The Princess and the Hound

The astral current sent you rolling and tumbling, but you were beginning to understand its movements. You spun dexterously and landed deftly on the deck of the white ship once again, knees dragging against the course planks before skipping up to your feet.

"Not this time, motherfucker." You muttered, brushing off dust.

Just when victory seemed all but ushered, a heavy body nigh-on collided with you.

Morgan was much worse for wear after the last vision, luckily you had another pair of claws to help catch her just before the stark Witch Queen faceplanted into the boarded deck.

The Bloody Eagle cawed, pulling Morgan up into a better position. Then it swept up into the night sky, dripping blood from above as it settled curtly into the crow's nest.

Morgan winced, dizzy and clearly confused as you helped her sit on a barrel by the swaying mast, she deserved at least a little bit of rest before continuing on.

This nexus of your mind had changed much in the time you'd spent in the marsh. Dawn had long passed, plunging the beautiful grove into a chilling midnight.

Trees swayed in the cool breeze like gnarled fingers, and the starless black sky loomed above, transforming the once-bright vista into a cauldron of shadowed beauty.

Her hand clutched tightly around your arm "You saw it, the truth?" She spoke breathlessly.

You nodded "The Moores, and how they fell. You know I damned my dad every day, I knew he was hiding things from me but..."

"But... what?" Morgan pushed, her eyes fluttering with staggered impatience.

"I don't blame him for destroying them, if they'd had violated Diana like that then I'd have done the same. But it all felt so, cold, chaotic, that's not how Remhilde told it." Your lips tightened for a moment.

"Nobody... is innocent." Morgan whispered, "You feel... guilt?"

A chuckle of disbelief escaped your lips "I do feel guilt, crazy isn't it? Here's this perfect picture painted in front of me, and here I am blaming Morrigan for everything.

...As if The Moores were the only ones who were deluded, based solely on what I was told. Seeing it all with my own eyes just confirmed what I had buried in doubt. My Aunt was an angry fool, Artorias, as stubborn and arrogant as ever... and my dad..." You searched for the words but struggled to find the words.

Your dad was mysterious for sure, but this... was some next-level shit...

Morgan pushed her arm forward, and knocked a playful fist through your shoulder "...Look kid, don't blame yourself, He did his best to resolve matters peacefully, but even the greatest warriors make mistakes.

Whose to say that Morrigan would have kept that oath, her own people definitely couldn't?"

"So you did see!?" You said.

"I-I don't need eyes to see, Dark-Sun. truly though, there really was never a guarantee, sometimes there is no other choice than to draw your sword to protect the ones you love.

You are as stubborn as Roman and Izzy combined, let go of the errors of the past, Charlie. Vows made on the soul are not so easily broken, use it only to your advantage." Morgan said, every word an effort-packed sigh.

Oh, but she'd know only too much about the past "I've been meaning to ask you, how long have you known about us, me and Izzy, I mean?"

Morgan leaned back but smiled almost lazily "Izzy and I." She corrected.

You rolled your eyes as if she'd put the effort in to be snotty, you were quickly realising, that this was simply Morgan's way.

"...Long enough." She eventually croaked "...Your paths crossed far too early for us to stop it.

We monsters have fought for millennia to be on top, to separate, for one to stand above the others. But we are..." She blinked trying to search for the word in her chaotic mind "...Magnetic, although we were born of different gods, speak different tongues, hold different ideals, we are drawn to one another. That is why when I heard that none other than the son of my age-old comrade attended the same school as my own Apprentice, I couldn't even claim to be surprised.

The distance Isabella put between herself and her certain destiny didn't help..." She leant forward, whirling with such dizziness, that you had to stop her from keeling over with a bracing hand "...You two are Soul-Bound now, the one thing I had hoped to prevent."

You couldn't help but feel a little vexed by that, a similar sting as the rejection of a lover's parents "Drunken make-out sessions don't typically end the irreversible entanglement of souls, Morgan. I never meant for it to happen."

"...And yet it happened all the same, You don't even know how serious a real soul-binding can be, don't you? This is not like the physical connection one might foster with close kin, like a son, uncle, brother... or sister?"

The revelation hit you fast, of course, she knew about you and Diana.
With the power to peer into the **** minds of any through the Schism, you'd be hard-pressed to find something that she didn't know.

It made you wonder, what eldritch powers on this earth existed to avoid such powerful insight.

"...Yours and Isabella's souls will be drawn together for the rest of time, linked in the Schism between realms forever, Any harm done to you here for instance could bounce back upon her, that is why I must ensure that you understand what is to come, not just for your protection, but for hers as well."

She wanted to protect her own, you couldn't fault her for that, maybe you had been reckless in your ambitions. It wouldn't stop you, nothing would "I will keep her safe, my goals have always been to empower those at my side."

Morgan gripped your arm reassuringly "I know, Chip. Please forgive me, I do not mean to hurt you, I'm just... so exhausted."

"Maybe we should stop here?-" You started, but Morgan tensed up, using you as leverage to pull herself to her feet.

"No. We must go on. The End draws near, t-take the helm, I'm sure our mysterious friend up there will help along the way"

Together, you climbed the stair to the circular wheel of the Helm and it was together, with the bloody eagle watching from high above, that you drove the ship forward back into the fissure of darkness.

The Outcast - Lust

The storm was rising, in the endless sea of black trees and mossy hills that made up the rural abyss around you.

You felt odd for a moment, you'd been travelling for days, crossing entire continents in a colossal bound to find the last of the Life-makers tools.

...and yet a feeling absent from you for a time longer than you could remember, became distinct and foreboding; that of being watched.

Perhaps you were still feeling off after seeing the silly girl?

The Dhampir was stubborn no doubt, but to have dragged herself out of that bayou - only two men had the power to create a powerful enough summons to kick off a resurrection, and you knew for sure that it wasn't that dusty old freak.

Regardless, you were glad she'd come to you, you always assumed that her creation served no purpose after all the effort it took to ensure her birth, but now the Dhampir would aid your greater goals.

The woods had thickened with the heavy rain that shot down from above, pelting the tall trees with icy spears which slipped down from hundredfold leaves above, trickling down into your shoulders and crimson hair.

Oh how You adored the rain, the sound and feel of it calmed the storm in your mind if only for a little while, washing away the endless torments of the past.

But it did not ease your search.

The consistent showers chased the scent away, and so you resorted to the basics of tracking, catching a good set of deep footprints leading further into the black woods.

The puddles formed within the muddy paw marks urged an involuntary grin out of you "Maybe I should take a sip, eh Rosie, make ole Antoinetta proud?" you lamented momentarily, dipping her sharp nails in the pool of cursed water, images of their fallen governess painting a verbal tapestry of the wolves of old and every method to which they're malformed curse manifested on the earth. Suddenly your nostalgia became bitter as the image of your kind teacher was replaced with that of a mindless muzzled creature, and You quickly abandoned your memories.

After a good hour of wading through the underbrush, slicing the bushes and fawns away with razor claws to clear a path, You came to a peaceful grove nestled beneath a crystal blue stream that fell from the mossy crags of the tall hill above.

The water-fall crested the opening maw of a broad cave, cloaked in a shroud of ivy and thorns giving it the appearance of a roaring mouth, covered in shaggy green fur with cobalt teeth. The gamey Scent was strong here, almost too much to bear, this was definitely the place.

You flexed your feet, the power of which tore through your shoes like tissue paper, stepping out unto the wet grass barefooted and towards the stream which led into the mouth of the daunting cave.

The shimmering pool rippled as you stepped out unto it, the cold water tickling your toes like liquid glass as you walked upon its surface into the darkness.

Dripping and dropping consumed all sounds, the roaring of the rain outside echoed from the crags and stalagmite hanging above. The darkness was thick, but no darkness could withstand you, for it was your greatest servant. So you made tracks deeper and deeper down without issue.

The geography of this place was strange, the narrow tunnel stunk of **** and soaked-through fur. Crumbling and misshapen in the course of natural formations, the appearance of the odd superficial wall, or hard cobbled pillars suggested that this may have been a mine or a prospecting tunnel at some point... however when you saw light teasing out from the end of the tunnel, you followed the stream of light until you emerged out into the open air.

The Cavern was momentous, to say the least, a vast chamber walled and split into a hundredfold tunnels etched into the high walls. The great opening at the top revealed the stormy sky, allowing the autumn rains to fall on the many structures below.

Huts, lodges and even a great hall were crumpled in together around the edges of the blooming grove before you, crowned with a great arch-tree with great ivory branches, craved with a thousand runes, telling a thousand tales.

You sniffed and smiled, turning back to the opening where you had walked in.

Standing there, in a casual green cardigan, silver tie and neat black trousers, was a lean, bearded man of medium height with a shaggy mane of Aurburn-brown hair slicked back in an attempt to look neat.

He stared at her with his pale-yellow eyes, heavy scars tore through his forehead down to his cheek and jaw, but his face was square, comely; and finished off with a broad mouth which curled into a cordial grin. "Your Highness, in the flesh. So nice of you to visit. - My apologies that I did not come to meet you sooner." He said in a tone which mixed the twang of America with the cool smoothness of Scandinavia.

She watched him bow in deep respect, showing his long-nailed hand flourish to the great cavern around them "Welcome to Vandangren the Wolf's den, Princess."

"So you show yourself to me voluntarily, you are brave. Your sworn enemy emerges on your doorstep and you bow like some indentured servant, how quaint." You spoke, ridiculing the little dog casually.

Smirking lightly, the man strolled closer to you, making your arms tense, the rise of murderous ire rising in your veins by the approaching scent.

"No need." He said, raising his arms "I am far too old and far too wise to even attempt to go there. I have sent my peers away for the night, there is no ambush waiting for you, we may chat in peace."

You glared at him. He may have looked like a scruffy Mr. Rogers, but he was definitely the one... His scent was wild and untamed beyond belief despite his appearance being so neat and put together. "It is impressive that you managed to sense my coming. Not many have the talent."

"Comes with experience I suppose?" He chuckled "If you would humour me, I'd like to get us inside, I fear the rains will sully your beauty."

"Careful, little pup. You don't want to get neutered. I've come for-"

"I know what you want, your Highness. But please, I mean you no Ill will, if you'd kindly follow me?" He quickly interjected. His interruption made You want to peel his skin off, you'd always wanted to see what they hid under there, but you had come a long way.

"Fine. But stop calling me that." You gestured for him to lead and he bowed again graciously.

"As you wish. Right this way, Lady Strigga."

You followed the Wolf-man up to the great hall at the peak of the grand cavern.

"ChArlIe!"

Halting on at the humungous trunk of the arch tree, the overwhelming feeling of being eavesdropped upon went from a persistent tickle to a bellowing scream. You looked around but saw nothing.

*A Tall figure emerged from the side of the colossal Ivory Oak, her stark white hair shimmering like a mirage as she approached your eyeline*

"CHaRlIE cAn YoU HeAr mE?"

*A complex feeling of duality hit you like a truck like a wave of clarity slamming into a hard obelisk*

"There you are, trapped inside her no doubt. Listen, don't let yourself be swept away in her train of thought. You must remain individual, don't worry, the Bird and I will find a way to get you free"

*The figure walked behind the great trunk and vanished out of sight*

"It is a grandiose sight is it not?"

You peered at the Wolf-man, who stood beside you, looking up to the Arch-tree before him. "What?" You said, confused.

"The Tree, it has piqued your interest, no? It has been fostered here since long before my father came to these shores. The forerunners of our tribe etched a thousand names, showing their devotion tooooo-" He trailed off as you abandoned him, looking around the body of the great tree, looking for anything that might be hiding. "You looking for something?"

Strange, you could have sworn... no, no it was probably just the phantoms again, You needed to shut them out. "No, lead on. Before I change my mind... or my mind, changes me."

The heavy steel-banded doors of the great hall swung open with a simple push from the humble bearded man, he really was much stronger than he appeared, as strong as an ant could be in the shadow of a dragon anywho.

The Hall was warm and cosy, with many gleaming blades and furs hanging from the triagonal rafters, a great blazing hearth burning at the head of the many long tables within.

It was here that he led her to the foot of one of the elongated tables, drawing out a chair for her "Please, sit."

You did so, if only to humour him. This may have been some sort of trap, but you could not sense any other hidden away here, and even if one of his hounds were struck upon you, tearing them apart wouldn't likely pose any real challenge.

The Wolf-man sat adjacent to you, clearly fascinated by your mere presence "You know, it is a rare thing to meet one who lives up to their reputation. You're kinda a **** nature aren't you?"

"I didn't come all this way for pleasantries, Wolf Lord." You warned.

"Ah but we must always make time for manners, shouldn't we Lady Strigga? Only a fool would treat such a legendary figure with anything but reverence. I, on the other hand, am no Lord. We have no nobles here, no court, no King or Queen, all are equal on the hunt... I merely serve as the rudder to guide our ship on these shores so distant from home." He lent in "I take it that His Majesty does not know about our meeting?"

"Ha!" You chuckled darkly "That blind old corpse knows nothing of my movements"

"Is that so? I have had so little contact with your kin in the past centuries, I cannot fathom what you had to do to be outcasted, but I do know of your activities in Wallace-"

"None of which are your concern, Little Puppy. I came here for the Tools of the Life-Maker, nothing more. The texts in his own journal mention your tribe by name. Give me what I want, and maybe I won't burn your tree to ashes and leave this shit-hole in a pile of rubble." Your patience was growing thin, the stink of this place was sticking in your nose, and this Wolf's gumption, however admirable remained insulting.

The Wolf-Man leaned back in his chair leisurely "Ah those were the days, you know I still remember that old fool's face when he finally achieved his goal. Exited but unsatisfied, deluded, then insane at the revelation that his final result did not thank him for the gift of life. It was a face resembling yours, or it will be if you continue to tread this path.

You do know how powerful the Drake boy is? - I encountered him just the other day; truly a marvel, even in his weakened state. This is folly: you must see that you too will fall to your own creation?"

The entire table quaked and snapped into a cloud of splinters, your fist cleaving off the end as you stood, awash in wrath "You've got some nerves packed in there, Puppy, maybe I should pull them out and use them to craft a tiny violin?

Give me the tools.

I have decided that I like you, Puppy. But this is your final warning."

A single sharp piece of the table had shot up at him, piercing his brow. Yet, his serene air remained unbroken as he pulled the splinter from his head and wiped the tiny droplet of blood away casually "A shame, I had hoped to speak more. But I know a lost cause when I see one. I'll give you what you want, and you may kill me too if you wish but nothing will change, you know how this ends."

You glowered at him "When it does, You and your pack of strays won't come out clean. That's for damn sure."

"When the Dark Sun cometh, we'll all writhe in the filth together..." The Wolf-Man stood promptly, clearing his throat with a rolling growl and rubbing his chest in a soothing manner.

A deadly smile crossed your lips "Struggling with your little friend in there, puppy?"

He cracked a grin, was he really so unafraid of you, it was clear that he knew who she was; a rare thing for those who still draw breath with warm blood running through their veins, but the Wolf-Man remained collected and polite as he beckoned you to follow "Trust me, Lady Strigga. He's no friend of mine, nor is he so separate from me as to even warrant the metaphor. Even the greatest of our warriors have trouble keeping the cage locked tight, something I'm sure you have plenty of experience with. The urges will ease as the full moon continues to wane."

The flickering flames of the great hall filled the space with an intense warmth, the air of overwhelming life was enough to cause much discomfort in your cold flesh and yet as the Wolf-Chief led you through its great passages of carved birch and rosey oak, she felt oddly allured by his senseless lack of fear.

They descended down through a broad hatch in the backrooms of the Great Hall, leading down into a dark antechamber that stretched far on a slope that lost its sophisticated craftsmanship the further he led them down.

As the dense stone and eloquent rafters gave way to gnarled roots and twisted veins of gleaming ore, the Bearded Aurburn wolf kept pausing, shivering as he held in grunts and harsh groans. Until he eventually had to lean into the crumbling walls, pressing his hairy palms into the deposits; the neatly filed nails were replaced by thick black claws.

"Your kind and your melodramas." You spat maliciously, maybe a little playfully too.

He turned back slightly, his face obscured by the course red hair on his face "My apologies. Never before has one of your... origin, ever descended to the depths of the Root. Don't worry about me, I've never been one for outbursts even under pressure."

You rolled your eyes as you moved into his space, taking his arm. He puzzled at this, at the gentle hands which wrapped around his bicep "Don't apologise like some oaf.

Keep walking, or do I need to fetch a leash?"

He chuckled heartily "I'll play the good dog, for now"

You walked with him side by side, deeper into the earth. The Canine scent wasn't nearly as bad as you had usually experienced, it was clear why the other dogs followed this man so diligently, the curse of beasts was far more volatile than that of **** and even harder to wrangle in.

It was a rare thing, to feel impressed with such a transient being.

"Tell me something, Puppy."

He turned his head to look at her, with his homely face drawn tight into order.

"Defiance is a common look painted on your scruffy little faces whenever I encounter one of your kind. Why the civility? You clearly know full well that I may kill you regardless of your kindness. Are you not afraid?"

"Pft." He licked his lips "Fear is the bane of the uninitiated, but I am confident that you and I do not rank among them. There are worse things than ****, Lady Strigga. Even if you do kill me, another will take my place. It will make no difference in the grand scheme of things..." He didn't look away for a moment but lingered on your face "You really are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. It is a shame to see it wasted."

"Wasted?" You scoffed, "It has served me just fine for thousands of years."

"Perhaps, superficially yes, but do you not yearn for the normality of mortals? Among them, you are a goddess, a transcendent being. Amongst us, you're just a resplendent omen." He spoke curiously.

Your lips curled up into your cheek, as your fingers trailed down his arm "You're either the smartest beast I've ever met or the dumbest. Don't flirt with your ****, dog."

"It seems to be working well enough?" He growled lowly, temptingly.

You remained silent but continued on with an amused twang on your scarlet lips.

After what felt like an age, the end of the tunnel came in the form of a tall shining gate, forged of heavy silver bars with a pale blue light teasing out from within. The Wolf-Chief withdrew from your hold and retrieved a matching silver key hung about his neck.

"Curious choice of material. Does the Alloy not cause you pain?" You found yourself asking.

"Oh yes, constantly." The latch clicked unlocked, the two latches pulled free, and in a kind gesture, He pushed open the gate and beckoned her inside "Ladies first."

"This better not be some kind of trap."

"Do you think me so foolish?" He asked.

He was clearly buying time for something, You wouldn't fall for the charm of a witless hound. Perhaps now would be the time to dispatch him, putting down this dog would be easy enough and it would guarantee your access to the Tools of the Maker without further hindrance. You considered the warmth of his flesh, the flowing of his unnatural blood and how it would taste so bitter-sweet as it gushed down your throat and into your belly... the thought was beyond intoxicating.

*The rapid boom of soaring wings rushed in from behind, and the crushing sensation of talon and claw struck violently into the back of your head. The roaring caw rocked something nestled deep inside and the faintest of whispers could be heard in the distance*

"Spare him, His intentions are pure, none stand to challenge your might here. The Mission remains incomplete."

You stroked the back of your head as a strange wave of clarity hit you, suddenly you realised how silly murdering him now would be... only once the component tool of the maker rested in your hands could you be sure that it was actually here.

Folding your arms, you studied his scared visage which hosted no trace of dishonesty "Somehow... not, no."

Strolling inside, revealed - of all things: a modest laboratory. The Place was clearly devoted to learning, with many rare tools and utensils you'd thought lost to time. "Holy shit." You blinked, rushing over to the broad alchemical station, marvelling at the great collection of herbs, spices, and glittering materials refined and raw. Some she had not seen in centuries, such as powdered sphinx claws, bottled manticore venom, eyes of giant salamanders suspended in brine...

You reached up to the shelf packed with labelled glass jars as the pale blue lantern light painted the room in silvery hues and felt the shadow of a feeling long lost to you: astonishment.

"How did you get this?" You asked as the Wolf-Chief strode in, clearly pleased by your reaction to the vail of deathly pale liquid, labelled 'Upir Venom'

"A gift from the Grand Inquisitor, a prerequisite to our Truce agreement back in the day." He spoke humbly.

"Gabriel gave you this? that slippery little serpent would never get my father's permission to hand out our Venom, a single drop could wipe out an entire nation." You pointed out vigilantly, but the Dog seemed rather nonplused by the comment.

"-As could any of the Great Omegas back in the days of Lycaon. Many of your kind have underestimated our powers, including your beloved father. Luckily Lord Balneux was forward-thinking enough to recognize our strengths. This little prize was but one of our terms."

This laboratory was clearly for more than just alchemical research, the entire room strewn with the roots of the great tree above, throbbed with pulsing life. Many artefacts known only to legends and tall tales were recognizable as they hung on the walls like mere trophies.

The Smell was strange also, a deeply disturbing scent oozing from the lantern's blue flame. "Silver nitrate."

"You're no immortal, perhaps your lifespan is extended but I know mortal flesh when I see it. How have you collected all of this, how do you remain so calm in the presence of Silver, I want answers, little pup." You demanded.

He studied her for a moment, his thoughts bubbled between his ears as He walked to the eastward side of the room where a safe of reinforced steep was bolted into the wall. "When I was a kid, I hated my family. They never understood me, nor I them, the lab was the place I called home, the telescope my companion, the textbooks my lovers, I was never bound for the forests like them... until the Fenris wolf came to me. All my days I've tried and failed to show my people the benefit of information, to hoist them out of the ancient traditions they've embedded themselves within."

Twisting the dial of the safe quickly, the click of the lock echoed around them as the creak of its hinges sounded promptly. He seemed to lament as he reached inside "I don't know exactly what you intend to do with this, but I can make an educated guess. There is no stopping you, that much is clear, but please for the little respect and fear I hold for you, reckon with this..."

He turned, revealing a long rod of gleaming copper, etched with eldritch signs and symbols, tipped with a harshly eroded jewel... the penultimate component to finish the machine.

"...My ancestors meddled with life and they failed, the Black Star meddled with life and although he gained some results, the cost was astronomical. Your own father thought took up the tools of creation and even he failed.

Creatures like us were never meant to create life, we are not the gods, we are not men, we aren't meant to bring life into this world, our sole purpose remains consistent... as the counterbalance to life in this world."

The Wolf flinched as you appeared before him, moving faster than even his senses could track. Your hand tightened around the engraved Rod, and an ecstatic joy rose in your veins.

Finally, the penultimate piece of the machine was finally in her grasp, victory was so close to hand.

*The shadow of a tall woman, slid from behind the Wolf-Chief's modest form. Her midnight eyes stared deeply into yours as you looked at her without truly seeing*

"Charlie... It seems the effects of Nevermore are wearing thin. Your Astral mind has jumped from past to present, I thought we'd been steered off course but it was you who put yourself in there... I... don't think I can **** myself to manifest without the support of your power for much longer.

You must remember Charlie, You cannot keep stuffing the pain away, hiding from it -- it is a part of you.

...What happened to Roman was a tragedy, but it's that drive for vengeance that drove you to greatness.

She feels the impact of your presence just as much as you feel hers, you alone hold the keys to your cage. I know deep down that you fear how much alike the two of you are, but it is the differences between you that define you, not the similarities.

Break your shackles, Charlie. She is a creature of lust, use that to your advantage, Free yourself!"

A landslide of conflicting feelings stirred in your chest and stomach as you gripped the Rod tightly in your hand, The Wolf-Chief staring intently at the churning rush of emotions upon a face made to be cold and unfeeling.

"Father..."

"You've gotten what you wanted. You don't seem so enthused all of a sudden." He teased cautiously, aware of the mania whirling in your eyes.

"You may have had your issues, but you deserved better than what you got. I can't see the picture in full, but even its echo fills me with horror"

Despite your progress, despite completing your mission... for the first time, you thought about that night. Cleaving Roman's flesh open, the shaking fear in the Lover-boy's flesh as you **** yourself on him, the defiance in your sister's eyes as she blasted through the rubble to try and stop you. It made the heat between your legs burn like the white-hot coals of a furnace.

"Whoever you are, whatever you are, you killed him, didn't you? I can feel it, why don't you ever think about it? It has run through my mind every day since I woke up in that bed; the memories - driven from my mind.

It excites you doesn't it? the memory of his last breath... well, if you chose to be nothing but a lustful monster then that is exactly what you should become.

Let it consume you, just as it consumes me!"

You turned your crimson eyes away from the rod and up to the scared but handsome face of the Wolf-chief and felt the cinders of passion blaze into a roaring flame.

"Enthusiastic?" You muttered, overcome with desire. You removed the rod from his hands and placed it aside. "...You, have been vigilant as I expected, wise as I expected... If I am enthusiastic, it is for finding you, instead of another senseless dog" Your fingers wandered up his cardigan, to feel the nimble shape of his torso before gliding over his neck.

His back hit the wall as she pursued him further, closing her hands around his throat with a playful grin and a girlish moan. "What's wrong? Don't tell me I scare you that much."

The Wolf's scared cheeks churned and his eyes screwed tight as if to see past her air of menace. "...And more. Do you even feel-"

Your thumb and forefinger clamped around each corner of the Wolf-Chief's lips squishing his face in and pulling it close to yours. His hot breath warmed your mouth, and his haunting yellow eyes never lost track of yours "Quit your barking, not another word.

I think we've both heard enough of your cordial wisdom for one night. Ummm, you know... I have tasted a great many courses in my many years on this decrepit earth, but never before have I had a beast like you." Your lips hovered about his nape, swallowing in his manly scent hungrily.

But the Wolf was not so easily tamed. He pushed back on her suddenly, the strength and speed of which actually caught you off guard. His huge hands closed around your wrists and his jaws opened revealing a pair of savage canines. You pushed against his incredible **** and found it impressively tricky to shake.

The collected man had vanished, replaced by a snarling beast who whispered in a growl at you "You don't want any part of me, Princess. Don't think I won't defend myself."

You actually... smiled, genuinely, releasing your fists into a show of loose fingers as a gentle chuckle escaped your cherry-red lips.

The Wolf-Man seemed to calm slightly at this show of surrender.

"Hmmm, I like the way you manhandle me..."

Your tight body weaved towards him like a slithering serpent, slow and sultry, non-threatening. He seemed disarmed by this, confused even, as Your arms coiled around his shoulders "Wars have been fought over the opportunity I'm giving you, Little Pup, nations have risen and fallen on the prize between my legs. And here it is, dribbling readily at your feet, aren't you even a little bit tempted?"

The air itself grew heavy, the wolf leaned in and spoke in a clear, unrelenting tone "Not. at. all. Not even a little, I've killed so many that it's hard to keep count, but compared to you, I really am a harmless pup. The Black Star was no friend of mine, but what you did to him turns my stomach, but now that I know the reason why, makes me sick. You are an unhinged manipulative fool who has doomed us all to oblivion with your misguided actions ...and the thought of touching you disgusts me."

Your smile faded as your eyes scorched crimson "Wrong answer."

Minutes, seconds, milliseconds all bowed before you as you defied the majesty of time with the eldritch speed you employed to slash your thumb with an outstretched talon. You sealed the wolf's fate with a condemning whisper... "Dragon's Blood: Forge"

The long string of dark crimson flowed freely from the cut you had made, twisting and twining at your will, before hardening; linking together before the pitiable man could even blink.

The crimson chain dripped down the Wolfs' collarbone as it fastened tightly around his neck, squeezing with such pressure that he collapsed to his knees, grasping helplessly at your feet.

"Wouldn't touch me with a barge poll eh? what was it you called me!? unhinged!? Freak!? You filthy little Skin-changer, I should kill you myself."

"CHHHHHTTTK" He wheezed, face beat red, fingers clawing at his throat as you choked the life out of him.

But the wallowing desire between your legs continued to boil, stoked by a roaring inferno you hadn't felt in aeons. The chain loosened if only by a pinch, and the Wolf-Chief wheezed out a guttural sigh, coughing harshly. "...perhaps You will make a lovely little distraction for me after all."

The tightness on his neck, drowned his shallow words as the Wolf tried to speak "Y-You... don't understand... th-the D-Dark Sun... utch! H'He will b-bring, d-**** to us.... a-all, i-if you p-push h-him to far-- Rag-Ragnarok.... it's h-him..."

You grinned, dragging the wolf along like a sack of potatoes over to the alchemical alter he so treasured. "Pathetic."

The echo of his flesh thumping hard against the hard ground boomed as you cast him to the ground, clutching his leash with giddy anticipation. "Get, up, weakling."

The Wolf shoved a claw into her leg, digging into her flesh... unable to draw blood as he tried to grasp her attention "Y-You don't... understand... The end of the dark ones, the monsters and m-mankind cometh... W-Wallace will j-just be the start..."

"I said,- Rise -!" You penetrated his mind, forcing his shivering body to stand shakily. The sight made you grin, as you pondered his body "Take off those trousers, little pup."

You watched the Wolf stare in quiet defiance. Merely huffing, mustering little but a shrug you tightened your grip on the chain around his neck, forcing his limber form over to the Alchemy table which he so treasured "You mortals, so frutlessly stubborn. You've been spoiled by the free will the High Court has so hastily gifted you. Hmmmm...." With every breath the writhing pleasure of desire filled your chest, rising from the flame of want in your stomach "By Cain... I'm so horny I could cry. Never have I been so grateful to remind a mutt to treat his elders with respect" Your sharp-taloned hand raised up as the Wolf staggered, clutching the links around his throat, as you clicked with your thumb and middle finger.

A fearsome whip struck at the air, slashing as if with an invisible blade. The Wolf winced expecting some wound to form, but instead felt his clothes fall in ribbons to the ground.

He was a lot leaner than his casual baggy attire would suggest, with a narrow form wrought with tight muscle... every inch of his skin boasted some scar, along with the Nordic tattoos scratched into his chest and arms. You bit your lips, growling with hunger.

Swivelling around, you stuck out your plump rear as He tried in vain to preserve his dignity by covering his tender parts, but as you looked back, eyes burning.

"Come here and take these off for me" You commanded, waving your ass back and forth, tensing your strong legs with such **** that the denim hissed as it split apart, revealing your pale mound; dripping with want.

The Wolf stifled a grunt, trying and failing to ignore your allure.

Sighing again, you yanked his chain once more. His body was wrenched into yours, where the spiralling warmth of his lower half collided with the ice cold of your own and the fibres of his cardigan ruffled against your back.

You purred, feeling his length hardening against your cunt. His hands slammed on the alchemical table, trying to push away from your iron grip, but to no avail. You only pulled his face closer so that his thick auburn beard tickled your collar.

"Stop fighting, and start fucking, Mr Wolf. I want to feel that cock rise inside of me."

"S-Stop this... I won't do this." He whispered on a narrow breath.

"mmmm..." Your hips whirled, putting pressure between you, wettening his heavy phallus with your juices.

"...if you won't, I know what will. come out Mr Wolf, come out and take your prey, let go... come out, huff and puff and blow this house down"

*!!!*

"No! NO!" The wolf chief roared, shaking his head as his eyes peeled away, revealing the beastly drive within. His taloned fingers dug into her pale flesh as he kicked and bucked, his body bulged as his muscles grew thick... all of them, especially that between his legs. The Transformation was not complete, he kept his freckled skin and primate skull, but his hands were calloused and course with thick red fur.

Her desire had reached its peak, you felt it bend the space around you, burning like an exploding star... it was, liberating, as it shook your mind free.

He snarled into her ears as the head of his monsterous cock pushed against her entrance. "Yes! now that's more like it, fuck me you filthy little dog, FUCK ME!" She roared.

You stepped back, peering at your pale hands, running them through your long black hair. "Phew, the fuck?" You muttered, looking around, feeling your face, your legs, playing with your tongue "I'm out, shit I'm out but..." You looked at the scene before you "I'm still here?"

The Hulking brute had plunged into the woman's sex, making her wail with delight. The entire table shook with the rampant **** of the Wolf-man's thrusts, making the bottles and phials and balms shake as it fucked the Princess beneath it.

"Is that the best you can do!? I SAID FUCK ME ALREADY!!" She yowled, still clutching the chain which still dug into the thick hide around its neck. You watched as her forcing motion, drawing him in and out of her faded, and the Red-furred beast pumped her of its own accord. Her juices dripped down her silky white legs as her screams became a wild howl, mixed with laughs and moans of ecstasy.

As he defiled her... or maybe, she defiled him... You felt the urge to walk around the pair, to spy on the woman whose mind you had been trapped within. All you could see was her pale body, athletic form -- and crimson red hair which made your stomach churn with an unknown horror.

"Harder! HARDER I SAID!!" She demanded, laughing and crying with joy, bucking back into his massive length. "YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT, CLIFFORD, PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT!"

"Charlie...." You jolted, as a hand clutched your shoulder. Morgan held unto you for dear life, and you had to dive down to catch her before she fell again. She seemed worse for wear, light-headed and dizzier than before but much better now she had you to sustain her power.

"Morgan, who is that? I recognise the wolf, from the forest... but she-"

"-Yes, she's the one. Your mind is growing unstable in her presence Charlie, shouldn't linger here, the Schism isn't meant to pry upon the present." She wheezed.

"I-I can't, I have to k-know..." You muttered shakily, watching the pounding fuck between the Princess and the Hound, become so vigorous, that the many labelled potions and ingredients above tittered on the edge of the shelves.

"Ouuuh... mmmf Do not stop!" Her voice quivered with excitement, her legs vibrated with the storm of a violent climax "FUCK! YES! YESSS!!"

In a great crash of fractured glass and smashed pots, the shelves gave way and all came smashing down. The Strigga and the Wolf roared together as he filled her with his cream, raking her skin with his claws, her hands balled like blocks of ice, tightening the chains around his neck... before, finally, letting them loose.

The Wolf didn't go mad as you expected, instead, he deflated like a balloon, crumpling to the cold ground, where a pool of blood crept out from under his limp neck. The Crimson-Haired woman stood as a trickle of white began to stain her jeans... she lifted her fingers, soaked with red and caressed each with her tongue revelling in his favour.

You were frozen "She fed on him!? I didn't even see it!"

"Mmmm so succulent, so full of life. Tell me little pup, was it good for you?" She asked mockingly, crouching beside his **** form, her long straight hair shrouding her manic features. Chuckling heartily and readying to stand, she seemed... to pause.

A primordial terror, unlike any you had ever felt swept down your spine. You went rigid as the Red-haired woman's body began to radiate with bloodlust, rising from her skin like scarlet smoke "You are watching me, aren't you? I couldn't quite place it earlier, but it's definitely you, isn't it, Lover-Boy?"

Flames burned in your chest with the sound of that seemingly silly nickname, striking you like a gong. Hatred like no other crashed into you as a pair of hungry crimson eyes peered up at you.

The world seemed to slip away, consumed by the endless red smoke of her wanton desire. Before long, all you could see was an endless vista of Crimson, where the pale monster within stared out, capturing you with it's eldritch gaze.

Her form seemed to twist as it pierced the veil into the Astral realm, her clothes melted away and her skin began to shine with wetness, dripping with blood.

"So you figured out how to peer through the Schism, very brave, stupid yes, but very brave. If you wanted my attention, Lover-Boy, all you had to do was ask.

You smell so... strange. That Celtic Fool must have been telling the truth, You really have changed.

Oh how I've missed you my love, but you should never have stepped between the fissure. You are not ready for the omnipotence of a god. Soon... we will share something even more powerful... We are nearly there -"

Something familiar was rising within you, something terrible, the screams of those who'd fled it in terror echoed in your mind as the Red Woman grew closer, reaching out to grasp you, to drown you in her bloody desire.

Luckily, you were not alone.