Queen of the Ashes

Chapter Twenty-Two

Vinca minor:
sore memories
∗·• ♔ ♥ ♔ •·∗

«Come here»

Ethan's attention was diverted from his thoughts as Maze suddenly called after him. He didn't hesitate, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and standing up, but he found himself regretting it as his sore muscles protested. He winced lowly. It felt like he had gone through military try-outs, his entire body aching.

He walked slowly over to the demon, who watched him with a smirk as his discomfort didn't slip past her dark gaze.

She placed her hand on his shoulder, tracing her nails up his marked skin until she could cup his cheek. Even as the sex had given her some strength, her other urges was still prominent and making it harder to keep her human appearance for long. But Ethan didn't mind her demonic look, it actually didn't matter to him how she looked as long as she stayed the Maze he cared so much for within her words and actions.

Although she loved to see his white skin fully exposed, especially as her love-marks were littered all over his body, she snapped her fingers, making his shirt appear in her hand. «Get dressed,» she told him, letting go of his cheek before tossing the shirt at his face.

Ethan huffed as he just about managed to catch the shirt, rolling his eyes at the demon who still smirked down at him.

He pulled the shirt over his head, carefully to not strain his sore muscles. The shirt was a little over-sized it reached down to his upper thigh, covering up his almost bruised member.

«W-where is my u-underwear and pants?» He asked, casting his gaze around the room in search. Maze leaned herself against the wall, raising a hand to bite at one of her claws as she tilted her head.

«M-Maze?» He asked her, but the demon just shrugged.

«I think you'll do without pants,» she said, and although Ethan knew she was joking, the seriousness of her voice made him slightly uncertain.

«Y-you're kidding? M-my ass is showing»

Ethan paled a little as Maze suddenly pushed herself off the wall. She walked up to him, her form casting a shadow over his as she watched him intensively. Ethan felt himself pale more as he recognized the evil glimmer in her eyes. He knew what she was thinking but he also knew his body couldn't possibly take any more. She would surely kill him if she proceeded where they had left off when Ethan passed out. But then again, it wouldn't have been the worst way to go.

«I've told you to mind your language» she reminded him and Ethan's mouth formed into an «o» at the realization. Maze smirked at his reaction and tapped his nose with her claw, causing Ethan to twist his nose, reminding much of a rabbit.

The human yelped as he suddenly felt something tighten around his lower body. But he relaxed as he realized that the demon had merely dressed him in his jeans with her given demonic powers.

«Y-you know I can dress m-myself» he muttered grumpily.

«You can also speak, and yet yesterday you became entirely mute»

Ethan felt his cheeks flare up in heat and bit his lower lips as he looked down in embarrassment.

«Take my hand» Maze suddenly said and Ethan looked up at her. Although he trusted her, he felt hesitant. But he took her hand nonetheless, and the demon braided her fingers in his.

Seconds later they appeared outside the walls of Ivraia's castle. Ethan squinted his eyes as he felt his temples throb slightly at the impact of the teleportation. The feeling of happiness, however, pushed the headache to the back of his head, as he realized Maze didn't let go of his hand when they began to walk up to the gate. He felt his heart flutter and couldn't help but smile as he cast brief gazes at the beautiful demon beside him.