Lanias had to burn away the weakness that was surfacing. Tears she’d spilled during her moment of uncertainty a distant memory, she had to overcome those complicated emotions she felt watching her father’s death.
Pushing down past experiences had been done many times in order to allowed herself the ability to move forward.
She buried anything that could drag her down into a pit of despair in the depths of her mind.
People said that burying emotions was not healthy. But how could she survive in a world full of monsters, if she allowed herself to feel?
How could she sell young women to twisted politicians while gathering their many dark secrets, and rule the shade with an iron fist again, if she allowed herself to feel?
When she’d begun her journey into that world her actions fell under the excuse of survival just to get by. However, every time she’d destroyed someone’s life and watched their household collapse under an exposed secret led to a celebration.
Turning her head, she met her own gaze in the mirror. Lanias couldn’t lie to herself, some part of her had grown to enjoy what she did.
The monster inside her luxuriated in her dark power and pitiless behavior. The Nerium was her crown jewel, Witches who’d been forged in the black halls of that hell. They achieved a level of ability with their magic that couldn’t be seen in the average Witch.
She’d saved them and given them a future.
They owed her their loyalty; she had taken it as her due.
A queen of broken Witches.
A demon who took what others feared to take.
Protect those who her father had hidden?
Why not, if it would bring her more power.
She brought her hands around and undid her bra, it fell to the shower floor with a slap. Then she removed her underwear, sliding them down her slick wet skin.
Her story was just beginning.
Those silver eyes appeared in her mind’s eye. A deal with a devil indeed.
Lanias had never feared devils, and she wouldn’t start now.
Mourning Her
OYE
“You come here more than the workers do.”
Oye said as way of greeting Sabina, who sat on a long couch, brushing her hands along her large belly. She silently watched the revolving black mass within the purple orb above. “At this point, I think Raijin is starting to get worried.”
Sabina looked away from the orb and frowned, “Why? It comforts me to come here when there is nothing else to do.”
“There are plenty of things you could do in your spare time.” Oye said coming to stand behind her. She thought over her next words carefully. “Would Lanias be happy with you doing this?”
“What are you trying to say,” Sabina demanded sounding irritated.
“Don’t you think it’s time you moved on?” Oye said wincing at how her words came out.
“I’m not saying you should just forget her, or anything. I just don’t want you to be so caught up in this.” The wave of her hand gesture encompassed the entire room. “Lanias would want you to be living your life and enjoying your family. She wouldn’t want you here thinking about the past.”
“I’m not thinking about the past.” Sabina denied surprisingly calm. “I’m thinking about the future. The future that Lanias won’t be a part of. The future she never talked about.” She sighed, looking back at the Nerium. “I never realized how selfish I was to leave all of this behind at the first sign of an out. Not once did I think about what I was leaving her with. I abandoned her to this world because I wanted normal.”
“Sabina.” Oye said.
“Don’t, I don’t need your pity.” She abruptly interjected.
