"And the funny thing is I would've married you
If you'd have stuck around
I feel more free than I have in years
Six feet in the ground"
Doomsday - Lizzy McAlpine

🥀

"Brilliant idea. Truly you are of a genius sort. I have never met someone with such a rapport of fucking terrible ideas, that you must be a master of it."

"You sound like a donkey when you whine." Aera retorted back to the ill-mannered advisor.

Jimin grunted, kicking up more sand. "It doesn't make me wrong."

It had been only two hours, and not a minute of true silence passed between them. The plan had been at sunrise, for them to move on foot around the perimeter of the mountains. There, they would eventually find Tenebrian outposts. When the sun rose, the central government fell easily with civilian rebellion. The inns between old territories still existed, as they were a way for leaders to meet within and out of enemy bounds.

It was there only chance at finding shelter, resources, and sustenance. Still, the false prince complained.

"How did no one ever notice you were the King's son? You complain like you've been important your entire life."

Jimin chuckled darkly, "Some of us are born knowing we are deserving of the finer things in life. My heart knew I was of royal blood before in did. What is it like still being unimportant?"

Aera held back the growl that was brewing in her throat. Instead moving quicker across the sand that was still yellow from the buttery morning sun. They had carried themselves miles further than humans could dream to without water or shelter. Still, it didn't feel optimal. Her feet were being rubbed raw, her knees feeling the impact of every step.

They had always been like this.

Even if were as simple as arithmetic.

"You could do better." He would tell her, at the age of 12. His nose lifted at her scribbles along her page. Messy, but somewhat correct.

"What would you know? You're not even good at math." She would clutch her notebook to her chest even tighter. Hiding from him.

He would laugh. She dreaded the sound.

"Better than you."

It only made her work harder. That week, she had received an extra ration of blood for completing a rather complex calculation. Jimin stuck out his tongue at her when she sent a triumphant smile.

At 16, when she was caught in the hall kissing another young, light haired noble from one of the surrounding towns.

"Will you tell the prince?" Aera had asked indignantly. Though she had felt every bit of fear that a teen could.

Because Jimin would tell, and her life would be over.

One, for the lecturing and possible beating she would receive from her parents. Two for the end of her engagement to the prince. Three for having him catch her with someone at all.

"Was that your first kiss?" He had smirked, walking closer to her.

She hated him so deeply then, for taunting her.
"What? Run off to the prince now. Tell him so our engagement will end. Ruin my life like you've always wished to."

Jimin contemplated, taking another step forward. Their games had become less fun, and more painful over the years.

He grabbed the sides of her face, his eyes falling to her lips as they puckered underneath his grip. His voice was soft as he whispered to her, "I can tell." Then he let her go, his voice carrying down the hall as he waltzed away from her, "You can do better than that. At least, before you embarrass yourself with my best friend."

She had kissed many boys after realizing he had kissed many girls. She wouldn't let the boy believe her to be inexperienced, a fumbling idiot to his self proclaimed expertise. Never feeling ashamed, even if Jimin watched from afar. Drinking wine and blood mixed within his glass, eyes dark as he looked for any sign of uncertainty.

And now, with his judgements, she willed her legs to pump harder. There had been a map of the territory that she studied before they left, and within the ship. She had enough foresight to look them over, but not to bring them with her. Alas, within the next two miles, she estimated they would come across a shelter post. 

If. Only. He. Would. Shut. Up.

"Truly, you have always mystified me." The man caught up. From her peripheral, she could see the sweat glistening along his brow. She pulled her attention away from his panting, her thoughts already straying into what she called the realm of idiocy. "For someone who is a know it all, how are you wrong so often?"

This made Aera spin to him, her chest heaving from both the summer heat and her frustration. "When have I ever been wrong? Actually, my always being right saved your damn life." She pushed her index finger into his chest, making him stumble back, "If I hadn't told the others of your possible possession, you wouldn't be able to criticize me at this very moment."

Jimin's face dropped. His straight eyebrows raising up.

Fuck. She had spoke too much around him once again. The woman had specifically asked the others to keep her involvement out of his clutches.

"What?" He questioned, the air heating as he stepped forward. His white shirt clung to him, showing off his toned stomach. Lips reddened by the sun.

She hated the pretty parts of him more. They were little rosebuds, luring one to the thorns underneath.

"Don't act curious. It's just another thing you won't waste your time thanking me for." She threw at him vehemently, before turning back around and—"Look! I was right. There in the distance, you can see the post!"

She rested her hands on her hips. Victorious and right once again! Shocking.

The inns varied in aesthetic, based on their purpose. She guessed this one was purely for overnight visits, for it followed the same architecture as a costly home in Leila's village. She could see from her viewpoint, flat lines, ornate tiles, and many carriages settled outside.

Jimin stepped beside her, settling his hands low on his hips. "You were two miles off." Aera scoffed, annoyed and somewhat impressed that he also calculated the distance. "You can do better than that."

A chill went up her spine, having been without that phrase from him in three years. She walked him trudge ahead, like he was the one who found it and she had been following. Knowing it was not only a jest.

I could never be enough for him. There is always better.

She laughed bitterly, knowing it would not matter. Not after this journey.

*

"Oh fucking great."

Aera exclaimed, staring at the single bed in the small room. Like a novel, their story played out a tragedy. A small dingy cave hadn't been enough.

"What? It's your fault." Jimin said, kicking off his shoes and placing himself onto the bed. A fair bit of skin showed as he rested his arms above his head.

Her eye twitched. "Mine? I must be out of my mind then, considering you're the one who called us vivacious newlyweds."

Jimin laughed, his body shaking. More shirt slipped up his bare abdomen. She crossed her arms over her chest, clearing her throat.

Should I end him earlier than planned? I can find the priest myself.

"Get on the floor, where you belong." She was not going to forfeit the comfort this time.

The room was luscious. Used for important government officials before the day of sun. The room was strung with colorful glass lights, each reflecting its bounty against the walls in starlight. The windows were wide and square, letting in the sweet breeze. The bed was adorn with satin sheets the color of saffron, dotted with pillows of burgundy. Lush rugs covered the ground, and detailed tiles were fashioned into different animals on the ceiling. A tub sat in the corner, cement and imbedded with bits of gems.

No privacy. No space.

She was already suffocating.

"Hmm." The man pretended to contemplate. "My family line we are hunting. My brother who sent us here. My—" More of his shirt slipped up as he counted on his fingers.

Aera closed her eyes, "Fine! You fucking win. I'll go find another man to room with downstairs."

She didn't open her eyes until the door was slammed shut behind her.

She walked down thin hallway unsteadily, her hand resting against the lime washed surface. It brought her to the main entry way, which to the right held a bar for travelers and passerby alike. She did not care that she was the only woman who stumbled into the place, with every glinting eye trained on her.

Aera had dealt with worse.

Instead, she placed on her best coy smile. The one men told her made her look less like a forbidden fruit, and more like a ripened invitation.

Low tables scattered around the area, fitted with silken cloths which people sat crisscrossed around. Each of their glasses glinted gold or brass, and incense covered any unpleasant smells. Ladies wearing thin but beautifully made tops and puffed trousers carried around jugs of wine, pouring them into laughing men's chalices.

"A woman as breath-taking as you should not be lonely this evening." The voice is low, tempting.

Aera turned to find a striking man.

Dressed in a deep purple, he sat with one knee perched from the floor, his arm resting atop. His hair was deepest shade of hazelnut, his skin a bronze statue. Jewels trickled from his lobes, hidden by curls. He was strong jawed, full lipped, his nose slightly arched. His smile devious and somehow alluring beneath a well trimmed beard. But it was his eyes, a light brown, so deeply lined with lashes that stole some of her progress.

A large, tiered instrument sat beside him, which he sucked on while paying attention to her. His lips pursed, letting go of the smoke, so thick it turned pink from the surrounding lights.

"What is your name?" Aera inquired, prowling forward. She could tell he was of well financial standing.

The man's smile curled up further, "Isn't that my line?"

She could easily place his accent. Melodic, and very similar to the slight lilt in Leila's voice. That meant keeping her true identity hidden, in case word of their escape from Azita had somehow spread.

"My name is Oana." Aera stepped before his table, taking a seat before he offered her one. He only looked more please.

The handsome man shook his head. "No, it isn't. But I will have the pleasure of accompanying you tonight, إنها كاذبة."

"What did you just call me?"

"Liar."

A warmth spread across her chest, as she let out an uncharacteristically true burst of laughter. The man delighted in it, leaning closer. He already called for another cup of wine, pouring it himself for Aera. She took the drink willingly, sniffing it first for any poison.

"You don't trust me?"

"No, for you have not yet told me your name."

"I am called Kasra." The dark haired man took another deep inhale of the contraption. Expelling sweet smoke as he answered, "And I would have judged you differently if you did not check for poison."

"How do you judge me know?" Aera quickly drank down her wine, watching the man over the glass as she did so. She was careful to wipe at her lips slowly, tasting the dark liquid that had escaped onto the pad of her thumb.

The man leaned closer and she could smell his rich scent. Without the wine even dizzying her senses, she leaned closer. Just as intrigued.
"I think you're looking for a distraction from whatever made your cheeks blossom before you got down here."

Spell. Broken.

The indirect mention of the man upstairs already souring her mood.

"Well, I bid you goodnight."

She slammed down here empty glass, readying to stand up. She felt a gentle hand grab onto her wrist. Furious, she curled her lip at the stranger, who then let go just as quickly.

"I am sorry, إنها كاذبة. Leave if you must, if you wish. I was only teasing. I have offended you, and that was the least of my intentions."

Aera waited, before pouring herself another large glass of wine. She swallowed down the entire thing, before answering the unknown man again.

"You're lucky you're pretty."

The man laughed, before ordering them another jug.

She learned through the night, that he was a Khaan to a tribe close to Leila's territory. He had recently gained the title, as he was apart of this territory's rebellion against Tenebris. He spoke of his poor upbringing, and how he wished to only rule with fairness and equity for his villagers.

"What is your story?" He inquired, his kohl lined eyes still unobservant to how much wine Aera was drinking without losing her mind.

She felt a flicker of shyness in her chest, "I don't think I have one yet."

Everyone else seemed to have their place, good or bad. And there she was, suspended by her own desires.

He eyed her carefully with his soot lined eyes. "Then you must write it."

If only it were that easy.

Instead of speaking about herself, she taught him a drinking game. Within the next hour, the two strangers were both rosy cheeked and the loudest in the room.

"You can drink like an ox!" The man guffawed, pouring himself more wine.

No, like an Immortui.

Aera smirked, "You don't know the half of it!" She was only slightly buzzed, and knew she would have to stop soon for the humans sake.

But she liked him enough. The open and honest way he spoke. He was kind. Honorable. Aera did not mind the brazen way he looked at her, which made her feel fancied and not dissected. It was simple, easy with this man who she had just met.

"You truly are beautiful." The words slipped from Kasra's lips unapologetically.

Aera was not afraid of the mirror. She knew her looks were to a weapon of their own. But she never was offered more than touches, kisses, or drunken nights in bed. There were little who had courage to approach her when sober or not entirely filled with lust.

That was why she had taken just kindly enough to Hoseok.

"You're brave. Many where I am from are too frightened to even glance in my direction, afraid I'll turn them into stone."

The man seemed to fade in his playfulness, "I do not understand why. From what I see, you are meant to be worshipped. Strong like a goddess, and supple like the rain."

Aera laughed, the wine finally getting to her head in the slightest of touches. The shoulder of her dress slipped from her shoulder, and she enjoyed the way his eyes trailed and went quickly back to her eyes. Slick in his words, but a gentleman in action. "Let me try that."

She pointed to beside him. His eyes glittered, watching her sit forward with earnest.

"It's called hookah." She was practically covered by his shoulder as she leaned into him. The air only thickened when he moved to place the pipe before her. "Take it in your mouth."

Aera opened her lips, smiling at the innuendo. He parted his lips, watching her as he gentle placed the metal piece to her plump lips. "Place your lips around it." She did, humming in agreement. Deeply enjoying their flirtation, and the quickening of his heart beat she could hear. Another minute, and the fluttering of his pulse underneath his neck would be hers. "And suck—"

Loud clapping caused the close pair to turn. Thundering over the soft music in the corner, and forcing all the other patrons to look.

"Marvelous mate. Just marvelous. What a subtle way to say you want your cock sucked." Jimin continued to clap, walking to their table.

Ruining everything. As always.

Aera gripped tightly to the cloth around her, so that she didn't get up and literally rip Jimin's head from his body. The man sitting beside her was barely phased.

Instead, he gently pulled her chin towards him. Smoothing her frown away, and easing the tip of the pipe into her mouth. Aera sucked in her cheeks deeply, hoping the motion would distract her enough from her anger.

"Looks like she wants it, mate."

Shit.

Jimin's entire demeanor changed, his eyes going blank as his head cocked to the side.

Aera stood up, holding out her arms. It was not her honor Jimin wanted to protect. He just never backed down from a challenge.

"Thank you for everything Kasra. My absolutely insane companion made it out of his cage, so I must put him back." Jimin cursed from behind her outstretched arms, "Goodnight."

The man nodded, his jaw clenched as he watched her shuffle backwards until both her and Jimin were out of the bar area.

"What the actual fuck is—" Jimin erupted, his eyes black as night.

She didn't let him scream at her about possibly compromising them. She didn't let him call her stupid for trusting a stranger to not spike her drink. She didn't let him insult her, and tell her she could have been more careful.

No, instead she pulled him roughly up the stairs. Not caring as he practically hit the walls as she did so.

When they made it to the top of the steps, the Immortui woman pushed him through the door. Slamming it shut loudly behind them, and letting him settle angrily into the middle of the room.

"So now can you tell me why you are out of your ever-loving mind-"

"You fool! You infuriatingly arrogant, insipid, and unobservant little rat! Prick-face!" Aera screeched, turning to lift a large sitting pillow on the ground, and promptly throwing it at the man.

Jimin caught it easily, throwing it to the bed behind him. His eyebrows lifted like she were the crazy one, "Now that was rude."

She let out a groaning laugh, her eyes widening. "Why do you always get involved when you are not needed? We are not children anymore, I don't need you trying to torture me at every turn."

The man scoffed, crossing his arms as he looked her up and down. The glare sent a heat over her body, as his eyes narrowed, "You seriously wanted to get fucked that badly? Your taste could do with a little refinement, he was a git-"

"No fuck-face get it through your thick skull! I am thirsty!" Aera yelled, wilting as she grew too aware of his gaze. Her voice lowered to a stiff reluctance, "I am not Dimidium. I need to feed more often. I had a stash on the ship and some in the carriage, but that is gone now. I need—" She paused, feeling faint.

The woman grabbed at her head, swaying. The mix of wine and lack of essence enough to make the room begin to spin.

"Aera." Jimin was next to her, his hands lifted. She must be dreaming, because he would never catch her. He was always the one to make her fall. "Why wouldn't you just tell me?"

He sounded angry, upset.

"Why would I?" She said, breathing through her nose until she could stand steadily.

He stepped back, looking at her like she had completely lost her mind. "You can feed from me. Our competition hold no merit if my opponent is moments away from starvation."

That was it. His final plan to end her.

Immediately her shields would raise. For he had never before suggested such closeness between them. He would set himself before her, a trap. Closing at the earliest convenience. "Why? So you can pretend to let me feed, and then snap my neck? Stab me? Finally rid the world of the person who is ruthless enough to best you?"

He wouldn't do something so kind. So selfless. Not anymore. And especially not for her. Not without a price.

"Paranoia does not suit you. You need to feed."

The silver haired man said it plainly. Already rolling up his sleeves. She revolted from the condescension that poured from him. He walked forward, holding his wrist out.

Aera moved her hands to her thighs, feeling both of her daggers. The one he gave her, and the one she had taken from unsuspecting Khaan downstairs.

"Ah, so you wish to come near me? Try."

He smiled, all teeth and ferociousness. Aera wondered what Leila had seen to believe a single word that came from his masochistic mouth. It was only made for what she could not take from him.

They moved with each other, in a circle. The breeze settling into something colder, but somehow the warmth between them only heightened. They were bathed in orange candlelight, gem-stone eyes meeting endless shadow. She watched carefully, her long hair swaying around her as she stepped carefully. Ready for him to pounce.

She shouldn't have challenged him.

Now he wouldn't give up.

He stalked around her, less feline and more serpentine than his princely brother. His dark eyes only deepened with satisfaction at the hunt, taking in her twin daggers. Her fangs, which now stood at full attention.

It was Jimin who struck first, his legs swiping from the side to knock her down. She had fought with him too many times to not jump at the same time, and quickly send a fist upwards on his jaw.

Jimin took the punch easily, laughing as he shook out his hands. Aera was already behind the bed, making sure he did not make any sudden movements.

Then the man turned into shadow.

"That's not fair!" Aera screamed, slashing into the air. Bits of smoke evaporated around her fists, and she knew they made no mark on the man. Jimin's omniscient joy flickered around the room. Stopping when he materialized right before her.

Aera punched out her right fist, twisting so her knife cut at his rib. He grabbed the knife, letting his black blood seep over the blade. She lifted the other knife, stabbing chaotically at any open flesh. He let her stab his bicep, before taking her by her waist and throwing her onto the bed.

"Fuck you Jimin! I have always hated you. I have always known that you were warped, and wrong."

The man ignored her, placing both her wrists above her head with one hand. Her heart was beating faster than she ever felt before in her life. The cold air of his body just far enough away, his body arched over her so they weren't entirely touching. Just their hands.

He rolled his eyes, "Thank you for cutting me. Now you don't even have to bite me to feed. What did that wanker say? 'Open your mouth'." 

The man bent closer, his face only breaths away. His plump lips lifted in a sly expression, his voice impossibly smooth. Her center flooded with warmth, her entire body tensing with an ache she liked to pretend did not exist for him anymore. His little mimicry more potent than any other serious suggestion from men she had known.

Blood dropped from his shoulder, and she moved her head to the side. Her lips parted, the liquid entirely too tempting. It smelled of pomegranate and mistrust. She was sure it tasted glorious.

But she couldn't.

Not after...not after.

"Kill me! Kill me! I will not feed from you, not from any Immortui! Just kill me!" She started thrashing wildly, her mouth wide open with her her violent screams.

Jimin was shocked. The man pulled away, still holding her wrists. His face held both genuine concern and exasperation. "Damnit Aera! Do you think it's because I want to? You cannot starve and you cannot give away who we are. Therefore this is the safest means to feed! You already had a péreche. There's no risk, if that's what you're worried about." The man hovered over her, his voice trailing off as if the words were unpalatable to him.

How dare he? The ice within her spread, sweltering the flame.

"Stop speaking. Let go of me."

"I will perish if I touch you for too long, so trust me. I'd like to get this over with." She ripped one arm free, forcing him to use the other hand.

Jimin then took both of her wrists, slamming them down on the bed. He was breathing heavily, his light hair starting to fall over his eyes. Some of his fervency left him, the longer he peered at her face.

Did he see what she wished to hide?

"Then let me go." She said, her voice low and even.

Jimin's eyes continued to trail her, their chests starting to move in sync. He moved from her head, to her eyes, lips and mouth. All the way down to her neck.

To the place where her long, silken hair had slipped away from.

"Aera what is this—" His face contorted, no longer steel. She watched as he was molten, then solidified. Seven stages of a grief she thought he no longer possessed. Both fire and rain and whatever the heavens could throw at the earth. When his eyes flickered back to her own, his wrath poured like wax down her spine. His voice shattered glass melted into something sharper, "Who did this to you?"

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(A/N: ooooooo I loveeeee this chapter!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhsahajsjksalalkswksksksnsnsj!

Nahajajajajakajajajahhahahahahhahahaha! I'm hitting allll the tropes in this one. And I am going to make them better than before!!! Ahahaha

Next one is gonna be um...good!