She slunk into her room, the dead of night more than accommodating for the freely undead she was, cloaking her steps as she crept to her bed. All in all, life wasn't bad for her, she thought. She had a team, a group of people she knew would fight by her side to the bitter end. She... didn't much care for any of them in particular. And then there was that girl... She had surprised her, that night. Few people ever surprised a Darkhold.

As if on cue, she heard that voice again, that voice like melted honey that sunk into her brain, into her very essence. “Miss, I believe it's been too long since we've had a chat...” She stared, alert now, into her mirror. She kept it at her side always, for it WAS the Darkhold. The artifact her family was charged with protecting and using to create a superior world. She still remembered when her father had showed it to her, telling her, “With great power comes glorious purpose.”

The mirror was black, until it was more than black, until it yawned into an abyss she felt drawn into. All at once, she wasn't on her bed anymore, she was in a black nothing, stripped of all her armor, her items, everything, with nothing but her nightgown left to shield her from the ebony emptiness.

“You intrigue us, Miss Dezra...” The voice said, again draping over her like a weight on her shoulders. 

”That's good, right?“ Dezra said, feigning confidence. ”You wouldn't want a servant that bores you...“

”Bores isn't the right word. We do appreciate reliability, as I'm sure you understand.“ The Darkhold said. ”But no, you've served your purpose wonderfully so far. We are a bit mixed on your decision to tell your little group about us, but that doesn't really matter, in the long run.“

”Then everything's great, right?“ Dezra asked cautiously. ”This... I'm not in trouble?“

”Now, Dezra...“ The voice said chastising. ”When would you be in trouble?“ On that last word, she felt a tug at her soul, and dropped to her knees, feeling a burst of that familiar feeling. That euphoric feeling that felled her once again.

”You're our favorite girl.“ It said, and another wave of pleasure shot through her, spreading from her heart to her stomach, and further. She twitched, not wanting to lose composure, trying not to emote. ”And we trust that you'll continue to serve us, just as we serve you.“ Another wave shot through her, and she let out an unbecoming mewl of delight.

”But we are intrigued by one of your chosen paramores~“ The voice continued, and Dezra couldn't process what it referred to before the next wave knocked her lower, no longer propped on her knees, now on the cold, sleek dark surface she lay on, panting. Her nightgown was practically soaked down under now, but she couldn't will herself to care.

”F-far?“ She questioned, barely gasping for breath. ”W-why would she interest you?“

”Because she interests you, Dezra.“ The voice replied, sending a lesser sting of pleasure through her, and she climbed to a more vertical position to face the darkness. 

”She... merely caught me off-guard, that's all.“ She said, feigning her usual bravado, and the voice laughed, now accompanied by chittering and twittering voices around it also laughing at her. She hated being laughed at. ”And besides, what use would you all have for such a low-level cleric? She can't even do half of what I can do yet!“

”Oh, Dezra, please understand. We're far less interested in what she can do for us, as opposed to what she can do for you~“ The Darkhold replied, no wave of pleasure this time. ”After all, if you're to be our dark mistress on this plane, you deserve a thrall that will suit your desires, yes?“

”W-well...“ Dezra hesitated. This wasn't like her. Dezra Darkhold never hesitated when offered power, especially over someone. ”Yes, of course I'd like that. I just worried that she'd try to stop us. You've seen how kind she is. Do you think someone like that is suitable for a dark mistress like myself?“ 

“We do.”

“Wait, really?” She asked.

“She has great potential, Dezra.” The voice said, tone measured and wise. “She's a changeling. She's struggling with a sense of self, of purpose. She sees you in a positive light, after that night. All you need to do is strengthen the chains~” Another, much larger wave of pleasure hit her, and she collapsed once more, convulsing as the rivulets of pleasure washed through her. 

“Y-yes, of course.” She replied, voice cracking in her haze. “She... She could be wonderful-” Another wave, and she shrieked in delight, twisting into herself. She realized now, the ground was a mirror. She could see herself in pathetic detail, every ounce of her disheveled appearance shown to her.

“Remember, Dezra. With us, you gain power, you gain wealth, you gain pathways to pleasures untold...” The Darkhold said, its voice level and smooth as ever. “So try to share our word, hm? Especially with your little friend~”

Dezra can't recall exactly what came after that, for another wave hit her and she passed out from pleasure. When she woke, it was slightly later, and she looked around her. Her door and window were still locked. She was soaked in sweat and slick, and her sheets and nightgown were no better off. 

She, of course, knew how to handle this. With a flick of her wrist, a spell quickly cleaned herself and her bedsheets, and her dress, and anything in the room that may seem off to any new visitor. She returned to her bed, thinking over her new mission. It wasn't that hard, she reasoned. She just had to twist her to her side. And with the Darkhold's help, it would be easy, right?

A small voice inside her yelled to stop. It yelled to think.

She kicked it again. Such thoughts were for weak women, terrified to get what they wanted. She could easily bend Far to her will. She'd bent her just fine a week ago. She laughed a little at the thought. That night had been... wonderful. She looked forward to more like it.

Organizing a meetup with her was easy. Her schedule had her traveling all over, and all she had to do was send a letter and wait a week, and she'd received word back saying she would gladly meet there. The spot Dezra chose was a secluded location, a beautiful grove on the border of Geb, in the capital mining city. It wasn't too hard to corral her team into coming along; that city was where they needed to go next anyway. 

The time Dezra chose was at sundown, not quite night.The sunset over Geb was beautiful, in that garden. She went there with her sister once. She strode confidently away from her group, stating she was about to go do something for her personal pleasure, and nobody asked any questions. Well, apart from Harrow, but the rest just laughed at him. He never could take a hint.

It was easy to book the spot, she was rich enough. It was even easy to be there early. It was easy to recline on the chair the servers set out for her, and everything was practically falling into her lap. It was easy.

The voice cried out again, it said don't do this. This is cruel, it said. This is...

“Wicked.” Dezra muttered to herself. She chuckled. She was wicked, after all. This isn't even the worst thing she's done. Or will do, she thought with a smile. She wanted to leave her options open.

“Hey...” She heard a familiar voice, and turned to see Far, looking much different. Her hair was different, notably a bit more wild. She was wearing a modest green dress, and her chest had grown a tad, and Dezra smirked. She wanted to look nice for her. “Um… what exactly did you want to talk about?”

“Oh please, sit! The big questions can wait for later.” Dezra said. Far sat opposite her, and Dezra smiled. “How was your trip?” She asked.

“Oh, not that hard. I honestly think my friends struggled a bit more with it than I did. I’m a bit more used to travel. I’ve got the title of Farwalker for a reason.” She said, smiling that cute little smile she had. A tooth almost poked through while she talked. She talked and talked about all the fierce and awesome foes she and her team had fought, telling of battles against entire villages, battles against giants, and plans to take on a dragon. Dezra sat and watched her. This innocent soul, one who only wanted the best for the world. “Marie wouldn’t stop teasing me though. She said you were my…” She hesitated. Dezra knew that hesitation, and drank it in.

“I was your what?” She asked, feigning innocent curiosity. 

“G-girlfriend.” She stammered. “Which is silly, right? I mean, we basically only just met each other, and it was sort of a one-time thing we did, and- Y’know not that I wouldn’t mind doing it again! I just… I don’t know if you see me that way.”

“Oh I assure you, I think very highly of you.” Dezra said, and it wasn’t a lie. She smiled as Far blushed in front of her. “That’s why I called you here! I wanted- well. I wanted two things, really. I wanted to talk with you in a less scandalous context, and I wanted to… well, that’s for later.”

“Oh! This is just a chat, then!” Far replied, and smiled an exasperated smile.

“Please, if I wanted to put pressure on you, I would, darling.” Dezra said dryly. “This is for both our benefit, you know. I’ve been fighting hags for the past two months. They’re wicked creatures, you know.”

“I’ve… heard tales.” Far said, face showing a bit of discomfort. 

“Oh?” She asked.

“I’ve… heard, you know, that… they’re where changelings come from?” Far asked. 

“Not always.” She replied. “But most of the time, yes. None happened to remind me of you, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Thanks…” She said with a sheepish grin. “I mean, I know it’s only a slight chance, but if possible, I’d like to meet my mom. My dad…” Her gaze drifted downward. “He… He’s no longer with us.”

“Far…” She said, lacing as much care into her tone as possible. For strategic reasons, she told herself. “That’s… did someone kill him?”

“It’s… complicated. He…” She swallowed. “My father was a bad man. He conditioned me to obey him when he said certain things. He made me fight my friends. They took him down, but he… didn’t make it.”

She swallowed, and the small voice grew louder. Don’t you see, it said. Don’t you see how this will hurt her? Don’t you see you’re using her, just like…

This voice was interrupted. “We can tell you the words.”

What? She thought back. 

“We know the words to control her. Simply ask, and she’ll be yours.”

“Is something wrong?” Far asked, large red eyes blinking up at her.

“No! No, nothing’s… No, I’m just horrified at that.” Dezra lied. “I mean, who would do something like that? It’s selfishness incarnate, to force your will into others.” She heard a violent stir in her mirror, but she tucked it further into her pocket. This is deception, she thought. She’s not stopping the plan. 

“It’s… Tough, trying to sort out what I think about him now.” She said, but shook her head. “But I’m glad, still. I’ve got friends, helping me through it. Like you!” She said, taking Dezra’s hand. “I’m glad I met you.”

She opted to go for the embarrassment again. “I bet you are, from what I recall.” She blushed, but didn’t back away, this time. 

“I mean it, though. I haven’t met many people who see… me, and not what I am.” Far said, her soft fingers almost intertwined with Dezra’s now. “It means a lot that you’re able to look through that.”

“Darling, judging others on appearance is not befitting of someone of my stature. I’m a noble, you know! I much prefer to judge people by their potential.” She said, somewhat haughtily. “And that’s the other thing I wanted to ask you.”

“Oh?” Far asked. 

“As you may or may not know, here in Geb, the land is ruled by a council of leaders known as Blood Lords.” Dezra began. “I’m on the track to becoming one someday. And talking with you, I hope you know, is… enlightening, to me. In the same way you search for those who look past flesh, I look for those who look past formality, and treat everyone with… kindness. Wisdom.”

“And I want you.” Dezra said. “I… I want your advice in my council. I think you could make a powerful blood lord, if not an advisor.”

“I…” Far said, hesitating. This wasn’t the cute kind of hesitation. She showed real worry in her eyes. “I’ll think about it. I imagine I could probably do a lot of good, but… I could also do a lot of bad, if kept unchecked. I’ve never handled power before, and I want to handle it carefully.”

Another part of her, not that small voice, but a large, hungry one, wanted to assure her she’d have no control, she’d be entirely hers, wouldn’t that be nice, but she stopped it. That would be unwise, currently. This was only the first date, she reasoned. She was aiming for a longer game. She was aiming for true trust.

“And that’s why I want you!” Dezra said affirmatively, choking down the annoyance of unexpected difficulty. “You know how to handle the power you get, or at least not to handle it alone. Think about it! We can meet up again whenever you like. I like talking with you.” She said, hoping she wasn’t laying it on thick.

Far stood, smiling. “I’m glad.” Dezra stood as well, and Far drew her into another kiss. This one was less unexpected but nevertheless impactful. Far never kissed like an animal, like some Dezra had known. She always did it short and sweet, like that simple action spoke mountains. And maybe it did, for her.

“And, y’know.” Dezra said, trying to regain her confidence. “That green dress looks lovely on you.”

“Thanks.” Far said, smiling. She always looked down at compliments, Dezra noted. 

“Hm. No.” Dezra said.

“What?”

“Look at me.” She said, tilting Far’s head up towards hers. “At my eyes.”

“Wha-”

“Say thank you to my eyes.” She said, looking directly at her.

“Thank you.” Far said, that determination from before shining through. Dezra smiled. 

“Wonderful! If you’re going to get anywhere powerful, Blood Lord or otherwise, don’t shy away from compliments or the like. No one can be confident with trust placed in you if you’re not confident about yourself.” Dezra said matter-of-factly. “Now go!” She shooed her. “Your little friends are probably wondering if your girlfriend is keeping you the entire night.” This did elicit a full blush from her, and Dezra silently rejoiced as she waved goodbye and left.

“You realize you could have her now if you’d asked.” 

“You don’t get it.” Dezra sulked. “I don’t want the facsimile of Far you could help me create in her head. That would bore me. I want Far, as she is, to join me. Willingly. I want to break her so hard she has no other option but to accept me wholeheartedly, with no magical or mental influence whatsoever.” She ranted, and more and more of her began to anticipate this, to want this more than ever.  

“We will see how that goes, Dezra.”

“Yeah, I look forward to it.” She said cockily. And the voice cried out one last time before being silenced for good. 

Far prided herself on one thing: her kindness. Her ability to show love to people. Dezra caught her off guard. For one, she was usually showing love TO her, and not really taking any given to her seriously. That was unusual. Additionally, she seemed to have some kind of interest in Far that she didn’t understand, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t kind of alluring, in a way. She wondered if Dezra also thought about that night the way she did. She wondered if she’d enjoyed it half as much. A woman like her could and probably has had anyone she wanted, Far reasoned. There would be no reason for her to seek her out specifically, right?

Still, when she sent word that she would like to meet Far outside of Geb, her heart practically leapt. Geb was… nice, for those who dwelled there, but Far couldn’t help it. She enjoyed lands where the grass was green, where dismal bogs didn’t make up 50% of the land, where the sun shone on less craggy and inhospitable fields. 

They were even meeting fairly close to her hometown, and Far wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Sure, she’d grown up near here, but she felt like Dezra might scoff at her humble upbringing. Not that she ever had before. She… she confused Far. 

Where most nobility would scoff at the poor and downtrodden, she seemed to scoff at classes entirely, saying multiple times she met with Far because she wanted to. That was good, right? Far wanted so badly to trust her, but… she didn’t know if she should, entirely. Something in her brain, a small voice, said she was up to no good. But she didn’t know that, she told herself. And it would be reductive of her to assume the worst of someone who’s been exclusively good to her. 

And besides, she’d said she wanted to meet at a store. Nothing could happen at a store, right? Her thoughts muddled her so that when she walked in, she had only a moment’s notice before she was stolen into a large, unexpectedly strong hug. “Far! My lovely little lady, welcome!”

Far looked around, Dezra in front of her, and an entirely unfamiliar store all around her. “Dezra, what is this place?” Before her, there were racks upon racks of clothes of different sizes and types, some with space for wings, some with space for tails, and all looking to be very out of her price range.

“Well, I thought it might be nice for you to appreciate some fineries in life.” Dezra said simply, her smile as generous as always. “I kept thinking to myself, damn, I respect that little chick, but her robes look like they’ve been through some shit. So, today, if you find something you like, it’s on me! Believe me, I can cover it.” She winked. 

“Wow!” Far said, in spite of herself. She was overcome with awe, looking eagerly around at everything. 

“And, y’know, if you find anything that isn’t particularly adventuring-ready, but you just find cute, I’d love to see you in that as well.” Dezra said quietly. Far blushed, but started to move, to look around this place. 

Far was enamored by this place. It seemed like anything she could ever think of was here. She walked through aisle after aisle, holding things up to herself, and wondering if there was a way to sort by elasticity.(She was a changeling, she’d like something that would fit different body types in a pinch.) 

It was after about an hour doing so that Dezra came back.(she was gone? Far didn’t recall her ever leaving.) “Y’know, I’ve got something you could try on.” She said, hands behind her back. 

“We’re allowed to try these on before buying them?” Far asked, surprised. 

“Yeah, there’s a changing room right over there.” Dezra said. “And you’ve already picked out a bunch, go ahead and try them on!” 

Far entered the changing room, hands slightly burdened with a pile of the clothes she’d picked out, and apparently Dezra’s as well, as she said she hid it near the bottom. The first dress she’d chosen was a simple green one, with a beautiful leaf-patterned trim. She showed it off to Dezra briefly before reentering the changing room.

The second was a set of tougher, cushioned robes, black and brown, and with extra interior leather padding. She showed these off with a bit more excitement, showing off the flexibility of them. Dezra was watching with an unplacable expression on her face, Far thought it might be fondness, and she urged her to try on more.

She tried on a couple more, until she reached the bottom of the pile, and her heart stopped. Laying at the bottom of the basket was… It looked to be underwear, she thought, but it was lacy, and black, and red, and Far got a little flustered at how small it was. Dezra wanted her to try… this?

“You okay in there?” Dezra asked from outside. 

“...Do you really want me to wear this?” Far replied, trying not to yell loud enough to be very heard. “It’s… you want me to wear this here?” As she faced the door, she saw the hint of one of Dezra’s ponytails on the floor, and heard a chime.

“Of course!” Dezra said from behind her, and Far jumped, covering herself with her hands. “Why, do you need help getting it on?”

“N-no, it’s just- this is a public area, and I don’t-” Far hesitated. 

“C’mon, Far.” Dezra rolled her eyes. “Nobody’s gonna see ya in here! It’s not indecency.”

Blushing to her roots, Far slowly put on the underwear, pulling it up herself hesitantly, trying not to break it. She finished, slowly viewing herself in the mirror. She looked… “Beautiful.” Dezra said, a slight growl in her voice. “You’re a knockout, Farwalker.” She said into her ear, and Far couldn’t help but shiver. She saw Dezra’s gaze in the mirror in front of her, and she looked… hungry. Far felt fingers in her hair, and saw as Dezra gripped her lower back.

“Whoa, we’re still-” Far began, but Dezra put a hand over her mouth, muffling her tiny protests. Her hand continued to run up and down Far’s body, touching every little spot she knew was sensitive, and Far, in spite of herself, leaned into it, panting into Dezra’s hand. Dezra continued punishing every little part of her, and she loved it, she loved it, she couldn’t get enough-

She stopped, and Far could breathe, but she didn’t know why. She looked at Dezra, eyes pleading for more. “Hey. Can I show you something?” Dezra asked, and Far nodded hesitantly. Dezra began casting a silent spell, and before Far could even wonder what it was, her senses were overpowered by a wave of pure pleasure. Arcane bliss spread from her heart to her extremities, and she let out a muffled moan into Dezra’s firm hand, feeling herself on the brink of orgasm. 

“Mhm, good girl~” She growled. “Want me to do it again?” Far breathed heavier, trying to nod, but Dezra laughed. “Well, unfortunately, I can’t cast that spell again for a while. And besides, I don’t want to get this too dirty.” She said, tracing a finger down the underwear Far was wearing, starting at her breast, and going all the way down to her stomach. 

“Now come on. Let’s get you changed back, hmm?” Dezra asked playfully. 

After that was a blur, a haze of putting her clothes back on and pretending everything was fine to the man at the front desk as they checked everything out. Dezra made sure to say the lingerie, as it was called, was for her, and not for Far, so she breathed a sigh of relief. 

“H-hey, uh.” Far began as they exited the building. “H-how- I mean, what spell was that?”

“Oh?” Dezra said coyly. “What spell?”

“You know what I’m talking about.” Far said. “That… that wave of…”

“Pleasure?” She said, almost mockingly. Far looked away, embarrassed. “That was something I learned a while back. It’s pretty high level, though, so I can’t cast it too much. You know, I thought green was your color, but I think red is much better on you.”

“I- thank you.” Far said, looking her in the eyes this time, but still feeling quite frazzled. “You- um. Sometime, could you do that again?” 

“Oh, certainly.” Dezra said. “When next we meet, I may even be able to do it more than once!” She cackled. Far laughed nervously along. “Aren’t you going to go back to your friends?” 

“I- oh right! Yeah, we’re supposed to- Um, this was nice!” Far said, tripping over her words as she ran away. She still felt so strange afterwards. Her body felt hot and awkward, and she, in the heat of the moment, had forgotten she had somewhere to be later. She thought back to that wave of pleasure, and then stopped herself. If she thought about that now, she would… It wouldn’t be good, she decided. 

“I still don’t see the point in this.”

“Give it time. You saw how she was. Soon she’ll want even more. It’s about withholding power, and then flooding her with it.”

“You realize you could break her.”

“What, do you think I’m stupid? I know what I’m doing.”

“If you say so…” 

Their second meeting, Dezra planned, would be in Geb. She’d show her the beauty of this place. She may even pleasure her a little, she smiled to herself, but she wouldn’t give her release. Not yet. This was necessary, to string her along. She planned a date with her at the Highcastle Sanctum. She’d poke around her interests, play along, remind her why she’s here. 

If dad were here, she thought, he’d be proud of her. This was how he’d taken in her mother, after all, she mused, climbing the steps to the balcony. She tried to see if she could spy where Far was in the crowd of people. There. And… Dezra smiled. She was wearing red. Good. Dezra cast a simple invisibility spell over herself, and smoothly glid down to the main area of the party. She made her way confidently to one of the side booths, where Far was hovering, eyes cautiously scanning the environment. She couldn’t see Dezra, of course. Not yet. 

Dezra sat down beside her, and dropped the spell. Far didn’t notice immediately, only turning after about a minute of searching the crowd, and jumping up in shock. “Hey.” She said.

“H-hey.” Far replied. “I was looking for you!”

“You found me.” Dezra smiled. “Wanna sit back down?”

“Yeah!” Far said, sitting next to her happily. A small part of her twinged with that. She feels comfortable with you.

Good. You can use this.

“Red’s still a good look on you, Farwalker.” She said confidently. 

“Is it your favorite color?” Far asked. “You really seem to like it.”

“My favorite color? You could say that.” Dezra laughed. “It makes sense, y’know, considering what I am.”

“Do elves have some predisposition towards red?” Far asked, confused. 

“Far.” Dezra leveled eyes at her. “I’m a dhampir.” Her face went very pale as Dezra said this, almost to a comedic degree. “Were you not aware?”

“I- you’re- you mean, you’re half-” She stumbled over her words.

“Vampire. Half vampire, half elf.” She chuckled. “Did you think someone from Geb would be as boring as to be JUST an elf?”

“I- no, I just-” Far was stumbling over herself. “I-I mean, it doesn’t change anything! I don’t judge people like that, especially for something they couldn’t choose anyway…”

“Well that’s nice!” Dezra said, motioning for a waiter. “Get us something good. Whatever’s best.” The waitress nodded and strode off. 

“...How are you always so confident?” Far asked, quietly.  “I… I’m never like that. I’ve tried, but it’s always felt…” 

“Wrong? Like you’re doing something cruel?” Dezra asked dryly. “Honey, it’s only not you if you decide it isn’t you. The self is as malleable as the flesh, and I didn’t used to be such a hottie.”

“Wait, you- you didn’t?” Far asked, curiously. 

“Of course not.” Dezra said. “I work for this, y’know. It’s not like I wake up every day looking like a goddess.”

“I think you look nice.” Far mumbles. 

“Aw, thanks!” Dezra asked. Feigning shyness, she scooted a bit closer to Far. “Do… do you have a favorite color?” 

“Um… I like blue.” Far admitted. “It’s a nice color.” Dezra tucked that away for future use. It wasn’t her color, but she knew she could make it work.

Dezra analyzed Far for a moment. She was nervous, sure. That much was obvious, but she looked excited, too. ”You seem happy tonight.“ Dezra said casually. 

“I am! I'm... I'm really happy to be here. I haven't really been to many parties.” Far said. 

“That's a shame. This one was quite boring without you.” Dezra said, keeping that casual level of bluntness. The waitress returned with food, and Dezra smiled as it was set in front of them. Roast Ga'arthog, one of the largest and most dangerous types of boar, was as hard to get as it was tasty. “Ooh, I've been waiting for this. Here, try it!” She said, slicing off a chunk. 

She watched as Far examined the meat, and took it, taking a small bite of it. She saw her red eyes widen with surprise, and watched her scarf it down hungrily. “You didn't tell me Geb had good food!”

Her eye twitched. “I- did you think we ate rats?” She asked.

“N-no, this is just even better than what we have outside of here!” Far said, reaching for more of the creature. It was worth noting, Dezra said, that this was one 128th of the creature on a plate before the two of them, and it seemed to be twice the size of Far's head.

“Hey, it's not all bad here.” She said. “Remember that view?” 

“That was a very nice view.” Far admitted. “I never knew dying sunlight could have that much of an effect on a place like this.”

“I know it's not for everyone, but this place is my home, Farwalker.” She replied, turning dramatically away towards the moon. “It's rough, and dangerous, and sometimes dirty, but this land is everything to me. I want to make it better, to allow it to thrive. I just don't know if I'll be enough.”

“Well,” Far said, mouth still half full of food. “Even if you aren't. I think you're making this place better already! You took down a bunch of evil hags, right? Sounds like you're a hero here!” Dezra tensed. “Wh-what's wrong?”

“What? Nothing! I've... I've just never heard anyone call me a hero before.” Dezra said, playing off how she despised that term. It shook her to her core, the word “Hero.” She loathed it with all her being. Heroes were those who fought for some moral high ground. They fought not because they knew how, but because they thought it was the right thing to do. And depending on what they thought was right, Heroes could be made to commit any number of atrocities unguided. 

“Well, if nothing else, I support you. You seem like you know what you're doing as a leader.” Far said happily, a twinkle of mischief in her eye. “I'd probably follow you into anything.”

“Anything?” Dezra asked, turning fully back to her now.

“Well, y'know. Unless I knew it was stupid and going to get you killed. But I'd still try to save you.” Far replied. Dezra blinked.

“Well, I'm not typically the type to get saved, but I'll keep you in mind for the future~” Dezra said dryly. “This lady is a thousand years old, my bones might start rusting up sometime soon.”

“Bones can't rust- WAIT, you're a THOUSAND!?” Far exclaimed, drawing the unruly eye of multiple other people at the party.

“Yes. Vampirism isn't easy, but one of the perks of being half-dead is not having to deal with lifespans anymore.” Dezra said, sipping her drink cooly. “You don't really have to worry about disease, lifespan, or any bodily-induced loss of sanity at elder ages. Of course, depending how long you end up living, a loss of sanity will eventually come about. No one was made to live forever, you know.“ Except me, Dezra wanted to say, but that was too much. 

”Wow...“ Far said. ”You must have been very lonely.“ 

”What?“

”Those thousand years. You don't really talk about your family much, so I thought... well, maybe you were a little like me.” Far was an orphan, Dezra remembered. She didn’t consider herself one, but if you define it simply as a person whose parents have died, she supposed. She didn’t like the term. It felt whiny, and disenfranchised. “You said your parents aren't around anymore, right?“ Far asked apologetically.

”I...“ Dezra paused. Should she tell her now? She pondered this. No, now was much too soon, she decided. ”That's... a story for another day.“ She declared, downing her drink. ”Y'know, you said earlier you don't want to change our relationship, right?“

”I- no! No, I enjoy what we have.“ Far said.

”Would you enjoy it more as my girlfriend?“ She asked. Far blushed. 

”I- I mean, I'm not opposed, necessarily, but...“ Far paused. “Do you want me as your girlfriend?”

“Of course.” Dezra said. “You're probably thinking I could have anyone I want, and believe me, you're right on the money. But I want YOU.” She said, moving a bit closer, enjoying the way Far's eyes darted around the room, then back to her, confused, wondering if she'd make a move. She enjoyed watching the panic in her eyes. “You're beautiful, charming, dependable, and... Absolutely delightful in bed.” She purred into Far's ear, leaning almost past her, her strong arms pinning her to her seat. She heard a nervous, tiny whimper, and smiled. 

“Plus, I hear you're an excellent healer!” She laughed, returning to her regular seat. Far looked flustered, just as she hoped. “Which, I hope you understand, usually does the opposite here.”

“What?” Far asked. 

“Most of this nation is undead or vampiric in origin. It's simply a way to survive here, not a social and moral taboo.” She shrugged. “In battle here, you'd truly be more of a front-line fighter or mage.”

“That's...” Far's eyes grew. “That's awful! That means I can't heal you!”

“Hey. Shorty. You CAN learn Harm, right?” She asked, poking her in the forehead.

“Yeah, but I've kind of avoided it...” Her eyes lit up. “O-oh! But that heals you, right?”

“Bingo.” She said, clapping her hands. “Hey, things got kinda heavy. Wanna help me devour this Ga'arthog?” She gestured to the meat in front of them. 

“I would love to.” Far said to her, the most sincere she'd ever seen her in her life.

“This is really quite pathetic.”

“Speak for yourself. I have her where I want her.”

“We agreed to follow your lead, we will do so. But understand, you’re taking a long road to a nearby victory.”

“Not taking the scenic route is why you guys don’t understand us humanoids. We’re creatures of nuance. Something could happen the same way to two people and provoke different results for each.”

“This tracks with what we understand. We just don’t understand the flattery, the sympathy. Are these not weakness?”

“Weakness is endearing to her. To her, weakness is strength.”

“We will never understand humanity.”

“Maybe so.”

Dezra stood with Far, looking up at the front door of her old castle. She'd paid to have the place cleaned, rebuilt, but undisturbed. Some visible fire scars still remained, tiny splotches of ash covered the walls. Some things couldn't truly be fixed, at least not on an adventurer's salary. 

Dezra wore a blue suit tonight, noticing how Far's expression lit up when the realization hit. Far herself was wearing those robes she bought her, the durable ones with padding. They looked nice together, she thought. They’d look nicer anywhere other than here.

She entered with Far not lagging behind her, scampering over rubble to stay by her side, grabbing her hand. That was unexpected, but oddly compelling. She looked around the grand hall, once a place for dancing, merriment, and vice. It now lay bare, absent of rubble, and absent of laughter. It was clean. Some furniture remained, those most untouched by the fire, but it felt like a missing set. 

“...What happened here?” Far asked. 

“This is where I was raised.” Dezra replied, staring up into the rafters, the roof impossibly black from the smoke here not five months ago. “...and where my entire family died.”

“T-that's...” Far gasped.

“”The Blackrock Castles were a group of elite estates owned by vampire nobility, but were burned one day for mysterious reasons. No survivors remain, save for one Dezra Darkhold, who swears she will one day find the people responsible, and make them pay.“ That's what a book said about me.” Dezra said idly, tone disaffected from the weight of her words. “Do you think it fits me? A tragic story like that has gotta sell well, right?” She turned to Far, but she was crying. “Oh, babe. No, don't-”

“Why?” She asked in a scared voice. “Why don't you seem to care?” Dezra's heart stopped. 

“W-what.”

“You act like you don't care that they're- that this was done to you.” Far said through tears. “I know you like to act tough, but... anyone would be hurt from that, Dezra! Even the strongest woman in the world!”

Her breath halted. She really did find empathy anywhere, huh. She drew Far into a hug, attempting to wipe her face off, but her little hand batted hers away.“Babe, no, don't- don't cry for my sake. Please. I'm moving past it, it was five months ago-”

“My dad died six months ago.” Far replied, wiping tears from her eyes.“I'm... I'm still not okay. You don't have to carry this yourself, you know.” She hugged Dezra. “Please. I want to know about your family.”

She found herself in her sister's room. The doorframe still held that little sign that said “Daria Darkhold,” though it was smudged and damaged. She asked it be left, despite its damage. How else would you know whose room it was? “Y'know, Far... I don't know how much I knew my family.”

“What were they like to you?” Far asked.

“Oh boy, where to start...

My father was a vampire. His entire family line was. He was human, too. He was strong, powerful. He never gave in, never gave up. He was undefeatable, always smiling, always with some contingency plan up his sleeve. He was smart, too. He spent days on months in his study sometimes, just making things. He brewed potions, he made sculptures, and he did it all with a satisfied smile.

My mother isn't really very interesting to talk about. My father knew how to court her well, and she never seemed displeased, here. She was an elf, and wasn't the most attentive, but there were more than enough other vampires around to keep me company and babysit when she was too out of it. She liked alcohol, rare wines, and would brag to me that no matter how sloshed she was, she could always remember their names by taste. She could, to her credit.

My sister... she was dismal, uninterested. She grew up anxious and became depressed. She never seemed satisfied, or present. She was always just... caught up in her head. She enjoyed studying, which made one of us. She was good at it too. She built things, like Dad did. Tiny little gadgets and gizmos. 

I... I was awful to her. I never gave her the time of day, and I... I called her names, and made fun of her, and...” Dezra realized she was crying. “One day, she ran off to her room and locked herself in there. I had... I did something awful to her. I knew there was a guy she liked, and I... well, you know I know how to convince people to... well, she wouldn't come out for days. When I finally got her to open the door a crack, she... She said ”you're wicked, Dezra Darkhold. You're truly wicked.“”

Dezra sighed, as Far hugged her even tighter. “The trauma isn't stored in the gut, you know.”

“I know, that's just horrible!” Far replied. “You realize you're a victim of neglect, right?”

“What?”

“Your dad wasn't around because he was entertaining himself in his study. Your mom drank herself into oblivion. You took out your anger on your sister and never made a connection with her.”

“And that night, someone burned everything down.” Dezra said hollowly. “Of course castles don't burn. They just... smoke. There was smoke everywhere, Far. It spread throughout this entire castle. No one made it out alive but me, and that was only because...” She paused. If she didn't tell her about it today, then it would insist on its method.

“Because what?” Far asked.

“Hey, can I ask you a question?” Dezra asked, realizing she was actually tearing up.

“Sure, go ahead.” Far nodded. 

“Am I... wicked, to you?” Dezra asked. She realized with a sickening feeling that this was honesty. She meant this.

“You...” Far thought pretty hard about this. She was about to panic from the time it took. “You have a strong will, and charisma. You have power, and others who don't see you as a threat. Sometimes, you are a threat. But I don't think you've been given the chance to change.” She concluded. 

“Yeah, that...” She stopped, wiping her eyes again, hating how much they dripped with emotion. She hated crying. She hated how it took her words from her. Her words were her favorite tool. “That makes sense.”

“I wanna help, Dezra.” Far said. ”I wanna help you, and I want to help Geb. I've decided.“ Her eyes widened with shock. Did she mean what she thought she meant? ”...and, y'know, if we are going to be helping to rule Geb together...“ Her face was slightly flushed with emotion. ”I think I'd like to do it as your girlfriend.“

Dezra cracked a smile. She'd done it. She pulled Far into an embrace, kissing her lips, almost squealing with glee. That would be too childish, she thought. She pulled back, enjoying the startled smile on Far's face. Her little tooth was poking out again, and Dezra laughed.

”Thank you, Far.“ She said, bowing. ”I now know how fully I can trust you.“ She pulled out her mirror, holding it out for Far to see. ”See this?“

”Yes?“

”This is my family namesake. This, Far, is the Darkhold. It holds back the evils of the darkness from the world, and grants untold power to those who serve it.“ She said, pressing the mirror into Far's hand. ”And I think it wants to meet you.“ She withdrew her hand, the mirror's face now fully visible to Far's eyes, and she, for once, got to see what it looked like when she spaced out looking into that thing. 

Far's eyes widened, then stilled, and her entire body went lax. She started panting, and sank to her knees, still transfixed on the mirror's face, as her hands started to slightly darken from its touch. Her expression never emoted, but she could tell how flushed Far was, how sweaty and useless she was becoming. She wondered if there was any foreplay, or if the Darkhold had started doing this immediately.

Far finally returned to her, releasing the mirror with a yelp, collapsing panting on the floor. ”In case it wasn't obvious, that's who I learned that spell from.“ She purred, lacing her arms around Far's form. 

”Mhm.“ She replied, face flushed, body slightly shivering. ”I-I gathered. I just... I prefer when it's you, Dezra.“ She said, looking up at Dezra, and she could see something different about her. Her eyes were more relaxed than normal, and she held Dezra in a slightly different way.

”Mmm, you seem different.“ She said.

”I feel different...“ Far said, seeming giddy. ”I feel like I finally know what I'm supposed to be!“ She hopped towards the door, doing a cartwheel, jumping like she was the freest being Dezra had ever seen. She opened the door. ”And besides, you haven't shown me the best part of the tour yet! I wanna see your room.“ There was a mad sort of light in her now, Dezra realized, and she loved it. 

Dezra led her into her room confidently, and Far twirled around her, almost like she was in sync with her movements. ”It's different now. It's like... I know where you're going, a little.“

”That's the power of the Darkhold.“ Dezra explained. ”That's why only very few are supposed to touch it. Only the few trustworthy are able to wield its power without losing themselves.“

”I don't feel lost at all!“ Far laughed. ”I feel great! I feel strong, I feel,“ She stopped, realizing as Dezra was slowly removing her suit. ”I feel wonderful.“

”Oh please, we haven't even started yet.“ Dezra laughed. ”You need some help removing those robes?“

”No, not really.“ Far replied. She twisted her form in a strange fashion, almost like her skin itself was removing her apparel. ”I don't even need to use my hands.“ She said cheekily, her robes sliding cleanly off of her, leaving her underwear. Surprisingly, she was wearing that lingerie Dezra had picked out, and Dezra's eyes shone with delight.

”Oh, babe, you know I love you in red.“ She said, sliding down her dress and crawling towards her on the bed, taking Far's shoulders and turning her down onto the mattress. She didn't struggle, didn't even squirm. She just blushed and returned Dezra's hungry gaze. 

”I wonder what you're gonna do first, hm?“ Far asked, twisting and stretching in Dezra's grip. ”I mean. I'm all yours. Where do you start?“

”I think I'm still hungry.“ She said, leaning down. ”And you're delicious~“ She began to lick and bite at Far's neck, sucking and teasing and abusing each amazing inch. Far let out little satisfied hums at each attack, sometimes even a gasp at a particularly sensitive  spot. 

This continued for a while, Dezra slowly moving lower, until she was relishing every inch of her breasts, relishing the sounds she made while playing with them. She was delicious, Dezra thought. She had won. She had bent her to her every whim. This devotion, she thought, stopping to drink in Far’s face, lost in a frenzied bliss, would never expire.

“We see now, Dezra.”

Damn right you do, she thought, still transfixed, looking at her prey. Her hair was mussed, her face sweaty and flushed, her nethers soaked. Far opened an eye to look at her. “W-why stop?” She asked.

“I want to spice things up a bit.” Dezra said. “I want you to do anything you want to me.”

“Anything?” Her eyes widened. 

“Anything.” Dezra purred. Far took her hands, twisting their forms so she was underneath her. She slipped her panties down, revealing her chosen nethers were now more feminine. She smiled, leaning over Dezra and propping herself up with one hand.

“I’ve always wanted to try this.” She said, grin pushing her cheeks up, making her eyes seem smaller. She was beautiful, Dezra thought. She began to grind herself against Dezra, and Dezra couldn’t help but join in her sweet moans as the two moved in sync. This was heaven, this was bliss, and Dezra immersed herself in it unapologetically. Any small voice she may have heard has long since died out, she thought, lost in a haze of pleasure. Then, Far stopped.

She moved lower, positioning her head above Dezra’s pussy, and began to taste and lick it. Dezra rocked her head back in elation, loving every moment of this hedonism. She moved her head back, trying to read Far’s expression, but she couldn’t see anything other than determination. Devotion, in its purest form, lapping at her folds like a fountain of life. She groaned with pleasure as Far hit her most sensitive point, and was forced back by pleasure as she continued to abuse that spot. She moved a hand to Far’s head, pushing her away. She watched her lick her lips, wiping her face with her hand, still smiling. 

“You sound beautiful.” Far said quietly, the most sultry she’d ever heard her.

“Mm, honey, if we keep going like that I won’t have any energy for my surprise~” Dezra said, pulling herself up to a sitting position. 

“Surprise?” Far asked, sitting up herself, and in the moonlight from the window Dezra could see the work she’d done, painting her in kisses and bites. The sight alone was enough to get her riled up, but she pushed it down, for now. 

Dezra leaned down to her clothes, grabbing the Darkhold, still a mirror, and changed it into a book. She opened to the page she knew by heart, having looked for it the second she’d been given that benefit by the voice, and looked at Far. 

“Are you ready?” She asked. 

“Very.” Far replied. 

She cast the spell, but something strange happened. It was only supposed to target Far, but she immediately felt the effects too, a powerful wave of pleasure crashing into her entire form like a tidal wave, causing her to keel over onto the bed. “W-what-” She was interrupted by a gleeful cackle from Far.

“One thing you didn’t know about my skills as a cleric,” She said, panting. “When I receive any positive effect from a spell, I share it with anyone around me who’s not my enemy.” Dezra’s eyes widened in shock. 

“Y-you mean-”

“When you cast that spell, we both benefit from it~” Far said, pulling Dezra into an embrace. “Cast it again. Over and over.” She had a hunger in her eyes, one Dezra had felt before, and it colored her expression beautifully. Dezra cast the spell again, and both moaned with pleasure, their voices twisting into a lustful harmony. They collapsed onto each other horizontally, Far draped over top of Dezra.

“Again.” She said, and Dezra cast it again. Both spasmed as the energy hit them, and Dezra could feel how close she was. 

“Again!” Far said, and Dezra pulled her onto her lap, growling.

“Beg me for it.” She said.

“Please, Dezra-”

“Call me Mistress.” She purred, sliding a finger down her spine, enjoying the satisfied shiver that shook Far. 

“P-please, mistress! I- I want-”

“What do you want?” She asked, gripping her as tightly as possible.

“Mistress, I want to cum!” She yelled, and Dezra cast it a final time, their bodies shuddering against each other from the force of pleasure that overwhelmed them. Both screamed in ecstasy as they collapsed, but Dezra managed, in her haze, to twist their forms one final time, with her panting on top of Far, pressed beneath her into the sheets.

It took a while for either to have the energy to respond, but Far spoke first. “That was amazing.” She slurred, her arms weakly hugging Dezra. She was draped over Far, her taller form making it impossible to escape. Good, she thought, through her exhaustion. She shouldn’t ever be able to escape. She was hers.

“Mhm…” Dezra breathed, not sure how she felt about the embrace, but she went along with it. “This place feels more like a home with you here.” She spoke with a calm sort of clarity.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Far said, still panting from the exertion. “Next time I want to ride you.”

Dezra laughed. “You’re insatiable! But I agree.”

“It’s fascinating. She feels no lust for power, no drive to overthrow you. The most she wants is some small amount of service to you. She desires your happiness.”

“It’s not as shocking as you think. Romantic attraction can drive any to things they’d never have dreamed of before.”

“Are you satisfied with your thrall?”

“Very. I think I may make another, if I meet someone else who’s worthy.”

“The deal was for one.”

“Hm, so? I’ve always liked the idea of a harem.” 

“Your drive for power is appreciated. Soon, you will have the power to bend anyone you like to your will instantly.”

“I like to play the game with them. It’s more satisfying that way.”

“The appeal is the hunt for you?”

“Yes, obviously. It doesn’t mean anything to break someone I don’t know, who I don’t realize how far I’ve taken them by doing so. It’s about satisfaction.”

“We are starting to understand. We will watch your relationship closely.”

“Okay, voyeur.” 

“You know that’s not what we meant.”