Split of the Worlds (18+)

Chapter 7.6

TW: Sexual content (mostly implied) at the end of the chapter.

Veidja didn't know any of the songs that were played. She was also unfamiliar with the dances. But N'Arahn turned out to be a confident dancer and she quickly got to grips with the movements. After a while, she even enjoyed it, despite the residual pain from the arena fights. And despite those impossible shoes.

As far as she could, she watched the humans around her. She had never seen them like this before. Exuberant, cheerful, relaxed, sometimes even lost in each other as they danced. She knew these scenes from the festivals on the White Mountain. Well, at least roughly like this. Different music, different clothes. Different worries that were pushed away.

N'Arahn barely took his eyes off her. She had hoped to be unobserved for once, perhaps to be able to escape. But even when he disappeared to get something to drink, she felt his presence through the bracelet, as if he were standing right next to her.

After a while, she gave up being overly vigilant all the time. She was among humans, not demons. So basically out of danger for the first time in a while. Even N'Arahn made an effort to be pleasant company. However, he couldn't stop monitoring and patronizing her, which was annoying and humiliating. As soon as a person came near her, let alone addressed her, the demon appeared at her side. His stony expression, piercing gaze and threatening posture reliably drove every human away.

Nevertheless... Gradually, Veidja relaxed a little. Dancing was a nice change from her usual exercise routine. And even though it brought her close to N'Arahn in an unfamiliar way, it didn't feel menacing or uncomfortable. His human form helped her to cautiously allow herself some enjoyment.

They had just been sitting for a while in silence, peacefully for once, when a new song made them both jump. The rhythm was combative and Veidja's heart instantly beat faster. She couldn't say she found the music particularly pleasant, but she was simply carried away.

Emerald green eyes bored into her soul. Backing up, her eyes always on the demonlord, she crossed the dance floor, which had emptied as if by secret command. N'Arahn followed her immediately, his stance challenging her.

They circled each other in time to the music, he caught her, she pushed him away. Then she tempted him again and he pulled her into his arms. She slid down him, he caught her and held her briefly before pushing her away, turning his back on her. When she stepped away, however, he immediately looked for her again. She let him feel her rejection, felt him approach her from behind and woo her. When she didn't give in, he spun her around, letting her fall, only to catch her with the last beat of the music just before she hit the floor. His face so close, both bodies tense to the extreme.

Carefully, N'Arahn lifted her up, holding the angel close to him. Both were still trembling from the dance, from the aggression, the suspense. The fight.

Veidja felt as if she had been through another round in the arena. Only different. Better? The scent of the demon was intoxicating, just like his closeness. She still stood in his arms, pressed against his chest, feeling every breath as if it were her own. Just for that moment, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Then she became aware of the silence. The humans made no sound, even the music had remained silent.

N'Arahn's breath prickled on her skin as he whispered, "We have to go."

Then he turned around abruptly to leave the room. He didn't let go of her hand, pulling her with him. Veidja followed N'Arahn through the door into the corridor; the stunned humans still left frozen in silence.

"Halt!" Veidja had to gather herself first. She stopped and withdrew her hand from the demon. The warmth his touch had left behind continued to glow for a moment. "What was that in there?"