Halfling (editing in process)

Chapter Forty-One

"Payne, for the love of the Goddess or Lucifer or whatever deity listens to me, I am ready to come home. I am stronger, and they go at it like bunnies, everywhere! I am scarred for life!" Aria exclaimed.

Payne laughed, hugging Aria and stroking her hair. They were in Aria's dreams, a beautiful lake scene around them.

"Oh yes, I am sure Catherine complained about my like for biting and whips but failed to mention she's a nympho?"

"Lucien's place wasn't this bad Payne!" Aria whined.

"Don't worry my sweet, I will talk to Catherine and we'll get you back. You haven't left her alone with Marcus, have you?"

"No, why do you - ... Damn it Pain!" Aria gasped, her face flushing a darker crimson than her eyes.

Payne grinned at her. "Just kidding, now rest. I'm going to go bother Catherine and we'll bring you up here... I am sure Lilianna would love to meet her mother at last."

Payne teasingly moved up and nipped Aria's collarbone before fading.

Aria looked around as her dreamscape darkened, the serene lake fading. A woman with red hair and blue eyes stepped from the darkness. The girl was the spitting image of Aria, or would have been if her dreamscape hadn't warped the girl. Her cheekbones were too sharp, claws of obsidian had replaced her fingers, a barbed tail whipping behind the girl. Dark intent and lust glittered in the girl's icy eyes and she laughed, the sound cold and warped.

"Hello... Mother." The woman purred, strolling towards her with a grin.

Aria sat strait up in bed with a gasp, her hand flying to her chest as her heart tried to escape it. She let out a soft groan and flopped back on the bed, starring at the ceiling for a few long minutes before looking to Marcus.

"Have you seen Lilianna? Is she... okay?" She questioned quietly.

Marcus looked to her, tilting his head before laying his head on his paws and whining softly. Aria bit her lip, looking up as her door opened, Catherine peeking in.

"I brought you some clothes, we're sending you home today. Amazing how much you've recovered in just a few days." Catherine said happily, laying the pile of clothing on the end of the bed and hurrying out of the room.

Aria got to her feet and shed the borrowed night gown and looked to the clothes Catherine had brought her. She slipped into the dark leather pants and pulled the green top over her head. She braided her hair back and tied it with a leather strip. She turned to Marcus and put her arms out.

"How do I look?" Aria asked, smiling as Marcus yipped and wagged his tail.

Aria stepped out of the room and was met by a soft whistle. Catherine grinned at her, eyeing her from head to toe.

"Damn Aria, it is a shame you are so devoted to Payne. You looked good before but... damn that leather makes your ass look good."

Aria blushed darkly. "Can I please go home now?"

Catherine laughed. "Yes, I've got the sending spell ready, come with me."

Aria followed her to the living room, blinking in surprised curiosity when she saw the intricate circle of runes drawn on the floor.