The offer is too tempting

Last chance: Can Lux resist this world of illusion? | [1,6] No and...

...she doesn't want to.

Lux looks back over her shoulder. The stone wall is gone, the prickly hedge visible now – and an archway has opened up, a way through. The mists of the Valley swirl beyond. She can just walk out. Be free. Seek another way back to her home world.

Holly’s hand strokes the side of Lux’s neck tenderly. “What is waiting for you in that world?” she murmurs. “Pain, and loneliness, and the advance of time. Men who will want you only for your body and then discard you when they no longer find you attractive. Vernus is not so shallow as to care only for your tits. Although they are very nice.”

A shiver of fear-pleasure-anticipation ripples through Lux. She’s losing herself. Approaching a tipping point.

“What about Athisz?” she asks. “What will happen to—?”

“If she intrudes in the Valley, I will deal with her. I promise.” Holly’s finger’s cup Lux’s chin, gently but firmly tilting her head so that their eyes meet. “All responsibility shall be lifted from your shoulders. Nothing to worry about any longer.”

Lux bites her lip. Her sense of what’s real and what isn’t blurs by the moment. She’s not even sure if she’s that attracted to Vernus, or if that’s an idea that’s seeped into her from outside. He seems nice, but that’s not the same. Besides, is it a good idea to lead him deeper into this false fantasy?

And yet, to be bundled up in warmth and happiness, free of responsibility… After all she’s suffered at the hands of mites and the nereid, to lose herself in the role of a cherished plaything has a strange appeal…

“Can Minn stay and visit?” she whispers.

“I see no reason why not.”

“And…” She swallows. “And Willow? Am I going see her again?”

“I think I can arrange that.”

“I…” Lux trails off. She stares helpless at Holly, trying and failing to read whatever is going on within that immortal fey mind. Holly, who has woven this little world around her from dreams and starlight, in her fierce determination to keep one man happy.

“…I don’t know how to say no.”

Holly smile is radiant. “And why would you?” she says sweetly, taking Lux by the hand. “Now, we should tell Vernus that you’re going to stay with us. Since you have nowhere else to go. I’m sure he’ll be all for the idea.”