14. Chapter 14- Nyx

Iwalk behind Felix, despite my desire to push him out of the way so I can look every single one of these assholes in the eye. A way to promise them the death they rightfully deserve with the rage the Queen ignited.

Lacking?

After looking at me for two seconds, she believes I am lacking. All I need is a healthy length of rope, a dagger, and maybe five minutes to make my point. Honestly, all I need is the five minutes alone with her. Then, she would never have to worry about hunger or birthdays again.

"Nyx—" Felix starts, but I cut him off before he makes it harder to keep my mask in place.

"Yes, Master?" My voice comes out even and serene despite the nausea rolling through me.

It is pretend. You are not a pet. No one owns you.

I am so close behind him that my face is directly in his chest when he turns to face me.

"Master?" he whispers low enough that only I can hear him.

"Tia and Kaelin have told me what is expected of a pet," I whisper just as low into his shirt.

"Ah. Good. I apologize. I should have done that before we came downstairs. That is a failing on my part. I—"

"If we are to make it through tonight, shut the fuck up. Someone is going to overhear, and then the King and Queen will get involved," I grit out.

"Right. We will discuss it later." That is what he thinks. "Stay close, no matter what," he warns before turning again, leading me deeper into the cursed party.

The good thing about what I do is the practice I have gotten using my peripherals. Even when focused on the back of Felix's stiff coat, I can see everything happening around me.

Females in dresses of every color flit around the dance floor, with males in extravagant suits. Their opulence is disgusting when I know there are so many Elani suffering and starving just for being born of the wrong species. This whole evening screams wasteful.

Food lavishly lies in heaping mounds on the tables… Food they don't need. Elani stand against the wall, beaten and broken. There's finery everywhere you turn, and drinks that continually flow from spouts in the walls.

I want to close my eyes…to shut it all out. But my self-preservation won't allow it. I need information. I need targets. Because before I slink off to the next realm of existence, this castle will be painted red.

"Felix, it is good to see you this evening," a man says loudly while shaking the Prince's hand.

"Always a pleasure, Dominic." His words say one thing, but the slight tightness in his voice inclines to something completely different.

"I see the day has finally come. Your father was very pleased with the notion of you having a pet."

"Father, yes. Mother, on the other hand, fears she is lacking. She is brand new. Her usefulness has yet to be determined."

"We can test her…" Chills race down my spine at the suggestion.

"No, I will handle this one on my own. Have a good evening."

Dominic tries to move around us, but Felix keeps himself between me and the new threat until the male finally catches the hint and walks in another direction. I don't like the way that small action makes my chest feel. I don't have time for warm feelings. But this male keeps surprising me the longer I am around him. Maybe when I stab him—because I will at least once—I will make sure it is non-fatal.

His fingers slide through mine as he leads me toward the dance floor. I try to pull away, but he holds firm. I can't dance. Maybe I was taught once, but those lessons are long forgotten. I will fumble around and look like an idiot. Maybe that is what he wants.

"Felix," I desperately try to get his attention. But he ignores me, sliding one large hand along my lower back and lifting the hand he has been holding. "Felix! I don't know how to dance!" I whisper-yell at him.

"Stand on my feet."

"What?"

"Stand on my feet," he repeats, his lips bath my ear in a warmth that causes a shiver to race down my spine.

"I am not—"

"No one will be able to see. Your dress will cover it. Just stand on my feet and keep your eyes on me. I will guide you through this."

Slowly, I step onto his feet without looking away from his smiling eyes. His hand on my lower back tightens, whisking me away into the crowd of swirling fabrics and over boisterous Keryth.

This has to be unheard of. What Keryth actually dances with their pet? I know what Tia and Kaelin said about the answer must always be yes, but I didn't think it would actually happen. Is he trying to prove something? Or is he hiding something?

I search his eyes for answers, but all I find is swirling copper of laughter and heat. It is not a heat that has my walls rising to defend my heart, but a heat that pulls me in as if I have been cold my whole life and am finally feeling warmth. It beckons me forward and invites to swallow me up and destroy me. Like that tether pulling me toward those vines, Felix has somehow latched onto a piece of my soul and keeps yanking me further and further into his embrace. And now I don't know who I will be once I finally escape it.

"Come," he rasps, shaking me from my unsettling thoughts. He walks me to an alcove partially out of sight, with no one around it. "Stay here. I have to make an appearance before my mother and father. Remember the rules. I will be quick." My eyes bulge as his lips lightly connect with my forehead.

"Stop that!" I hiss.

"You are so cute when you are angry. Maybe…" His dimples deepen as he leans forward and kisses me on the forehead again. I move to punch him in the gut, but he stops me and holds my arms down at my side. "Behave," he chuckles. But then he leans forward and runs his nose up my neck to right below my ear. And to my horror, that stupid flip is back in the pit of my stomach. "If you do, I'll reward you with something when we get back to our room," he says playfully. Flutters gone.

"I don't want your dick, Felix," I growl.

His laugh is loud and deep against my neck as his arms snake around me and pull me firmly against his body. "That isn't what I was going to say, but I am glad that you see my dick as a reward."

"You motherf—"

"I will be right back." He roughly lets me go and walks toward the imposing thrones on the dais.

I catch myself watching the way his thick body moves within the tight-fitting dark blue suit. He walks under the giant chandelier and the monochromatic embroidered flowers become more apparent against the fabric.

As the smell invades my senses, every muscle freezes. Breathing becomes difficult, and I can't focus on anything in the room.

HE is here. Close. Too close.

But I don't know his face. I can't defend myself. I don't know who my enemy is.

Forgetting all the rules, I carefully walk over to the closest table, scanning the contents as quickly as I can. The smell is still here. I can't shake it like all the other times. It won't leave me alone.

Finally! I grab the solid gold knife and hold it close to my side as I spin around to watch the blurry figures dance around the room. I slowly return to the alcove and wait patiently for something to happen.

"Nyx?" It takes everything in me not to brandish my stolen weapon at Felix. Now that I have it, I won't be letting it go. "What happened? Did someone talk to you?" he asks softly.

"No…"

"Did someone touch you?" he asks a little more loudly this time, his anger tinting his words.

"No…" He firmly grabs my upper arms and forces me to look at him. But I can't stop looking around for the source of the smell. He is still here. I know it! I am so close to my goal.

"Go to your room until I come and get you. Do you understand me?" I nod absentmindedly and begin walking through the crowd of people until I am out of the enormous doors, through the library, and up the massive staircase. I know he said to go to my room, but he will want me back in his bed immediately.

I quickly go inside Felix's room and stash the knife before finally entering my room. I shut the door and slide down it, allowing the emotions to take their toll. A long time ago, I said I would never allow myself to cry over the past again. But I never thought the past would get this close before I was fully prepared for it.

Sobs wrack my body, and I let them. I let myself grieve what could have been if my parents had lived. I scream with the anger of all HE stole from me. And I hold myself tightly against all the new emotions threatening to take over.

Felix, Tia, and Kaelin are my sworn enemies; I promised to end them whenever given the chance. But why does the thought of taking their lives hurt my chest so much? I don't remember a lot of my past, so I don't know what it is like or what it means to have friends. And then Felix… all I know is that my heart should not pound the way it does when he is in a room. I should not feel nervous or have those annoying flutters in my stomach. But here I am…a fool for having them all.

I wake up sore on the cold, hard floor, still wrapped up in this stupid dress. My eyes feel swollen, and my throat is raw from all the screaming. But at the same time, my soul feels lighter, which makes peeling myself up off the floor easier.

The moons are still high in the sky. But Felix isn't here. He said he would meet me back here.

I check the bathing room, but he isn't there either. The Ball could still be going on…

I need to get that knife before he finds it. I don't know if I will get another chance to get my hands on one. And if he isn't back yet, maybe I can get another look at those vines.

Quickly, I make my way down the stairs and slowly open the door to his room. There is a chance he went to his own bed without waking me. He could have already found the knife. There are so many possibilities. And so many ways to get into trouble or killed.

"Felix," I whisper into the darkness.

"I am fine, Little Thief. Go back to bed." He sounds…different. Tired.

"You don't sound ok." I walk toward his voice. Even with the light from the moons that are still high in the sky, I can't see where he is.

"Are you worried about me?" he chuckles. But that even sounds off.

"No. I am worried about me. Because if you're in trouble, then I'm in trouble." Which is the truth. He is the only thing standing between me and all the other dangers inside this castle. Without him, I would already be dead or worse…someone else's pet.

"Makes sense," he groans.

"Where are you?"

"Over here," he says a little louder.

I easily make my way across the room, having memorized the layout, and find the Prince sitting against the wall beside the large fireplace.

"What are you doing?"

"I am just a little weak. I will be fine eventually."

"Weak?" It takes far too long for the pieces to snap into place. "When is the last time you fed?" I ask as I sit beside him. Circles that were not there earlier darken beneath his eyes. His red hair is disheveled, and his glasses lie on the floor beside his hip.

"Since I brought you here," he murmurs.

"Are you fucking stupid? You can't go that long without blood!" I promised myself that I would never let this happen again. But I need him. You have been through worse. You can do what needs to be done. Remember the end goal. "Here." I offer my wrist despite the anxiety clawing through my chest.

"Why do you offer this to me?" He looks me over, questions written all over his face.

"Because you are not allowed to die unless it is by my hand." He still doesn't take my offered wrist but continues to stare at me as if I have suddenly grown a second head.

"Nyx…as much as I appreciate—" he starts. But I place my fingers over his mouth to stop him. He needs to get it over with before I lose my nerve.

The memory of fangs piercing my flesh repeatedly threatens to pull me into a deep sadness and anger that will result in nothing more than someone's death. And at this point, I can't even say it would be someone who deserves to die. I just need a body I can sink a blade into.

"Just do it!" I try to sound stern, but my voice quivers, giving away my nerves.

He claims to be weak, but yet he can still lift me as if I weigh nothing to place me on his lap. He even takes the time to move the layers of my dress out of the way until I am left straddling him, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. I don't do intimacy. And this feels…intimate.

"You have been kidnapped and threatened by the King AND Queen, and I didn't smell an ounce of fear. But here you are, offering me your wrist and the smell fills the room."

"I told you I don't like repeating myself. You get one more chance before I let—"

"Nyx," he says firmly, not allowing me to finish my threat or try to steer him away from the questions I know are coming. His thumb brushes the inside of my wrist, and thinking and breathing become difficult. "Why are you so scared?"

What difference will it make if he knows a little about me? I seriously doubt it would finally convince him to put me in the dungeon. If anything, it may make him more susceptible to keep me around longer. But I don't want that either! Ugh! He won't let it go if I don't give him something!

"I don't enjoy the feeling of my skin being pierced and my life being dragged through my veins into someone's greedy mouth." I barely get it out through gritted teeth. I try to pull my arm free, but he holds firm.

"You were fed from before, and it…hurt?" A slight pucker appears between his brows as he searches my face. I simply nod because words feel thick on my tongue. "Who?"

"I…"

"Tell me!" he growls.

"That's just it, I don't know." My chest feels tight with the secrets I am about to reveal, but something in his eyes and touch makes it seem bearable. He won't see me as a freak or take back to HIM. "These scares." His thumbs move slightly lower to brush against a few as I tell my story. "They…are of my own making. I sliced through every place HE left a mark when he fed. I had to hide them. Looking at them every day had me on the verge of madness." The compassion in his eyes nearly has the tears escaping against my will. I try to get up, but he lets go of my wrist to hold my hips in place. "Please, just get it done," I whimper.

"I won't do anything until you fully understand what this means. The feeding process is meant to be pleasurable for both parties involved. The only reason it ever hurts is because the feeder makes it hurt."

"But…"

"If you still want me to do this, you must understand that you will feel something completely different than you are used to. You may even climax because of it." His fingers tighten on my hips as he tries to convince me of something I know would never happen. I may be a Forsaken, but I am not a fucking idiot.

All the memories of torture compete with his words and force a giggle through the anxiety. They continue to bubble up until they sound hysterical and merge with the tears now flowing freely down my face. Felix's thumbs lightly brush them away, making more and more fall.

"Let me show you what it can be," he offers softly.

I need him, but I don't need to feel.

"Maybe if I bleed into a glass." I look around for something that can work, but his two large hands surround my face and force me to look into his eyes.

"Nyx. Please let me show you. If you tell me to stop, I will. Let me ease those memories with something that can be the future." His dimples deepen as he searches my eyes. "I am also a selfish male. I need this. Not only the sustenance, but also the chance to taste you. Why do you think I haven't fed from anyone else since I met you? Something about you calls to me. I need answers just like you do."

"I don't need anything from you or any other Keryth. Just drink the damn blood!" I shove my wrist back under his nose and wait for him to finally show the monster beneath the surface. But he doesn't.

Instead, he slowly licks the soft spot on my wrist, following it up with gentle kisses. I try to pull away, but it is a feeble attempt. His lips are mesmerisingly soft, and I can't seem to find the strength to break their spell. Then his fangs brush against the scars and my heart rate picks up. The air feels like it is being sucked out of the room all at once.

"Shhh. Breath, Little Thief."

I rest my free hand against his chest and try to match my breathing to his. "There you go. Now watch me savor you," he says against my skin, right before his fangs pierce it.

I grit my teeth against the desire to scream. But I don't know if it should be out of pain or passion. I feel the pull of my blood, but it is nothing compared to what was done before. When HE fed, it felt like my blood was clawing to stay in my veins. But Felix…his lips moving against my skin is suggestive and sensual, and the way my blood rushes through my veins is like it can't wait to be inside of him.

His moan is deep in the back of his throat, but I swear I can feel it on my clit. If it didn't all feel so good, I would be embarrassed about my moans mixing with his. I can barely focus with his hand grasping my hip and pulling more firmly over his cock.

Tingles work up my spine and fizzle at the base of my skull as lightning makes it to every nerve ending. And then it all happens again when he moves my hips back and forth. Instinct takes over, and I rub myself over him while his lips continue to work their magic against my wrist. I want more. Need more. I feel…empty and I have no idea what it means. I just know that this rubbing isn't enough.

"Keep going," he growls around a mouth full of blood. "Please don't stop."

His fangs pierce deeper this time, and I scream out with ecstasy. I continue to grind against him, building the pressure filling my body to the point of frustration. I need something…I don't know what it is. I want to beg for it, but I don't know the words to describe my desires.

"Please," I whimper. His mouth tightens against my wrist, his body filled with as much tension as mine.

Just when I think I can't take anymore, I scream out in tandem with Felix as a release I have never known before flows through me. It chases away every ounce of tension until nothing but languid muscles and heavy breathing is left. My body gives into it, and I no longer have the strength to hold myself up.

My head hits his shoulder hard and with heavy eyelids, I watch as he continues to drink. A few more moments pass, then he licks away every drop that flows down my arm.

"You taste exquisite," he groans, burying his face into my neck. "You are becoming an obsession I don't wish to overcome."

"You barely know me." If he knew all of my secrets, he would kill me on the spot. I am almost tempted to do just that to get to that outcome because the reality of my situation suddenly hits me hard.

The feeding process is meant to be pleasurable for both parties involved. The only reason it ever hurts is because the feeder makes it hurt.

HE chose to make it hurt. HE had a fucking choice, and HE chose torture.

Felix must be able to tell the change in my mood because he grabs the wrist he fed from and begins rubbing it again. But the small, intimate circles do nothing to pull me from my anguish and rage.

"HE made it hurt! HE chose to make it hurt! It…" I push away from him, and thankfully, he lets me go.

I storm around the dark room, unable to get ahold of a thought or emotion I can solely focus on. The urge to throw something arises swiftly through the storm. Or to burn the world around me and watch as the blood flows around my feet and into the streets. No one would be safe. My daggers will be set free to seek out vengeance. They will slice against flesh and sinew until they hit bone, freeing the fucking liquid everyone seems so obsessed over. And once everyone is finally dead in this cursed kingdom, I will—

"Nyx!" Strong hands grasp my shoulders and violently shake me. Felix's copper eyes pierce through to my soul, and something in me shifts at the sight of my blood staining his soft lips.

I would blame it on the monster that slides under my skin, waiting to be released, but it is something more than an unnamed beast. Something…

I give up, trying to figure out what it is, and pull his head down to mine. The taste of my life force mixing with his potent flavor is enough to force a groan from somewhere deep within me I have never explored.

I pull at his shirt, needing more, needing to feel his skin against mine. But it doesn't come off. Instead, I focus on my dress, but it won't budge. I pull away from his all-consuming kisses and begin tugging at the stupid dress. It's in the way and too hard to get off.

"Fuck!" I complain as my fumbled pulling and tugging don't get me any closer to my goal.

"Allow me," Felix chuckles and kneels before me.

Him in this position, looking up at me with his scorching gaze, fills me with a sense of power that makes my head spin. I want to command him. To dominate him. To tell him what to do and see how far he is willing to go. But that is crazy. I don't even know what I would command him to do. I don't know the first thing about any of this.

"Grab my shoulders," he instructs.

My much smaller hands grab onto his large shoulders just in time for him to grab the slit of the dress and rip it. The fabric shreds easily in his hands. And with a few more tugs, the red fabric falls into a puddle at my feet, leaving me in my slip and undergarments. But those don't stand a chance either, as he rips those from my body, as well.

I should be bothered. Try to cover myself, but I stand here watching as he shreds his clothing until he stands just as bare in front of me. I can only see a little with the moons at his back, but what I can see is beautiful.

His tan skin is unblemished by tan lines. The thick ropes of muscle flex and relax as he shifts on his feet. And I can just make out a smattering of hair that covers his chest. It flows down to his stomach and thins out right before his… It's up! I have seen multiple when I have killed, but I have never seen one in a state like this or so…large. I don't even know what I am supposed to do with it.

His large hand grabs the back of my head and pulls my mouth back to his, wiping away all thoughts and questions. Our combined flavors hit me again, and I am lost to it. I thread my fingers through his hair and hold on as he lifts me so I can wrap my legs around his waist.

Even as my back hits the soft mattress, I don't stop devouring and savoring his taste. I am almost tempted to tell him to feed some more just so that I can taste us together again. I am so distracted by his hands roaming all over my body that I nearly miss the sensation of his round tip pushing against my entrance. I tense up, but his hands squeeze my breast, and I am lost once again.

His soft lips create a blazing trail of kisses from my neck down until they close over my nipple. My back arches off the bed with each intense tug of his mouth. And when his fangs lightly brush my skin, I am ready to combust on the spot.

"Please," I beg.

"Hold on to me," he commands as he leans over and shows the other nipple the same attention.

I grab onto his thick arms and groan as he enters me in one quick thrust. Clenching my teeth is the only way I can stop myself from crying out from the burning sensation trying to rob me of breath. His copper eyes widen, and he looks me over with an expression dripping with concern.

"You're…a virgin?" he stutters. The look of panic taking over him softens a small part of my heart. He is genuinely worried that he hurt me.

I slide my hand under my pillow and smile viciously as my fingers wrap around the cold metal of the knife I hid here earlier. In one quick motion, I have it up against his neck, a thin line of blood under its blade, and a fist full of his thick curls.

"If you stop—"

"But you are hurt," he tries to cut in.

"I have been through way worse than this minuscule amount of pain. So, if you stop, I will cut you from chin to dick. Now move!" I have no idea what has taken over me, but it feels right. And the way his eyes light up at my command makes me squirm, flooding my system with sensations from where we are connected.

"Yes, ma'am," he draws out in a rich and powerful tone that has chill bumps covering every inch of my skin.

He pushes forward, his cock dragging against every sensitive spot inside of me. It is initially uncomfortable, being so full, but he picks up the pace, and all thought is driven out of my head.

"Fuck, you feel so damn good," he whispers into my hair.

His large hand grabs my thigh and lifts my leg until my knee is beside his shoulder. Each thrust feels deeper this way. I want more. Need more.

"Faster," I demand. He obeys. Pounding into me with a ferocity that has my chest bouncing, causing my nipples to rub against his chest. It's too much. I try to squirm, but he holds me firmly under him, forcing me to take everything he is offering. "Felix," I moan.

"Say it again."

"Felix," I breathe again. Unable to do anything other than follow his command.

My body tightens up just like it did when I was on his lap. I know what is coming, but for some reason, it feels different. Like more. My back arches off of the bed, and my moans turn into screams.

"Come for me, beautiful." And with those simple words, my world explodes around me. Pleasure works its way from where we are joined. Ecstacy courses from the tips of my curled toes to the top of my head. This male leaves no part of me unaffected.

I scream out his name as he continues to draw out the orgasm by pumping harder into me. And as another one creeps up, he stops, pulling out to flip me over.

"On your hands and knees," he commands. It takes a moment for my shaky limbs to obey, but I get into position just in time for him to enter me again.

"Fuck!" I scream out as he pumps so deep I can no longer tell where he ends, and I begin. My eyes roll into the back of my head when he slides a hand around my stomach and starts working my clit in tandem with his thrust. I bury my face in the sheets. I need something to bite to get a handle on all the sensations swamping me at once.

"Again. Give me another one." My body, no longer my own, lets go and flourishes under his touch. Stars dance behind my tightly closed eyes, and I stop trying to hold on to any form of sanity. My muscles relax only to tighten up again as he demands another orgasm from me before the previous one even has time to finish. "Good girl," he groans. "You are so fucking perfect!"

He thrusts a few more times and follows me into the haze of bliss that our bodies have created together with a loud roar. I can't help but smile, knowing that it was me who caused him to let go and create such a sound. I want to know what other noises I can draw out of him. To see if I can make him come as many times as he has made me. If only I had some rope.

Felix finally stops moving and carefully lays us down on our sides, still connected. Not a word is uttered as we try to get our breathing under control. I feel…I feel relaxed and…happy. I am a little sore, but I would not be disappointed if he wanted to do it again. He said that I am becoming an obsession, but I fear it is me who is becoming obsessed with him.

He has repeatedly shown his heart for not only me but also the people of this kingdom. At every sign of danger, he has put himself between it and me. And when I offered him the thing I promised I never would, he accepted it as a gift, not like it was owed to him. The Prince is not what I expected, but everything I had hoped to find in this world—someone who will work with me and not shy away from my violence.

I chuckle a little at that thought. Because if anything, he has begged for it. Maybe I will finally give him what he so desperately wants.