2~3

At the Mondbaie Estate, Julian stood rigidly in the courtyard, dressed in a white button down tunic and pants, as well as a formal masculine, lace up vest corset that matched the green of his eyes. Upon first impression, his new height towered at a generous 6'3, surpassing his own father's height by some; and his jaw had become stronger, more squared and chiseled, revealing the cleft dimple in his chin.

"Where is she? You assured me she'd visit today."

Julian muttered under his breath as his wife adjusted his lengthy tied back hair over the front of one of his broadened shoulders.

Zefeni’s touch was cool against his skin, her movements precise and deliberate as she arranged his hair. She didn’t respond immediately, her gaze sweeping over his form with a critical eye, assessing the impact of her… alterations. A slow, satisfied smile curved her lips.

“Patience, my Duke."

Zefeni finally murmured, her voice a silken caress to his agitated ears.

“Eira is… punctual, but easily distracted. Especially by her own fairy knight.”

The arrival of Eira caused a ripple of hushed whispers among the estate’s staff. Her entrance was undeniably striking, the black steeds and armored carriage a clear display of status and power. Julian, despite his attempts at composure, couldn’t help but stare, his eyes tracing the lines of her figure as she descended, a mixture of relief and apprehension swirling within him. Zefeni, however, remained impassive, her gaze assessing Eira with a cold, calculating scrutiny, gauging whether or not this female would be viable competition to her claim staked over Julian.

Julian stood still for a few moments before moving forward to greet his sister. The resemblance he bore to their father was uncanny, but distinctly he held just as much of his mother's charm in those white locks of hair.

"Eira... you came..."

He greeted her, tracing his tongue over his bottom lip nervously. He used to do that as a young toddler whenever he was stressed or nervous too.

"Of course I came, I am your sister, your grace..."

Her eyes scaled Julian as the newly wedded pair approached. She grit her teeth with a smile, curtsying to his bow. Her anger could vaguely be seen in her deep pink eye colour, known by those close to her as a warning to her bubbling temperament, yet a steady calmness masked her face.

"You've definitely grown since the last time our eyes met. Your tenth birthday must have been one for the history books - doubling your age physically by the looks of it."

Eira was formal and sickeningly polite, the exact opposite as to the conflicts the pair shared growing up.

"He couldn't very well stay in the frail body of a child. Not as the new Duke."

Duchess Zefeni purred, hugging Julian's muscled bicep between her voluptuous breasts.

Zefeni’s smile widened, a predatory glint in her eyes. She didn’t release Julian’s arm, her grip tightening slightly, a possessive gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Eira. She met Eira’s gaze directly, her own honey gold eyes radiating a subtle, yet potent, magical energy.

"Yes quite... he is to be a father soon too."

Zefeni smirked proudly.

A beat of silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken tension. Eira’s carefully constructed composure wavered for a fraction of a second, her pink eyes flashing with a barely contained fury. The news of a child, of 'Julian’s' child, with Zefeni was a blow she hadn’t anticipated. She quickly regained her control, her expression smoothing into a mask of polite indifference, though a slight tremor ran through her wings.

“A father?”

Eira repeated, her voice dangerously soft. She turned her gaze to Julian, searching his face for any sign of… willingness, of acceptance. His expression was unreadable, a blank canvas that offered no clues. She then turned back to Zefeni, her voice laced with icy politeness.

“How… delightful.”

Eira managed, the word dripping with sarcasm. She subtly adjusted her grimoire concealed beside her dress, a reflexive action born of years of training and a growing sense of unease. The air around her crackled with barely suppressed magical energy.

Zefeni chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent a shiver down Eira’s spine.

“Indeed. A testament to our new union and… compatibility. Julian possesses a unique lineage, a potent blend of power and… other qualities that make him an ideal vessel for fathering new life.”

She trailed off, her gaze lingering on Julian with an unsettling possessiveness.

Julian remained silent, his jaw clenched tight, his knuckles white as he gripped his hands together. He hadn’t authorized Zefeni to announce their… situation to Eira. The declaration felt like a deliberate provocation, a power play designed to unsettle his sister and assert Zefeni’s control. He glanced at Eira, desperately hoping she wouldn’t react rashly.

Eira’s wings twitched, the delicate membranes shimmering with a faint, ethereal glow. She took a slow, deliberate breath, forcing herself to remain calm.

“A ‘vessel’?”

She echoed, her voice dangerously low.

“Is that what you consider him, Duchess? A mere container for your… ambitions?”

She finally met Zefeni’s gaze head-on, her pink eyes blazing with righteous indignation.

Zefeni’s smile didn’t falter, though a flicker of annoyance crossed her features. She tightened her grip on Julian’s arm, subtly drawing him closer.

“Ambition is a strong word, little fairy. I prefer to think of it as… optimization. Julian possesses a power that has been dormant for far too long. A power that needs to be nurtured, guided… and utilized.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Eira with a dismissive air.

“Something a spirit-touched fairy like yourself wouldn’t understand.”

'Pick your battles', the words from Halston hung in her head.

"Nurturing... by robbing him from the delicacies of youth that you've long lived past."

She sure was choosing her words wisely, even if they might be subtle jabs in return.

"His power is meant to grow and flourish. Something most demons don't seem to understand."

Zefeni’s eyes narrowed, her composure finally cracking.

“Delicacies of youth?”

She scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

“You speak of trivialities, little fairy. Julian is on the cusp of greatness, a power that will reshape this realm. A few lost years are a small price to pay for such a destiny.”

She leaned closer to Eira, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

“Besides, I’ve given him far more than he ever could have hoped for.”

"And did he ask for any of it?"

Eira pressed.

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Zefeni’s face – a hint of vulnerability, quickly masked by a cold, calculating expression. She didn’t immediately respond, her gaze fixed on Julian, as if seeking his permission to continue this line of questioning. After a tense moment, she finally spoke, her voice carefully measured.

“He will understand, in time.”

Zefeni said finally, her voice regaining its silken smoothness.

“He’s a pragmatic man, Eira. He recognizes the benefits of our… arrangement.”

She turned her attention fully back to Eira, her eyes narrowing.

“Unlike some, he doesn’t cling to childish notions of free will and autonomy.”

She lightly stroked Julian’s cheek, her touch possessive and dismissive all at once.

“He understands that sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good.”

"Spoken like a demon stuck in the past, unable to come to terms with the new reality."

Eira's tone was low and cold. Her darkened pink hues locked against Zefeni's golden orbs. The magic mana between the pair could be felt growing.

Zefeni’s hand clenched into a fist, her nails digging into Julian’s arm. A dark aura began to emanate from her, swirling around her like a venomous mist. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was laced with barely contained fury.

“How 'dare' you.”

Zefeni hissed, her eyes blazing with demonic power.

“You presume to lecture me on reality? I have witnessed empires rise and fall, little fairy. I have walked this realm for centuries, long before your precious ‘new reality’ even existed.”

She took a step closer to Eira, her presence radiating an oppressive weight.

“You are a child playing with forces you do not understand. A fleeting spark in the darkness, easily extinguished.”

Julian, caught between the escalating conflict, finally found his voice.

“Enough!”

He commanded, his tone surprisingly firm. He gently but firmly removed Zefeni’s hand from his arm, stepping back slightly to create a buffer between the two women. His green eyes, now flecked with silver, scanned both their faces, assessing the situation.

He turned his gaze to Zefeni, his expression stern.

“This is not helping. Eira is my sister, and she is a guest in my domain. I will not tolerate threats or intimidation.”

He then turned to Eira, his voice softening slightly.

“Eira, please. Let’s not escalate this.”

He knew he was walking a dangerous line, attempting to mediate between a powerful demon and a volatile fairy, but he had to try. The tension in the courtyard was palpable, thick enough to **** on. Even the roses nearby seemed to be wilting under the weight of their combined magical energies.

Eira’s jaw tightened, but she reluctantly lowered her gaze, acknowledging Julian’s plea. The magical energy surrounding her began to dissipate, though a faint shimmer still clung to her wings. She offered a curt nod to Julian, a silent acknowledgment of his authority. However, her eyes remained fixed on Zefeni, radiating a simmering resentment that hadn’t entirely extinguished.

Zefeni’s expression remained stormy, but she reluctantly reigned in her anger, though her eyes remained fixed on Eira with undisguised hostility. She smoothed down her elaborate gown, attempting to regain her composure.

Julian let the way to the flower adorned gazebo, sitting down as maids served tea and biscuits. As he sat, the massive size of his flaccid bulge became more apparent to his sister. Impressively far bigger than Eira's own boyfriend - Halston.

A strained silence descended as the three of them moved towards the ornate gazebo, its wrought-iron frame draped with fragrant climbing roses. Maids, seemingly unfazed by the earlier tension, glided forward, silently offering delicate porcelain cups of tea and a platter of intricately decorated biscuits.

Julian settled onto a cushioned bench within the gazebo, attempting to project an air of normalcy despite the underlying tension. As he sat, the fabric of his tailored trousers strained slightly, revealing a prominent bulge. It was undeniably large, far exceeding what Eira was accustomed to seeing on Halston, or indeed, most men. A blush crept up her neck, her eyes darting away from the obvious display. She busied herself with accepting a cup of tea, her hands trembling slightly as she brought it to her lips. Zefeni, however, observed the scene with a smug satisfaction, a predatory glint in her golden eyes. She leaned back against the cushions, a subtle smile playing on her lips, enjoying Eira’s discomfort.

The air hung heavy with unspoken attraction. Eira carefully avoided making eye contact with either Julian or Zefeni, focusing instead on the delicate floral pattern of her teacup. She took a small sip, the Gweb root tea doing little to soothe her frayed nerves. The scent of roses, usually comforting, now felt cloying and oppressive.

"Your Grace, have you alarmed our dear parents about your, marriage and coming first born?"

Her gaze gravitated away from the pair. Eira had obviously communicated the first bit of detail as soon as she heard.

"Or are you, unable to communicate with those of familial ties outside of this kingdom? As Duke, I assumed nothing would be stopping you from passing on such pleasantries to those back home."

Zefeni’s smile widened, a cruel glint in her eyes. She casually, yet forcefully, squeezed Julian’s groin beneath the table, a silent warning that sent a jolt of agonizing pain through his body. His face contorted in a barely perceptible grimace, his breath hitching in his throat. He clenched his jaw, fighting to maintain his composure. The pressure was immense. He opened his mouth to speak, but the searing pain stole his voice.

“Such… impertinent questions, little fairy.”

Zefeni purred, her voice dangerously soft. She didn’t release her grip on Julian, continuing to apply pressure, a subtle display of dominance and control.

“Family matters are… complicated. And certainly not a topic for public discussion, especially with those who lack the proper understanding.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Eira with a dismissive air.

“My communication with my husband 'blood related' family is… sufficient. And entirely my concern. Not yours.”

She subtly flexed her fingers, increasing the pressure on Julian, causing him to visibly cringe.

“Besides.”

She added, her voice dripping with condescension.

“I doubt your parents would be particularly thrilled to hear about your… little dalliance with that stable boy - or was he a servant? I cannot recall.”

She openly made a mockery of Halston, knowing full well he was the son of the prestigious Ad Laera Academy's Headmistress.

Eira’s eyes flashed with fury at Zefeni’s deliberate insult towards Halston. Her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white. She took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. She could sense Julian’s silent agony, the subtle tremor in his body betraying the excruciating pain he was enduring. A wave of protective anger washed over her, but she knew a direct confrontation would only escalate the situation, and potentially put Julian in further danger.

Eira paused momentarily, taking another sip before setting the cup down.

"My father wishes for his ****, but if you feel so inclined to mention blood line. Mine's dead, burned to ash to feed the plains of life that continues."

Her gaze fixated back at Zefeni, stroking her fingers against the ceramic cup. Nails clicking in a settled pattern. Eira's words were blunt with an emotionless tie to them.

"However, I don't believe I was asking you. Why do you voice over him like a mere owner to their pet?"

"Because. He is mine."

The Duchess purred bluntly, leaning over to possessively pull Julian's head back roughly and kiss him dominantly.

Zefeni’s lips crashed onto Julian’s in a possessive, demanding kiss. It wasn't a tender gesture of affection, but a blatant assertion of ownership, a public display of dominance meant to humiliate Eira and reinforce her control over Julian. Her tongue probed his mouth aggressively, her hand tightening its grip on his groin, the pressure reaching a new, agonizing peak. Julian’s eyes fluttered shut, his body rigid with a mixture of pain and **** compliance. He attempted to pull away, but Zefeni held his head firmly in place, her strength far exceeding his own. The kiss lingered, long and invasive, a clear message to Eira—and to anyone else who dared to question their arrangement. A faint pink hue bloomed in Julian’s green eyes, a subtle manifestation of Zefeni’s demonic succubus influence.

Eira watched the scene unfold, her expression a mask of controlled fury. The delicate porcelain cup in her hands trembled, threatening to shatter. She fought the urge to intervene, knowing that any direct action would likely only worsen Julian’s situation. Her jaw clenched, and her wings twitched restlessly behind her.

Finally, Zefeni broke the kiss, her lips swollen and red. She leaned back, her golden eyes gleaming with triumph as she surveyed Julian’s disheveled state. A thin trickle of blood escaped the corner of his lips. She delicately dabbed at it with a silk handkerchief, her touch surprisingly gentle.

“Such a pretty pout.”

Zefeni murmured, her voice laced with amusement. She ran a finger along Julian’s jawline, her touch lingering despite the obvious pain he was in.

“Don’t you agree, little fairy?”

She turned her gaze back to Eira, her eyes challenging her to object.

"Brother, if I may ask?"

Eira leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. Picking her next few words carefully. Her gaze stuck on Zefeni with pure hatred.

"Do you respect all I've done to you growing up? Though unfair in most cases."

The pink tinge of lust began to fade away from his eyes, returning them to his weary green hues.

"...not really... you've hated my guts since I was born... and you only ever acknowledge that you have a baby sister at home..."

Julian muttered sourly.

A faint chuckle lapsed from her throat, a sly smirk flickering

across her lips.

"Even so, do you still see me as your sister. Though not so big anymore since you've aged up?"

Eira asked, turning her gaze back to Julian. Her narrow smile and that attentive stare were both an alarming factor that gave off an uneasy vibe.

"Even if I'm not blood related?"

The heat climbed to Julian's face and ears and he exhaled shudderingly under his wife's possessive **** grip on his crotch.

"...you're incredibly attractive... but I only see you as my sister..."

He mumbled. Zefeni’s expression darkened at his words, her pupils narrowing into slits. She tightened her grip on Julian’s groin, the pressure intensifying to the point where he let out a strangled gasp.

“How… disappointing.”

Zefeni hissed, her voice dripping with venom. She leaned closer to Julian, her lips mere inches from his ear.

“To think, all this power, all this potential… wasted on sentimental nonsense.”

She released her grip momentarily, but only to slap Julian across the face with the back of her hand, the **** sending his head snapping to the side.

Eira took a deep breath, closing her eyes. It was a good enough answer in her opinion. Pick your battles, those words clung to the fairy that lost all patience seeing her brother in absolute distress.

"I've tried. I shall now cast Judgement, sorry, brother..."

The ground lit with an ancient area attack spell. Sending a soft tremble within the earth as the spell ran rampant. Eira's body began to fade, a large butterfly phasing through the faint lines of her head.

"I'll reap the consequences later..."

Before Zefeni could react, the rose garden erupted with verdant energy. Thick, glowing vines burst from the ground, snaking towards the Duchess with alarming speed, intent on binding her. The air crackled with power as Eira unleashed Judgement, her signature nature magic. The very earth seemed to tremble under the spell's weight.

Despite being openly degraded and slapped in front of his sister, Julian shot up from his seat in time to shield his wife with his towering frame. He bore the brunt of the attack with his brows knitting together into a furrow.

"Are you raving mad - she's carrying my child!"

Julian exclaimed, the **** of his own power burst through the very creation of her own, shattering it to a glittering spectacle of disintegrating shards.

Eira's translucent body stared puzzled at him, noticing how her ancient spell had crumbled away like petals in the wind. She took a wild minute before even processing what had happened.

"Everyone knows that life sucking demons cannot birth children outside of their own race, especially not with a human."

Her body phased through parts of the chair, her gaze no longer staring up at her brother. Clearly her move had been a miscalculated gesture.

"They can hold fertile eggs for sure, but for how long, it truly depends."

Zefeni chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent shivers down the spine. She pushed Julian aside, her hand gliding over his cheek with a dismissive gesture.

“Oh, little fairy, always so quick to jump to conclusions.”

Zefeni purred, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement.

“You underestimate the power of a binding, the intricacies of demonic physiology. And you certainly underestimate me.”

She placed a hand on her flat abdomen, a smug expression on her face.

“The child is growing, thriving even. A perfect specimen created of my husband's virility.”

She glanced at Julian, a possessive glint in her eyes.

“A true testament to our amorous life as newlyweds."

"Your marriage is a sham, it resembles nothing more than a master and a trapped ****."

Eira's eyes finally reached the pair, a faintly **** smile tugged on her lips when staring at Julian. The ground around them still glowed with her old spell, healing the garden to its original state.

"Fairies, we feel more than any other creatures out there. A blessing for our own race, a curse when dealing with others. Are you even happy Julian - happy to have a child, one that possibly may be yours?"

The phasing of her body shimmered.

Julian flinched at Eira’s words, his gaze dropping to the ground. He avoided her direct stare, shame and confusion warring within him. He glanced at Zefeni, seeking some form of reassurance, but her expression remained unreadable. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, unable to articulate his feelings. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken doubts and anxieties.

"Eira - I think... you should leave..."

Julian finally spoke up.

Zefeni’s smile widened, a predatory gleam in her eyes. She stepped closer to Julian, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her chin on his shoulder. Her touch was possessive, suffocating.

"Go on then little bug. Be gone with you."

Duchess Zefeni spoke dismissively.

Eira’s expression hardened, her eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and disappointment. She stared at Julian for a long moment, her gaze lingering on his face as if trying to discern any trace of the brother she once knew. A single tear traced a path down her cheek, shimmering like a droplet of moonlight.

With a sigh that rustled the rose bushes, Eira turned her back on them. Her body began to shimmer, the edges blurring as she prepared to depart. The butterfly spell reformed around her, its wings strongly beating with a melancholic rhythm in sync with her own wings as she solidified once more and took off.

"I'll be back..."

She muttered under her breath upon departure.

"As for you... protecting me warrants some miniscule notion of merit, however having no control over that mouthy sister of yours out ways your chivalrous deed. And so, you must now be punished. Go to your room and wait."

Duchess Zefeni's tone was cold and firm.

Julian’s face paled, his eyes widening in disbelief. He opened his mouth to protest, but the words caught in his throat. He knew better than to defy her so far, to challenge her authority. He had learned that lesson the hard way. A wave of exhaustion washed over him, a sense of resignation settling deep within his bones as he sulked off to his bed chambers awkwardly. He had to figure out a way to fully understand and cope around her without being her puppet... hopefully someday soon...