10. AMADEUS

Chapter ten

AMADEUS

T he tether was broken.

I was free to leave now that my little petal had, at long last, recognised his merit.

The fact that it hadn't taken a lifetime should have thrilled me. I could return to my realm, could go back to decadence and immorality. But while there was a pang of mourning in my chest for the loss of the familiarities of my manor, as I stared down at the pretty creature's sleeping form, recalling his beaming smile as the spell had shattered, it occurred to me that I hadn't the desire to. I'd persisted this far, and it seemed a waste to leave before the contest.

Or before he'd even grown sick of me.

Despite its many flaws, I'd become used to the human realm, and it would have been terribly moronic of me to spoil our routine now, especially when there was so much left to discover about the charming florist who'd managed to worm his way into my good graces. It had been unintentional, the affection I'd developed for Isaac over the last two months—a gradual affair, but no less true. I felt a kinship with him that was more than a need to use him for entertainment. In fact, the very thought of using him for anything he wasn't willingly begging for had me ready to tear out my own throat.

A wild response to admit in itself, but it was my reflex reaction, nonetheless.

To be clear, I wasn't the type for domestication. I still craved depravity and chaos, not corniness and mush, but my human saw that and didn't shun me for it. He was tolerant of my whims and fancies, was fascinated with knowing more, and feeding off that curiosity was an addiction all on its own. I enjoyed his company, even found myself seeking out his presence more and more, not only for sex, but conversation.

Just… him .

At first, I'd suspected it was all the hidden workings of the spell, the bond in my chest making me unnaturally dependent, but I wasn't so sure anymore. Yes, the effects of the summoning had prevented me from leaving as I typically would after having my fun, but had the situation been intolerable, without hesitation, I would've seen to it that the human fell into permanent sleep sooner than nature intended. I had no qualms about murder, particularly when it involved my freedom—or lack thereof—but I'd made the conscious decision to keep him alive. What was that if not my own inclination ?

Fascination, eagerness, and pride had all led to the sudden rush of caring. His brashness at our meeting had halted any rash actions, my desire to ruin him had held my attention, and watching him bloom under my guidance had opened my eyes. Before I'd fully grasped it, I couldn't backtrack as I was already fond of him. Genuine fondness. Not the type I felt for killing or torture, but the type that had me yearning for reciprocation.

I should have paused to assess the development sooner, but it had progressed so steadily that I'd realised it too late.

That magician had bound us together knowing we were the solution to the other's needs. His intentions—I reluctantly admitted—appeared not to have been as nefarious as I'd suspected. He had brought me here not only for the purpose of fulfilling the human's wishes, but also my own. The emptiness I'd felt was not caused by the inane repetition of my life, but rather the lack of someone to share it with.

It had been unthinkable. The possibility that the void in my soul was longing for a companion had never once crossed my mind, yet all it took was an oversight on the human's part, a little tolerance on mine, and everything had clicked.

I'd never known love or tenderness, and it seemed absurd to mourn that which I had no experience of, but it couldn't be denied that in such a short span of time, I already felt fuller, more whole , than I ever had before. The fact that no one had even attempted to figure out my whereabouts was telling. Not that any of them would have needed to enter the human realm for it, but a siege and rescue would have been nice .

My father doubtless already knew my fate and had decided it wasn't worth the effort to bring me back. He had spares, after all. I'd made my peace with that and expected no more. It worked in my favour, meant I was able to carve out my own place in the universe, and was freer to make my own choices.

Whatever those might be.

Isaac mumbled in his sleep, instinctively shuffling closer and smiling once he felt my warmth. I combed my fingers through his blond curls, an ache welling in my chest at his sweet little sigh.

I laughed faintly.

Him . He was my choice. The fates had been perfectly clear the moment they'd placed him in my path. I'd only needed a little longer to grasp it.

For an age, I'd meant nothing to anyone. The twelfth name scratched at the bottom of a scroll, an insignificant bud on an overgrown family tree. But thanks to this inspiring creature, I'd had a taste of what it felt like to be wanted, to be needed by someone for more than frivolous deeds, and well, I knew my nature. I was greedy, possessive of treasures once they were mine , and letting such a precious rarity slip through my fingers would be unbelievably careless.

I'd stay by my human's side for as long as he would have me. It would take time and patience on his part, but I'd learn what it was to adore and be adored—truly, and not out of obligation.

He was the fulfilment I'd been missing. Of course he was .

Whoever this ‘Magician' may be, I felt compelled to credit him.

The eve before the Flower Festival, Isaac, my sweet, tender-hearted Isaac, had the idea of showing me his comfort activity—watching a film with various treats and what he'd called a ‘blanket fort.' Also cuddling, if I were amenable.

He'd said it would be a distraction from Sunday, but even without my powers of perception, I saw right through the excuse.

I believed it was the human ritual known as a ‘date'—a mating display to express interest in another—though he hadn't used the term explicitly. For whatever reason, he was trying to subdue his affections for me, which was terribly endearing, and foolish considering he wore his emotions on his sleeve and was, therefore, incredibly transparent.

Over the last few days, he'd been not-so-subtly acting more and more peculiar: complimenting me for the littlest achievements, gazing at me when he had no reason to—other than my obvious splendour, of course—and being even clumsier than usual. Just yesterday, he'd stuttered through his ‘good morning' and, clearly embarrassed, had tried to escape to the bathroom, only to fall out of bed in a tangle of sheets .

There was an indent in my lip from where I'd bitten it too hard to stifle my laughter.

As the objective party, I could have put him out of his misery, told him he had no need to worry as I was flattered by, and even returned, his affections. But I was still a demon, and watching him blunder and sneak was rather entertaining .

And adorable.

"Okay, so… fair warning," Isaac began as he reclined at the far end of the sofa, nestling himself under the blankets. He hadn't faltered, but his need to seek approval was telling. "This is mindless guff, but it's something I don't have to focus on. Is that alright?" He gazed over at me to gauge my reaction, and once I nodded in acknowledgement, he added, "Don't you, ahem , want to get into something comfortable? Your dressing gown, maybe?"

As transparent as glass. "Oh, I had thought you'd wish to absorb the film, but if I was mistaken, I can change."

"No, no, I just want you to be comfy." He gestured at the TV with a nervous laugh. "It's a long one."

"The longer the better for me, petal." I winked salaciously, satisfied with the answering blush and lap-pillow adjustment I got for my efforts.

"Oh-kay, then." He fixed his eyes on the screen, but after a moment of shifting restlessly in his seat and flapping at the covers, he peered down at the distance between us with a small frown, his lips thinning before he looked away again. He was clearly discontent, but didn't want to voice it, so, ever merciful, I shuffled closer, nudging his arm out of the way in order to plaster myself against his side.

Immediately, he stilled, his scent filling with pleasure.

He finally pressed Play.

We managed ten minutes of a grief-stricken human at his typewriter, lamenting his lost love before the inquisition started.

"Do you have movies in your realm?"

"We have the medium, yes," I said, not lifting my head from his chest. "But it is not something I have ever participated in. I like books."

"Hold on." He tipped my head back. "So I'm finally giving you a first ? No way."

Considering I had never felt this level of protectiveness or contentment, it was safe to say he'd given me many of those. "Yes, my dear, you are."

The sweetling grinned as if I'd handed him the world, and that alone made discovering that the film included singing slightly more bearable.

Slightly.

There was a plot, there had to be, though it must've retreated at the sight of all the gaudy outfits and amateur dramatics. Despite that, one part managed to pique my interest—or rather, Isaac's reaction to it. The male lover made a grand romantic gesture that I hadn't really been paying attention to. It was another song that dragged on far longer than necessary. But peering up at my date, I caught his wistful smile and teary eyes, and for whatever reason, it made me eager to compete.

I was not one for losing, and a film would not outdo me in matters of flair. I had to invent a ‘grand gesture' of my own. Something to prove my devotion and loyalty, but without the tacky ensemble.

Hmm, perhaps…

Lacing our fingers together, I nuzzled a soft kiss against his knuckles and used my magic to pause the movie before glancing up at him. "If the judges at this contest of yours don't recognise you as their clear winner, I'll poison them for you." Another kiss, my gaze fierce and unwavering. "I will watch as the life drains from their eyes, as blood spills from their orifices, then lay their empty husks at your feet. I swear it to you."

The creature was speechless, blinking down at our entwined hands, and I felt victory blooming in my chest.

Success .

"What on earth are you…?" Or not. He shifted for a better angle to gape at me with his wide, startled eyes—not the expression I was going for. "No, you… Ash, no! You definitely are not doing that. No way."

I frowned.

Had he not heard me?

I was offering to lay his enemies at his feet, should the situation call for it. What was more romantic than that?

"Why not?" I said. "If you are wronged, I'd wish to make them pay for it. "

"That's—" He chewed on the rest of his sentence, snort-huffing as he cast his eyes back to the TV, only for them to return seconds later, sparkling with awareness. "Are you… are you trying to be sweet? Because chocolates would do the job."

I scoffed. As if confectionery was anything compared to what I offered. "How droll."

"Not to me! I love chocolates. Or, I don't know, cake? And if it means everyone gets to live, all the better!"

"Torture, then?"

"No."

I rolled my eyes, tilting my head away so I could sulk without an audience. "You humans are so hard to please."

"I'm literally the opposite." He gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his teasing smirk—a recently developed look that never failed to rile me. "Besides, what other humans are you trying to please, hm?"

I shrugged, playing coy. "Well, since you do not appreciate my efforts, I suppose I should seek—"

He kissed me, and it was possessive, no fumbling or awkwardness. His fingers migrated to my neck, curling gently yet firmly enough to hold me in place as he staked his claim. It lit a fire under my skin and wrenched a moan from deep in my throat. So jealousy was the key to weakening his restraint?

Duly noted.

Isaac seemed to remember himself as we parted, a flush spreading over his freckled cheeks as his eyes darted to every corner of my face, clearly checking for my reaction and well-being. He removed his hand, flexing his fingers as if not knowing where to place them, or what to do in general.

My cock was so hard it had its own heartbeat.

"So, no killing… okay?" he reiterated, and I was too overcome with the fog of lust to do anything but nod.

Was it any wonder I'd found myself so enamoured with him? Even after spending every day for two months in his presence, he still had the capacity to astonish me. Would it still be that way in a year or so?

I had no doubt.

The film played again, and for a while, I lay there, zoning out as I envisioned all the ways I'd satisfy him later. Perhaps I'd suggest the introduction of nipple clamps, have him squirming and squealing with pain and pleasure, see if he could be coaxed into coming just from tugging on the chains.

I grinned to myself, but even the promise of his raw, puffy chest and pretty pleas wasn't enough to withstand the singing. Once my cock had flagged, I could only concentrate on the filthy fantasies for so long before the assault on my eardrums became too much.

It was incessant.

Thankfully, it ended just as I felt the urge to flee through the window. That would have been rather counterproductive, considering my plans.

Isaac nudged me to sit up, his bottom lip already between his teeth. "So, did you like it? "

No . "It was interesting."

"You hated it."

"No." Yes . "It was a musical," I stated. The less I said, the less I had to lie to him, though he appeared mildly offended by my attempts.

"What have you got against musicals?"

"They are generally very upbeat and… musical."

"Enlightening," he drawled, donning a bland stare. "Tell me, are you a complete troglodyte or have you been to the theatre?"

I hummed. "I do rather enjoy the theatre, I'll have you know. Especially the tragedies. They are invigorating."

"Well then, you should have liked this because that ending was absolutely tragic ."

One word for it. "Yes."

"And it was eccentric."

My eyes narrowed. "I'm sensing that you are trying to make a connection here that I am failing to pick up on."

"Maybe."

"Brat."

He smiled, his eyes lowering to his fingers as they fiddled in his lap. "Thank you for indulging me. I needed it."

"Of course. I enjoy your company immensely, my dear, even if it involves the ambience of awful singing." He huffed a laugh through his nose, and the attitude behind such a simple gesture was enough to reignite the hunger I'd felt before. "Now, though…" I peeled the blanket off my legs, propping myself on my knees with the intent of straddling him. "The delicious jealousy you displayed an hour ago, I would very much like to revisit it."

He sputtered indignantly. "I wasn't jealous. When was I—"

"Hush." I touched a finger to his lips before bringing our faces closer. "Don't ruin my vision."

I descended, my mouth capturing his in a bruising lock that was more passion than skill. My arousal twitched with renewed interest, my belly heating with want as his musky scent filled my nose, his hands grabbing at me wherever he could reach. The throaty little noises he made against my lips had me palming myself through my trousers, shivering into the pressure yet hoping to stave off the worst of the ache. At least until I had us both naked.

Isaac tugged at my shirt, wordlessly steering me towards his lap, not once parting, even for air. However, just as I was about to heed his demand, and get the show in motion, a small black shadow bobbed in my periphery, barging into the space between us and taking up residence beside my human.

I jerked back with an instinctive hiss, hackles raised. "Hades' sacred taint, what is—"

It was a cat.

The pitch-black spherical shadow… was a cat.

How had it crossed through my wards? Only Isaac, his family, and I should have been able to access and egress the apartment. All other beings, alive or dead, would hit a brick wall if they attempted it .

Unless it had been hiding here when I'd set them.

I waved a hand, but it was entirely unbothered. Or stupid. One of the two. "Away, creature," I commanded. "There is nothing for you here."

It didn't budge.

"Aw, leave her be," Isaac said, batting my hand away and cooing softly at the little beast when it nudged against him for more pets. I glared at it. "How have you not met her? She belongs to the neighbour you want to kill. I think. She sneaks in sometimes to sleep on my bed. I honestly don't know how, but she's such a sweetie pie. Her name's Moxie."

I should've known that the blasted neighbour had something to do with it.

"Well met," I deadpanned, baring fang as the interruption to our activities warranted. "But we were busy , so shoo…"

I prodded its belly pooch, but instead of scampering off as I'd hoped, the beast took my touch as an invitation and tiptoed into my lap. So bewildering was its impertinence that I froze with my hands up as it balanced on hind legs to brush a furry cheek against my chin, tail swishing under my nose and making me sputter. Bold as brass, the pest decided then to curl itself into a ball across my knees, making the most irritating kneading motions, and vibrating.

I blinked in confusion.

There must have been an expression on my face that Isaac found hilarious, because he doubled over, laughing until tears poured from his eyes .

"I can't breathe," he wheezed, clutching at his stomach. "It hurts."

"Pleased you find it amusing, dear ." I huffed giving the pet name the same inflection I would a curse. Though, despite the hair now sticking to my clothes like mould on fresh fruit, the sound of his joy was heart-warming, so I resigned myself to letting it happen.

"She likes you," he pointed out, unhelpfully, wiping at the wet tracks on his cheeks.

I hummed. "Excellent judge of character, I suppose."

Isaac snorted, but instead of rescuing me, he rose from the sofa. "Guess I'll go start dinner, and leave you two to get better acquainted." He tapped my shoulder as he passed, smiling impishly, his lips still swollen and red from our kiss. "Then she might leave you alone."

"But…"

He leaned down, kissing me quiet. "I can fuck you later, or whatever your plans were, when we don't have company."

Once he'd disappeared into the kitchen, I stared down at the beast in my lap, already sound asleep—presumably exhausted from its meddling. Normally, I'd respect a creature for its penchant for mischief, but when they were my desires being denied, it wasn't as entertaining.

If this was what devotion entailed, some reconsideration may be in order.