Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 34

Leaving him behind was harder than I imagined. I struggled with the torment he would put himself through in my absence, and wondered if I was truly in the right when I considered my reasoning. There was no time to second-guess myself, relationships had to be formed, and I needed some separation. 

Loan was my advisor, so openly bowing to Verando's will, even if they were well-informed of my preference, could be seen as a negative. Fillipa and Roksana operated as a unit, with Fillipa at the head, one would never have guessed there was a sexual relationship between them. I needed to follow suit; I needed to forge a path of my own, but I remained uncertain whether my method of separation had been short-sighted. 

The evening was starting poorly, as I'd hoped to travel by carriage, but to keep a low profile, walking was the best method of sightseeing. 

I regret my choices, so I drink. It was a considerable risk, allowing our guard to slip so that we could explore. Even with Aiden and Roksana, without my gray-haired lover, I struggled to allow myself to form any meaningful conversation, not that anyone was interested in speaking about anything beyond the bedroom. 

The entirety of my time was spent observing, attempting to see beyond, and ensuring myself that we weren't being followed. My time in court had heightened my tolerance, and it was taking a frustrating amount of drinking to get me past the initial buzz. The watered-down alcohol of lower-end pubs and taverns didn't sit well with my stomach, and I found myself disappointingly sober and nauseous for my trouble.

My temple throbs; the longing he was experiencing hit me in waves, reminding me of the foolishness of my choices. I can only imagine that allowing me to experience this was intentional, if not from him, then most certainly from Alpha. Under my breath, I curse, lifting my flask to my lips. 

Could he sense that I was miserable?

"What a waste," I mutter, reminding myself that I didn't even enjoy the company of others. I wasn't a social creature. 

There is a band playing a low beat that resembles a heartbeat, even with the brass and string elements, the rhythm is something I haven't experienced before. The darkness of the room, mixed with the swaying forms of intoxicated patrons, causes my senses to spiral with the amount of alcohol I'd consumed. 

In the darkness of the room, there are only faint lights that seem to be powered by means other than fire—a magical tavern of sorts, taboo among the mortal realm. Electricity is something I haven't had much exposure to. While I'd heard rumors of it, the floating candles and flickering flames assured me there was a magical element to this establishment.

 Anuetta enlightens Fillipa and me on the advancements, though it falls on deaf ears as my gaze tracks the 'not-quite human' bodies lurking in the shadows. It was a feeding ground, no doubt, and there was a succubus or two hiding amongst the swaying bodies. 

Sweaty, sticky forms in the heat of the ample space surround us. People are dancing and grinding their bodies on one another, dressed in scandalous outfits that I notice Anuetta has decided to partake in. Her small breasts and slender form are squeezed into what looks like a corset and thigh-high stockings. 

A few women flaunted their exposed breasts, and a particular individual who had the face of a woman but the chest of a man, yet they donned a skirt and thigh-high white stockings. 

"These people aren't modest," Haryek warns me. "Thankfully, neither am I. See anything you like?"

The thought makes me scoff as I lean my elbow on the table. My libido might have found new life, but there wasn't a body in here that compared to my warlord. "Not a chance. This was a stupid idea, I didn't realize I was entertaining whores."