CASTLEVANIA: Huntress of Darkness

Chapter 8: Delicate Matters

How it begun.

Warning: Smut ahead, reader's discretion is advised. Alucard x Ilona are getting naughty in this chapter. Skip if you don't want to read about how two dhampires do the biology challenge for the first time :P And I apologize if it's bad! I am not particularly good at writing lemons.

Chapter 8 – Delicate Matters

Back then, he led me through the corridor. He was silent and serious. We weren't looking at each other, because we were both too embarrassed to do so. Instead, we were focused on our joined hands. His grip was firm, but not too strong - and mine was a bit stiff, but still decisive. It was as if he wasn't sure if he'd like me to break away and be the one to end this... or if he'd like to hold my hand even tighter, in order to prevent any opportunity for me to change my mind.

We had a choice: to think this through... or not to think at all, and just act on how we felt. I guess we both opted for the second option. Unanimously.

It was my favorite room in the castle. Octagonal in shape, with high ceiling and supporting pillars, three narrow but high windows, with two bookshelves that were as high as pillars, stationed opposite of one another. Dark, crimson, heavy curtains decorated the high, narrow windows. A round table was placed next to the wide bed that could accommodate up to six people if needed. The smell of jasmine in expensive, ceramic vases was strong.

I could tell he lit up the fireplace beforehand so I wouldn't be cold when I go to sleep. However... he didn't expect that he'd join me here. And honestly, neither did I. The last thing I planned to do that night was to end it that way.

Whenever I pondered about losing my virginity, I always thought it would happen in a marriage – arranged or otherwise. The general notion of losing your purity outside of the wedlock was... well, the most intriguing, unimaginably shocking thing and quite the scandal for a young girl - especially a girl of noble origins. A girl whose father would eventually give her as he'd gift a livestock - for some alliance he deemed fit for his own, personal gain, be it political, economic, or social. He would arrange a marriage that would bring him connections, titles, prosperity. And he'd be unbothered whether I liked the chosen groom or not.

While I knew of his plans... I had other aspirations. If I had to lay with a man... I wanted it to be out of love. I despised the notion of being treated like some personal trophy.

And so... there we were, my closest childhood friend and I, hands locked into a sort of bond that was also a decision, a promise that we are both ready - and willing to partake. We also knew – if it hadn't happened that night... it would never have happened altogether. Such was the gravity of our standpoints. It appeared that Adrian was also familiar with that feeling, so he chose he wouldn't stop it either. Similar minds think alike, I guess.

We entered the room. Only then, he let go of my hand, stepping back to close the door behind us. A quick look to my face, and we both averted our eyes, still unable to hold the gazes locked for more than a few seconds.

The bed was made and the flowers were fresh in the vase. The room was cozy and warm. It was how a home was supposed to feel. And Adrian was how a lover was supposed to behave. Gentle, caring, loving... and full of understanding. He was aware of the tiniest of changes in me, of my expectations, wishes and needs, of all of my fears and insecurities. He knew all of me... and he accepted me in full. That's what was so appealing about him.

Surely, one must appreciate his outwardly-good looks as well, but the gist was in his behavior. He would never force anything. He would have patience. He would also be gentle... and would understand even if I changed my mind.

That's how sure I was about him. And that's why it didn't matter when it would happen. Just that it would. I knew I was ready... like I've always known it would be him.