A Soulless Collection

Trapped - Redux

Title: Trapped – Redux

Pairing: Mard Geer x Lucy (MardLu)

Summary: Alegria has been cast and though his intruders are now one with the cube, a mind stayed free. Curiosity not being a common trait of Mard Geer he chooses to give into it and seek out this person. What he finds will challenge his plans, redefine his thinking, and fulfill his deepest desires.

Lucy is on her own and left to handle a disgusting situation to save her nakama. She's trapped inside of a macabre fortress surrounded by enemies and questioning her sanity as she ventures forward. While looking for answers she meets a demon, one who will change all her preconceived notions about demons, mating, and hair care.

Note: Trapped - Redux, is a re-write of 2018's Trapped, for the long overdue celebration of hitting over 1 million words posted and a good measure to see how far my writing has advanced over the last 2 years. Which a lot of my growth would not have been possible without the people I've met along my writer's journey, my wonderful community of support, lots of practice, and many hours invested in studying the craft of writing.

Yes, 1 million words is a milestone. Bradbury said it would take 3 years but I've always liked this quote by David Eddings,

"My advice to the young writer is likely to be unpalatable in an age of instant successes and meteoric falls. I tell the neophyte: Write a million words–the absolute best you can write, then throw it all away and bravely turn your back on what you have written. At that point, you're ready to begin."

Alright, I'll shut up and let you get to the story. Stay safe, stay healthy!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There was one mind free and that irked Mard Geer.

He made no outward movements as he sat upon his massive grey stone throne and analyzed the situation. In stillness he would not give the armored demons in the throne room the knowledge he was perplexed.

He could feel the free mind but not hear it, its tone was stronger – brighter – than the trapped ones. How did it escape my cunning Curse?

Alegria, his curse of joy, was flawless and all intruders should have been experiencing the elation of being one with Plutogrim.

Mard surveyed the room before him, matte grey smooth stone walls, banners in burgundy with his rose sigil upon the pointed bottom and demons lined up in precise rows ready for battle. His eyes took in all the details as he listened carefully with his telepathy, sorting through the flaw.

He had two options, send Jackal to deal with it or handle it himself. The first would require him to speak with the demonic mutt and the other would necessitate the leaving of the throne room. That would also be admitting that his curse was not perfect, a stain against his very being.

The mind was active, pushing against the edges of his telepathy and taunting him with its freedom. Taunting him, the Definitive Demon, with his lack of perfection.

Mard uncrossed his legs and stopped leaning into his pale hand resting on the broad throne arm. His armored demons all turning their silver helmet enclosed heads at the unusual movement.

Another mocking pulse and Mard had enough of this mental debate. He stood up holding the Book of E.N.D close to his chest as he walked down the red carpeted dais. His long black coat, frayed at the edges, swaying behind him as his black books stepped lightly and he crossed through the large room. The demons all knelt as he walked by them, keeping their polearms up and ready for battle.