Fire and Blood

Chapter 7: Unholy- Dark urges

Summary:

In this part of the story, after preparing and sharing breakfast, Astarion takes the lead as the group ventures into a dense swamp to attempt to learn more about the mysterious artifacts. Astarion and Lizbeth separate from the group and encounter succubi in a hidden temple. A fierce battle ensues, leaving the succubi defeated but arousing a unique desire in Lizbeth.  The two share an intense and passionate encounter, exploring their desires in a primal and unbridled manner. Afterward, they struggle to make sense of their newfound connection and navigate the changes in their relationship. 

TW: battle descriptions, knife play, blood drinking, induced desires, heavy smut

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After preparing and sharing breakfast in relative silence, Astarion took the lead, strapping on his weapons and walking confidently towards their exploration route. They journeyed deeper into a dense swamp, searching for clues to shed light on the mysterious artifacts they had discovered earlier. The pair separated from the group to cover more ground. 

Throughout the day, tension hung heavily between them like a tangible wall, cracking only occasionally when they needed to communicate or coordinate their movements. Apart from occasional awkward glances and curt remarks, conversation was scarce. They stumbled upon another crumbling temple partially hidden amidst the foliage in the late afternoon.

A sickly-sweet smell was coming from the structure; Lizbeth sniffed and recognized it, "Succubi, be careful," she whispered, "they will try to seduce you, then kill you and consume you. If you are lucky, in that order."

Astarion raised an eyebrow in confusion at the source of her knowledge but followed her instincts, moving cautiously toward the structure. As they neared, they heard faint feminine laughter echoing inside. "Ready your weapons," he whispered, silently drawing his dagger and sword.

The door creaked open slowly, revealing a small chamber decorated with macabre artwork depicting blood-soaked rituals. In the center stood two beautiful naked succubus women, their wings folded gracefully behind them as they sat around a table laden with rotting food and drink, their tales flicking like an irritated cat just waiting to pounce. Their eyes locked onto Lizbeth, filled with a hunger for flesh, literally and figuratively, as lust and need clouded their gaze. The odor intensified as the succubus released their powerful pheromones to lure in their prey.

"Shit," Lizbeth murmured, feeling their effects on her; she was instantly wet and turned on, making it difficult to concentrate on anything but the beautiful creatures before them.

"Look, another plaything, and this one smells of Avernus," one of the creatures said to the other, staring at Lizbeth.

"Stand back," Astarion growled, ignoring the statement about Avernus and stepping forward menacingly. His eyes flitted between the succubus and Lizbeth—a dangerous glint warned of impending violence.

"Don't worry... for a handsome vampire like you, we will share our pleasure and our little treat," one cooed seductively, her wings spreading outwards, revealing the batlike membranes drenched in blood. She lunged towards Astarion, her taloned claws grasping at air as he dodged effortlessly to the side. With a brutal sweep of his leg, he sent her crashing against the opposite wall, knocking her unconscious. The second harpy hissed and reacted, but Astarion quickly caught hold of her arm before she could reach him or Lizbeth. He yanked violently, breaking her the bone. It protruded through the skin of the succubus and cut into his wrist, wounding him.

The wound bled profusely as the succubus struggled for control over their prey. They squirmed and writhed, her sharp claws ripping for Astarion's neck but missing. With a powerful kick, he snapped her neck, spattering both sides of the room with the crimson paint of her blood. He then approached the downed succubus and stabbed her repeatedly, lost in his bloodlust and rage.