The Ruler's Rift

Regrets and Resistance

Like the sun and moon, the lovers' roles swapped. Celeste's eyes bore dark circles as Lucy snored in the bed. Quaking with guilt, the Mystearlian leaned over the railing and watched morning paint over night. She sipped coffee, distraught that its bitterness failed to wash away the sweet blood. Would it ever fade from her tongue? Perhaps her sinful consumption would bear the punishment of an eleven-foot-long reminder.

From the balcony, Celeste observed vacationers below; they trotted into the sand from their homes and hotels, beckoned by the rising sun which glittered against the sea. Cool blues rippled aside to make way for the sherbet of colors dawn provided.

Celeste sighed and brought the mug to her lips. The people were so small down there, unaware of the drama and pain on her mind. They lived ignorantly, blissfully, and yet they'd have the nerve to judge her if they knew.

Several people flocked around her sandcastle, pointing and smiling and gasping. At least they had some sense.

The sliding door squeaked open and a cheerful voice sang, "Cel, there you are!"

Lucy crashed into the demon, nearly knocking her from the balcony. The Sharcanid's arms squeezed with more warmth than the rising sun. "Oh, Celeste," Lucy whimpered happily, "thank you; thank you! I can't remember the last time I slept so well!"

Black lips quivered in pursuit of words. Bite marks remained in Lucy's neck; it was no dream. Celeste had chewed her girlfriend's neck with every intent to taste her blood. Blue eyes shut. "Mhm, you're welcome..."

"I woke up feeling so rested and the shower was great," Lucy continued. "I washed the sheets, too. Don't want staff thinking a murder went down!"

"Heh, of course..."

"So, I have to ask," Lucy began with sly notes in her voice. Her eyebrows bounced. "How did I taste?"

Celeste's grip tightened around the rail. "I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about this," she said.

Lucy giggled, "All right, I'll stop. Want to hit the beach?"

"More than anything." Celeste held her mug out. "Finish my coffee for me?"

"Always."

Soon, the couple explored the sands. Gawking at shells and splashing each other only occupied Celeste for so long until questions and regrets flooded her mind. The tourist who yelled about a supposed shark sighting was quite the distraction, however.

Shoreline frolicking evolved into other adventures, such as a fishing tour and a museum trip. Eventually the couple enjoyed a fancy dinner which stretched into the evening. From their table, Celeste watched Lucy at the buffet - her tail swished with enthusiasm as she picked out her food, a small smile upon her red lips. She boasted high energy and happy, shiny eyes. For a red, viscous cost.

Biting Lucy would bear consequences for both of them. Celeste didn't know who she feared for more. She told herself she worried most about Lucy, but then questioned whether she simply thought so to trick herself. No, she was probably overthinking.

Or not?

Regardless, Celeste didn't want to bite Lucy again, for either of their sakes, and she hoped that choice would be respected.

Before she spiraled into her confusion any further, Lucy returned to the table with a fresh plate of seafood. As if she were reading Celeste's mind, she trilled, "Ooh, I feel great! That venom works miracles!"

Celeste's glass met her coaster with force. "I am not doing that again."

"...What?"

"Sorry." Celeste glared at her steak as she cut it with methodical, machinelike motions.

"Cel..." A tiny whimper like that of a puppy escaped Lucy. "Don't be so cold..."

"Finish your food, Lucy. I'm sorry, but I'm not discussing this."

"You're being awful." The Sharcanid fished for her fork and ate with a clenched jaw. Meanwhile Celeste had lost her appetite. The talk of biting into Lucy a second time shifted the demon's cravings but she battled her instincts.

In tension did the pair walk back to their hotel room. They changed into pajamas in silence and they climbed under the covers in bitterness. "Sleep well, Lucy," Celeste said, turning over.

"Real sense of humor you've got there, clown," Lucy growled.