TITLE    : Demonic Submission Ch. 16
STORYID  : demonic-submission-ch-16
SUMMARY  : To accept her desires is to risk her soul.
AUTHOR   : TheLastChaosLord@lit
DATE     : 2013-04-26
CATEGORY : non-consent-stories
FLAGS    : h
TAGS     : |demon|incubus|submission|red-head|


<em>Hello again all.</em>



<em>This chapter primarily deals with Celestine trying to confront Tristan, and coming to terms with what has happened to her over the last day and some. Not overly much erotica in this chapter, but I think it is important for the story. If anything we see a shift in Celestine's resistance from simple passive resistance to actively seeking a way to beat Tristan. As to how exactly, you'll have to read to find out. I don't know how I feel about this chapter. There are some things I like but others I'm iffy on. But as I can't think of any other way of putting it, this is what we get.</em>



<em>I've had a few questions and requests recently for this story to elaborate some on what Fell Born are. However I want to make it clear that I've left it vague and unclear for now for a couple of reasons. Chief amongst them is the fact that the demons are not entirely sure what the fell born are either. All they have are stories from past generations.</em>



<em>I will eventually elaborate on what they are in time, but that won't be for a little while yet. I'm hoping it will come up in two or three chapters but we'll see.</em>



<em>Several people have also expressed that I should find an editor. I again admit that I'm hardly skilled when it comes to correct grammar and spelling. The issue I have with this is that I don't have the vaguest idea as to where to find one. I know literotica has an editor system but I don't have a clue how it works. I'm open to ideas and suggestions if anyone has any.</em>



<em>Here is the next chapter in my story and I hope you all enjoy.</em>



~~~~



Claude entered his lord's study and saw that Lord Durial was currently looking out the wall sized window that dominated one side of the study... He wasn't drinking at least, which was a positive in Claude's eyes. The last time he had found his lord here alone, Lord Durial had already polished off half a bottle of liquor strong enough to kill most mortals and put most demons under the table after a few swigs. Then again, Lord Durial had gotten him to drink his fair share that night too so he wasn't like he could criticize... That said however, Claude knew his lord... he was contemplating something.



Claude knocked gently on the door frame to announce his presence. He knew his master probably already knew that he was there, but it was protocol. Durial turned to Claude and smiled to his butler. "You'll ever get over doing that will you?"



Claude shook his head. "No my lord I don't believe I shall." Claude returned his lord's smile, but it was troubled, and Tristan saw that quickly.



"There is something bothering you Claude." Tristan simply stated, already knowing that Claude would speak if Claude felt that he needed to know. Claude seemed to pick his words carefully as pondered, though eventually he spoke.



"Indeed... Forgive me for bringing this up yet again my lord but..." Claude glanced over his shoulder slightly, as if worried something may be there listening... but he continued regardless. "...Miss Celestine... I don't think it is wise for us to keep her alive... I know she is a side project of yours my lord, but I also know that you were... less then successful earlier this evening... Beyond that though I fear her influence is growing. Earlier this eve I had resolved myself to keep a distance from her... Yet within moments of talking to her, she coaxed me into a sense of ease... Something about her is..." Claude grasped for words, trying to think of something appropriate.



"Disarming?" Tristan asked and Claude looked to him surprised that he understood... Still the butler nodded once and Tristan sighed slightly. "She is indeed that. The disquieting thing about it is that she isn't even aware of it. If she was she might be able to control it, or we could see if she was using it against us or not... But like this, it is surprisingly effective." Tristan didn't sound threatened, but simply seemed to be in a expressing a point.



Claude soon spoke up again though. "Indeed. I doubt that Miss Celestine is intentionally trying to use her quirks against us, but frankly it is unsettling at times. I do not know how much longer we can tolerate it. It the other demons in your employ begin to grow closer to her, they might catch on and that could cause trouble later down the road for you."



Tristan shrugged. "I doubt that anyone I have under my employ would betray me. Then again we are demons, so I suppose I should be less trusting in that regard... Still, I have to have some measure of faith in my people. Beyond that though, I doubt Celestine would attempt to get close to many of them... Beyond those she already knows anyway."



Claude sighed. "But what happens if her powers start affecting us at random? You know the stories about the Fell Born even better then I do. But despite that we only have theories as to what actually sets her powers off. Nothing concrete or anything we can test without putting ourselves in danger." Claude reasoned.



Tristan again shrugged. "It doesn't matter... If it becomes too much I'll handle it Claude, but until then we'll leave it be. This has gone too far for me to simply kill her out of the sake of my own safety."



"But... my lord..." Claude began carefully. "You didn't succeed tonight... she ultimately resisted and turned you down... I understand why you didn't force the issue... If you had, the chance of igniting a new wave of hunger for souls within you would be too high... But that is part of my point! Using your powers, indeed any us who use our powers on her, holds too great a risk!" Claude implored.



Tristan shook his head. "That is part of the reason I am doing this Claude... As demons we rely on our powers in almost every situation, we expect that we will always have the advantage. That we'll always come out on top against mortals... Frankly? That's boring as fuck... Sure it's fun playing with your food now and again, but having some measure of a challenge is fantastic... Am I angry I was denied tonight? Of course I am. Could I have forced the issue? Yes, I could have, just like when I actually did get to fuck her. Though that was a special case... Do you know why I used my powers on her in that instance Claude?" Tristan asked, curiosity growing in his voice.



Claude frowned and tried to ponder the reasoning, and eventually spoke up. "I can imagine a few reasons... though the most obvious would be that you got tired of waiting for her to break."



Tristan smiled lightly. "Indeed that would be a perfectly logical and reasonable answer. But I have to tell you it isn't the case, or at least that it is not the only reason. I won't deny that the idea of drilling into her sex drove me to the limit of my restraint... But the primary reason I did it was because she wanted me to do it..."



Claude frowned. "I'm confused my lord. My understanding was that she declined... and that was why you had to use your powers."



"Correct." Tristan began. "She wanted it, but she couldn't accept that she wanted it... Hence why she said that it would only happen if I used my powers... It was an out for her, even if she didn't realize it. Maybe she subconsciously gave me the opportunity or maybe she simply denies that she really meant for it to happen that way now that she looks back on it. Regardless, I forced what she wanted onto her, and as a result, gave her a taste of it. As much as she might try, she'll never forget that experience, and it will plague her mind for the foreseeable future."



Claude followed along and nodded when Tristan was finished, before he spoke up himself. "So, by doing this, and by creating the memory of the experience for her, she will be tempted by the memory in the future."



"Exactly. But beyond that, the question of whether or not she acted as she did entirely because of my power, or because that is part of whom she really is will cross her mind. She'll resist the notion at first... but as the memories plague her, she'll inevitably have to ask herself if it is the truth or not. But the only way to be sure however is to test the theory, which is what happened this evening." Tristan said grinning to himself.



"But... my lord... She denied you tonight. Won't this prove to her that it was your powers that made her sex crazed in the first incident, versus it really being who she is? I apologize but... this seems like it was a failure, even if it was well plotted out." Claude didn't want to discourage his master... Then again he doubted that he even could. Tristan was surprisingly determined at times, despite his seemingly whimsical nature.



"Hum... is it? No... I don't consider tonight a failure. You see Claude, even if Celestine denied me, it doesn't mean that the end result won't be the same..." Tristan paused as he considered what had happened. "She tried to egg me on Claude.... No... 'Tried' is wrong. She did egg me on. More then that she stoked the fires of my libido into an inferno that burned for her. She resisted at first, specifically to see that happen... She wasn't afraid after I kissed her; instead she was horny and ready to fuck. But it wasn't enough... She could tell I was just playing with her... That I wasn't mad with lust over her... But she wanted me like that... She wanted me to become un-controllably aroused over her... So she did exactly what it would take to get that to happen, what she knew would cause it to happen. She knows that her resistance only drives me on, and she used it to make me take what I wanted... She used it to spur me into conquering her and simply overwhelm any of her resistance."



"In essence Claude, Even if in the end she said 'no', she will be forced into accepting that she enjoys being controlled. That it is in fact one of the greatest means to arouse her..." Tristan finished looking to his friend to see how he felt about it.



"... That... may be the case my lord... but then why did she say no when you broached the subject to her? Indeed I have to ask why you did such a thing at all my lord?" Claude asked, clearly not fully convinced.



Tristan chuckled slightly embarrassed. "It was a bit of a flub on my part wasn't it? I should have just taken her and been happy with that... but no, I had to get all greedy and try and corrupt her completely..." Tristan sighed before continuing. "Looking back on it, I asked for two reasons... The first was because I wanted her to accept it... completely and utterly. If she had said yes, she would have had no ground to stand on in the future... She couldn't claim that I used my powers or anything... she would have to admit it was her, and nothing more. That it was her own desires that led her to accepting me. The second reason, is because I wanted to accent the significance of the decision she was about to make... I wanted her to realize that by doing this, she was giving in... That I had won the last battle in our war for her desires... That I had conquered her last hold out..." Tristan said amused at his own words.



"That still leaves the question as to why she said no..." Claude reminded him slightly amused by his enthusiasm.



"Ah yes... that." Tristan shrugged. "I don't know why she said 'no' Claude... I honestly don't. She might have remembered something that convinced her not to or something that that manner, but ultimately she did... But that doesn't matter so much. When I left she was left feeling empty and unsatisfied. But beyond that she was left with the realization that she truly did want it, even if her morals and way of life told her it was wrong. I could see that she regretted her decision almost immediately after making it, though at the same time I don't feel that she would have changed it if given the chance that evening." Tristan reported calmly. When Claude cocked his head Tristan continued. "She tried telling me that if I used my powers on her she wouldn't be able to resist. She wanted to have it happen without giving in... However this proves that last night was similar, even though she didn't go to such extremes to excite me. This will force her to acknowledge that last night and tonight was entirely an attempt to let me into her pants without her giving up her morals or pride... It's a self delusion that has been shattered now, and she won't be able to be used again. Beyond that, now that she realizes it was a self delusion, she can't deny how she feels."



Claude pondered his words for a long moment and nodded lightly. "It makes a degree of sense my lord. And I must admit it is a fine trap you maneuvered her into. I can only see one alternative to giving into you when the end eventually comes." Claude said easily.



"Oh? And that is?" Tristan asked cheerfully, wondering what fault Claude found in his plan.



"Such forced epiphanies might shatter her psyche, causing her to lose her mind entirely... In that instance no one wins but... You see where my concern comes from." Claude answered as frankly as he could.



Tristan stared at his friend and realized that he wasn't wrong... If he pushed Celestine much harder she might just break... And not in the good way either... She would be ruined if her mind simply fractured and her sanity was lost.... Tristan fell into his chair and grumbled. "Damn it... That's going to take some figuring..."



"I apologize for raising the negative point my lord." Claude said with a slight smile to his features.



"No no... You were right to do so. I was too focused on the steps she has taken forwards to realize that I was leading her onto thin ice... It is good that you reminded me... I believe I would be quite pissed with myself if I broke her... What's worse, I think I've seen some symptoms starting to form already..." Tristan said unhappily.



"My lord?" Claude asked, confused by his masters words.



"I'm not surprise you've not noticed it Claude... She tries very hard to keep it hidden. I've only seen it rarely, and usually I'm distracted and don't focus on it... I don't claim to be an expert on the human psyche, but I've heard her mumbling to herself. Beyond that I've seen her stare off at nothing, as if listening to someone unseen and unheard by the rest of us..." Tristan elaborated. He was not worried, as much as he was contemplating what could be done to prevent further damage.



Claude wondered too but spoke up first. "This is... problematic. We can't simply take her to a human specialist as the information needed for a proper diagnosis would result in information about us being leaked out. That would result in clean up and likely a fair amount of collateral damage..."



Tristan nodded. "Indeed. And given the fact that we've been responsible for almost a dozen people disappearing in the last week alone, it might not be a bad idea to tone it down some... But there might be another way of dealing with this other then simply making them disappear..." Tristan said with a growing smile. Claude cocked his head curiously but Tristan continued. "I'll go into it later Claude... suffice it to say any progress in that front will require action on Celestine's part. Though I might give her an encouraging push..." Tristan gave a low chuckle and Claude couldn't help but frown slightly.



"My lord... Again I must beg your forgiveness, but... The amount of effort you put in this one mortal... I do not understand it. I agree she is an astounding specimen and a fine prize... But is she worth this much effort? I have no doubt that she'll eventually break, but consider the cost associated with it? Never mind the danger to not only yourself, but all of us. Rena has nearly died once already... I've been fooled into bringing in that Cameron girl here without confirming it with you first. What other dangers are in store for us? All for one soul? I do not doubt it will be a mighty achievement but..." Claude paused unsure how to continue.



Tristan finished for him. "But what if she is the end of us all?" He posed to Claude and his butler sighed, unable to deny that he wished to ask the question. Tristan nodded. "I don't doubt there is a risk... If she is a Fell Born, which I don't doubt at all, she could twist us upon ourselves and scour our souls... if the stories are to be considered true. And given what happened to Rena, it is fair to assume they at least have some truth to them. But I don't think I can stop any more Claude..." Tristan admitted calmly.



"... Beg your pardon my lord?" Claude asked, confused...



"I don't think I could stop any more." Tristan repeated. "If put to the test I could likely pull away, but as it is now, with no immediate life threatening danger, I can't." Tristan wheeled around and faced the darkness outside once again. "I can almost hear it Claude..." He said as his hand stretched towards the looming dark. "I can almost hear her soul... calling me. It's like a siren's call... I can feel it pulling... tempting me. And despite myself, I've tried to find ways to plug my ears to it... Alas nothing I've tried thus far works..."



Claude got to his feet as Tristan spoke, his face one of shock and concern. "My lord! Why have you taken so long to warn me of this!? If I had known I would have helped you search for a way! I could have done something to assist you!"



Tristan turned back to him, an easy smile on his face. "It does me well to know you care my friend." Tristan said, stunning Claude. "But the fact of the matter is... I don't want to stop hearing it." Claude looked to his master as if he was greatly saddened by his words. "Do not fret my friend. I am still me... I will not spare her, simply because her soul sings to me. Inevitably, the human Celestine will die." Tristan said simply.



Claude was relieved to hear that much at least... He stood upright and straightened himself out... He realized that in his rapid motions his clothes had become slightly ajar... When finished he looked to his master and spoke again. "Very well my lord. I shall, as in everything, trust you in this. Before I take my leave, is there anything I should prepare for tomorrow? I will also remind you that in two days time the Sovereign's court will begin..." Claude's voice was polite and formal again. The loyal butler had returned.



Tristan pondered but spoke up soon enough. "Prepare a meeting with Sig... We'll have lunch and then talk business afterwards. We have to get money set aside for Rena's pet and the fashion line he'll be working on. Otherwise? Have a few shadows ready for some work tomorrow. I think Celestine will appreciate the opportunity to go out for a while. Rena will likely enjoy it too. After lunch they will be free to go about their business for a few hours while I talk with Sig."



Claude bowed lightly. "I shall see to it my lord." And with that, Claude turned and left the study. Once gone, Tristan turned back to the window, and stared out into the darkness of night...



~~~~



Rena came into Celestine's room the morning after, trying to sneak in... She had left early yesterday evening to do some hunting as her master suggested and wasn't able to get in again until early this morning... She planned on waking Celestine up by jumping into her bed and what not but as she approached, she realized Celestine's bed was already empty. "Oh... Damn it all. She's up already..." Rena pouted to herself.



"I'm sorry; did I ruin your elaborate plan?" Celestine's voice sounded from her walk in closet. Rena immediately turned to see Celestine wearing a cream shirt and matching set of slacks. A darker vest hung from her shoulders and remained unbuttoned. Celestine herself looked slightly amused and her voice teased Rena some.



Rena chuckled. "Maybe just a little." She admitted sitting upon Celestine's bed. "But you are up early, and already dressed and cleaned up to boot. Got to admit, I'm surprised." Rena said grinning. "Usually by this time you're still fast asleep."  



Celestine smiled slightly, though Rena felt... something was off. Still Celestine responded. "Well, I have to say that isn't the norm for me. Usually I'm up bright and early. Sleeping in has only become a thing after Tristan abducted me..." Celestine shrugged and looked to Rena. "Feel like getting some breakfast?" Celestine asked as she began to head towards the door.

<hr pg="2" />Rena hopped up to follow her, however after a dozen steps down the hall, she spoke up again. "Celestine... is something... well... Something seems different about you." Rena commented curiously... She was hoping that Celestine would tell her what was up, however her friend simply shrugged lightly.



"Maybe I am a little different today Rena. But then it could be said we are different every day of our lives." Celestine couldn't help but smile at the slightly confused look to Rena. "I'm sorry... I'm being vague aren't I?"



"Yes... very. But keep it to yourself if you want." Rena said letting it go as she folded her hands behind her head. "I'll figure it out eventually I'm sure." Silence reined as they walked for a few moments, but as they got closer to the patio room Rena couldn't help but speak up. "Umm... Celestine?"



"Yes Rena?" Celestine responded with ease.



"You... you know master is having breakfast right now... right?" Rena asked hesitantly. "I mean... I only ask because I don't want you getting surprised or anything if he's there."



Celestine nodded. "I am aware Rena. I can feel his presence and seem to have a vague idea where he is because of the mark."



"Oh..." Rena looked to Celestine confused... She seemed... very blunt... in manner and speech. She looked like she was planning something... "Celestine... What's going on? You are acting kind of funny... and not the 'Ha ha' kind of funny either." Rena asked, concern spiking her voice. She was worried for Celestine... Something was defiantly off.



Celestine shrugged... "I want to talk to Tristan." She replied. "That might be it... Normally I don't want to be anywhere near him, but I want to clear some things up with him this morning."



"Oh... I... see." Rena let it drop there as she fell a few steps back. This felt wrong... Celestine felt almost mechanical. Despite wanting to believe in Celestine, she warned her master before the two of them arrived via his mark branded on her flesh...  



~~~~



When Celestine entered the patio room Tristan was already eating at the table... Claude was present as well though he was simply looking through the paper as Tristan enjoyed the view his patio gave him. Rena was quick to move to take the seat at one side of her master. However Celestine took her time to get food together and prepared for herself. She could feel Tristan's curiosity, as he made no effort to hide it. She knew she was the target of that curiosity... She imagined he was wondering how she was feeling after their encounter last night... wondering if she was still horny after he nearly ravaged her. She let him wonder, as she made herself some toast and cut up some cantaloupe for herself.



As she prepared her breakfast she felt the curiosity in the room spread. Rena had been watching her ever since they had started walking here, but Claude had started to observe her was as well. The silence as they waited for her to say anything was deafening... Even Rena, normally full of boundless energy seemed subdued... Yet despite that all Celestine took her time, unwilling to be moved by their silence. Celestine poured herself some juice and moved to sit down, making sure to take a spot that wasn't immediately adjacent to anyone before eating a piece of her cantaloupe and looking out the patio windows.



Tristan watched Celestine calmly as she went about making her breakfast, and saw what Rena mentioned on her way here... Celestine was... rigid... She seemed to be focused entirely on whatever it was she was doing at the moment, and not allowing herself to think of anything beyond that. He wondered if this was some way of... managing what had happened the night before. Then again he wondered if she was simply working on autopilot right now... If last night had been too much for her and she had begun to break down like Claude had suggested...



Tristan continued to eat however, as did Celestine. He could feel Rena squirming in her chair uncomfortably. She didn't like this sort of slow awkward silence... Rena was born to be loud and fast... She was completely at odds with the current situation. Yet despite that she seemed to understand the gravity of the situation and remained quite... Despite Claude's and Rena's presence in the room, it was apparent to them that Celestine and Tristan only recognized each other at the moment.



Soon though Celestine was finished her meal and set aside her plate and glass before looking to Tristan coolly. "You manipulated me yesterday..." She said flatly.



Tristan cocked his head and smiled easily at her. "You'll have to be more specific. It happened several times yesterday." Tristan's voice was at ease, despite the fact that he was keeping his emotions hidden from her.



She shrugged, unsurprised to hear him admit that he had been manipulating her on multiple occasions. "I thought about where to begin, and frankly I suppose the most important instance was with Cameron... You convinced me that putting her in the dungeons to be a fuck toy for your monsters was the best choice... You said that if she were released she would ruin other people's lives like she ruined mine. But she didn't ruin mine now did she? If anything she helped me, even while using me. Because of her I became stronger... But that's beside the point. The point is you convinced me that putting her down there was a better choice... That it was the right choice. That it was right because you said if she were released she would hurt others like she hurt me. You convinced me that by sacrificing one, I could help save others. But other then past actions, what proof do you have that she would have hurt anyone? You gave her the option to go free if she would sacrifice others to you, but after what you were putting her through anyone would have agreed to your terms so that isn't a measure of what she would have done. So how exactly do you know that she would have gone out and done such things to others? Or were you just using the possibility of it happening to force me into a decision? It is also possible that she would go out and repent for all her wrongs after what happened to her... So tell me Tristan... do you have proof, or were you just manipulating me into making that choice?"



Tristan listened to Celestine's words and couldn't help smiling slightly, which only seemed to make her all the colder to him. Still... he couldn't help it. Not really. Not when she was laying it out in front of him like this... Eventually he replied. "Couldn't I have been manipulating you, and have proof of her irrevocable evil?" Celestine blinked surprised by his response, which pleased him... It was as he suspected... She had planned for him to answer in one of two ways... not both. "Let me explain." Tristan continued.



"First... as I told you before, as a demon I understand what evil is... and frankly Celestine, that person you called your friend is evil. Not demon evil, but pretty high on the scale for a human. She would have thrown her own mother under the bus if it would have saved her skin. What's more? She was utterly full of desires... and she was looking for an easy way to get them all. She could have worked hard her whole life and maybe she would have gotten what she wanted, and then live out the few remaining years she had left enjoying it as best she could before dying... Big price for a big payoff you can only enjoy for a short while... Seems unfair doesn't it? But what if the price was small and she could enjoy the payoff for as long as she wanted? As far as Cameron was concerned, I was her 'big score'. If that meant sacrificing a few people to do it, then so be it. To her it was better then working her whole life on the possibility of getting what she wanted... I have no concrete way of proving that to you Celestine, I can't tell the future after all. But I can tell you that it takes a lot for people to change from bad to good. More then most are capable of giving."



Tristan grinned as she processed that. Still he saw that he hadn't knocked her off her path completely. But that was fine... in fact it was better then fine. "However, in regards to manipulating you, I don't deny it. However I should note I didn't plan any of this. Claude brought Cameron in because of something you said, before I was ever aware of it... So don't lay the blame on me for her presence. Further, I'm guessing you suspect that I influenced Cameron into admitting all the wrongs she had committed against you by using my powers... Believe it or not, I didn't do all that much. She came up with the idea almost entirely on her own... As soon as she saw me, all she thought about was how to get her easy big score. That whole bit about killing you and taking your place? That was her... I might have helped her along, but fact of the matter is Cameron wanted to kill you, all in some attempt to please me." Tristan finished with a smile on his features. "So frankly... Even if she was your friend, doesn't that just prove she was rotten to the core if she was so quick to try and kill you?"



Celestine scoffed. "You could have told her that wouldn't prove anything to you! You could have stopped her. You could have told her what you really wanted. So why didn't you? If Cameron was so evil to begin with why didn't you keep her? I am guessing she would have made a great servant for a demon like you."



Tristan shrugged. "Yes and no. You see, I suspect that Cameron would have taken a lot and given less and less over time. She just struck me as that sort of person. However you are correct, many demons would have loved to have the chance to take her as their own, simply for the darkness that lurked inside her. But I didn't because frankly... It would have been boring as fuck. She would have entertained me for a few nights... but then I would have eaten her soul and been done with it. But beyond that, I wanted to punish her for the shit she did to you. Whether you believe that or not is up to you, but that is the truth. I don't care about justice or any shit like that... I really don't. But as I've said before, I look out for me and mine... Whether you want to admit it or not, that includes you now. Demons hold grudges... even for things that happened before their time... Even further then that though, I wanted to show you that you had been manipulated for years, and that your steely control is only because of the lies she fed you. And hey, bonus, I get to watch a bitch suffer for years... What's not to love about that?" Tristan exclaimed, clearly amused by the thought of Cameron's new life.



However when Celestine smirked he realized he had just walked into something she was planning. "I'm glad you brought that point up... about how she ruined my life... By your own admission, those who have done such things deserve to be punished... yes? That those who manipulate me for any length of time should get what is coming to them?" She asked her focus only on Tristan.



"In a general sense, indeed I would agree." Tristan responded immediately and without hesitation.



"So what about you then? You abduct me; torment me with your endless advances... Manipulate and Molest me... How can you say such things when you are just as guilty?" Celestine asked her voice sharp and bitter.



"Simple." He said with a slight shrug. "I'm a demon... I have the right."



"Bullshit!" Celestine barked. "That's a fucking double standard if one ever existed!"



"Yes... and?" Tristan asked clearly amused by her reasoning.



"That isn't fair you bastard!" Celestine shot back with grinding teeth.



"As I've told you before... I'm not fair. Again... I'm a demon Celestine. I'm higher on the food chain then you. Do you care for the cattle humanity butcher to feed themselves? Humanity even organizes their breeding for crying out loud... Not that some demons are any better."



"That is different!" Celestine fired back. "We try and do that as humanely as possible. We don't torture and violate the cattle we grow to feed ourselves."



That caused Tristan to laugh. "Oh really? From the moment they are born, all the cattle know is a cage. Sure it might be a big cage, but it's still a cage. As for torture? Their cages have barbs on them Celestine... Sharp enough to rip flesh and even kill in some cases. Never mind that, but a brand burnt into your ass isn't painful? Remind me of that later, maybe we'll try it." His words made her cringe for a moment but still he pressed on. "So why do I have a double standard? Because that is what world has dictated be the case, plain and simple."



Celestine looked at him coldly for a long moment... jaw clenched as she tried to maintain her composure. Eventually she spoke, her voice strained but controlled. "So that is what I am to you... a piece of meat? You wouldn't give a damn if another demon did as you did to me? Good to know." She said as she turned away from him, sickened by his words...



But she gasped as she felt his emotions flow again. It wasn't the assault he pushed on her when she was first marked, but it was enough to startle her. She could feel his jealous possessiveness coming off him and flowing past her... <em>("Look at me Celestine.")</em> Despite the fact it was his voice in her head, it was cool and soothing to her mind. Still she bit her tongue and refused to turn back to him. <em>("Celestine... Look at me...")</em> She could feel how intent he was on this... and despite herself, slowly turned to face him again. When she did she felt her heart clench at the soft look to his features.



"You are wrong." His voice calm and comforting. "I would not sit idly by while other demons violated or molested you... You are mine... That is all there is to it... If another demon tried to take you, I assure you I would not tolerate it..."



Celestine clenched her jaw trying to keep the emotions his words were dragging up in check... She knew what this was... It was like when he praised her the day before... His words made her feel wanted... Like he needed her to be with him, and that for her to be with anyone else was simply unacceptable. It wasn't a feeling she was accustomed too and she knew her own weakness to it. Still, she got a rein on herself and looked to him firmly.



"Kind words from the one who abducted me." She was pleased to see that she had surprised him in her response, and so she pressed her advantage. "And as you said last night... I can't trust you. What you just said could be a lie... Hell... anything that passes your lips could be lies. So you'll excuse me if I choose to be skeptical." Celestine kept herself from smiling at her small victory. His features turned from surprised to impressed quite quickly, telling her that he had nothing to combat her... He had no scheme or tricks to counter that particular point... Seeing him impressed with her sent another shot of pride through her... She felt happy that she impressed him... Again she cursed herself... She was taking his praise and wrapping herself in it again...



"True enough." He finally managed. "I suppose I did say you shouldn't trust me. But such is the way of things. But speaking of last night..." Tristan smiled slightly, its wicked edge making Celestine shudder slightly despite herself. "How are you feeling after our... 'encounter'? After having gotten me excited you went and turned me down... I have to admit I was left a little blue because of it... though I have to wonder if you were in any better sorts. As I recall you got me all riled up specifically because you wanted it so bad. Or am I wrong?" Tristan asked, waiting for her to admit it...



However Celestine didn't seem flustered at all by his question. Instead she simply looked to him coolly. "I can't deny it no. I did act in a way that I knew would get you to the peak of your arousal. Nor can I deny that it was done with that express purpose in mind." Her tone was calm... almost monotone in response, much to the chagrin of Tristan.



"I'm... surprised. I thought admitting such a thing would have a slightly different result with you." Tristan admitted, hoping she would open up something for him to exploit. Yet she replied in a similar manner to before as she shrugged lightly.



"I don't see why you are surprised. After you left me last night I realized something... You are quite likely the most hansom man I've ever laid eyes on."



"Uhm... Thank you..." Tristan replied confused as to where she was going with this...



Celestine shook her head when he didn't seem to understand. "I make note of that fact not to complement you, but to make a point... It is completely natural for me to feel physical attraction towards you. You are after all, a very handsome man. I am after all a woman who, upon certain stimuli, will have various responses. When presented with a male with your physical characteristics it is no wonder I would feel physical arousal just by being near you. As I'm sure you are aware, the desire to copulate and breed are strong drives for any species. This isn't any different for humans. Hell... I suspect you take advantage of such drives at every opportunity." Celestine finished and took a sip of her juice, like she was talking about nothing more awkward then the weather.



Tristan listened to her words and pondered them... He saw what she was doing... She had accepted the fact that she wanted him... But now she was using biology to explain it away... Saying that it wasn't her fault... "So what? You are saying that what you feel when you are around me is nothing more then... basic animal instincts?"



"Yes." Celestine responded. "But unlike animals, humans aren't controlled by their basic instincts... Case in point... I said 'no'." Celestine said with a slight smile, her confidence unwavering.



Tristan gave a light snort. "And the night before last? That was just biology at work again?"



Celestine nodded. "Yes. Notice that I denied you then as well. We only had sex because you used your powers on me, leaving only the basest instincts in control. In essence you copped out." Celestine pushed, her confidence growing.



"Strange... I don't know of any species who wrap their lips around their mate's cock and craves the taste of his cum." Tristan said amused, surprising Celestine at his sudden crassness. "I also don't know of many other species that enjoy being pinned down and fucked silly... Indeed, I think actually very few would enjoy having all control taken away from them. Actually none can come to my mind... What about you Celestine? Perhaps you can give me a few examples?" Tristan's voice was smooth but mocking at the same time... as he waited for her to reply he looked to her intently.



"I... don't..." Celestine began, feeling her face go red... He was throwing her fetish in her face... It was to throw her off... But despite knowing that, it was working. When she hesitated he pounced.



"Hum? I'm sorry Celestine, I didn't hear you... do you know of any examples?" Tristan's voice pressed her, and despite her resolve she felt herself loosing ground.



"No!" She snapped. "Damn it I don't know of any that does... I doubt there are any..." She admitted annoyance in her voice as she turned away from him, unwilling to even look at his smug features right now...



She heard him get up and felt him approach her. She set her jaw as she focused on not looking at him again... Even if he pushed her with his thoughts she wouldn't budge... Or at least that was the plan... But when she felt his hand gently take the tip of her chin, she couldn't resist his feather light pull. It was just like last night... She knew she should have been able to pull away... That she should just get up and flee from him... this beast of a man who could control her with just a touch... But she couldn't.



Images of last night filled her mind... of how he pinned her against the wall and kissed her... Of how she kissed him back... The sting on her hand when she slapped him, and the exhilaration she felt when she saw his growing desire for her... the blossoming lust... The feeling of being bodily lifted up and forced down onto her back with her arms pinned by his strong hands above her head...She recalled the memory of cool air on her damp skin as he pulled her shirt up and her pants down...

<hr pg="3" />Thoughts of this morning burned in her mind as well... Of when she awoke, her body screaming for relief from the arousal she still felt... She hadn't gotten up early because that was the norm for her, like she told Rena... No, she got up because her body yearned for a solid fucking... She couldn't help but recall how she masturbated in the shower for almost an entire hour after waking up, finally giving in to her body's demands... Only to get dressed and ready to confront him... so sure she could make her case unscathed... But here she was... held under his power with but a few fingers... She met his eyes and steeled herself as best she could... though it only seemed to drive him on...



"I know... of one example who does all those things...." He said slowly, making her blush even harder... She wanted to pull away... she was desperate too... yet her body wouldn't move... He wasn't using his powers... she knew that. She could feel he wasn't. Yet here she was... entirely in his thrall... "It is... you... my dear Celestine..." he said, smiling to her, his face lowered near hers... Making her only able to see him... "Powers or not... a part of you hungers for the taste of my seed... That same part, longs to be forced down and dominated... Pinned and forced to submit before opening itself to being fucked. That... is not biology Celestine... I don't doubt that some of what you feel is in fact a result of biology, just as you said... but..." He leaned in and whispered into her ear, close enough that she could feel the brush of his lips against her lobe. "But the rest... the perversions and desire to be controlled and dominated... that is you..." Tristan held his position for a moment before withdrawing... leaving Celestine red faced and shuddering...



Once Tristan had taken a few steps away he spoke up again. "And it is about time for you to start accepting that Celestine... Lying to yourself like this... it isn't healthy. Never mind the fact that it becomes so much more fun when you just accept the things you want..." Tristan's voice was confident... strong and unrelenting. It made her furious... yet at the same time it stirred her desires. He wasn't wrong... She couldn't deny it... She wanted it... she knew it was wrong and immoral and terrible of her... but she wanted it regardless...



"... Damn you..." She grunted out, fists balled to her sides as she stood, shaking in anger and self detestation. "Damn you to hell you fucking monster!" She snapped at him... He turned to her and smiled gently. He could see the change in her now... How she no longer denied it... That she wanted him... and badly. It didn't matter if her morals or reluctance to giving into him held her back for now... it was really only a matter of time. And they both knew it.



"I would kill you if I could..." Celestine hissed out, rage at him and herself overflowing, making her reckless in her words. However her anger suddenly stalled when she heard A chair push back suddenly... Looking forwards she saw Rena was standing up, her gaze locked on Celestine... However Rena looked horribly conflicted, her own anger warring with her friendship.



"You...You have to take that back Celestine..." Rena managed to say... Her voice was strained... as she reluctantly took a threatening step towards Celestine.



Seeing this though Celestine glared at Tristan in response. "I won't." She croaked out... She knew Rena was sworn to defend Tristan... That she loved him with an almost fanatical devotion... Celestine knew she was no threat to Tristan... Not as she was anyway. So did Rena... but it didn't matter... Celestine said she would kill Tristan if she could. Rena reacted in the only way she really knew how...



However Tristan spoke up, his gaze on Celestine, amused and impressed. "Hold Rena... I don't want you to ever raise your hand against Celestine... No matter what she says, No matter what she does, you will not harm her... Understood?" He asked without looking to Rena, his gaze firm on Celestine.



Rena stopped but her body shook. Her rage didn't understand restraint... and it didn't like being collared. But Rena's less viscous aspects were thankful for the new order... She didn't want to kill Celestine... She didn't like that Celestine wanted her master dead... but... she felt that would pass... eventually... That Celestine would see that she was wrong...



Eventually Rena let out a long breath and slumped some. Her inner conflict resolved for now... Celestine felt a twinge of sympathy for Rena... She didn't want to force her into an awkward position but... she had to get that off her chest... Part of her hated Tristan... How he was manipulating her... how he made her feel despite what she wanted...



Tristan spoke up however, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "I'm going out for lunch to meet an associate in a few hours. Celestine... do you wish to join us? After we have finished eating you and Rena would be free to stroll about down town for a while if you like." Tristan's voice was utterly relaxed and Celestine balked at how he seemed to utterly ignore the situation and seemed to randomly change the topic of the conversation... Never mind the fact that he was ignoring the comment she made not moments ago about wishing she could kill him...



"wh...Why do you want me to come with you?" Celestine asked, skeptical and suspicious. "This isn't going to end up being something where the food is served on a naked woman or some bullshit like that is it?"



Tristan looked to her a bit surprised. "No... Though that would be entertaining... But no, it would just be a nice meal down town. It isn't far from the downtown mall so you'd have plenty to do while I conducted my meeting." Tristan shrugged. "If you are not interested, that's fine. You are more then welcome to stay here."



"Welcome? I'm a prisoner remember? Other then going to Veste Candida, and Lady Lavanna's home, I haven't exactly had the opportunity to get out of here. What was it you said? If I leave I'll be killed by the time I get out the gate or something to that effect? Fine... I'll go. One thing though... I'm not your date, partner or any other word that would insinuate that we are in any form of relationship. Is that clear?" Celestine asked, frowning at him harshly...



Tristan raised an eyebrow as he smiled at her demands and somehow Celestine felt like she had just made it worse... "Of course. I shall not introduce you in any such manner. I'll let you know when we are about to leave. Until then, enjoy your morning." Tristan turned and began to leave, soon followed by Claude. Celestine felt a bit lost however... It was only until he was out of the room that she remembered she wanted to berate him some more... However after a moments' reflection she realized any argument she had seemed moot in view of what she was forced to own up to just moments ago...



Celestine sat down again, trying to come to terms with it as her head rested in her hands... However rustling beside her drew her attention up from her hands... Rena was sitting beside her, looking slightly concerned for Celestine. Celestine could only repress a sigh and look to Rena directly. "I'll be okay Rena. You don't have to look so worried over me."



"Can't help it." Rena admitted simply. "You're my friend... really the only one I have. I care about you a lot, so I can't help but be concerned when you look distraught or hurt."



"It's just... I was so sure I could gain back some ground this morning... But it feels like I've lost miles... It is hard to admit to myself even now that Tristan isn't wrong about my... preferences... But... it feels... wrong to give in to him. To let him have his way... Then again if I do let him have his way I'm dead meat... He'll eat my soul and that will be the end of me..." Celestine admitted, And to Rena, her voice was tinted with hidden sorrow...



"But... what if that isn't how it has to be?" Rena asked hopefully. "You don't have to end up like that... Master has other mortal servants... people he hasn't simply killed. If you were to become like them, you could be free to go as you pleased while still reaping the benefits." Rena suggested.



"I'm not his servant Rena... I'll never be his servant. And that isn't freedom to me... not if I am bound to him like that... I won't become little more than a lapdog whining for scraps from his table." Celestine responded calmly. She wasn't about to get mad at Rena... who was really only trying to help, but she wasn't in a mood to hold back either.



"But Celestine... you are already bound to him... The marks are proof of that. I'm just saying... that something has to give... and I doubt it will be master... I don't want you to die... But I want you to be happy too." Rena sounded worried again; clearly convinced Celestine was heading down a doomed path.



However her words reminded Celestine of something... and as she pondered her features went from subdued to cautiously optimistic. Rena saw this and cocked her head curiously. "Celestine? What is it?"



Celestine looked to Rena and smiled lightly. "I'm beginning to see that I might not be able to win..."



Rena blinked slightly confused. "Does that mean... you'll be more accepting of master and... well... your own desires?"



Celestine shrugged. "I don't know yet... Maybe... Part of me still feels very uncomfortable whenever Tristan tries anything... It screams at me that what I'm doing is wrong... It's hard to get over that..."



"Just keep trying!" Rena said, clearly becoming excited. "I know you are afraid of what would come if you did but... but I promise you, you won't regret it!" Rena finished with a big smile, clearly happy to hear Celestine's words... It only took her a moment to hug Celestine tightly before beginning to run off. Celestine couldn't help but chuckle at how quick Rena's energy seemed to come back as she disappeared out of sight. But a moment later Rena ducked her head back into the patio room. "I'm gonna get dressed in an hour or so... once I'm done could you help with my ponytail? I can do it on my own but it always takes so freaking long... And it usually comes out lopsided..." Rena admitted with a sheepish grin.



Celestine nodded. "I'd be happy to..." And with that Rena darted off again, happy as a girl in a candy store.



Celestine smiled as her friend disappeared... and for several moments afterwards. Eventually though she sighed and looked out the patio windows... She hadn't been lying earlier... She had come to realize that she could not win against Tristan. At least she couldn't with things as they were. She was constantly losing ground against him... Her defenses were slowly being overwhelmed. The changes she had seen in herself were proof of that... But then she wasn't lying about wishing she could kill him either... Part of her hated him intensely... The part that knew he was responsible for the deaths and misery of untold numbers of humans... So there was really only one course of action... Celestine would give ground... She would let Tristan conquer... all in an attempt to earn the third Demonic Mark... The mark that would give her a weapon to use against him...



If Claude had been honest... those bearing the third mark were very close to the demons that marked them... So close that both sides could feel the emotions and feelings of the other without restraint... Close enough that some of her human emotions, emotions that were completely foreign and potentially toxic to demons like Tristan... could affect the demon. To the extent that the demon would have almost no defense against it... Even if it wasn't enough to kill Tristan outright... it might weaken him enough for others to try and finish him off...



But she knew it would be difficult to earn... Claude had told her that the third mark was rare for servants to bear... Given the inherent dangers present that came with such things... Usually they were only given to the most loyal or deserving of mortals... those that had dedicated themselves utterly and completely to their respective masters... Mortals that had given up so much of their humanity that it didn't matter anymore... So that left Celestine with the question of how she was going to earn her weapon to use against him... She knew that it wasn't going to be easy... Tristan wasn't a fool, and for her to suddenly just give in entirely would make him cautious... Or worse, it could make him lose interest and simply consume her completely before she ever had a chance to strike a blow...



No... she would have to work slowly... She would have to continue to resist as he slowly took more and more ground... She knew it was an enormous risk... One that she had felt was too dangerous to even try up until recent events... The third mark brought the demon closer to the mortal, but the same went for the mortal to the demon. His raw feelings and emotions might be enough to poison her completely... leaving her nothing more than a lust filled slut... But now she didn't feel like she had a choice any more... She would try and wield that double edged sword... and hopefully rid the world of Tristan forever. She knew it would likely result in her death moments after she struck... If not from Rena, then by Claude... Their oaths would demand it... But it didn't matter. Celestine doubted if she would even be able to go back to the normal world after going through what it would take to earn her weapon... Death might be a comfort by that point...



~~~~

