Reward

That evening, Illyana had a private moment to herself where she prepared to meet Gaius later in the night. Her heart raced with anticipation, her skin flushed and her hands trembled with nerves. What would he do to her? How far would she go for him? The word 'reward' repeated through her mind over and over again. What did he mean?

There were two rewards that came to mind.

The first was a possibility where he would finally relent on the condition to let Cordain join the guild. That was the most important one, wasn't it? That was the whole reason she was in this mess, to secure a future for them. It would mean they'd finally be able to start their life again in Azura after the recent events caused them to leave their home. With both of them in the guild, they could earn enough money to live comfortably.

But, there was another reward that Illyana craved more than anything, something that had been building up since the day he took her in. An orgasm. Not just any orgasm, but a mind-shattering, soul-crushing, earth-shattering orgasm. The kind she had been denied time and again. Unknowingly even to herself, this was the reward she hoped she would get.

That's why as she dressed herself, she felt a twinge of guilt and disappointment in herself. Was she really choosing her own pleasure over Cordain's well-being? Was she that selfish? That weak? The thought made her sick to her stomach, but her body told her otherwise. She was wet, so very wet, and the mere idea of what might happen soon made her moan softly.

"Surely I can give in for just one night?" She thought to herself, biting her lip. "Just once. After that I can go back to Cordain and everything will be fine. He has that kink... He would probably love hearing what I did to get myself off." She shook her head. That was not true. Even if he did like that kind of thing, he still loved her. He would never want her to do something like that, to give herself to such a vile man so willingly.

But it was all she could do to reason with herself because she so desperately wanted to cross the line she knew she shouldn't. But day after day, Gaius had navigated her psyche and manipulated her desires, turning her needy and obedient. If she wasn't so aroused, perhaps she would be able to see the web she had become entangled in and break free.

Still reeling from her thoughts, she stepped out of the guild's living quarters and walked towards Gaius' quarters. She passed by the main hall, where some of the guild members were lounging and chatting, drinking and laughing. She saw some of the women who had served Gaius before, giving her looks of envy, pity, or disgust.

As Illyana moved her hand towards Gaius' door, her knuckles trembled against the wood. Her breath caught in her throat as she rapped a light, hesitant knock.

"Come in." Came the deep voice from within. It made her shiver and she felt her panties dampen even more. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. She looked up and her gaze was drawn to the man himself, sitting casually in a large wooden chair near the fireplace, wearing a simple tunic and pants, his feet propped up on a stool.

"Close the door behind you." He said, gesturing with his chin. She complied, the soft click of the latch sounding deafening in the quiet room. She stood there, not knowing what to do next, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

"Come here, Illyana." He beckoned her, his eyes fixed on her, burning with intensity. She swallowed hard and approached him, her steps slow and measured. When she was a few feet away, he spoke again. "Have a seat." He gestured at the chair opposite his.

She sat down, trying not to squirm under his gaze. The warmth of the fire bathed them in a soft orange light, the scent of burning wood and leather filling the air. Gaius leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His eyes never left hers.

"You did well today, Illyana." He said, his voice low and calm. "Very well."

She looked down, unsure of how to respond. "Thank you... I just..."

"Please don't insult my intelligence." He cut her off, his tone hardening. "I know you've been holding back. I know you've been trying to sabotage me. I saw the way you missed those shots on purpose, the way you hesitated to act when I was in danger. But in that moment, when you didn't hesitate and let your heart guide your arrows, you were brilliant. And yet you didn't have to do that. Letting us get ambushed would've been an easy way back to your lover. Why let that opportunity pass?" He asked, leaning in even closer. His presence was overpowering, his voice rumbling through her.

"...I don't know. I... I just did." She stammered, her heart pounding in her ears.

"Let me tell you what I think. I think you're confused. I think you're torn between two sides of yourself. The loyal girlfriend who wants to stay faithful to her boyfriend, and the horny slut who wants to be taken by a real man. That's obviously my fault, denying you and using those other whores out there. But I see it in your eyes. I see the way you look at me. You hate me, but you also want me. And it drives you crazy." He reached out and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "But I've played this teasing game long enough and I'm getting bored. I'm going to offer you a choice. Either you leave right now, go back to your pathetic excuse of a boyfriend, and never see me again. I'll even make sure you're compensated more than enough for your work here. Or..." He paused, his thumb brushing over her lips. "You stay here, tonight, and give yourself to me completely. No limits, no reservations, no holding back. You will obey my every command. You will belong to me. What will it be, Illyana?" He released her chin and leaned back, waiting for her answer.

It felt as if the whole world was on her shoulders. Her mind raced, weighing the options, the consequences. On one hand, she could walk out that door right now and go back to Cordain. They could be together again, start anew. She could forget all about Gaius and the twisted things he made her feel. She would never have to see his face again.

On the other hand, she could give in to her darkest desires. She could let go of her guilt and her fears, and embrace the pleasure that Gaius offered her. In her state it was far more tempting than anything but she would be betraying Cordain, and there was no coming back from that. But before she made a decision, they were interrupted.

SLAM!

The rickety wooden door swung open and a heroic figure appeared in the doorway.

"I demand a rematch!

Cordain.

He was holding a sword, his eyes blazing with anger and determination. He looked at Gaius, then at Illyana, his expression hardening. She gasped, feeling like she had been caught doing something wrong. Gaius merely smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. The little boyfriend came to rescue his damsel in distress. How cute." He chuckled, rising from his chair. "I thought I told you to stay away from here, boy. Didn't you learn your lesson last time?"

"I don't care what you said. I've trained. I've become stronger. I'm here to kick you out of this guild that you have no respect for. You've turned a respectable organization into a cesspool of corruption and abuse. You don't deserve to be guildmaster." Cordain said, pointing his sword at Gaius. Behind him, the former guildmaster Kaelen and a few other of his loyal followers appeared, ready to back him up.

"Is that so? I'm feeling kind. Besides, your whore of a girlfriend will enjoy my company a whole lot more after I beat your ass. Again." Gaius grabbed his own sword from the mantle and approached Cordain, his stance confident and relaxed. "You really think you stand a chance against me? You're just a kid who thinks he's hot shit because he learned a few tricks from that old fossil." He gestured at Kaelen with contempt.

"You're wrong. I'm not the same as before. I'm not afraid of you anymore. And I'm not going to let you hurt Illyana anymore." Cordain said, his voice firm and clear.

"Well then, let's see what you've got." He walked past him and out into the main halls where the sparring arena stood. Cordain followed, along with everyone else.

The fight was intense and brutal. They clashed their swords, sparks flying and wood creaking. Cordain used his speed and agility to dodge and counter, while Gaius relied on his raw strength and experience to overpower and dominate. This time the fight was much closer, Gaius breaking more than a sweat. But he was still winning, still pushing Cordain back with his sheer force and skill.

Illyana watched with bated breath, her hands clutched to her chest. She wanted Cordain to win, of course. She wanted him to defeat Gaius and save her from this nightmare. But a dark part of her still wanted to know what it was like to submit to Gaius fully. What kind of pleasure did he have in store for her if he won?

But as she watched Cordain fighting with all his might, his face determined and focused, her heart swelled with love and admiration. He was fighting for her, for their love. He never gave up, even when the odds were against him. And suddenly her choice seemed much easier to make. She didn't want to betray him, even for the sake of her carnal desires.

Maybe it was just coincidence, but her feelings seemed to push Cordain further, fueling his resolve. In a moment of clarity, Cordain saw an opening in Gaius' defense and seized it. He lunged forward, his sword aimed at Gaius' chest. He barely managed to parry it and avoid a lethal blow, but the blade sliced just to the right of his heart, opening a deep cut into his chest. The wound was superficial but it was enough to prove that Cordain had won the duel.

"Damn you... You got lucky, you son of a bitch." He spat blood on the ground, clutching his wound.

"Still won." Cordain huffed, catching his breath. He looked over at Illyana, his face breaking into a grin. "Are you okay?"

She ran to him and hugged him tightly. "I am now. You did it. You won."

He kissed her forehead, wrapping his arms around her. "I promised I would save you."

Gaius growled and stormed out of the guildhall, followed by his loyal cronies. Kaelen approached them with a smile.

"You have my gratitude, Cordain. You have proven yourself to be a true hero. I shall reclaim my position as guildmaster and make some much needed changes." He shook Cordain's hand.

"Thank you, sir. But I couldn't have done it without your guidance." Cordain said, feeling proud and humble at the same time. "If you'd allow me to repay you, Illyana and I will help out at the guild. Whatever you need." He looked at Illyana, who nodded in agreement.

"That would be most appreciated. But there is no need for that. I treat all guild members fairly regardless of skill or status. You will both be compensated fairly for your work here, I assure you. Now if you will excuse me, I must address the rest of the guild members." He turned to the gathered crowd, who cheered and clapped.

Illyana stood there watching her heroic lover bask in the glory of victory. He looked so handsome, so brave, so perfect. But in the depths of her mind, she couldn't help but wonder... What if? What if he had lost? Her 'reward' from Gaius was so close, yet so far. What would it have been like to surrender to him completely? To feel him claim her, and to give her everything she craved?

The thought made her shiver and ache, but she quickly pushed it away. It was wrong, it was stupid, but it was over.

It was for the best.

Right?