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CRASH! THUMP! CLANG!
The sounds of wreckage echoed throughout the empty hallway. Muffled behind a closed door, the clatter was still recognizable. At the very least, the disastrous noises were slightly dampened so as to not disturb the other inhabitants of the large yet barren castle. However, two of the four residents stood outside the doorway of the throne room, each on edge due ot the rampage that the lord of the house – no, the lord of the realm – was carrying out.
The meeker of the two subordinates was the first to speak up amongst the commotion. His amber colored eyes visible above his dark sunglasses showed his concern for his boss. More accurately, perhaps it was fear that somehow the master’s wrath would be unleashed upon him. Truth be told, it was a sobering thought – to fall into the hands of the flame devil when he was irate. In this instance, Rieta could not blame Emalf for appearing frightened.
Adjusting the shades that slid down the bridge of his nose, Emalf stuttered out, “E – Ef, man.” He audibly gulped, gathering saliva back into his dry mouth. Smacking his lips together, Emalf ran his right hand through his thick mauve locks. Scaly red fingers slipped through effortlessly, revealing the sweat beaded on his brow. A fellow demon accustomed to the heat of this world, his nervousness was evident to his companion. “What do you think… got him so pissed?”
Bright red eyes darted over towards Emalf, a tacit snap at him to mind his manners. However, Rieta also felt the need to verbally correct him on this. “Show some respect for Lord Ivlis, Emalf. And do keep your voice down,” she whispered, though it came out more of a hiss. As much as the woman revered her lord, she also knew when not to overstep the boundaries. In some way, Emalf and her were not so different – a righteous fear of an angry devil was something not taken lightly. Her clasped claws in front of her tightened their grip, keeping her own emotions in check to not add to the ruckus.
Emalf simply stared back at the petite beauty, his mouth slightly agape at the rebuke. He was used to being ordered around, yet Rieta could be scary in her own right. Another loud noise joined the cacophony, and the demon’s eyes snapped back towards the large wooden doors. He stared in trepidation as if they would burst open at a moment’s notice, revealing the two followers. Flapping his lips, Emalf soon found the words. “I – I just don’t understand… what’s gotten into him lately. He’s more aggressive than usual.”
As much as Rieta wanted to reprimand Emalf’s careless talk, she could not deny the honesty behind his words. Close to Lord Ivlis, Rieta was also finding it hard to decode just what the man was feeling. Of course, she would never tell the others just how deeply she valued her master. It was no secret that she was beyond faithful to him, yet none knew the lengths she was willing to go for the ruler. Those who lived in the Flame Underworld revered Ivlis enough – that much was evident in the number of soldiers he had amassed over the past few decades. Day after day of training, research, and practice in both physical and magical stamina raised a decent army ready at the devil’s command. However, despite their forces, the battlefield was not commonplace for the demons. Lord Ivlis sought power, and plans were “set in place.” At least, that was what he had said; the beginning phases of an invasion were soon to take place, and the world buzzed with anticipation. Nevertheless, Rieta questioned if this was truly the right thing to be focused on.
WHOMP!
It was clear that Lord Ivlis was not in the right frame of mind for any sort of battle. The current one he was waging within himself was surely taking it out of him. Rieta trusted she knew him enough to know when he was pushing his limits. The mere idea squeezed her heart in retaliation. What she wouldn’t give to take away even a modicum of his pain….
A few more minutes of banging, thumping, and the occasional roaring snarl soon began to fade. Having grown accustomed to the uproar, the ensuing silence was almost deafening. The duo stared at the large doors of the throne room, neither indicating any movement of Ivlis’ exiting. Even as Emalf breathed a sigh of relief alongside Rieta, the latter remained vigilant. Was her lord faring well now that some of his energy was spent? The more time they spent in silence, the more the she worried over her lord’s status.
“You, uh….” Apprehensively, Emalf turned his gaze to Rieta. “You think he’s good now?”
Emalf’s nonchalant words grated on Rieta’s nerves, though only minimally. He was not the most eloquent demon, yet she knew that even Emalf worried for the devil’s affairs. His concern may not reach the depths that hers did; her main focus was on the holed up demon experiencing a breakdown and not for her own skin. If Lord Ivlis ever deemed it, she would give her life for him….
The longer the stillness permeated the air, the more her heart ached for the lonely man shut inside. Too many nights she had seen just how deep some scars ran; how devastated and broken this commander in charge truly was.
“Emalf.” A command more than a question broke the quietness.
“Y – Yeah?” the demon replied, focusing his attention once more towards her.
“I will check on Lord Ivlis and make sure he is well. Will you go make sure Poemi hasn’t woken?” Rieta’s tone remained docile despite being laced with a demand in the form of an errand.
Through his opaque lenses, amber met ruby. An unspoken acknowledgment declared, Emalf simply nodded. Apprehension still lined his features, yet he merely murmured out, “Sure thing.” He raised his hand to rub at the back of his head, attempting to alleviate some of the strangeness of the evening. Rieta prayed that such a thing could be easily granted to Ivlis. Turning on his heel, Emalf brushed past her, headed towards his new mission.
The click of Emalf’s boots faded the further he went. A confirming glance towards her right showed no evidence of the demon lurking nearby. It was not that Emalf was unappreciated, though Rieta did question where his head was at most of the time. He cared enough – that much was evident in his loyalty to Lord Ivlis – yet she doubted that his devotion would measure up to hers. With the devil, things were… different. When it was just the two of them, Ivlis displayed vulnerability only privy to her. In many ways, it was prideful to think in such terms. However, many a night had been spent at his side, tending to all manner of festering wounds. The ones that stung the most were neither easily seen nor able to be padded over with bandages.
It was shameful; it was arrogant. Nevertheless, Rieta would take on this hubris title if it meant she could be of service to her world. Ivlis would speak with her; only she knew – only she witnessed – the depths of this fragile man. He was not a monster despite being dealt like one. A fate worse than death had been granted to him, banished from his home to reside forever in eternal damnation. A wasteland of fire and darkness were all that awaited him. The image of Ivlis’ legs pulled to his chest, his arms and winged scarf wrapped tightly around him in a feeble hug, was forever ingrained in her mind.
No. No longer could she wait. Lord Ivlis needed her.
Inhaling deeply and straightening her petite form, Rieta steeled her nerves to enter his inner sanctum. It was risky entering the throne room without being called, yet whatever punishment would be her due Rieta would gladly accept. Of course, Ivlis had never dealt harshly with her if memory served her correctly. All the same, she mentally berated herself for breaking her own rule. Defying orders was not something she took lightly when it came to the battlefield; boundaries should be no different. Nevertheless, impulsivity and an innate desire coursing through her bloodstream, Rieta pressed on.
Her large claws luckily hit off the handles as she turned them. Carefully pushing open the expansive wood, Rieta softly yet firmly called out, “Lord Ivlis?” Announcing her entry was at least the one polite thing she could do. Creaking them further open, Rieta continued. “Lord Ivlis, it’s Rieta. I’m sorry for the intrusion.”
No reply was readily given, increasing her heartrate as she imagined the scenarios. What if he was hurt? Could he have passed out from over-exertion? Neither were life-threatening possibilities, yet it still terrified her nonetheless. How much more would her lord need to suffer like this? This couldn’t go on much longer. The invasion could not afford to be held off for much longer. The more they delayed, the worse off Ivlis’ moods would be. That was something Rieta could not allow.
The distinct clunk and halt gave her pause. Through the gap it was evident that debris was blocking the path. The golden torch stands that stood on either side of her lord’s throne had wound up more than halfway across the room, hindering the rest of the door’s progress. However, this was more than enough to get through. Slipping her lithe frame through the opening, Rieta stepped into the ransacked chamber. Shutting the doors behind her was customary, yet she would be lying if she didn’t say she was a bit apprehensive. Sealing herself in with someone on the brink of a meltdown was surely a death wish. However, if it was for Lord Ivlis, she would even give her life.
Scanning the wreckage yielded what she had assumed she would see. Tapestries shredded through with a combination of claws and rips from other implements. Sconces ripped clean off the stone walls left powdered remnants on the floor. Scorch marks marred the rug and other sporadic surfaces. Items like the previous standing troches were haphazardly tossed to and fro. It had been quite a while since Ivlis’ outbursts, and the damage was certainly formidable. Nevertheless, it was nothing Rieta could not combat. In a matter of hours she could have this place looking as pristine as ever.
However, she was not here for clearing duties. The one she had come for stood in the middle of the destruction.
Slightly hunched over, his shoulders rose and fell quickly in panted breaths. Even from afar, she could hear his raspy gasps as he tried to get his labored breathing under control. His dark gray hair hung down in strands around his face, the red tips still aglow in fiery orange. His hot breath was almost visible. His signature scarf draped around him, the winged edges flared as if riled from his outburst.
“Lord Ivlis….”
The words naturally slipped past Rieta’s lips. Like a silent prayer, she remained in awe yet grieved by the sight before her. She didn’t even need to see his obscured face to know just how pained he truly was. Outwardly he looked like the picture of a raging lunatic, and for the most part, that sentiment was factual. However, upon hearing her whispered voice, Ivlis’ head darted upwards. Blazing orange and yellow eyes met hers, and a similar hue spread across his dark hair. A look reserved for the most vile and aggravating scum was directed at her. A snarl readily graced his lips, pointed teeth gleaming sharply in the dim lighting. Whatever torches he had not yet reached provided some illumination, though Rieta suspected his flaming hair would be more than enough to light the area.
As quickly as the look arose, it began to fade as Ivlis’ facial features grew less rigid. The fury that had been so readily available to unleash another wave died down as his eyes locked with the familiar caring rubies. His shoulders now depleted of strength steadily drooped. His fiery demeanor began to lessen though embers still smoldered in his eyes. A flicker of pride refusing to let go after being found in such a state – a trait that Rieta both loved and despised. His grief was always masked behind such walls, though she supposed she could not blame him. Right now was not the time to let her emotions lead her around. This had to be dealt with pragmatically and not based off her own assumptions, even though she suspected everything she was thinking was the truth.
“What is it, Rieta?”
His voice was raw, scratchy. Simply hearing it left the sensation in her own throat. Swallowing the saliva that had gathered in her mouth to alleviate the desert, Rieta straightened her form. Clasping her hands in front of her, she bowed low at the hips. Her long ponytail swished over her bare shoulder, hitting the floor with its length.
“My apologies, Lord Ivlis,” she began, mindful of her manners. Formalities were crucial in treating her lord with utmost respect. “I heard noises, and I came to investigate. Are you alright, my lord?”
Silence permeated the air as Ivlis’ gaze bore into her. Under his scrutinizing, heated orbs, she suspected he knew this was a white lie. Both of them knew that it was not something as trivial as this; not with Rieta. The crackling flames of the surviving torches was the only sound filling the room. The stillness was defining, and Rieta found herself tightening her claws around each other in trepidation. A bead of sweat ran down her back, the hair on the back of her neck bristling. Perhaps she had finally overstepped her bounds this time? Mentally berating herself, Rieta squeezed her eyes tightly, ready for a verbal lashing. It was the least she could do to repent for her rudeness.
Shouting had ceased for the evening, Ivlis only response being that of a heavy sigh. Practically hearing the air escape his lungs, Rieta’s heart fluttered inside her ribcage. The rhythm increased the moment he finally spoke to her. Even if his voice was raw from hollering and fire, it was still a much needed balm to her skittering nerves.
“I’m fine,” Ivlis finally replied. A very curt and dry response, but one that at least got the conversation going. Many a night that same reply had been given her, and equally similar times that response would devolve into moping and tears. During those moments Ivlis never spoke much if at all, seemingly lost in his melancholy as she remained at his side. Comforting words did little, though a few rare touches were provided to his shoulder. Mindful of her razor sharp claws, gentle strokes and pats were all she offered him. How she wanted to take this deepest pain from him. What she wouldn’t give to see him smile even a little bit….
Taking the unspoken cue to stand upright, Rieta did slowly did so. Outwardly poised, she politely bowed her head in acknowledgement. Nevertheless, the words, “Do you want to talk?” impulsively slipped over her lips. Her claws scraped against each other to avoid clamping them over her mouth.
No reply was a good indicator that Ivlis was not in the mood to do so. His golden eyes appeared less radiant than usual, soon cast off to the side as he seemingly avoided her question. It was foolish of her to press the issue especially when he had just come down from his fit. He had never directly given her any reason to fear retaliation from him, yet playing with fire was simply too risky.
Silence once more deafened the corridor before Ivlis’ heavy sigh echoed throughout the chamber. Turning on his heel, the crunch of broken décor gave way beneath his boots. Rieta’s heart sunk and a frown creased her lips. He was walking away; he was clearly annoyed, and her presence was only agitating him further. Perhaps this was a bad idea after all. A forlorn expression creased her features, though she quickly tried to hide it. Ivlis had made his way to his throne – the one object in the room that remained intact and unscathed from his wrath. Plopping down on the heavy structure, Ivlis gave a weary groan. Slumped in a less than dignified pose, the devil leaned his head against the backing. His curved obsidian-like horns rasped the surface, and his expansive scarf fanned out behind him. Raising a hand to his face, Ivlis’ held his forehead in his claws. Even with part of his face was obscured, Rieta saw immense frustration knitting his brow. She did not push the issue, remaining content yet vigilant for his next command.
It felt like ages before he finally spoke, and her pointed ears perked up. “I’m too on edge.” It was a simple statement, yet one she equated to the earlier question about talking things out. “I just can’t relax.”
It was difficult for him to come down after getting riled up; she had seen this before. Similarly to how she’d seen this state before, she also knew one way to help him burn off some stream….
In yet another brazen attitude, still bent at the hip, Rieta presented, “If I may, Lord Ivlis, I can help you … relax.” In a way she was grateful that her face was hidden as a red bloom spread across her cheeks. It was incredibly selfish of her. Perhaps she was only offering to gratify her own needs instead of satisfying his. At the thought alone, her cheeks burned more brightly in shame. Surely now he would readily have a reason to shun her. The first time it had occurred had been on his terms. In fact, she wasn’t even sure he remembered the incident. It had been the first time she had seen him so furious, his very being ablaze. His eyes heated beyond any she had seen before, his hair glowing in a fiery hue she would never have thought possible. At that time, Rieta had grabbed ahold of his arms. Those flaming orbs still burned in her brain as he focused on her. The sheer terror that had stricken her heart was enough to leave her breathless, yet even more so had his demand that fateful evening.
“Rieta, come here.”
A command she had longed to hear. A demand she would readily obey till the end of her days. Pressed down to her knees, she had readily serviced him.
Now she found herself in a similar position – only this time she was being the more forceful one. Of course, Ivlis had not pressured her into anything the first time. In fact, she had eagerly complied. It had been a shock, yet one that she secretly treasured; to expect that same treatment again was beyond selfish.
Rieta opened her mouth, ready to issue forth a slew of apologies. However, those same words that rang clearly that night once more sounded.
“Come here, Rieta.” His voice wasn’t as demanding, nor did he sound overly excited about the ordeal. Of course, she could not blame him. He was clearly in a bad mood, and his resigned sigh told her as much. Nevertheless, an order was an order. Straightening herself, Rieta made her way towards him, her flat shoes shuffling across the littered carpet.
Ivlis wasn’t elusive to her affections. In fact, he had a suspicion that Rieta cared for him in ways no other follower dream of. He was not naïve to know what she was offering. In fact, it slightly sickened him that he even had this thought on his mind. She had been the one to bring it up, yet him calling her forward was only going to enable the situation. He could not bring himself to do that to her; to take advantage of her kindness, her loyalty, her care. Whatever the reasoning behind it, Ivlis saw Rieta as much more than a servant. Akin to a daughter, though not quite the same like Poemi. Rieta was… an exception. Casting her aside after she came this far to extend help; it would be the epitome of selfishness.
Perhaps if he came off harsher, she would no longer offer such services. A horrible thing really – to shoot one down. However, he could not bear to let Rieta do any more for him than she already had. A constant companion, friend, trusted source – she was everything he needed and more when his life was crumbling apart.
Just what was the right thing to do? Take advantage of her kindness and play the part of an uncaring jerk? Or to lead her on and let her do what she pleased? Either option left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Stood before him, Rieta met his gaze. Her ruby eyes burned brightly, not once leaving his. Under such an intense stare, Ivlis found himself slightly heated. Of course, his rampant emotions were in turmoil, and chances were he was not thinking rationally. All the same, to see her desire – that she truly wanted him…. It filled an empty spot in his heart. To be wanted; to be loved….
Fidgeting in his seat, Ivlis simply nodded in confirmation. He was afraid to even speak, uncertain what words would fly out of his sore throat. Could he let her down easy? Tell her he was feeling better? All it would take was one simple word, and Rieta would follow whatever he said. Whatever he wanted – whatever he thought – it no longer mattered. As embarrassing as it was, Ivlis spread his legs apart as far as the throne allowed him.
Rieta slowly dropped to her knees, her strawberry gold locks draping around her. Leaning forward, she gingerly reached for his pants. As her long, sharp claws delicately unbuttoned them, Ivlis pressed his lips together to keep from moaning. His twitching member was steadily becoming engorged knowing what was to come. Even though she had been the one to offer such a thing – and he had accepted, albeit it a bit begrudging – Ivlis still found it humiliating. His most trusted advisor should not be reduced to something so vile….
His zipper making its way down, Ivlis placed his left hand atop hers. “Rieta, wait.” Stunned eyes stared up at him, concern etched across her brow. Ivlis watched her, hesitant to let her do such a thing. Why should she demean herself simply to help him relieve tension? Even so, the physical contact, the fulfillment of being desired…. The hollow feeling grew less painful the more he thought about it.
Making up an excuse as to why he suddenly stopped her, Ivlis fumbled out, “I’ll do it.” At his insistence, Rieta retracted her hands as Ivlis completed the rest of the process. Sliding down his zipper, his stiff cock pressed forward behind the barrier of his red boxers. His cheeks steadily growing ruddier, Ivlis slid aside the fabric, his member springing free from the slit. He pressed his lips even tighter together to keep from closing his eyes in shame. Despite his hesitation, he was already hard. It didn’t make sense to him – how he had developed this natural reaction to Rieta. Perhaps it had occurred after the first time? No – that wasn’t it. That would be far too shallow.
In many ways, Ivlis knew Rieta had always been... different.
Removing his hand from the area, Ivlis leaned back, attempting to get himself comfortable. If he positioned himself just right, maybe it would be easier on her, too. Contrasting thoughts flung around his addled brain, yet Ivlis proceeded. “Go ahead.”
It didn’t take long for Rieta to start, and her eager tenderness had Ivlis practically jumping on the spot. Her soft lips were the first to brush across his sensitive head, giving way to the warm, moist cavern of her mouth. Placed on her tongue, Rieta slid forward, taking more of his length. His claws painfully dug into the solid armrests, grounding himself from floating off. He shouldn’t be enjoying this; not after everything that had happened and who this was. However, his body foolishly responded, eagerly accepting the attention it was given. Come to think of it, when was the last time he had even touched himself? The instances he did were few and far between, and judging by his dick’s weeping response, he figured it had been quite a while. The tingling rush coursing through his pelvis left him shivering in ecstasy. Closing his eyes only heightened the sensation, and Ivlis deeply breathed through his nostrils. Attempting to keep his composure, he allowed himself to feel Rieta’s rhythmic bobbing.
Up and down, in and out – she effortlessly took all of him. He wouldn’t classify himself as large, yet reaching her uvula a few times certainly left Ivlis teeming with pride. All the same, his inner critic screamed that he shouldn’t even be enjoying himself; all the same, he couldn’t help himself. This was Rieta – a dear companion always there for him. No matter the day, the time, or the occasion, she faithfully met his needs in one capacity or another. In a way he supposed he was blessed; ironic considering the hellish life they lived. However, it was at these movements Ivlis was grateful he had at least something stable to hold onto.
Rieta’s tongue twirled around his throbbing head, licking clean the salty pre-cum already dripping out of him. A light moan eased past her preoccupied lips, and Ivlis shuddered at the primal reaction. His own moans were becoming increasingly harder to control, though he did his best to keep quiet. He didn’t want to come off as some sort of sex-starved maniac. Still, each glide down his shaft and over his prominent veins left him closer to the brink of carnality. Of course, he would never force Rieta into anything more; this was as far as he would pursue things. He preferred it this way. The reasons why were plenteous, though cohesive thoughts were becoming harder to come by. Between his earlier outrage and the new stimulation, Ivlis allowed his mind to drift. There was no use trying to hold back.
On instinct, Ivlis placed his right hand atop Rieta’s warm locks. His soft palm rested on the crown of her head as his pointed claws delicately slid into the thick nest. She was so soft; so warm – a feeling he had not experienced in quite some time. Everything was a jumbled mess, and he knew that his line of reasoning was out the window. All the same, Ivlis’ ego swelled ever so slightly. It was strange – in the most awkward situations, he felt pride resurfacing. Only Rieta made him feel this way – vulnerable yet powerful. He pressed her head closer to his crotch. Slipping further down her moist throat, Ivlis lightly moaned through parted lips.
To be granted another chance to experience her lord was a blessing she did not deserve. Accustoming to his girth, Rieta paid attention to every detail she possibly could. His taste, his smell, his touch – she would imprint it all in her mind. Her cheeks flared the more she rigorously devoured him. Back and forth, her head rocked in a gentle rhythm. Positioning her claws on his thighs to keep herself steady, Reita felt his muscles tightening as he controlled the growing tension. The moment he pressed her closer, her heart simultaneously soared and thumped. He wanted this just as much as she did....
With new vitality spurring her onward, Rieta deeply inhaled, huffs of hot air brushing across his skin. The growing heat blended with the moisture of beading sweat and saliva, causing Ivlis to squirm. As he did, he pushed himself further down her gullet. He momentarily feared making her choke, yet Rieta greedily took him in even more.
Fuck…. It felt good….
“Mmm,” Ivlis groaned behind his lips, pressing them together to keep from crying out. He was highly sensitive to begin with, and he didn’t to climax too quickly lest he startle her. Nevertheless, his control was slipping with each suck and movement. His nails lightly dug into her scalp as his twitching organ shot electricity throughout his groin. His hips bucked forward, and he moaned aloud. With his eyes closed in bliss, Ivlis released himself.
“Ahhh! F – Fuck….” A breathless cry spilled over his lips, uncontainable lest his lip burst from biting too hard. The warmth spreading over his body shot forth into Rieta’s mouth. Finally able to let loose in another regard, the flame devil steadily began to sink into the cushion, allowing himself to somewhat relax.
Rieta readily took his outpouring. Gulping the liquid warmth, her rosy cheeks beamed as she pressed her palms into his thighs. It was all she could do to keep her knees from shaking and collapsing deeper onto the floor. Even as her throat constricted around him, Rieta happily accepted any discomfort. With the last of his essence sliding down her esophagus, Rieta gently pulled back. Droplets coated her palette as she released him with a wet plop. Saliva and semen leaked over her lips, dribbling onto her harem-style pants. However, she did not care. What held her attention was the look on Lord Ivlis’ face. He seemed much more at peace; that much was apparent based on his stance. Still, the pink hue gracing his cheeks and the pleasant knitting of his brows showcased she had faithfully completed her duty. Seeing him in ecstasy filled her with immense pride.
With his hand still entangled in her hair, Rieta was only allotted to move a tiny bit. His member slowly growing flaccid, Rieta panted out, “Lord Ivlis, are you okay?” She hated to interrupt his apparent euphoria, though she had to be sure he was well.
After a few seconds, Ivlis steadily opened his eyes. Rieta’s heart skipped a beat seeing those golden orbs on her once more. What was he seeing in her face? Was it loyalty? Devotion? Or simply a place to quench his rampaging emotions? Either way, she was elated to provide him with whatever he wished to sue her for. Through hooded eyelids, Ivlis stared at her as she awaited his response. The longer he stayed quiet the more Rieta feared she had done something wrong. The jitters did not subside until she heard his hoarse whisper.
“I’m fine, Rieta.” A simple reply, but one that left her feeling a bit more unperturbed. Normally she had difficulty believing those words as they were always said in the heat of a moment when he was clearly not alright. Nevertheless, this time was different. He seemed more… serene if not a bit… shy.
Shy? It was a trait she rarely saw on him, though it wasn’t completely foreign. She had ever seen him act this way when given the chance to speak with him privately about his hidden pain. To view it now in a completely different light left her elated. As if carried away on a cloud, Rieta’s inner-self felt honored to experience him like this.
After what seemed like minutes on end – the only sound that of labored breathing and crackling flames – Ivlis retracted his hand. She similarly followed suit, removing her hold on his thighs. A quick inspection proved her razor sharp claws had not torn the fabric, and sigh of relief left her lips. As it did, the coolness of drying fluids alerted her to her messy presence. Raising the back of her sleeve to her face, Rieta prepared to remove the evidence. However, Ivlis hand returned to her, this time placed on her arm. Her ruby gaze met his, wondering if perhaps he wanted her to remain this way. However, as his honey-colored eyes bore into hers, Ivlis’ thumb gently brushed across her bottom lip, wiping off the glistening sheen of spittle and sperm. Rieta shivered at his touch. A chilling warmth ran down her spine, and she forced herself to remain upright despite her weakening limbs. His gaze was heated, glazed over in pleasure. However, something more lurked beneath the surface. A somewhat somber expression overshadowed his eyes, leaving Rieta to question exactly what he was sorrowful over.
With Ivlis everything was raw; beautiful; biting. He was an enigma – one hurt beyond anything imaginable. All the same, even if it caused her own heart to bleed in confusion, Rieta would readily bare whatever he faced as her own burden.
As his thumb languidly trailed off her lip, Ivlis continued to stare her down. A heartfelt whisper was all he offered, yet it meant the world to her. “Thank you, Rieta.”
Faithful to the end, Rieta bowed her head in reverence, her heart swelling and squeezing over this one man that had become – no, always had been – her world. “Of course, Lord Ivlis.”
Anything for her lord.