The moment Tania’s name left Loki’s lips, I instinctively let go of him and took a step back. My action caused my prince to gaze at me. The female vampire, who was to blame for my horrendous childhood, came toward her nephew’s son.

I could barely hold the anger that wanted to surge out of me. Not even Loki’s comfort was enough to quell it. Pictures of Nene bleeding out on the floor flowed through me.

I… won’t… forgive you!

“Oh, there you are, kiddo. I was hoping to see you before the ball.” Tania smiled, happy to see my beloved vampire.

Luckily, her red orbs were locked on Loki, but they soon followed his gaze towards me. The moment her eyes were on me, my blood ran cold. She appeared completely unaware of who I was, but I knew exactly who she was.

Part of me wanted to obliterate her where she stood, but I couldn’t. Even though I desired nothing more than to end her. Killing her in public would cause complications. That much I knew.

But I could barely…

I have to remove myself from this.

“Oh, I left something important back at the Café. Excuse me.” I mumbled, trying to hold on to myself.

A simple excuse that saved Tania’s life. I turned away from them before a second later I was gone. Never did I think I could run faster than that. I didn’t even care I was running down a city full of vampires, who were bloodthirsty for me less than a week ago.

The vampires didn’t scare me. Though, I wasn’t alone. Eli had been by my neck when I bolted. I hadn’t even realized it until I stopped at a lonely alley to catch my breath.

Fuck! Why didn’t I run to the room?

Well, Tania was on the way to the castle entrance. I honestly couldn’t even think of getting any closer to that woman. Just from seeing her from afar, I wanted to murder her. Eli sensed my mood since he stayed silent, allowing me to catch my breath.

I felt an undying rage raise within me. If I was in the coven, I would’ve destroyed a building by now. But I wasn’t. I needed to control it. A fruitless endeavor since it quickly peaked when Loki came after me.

The idiotic prince had left Tania for me.

Stupid…

He didn’t have a brain in that pretty head.

“Vivian?” he called out to me.

His voice caused me to clench my hands into fists. I turned to him. All of my anger… frustration… It would spill into him. I needed to compartmentalize it. But I couldn’t. Not when Nene’s memory was so vivid in my mind.

The warmth of her blood lingered in my hands. I was a small child then. Now I was much more. An abomination, a monster. If I saw her again. Surely, half of the city would go with her.

“Why are you here?! She’ll be…” I snapped, gazing behind him, expecting the bitch to come running after us.

If she did I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from hurting her. Not even if my prince was there. He didn’t know what he had done.

“I told her. I’d speak later to her. What’s wrong, Vivi?” Loki worried, grabbing onto my shoulders.

Even though I had spoken about my need to stay away from Rem. I never expected to meet the vampire who made Nene plummet to her death. Never spoken to Loki about it either. There was no need for him to know.

Tania traveled often. Even spent years away from her capital and king. I never thought I would run to her. I had tried to keep my prince in the dark about anything that had to do with me. Well, when he didn’t need to know.

Just like that dream, where that god killed him. I wasn’t a kind girl at all. He was wasted on me. And he deserved better. But I couldn’t fully trust him like I wanted to. Not while his godmother wanted to end me.

Even though I wanted to blow on him. The genuine worry in his voice made me eat all of my anger. He would do nothing to hurt me. I knew that. And it made me feel safe with him. Perhaps a bit too much.

“Nothing.” I sighed, gazing at Eli.

Surely, he would’ve told him about my mood. It was probably why my vampire was gazing at me so warily.

Shit… my lie is shit.

“Vivi…” Loki began.

He would break me. I tried to take a step back but couldn’t. He wouldn’t let me. His grip on me was too strong. Yet it was gentle too.

How do you not see me as your family does?

“She… No, it doesn’t matter.” I assured him, biting my lip.

I didn’t want to cause any more rifts in his family. In response, my prince grabbed me by my chin, guiding my gaze to meet his.

“I knew Remi would throw you off. But her too?” Loki asked straight forward.

There was nothing I could hide from him successfully. His words caused me to wince. I didn’t want him to know more than he needed. After all, I was just a passerby in his life. My life had no meaning for him.

Though… those orbs of his seemed concerned.

Foolish boy.

He didn’t have to try so hard. It had been almost two months since we met again. And his warmth was becoming essential for me.

“I—” I began, only to be caught off by Loki’s finger pressing on my lips.

Eli released a low hiss before snickering. My prince scowled, not enjoying the interruption. We…

“Keke… I see a crow.” Eli whispered.

It was a safe word we used when we were being watched in public. Crows were a witch's favorite familiar. Yet they were also everywhere. Stupidly enough, me running down the town was enough to catch their attention.

A gracious save for me. Instinctively, I launched myself at Loki. He responded by grabbing me by my bum. The role of lovers was once again imposed. I couldn’t let them know we were arguing.

Well, we weren’t. My vampire was just worried about me. Something he didn’t need to do. But…

“Be a good boy and play along, okay?” I murmured into his ear, trailing kisses on his neck.

My sudden change in affection triggered my vampire to roll his eyes. He shook his head before pressing my back against the nearby wall. Luckily, this alley appeared empty. Although there were passersby on the street.

I had run into the market to run away from Tania. Leaning into my ear, he sighed.

“You better tell me later. Only then will I be a good boy.” Loki countered.

I scowled a bit before kissing him again. I only intended this to seem like a moment of affection. There were too many others around to even think of doing what we did the previous time. He responded well enough, too.

Well, I could barely breathe for how long he kept going. Though, the feel of his tongue was alluring and hard to pull away from, too. Especially with how sweet his taste was. He had eaten a dessert from the Café.

It was a pastry known as a Quesito. I had never had one before today. The treat was sweet and tangy. Though all that was left in Loki’s taste was the sweetness. I wondered if he could taste the one I had too.

Our soft members danced with one another when Loki’s hand suddenly reached up to my dress. Surprised, I drew away from the kiss when his fingers traced my vulva through my underwear.

“What are you…” I whimpered, feeling my thin stockings break.

“If you hold your voice in. No one will notice,” Loki smirked, playful as always.

He was right. It was loud and busy out in the street, but they could also catch us. Not that I minded it much. As long as he was the only one touching me, I didn’t care who watched. Plus, feeling him would help me forget who I had seen earlier.

“You’re crazy.” I huffed, not wanting him to stop, either.

“It’s a loud street. Plus, you get so tight on my dick when we’re in public. I love it.” He teased, using his thumb to move my underwear to the side.

We really were crazy. Both of us, but luckily this benefited me. It would show the coven how much the prince was into me. If they wanted to hurt him, they could get it through me. Or so I hoped they would.

I was way less defenseless than my prince. After all, I was a goddess.

“Then loosen me up.” I bit my bottom lip.

I wanted to tempt him into losing control. And it kind of worked. My prince’s smirk grew more defined when Eli became my seat again.

“Just don’t cry too loudly, while I fuck you. Okay?” he licked his bottom lip, unbuckling his belt.

"You hold yourself too high." I rolled my eyes at him.

He leaned over to my ear, lifting my dress. With it, he used it as a cover when he released his heat from his pants.

“I already want to pluck the eyes out of whoever’s watching us. Your expressions are for me alone.” He murmured, pressing himself into me.

I couldn’t help but giggle when he said this.

Such a silly boy.

“Stupid… I don’t care who sees because it’s you touching me.” I noted softly with a soft smirk on my lips.

I meant it. Yet in his eyes, I could see how possessive he was of me. There was no doubt in my mind, that he would wipe the mind of anyone who heard us if he could. Especially our spies. Even though they used a window to look at us.

Their physical distance was too far for my vampire to do anything.

“And you decide to be cute now? Out of all times?” Loki huffed, expecting me to be as sour as usual.

But after seeing Tania. I honestly didn’t have it in me. I wanted to feel him and erase her from my mind. Well, while I could. There was no way I would miss out on the chance of ending her. But that was something I would have to plan out.

The ball… might be the right place for my vengeance too.

“I just want you,” I mumbled, gazing at him.

His cheeks turned rosy pink, releasing a slight curse. A second later, I felt him shove himself into me. Locking my lips with his helped me hold my voice in. Though with every thrust, I couldn’t help but want to mewl his name.

Luckily, Loki’s tongue kept me busy. I always loved it best when he held me like this. Not the fact we were in public, but the way he was kissing me. It was too alluring to resist. I wanted more.

Pulling away from my lips, a string of saliva connected us. Licking it away, he pushed himself into me, filling me to the brim. A warmth was taking hold of me. One that I couldn’t push aside. It tightened the knot towards release with every push I felt.

“Do you realize what you do to me?” Loki asked in a trancelike state.

My legs trembled when I tugged myself to meet with his lips again. Clamping my fingers to the back of his head, I twirled my fingers on his soft white silvery curls. My tongue entered his mouth as he ground himself against me.

I drew away from the affection of our lips when a soft whine left me. It was useless to resist the emotion that swelled within me. I wanted to dominate the vampire. Even though we were in public.

Even as we were being watched. I desired to make him mine. To mold him into what I wished. Something a god should never allow. I had to stop it, yet I didn’t want to.

“What do I do to you, my prince?” I smirked, biting my bottom lip.

My question caused Loki’s hands to clasp onto my hips. His smile was so defined that I could barely hold myself from attacking him. We were crazy about each other. Something he was about to let me know.

“Don’t call me a prince. Fuck! You drive me crazy, Vivi.” He sighed, thrusting himself into me again.

Soft moans left both of us before I closed the small gap between us. However, I didn’t want to kiss him. No, I gazed at every expression he made while he plunged himself into me. It was so alluring, watching him wince in pleasure.

I probably was making a similar expression too. Biting my lip, I tried to hold the whines as he continued to shove himself into me. I loved him, and he loved me. Yet our feelings would never meet.

After meeting Tania, the way I felt about her ensured this. His family and I would never get along. In fact, I didn’t know if I could stop myself from killing that hag. The heat that was building soon came into a clash when I crashed my lips onto his.

I didn’t care who was watching, never did. My release took over me while I downed my voice with his tongue. I couldn’t help but twitch, feeling him thrust himself a few more times. Even though he had reached his peak, too.

He loved to push his seeds deep into me. It wasn’t to impregnate me. No, he was more sensitive after his release, too. And he knew that the voice that came from him when he did that always made me want more.

However, our moment was cut short. I didn’t expect the voice that erupted next to us soon after our release.

“Prince Loki, what are you doing here?” Gerta questioned, stopping both of us.

A cold sweat broke through me. Luckily, Eli covered me from where she stood. Though it wouldn’t be long until she realized everything. Well, she already knew what Loki was doing. My legs hung around his waist.

My dress covered us both, though. A soft curse left his lips before he gazed toward her. He was out of breath and in no mood for the intruding old woman. Though she couldn’t care less.

“Kind of busy, Gerta. Do you mind?” Loki huffed.

In an instinctual moment to hide, I snuggled myself into Loki’s shirt. It appeared I was wrong. I cared if someone saw us. Well, perhaps a few. Rem, Alijah, Dad, and the old woman who I had promised not to fuck the prince.

She caught me red-handed. The hypocrite I had become. Weak… brittle… A failure of a goddess. All because a boy claimed my heart. Though I didn’t want to let go of this warmth. I wanted more of it.

Even as Gerta caught us. Part of me didn’t want Loki to pull away from me. I still felt part of my high going. And Loki’s member still twitched in me.

“Oh, I can see that. Do you two have no shame? Here in public out of all places.” Gerta chided us.

In response to her words, I tightened my grip on his shirt. It seemed I stiffen myself up, though. Loki released a heavy sigh before gazing back at me. Slowly, he leaned into my ear again.

“Don’t get so tight. I might not be able to pull out if you keep this up.” He murmured, not really wanting to do as he said.

If it were up to him, he would go for another round, but we were being watched. And by Gerta, of all people.

“Shut it,” I grumbled, feeling the full blast of the embarrassment of our actions.

Being so young, I never thought someone would actually catch us. Especially by her.

Is it shameless that I don’t want my prince to pull away? Shit… Why does everything go wrong?

We were still being watched by the coven, too. Eli or Loki hadn’t said otherwise.

How will I play this?

I did not know. Eli, though, moved in such a way that he covered us. Taking that chance, Loki tugged away from me to fix his pants.

The warmth he had left behind in my core radiated while I fixed myself, too. Though, I strategically used Loki’s body to block her view from me. Cowardly of me, but I couldn’t face her like this.

It didn’t seem my prince minded my clinginess, though. I was a mess, and Loki enjoyed me relying on him. After fixing our clothes, he faced the interloper. I didn’t know how much longer I could keep this going, though.

Tania had drained me of any niceness. And the looming danger of Rem was driving me insane, too. The next day would be a tipping point for me. Gerta calling me out now would be the cherry on top.

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“There, are you happy? I stopped,” Loki growled at Gerta.

She hummed, shaking her head.

“Shameless. You’re a crown prince.” She continued to scold him.

At least her attention was on Loki, who had willingly become the target. Though I could feel her eyes scanning for me.

“I never wanted it.” My prince argued.

Eli turned smaller before floating towards me. He nuzzled into my hair before caressing my cheek with his head. If it was to comfort me, it wasn’t working. I wanted this to end, yet I knew it was far from over.

No, this was all just beginning.

“Too bad it follows you.” Gerta rolled her eyes.

Loki clicked his tongue, annoyed by the head maid, but before he could refute. She carried on. It was a lesson she was teaching us. Though mostly everyone knew we were fucking. Or suspected it. It differed from being caught in the middle of it.

Especially with no protection. That would be something, she noted. Loki threw nothing out in the trash that was next to us.

“You were lucky it was me. Being so absorbed into what you were doing can be a deadly mistake for a royal.” The head maid warned the prince.

Even though I refused to gaze at her, the tone in her voice was condescending. She was utterly disappointed by us. It made me shudder as I tugged on Loki’s shirt. I wanted to run from there. It was the first time I ever felt like this after we had sex.

It was almost as if we had done something wrong. And it was. This should’ve never happened. The fact we did this so many times was gut-wrenching. Yet I couldn’t stop anymore. I was past that point.

We both were. I was sure Loki knew this was wrong, too. And it wasn’t just because I was his maid. Not in the construct of things, I was a much higher being than him. Our ranking didn’t matter.

But what we were was another factor. A mortal and a god. We would never work out in the end. No matter how much we struggled. We could end like that god, who almost destroyed the cycle of rebirth.

Will I end up destroying this world?

I couldn’t allow myself to do so. So, I knew this had to end. We wouldn’t be together after I saved my vampire.

“Gerta, Eli loves to mess with me. It’s the only reason he didn’t warn me.” Loki scoffed off like it was nothing.

Untrue, the snake was too concentrated on the other intruder to notice the old woman. Though my prince wanted her to leave already, it appeared she wasn’t finished with us yet.

“Hm, I’m not sure about that. He seemed pretty into it too. I mean, don’t familiars feel everything you do?” Gerta countered.

My prince tensed up, triggering Eli to snicker. It was true. Familiars felt everything their summoners did. They felt the same affection and physical strains. Well, to a point. For these two it was more intense.

They were merged.

“Damn old hag, can’t you mind your own business?!” Loki snapped.

He didn’t want to continue this conversation. Their relationship appeared different from a normal servant and master, though. Gerta just chuckled before stepping aside. It seemed she had enough. She didn’t want to push the prince into a dead end either.

“Very well. Have a good day, prince. Vivian,” she bid farewell, walking into the passing crowd.

Luckily, no one else cared enough to peek at our ensuing troubles. Though it made me wonder when she spotted us.

Was it when I ran here?

That old woman was too much. She appeared to have been shopping for tomorrow’s ball.

Shit! My timing’s great. This is all my fault.

“Fucking Gerta.” My vampire hissed, annoyed by the entire thing.

He wasn’t happy to be called out like that. I tugged onto his shirt, causing him to turn to me this time.

“Let’s go, please,” I mumbled.

I didn’t know what tone I used, but Loki turned around and kissed me deeply. It almost caused me to stumble back. Luckily, he was gripping me. Pulling away from my face, he smirked.

“I didn’t like the interruption. But at least I made you…” He tailed off being playful.

My vampire was trying to cheer me up by making me get annoyed with him. It worked, though. My cheeks flushed redder than blood itself. He truly was shameless. I didn’t mind, though.

“You’re so vulgar.” I yelped, slapping my hands onto his chest.

This emotion was annoying but alluring.

Was it really something that shouldn’t be allowed?

I knew it wasn’t. Yet I hoped it would be. Instead of allowing himself to be affected by my mood, he kissed me again before leading me back into his room. Surprisingly, we didn’t meet anyone else on the way there.

It appeared Tania had gone to see Alistair. And Loki didn’t ask me about what was wrong with me either. No, he just pushed me in the bed and fucked me silly. We were supposed to watch a film tonight, but instead of that.

Loki bit me and filled my senses in such a way that I didn’t realize when I dozed off. Though I was woken by a loud knock that came from the door. I almost jolted upward. But stopped when I saw my vampire lean toward me.

His blueish-purple eyes caused me to sink into the bed.

“Hide under the covers, Vivi,” Loki murmured into my ear.

He had been watching me sleep. Eli stuck by me while I did just that. There was only one person who would knock on our door at this time. And she wasn’t happy that Loki stood her up. When he opened the door, a bicker ensued.

One I wouldn’t witness but hear. Even though it had been years since I last heard from her. I would never forget that voice that defined me so many years ago.

“Oi, what plans are more important than meeting your mom?! I haven’t seen you for almost 2 months!” Rem growled at Loki, who was shirtless and uncaring.

The moment her voice filled the air, it resonated within me just like that day. I had stained everything about her into my brain. Eli handed me the brooch from the floor. I held it close to my chest.

The necklace and it would have to be enough to hide me from her gaze.

“Remi, I have my own life you know.” Loki pointed out, desiring to avoid the complete mess.

He didn’t want to fight his mother, but he had to keep us apart. Well, especially while I laid bare in his bed, baring the mark for everyone to see. It would stay for thirty minutes after any direct contact with Loki, Oswald, or their familiars.

Eli was close to me. But wasn’t quite touching me. Though I wouldn’t dare stand up right now. Under the covers, I had little to no idea if Loki’s lingering touch marked me. Before I passed out, he was holding me so tightly and caring.

I lost myself in it. It was almost as if my prince wanted to let me know I was okay. That no one would hurt me. No matter who I saw or met. Even without knowing, he tried to comfort me. I was a pathetic being.

“Still… You can’t spare a couple of hours for me?” Rem asked.

It was obvious she was feeling rejected by her son. Even though they weren’t fully related, she was the woman who raised him. Well, until he met me, and I ruined that too. She was right about me.

I would destroy everything I touched. Yet I couldn’t let go. I didn’t want to let go.

Not yet, at least. I desired to have him, at least until he was safe. Only then would I let him go.

“It isn’t… You wouldn’t understand.” Loki sighed.

I knew he wanted to spend time with his family. But I…

Ah… I’m ruining this too.

I couldn’t help but grab onto Eli, who was quick to comfort me. It was better when I didn’t care. Loki should’ve left me like the cold-hearted bitch that I was. Or pretended to be. I felt horrible. Yet…

Loki, I’m sorry. I might be the cause that destroys more of your family. But I… can’t let you go. I… Shit. You should’ve run from me when you learned I was the god that destroyed your family.

Rem was right to call me a monster. I was about to cause a rift between her and her precious son. This was something I never wanted. Yet I could do nothing about it. If I wanted to stay near Loki, I needed to stay.

And he couldn’t leave me alone for long periods. Even if I were with Alistair, if a royal attacked me, he could do little to reverse what they did to me. And the attacker would have full reign over me.

Alistair would probably go berserk after my blood, too.

“Is your previous appointment with the girl that’s hiding under the bedcovers? When did you get a girlfriend? You don’t tell me anything!” she ranted a bit.

Leo probably told her about me. Even though I couldn’t see her face. I heard the tone she was using. And it wasn’t a happy one. It made me feel like an intruder in her territory. Rem would be a protective mother. And that was to all her children.

Dad once brought information about how she chased off one of her daughter’s suiters. I couldn’t help but feel the same from her voice.

“She isn’t my girlfriend, Ma. Please, just leave.” Loki huffed, getting flustered by her questioning.

“A sex friend then! That’s even worse!” Rem gasped.

It was probably less welcome than an actual partner. In her voice, I could feel the icy touch. She probably thought I was some whore trying to get the prince to impregnate me. It didn’t help that I felt Loki’s remains dripping down my…

“By the gods, Ma. No, it’s complicated. Please just go.” Loki spluttered, flustered by the entire thing.

Rem was bold. It even caused my heart to beat faster. We had never labeled ourselves, and we didn’t need to. After all, our feelings were well enough said through our actions. Most of the time, my words didn’t match what I did either way.

“Fine… I’ll see you tomorrow then.” She pouted, unhappy.

I bet she was crossing her arms, rolling her eyes at him. She wanted him to choose her.

“You will.” Loki agreed, not wanting to give in to her.

Rem, though, used the opportunity to take another jab at her son. After all, she wouldn’t play second to me. Anyone who went for her kids was competition. One she would need to crush. Oh, and she would crush me into oblivion if she knew who I was.

At least the brooch and necklace appeared to work against her. The covers were heavenly too.

“Sex friend or not. I hope I can meet her, too. She needs to pass my quality test for my children.” Rem shot back at Loki, catching him off guard.

For a moment, he couldn’t believe her words as he huffed.

“Okay, Ma. Can you not sound crazy in front of someone you don’t know?!” my vampire snapped.

I bet his eyes were twitching. Although her words seemed harsh, I couldn’t help but giggle. Rem was insane. Especially to live the life she did. There was no doubt in my mind that she was missing a few screws in that head of hers.

Loki sighed upon hearing me cackle.

“Look, can we talk on the side?” he tried to hold back the annoyance, but it was showing in his tone.

Though he had played right into Rem’s little paw. It was just what she wanted. A moment alone with her cub.

“Oh, now you want to talk. Maybe put on a shirt? I don’t think your girl wants other ladies looking at you like that.” Rem snickered, happily in victory.

She caught him.

“Ma… I… Fine.” Loki sighed again, grabbing a shirt before walking outside the room.

The door closed behind him, allowing me to rise from under the covers. Rem was an unenforceable foe I would have to avoid like the plague tomorrow. Luckily, we had to wear masks.

I didn’t know what I would wear, though. Or if I would even be allowed in. Though Loki would allow no one to take me from his side. He said he had a plan, but I didn’t know what it was.

“He’s annoyed at her.” Eli snickered.

I rolled my eyes, curling up into a ball while I sat. It had been a while since I was alone, without being in Loki’s watchful gaze. Well, I still was. Eli was Loki, too.

“Stupid vampire…” I mumbled.

My words caused Eli to chuckle before making his way to my neck. His touch caused my body to shiver. The smooth scales on his body always eased me.

“Vivian, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask. From earlier...” Eli suddenly announced.

I pressed my cheek against his body. Something about him made me feel safe, too. It wasn’t like Zephier either.

Eli… what god were you in your life before? Or were you a beast that they controlled?

A question with no answer, as he didn’t have memories of his past life. Though Edna believed the goddess of rebirth had a part to play in all of this, too. But nothing explained why I was at ease with this tame shadow demon.

“Hm…” I hummed, enjoying his presence.

Though, Loki’s void was one that I missed. One couldn’t be without the other. They were both mine. For the time being, at least.

“Why are you using yourself as bait for your coven?” the snake asked.

“So, you realized.” I shrugged.

It didn’t matter if they knew what I was planning. To me, all that mattered was if they would bite, and where.

“Well, Loki suspects it,” Eli noted.

I shook my head, smirking at the familiar.

“Better me than him. After all, those warlocks will wish they never messed with my links.” I assured.

He tilted his head before snuggling into me.

“I won’t allow that. I hope you know that.” Eli frowned, gazing at me, unimpressed.

It was the first time I had seen him like this. I gazed at him in disbelief. Why they cared for me was unknown to me. Surely, it couldn’t be because of my beauty. Nor my blood. No, their affection was too loving for it to be just that.

The feeling of Loki’s lips still felt vivid to me. I let myself fall on his bed. Eli slithered on my chest. He wrapped his body around me before poking his head and gazing at me. My eyes were locked on the ceiling, though.

“Eli, why do you… care for me?” I mumbled, keeping my eyes there.

“I wonder that too. Though, I feel like I’ve known you for a long time now, Vivi.” He answered.

I shook my head, covering my face with my hands.

“Well, obviously.” I scuffed.

I’m the goddess who caused you to get stuck in the soul cairn in the first place. Or am I? Why did that come to mind?

“Not like that. You know I lost my memories from my previous life.” Eli pouted, spreading his wings wide.

I reached to touch him. He was the size of a large boa, yet his body always felt so light on me. I was sure he could crush me if he wanted to. His feathers were so soft, just like Loki’s. His warmth was radiating from my skin.

“I know, while mine’s in a blunder.” I simpered.

My words produced the snake to shake his head slightly. It probably wasn’t what he meant when he said that. But before he could say something, I continued.

“Was Eli a name Loki came up with for you?” I added quickly.

He tilted his head upon hearing my question. Summoners never knew why they would choose the name of their companions. Or at least that was what they claimed.

“Hm… I can’t remember. Though Loki’s bond with me differs from the others in his family.” He confessed, pressing his body a little against mine.

It appeared like he wanted me to know he was here.

“How so?” I whispered, tracing my hand down the length.

“We can’t block each other’s minds from one another. It’s as if we’re one and the same.” Eli informed.

I hauled him towards my lips before pressing them against his smooth scales.

“Aren’t all summoned shadows like that?” I mumbled, enjoying the feeling he left on me.

Loki was always so hot and heavy, while Eli’s touch was tender. Luckily, I had gotten used to my vampire’s bite. Well, somewhat. I could have a level head after a bit of fucking. Even though the burn was still lit within me.

“No, Shade, Ruzgard and even Zephier are different. It’s why I can say he’s very annoyed at his mom. She kind of ambushed him with the complete family outside.” He snickered, enjoying my touch on him, too.

He was always more pleasant than Loki. Then again, they were both mine. The fact that their souls were more entwined with one another didn’t matter to me.

“Little Luna doesn’t want him to go. All the while, all he wants is to be with you. Like I do. Unlike him, I’m successful in this task, though. And it doesn’t please him to know that.” Eli cackled in victory.

Especially with how affectionate I was being with him. Not that I cared. I loved them both. And just as I did, I couldn’t tell either of them my emotions.

“Well, Rem’s clever at times. At least he’s safe around them.” I chuckled, pressing my hand against Eli’s scales.

“That he is. It’s why I stayed with you.” Eli purred into my ear.

Shivers ran down my spine when he flicked his tongue against my skin. He was too much too. One like the other.

“Hm… Will he go with them?” I asked, feeling a bit lonely at the thought.

Eli was calm, while Loki was my storm. I couldn’t be without one. Yet… if it came to it. I would suffer only a few hours without him.

“No, he’s just waiting for Luna to let go.” He informed.

I shook my head and turned towards the side. The pictures were still all up there. In the same cabinet, I had almost tumbled into that day.

Are the ghost of his parents watching our perversions? Are they observing our moves?

Though, nothing would beat them watching their son fuck the reason for their deaths. Well, watching him fall in love with it. That would be even worse. I was destroying everything.

“I see. He should go with them. I’ll be fine here by myself.” I mumbled, turning away from the pictures.

Only I could stop this. But I didn’t want to. I desired more. Even so, I would act in his interest rather than mine.

Don’t go. Stay with me. I need you more than they do.

Those were words that played into my mind. I had no one else who would accept me for me. Loki’s words and actions showed me all I needed to know. He was unique. The only one who would ever see me as a girl, instead of the goddess I was.

“Like I’ll leave you by yourself. That comes from both of us.” Eli answered.

I scoffed in response.

“Stupid snake. And idiotic prince. I don’t need you.” I mumbled, voice cracking.

Why is it so hard to push them away?

No matter what I said, they would always come back. And what was worse was that the verbal abuse seemed to turn them on even more. They really were too much for my heart to handle. After melting it, the two wouldn’t relent.

Yet I wouldn’t either. My heart although theirs, I wouldn’t allow them to know. I clasped my brooch to my chest. Eli slipped through the covers and into my arms.

“Well, know that you’re ours.” He snickered.

I pressed one of my hands into his cheek. He opened his mouth as my fingertips touch his sharp teeth.

“So full of yourselves,” I mumbled, grabbing onto his head before forcing him to lie next to me.

Of course, he could’ve fought me, but he let himself be guided by where I wanted him to be. And right now, it was in my arms. I treated him like he was a giant snake plushy. And I didn’t care.

“I’ll allow no one to take you from us.” Eli continued.

I shrugged. That was something they would never accomplish. No one would take me from them. No, I would leave by myself. I couldn’t stay with them until the end of time.

“You—” I began but stopped the moment another headache rose.

A groan left my mouth, wincing in pain. Another memory was coming.

“Vivi?” Eli whispered, concerned for me.

I could barely feel him next to me.

“El—” I tried to call out.

But plunged into the memory.

Elias! Don’t touch that! A female yelled from the distance.

Hm? Why not? It’s just a stupid book. I want to see why Yama’s so hung up on this thing. I’ve got a bad feeling. The one named Elias answered.

If he catches you. He’ll hurt you, brother. Let’s just go report this to Fenrir. The wary goddess declared.

They were intruding on someone’s property. But everything was so blurry. I couldn’t make out much of how they appeared. Though that would change when the two got closer.

I’m not scared of Yama. Elias scoffed at his sister.

I don’t know. He killed Valdios. His army is growing every day too. We really shouldn’t be here. I don’t want to join the dead. The female tried to persuade her brother to no avail.

However, her brother wasn’t budging. She wouldn’t stop there, though.

Look, I want to help Fenrir too. But this is too much. I don’t want to lose you like he lost Valdios. She continued.

Elias wouldn’t stop, though. Not for her. No, something was drawing him to his destiny.

Grow up. We aren’t as close as they were. You will be fine if you lose me. He shrugged, walking closer to me.

I lay on a pedestal.

Nothing about this feels right. Something about that book is drawing me to it. Midnight might want to know. I need to get closer. His voice got closer to me.

What? Do you feel something? The female questioned, confused.

It’s in pain. I think it wants to cry. Elias answered.

What? It’s just a book though. The goddess countered.

I don’t think so. He scoffed.

The moment they got close enough. I finally saw how they appeared. They both appeared young. A boy and girl. They both had blue eyes and white hair. The boy's face, though, was full of kindness.

The way he gazed at me wasn’t like the others. He didn’t look at me as a normal tool.

Geez, you’re always a dreamer god of emotions. The girl rolled her eyes.

I didn’t impress her as he was. Though her eyes were also the same as his. Not like the ones I was used to. No, they were different. Warmer. The moment he grabbed me. I felt a shocking rush through my core.

Dread... It was one of the first times I felt fear for someone else. I had experienced already what happened to intruders, but this boy's eyes. He didn’t deserve what was coming. If only they could hear me.

Please, put me down before he comes! I tried to warn.

But no one could ever hear me. Though the boy’s eyes widened. He appeared surprised by something.

What? He muttered under his breath.

At the same time, the door slammed open.

Oh my, what do we have here? A voice that sent shivers down my spine declared.

Elias! The female screamed after being slammed to the floor by another god.

It had been a surprise trap for them.

Silence, Zephyrus. Her captor snapped at her.

A small whimper left her lips as Elias’s grip on me tightened. His expression wasn’t one of kindness anymore. Again, I would be helpless to stop what was happening.

I demand to know what the meaning is of this. Why can I feel the pain coming from something Yama claim to be an object?! Elias snarled at the gods in the room.

Do you feel me? I mumbled, causing my holder to gaze at me again.

For a moment, he rose me up. He was utterly bewildered.

Impossible… A child? Elias appeared in agony upon realizing the book he held wasn’t just a lifeless tool.

A second later, the boy’s knees were on the ground while he held me close to his chest. I couldn’t understand at that moment, but he surrendered. His sister was captive, and I had turned out to be something else.

Although that didn’t stop the gods from beating him to a pulp.

Stop don’t hurt him! Zephyrus cried at the bloody mess her brother was.

Silence, Yama will decide what to do with your pretty face, flower goddess. Her captor snickered, enjoying the beating that he was witnessing.

He still held me close and was only pried away from his hands once he lost consciousness.

Elias!

“Vivian?” Loki called out.

My eyes flew open as I launched myself at him. I didn’t know how to feel anymore.

What was the meaning of that memory? Why did it rise now out of all times?

I didn’t even ask how; my prince was back. Instead, I kissed him.

Elias… Zephyrus… Can it…

Eli coiled around my body as I made out with his summoner. Loki didn’t know what was wrong with me. Yet he didn’t yank me away. Instead, he sat on the bed, allowing me to do what I pleased with him.

He probably hadn’t shaken off Rem and his family yet. And there I was, attacking him straight on. Eli was usually silent while Loki was in the room.

Though this time he was mumbling my name while I kept his summoner's lips busy. Lifting his shirt, I roamed his upper body. He moaned into our kiss when I pinched his nobs in between my fingertips.

My prince pulled away slightly as I followed his lips. The motion caused him to fall onto the bed. It did not stop me from kissing him again. He could barely catch himself, though Eli tightened himself on me enough to stop my pursuit.

I didn’t want to think, to analyze. The reason…. The fact they were both shadow demons. That I fell in love with that same boy. That I caused his first death.

Will I cause theirs too?

“Vivi… You’re going to drown me.” Loki panted short on air.

“I don’t mind.” Eli snickered, enjoying the feeling.

His voice... No... I can't'

“Shut up, snake.” My prince snapped at his familiar, who just cackled.

I pressed my hands against his chest.

No more...

“I just want to fuck. Let me fuck you.” I pleaded, voice breaking.

Tears threatened to leave me again. I couldn’t hold myself.

Why now? Why… did I have to relieve that now?

There was too much at stake. Tania, Rem, my coven, and memories that tried to drown me. I didn’t know how stable I would be.

“And you say I’m vulgar,” Loki smirked, unaware of my turmoil.

Though he knew something was up. He could guess that it was a memory, but which one he would never know. Neither would Eli. I would never…

Maybe it isn’t him. It can’t be him.

“You’re what I say you’ll be,” I growled.

It caused my prince’s smirk to widen. He was concerned about me, but he knew I wouldn’t break easily. After all, I never shared more than I needed to.

“And what am I?” Loki asked, playfully wiping my lip with his thumb.

“My fuck toy,” I smirked, crashing my lips into his.

Those would be the last words that left his mouth while I made a mess out of him.