this already, and to lessen the torture of pleasure, she pushed her tongue a bit harder to separate Mina's lips, and travel her tongue in small circles. Mina gasped gently, gripping onto the bar in front of her tightly. Jiresue opened her mouth a bit wider, surrounding Mina's wetness with her own lips. The girl's hips wiggled and shifted, pushing down slightly. She smiled, and gently brushed the tip of her tongue to Mina's clitoris. Immediately the girl began to squirm more, and Jiresue's tongue was coated in her wet. When the tongue brushed across it again, Mina's loud moan echoed in the room.

Jiresue's nails dug into Mina's thighs, keeping her held firmly against her lips. She loved her taste, and didn't want to waste a drop. She slipped her tongue up and down slowly, turning the tip sideways to move along the soft skin. Mina shook above her, clinging to the bar tightly. She tried to control herself, but it was nearly impossible at this point. Jiresue giggled quietly, pulling her harder against her mouth. "J-Jiresue...please..." Mina whispered, her eyes shut tight, and her knuckles white against the metal of the bar. "Please...what, Mina?" Jiresue cooed, stopping her slow torture of pleasure, just to torture her more by making her wait. Mina shuddered deeply, biting her lower lip. "Jiresue...quit...teasing me. Just take me already!" The vampire's lips curled up in a dark smirk. "I thought you'd never ask." Immediately she dove her tongue directly into Mina. The girl gasped sharply, the front of her teeth cutting her lip open as she bit down on it. Jiresue's tongue moved quick and steady, circling around the sensitive nub. Her teeth closed around it, and pulled it into her mouth to better lick.

Ten minutes of this torture went by, and Mina was ready to scream. Jiresue knew this, and wanted to hear it. "Come on Mina..." she purred, tugging her clitoris with her teeth, "...scream for me." The girl didn't need to be told twice. She threw her head back, opened her mouth, and screamed the vampire's name just as she came. Her entire body froze, though the scream of ecstasy continued. Quick as lightning Jiresue was there to lick every drop, letting none go to waste. Panting Mina slumped forward, and Jiresue's hands quickly wove up to help her down to lay on the bed. Her chest rose and fell quickly. The vampire chuckled softly, pulling Mina into her arms. "There, don't you feel better now?" Mina nodded weakly, burying her face into Jiresue's collar bone. She held her close, petting her hair gently. Sighing softly, Mina curled tighter into her arms. "Tired, my pet?" Jiresue asked, smiling. She nodded, reaching down to pull the thick blanket over their naked bodies.

"Rest now, Mina. This has been a long day. You have much to think about now. So rest your weary mind, and let tomorrow's worries come when the dawn breaks." Already, the girl was drifting off into a dreamless sleep. Jiresue held her close, watching her. "Mina...I love you," she whispered, kissing the girl's lips gently before curling around her to sleep as well.