Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

I t would all pan out tonight . Leviathan chuffed at the delicious waves of envy washing over him despite him not yet reaching the ballroom.

Every precise detail, every spec of magic, nothing had been spared. And while the king may not have accepted his invitation, Leviathan did not need King Lucifer to ensure he reigned supreme in his realm.

And you don’t need a certain redheaded human.

Leviathan stopped in his tracks, his mind suddenly consumed by thoughts of Ashe. Even with all the preparations for the ball swirling around him, she was still on his mind every waking moment since he last saw her.

He couldn’t help but wonder if she thought of him as well—or if she even remembered their brief encounter with the torture she no doubt underwent. But one thing was for certain, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she had somehow left a lasting impression on him. A human with the power to draw a demon’s thoughts was not uncommon, but a prince was above such temptations.

Ashe was a fleeting obsession left to drive him mad with envy of his own.

He shook the image of her fiery red hair off - tonight was about envy of him and his realm. He would see to it that he never thought of her again.

As he entered the ballroom, all eyes turned to him. The women gazed at him with envy, whispering behind their fans while the men shifted uncomfortably in their tailored suits. The orchestra played a lively waltz, but the sound was muffled by the buzz of conversation. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the room as the heavy doors slammed shut behind him, causing a hush to fall over the crowd.

“And so, you are here,” he lifted his arms in a grand gesture as a devious smile slipped over his lips. All eyes on him were everything he needed to feed on their envy. Like a vulture, he fed off their emotions, reveling in the power it gave him.

“Enjoy this night! Tomorrow, Terra Daemoniums will be abuzz discussing this. Discussing all of you and my rule. So, indulge, enjoy—and remember who created this night!”

Resplendent cries of delight pierced the air, and Leviathan closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the sound to wash over him. It was like a wave crashing against the shore, forceful and overwhelming. His ears filled with the echoes of the cry, drowning out all other sounds. He could almost feel the vibrations of the cry reverberating through his body. As it faded away, he opened his eyes again, feeling both relieved and haunted by the powerful emotion that had just passed through him.

The room returned to its reverie, which meant it was his turn to walk amongst them and revel in their praise.

Leviathan’s eyes darted through the crowd of demons and dream creatures, his mind on conquest and victory. He inhaled deeply, his nose filling with the scent of burning desire and lust in the air—a heady concoction that made his heart race. The music grew louder as he stepped into the grand ballroom, its notes weaving an enchanting spell around him. His black wings brushed against the silken walls, leaving trails of soot in their wake. The candles flickered like wildfire as he walked past, casting shadows that danced on the marble floors.

His sharp gaze roamed across the room, picking out each subject with expert precision. He stopped short at the sight of a woman standing near the punch bowl, her silver scales glistening in the soft light of a nearby candelabra.

Her long, pale, almost white hair was braided into an intricate style that cascaded down her back like a waterfall, each tendril begging to be touched and tasted. His eyes traced her luscious curves that were more compelling on this demon than on any demon he’d ever seen, giving her a sinful allure. She turned towards him, revealing stunning emerald eyes that seemed to pierce straight through him.

It was if she was created just for him, made from the very essence of temptation and envy itself.

The music swelled, growing louder still, and Leviathan found himself drawn to her like a moth to flame. She moved with such passion that it made his blood boil. Her hips swayed suggestively, her body language one of pure sensuality. Every step she took sent ripples through the crowd, causing whispers to echo through the room. He could almost taste their envy on his tongue - it was bitter and bitterly sweet all at once.

His gaze locked onto hers as she glided closer, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Their eyes met, and for the briefest of moments, they shared an understanding — one that both terrified and exhilarated him. There was something about this woman that went beyond what he could comprehend; she held power over him in ways he couldn’t begin to understand.

His feet swept him across the ballroom closer to her, even as his every thought focused on her.

“You,” he murmured, extending his hand towards her. “Dance with me.”

She looked up at him warily, no doubt taking in his majestic form with wary eyes. His wings unfurled slightly behind him, casting dark shadows on the walls as he moved closer to her. A single finger beckoned her closer, this mystery demoness. She nodded once in submission before moving to him.

Leviathan stayed waiting, something in him remembering who he truly was and that she would come to him.

Her scent was sweet but not overpowering. It lingered on his tongue like honey on freshly baked bread, making him crave her even more desperately than before. It was forbidden for a demon prince to covet something they couldn’t have—yet there she was, standing tall and proud amidst an array of beautiful creatures who would do anything for his attention. . . and she had all of it.

His heart raced at the sight of her. She was utter perfection personified. . . and he had to have her on his arm tonight if he wanted any hope of being spoken about in whispers for weeks after this event.

She stopped before him, even more stunning up close, but she did not curtsey. Any other time, he would have been infuriated. With this demon, Leviathan assumed she was ignorant of who he was as he’d never seen her before.

“You are by far the most alluring creature here.”

A flicker of surprise flashed across her eyes, their deep hue darkening for a brief moment. Leviathan leaned in closer to her, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered the command. “Dance with me.” The music swirled around them, beckoning them onto the dance floor and tempting them with its enchanting melody. The soft glow of candlelight cast shadows over her face, but she appeared to be considering the offer as if she had a choice.

Only when she nodded did Leviathan make a move.

He wrapped a hand around her slender waist and pulled her onto the dance floor - their bodies swaying in time with the music that seemed to hum in perfect harmony with their hearts’ desires. Leviathan felt his blood sing as their skin touched. The taste of excitement lingered on his tongue as he placed a possessive hand at the small of her back, pulling her closer still.

The music swelled around them like a living thing, enfolding them in its passionate embrace. It was as if the very air around them throbbed with desire, and every beat of his heart matched its rhythm.

His hand slid down her back, tracing the curve of her spine, causing her to tremble under his touch.

Leviathan smirked with the knowledge of his power and leaned forward, forcing her to step backward and begin their dance.

Their movements became locked together—sinuous and sensual—their steps leading them deeper into the crowd. The other dancers melted away, leaving them alone in their own world of desire.

With every turn and spin, Leviathan’s gaze never left hers, his red eyes smoldering like hot coals stoked by an inferno. His fingers dug gently into her skin, just enough to leave their mark when he guided her through intricate footwork. Every step seemed choreographed to an intimate rhythm only they could hear as they moved together seamlessly through the crowd.

The music built up its pace as if urging them onward while also slowing down in moments that made it seem like time stood still for just them two.

The swelling of the music seemed to pulse through his veins, each beat matching the frantic rhythm of their bodies pressed together. The heat emanating from her form made him dizzy with desire, every movement sending a jolt of electricity straight to his groin. She moved like liquid, her hips undulating against him in perfect synchronization. His body responded eagerly, his erection growing harder with each turn they took on the crowded dance floor. Everything blurred around them as they lost themselves in the intoxicating dance.

Their bodies moved as one, swaying and grinding against each other in a sensual display that left his senses reeling. Leviathan could feel her breath on his skin as she leaned in closer, her chest rising and falling with the exertion of the dance.

The scent of her perfume mixed with the heady aroma of lust hung heavily in the air, clouding Leviathan’s mind and driving him to hunger for more.

He couldn’t remember the last time he had been this captivated by a woman. To him, they were nothing but easy conquests. But this one . . . there was something different about her that drew him in. Something that felt almost human. Perhaps it was simply her beauty or perhaps there was something more beneath the surface.

As they continued to move together, Leviathan’s hands roamed over her body - tracing delicate patterns on her back and waist before gripping tightly onto her hips.

She let out a soft gasp at his touch and tilted her head back, exposing the smooth column of her silvery neck. It was all Leviathan could do not to lean down and claim it with his lips.

But he resisted, knowing that he wanted to prolong this encounter for as long as possible. He would savor every moment with this alluring creature that had captured his attention so completely.

The music reached its crescendo, filling them both with a sense of urgency and passion. As if by some unspoken agreement, they both moved in closer, their bodies pressing even closer.

Their movements became more frantic, almost desperate, as they clung to each other on the crowded dance floor. Leviathan’s hands roamed over her body possessively, his mouth hovering just inches from hers.

A kiss from a prince opened up a world that no other demon should have access to, and no matter how enthralled he was, his kisses were not hers.

He pulled back just a touch to look into her eyes, enjoying the dark green hue that made her feel as if she belonged in his realm despite never having seen her before.

A hunger shone from their depths, and he wasn’t entirely certain it was just for his touch. He would infuse himself into her soul so he would not be the sole recipient of this envy.

Their bodies moved in sync, their steps precise and fluid. With each turn and dip, electricity crackled between them, igniting a fiery desire that burned hotter with each movement. The dance became a dance of power and longing as they surrendered to the growing connection between them.

His heart raced as their eyes locked again, their bodies swaying in perfect harmony. The air around them fills with tension and electricity as they move ever closer together. They breathe in unison, their syncopated breaths mingling like two souls sharing one existence. The smooth fabric of her dress brushed against his black leather pants, sending shivers down his spine while her dress seemed to lift in response to the gentle friction.

The air crackled with tension as they moved in a dance that all others had stopped dancing to. Their eyes never left each other’s face, locked in a heated stare that could melt snowy mountains. Leviathan let his clawed fingers dig into her hips just right, knowing it would leave traces of red marks to remind her of this moment and be envious of what she’d had later. Her slender, pale arm brushed against his chest, emanating a warmth that woke him up from the inside out. He growled low in his throat before nipping at her earlobe gently and snickered his approval when she shivered again.

Leviathan’s clawed fingers dug deeper into her hips with every turn they took, drawing small amounts of blood that seeped through the thin material of her dress. He knew she would never complain, he saw that in her eyes - the same hunger burning within them both. Her fingers pressed into his shoulder before moving up and down his back slowly, exploring every inch of his skin inch by sensual inch while maintaining the facade of just dancing. Fingers glided over his wings, jolting him with desire and a need to fill her before the night was done.

The music stopped, but only the uproar of applause told Leviathan their dance was done. He stopped moving them across the floor, still holding her firmly in his grasp as their bodies both heaved for air.

Desperation washed over him as he yearned to feel her skin against his once more. Burning desire coursed through his veins. No one distracted him like this woman.

As the crowd whispered and stared, Leviathan leaned in close to her ear, his lips grazing her lobe ever so slightly before whispering once more into her ear words that only she would ever hear. “You belong to me”.

He smiled as her eyes stared back at him with hunger while her lips parted in slight shock at his declaration.

“You are completely and utterly mine. I will possess you until there is nothing left but memories in your mind.”

His lips trailed softly across her cheek, down her jawline to where her pulse hammered wildly at the base of her neck. He nipped at the delicate skin before placing a gentle kiss there. A pang of desire hit him in the chest when she moaned softly in response.

Not even the envy slamming into him from every single guest at his ball could overrule the desire coursing through his body. She would never have his kiss, but he was going to mark every inch of her body with his until the entire kingdom envied her position with him and his with her.