Nikushimi

  Chapter 37:

  A Dangerous Proposal

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  It was a forest built from Greek columns to resemble trees, branching into a mimicry of a leafy canopy. Vines twisted up and around them to give a green shade, some flowering for extra color. The ground was soft, and each footfall was met with silence.

  Orion's Folly. Named after the hunter from Greek Myth, but not really having much to do with him. The only thing reted to him here was that the Minotaur, Bracus, was a hunter themselves. They stalked the grounds of this seemingly endless forest of stone trees.

  The columns rose anywhere from roughly ten to about sixty feet. A maze of stone. It was disorienting, but Elizabeth knew this pce better than most. "How many times did I try?" she wondered, looking around the forest, "Too many..." She had been working with a critical piece missing.

  Richard had cleared the dungeon just as instructed. This had earned him the skills [True Shot] and [Ghost Sight]. Each one helped him to see through illusions and enhance his shooting capabilities. [Ghost Sight] in particur would be incredibly useful, allowing his arrows to become ethereal and shoot through solid objects. [True Shot] gave each arrow loosed from his bow a slight homing ability, more than he had before, and it was a Growth Type, which meant he could improve it over time.

  More than that, he acquired Bracus's Horn which could be fashioned into a vambrace when combined with a few other items. It would help his aim stay true, but...Elizabeth was here for something else. Something that she wouldn't have realized if Richard never mentioned it.

  "Adaption..." Elizabeth muttered under her breath, drawing upon her skill [Mirage].

  Ghostly fmes flickered across her body before leaping forth into semi-real versions of herself. They formed in the fmes, each one a replica of her with a fraction of her power. She took a deep breath, centering herself. While they could act independently, there was a certain amount of control she had to exude in order for what she wanted to do. "Find them." She ordered, and immediately they vanished in fmes, rushing out into the stone forest.

  A notification appeared as she did this.

  ---

  >NOTICE!

  >Dungeon: Orion's Folly

  >The Time Limit has been reached. Increasing Difficulty.

  >Max Difficulty Reached.

  >Error: Anomaly Detected.

  >Adjusting.

  >Difficulty Limits Removed. Increasing Difficulty.

  >Error: Anomalies Strength Outside of Parameters.

  >Adjusting. Bracus's Limits Removed. Increasing Duplicates.

  >ATTENTION: New Quest – Skill Trial

  >Pyer Elizabeth Falcrest Von Angeal: Prepare for the Trial.

  >Trial of Duplicity: Defeat Bracus using only your clones. You cannot assist.

  >Number of Bracus Clones Remaining: 10,000

  >Number of Mirage Clones Remaining: 5

  >Time Limit: One Hour

  ---

  "An hour, huh?" Elizabeth smirked, feeling a little insulted, "Gracious of you. So, each mirage has been deemed equal to about two thousand Bracus's...how infuriating."

  Elizabeth's ghostly bluish-green fmes ignited around her as she became incensed at the insult, but she couldn't compin. She had finally done it...the dungeon, and those within, had finally adapted to her. With each clear, she had faced Bracus with only her clones. Finally, it had adjusted.

  This would be her fifth, and final attempt. She couldn't dey any longer. Almost a week has passed since leaving home...she had to return to Lucas.

  ---

  >Trial...Start!

  >Time Remaining: 59:58

  >59:57

  >Bracus Clones: 10,000 9,537

  >9,537 9,024

  Elizabeth's eyes flickered with an intense heat. She was confident in her victory.

  "I'll be home soon, Lucas..." she whispered, watching the number of clones diminish by the second, "Nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to stop me this time."

  >Bracus Clones: 7,328

  >6,409

  >5,399

  >3,001

  >1,487

  >358

  >15

  >0

  >Trial Results: Complete

  >Mirage Clones Remaining: 5

  >Time Remaining: 55:58

  >Reward: The Skill [Mirage] will evolve.

  >Skill Gained: [Living Mirage]

  >Description: Through the mastery of your fmes, you've reached beyond your limits. By sacrificing [Mirage] you create [Living Mirage]. A realistic duplication of yourself in all aspects, save that it is made from your ghostly fmes. It need not eat, drink, or sleep, but can do everything you are capable of. There is no limit to its range. Congratutions on surpassing your limits.

  ---

  Elizabeth could only click her tongue in annoyance, not that she wasn't happy about finally achieving what she had long searched for. She was simply annoyed that she had missed such an obvious discovery. It shamed her to have something so simple having taken so long.

  On top of that...

  "Almost five minutes..." Elizabeth sighed, disappointed at how slow she had been, "I've grown rusty."

  Looking around, the entire stone forest was engulfed in ghostly fmes that burned with the corpses of thousands of minotaurs. Above the mound of corpses was a singur, burning visage reflective of herself. Her hair was afme in dark teal majesty. Elizabeth smiled at herself, who returned a knowing nod before dissipating into fmes.

  "Now...it's about time I return home," Elizabeth stretched, turning towards the exit of the dungeon, a glowing portal that opened after Bracus's defeat.

  There was a certain pep in her step, for even though she felt disappointed in herself, she was excited to return. "Lucas...I wonder what you'll think of my double." It was amusing to know that she herself now had a double, much like him. An improved version, but nonetheless, anything that reminded her of him was always a bonus. Not to mention...how flustered he would be with two of her.

  "How cute..." she muttered fondly, hurrying on her way.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV, Cont.)

  Immediately after leaving Orion's Folly, Elizabeth took a shower in her trailer, not wanting to return home smelling of dirt and sweat after days of constantly challenging the dungeon.

  She barely did anything except wait for the gate to open once more. She was forcing the dungeon to adapt to her in order to push past what she was capable of. The reason she had never been able to do so before was simpler than one might think. Despite all the lives she's lived, not all of them sted as long as this one, and she wasn't always able to do the same thing in each life.

  It was always different when she would return. It kept getting earlier in her life, but there were a few rare exceptions when she awoke moments before disaster with little time to prepare. She had to always remind herself that she wasn't omniscient. Otherwise, she'd destroy herself with the guilt and self-loathing that came along with failing to protect Lucas in every single life up until now.

  In some of her lives she was simply too weak and died to overwhelming odds or an incredibly powerful creature that she had never encountered before. She wasn't infallible, but she did learn. This life wasn't any different. [Living Mirage] was proof of that.

  Of course, this life was very different from the st. To say she was stronger than she had ever been wouldn't be far from the truth. In the st few lives, she dedicated herself to improving her strength, and after losing Lucas in such a pathetic dispy in her st life, she resolved herself more than ever before. There were a few things she could do before the gates appeared.

  She trained her body every single day from childhood. She grew her family into one of the biggest corporate powers in the world and made a name for herself that held weight like never before. Gathered allies and resources to her in order to manipute the world in the way that she desired. This was her st chance.

  If she couldn't save Lucas in this life, then she would burn the world and everything in it. She couldn't bear to lose him again and start over...if she even could. "It reaches the very tips..." Elizabeth thought of Lucas's silver streak, the constant reminder of what he sacrificed for her, and his words once more echoed through her mind.

  "Make it count."

  She always had a theory that there was a limit to her regressions. It was based on that very unique, precious feature of his. Once it reaches the end...was it the end for her? That's why she was going to live this life as if it was her one and only shot. On top of that, his memories of the past were surfacing in this life, unlike those of the past.

  Sure, he always had dreams and headaches, but nothing like he did now. It was both comforting and terrifying. She loved that he might remember the fond memories they shared, but feared the pain it caused him and the terror of his deaths pguing him. The pills she gave him could only do so much, and she only hoped they continued to work.

  She thought long and hard about Lucas on the way back to the city. She couldn't wait to return to him, but the st [Message] she got from Maya, she had reyed to her that Lucas asked her to "take it easy" on the way back, which was just like him. He didn't want her to strain herself, which was sweet of him.

  Unfortunately, rexing was the farthest thing from her mind when another [Message] came through. Her heart sank and filled with dread. Her blood went cold as she saw what it said.

  "Lucas needs you. I've been compromised" – Maya Rosengard

  "He's in danger. You need to hurry" – Maya Rosengard

  There was no time to think as she tore her way from the back of the vehicle she rode in. The driver from Aegis exciming in both fear and surprise as the car spun out of control, but she paid it no mind, knowing that the driver was a B-Rank Pyer, capable of surviving a minor crash. Her main priority was clear. Protect Lucas.

  Everything else became secondary, even her own knowledge of the one she loved most above all. Unaware that he had learned a few tricks of his own. The only way to subvert expectations and surprise even her.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, Moments earlier)

  I took a deep breath, my heart threatening to leave my chest. The st few days had been torture. The ring was constantly burning in my mind, as was the proposal I had pnned for the st month or so. It had to go right, but how could I surprise her?

  She for sure knew what I had pnned. There was no doubt about that, but thanks to Maya's help, I had been able to, hopefully, keep some things hidden. Which is why I asked for her help once more, though she was a little reticent.

  "Luke, that's..." Maya shifted uncomfortably after I told her my pn, "I'm not supposed to leave your side."

  "I know it's not my best idea, but..." I pet Azure who nestled in my p, gncing up at her from where she stood nearby, "It's the only way to catch her off-guard."

  "I admit it will work," she stated hesitantly, "However, Sir, she won't be happy about it."

  I thought for a moment, but I didn't think she was right. Elizabeth would for sure be upset in the moment, and that wasn't very nice of me, but I didn't really have a choice. Besides...

  "I'll be sure to make it up to her," I finally said after a moment of contemption, "And to you as well, because this all hinges on you. You don't have to, but I would appreciate it."

  She shifted once again, grumbling something under her breath about me being unfair.

  "Very well..." she sighed, finally relenting, "But on your head be it."

  I took a break from petting Azure to csp my hands before me in a thankful motion.

  "I really do appreciate it," I told her sincerely, "I owe you one."

  "Several, actually," Maya corrected, clearing her throat.

  I rolled me eyes as she smirked, gncing at me with a mischievous glint in her eye.

  "I mean, who's really counting?" she shrugged, leaning down to pick Azure up, "The message is sent. You probably have five minutes."

  "Thank you, thank you!" I excimed, jumping from the couch and giving her a grateful hug, squishing Azure between us, "I'll take you for strawberry cheesecake ice cream! It'll be a date!"

  "..." Maya remained quiet, though I thought I saw a slight blush in her face, "Just make it count, Sir. She won't let you off so easily after being tricked."

  "That's the pn!" I beamed, grinning widely as I released her, "Truly, you've been incredible. I'd never have been able to set this up without you. I hope it wasn't awkward."

  Maya gave a small smile and shook her head.

  "Not at all, Luke," she reassured, my name sounding pleasant and having a strange calming effect when she said it, "I'm happy to help my two best friends, but...I should get out of here. You have two minutes."

  "Oh shit!" I immediately sprang into action, "Alright, go, go! I gotta get things ready!"

  Maya chuckled as she shook her head in amusement. I was truly grateful, but now was my time to shine. Maya disappeared like a wisp in the night. A whisper upon the wind. There one moment, gone the next. It was always impressive to see Pyers using their skills, but now I had to remain focused.

  I didn't have long before Elizabeth would be here. Running to the bathroom, I checked my hair and adjusted my clothes. I didn't have time to shower, but thankfully I did that earlier in the day. The penthouse was all ready to receive her for when she arrived.

  Walking briskly to the bedroom, I quickly lit every single candle I had pced in strategic locations around it. Flower petals decorated the floor and bed, and the overhead lights were off, leaving only a soft, cozy glow. Several chocotes were arranged on a fanciful gold pte near the bed, though I had no idea if we'd even get to them.

  I knew it wouldn't take her long to realize that something wasn't quite right when she arrived. Namely...why wasn't she notified of me being in danger? After all, the earring she bought me was just for that occasion, but that momentary pse in judgement was all I needed.

  The few minutes that Maya had given me was about as much time as I had to get myself into position before Elizabeth realized that she had been lied to. I had to ensure that the lie held some truth, and as much as Maya didn't like it...I wasn't a particurly big fan of it either, and it was my idea. Walking out onto the terrace from the bedroom, I adjusted the bottle of wine I had chilled on ice and the two crystal gsses we would, hopefully, use.

  Then, I approached the edge of the balcony and looked down. That was a mistake. Immediately, I was hit with vertigo and my fear of heights screamed at me. However, I felt the weight of the box which held the ring in my pocket, and steeled myself as best I could.

  "Damn it..." I muttered, clenching my jaw and pcing both of my hands on the railing, "This is fucking crazy...why you gotta be so difficult to surprise?"

  I silently berated her, but only teasingly. With a deep, steadying breath, I didn't have any more time to wait. Closing my eyes, I fought every single ounce of common sense in my body that was currently screaming at me. However, what was the use of common sense in a world so crazy?

  Gates have opened up to dungeons, monsters are real, magic is real, and above all...a regressor who has lived over a thousand lives has never stopped loving me after all this time. What was life if you didn't do something a little crazy to pull one over on someone so prepared?

  "Here goes nothing..." I gripped my hands tight upon the railing, and with a single, desperate attempt...I leapt from the building and began to fall quickly towards the ground.

  Like I said, it wasn't my best idea, and as I tried to open my eyes, the wind whipping against my face and clothing...a streak of teal tore through the sky towards me, and a calm washed over me. My gambit had paid off.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  Her heart was racing and mind running wild. Lucas was in danger. "No, no, no..." Panic set in almost immediately. This couldn't be happening. It couldn't.

  Anger fred in her as she wondered who, or what, was so brazen as to put Lucas in danger once again. She wouldn't lose him. Not this time. City W was getting closer now, the buildings passing by in an instant. She couldn't lose him. She couldn't.

  What had happened to Maya? Azure should also be able to defend Lucas, but were they also in danger? "Danger..." The word triggered something in Elizabeth's mind, giving her a moment of pause. "That's right, the earring, why didn't it..." just as she thought that, her heart sunk as a notification popped up in her vision.

  ---

  >ALERT!

  >[Starfall Earring]'s hidden feature: [Danger Sense] activated.

  >Imminent threat to life: Lucas Avington is falling to his death.

  >Time Till Impact: 10 seconds.

  ---

  Elizabeth immediately activated [Von Angeal]. Damn her reluctance of showing him this side of her. She had to save him. They had to save him.

  Like a comet streaking through the sky, Elizabeth moved towards Lucas's location using the [Finding] enchantment attached to his earring. He wasn't far from the penthouse, but was descending at high speeds. She had to be faster.

  "There!" she spotted him half-way down the building in freefall. Her wings strained themselves, encased in her ghostly fmes as she boosted herself faster through the air. "Just a little more..." She watched in horror as he was helpless against the pull of gravity. How did this happen?

  She'd have her answers, but first...her arms outstretched towards Lucas, slowing just enough to cushion his fall, but not completely stop it. He wasn't a Pyer, and so the ws of inertia were still very real for him, and gravity wasn't a joke. To grab him immediately would cause serious injury, and possible death.

  So, instead, as she approached him, her heart aching and mind in a panic, she cradled him gently into her arms as she fell with him until she was able to fly back up with him safely in her arms. She held him close, feeling his warmth and still beating heart. Whatever relief she wanted to feel was overridden by the horror of almost losing him again.

  This was somewhat lessened as Lucas wrapped his arms around her neck, burying his face into her shoulder. The smell of him was intoxicating. Like a spring breeze.

  The danger had passed, though Elizabeth's heart was still racing as she nded upon the terrace of their bedroom.

  "Lucas, are you alright!?" she inquired hastily, setting him down and beginning to check him over, "What the hell happened? How did you fall? Where is Maya? Azure? What-"

  Her words were cut off as she felt his hand against her face. It was tender and loving, and as she gnced at him, his nebulous eyes stole her heart. All fear and worry was repced in that moment with self-conscious thought and embarrassment. It was unfair how he looked at her with such love in his eyes.

  "I knew you'd come," he whispered, looking over her face as if he wanted to burn it into his mind, "So, I wasn't hallucinating before..."

  Elizabeth was confused for a moment before her eyes widened in realization. She was still appearing as Von Angeal. She had not released her skill. Her heart began to beat quickly as she had completely forgotten, not caring in the moment because Lucas was in danger, but now that he was safe...

  "Shit, hold on, I'll change back. This is probably-" she began, but Lucas shook his head.

  "No," he smiled lovingly, "It's perfect. Nostalgic, even. Is this..."

  He winced, holding his head, and on instinct Elizabeth produced pills from her inventory and a water bottle. He took them sheepishly, thanking her quietly. Her tail twitched anxiously, yet...her heart was happy. She knew he would accept her like this, but because of the past leaking into his mind...she was worried for him.

  "Feeling better?" she asked softly, and once he nodded with a reassuring smile, she returned to business, repeating her previous questions, "What happened, my love? Why were you falling? Where's Maya? Azure? What..."

  She realized something as her words trailed off for a second time. She sensed no imminent threat nearby. The penthouse was surprisingly quiet, save for the flicker of candlelight and the gentle breeze blowing past them. That's when she noticed her surroundings, having been focused on Lucas until now.

  Immediately, her face fell into a deadpan understanding. Flower petals, soft candlelight, and wine on ice waiting on a nearby table. "This bastard..." she growled to herself, feeling a strange mix of anger and endearment towards the love of her life. Turning a cold gaze towards him, he shrunk back with an apologetic, skittish smile.

  "Oh, acting all adorable now?" she inquired dangerously.

  He shrugged, motioning around.

  "...Surprise?" he said hesitantly, knowing what he had done, "Now, I know you're probably mad, but, it was the only way to surprise you."

  "...I'm definitely surprised," she stated, trying to think of what to do with him, "Maya told me she was compromised...I can see why."

  "Don't be too hard on her," Lucas pleaded, "It was my idea."

  "Oh, I'm well aware of whose idea it was," Elizabeth assured him, tilting her head as she looked down at his fragile form, "What were you thinking?"

  "I mean, I wanted to-" he began, but she held a finger to his lips.

  "No," she ordered quietly, "Do you know how worried I was?"

  As angry as she was, she couldn't stay mad. In fact, it was in this moment that the worry and fear caught up to her. Memories of her past lives flooded her mind. All the times he had died. It was too much to bear as the tears began to form and stream down her face.

  "Don't you ever do this again," she pleaded with him, cupping his face in her hand, "Please, Lucas..."

  His face softened; guilt evident upon it as he reached up to caress her face. She found herself suddenly pulled into his embrace, surprising her for how strong he suddenly was. She didn't resist, allowing her head to rest on his shoulder.

  "...I'm sorry, Ellie," he whispered, his hand running through her hair comfortingly, "I know it was cruel of me, and for that, I'm willing to pay any price. However..."

  He held her tighter before holding her by the shoulders and looking her directly in the eyes. She was captivated in that moment with how tender and convicted he appeared. Wiping her tears from her eyes gently, he spoke once more.

  "The price of worrying you...was so that I could also make you happy," his words were genuine, and as she gnced at everything set up once more, she smiled, touched at the gesture, "See, that's what I was going for. You know everything about me and what I will do...I had to shake it up to surprise you. I know it wasn't ideal, but-"

  She silenced him in that moment with a gentle kiss, pulling away only briefly.

  "Shut up," she whispered with a devilish smirk, "I forgive you, as I love the surprise. You did all of this...for me?"

  "Of course," he replied breathlessly, suddenly sheepish, "A little dramatic, but...you know."

  He shrugged and she chuckled. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath and stood tall before him. Regal and commanding. He gazed at her with awe. This filled her with a surprising sense of calm. She really couldn't stay mad at him, and in the end...she ughed.

  "You have no idea the kind of danger you're really in," she told him, a menacing aura surrounding her, "You've not only worried me, but set up such a lovely surprise."

  He swallowed hard, chuckling nervously as her tail wrapped around his waist, pulling him close to her. She gnced down and smirked, seeing how flustered he was.

  "You did say you'd pay anything..." she warned him, and he nodded slowly.

  "Of course, I just have to...hey! W-Wait!" he began to excim and struggle futilely as her hand slid down his side sensually, reaching into his pocket.

  She enjoyed his squirming, pulling from his pocket a beautifully crafted bck box with golden filigree. He grumbled, pouting as the moment was taken from him. Punishment for scaring her, but nonetheless...it was still his proposal.

  "Say it, my love..." she coaxed, opening the box and beholding the ring inside, her heart faltering as it softened, "Say the words..."

  As he looked at her, he stopped struggling and smiled bashfully, his face becoming red.

  "Cheater..." he muttered, "I was supposed to get down on one knee and everything..."

  "Oh, you'll still be going down, my love," she teased, trailing the back of her free hand against his face, "Now, say the words."

  He blushed even harder as he understood her meaning, which amused her.

  "Ellie..." he took a deep breath, her name upon his lips filled with an intense love, "Will you marry me?"

  She smiled devilishly, pleased at the question as she took the ring from the box and pced it upon her left-hand ring finger. She admired it in the light of the moon and candles of their bedroom.

  "Absolutely," she replied without a single ounce of hesitation.

  Lifting him up with her tail, she gazed upon him with a hungry desire. Tossing the box away, it was no longer needed. No, now...something else was needed. To truly cement their retionship. Something that Elizabeth had been holding back on for a long, long time.

  "Tonight, my love..." she traced a finger down his chest, "You are mine."

  "Only tonight?" he asked teasingly, pretending to be disappointed.

  Elizabeth smirked as her wings enveloped them both. Neither of them would be disappointed for long, and soon...he'd be begging for her to stop. Unfortunately for him, she had no intention of doing so until her desires were sated. Oh, how she's longed for this moment.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV – WARNING: Smut/Sex Scene)

  I felt incredibly guilty, not intending to have caused her to cry. I only wished to make her happy, and I would do anything to make it up to her. While things didn't all go according to pn, I wasn't upset by the turn of events.

  Seeing Elizabeth as she was, I was reminded of something rather nostalgic, but couldn't quite pce my finger on it. All I knew is that I felt incredibly safe with her. Not to mention...attracted to this new form of hers. It was like I've seen it many times before, fshes of dreams that were once memories coursed through my mind, but all vanished as current events unfolded.

  The breath was taken from my lungs as she enveloped me in her wings, tail wrapped around my waist, and lips locked with mine. It was aggressive, hungry, and at the same time tender and sweet. Our bodies pressed against each other, closer than we had ever been. I wasn't sure if I was ready, but I had no choice. Her hands were exploring every crevice of me, grabbing where I least expected, and most wanted to be touched.

  She knew every single sensitive spot on my skin as I found my clothes ripped from my body. I bore all in front of her, self-conscious and embarrassed. She didn't give me time to process what was happening as she carried me with her tail to the bedroom, grabbing the bottle of wine as she passed it. I was caught in the moment, thrown onto the edge of the bed as she stood over me, looking down with lurid, hungry eyes.

  "Do you like what you see?" she asked of me, unfurling her wings to show the entirety of her majesty, "It's called [Von Angeal], or rather...that's who I was. Who I am. Is it unsightly?"

  She looked a little nervous after being so confident, though you'd never have been able to tell if not for the slight quiver in her voice and the shimmer in her eye. Here I was, completely at her mercy, and she was still worried about something like that?

  "I thought I told you..." I raised my hand to her side, caressing her lovingly, "You're perfect. I get the gist of it, from what you're saying, but no matter what...you're my Ellie."

  I wasn't scared of her, nor was I disgusted. The elegance of her horns, the beauty in her regal bearing, and the deadly nature of her form in general...it was intoxicatingly breathtaking. I was enamored with her, no matter the form, but something about her like this...I felt was the real her.

  "...Dangerous words, my love," she whispered, and suddenly I remembered where I was and just what position I was in.

  Her demeanor changed, no longer nervous, but more sure of herself. Her smirk quickened my heart rate as I felt her hand against my chest. Her cws pyfully dragged along my skin before changing into gentle, slender fingers that sent a shiver throughout my entire body. "Gods..." I found my thoughts clouded, my world focusing only on her.

  Raising the bottle of wine to her mouth, she bit into the cork and with very little effort, popped it open and spit it out. As she did, the armor she wore melted away like living metal, revealing every curve of her body. Not a single thing was hidden from view.

  "Damn..." I was completely entranced, her body captivating in the glow of the candlelight. I felt my temperature rising as she took a swig straight from the bottle, her eyes never leaving me. That familiar, obsessive glint within them. Before I knew it, her lips were pressed against mine, the wine shared between us. Its bitter, sweet dryness mixing with the tender softness of her lips.

  It coated her tongue as it danced with mine. Her hand trailing down my body, and with a gasp that escaped my lips, her hand had found what it searched for. She appeared pleased with herself as she began to move her hand slowly. I bit my lower lip, trying to suppress another gasp, but as her other hand found the back of my head, running her fingers through my hair before it firmly, a moan escaped my lips much to my embarrassment.

  Her touch was everything I had ever dreamed about and more. Her tail began to entwine around my leg, clenching around my ass, the tip of it gently massaging my lower back. She straddled me, dominated me...her lips running against my neck as she tasted me. I was completely at her mercy, shivering in ecstasy before I even had the chance to register the pleasure which coursed through my body.

  "Oh my..." she whispered teasingly as she caught my release in her hand, "That was quick, my love, but we're far from done."

  She lifted her hand for me to see as she licked it slowly, yet eagerly.

  "You have an advantage," I replied breathlessly, gring at her pyfully, "You know things I don't."

  She simply shrugged with a smug look on her face. If that's how she wanted to py...I was far from done myself, still throbbing with arousal. In the moment that she allowed me to catch my breath, I used it to my advantage, grabbing her by the hips, I flipped her onto the back, taking over in the moment. She id back sensually, smiling slyly as if to say, "What are you going to do now?"

  I traced my hands along her sides, her body quivering under my touch. She wasn't the only one who wanted this. For as much as she's held back, I've also kept myself in check until it felt...right. In this moment of passion, I grabbed the wine bottle from where she had pced it before kissing me. Leaning over her, I slowly poured a trickle of the liquid between her breasts.

  Its red hue contrasted against the darkened ash of her smooth skin, beginning to pool towards her stomach. Her eyes were curious, but soon she knew exactly what I was pnning as my tongue licked along her skin, pping up the wine which had found its way down. I cleaned her slowly, savoring the taste of her flesh mixed with the wine. It was...incredibly sweet.

  I didn't stop there, pouring little drops of wine upon her breasts before savoring them as well. My mouth covering them as my tongue pyed with her nipples, teasingly biting them gentle as a pleasurable moan escaped her lips. I was pleased that she was enjoying herself, which only gave me more confidence.

  I set the wine aside, no longer needing it to enhance the experience, for as my lips trailed down her body, her hands guided me between her legs. It was hot, wet, and sweet. The moment my tongue glided across her slit, her body tensed as she quivered intensely.

  "Fuck..." she moaned, breathing heavily.

  I found her legs wrapped tightly around me as she urged me to continue, despite just having orgasmed. I enjoyed the taste of her, becoming rather ravenous myself, though I didn't rush. I enjoyed her squirming pleasurably as I took my time pying with her. Licking across the small bump that sent another wave of ecstasy throughout her body as she once more tensed from euphoria.

  As she rexed back, I smirked proudly, satisfied with my work. However, I was far from done. Before I could even catch my breath, the moment I began to straight myself, her hand was at the back of my neck, pulling me back down on the bed.

  She already had the pillows ready, resting my head against them for support as the tables were once more turned in her favor. She straddled me, sweat beading her body. The room felt incredibly warm as I found myself ready for more. She knew this, smiling with that familiar devilish mischief in her eye. I could feel her against me down there, my cock impatiently waiting.

  She ran her hands along her body, against her breasts, over her neck, and through her hair. She knew I was watching, finding enjoyment out of the attention I gave her. She was too adorable. Even in a moment that was meant to be more erotic, I couldn't help but find her cute. She seemed to sense this, pouting indignantly as she reached down between her legs. I gasped as her hand wrapped around me, which seemed to satisfy her as she grew smug.

  Positioning herself, she teased me by rubbing the tip of my member against her entrance. I gred at her in a sulking manner, which she very much enjoyed.

  "Ellie..." I warned her, half-pleading.

  "I just wanted to see you squirm," she chuckled, adjusting herself as she grew focused, "I want you...more than you know. Ah!"

  She gasped as she pressed down, pushing myself inside of her. I echoed her pleasure, my fingers digging into her hips and ass. Her wings unfurled as she let out the most euphoric shiver before leaning forward against my chest, her finger tantalizingly running itself against my face.

  "Now we are one, my love," she whispered passionately, "Finally."

  "...Finally," I agreed, whispering back as I felt her warmth, not only of her body pressed against me, but the inside of her which enveloped me like a glove, perfectly fitting every inch of me.

  Her lips locked with mine as the night, and our passion, took us. Her hips rocking against me, faster, harder, and then slower before picking up speed again. I was putty in her hands, molded to whatever shape she desired, and she was the muse that I had singing my name until she could no longer find the words, lost to the throes of pleasure.

  Together, we created a perfect harmony, and after a couple of days...she was finally sated. For now, at least.

  -----

  Nikushimi