Splendor and Darkness Read online

  Daniel wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she turned into his embrace. “I understand your confusion, but nothing good will ever come from Enos.”

  She clutched the front of Daniel’s tunic and sobbed. Why had it taken a demon to give her back the light?

  * * * * *

  Enos returned to Tess’ cottage, grinning from ear to ear. Nothing felt so stimulating as creating utter chaos. He’d allow the doubts he planted within Lailah to germinate for a day or two and then he’d approach her again, push her a little further.

  Each time they met, her beauty dazzled him, her passion aroused him and the depth of her conflict enthralled him. She would be spectacular once she Fell, the perfect companion, a lusty lover, the ideal queen. If only she could bear his children. He focused on her lovely image and pushed away the pang of disappointment. Even if she couldn’t bear his children, she would nurture and teach them. And there would be many. He would start gathering human breeders as soon as he disposed of the Empowered One.

  He imagined his new breed of demons, beings imbued with demonic power yet separate from the Netherworld, dependent only on him. His children would learn from the cradle how to masquerade as mortals, to blend and disappear. Their attack on humankind would be insidious. They would work patiently, infiltrating every kingdom, corrupting every empire across the face of the earth. And once his descendants controlled humanity, all the powers of the Netherworld would bow to him.

  He grinned. The ability to procreate was as rare among demons as it was among angels. He had spent his entire demonic life searching for a female Grigori. The Rebel Angels were as close as he’d come. Their transformation set them apart from other angels, but there were only a few Rebel Angels left, and Lailah was the only female.

  Lailah was his last hope.

  He walked into the bedroom and found Byleth much as he’d left her, lying naked on the bed. Unsure how long he’d be gone, he’d released her from the bedframe, tied her hands behind her back and tethered her to the bedpost with just enough slack for her to reach the slop bucket.

  As long as Byleth remained in control, the precaution was likely unnecessary. The little demon would be furious once she realized she was mortal, but she was still reliant upon him and she knew it. Tess, on the other hand, had nothing to lose. With a surge of determination Tess might try to escape or draw attention to the cottage.

  She looked miserable with the rope wrapped around her neck and her long blonde hair streaming across her face. Her hair was brighter, more gold than Lailah’s, but it was easy enough to pretend.

  “Did you miss me?” She lifted her head at his question. Tears streamed down her cheeks. A gag prevented her reply, but she nodded. “Why are you crying? Have you come to any harm at my hands?”

  She shook her head.

  He kicked off his pointed shoes and pulled his tunic off over his head, displaying the considerable bulge beneath his woolen hose. “I am in very good spirits. Are you ready to play?”

  She mumbled something he couldn’t understand and managed to get her legs beneath her. Sitting back on her heels, she looked up at him with pleading eyes. With her hands tied behind her back, her small breasts thrust forward. Byleth’s body had been much more enticing, but there had been no other way. The Empowered One must be dealt with before he began collecting breeders.

  He lowered the gag, his hand remaining near her mouth. “What’s wrong, Byleth? Why are you weeping?”

  “Have you made me mortal? Will my existence end when this body dies?”

  “I’m afraid so, pet. But the more of my energy you absorb, the slower that body will age.”

  “Humans are so fragile.” Her lips trembled. “Why did you do this to me?”

  His eyes narrowed with displeasure. “It is not your place to question me. Open your mouth to receive your master.”

  He loosened his laces and pushed his hose to his knees. Holding her face between his hands, he pushed into her warm, wet mouth. Her lips formed a firm circle against his shaft while her clever tongue circled his sensitive tip. He rocked his hips. She tilted her head and relaxed her throat, taking him deeper with each thrust.

  “Greedy little fledgling.” He chuckled, dragging himself out of her mouth. “Turn around.”

  Her movements were awkward with her hands bound behind her back, but she managed to turn away from him and spread her legs. He grabbed her bound wrists and shoved her forward, stopping her fall just before her face hit the bed. She didn’t struggle or cry out. Her trust sent tingles racing along his nerve endings. One day soon this would be Lailah, surrendering completely to his mastery, submitting to his pleasure.

  “Are you ready, pet?”

  “Always, sir.”

  He eased his free hand between her thighs to test her claim. His fingers slid easily between her feminine folds. Byleth’s lusty nature had taken control of the mortal’s body. Was Tess even aware anymore? He pushed two fingers deep into her welcoming heat and twisted his wrist, aligning his thumb with her swollen nub.

  “Does my touch bring you pleasure?”

  “Always, sir.” Her inner muscles squeezed him in response.

  “Again. Show me how well you enjoy my touch, how much you hunger for more.” She squeezed him over and over, her creamy essence coating his hand. He spread his fingers and circled her nub, withholding the firm thrusts he knew she craved.

  She whimpered, trembling and squeezing, always squeezing. He pulled her toward him, using her bound wrists. Her knees created furrows in the bedding. Pulling his fingers out, he drove into her in one violent thrust. Byleth’s body might have been softer, rounder and more responsive, but Tess’ core gripped him so tight he groaned.

  “Oh sir,” she whispered. “You fill this body near to bursting. It has never felt so good.”

  Byleth yelped and arched backward, driving him deeper. Confused by her sudden aggression, Enos widened his stance and prepared to take her hard and fast, drenching her with his essence. Legs materialized against his shins and he chuckled. No wonder she’d reared back. They had an uninvited guest.

  Shifting her slightly to one side, Enos glared at Makatiel. “You’re a long way from home.”

  The master demon lay on his back, Byleth straddling his hips. “And you’re enjoying yourself far too much.”

  “Would you care to share in my enjoyment?”

  “Please, sir. Nay!” Byleth cried, but her core rippled, revealing her excitement.

  Enos arched over her, whispering in her ear. “You know you love it. Why pretend? It’s not like we haven’t shared you before.”

  “This body is not accustomed to such rough play. I don’t think—”

  “You’re not meant to think. You’re meant to obey!” Makatiel growled. Enos eased out and Makatiel lunged. Circling the master demon’s shaft in a painful grip, Enos pushed him down onto the bed. Makatiel snarled and grabbed Enos’ wrist, his long nails biting into Enos’ flesh. “How dare you?”

  “She is mine to share or withhold. You will enter when I give you leave.” Green light blazed from Makatiel’s eyes, but he released his hold on Enos. Makatiel might command obedience in the Netherworld, but he had entered Enos’ domain. “I have barely begun to enjoy this body. We must take her with care or we will damage her.”

  “If we damage this body, you can implant Byleth in another. I don’t see the reason for caution.”

  Enos ignored the complaint. Makatiel didn’t need to know the implantation was permanent. Scooping liquid from Byleth’s core, he used it to lubricate his shaft. He soaked his fingers again then lightly teased her puckered little hole.

  She squirmed and murmured wordless protests, but he had no intention of forgoing his pleasure. “Relax, my pet, we’ve done this before.” Just never in this body. He grinned and eased his hold on her hands, allowing her to rest against Makatiel’s chest.

  Circling her tight rear opening, he pushed one finger in then two. Hell’s fire, she was tight. After another coat of cream, h
e positioned his cock and flicked her nub as he pushed inside.

  Makatiel tossed his head and stroked himself, groaning in apparent misery. Thrilled by Makatiel’s desperation, Enos took his time with Byleth. He advanced slowly, playing with her folds and rubbing her nub. He brushed his knuckles against Makatiel as often as possible, mocking the other demon with each casual touch.

  “I will bring her pleasure,” Makatiel snarled. “Just let me enter her.”

  “Give her release twice before you thrust within her or get off the bed.”

  “Why do you care about the pleasure of a—”

  “Be gone!” Enos reveled in his power. Makatiel gained pleasure through his partner’s pain. His offer revealed much to Enos.

  “Nay. It will be as you say.”

  Enos held her arms firmly, buried to the hilt inside her tight back passage. Byleth trembled and moaned as Makatiel touched her, stimulating her with far more gentleness than was his custom. Enos couldn’t see exactly what the other demon did, but the rhythmic spasms of her inner muscles told him all he needed to know. Enos had driven Makatiel to gentleness. Victory had never been so sweet.

  She tossed her head and cried out as Makatiel triggered the first release. Enos moved quickly, collecting her cream. He pulled out slowly and smeared his shaft with her essence before easing back in.

  Makatiel entered her by degrees. Enos closed his eyes in ecstasy. The master demon slid against him, arousing his desire to a fever pitch. Her membrane stretched so tight, Enos felt Makatiel’s slightest movement. When they both filled her, Byleth shook violently.

  “Does it hurt, my pet?”

  “Aye,” she whimpered.

  “Shall we stop?”

  “Nay!”

  He laughed—ever the lusty little pet. Enos pulled back, dragging a groan from Makatiel. “You still owe her pleasure before you move.”

  Growling, Makatiel propped himself up and caught one of her nipples between his teeth. Byleth panted as he sucked, her head resting against Enos’ shoulder. Savoring the firm pressure of her body around his shaft, Enos waited as the other demon aroused her. Each subtle ripple of her inner muscles accented the need pounding through Enos. He cupped her breast with one hand and explored her trembling body with the other.

  Her folds stretched tight around Makatiel, her cream coating his shaft. Enos stroked her nub, the backs of his fingers teasing the master demon. Makatiel moaned and sucked harder. Byleth echoed the sound. Grinning into Byleth’s hair, Enos guided Makatiel’s hand to where their bodies joined. Entwining their fingers, Enos and Makatiel caressed her together, rubbing and pressing until she went wild.

  Byleth screamed and her body erupted in painfully tight spasms. With a throaty chuckle, Enos set the pace. He eased nearly out and waited for Makatiel to thrust. As Makatiel withdrew, Enos drove in. Trapped between them, unable to move, Byleth could only surrender and accept the pleasure they gave with ferocious enthusiasm.

  She climaxed again and again. Each time her body clenched his, Enos grew more determined to resist his release. Makatiel’s gaze illuminated the bedchamber, his features contorted with need.

  “Damn you, Enos!” Makatiel sneered. “End this.”

  Power surged through Enos at Makatiel’s plaintive tone. Like a fledgling, the master demon begged for a release only Enos could grant.

  “Now,” Enos commanded.

  They both thrust deep. Byleth cried out, her body massaging theirs into oblivion. The pleasure crashed upon them, radiating out from Byleth. Enos let go of her wrists and she collapsed across Makatiel’s chest.

  The demonic intensity faded from Makatiel’s gaze, leaving resentment and resignation. Enos smiled. They’d shared Byleth before, yet they both knew this was different. In the Netherworld they’d entered as equals, enjoying a subordinate. Today, Enos had mastered Makatiel.”

  Chapter Eight

  Nate spent the next two days training with his men. He tried to convince himself he needed the exercise, that his body had grown weak, his skills rusty. In truth, he longed for a distraction. His troubled thoughts and disquieting visions threatened to steal what was left of his sanity.

  Everywhere he looked he saw angels, fierce-eyed creatures with gleaming swords strapped to their hips. They watched, ever vigilant yet unseen by anyone but him. Even Lailah and Daniel seemed to be unaware of their presence. Lailah approached him several times a day. Each time he sent her away with a brusque comment and a hostile stare.

  “It isn’t fair to punish Lailah because you’re angry with me.”

  Daniel’s deep voice sounded from directly behind him. Nate dismissed his training partner with a nod and turned around. “I’m not angry with anyone. I just prefer to be left alone.”

  “You sound like a petulant child.” Daniel crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze fierce and protective—like the angels. “Do you realize how deeply she cares for you?”

  “She feels guilty because of what happened after the ambush. She—”

  “That may have been how it began, but I’ve never seen Lailah like this.” He paused, stepping closer to Nate. “If you break her heart, I will break yours.”

  A vivid image formed within his mind. Nate saw Daniel shove his hand deep into his chest and crush his heart while Nate writhed in agony. Had Daniel sent the image to him or had… Everything around him blurred, spun in and out of focus. Nate grasped at air, trying to find something with which to steady himself.

  Daniel clasped his upper arms. His lips moved, but Nate only heard the blood rushing through his ears. Explosions of light and color blinded him. Despite Daniel’s support, Nate sank to his knees.

  Reality dimmed, sucking him into darkness. Terror robbed him of thought and paralyzed his body. Was he dying? Why could he still feel Daniel shaking him?

  The vision erupted with a scream. Lailah thrashed on a bed, bound and naked, her wrists and ankles raw and bleeding where the ropes had torn her flesh. Demons stood on either side of the bed, both tall and blond with night-black eyes.

  “This can continue for all eternity. Why must you be so stubborn?” The taller of the two motioned to the other. “Makatiel enjoys defiling you. I’m starting to wonder if you enjoy his attentions.” She glared at him. “Him or me. The choice has been yours from the beginning.”

  “I will never Fall, so this is pointless. As soon as my energy is depleted, I’ll surrender my soul and dissipate.” The desperation in her tone clawed at Nate’s gut. How long had she been captive? How many times had she been defiled?

  “Therein lies your problem. Each time Makatiel takes you, he saturates you with demonic energy. This is a slow, painful way to Fall, but the end is inevitable.”

  The smaller demon crawled onto the bed as the taller one walked from the room. Nate trembled. Bile rose into the back of his throat at the thought of what Makatiel meant to do. Struggling against the darkness, Nate tried to break free of the vision.

  The tall demon descended a set of winding stairs, emerging in the cavernous undercrofts of a castle. Rows of cots extended into the darkness. Upon each sat a young woman, eyes vacant, lost. Nate looked closer and realized each was either suckling a babe or heavy with child.

  Darkness closed in, releasing the vision’s hold.

  He retched into the grass, purging his body of the evil permeating the images.

  “What just happened?” Daniel helped him to his feet.

  Nate waved his men back, clinging to Daniel. “Get me inside. I must speak with you.”

  * * * * *

  Daniel handed Nate a cup, studying the human’s tense features. They sat alone in the great hall. After fetching the requested wine, the lone servant had departed. The images Nate described churned Daniel’s stomach. No wonder Nate had reacted so violently. “This is the first vision to come upon you unexpectedly?”

  “Aye.” Nate paused for a drink before he continued. “Ever since your arrival, my…sensitivity has increased dramatically. Or I have gone completely mad. I ca
n’t determine which.” He added the last with a humorless laugh.

  “I don’t believe you’ve gone mad. What else have you seen?”

  “At times I can see Gadrayel’s men. At least I presume that’s who they are.”

  “Describe them for me.”

  “They’re a rather grim lot with sharp, assessing stares and lethal-looking swords.”

  Daniel raked a hand through his tousled hair. “They sound more like Michael’s soldiers. I didn’t think to ask Gadrayel who was guarding the castle.”

  “The demons in my vision, do you know who they are?”

  “The tall one was Enos. The other was Makatiel.”

  Nate shuddered then set the cup aside. “Lailah said Enos seduced one of my ancestors. How is that possible? No woman would willingly give herself to the creature I just saw.”

  “Enos is able to suppress his demonic nature and move among humans undetected. To our knowledge, he is the only demon who has achieved this level of control.”

  “Lailah is not to know how the vision began.” His tone was emphatic.

  Daniel shook his head. “Knowledge is power. She must be warned.”

  “It is not going to happen, so the vision is irrelevant. I will not leave her side.”

  “You underestimate Lailah. She is not as fragile as she appears.”

  “What am I not to be told? And when have I ever appeared fragile?”

  The two males looked up to find Lailah striding toward them. Nate composed his expression, leaving no indication that shortly before he’d been retching in the grass. Daniel said nothing. He wouldn’t betray Nate’s confidence, even if he disagreed.

  Nate seated her then returned to his chair. “I had a rather disturbing vision.”

  Daniel snorted. “Disturbing? The thought of Enos breeding his own private horde of demons is a bit more than disturbing.”

  “What are you talking about?” Lailah looked from Daniel to Nate and back again.