Lux needs to keep Radan distracted

Lux’s heart is pounding as Rina turns away from her. Shivers run through her body at the thought of what could be in store for her. What would it be like to be enslaved, controlled in that way? Her imagination runs wild.

Rina, heedless of the effect her words have had, returns to her control panel. “Keep an eye on the tiefling,” she says, waving a hand vaguely towards the three men. “I need some peace and quiet while I work.”

“I’ll take care of her,” Radan says. He places a hand on Lux’s hip and begins to steer her away. Lux’s eyes briefly meet Olan’s, recognising his concern and disgust, but she allows herself to be led. Radan takes her back out into the corridor, backing her up against the wall, his eyes full of eager lust.

With her back against the wall, Lux can just peer past Radan through the doorway to see what’s going on around Atara and the throne. Radan, following her gaze, looks around, and nods.

“Between you and me, I’d hate to see you end up the way Rina wants,” he says, tilting her chin up to make her look him in the eye. “A waste, you know? Wouldn’t be the same kind of fun. But, orders are orders…”

Lux shivers. She suspects this man would still be content to have his way with her even if she was turned into a mindless thrall, even if he would enjoy it less. And he might not be the only one who’d take advantage.

“Maybe I can still talk them out of it,” Radan murmurs, “if you give me a good enough reason…”

Lux bites her lip. Behind Radan, she can just about see that Olan has moved over and is doing something to one of the control panels around the central throne. Rina is still busy with her own preparations, and Avin seems to be focused on watching Atara. If she can just buy Olan enough time to finish whatever he’s doing…

How Much: How far will Lux have to go to keep Radan distracted? | [5] More than expected

She looks back at Radan, hoping the fear and doubt in her eyes won’t arouse suspicion. If he looks around, if he sees Olan, he might raise the alarm. And if he makes a noise, gets their attention, that’s just as bad. She has to hold his attention – but what is it going to take…?

“Please,” she whispers, trying to sound frightened and helpless – and it’s not entirely an act. “I’ll do anything. Just, please don’t let them do that to me.”

Olan’s grin broadens. “Well, anything isn’t going to cut it,” he says. “There’s just one thing.” He licks his lips. “If you were pregnant with my child, maybe I could talk Rina out of doing anything…”

Lux’s eyes go wide. “I…”

“Better decide fast, darling,” Radan says. “If my seed isn’t inside you when Rina decides it’s your turn, you’ll be out of luck.”