Chapter Text
The promise is kept.
Obviously.
I never even questioned that.
So when I open my eyes a few hours later - he's gone. But as soon as I turn around lazily, I can hear Mephisto cawing on his perch.
Sighing, I stretch under the warm covers and hiss when my leg starts hurting again.
Mephisto flaps his wings and stares at me intently.
"I know, I know", I tell him while suppressing a yawn. "Same procedure as every morning…"
I force myself out of bed and hit the bathroom first, washing my face and brushing my teeth, then fixing my hair. Next I put on a new shirt, fresh underwear plus a pair of short comfy pants. Lastly I take two painkillers and gulp them down with a glass of water. I'm tempted to take more than two - but knowing that the crow is watching my every movement, I also know that Sylus would be informed about this immediately and I don't want to ruin the comfortable mood or whatever it is that's been going on between us for the last week.
Walking over to the small table by the window, I take an apple from the fruit bowl and start eating it.
It's juicy and sweet, crispy and firm with a hint of sourness. I wonder where he gets his food supplies from since so far everything I've eaten here has tasted exceptionally good.
After I devour the apple, I have a peach as well and finally crack open a pomegranate which makes Mephisto fly over.
We share the fruit, picking at the sour kernels together. He's better at getting them out of the white crevices and I can't help but wonder…
"Do you think I'd look silly with a beak? It sure seems practical."
He gives me a weird look before finishing his half and greedily eyeing the rest of mine.
"No way!"
I press the open pomegranate to my chest to demonstrate that I won't be giving him any more.
He then hops onto my shoulder, trying to steal the red morsels right from my mouth while I finish it.
"You…!"
Finally I put the empty, thick skin down on the table and reach for a satsuma which I quickly peel and pry apart. I offer him one of the segments.
Mephisto takes it in his beak but after biting down on it he shakes his head violently and the small piece lands on the floor with a wet splat.
"You little piggo! Who do you think you are?"
I wipe some juice droplets from my cheek. He caws and flies over to his perch. I pick up the mushed satsuma segment and follow him.
Pressing it against his beak, squishing it even further, he turns his head this way and that way, refusing to give in. Juice starts dripping from his beak and finally he caws in protest and opens up. I quickly shove the citrus fruit down his throat.
"There you go… hasn't your dad taught you not to waste any food?!"
"What are you doing?"
My heart skips a beat and I gasp before spinning around.
I feel caught. My scalp tingles.
Sylus stands in the doorway. His expression is half amused, half confused. Sensing that he's not angry with me, I start to relax again.
Mephisto caws repeatedly, flapping his wings angrily and I look back at him.
"Oh, please. Don't listen to anything he says. He's exaggerating - and a very naughty bird."
Sylus sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose before walking over. "Stop it, you two."
He reaches for Mephisto and picks him up, gently prying his beak open and looking down his throat. He turns him up, feeling for something on his belly which is covered by feathers.
"How much did he have?"
"Half a pomegranate and a tiny bit of satsuma", I answer in between eating the rest of my breakfast.
He gives his pet a measured look. "You never learn, do you? Or you must love repairs very much."
I wipe my fingers at my PJ bottoms and frown. "Why does he always need repairs after eating anyway? He still has a digestive system, right?"
Sylus looks at me in surprise and lets go of Mephisto who flies away through the open door. "Why would I give him a digestive system?"
"But isn't he…", I search for the right term, "...like a cyborg bird? Half flesh, half metal?"
Laughing, Sylus starts undressing, totally unbothered that I'm still standing next to him.
"No? He's purely mechanical. The only animal remains I used for his creation process were the feathers", he says slowly and drops his black and red button-up shirt before reaching down to the front of his jeans and undoing the button, pulling down the zipper. "I programmed his AI myself and he used to be battery operated but lately I'm experimenting with different protocores to fuel him."
"I see", I reply absentmindedly, more occupied with letting my eyes wander over his naked torso now. Is he even aware of how he looks and what he's doing?!
"See anything you like?"
I blink and look up into his amused eyes. Heat creeps into my cheeks and also warms my ears. Fuck. He definitely knows.
I cough and turn away.
"So you're going to bed already? Isn't it still early for you?"
My gaze goes out the window and I wonder what time it is. It's always hard to tell here.
I wait for him to reply but instead I only hear the faint rustling of clothes, followed by naked footsteps on the marble floor.
A second later I can feel his warmth at my back, his breath ghosting over my shoulder, and something is pressing into my lower back when he steps even closer.
I swallow.
Raising my hands to feel my cheeks, I find them to be hot still. My heartbeat picks up and for some reason I feel nervous.
I close my eyes when his hand lands on my hip, causing goosebumps on my arms and legs. A shiver runs down my spine and I am suddenly very aware of the chilliness in his bedroom - a stark contrast to his warm body pressing against me from behind.
"It's almost six o'clock."
His smooth, velvety voice makes me sigh and I can't help but lean back slightly.
"...okay", my voice is barely more than a whisper.
"However, I'm going to take a quick shower first… you can join me, if you want to."
His hand moves from my hip to the flat of my stomach.
All his movements are always slow and measured. Unhurried, with clear intent behind them. Same as his pattern of speech. Deliberate, never in a rush.
It's as if Sylus has all the time in the world. As though he doesn't need to worry about running out of time like the rest of us.
Breathing out, I slightly shake my head. "N-no, I'll shower later."
"As you wish."
A moment later his touch leaves me and while his warmth vanishes I can hear him padding back towards the bathroom where he opens the shower door.
Soon there's the sound of running water and I realize I haven't moved yet. I rub over my own arms and look over to the bed. Well, maybe I can warm up the sheets for him? When he gets out of the shower he'd be warm and the sheets might feel cold.
But he doesn't mind being cold, right? Ugh, what to do?
Fuck it. I'm doing it!
Without further ado I climb onto the bed and get under the silky covers.
I don't have to wait long. Sylus finishes quickly and I lie on my back as I see him walk out with a towel wrapped around his waist and using another one to rub at his wet hair.
He smiles as he steps closer, a playful glint in his red eyes. With a quick wave of his free hand, there's black and red mist shooting towards the still open door and he shuts it with the help of his Evol.
"Oh? Are you warming up the bed for me?"
I nod and watch him vanish in the walk-in wardrobe for a moment. When he comes back, he's only wearing boxer shorts and a very tight, sleeveless undershirt. I move to the side, offering him the warm spot where I had been lying for the past few minutes.
His expression is unreadable when he climbs in and joins me before getting comfortable. Sylus rolls onto his side, facing me.
"You don't need to trouble yourself next time. I'm quite fond of the cold. But I do appreciate the thought."
Slowly, his hand reaches out to touch my face. I lean into the touch before turning my head, nuzzling his palm.
"Hmm…"
He huffs out a soft laugh. "Now you really sound like a kitten."
Carefully, I turn onto my side as well and scoot a little bit closer.
"Don't tease me…", I whisper and he mumbles an apology.
We're quiet for a while and Sylus just strokes my hair.
It's not uncomfortable to stay in silence together and I feel myself getting a little bit sleepy again even though I had slept for many hours.
"Does your leg hurt?", he asks eventually and I think about it for a moment before shaking my head.
"No, not really", I reply, my knuckles softly brushing against his chest.
He smiles and his gaze drops down to my lips. "Your breath smells like tropical fruits."
Instantly, I feel embarrassed. "Sorry", I mumble and lower my head, almost tucking my chin to my chest.
"Don't apologize", he whispers and cradles my face, making me look at him again. "I like it."
Suddenly my mouth feels very dry and I'm about to give my lips a lick when his thumb brushes over my bottom lip. I hold still and feel the blood rushing in my ears while I wait for his next move.
Warm breath is shared between us, washing over my face, reassuring and comforting.
I want to swallow but I literally can't move a single muscle. My gaze is fixed on his lips - though nothing happens.
His grip on my face relaxes and his hand slowly brushes down until it lays on the pillow between us.
I blink.
Then I look up and see that his eyes are closed.
Wow. Did he… fall asleep? Just like that?
I let out the breath that I had been holding and finally lick over my way too dry lips.
Fuck!
I can't help but feel disappointed and wait for another minute or so but Sylus's breath is steady and slow.
Clicking my tongue, I carefully scoot backwards and slip out of bed, trying not to wake him.
For a moment I stand next to the bed, indecisive, pondering what to do.
Well. I guess I'll simply do what I do every day while he's asleep: Walk the long corridors of his castle, exploring, day-dreaming, killing time.
Here goes nothing.
When my leg starts hurting again, I sit down in one of the furnished rooms and read a book while listening to one of his records. Some classical music by an artist I don't know. It sounds nice, very soothing. I feel myself relaxing under the soft tunes and submerge myself into the fantasy story of the book.
I only stop several hours later when my belly starts aching because I get hungry.
Putting the book back on the shelf, I notice that there are not really any personal things in this room.
Actually, not in any room, now that I think about it more.
Sure, Sylus collects records and instruments and weapons, gems and expensive little trinkets but there are no photographs on the walls, no picture frames on any of the sideboards or shelves. Nothing that looks amateurishly handmade, clumsily crafted somehow, made by himself or a beloved friend.
Does Sylus even have friends? Real friends, not just business contacts.
Does he have a family?
I try to picture a young Sylus. Some five year old kid with silver hair and red eyes, crying because he didn't receive the plushie that he wanted for Christmas.
The image doesn't want to form in my head.
For some reason, when I think of Sylus, I think of a being that just willed himself into existence. Someone that wasn't born or lab-created. Someone that didn't grow up. There had never been any younger version.
One day his essence just decided to take on a human form and PANG! - there he was.
However… he's not human - right?
…
Do demons have parents?
I shake my head and chuckle to myself. How absurd. Enough with these silly thoughts.
Time to grab a bite and take a shower.
//
After having a quick meal in the kitchen - prepared by one of his personal chefs - I stroll back to Sylus's bedroom. He's still asleep like a log, hasn't moved an inch since I left.
Mephisto is nowhere to be seen and I undress myself quickly, take some painkillers and carefully unwrap the bandages around my thigh.
I inspect the wound and take my phone to snap a picture of the crystal growth.
I compare today's picture with the one from yesterday and the individual shards are indeed smaller. Not by a lot, but it's definitely getting better after all.
So he wasn't lying to me.
Of course not. How could I ever doubt him?
Once I finish showering, I dress myself in just underwear and a tank top. I blot the area around the cut dry and let the wound get some fresh air before Sylus will tend to it soon.
I rub at my hair with a towel vigorously and brush it through once before letting it air dry.
Afterwards I sit on the bed and scroll through my phone, waiting for Sylus to wake up.
At first, I don't even notice when he starts stirring next to me. He doesn't make a sound either. But I know that he's awake as soon as an arm snakes around my stomach and hugs me sideways while he scoots closer.
I put my phone aside and look down at the silver head of hair next to my waist.
I can't help but smile. My left hand starts combing through the strands gently and he hums in agreement.
"Good morning, sweetie…" His voice is still raspy from sleep.
"Good evening", I whisper back and lean my head against the headboard behind us.
This is nice actually. What a relaxing way to spend the evening.
Sylus nuzzles my hip gently, mumbling something about how nice I smell. I snort and pinch his ear.
"Hey… behave yourself. No biting, Mr. Vampire."
He finally turns a bit and looks up to me. His eyes sparkle with merriment. "Oh? Now, I'm back to being a vampire?"
"You will always be a vampire to me. White hair, red eyes, fair skin, nocturnal, hates sunlight… Do I need to go on?"
"You forget the part where I have a heartbeat, eat regular food and not drink blood."
"How do I know that everything you eat won't turn into ashes as soon as you swallow it? And you could be feeding on blood whenever I'm not around."
"A fair point." He yawns. "And what about my other abilities? Can I turn into a bat? Fly through the night?"
"You can blink. Over quite a long distance, too. That basically counts as flying."
"I see. Seems like you have it all figured out, Miss Hunter."
I grin. "Of course. My colleagues call me the master sleuth."
"Well then, master sleuth, are you ready for your treatment?"
Sighing, I put my phone on the nightstand and nod. Better to get this out of the way as quickly as possible. Like always.
I tell him I already took some pills and he fetches all the necessities and gets ready.
The following fifteen minutes or so are painful as usual but I feel like it takes less time now to remove the crystals, compared to before.
Once Sylus is done, he cleans the wound and gets ready to wrap it up, when I take a hold of his wrist.
"Wait", I croak after removing the belt from my mouth. There are deep teeth marks on the leather.
"What is it?", he asks, looking me in the eye, a hint of concern in his voice. "Do you want to leave it unwrapped for a while?"
I shake my head. "No, it's just… I mean… I wanna try again…"
He frowns and leans back, the gauze bandage still in one hand. "Try what exactly?"
His tone is sharper than I'm used to and I can't help but swallow, feeling nervous again. But my request is not unreasonable. I want to get better as fast as possible.
"You know what", I say with a slight tremble in my voice. "Your Evol… you should try again. It's a lot better already, you said so yourself."
Sylus sighs deeply and closes his eyes while sinking back onto his heels from his kneeling position on the bed. "We've been through this. Last time didn't end well. Do I have to remind you that it actually made it worse?"
"Please", I beg and scramble to sit up. "That was like a week ago. Right after I received the injury. My body couldn't handle it, but it's better now. I had plenty of rest."
"No", he says, gentle now, "you're still too weak. You should let it heal naturally."
He looks at me again and reaches for my leg. "You're halfway there, believe me. Let me wrap it up so you can go to sleep."
"No!" I draw up my thigh, evading his touch. "Come on, Sylus, I'm stronger than you give me credit for. Don't you want me to get better sooner rather than later?"
"Of course, I want— hah, okay, fine."
He gives in. The defeat is plastered all over his face. He exhales through the nose. "But you will use mine. Not the other way around!"
I'm confused. "Wait… you want me to use your Evol?!"
"Yes."
"But I… don't know if I…"
"You can do it, trust me."
I think about it. I usually use my Evol to amplify the powers of others. Or to nullify. And sure, there have been instances when— I close my eyes and try not to think of Zayne at this moment. Wrong place, wrong time.
I lick over my lips nervously.
"Okay. Let's try it then."
I lean back until I lie flat against the bed again, trying to relax. Sylus leans over me, gently placing his hand over my chest before I cover it with my own.
My right hand finds its way to my thigh, touching the unmarred skin right above that angry, red gash.
Sylus nestles even closer, his cheek leaning against my own, his warm breath brushing my ear when he speaks.
"Relax… that's it… open up and let me in…"
My heart starts beating faster and I can feel a rush of warmth entering my body through the place where his hand touches me.
But it's not just heat - it's pure energy! Vibrant and alive. It spreads everywhere, almost electrifying my body. My breath comes in short, shallow puffs and I start to feel drunk. Or high. Maybe dizzy. Though definitely good. It's amazing and suddenly I feel like I can do anything. Achieve anything. No matter what I do - it'll work out in my favor.
I open my eyes and glance down at my thigh. My right hand grips the healthy flesh more firmly and I try to concentrate all that energy onto that one spot. I can see the red and black mist dancing around the open wound, weaving in and out of my flesh, melting, mending, patching up.
It feels very hot and it's a slow process, not exactly painful but strenuous.
I can feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, at my temples, above my upper lip… my hand starts trembling.
Faintly, I hear Sylus's voice.
"—gotta stop. It's enough. Come on… you have to let go."
I frown, slightly shaking my head. I grip his hand harder, forcing it to stay in place. "I'm almost there. Just a little more…"
All of a sudden, pain explodes behind my eyes and my heart skips a beat or two. I try to catch my breath. I'm so close. I can't stop now! The wound is almost closed. The skin no longer looks red and infected. I'm seconds away from healing it completely. I can feel it.
Then—
My vision goes black.
Only for a moment. But I know I'm on the verge of passing out. The world around me distorts in strange ways.
I blink my eyes rapidly. The flow of energy has stopped.
Sylus snatches his hand away as if he burnt himself. He leans back and holds it with his other hand. His face is a contorted mask of disbelief and something else.
Anger, perhaps?
"No! Not yet… I almost had it… I—"
I can't help but wheeze as a sharp pain shoots up my leg. I look at my thigh and I can see how the nearly closed wound suddenly rips open again like a busted seam.
Blood is gushing out.
My eyes widen in shock.
I gasp.
I scream.
The pain is unbearable.
I squirm underneath him and he curses between his teeth. His broad frame hovers over mine. Both his hands grab my thigh above the wound, wrapping around it completely and pressing down hard, cutting off the circulation. He shifts his weight forward, applying even more pressure.
I can't breathe. My eyes roll back.
"Hey! Hey… don't pass out, alright? Stay with me!"
My hands are grabbing fistfuls of sheets, my back lifts off the bed, arching, then falling back down, my upper body thrashing around while my leg cramps.
"Come on! Darling…? Just look at me. Look at me, look at me, lookatme!"
I try to think of anything else but the pain, but it's allconsuming. My whole brain is focused on that area, my vision swims.
His voice sounds so distorted and far away. I can't even make sense of what he's saying.
I barely register how Sylus lets go of me for a heartbeat to take the belt and wrap it around the top part of my thigh, pulling it tight.
Next his face is over mine, his hand on my cheek. It feels wet. There's a faint metallic scent. Blood?
His other hand blindly searches for one of my hands. He raises it to his lips, breathing a faint kiss onto my knuckles.
"Please", he whispers, "try to calm down… look into my eyes. Breathe with me. In… and out… in… and out… that's right… just like that…"
His right eye is glowing eerily.
Something is pressing against my heart - it's comforting, in a way.
And after a few panicked breaths, I can feel myself gradually calming down.
His voice still rambles on, and it's soothing even though I can't follow most of it.
I concentrate on my breathing, trying to block out the pain in my leg. It slowly starts to feel somewhat numb anyway.
I close my eyes.
After several minutes the dull, throbbing ache finally becomes manageable and Sylus cleans the wound and bandages it up before removing the belt.
I dare to open my eyes again and inspect his handiwork. The wrapped gauze is neat but there's still so many blood smears on my leg and the bed itself.
His hands are stained red, just like his clothes.
"I'm sorry", I grind out. "I ruined your clothes… the sheets…"
"Shh, don't worry about that."
He moves closer again and leans his forehead against mine. "Try to get some rest now. Do you need me to bring you anything?"
I slowly shake my head and close my eyes again. I kind of feel sick. The thought of eating or drinking anything now just makes me more nauseous.
But no matter how much I try not to think about food, the sickening feeling just won't subside. My mouth tastes sour with the premonition of stomach acid. The skin on my face starts transpiring, the places left and right of my nose feel cold and tingly.
My throat tightens and my stomach turns.
I break out in cold sweat and my vision is disturbed with black spots.
I need to get up.
NOW!
Weakly, I push Sylus off of me and clumsily roll onto my side, hissing when I briefly lay on my injured leg.
Somehow I manage to get out of bed and stumble towards the bathroom.
My hand feels along the wall for the light switch but I can't find it. I'm shaking - my whole body feels jittery.
With my breath coming out in short, shallow puffs, I just barely make it to the toilet bowl in time. My knees crash hard onto the cold, tiled floor while my hands grip the sides of the ceramic.
The light turns on.
And just as I can feel the little I have eaten this day coming up my throat, there are large, gentle hands, brushing back my hair and holding it out of the way while I lean over the bowl.
I'm heaving, retching violently, regurgitating my last meal until only saliva and stomach acid remain.
Sylus rubs my back in a soothing manner until my body stops convulsing.
Out of breath, I lean back and allow myself to sit on the floor for a moment, the back of my hand wipes over my mouth. I'm too exhausted to feel embarrassed about this right now.
He is right behind me, pulling me against his chest, holding me in a secure embrace.
I feel better already - like I always do the first few minutes after throwing up. It's just an immense feeling of relief and calm.
Sylus's fingers brush over my forehead.
"Better?", he asks, his voice deep and low, right next to my ear.
I nod weakly and he helps me stand up, leading me to the sink where I rinse my mouth and wash the cold sweat off my face.
After wiping away the blood on my legs and hands, he blots my skin dry with a soft towel. Then Sylus simply scoops me up in bridal style and carries me back to the bed.
I don't protest. I'm too tired to argue and under normal circumstances I would surely feel mortified about the whole situation. But right now, I couldn't even give two fucks.
Crawling into the middle of the bed, I let him cover my body with the dark silken comforter.
"Rest now."
He doesn't have to tell me twice.
I close my eyes and barely notice how he settles next to me, not leaving my side.
//
The next time I wake up - Sylus is still there.
I can feel his warmth next to my body, my shoulder pressing into his chest.
Blinking away my dream, I slowly turn my head before rolling onto my side, facing him. His red eyes are wide awake and full of sweet temper.
It's clear he has been here throughout my whole sleep, watching over me, I don't even need to ask.
He doesn't say anything, just calmly looks at me and at this moment I can't resist and just quietly reach out, cupping one half of his face. His cheek molds perfectly into the palm of my hand and I use my thumb to gently stroke over his cheekbone.
Sylus closes his eyes and leans into my touch.
For endless minutes, we remain in comfortable silence, neither of us speaking a word, lost in our own thoughts.
At some point, Sylus gently takes my hand and pulls it away from his face. His fingertips stroke the back of my hand before turning it and gliding down my arm with a featherlight touch. When he slides back up, his fingers slip into the palm of my hand while he places his wrist over mine.
There, he continues to stroke me, slowly and tenderly.
It tickles but at the same time I can hear the blood rushing in my ears and feel the heat in my cheeks. My heartbeat quickens and there's something hot and heavy settling in my stomach.
I breathe out and close my mouth, continuing to breathe through my nose - it sounds way too loud in my own ears.
My palm feels tingly and I'd like to scratch myself but I don't want to break this moment. Also, there's a strange kind of excitement I get from the way he touches me and I don't want it to stop.
Sylus intertwines our fingers and I take this opportunity to turn our arms around so I can look at the back of his hand.
After hesitating for a second, I take my other hand and touch his warm skin. Curiously, my fingertips explore his hand and arm. His skin is soft and flawless. I can't help but notice that there are no scars. None whatsoever.
Even on the tips of his index fingers - no indentations. Sylus probably never held down a sharp thread or a scalpel.
…
Zayne has a lot of scars…
I close my eyes and exhale with a low hiss. Don't go there! I don't want to compare them. I shouldn't.
With Zayne, it's long over. Long before the incident even.
I'm here with Sylus now. I need to stop thinking about my past.
As if sensing my distraction, Sylus gives my hand a reassuring squeeze and I look at him again.
"It's nothing", I whisper, finally breaking the silence between us.
"Okay", he replies and pulls my hand towards his mouth to place a fleeting kiss onto it. "Are you feeling better?"
I nod and try to smile. "Much better. Thank you."
We look at each other and I get the feeling that he expects me to make the next move. But what should I do?
It's not like I have a lot of experience with these things.
I take a deep breath and do my best to swallow that nervous knot that's beginning to form in my throat. With a fast beating heart I give his shoulder a light push and Sylus willingly complies and leans back, watching me curiously as I struggle a bit to climb on top of him under the covers.
When I finally sit atop his hips, I only then realize that this might've not been the smartest move. The way I'm sitting there, with nothing but my underwear - I can feel everything.
I lean back and try to shift my weight a little, which only makes it worse, so I stop moving entirely.
The blanket slips from my shoulders and pools on his thighs behind my ass.
Sylus looks at me from below with hooded eyes. He doesn't move either, holding perfectly still.
If I can feel it, it means he can feel it, too.
I breathe through my mouth and look to the side.
Shit!
What now?
A warm hand against my neck makes me turn my head back again.
Slowly, I reach for both his hands and interlace our fingers, holding on to him.
I wish I would know what's going on in that head. Though he rarely shares things unprompted. Maybe, if I make the first step… if I start to open up… would he return the favor?
"I had a strange dream just now, you know?", I start and squeeze his hands lightly, "I was young, still a kid, maybe five years old. I was walking along the beach and I found a piece of polished sea glass that sparkled in the sunlight. I was so proud of my trove and wanted to show it to my parents. But then I saw an older boy with silver hair, just sitting there, staring at the ocean. He looked upset and somehow it made me upset in return, seeing him like this. I approached him and gave him the treasure I just found. I wanted to cheer him up."
Sylus is quiet.
For a while, neither of us speaks.
Finally, he asks: "And then?"
"Nothing. The dream ended."
"Hm."
"Was it you?", I ask eventually, feeling like that dream wasn't a mere dream but rather… a memory long buried.
Sylus cocks his head slightly. "Do you want it to be me?"
I groan in frustration. "That doesn't answer my question. Why do you always have to be so mysterious? Constantly hinting at our past when I can't remember anything. Why can't you just tell me about it?"
He sighs and lets go of my left hand to tug a loose strand behind my ear. "But if I tell you, it'd be meaningless, kitten. You'll have to figure it out yourself."
I feel a twinge of annoyance and huff. There really is next to nothing before the time that grandma took me in. It's as if my life started at that point. And even after that, there are holes and huge memory gaps now and again. I don't recall ever meeting Sylus before I entered the N109 Zone several months ago.
I stare at him before leaning closer and slowly reaching out, touching the area under his right eye.
"Does it have to do with this? Your eye? Or rather… the aether core in it?"
Sylus doesn't respond, merely keeps staring at me and I take this as a 'yes'.
There has to be a connection. If only I had more puzzle pieces at this moment. I need to ask more questions, but would he even bother answering them?
"I… can I ask you some questions?"
He smirks and takes my hand, interweaving our fingers once more. "You can ask me anything you want. However, I might choose not to answer."
Of course. Typical of him.
I really want to know more about his origin and his family especially, though I have a feeling that those are exactly the type of questions he doesn't want to answer. Still, I can try.
I take a deep breath.
"Are you human?"
A deep chuckle rumbles through Sylus's chest and he closes his eyes for a second before looking at me with vast amusement. "Oh, sweetie. Have you ever known a human with red eyes?"
I exhale through my mouth. I knew it!
"So, what are you then? A demon?"
Sylus remains quiet, his lips still curled into a slight smile.
He doesn't want to talk? Fine. I take this as another confirmation.
Now, what should I ask next? Maybe if I word the questions in a certain way, I'd have a better chance of getting the answers I seek?
His gaze falls onto my lips and I give them an unconscious lick.
And only when his head lifts from the pillow and his face comes closer, I realize too late that he took my gesture as an invitation.
Shit! What should I do?
As it turns out, there is nothing much I really can do anymore.
His lips press onto my mouth, firm but sweet. My eyes widen in surprise despite knowing it would come.
The first thing I think is how soft it feels… and then I don't really think of anything anymore as my eyes close on their own and I stop fighting it.
tbc~