PROTECTION ♞ h.p.

17. The Price of Power

Malfoy's bedroom was dark, the only light coming from the many candles positioned on his bedside tables. The flames flickered as vanilla scented wax rolled slowly down the sides to pool across the wood.

Pansy sat cross-legged in the center of Draco's bed, her black formal spilling across his crimson sheets. Her dark hair shone in the firelight as shadows played across her pale skin.

In her lap she held an ornate silver goblet. Intricate dragon claws seemed to wrap up around the cup and red rubies adorned the metalwork just below the rim.

Sitting across from her, Draco held a silver knife. Its blade was thick and sharp as it curved away from the handle. The dragon design matched the cup, with complex engravings and two large rubies encrusted on either side.

Placing the empty chalice on the bed between them, Pansy held it with one hand wrapped firmly around the base.

Raising his left arm, Malfoy held it over the cup, curling his hand into a tight fist. With his right, he brought up the knife and rested it on the inside of his forearm.

When he seemed to hesitate, Pansy moved her free hand to his knee, caressing him soothingly through his silky black pajama bottoms.

"Do it, baby," she urged meeting his gaze when he looked up at her.

Pressing the blade hard against his skin, Draco cut a gash into his arm. Hissing at the pain, he dropped the knife, and held his arm steady as his dark blood began to flow freely into the goblet.

"Fuck, that hurts," he gritted out.

"I can do a charm to ease the pain, if..."

"No, just...just don't move the goblet."

For several moments they sat in silence, watching as the cup slowly filled.

Gradually, Draco's eyes darkened as the pain faded under his growing excitement. His breathing deepened and his heart sped up as he felt himself moving one step closer to his goal.

He knew everything had to work perfectly...knew every part of the ritual had to be completed before he could get what he wanted. Pansy was essential to his success and tonight she seemed to almost glow as he looked up at her.

"You are so beautiful," Draco murmured eventually.

Releasing his arm, Malfoy reached out, sliding his fingers over her cheek. There was a little blood on them and he watched, fascinated as it streaked across her skin.

"This is it, baby," Pansy whispered as she leaned into his touch. "Tonight you get everything."

"We get everything," he corrected, sliding his hand into her hair and drawing her face to his for a kiss.

Strengthening his lie, he gently caressed her lips with his before easing her mouth open with his tongue.

Feeling her silky strands between his fingers, he pictured the color shifting from black to red...complete with gold highlights that would glitter in the candlelight.

"Draco..." Pansy murmured, melting into his unexpectedly tender touch.

"Watch the cup," he warned huskily, moving to kiss her jaw so she could make sure his blood wasn't spilling onto the bed.

His hand trailed down her neck, over the smooth skin at the base of her throat. Her gown was strapless, like he'd requested, leaving her skin bare and ready for the mark.

"It's almost full," she breathed eventually, her voice fading in a moan as he dipped his tongue into her ear.

"Perfect," he whispered, anticipation building as he pulled back.