The Ruler's Rift

Never the Same

Following Celeste's promises to Violet, she explained to her followers that she would take up the throne in one day. Until then, she'd spend time with Lucy - their last moments as a normal couple. So, after she'd cleaned herself up at Nova's mansion, Celeste headed to Lucy's unassuming home. All the way there, she reminisced Lucian's words to her. He'd pulled her aside and, in all his brashness, told her what she ought to do for his sister. "I don't care what you do when you're in power if you make Lucy a goddess. Do that and I'll never complain," were his terms. His presumptuous tone made Celeste sick but his idea was perfect. She cared for Lucy more than he did, if that wound on the dog's wrist had anything to say about it. Celeste walked with determination; she would make Lucy immortal and prevent exhaustion from killing her.

With light footsteps, the demon entered the home and went to the bedroom. The sun hung close to the horizon, early in its daily climb. On the bed, surrounded by blood stains and rustled sheets, lay Lucy. Her body sprawled out about as gracefully as a dropped egg. Celeste sighed at the bruising and holes in the malamute's neck. "At least she looks happy sleeping..." she whispered to herself.

Most blood had dried overnight but its scent lingered and drove her proxy to stir. Celeste hissed under her breath before calming herself. She sat upon the bedside and gently shook Lucy. The venom had weakened over the hours and it released its victim rather easily.

Slow, heavy, Lucy's eyes opened. Their sunset hue brightened at the sight of Celeste. The insomniac stretched and yawned, enduring the occasional twitch if she moved her neck too much. "Good morning...I slept great," Lucy whimpered joyfully. "How about you?"

"I slept well," Celeste lied. She wouldn't spoil Lucy's smile with the gorey truth of last night.

In a second, Lucy's arms were around the demon. Silencing her guilt, Celeste returned the embrace. She stroked Lucy's hair and ears. "Are you hurting? I'm so sorry..." she whispered.

"Oh, Cel, don't apologize!" Assured the Sharcanid. She squeezed harder. "I'm so happy I slept..."

"Don't hurt yourself again," Celeste demanded. Her voice grew firm. "I mean it." Blue eyes glared at the wound that Lucy had torn open just to play with the demon's instincts. Yet she housed anger only for her own weakness. How could she have given in?

Lucy gently nodded but promised nothing.

"Let's clean you up," Celeste hummed. "Then, I have presents for you."

"Ooh, I'm always excited for your gifts, Cel," Lucy giggled, her tail thumping.

Celeste helped her girlfriend up and led her to the bathroom. "Not that kind of gift but I think you'll like it anyway."

Washing Lucy's wounds proved a tempting experience, despite Celeste maintaining her focus. She happily discarded the bloody cloths when finished. She kissed the insomniac's lips while she retrieved what she'd purchased from under her cloak. "Ta-da!" Celeste sang as she pulled away.

Tired eyes widened. "Oh! You got me gloves!" Lucy gasped.

"I know you're self-conscious about your tail and I can't help with that. But I can help you cover that awful wound Lucian gave you..." Celeste explained. She slipped the gloves onto Lucy's arms. Dark and soft, they extended up to her elbows.

Lucy flexed her fingers. She smiled with a wagging tail. "Thank you so much, Cel," she said.

"Ah, you're welcome, but that's not all..." Celeste teased, bouncing her eyebrows. Exercising her performing muscles, she leaned in to Lucy and whispered, "hmm...what's this behind your ear?"