Heaven's Sin

Heaven’s Sin

Heaven’s Sin

By: Ranay Jones

(Prologue)

Evelyn’s story

When I was in my early twenties, my mother somehow managed to get me into a contract marriage. I was extremely upset when I was informed. Ever since I was young, I just wanted to choose for myself whom I married and have a peaceful life. I never thought that my destiny was supposed to end in ruins. I had high hopes that my destiny had a happy ending.

Standing before the very man my mother introduced me to, sent chills down my spine. He was exceptionally rich, had great looks, and to top it off, a charming personality. But when he walked over to me, bent down on one knee and kissed my hand, my body froze. When my eyes met with his at that moment, the hatred within them was unbearable. I thought to myself, “I’m marrying the devil himself.”

At the time, I was in no place to refuse the contract marriage knowing how it would end. My parents were in debt because of my college funds and desperately needed help out of the situation. A while ago I offered to work it off little by little but they refused and said, “We will not allow our daughter to do such a thing. You need all of your energy to focus on your class work.” Without them knowing, I got a part-time job anyway and gradually saved some money up. Before I could tell them though, this happened. In the end, all I could do was put up a front and tell them not to worry. The last time I saw them, they were smiling for my benefit, in order to make sure their only daughter was happy.

For the first few years it went smoothly. At home we barely spoke a word to each other and only minded our own separate businesses. But when we were out in public, we had to act like a married couple for the sake of my husband’s reputation. Somehow after a certain event we became sexually interactive. That was the only thing that we did as a married couple was have sex. In both of our views, it was a way to relieve the stress of this forced marriage we had to tolerate. After a month, I discovered that I was pregnant. When I informed him, he became silent. He didn’t seem astonished or happy; in truth he looked mortified.

While I was pregnant, he didn’t touch me in anyway. He became even more distant than when we first began our contract marriage. To overcome the loneliness and homesickness, I went back to the journals I wrote in when I was younger. They were filled with my mother’s legends she was raised on. One legend I was always terrified of was the legend of the Goddess of death. The Goddess of death was a terrifyingly beautiful immortal. They say that she was the only immortal that couldn’t be defeated.

The reason for that is because she has the touch of death. If her skin makes skin contact with another immortal or mortal their soul is taken. Because of this certain power she has always been alone; never having neither a lover nor a family member to cherish her.

She was apparently abandoned in the middle of winter when she was three years old. The god of war, Ares, discovered her lying on top of a snow pile- cuddled into a little ball- while he was out hunting. Ares was known to hate anything and everything; not only that, but he was also despised by other the gods and goddess’s. Even his father Zeus hated him. When he came back to the mountain of Olympus, it was shocking to each and every god and goddess who was present to witness the moment of him carrying that small child. They saw a look within Ares’ eyes that was thought would never exist.

The reason this legend terrified me so much is because mother was raised to believe that the gods and goddess’s would one day be reincarnated in our time. She was told that when the goddess of death is reincarnated, two brothers will unconditionally fall in love with her. Mother had told me that the brothers were separated at birth. When Zeus’s wife had them, she saw evil in one of the newborn’s eyes. As soon as she saw that evil in her son’s eyes- she screamed.

Every god and goddess on mount Olympus rushed up to the top of the mountain, worrying that something had happened. When they arrived, Zeus was furious and made it forbidden for the son to be on the mountain. Because it was his son, he couldn’t just abandon him without having anything left. To make sure he was in good hands, Zeus left the boy, on a certain mortal’s porch.

It tore him apart to leave him but he could not risk the chance of evil being on mount Olympus. The brother that had a pure heart was raised to be the ruler of Heaven after Zeus and his wife passed away. When the time came for mount Olympus and all the gods and goddesses to end their term, a prophecy was left. It was said in a certain century, the last rulers of Heaven and Hell would be reincarnated to change the goddess of death’s destiny. Each and every mortal’s soul depended on one of those brothers to help the goddess of death gain control of her power.

When I came home after having our baby, I allowed my husband to hold her just that one time. For the first time, I saw true love in his eyes. Seeing that our daughter could cause such an emotion within him, I had high hopes that things would get better in our marriage. My hopes were crushed the more she grew.

Each night he would come home drunk and physically beat me, making me huddle in a corner. Sometimes he would even go to the extent of tying me up and whipping me. I endured three years of this physical and mental torture. During those three years, I noticed in contrast how he adored Celestine. I was glad that he didn’t treat our daughter that way but it made me jealous. Only Celestine was able to cause him to have such emotion. Having such jealousy towards my own daughter made me ashamed of myself.

That’s when I knew I had to get out of there- that I couldn’t take the torture anymore. While he was at work one day, I grabbed the home phone and called my parents. I told them that I wanted out; I had to leave this place. I even used the excuse that it wasn’t a healthy home for Celestine. All mother said was “I’m sorry darling, but we have a couple thousand to pay back still. It’ll be another year or so before the debt is completely paid off. Will you be able to stay a bit longer?” The absence of worry for my situation in my mother’s voice hit my weak point. “Don’t worry mother, Celestine and I will be fine.” Holding back the tears, my hand uncontrollably shook while I held the phone up to my ear. Before I knew it, I felt a presence behind me that I didn’t want to deal with yet. I could feel his body warmth up against my back. “Do you despise me that much darling? Even willing to leave your own daughter behind?” Fear engulfed me while he whispered into my ear.

Instead of speaking the truth, like I should have to lessen the punishment he was about to give me, I spoke a lie instead. “I was just calling to see how they were doing.” I knew he noticed the fear in my voice. “Tch. You disgust me. I’ve done as much as paying back your parents debts and you give me this type of treatment.” He reached out in front of me, gripped my neck tightly and started dragging me up the stairs. Gasping for air, I tried to free myself of his grasp, but it tightened even more. “You must receive your punishment my sweet darling. If you try and escape again all I have to do is make one mere phone call and I could make your parent’s lives miserable to the point they’d want to end it.” With how tight his grip was on my neck, I couldn’t respond back. All I could do was scratch at his arms while he dragged me and threw me on our bed.

Finally able to gasp for air, I wasn’t hesitating to run for the door to an escape. Just out of reach of the door knob, he pulls me by the hair and pins me on the floor. “You fucking whore! You will obey me and live here as my wife! I could have easily left you in the dust!” He continuously screamed in my face while beating me with a book. I cried out with each hit. At the corner of my eye I noticed the door opening and saw Celestine standing in the doorway. “No! Papa stop! You swore you wouldn’t!” Celestine, who was only three and had a small fragile body, ran to us and covered me with her body, crying with all her might, begging him to stop.

Garrett froze in mid-swing of the book that he held in his hand. Without a word he got off of me and tossed both of us out of the room slamming the door. I never wanted Celestine to see these events. How could I fail this much as a mother, I asked myself and started crying while sitting on the floor outside of the bedroom. Celestine hugged me tightly for a while. “Mama, why must papa treat you this way?” I looked at her knowing my three year old daughter wouldn’t talk that way. When I met her eyes I was terrified. Those weren’t the eyes of my daughter that I saw. What I saw was curiosity, sadness, and understanding. Almost as if the goddess of death was inside of her.

“Papa just isn’t good with people. Don’t worry about it Sweetie.” She gave me a determined look and opened up the door to the bedroom. When I turned around to stop her I was speechless. Garrett was sitting on the floor leaning against his bed. Alcohol in his left hand, drinking it still, and his wrists were both cut. I’m not sure how much blood he lost but at each side where his hands lay was a small puddle of blood. “Papa...” He was pale already. Instead of running and crying to Garrett begging him to stay like a child should have, she stood there like she understood what he wanted. I was mortified. “Celestine, you shouldn’t see me like this.” Celestine crouched down in front of him at his feet holding her legs to her chest. “I want to know why though, Papa?”

“I never wanted you to see me this way...” she frowned. “ Its okay, Papa, we love you anyway. But…why do you want to leave us, Papa?” Tears fell down Garrett’s cheeks. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was horrifying but sweet at the same time watching them having this conversation. I wanted to run away and say it wasn’t true what I thought at the time. Watching them like this proved me wrong in each and every way.

“I don’t want you and your mother to suffer anymore. Darling, Love, my time is up. I can’t tolerate having this curse anymore. Let me go please.” Celestine started crying and hugged her knees tighter to her chest. “I don’t want to let you go papa…” Garrett smiled faintly and opened his arms. “Let my last moment be peaceful. I want you to give me a hug, my sweet daughter. I want to die with you in my arms knowing that you and your mother will be safe and taken care of is my final wish.” Celestine cried even harder but did as she was asked.

She hugged Garrett and cuddled up on his lap. Within an instant his body became pale and no sign of life was left in his eyes. I was horrified because that event was proof enough that those two are the reincarnations of the god of war and the goddess of death. After a few, Celestine finally got up off of Garrett and came to me crying. “Mama…” Fear engulfed me once again and I screamed as she came to me. “No! Stay back, I don’t want to die yet! Don’t touch me!” I backed up to the edge of the top of the stairs and didn’t realize I was out of space. Before I knew it I was falling down the stairs. Closing my eyes to try and prepare myself for the impact, I thought to myself at the time that the impact itself will probably kill me.

When I woke up I was in a hospital room and my parents were sitting next to my bed. “Mother…” I could tell they hadn’t gotten any sleep for a while and had been crying frequently. “Sweetie. She’s awake.” Mother shook Father a little bit to wake him up. They both seemed relieved. “How long have I been out?” Father avoided eye contact with me so Mother decided to answer. “For about a week, you were in a coma.” I just stared up at the white ceiling tiles, trying to remember exactly what happened but everything was in such a haze. “I’m so sorry sweetie…we still can’t find Celestine. I think she ran off somewhere in shock.” Mother starsted crying and relief went through my body. I didn’t want anything to do with that child- all she knew was how to kill; she was the goddess of death!

“Ariadne, love, go get some coffee and sit in the waiting room. Let me talk to her for a bit.” Father got up and kissed mother on the forehead giving her a reassuring smile. When she left, he sat down in the chair right across from my bed and finally made eye contact with me. “What exactly happened, Father?” He frowned. “While you were on the phone with your mother, before we got to say goodbye, we started hearing screaming on your end of the line. Without hesitation I left the house while your mother was hysterical. When I arrived, you were passed out on the stairs and Garrett committed suicide in your bedroom. I looked everywhere for Celestine but she was nowhere to be found.”

Seeing that Father was crying had me in tears as well. I’ve only seen Father cry one other time and it was when Mother fell extremely ill. “It’s understandable Father.” He looked at me with determination in his eyes. “I will definitely find Celestine and bring her back to you.” I automatically yelled, “No! Please, I don’t want that child! I’ll die if she comes back and I don’t want to die yet!” He was furious with my response. “How could you say that when she is your daughter?!” I cried and begged for him not to bring her back to me. “She’s the goddess of death! She took Garret’s soul. It was mortifying but captivating at the same time. Watching those two have their last conversation was a witness that they are the reincarnation of the god of war and the goddess of death! Mother’s legends are coming true!” Father had a serious look and was quiet for a while.

He kissed my forehead lightly and told me to get some rest. “After you recover, we’re sending you somewhere to have a fresh start. In the meantime, I need to talk to your mother about this. We love you.” After that, I stopped all contact with them and everyone else I knew. I decided to disappear and have a fresh, clean start.

(Chapter 1)

It was early morning when I got up to my roommate screaming again. The past few years it’s been a routine. When I don’t hear her loud voice it seems vacant in this dorm room. “Celestine! He’s at it again. How could he cheat when I just caught him?” And of course that yelling is caused by her terrible boyfriend. “Adley…If he cheats then he’s not interested in you anymore. In my opinion he’s only using you for your money. It would be best if you leave him already.” Adley let out an exasperated sigh when I sat across the mini table we have in our kitchen. “You always say that when it comes to him. Maybe I’m doing something wrong to make him cheat on me.” It irritates me when she gets like this because I can’t comfort her at all.

There have been three events that have made me terrified to touch people. My father’s suicide when I was three was the first one. I vaguely remember it but it still sends chills down my spine. Because of that event I ran away and got adopted that very evening. Even though I missed grandma, grandfather and mother I stayed away to make sure I wouldn’t cause my mother anymore pain. The second event was my first boyfriend. He went to kiss me and as soon as my hand slightly touched his cheek he dropped dead down on the floor. I turned him over and saw no life in his eyes. Now the third event was with one of Adley’s ex. He was abusive towards Adley and only Adley. Every other female he showed his kindness to them. When I got back to our dorm one night I heard Adley crying and his yelling outside the door. I busted through it not caring what situation they were in. After he noticed me he came at me and the slightest skin to skin contact made him double over.

Adley was terrified and didn’t know how to react. After she calmed down from the event I had informed her about everything. She somehow still managed to stay by me. At times likes this seeing pain and loss in her eyes I wish I could comfort her and be there for her like a friend should. This curse I call it; has always kept me from feeling like an actual human. “Celestine, you’re spacing out again.” She frowned while trying to gain my attention. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve been doing that a lot lately.” She took a book that was lying on the table and tapped me on the head with it. “What was that for?” I could tell that confusion was shown all over my face with how she was looking at me. “I know that look anywhere Celestine. You were blaming yourself again. When you blame yourself you always go back through your past and the guilt gets even worse. This is not your fault. Just your presence alone is enough for me Celestine, you are my best friend. A friend that I won’t ever be able to get rid of. Please trust me on that.” As always she tolerates me and somehow manages a smile out of me.

“I do trust you.” I just don’t trust myself I thought to myself. Within seconds her cheery self was back. “Now come on it’s a new term and I heard that we have two new professors. Who are supposedly really hot according to the rumors?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “What happened to your boyfriend who you were just complaining about?” A smirk played across her face. “Just because I mentioned the two hotties doesn’t mean I’m thinking about going after one.” Yeah right, you’re definitely going to try and get your claws on one. “Maybe you should try and go for one as well?” she asked meekly. “We both know what happened to the last boyfriend I had…Dating doesn’t go well with me Adley.” Her blonde hair was slightly over her right eye and they were starting to tear up. Oh god, she’s doing the pouty look. “NO, don’t even try that look because it won’t work on me.” She’s always like this.

“Come on Celestine, you are a beautiful and exotic woman. It’s been proved several times over the past few years that any guy would do anything to have you. Even woman have fallen for you. Maybe you’re just paranoid with this whole legend that your mom and grandma strongly believed in.” I laughed even harder. She does have a point there. I’ve had both men and woman fall for me. We’ve had several interesting events happen the past few years because of it. “So far everything has been proof that their legend is coming true. If that’s the case I don’t want to meet these two “brothers” or even encounter them. I also don’t need a boyfriend. The way my life is now is just fine.” She folded her arms across her chest and huffed.

“Fine, you win this time though. Don’t say I told you so.” While I got up from the kitchen table and grabbed my bag a smile came across my face. “Come on crazy lady, we have class to get to.” She giggled and joined me. After the incident with my boyfriend a few years back I became cold and blocked everyone out. I thought that I only knew how to kill, exactly what my mother yelled at me that day of father’s death. Adley has proved me wrong in many ways though. As you’ve just witnessed this is why my life would feel vacant and boring if she wasn’t around.

On our way to Harvard all we kept hearing was gossip about the two new professors. About how sexy and hot they were. One was teaching Latin and the other was an English teacher so they say anyway. Of course, from hearing the gossip Adley kept gambling on and on about what their personalities might be like and screaming her head off with excitement. We even got stuck walking with a few other girls because Adley randomly jumped into their conversation and asked them about the two professors. “Adley you’ve been acting like a high schooler this whole walk.” I was already extremely annoyed with her childish way about men. Though, seeing how she is this excited I couldn’t stay mad at her. “Question is; how could you stay this calm? I mean one of them is teaching Latin. He must be extremely erotic when he speaks the language… Your first class is Latin you have to tell me what he’s like please?” again she gives me her pouty look.

“Ugh, fine. Just lay off my ass about the dating thing for a while.” Her eyes became wide and she squealed with excitement again. Shortly after, we arrived at Harvard and we separated our ways. I usually enjoyed Latin but knowing that all the woman will be gossiping about the new professor I imagine the men will be extremely jealous and giving him death glares. It’ll be a loud and irritating class from now on. I adored the language Latin because I somehow felt like I was in a different world while speaking it. Losing myself within the Latin culture made all of my worries go away.

“Celestine? So you decided to continue to take Latin again huh?” hearing a voice I missed dearly and haven’t heard in a while took me back to reality. When I looked up I saw my classmate Eryx. “Eryx? I thought you were transferring to another university?” I was holding back the excitement from seeing him. At the end of last semester Eryx told me he wanted to transfer to another university I guess he decided to stay. His deep laugh rumbled through his chest. “I was going to and thought my dear Celestine would be too lonely without me. Aren’t you glad I stayed especially with all the gossip going on?” That’s true; it wouldn’t be as bad now since I have someone to talk to.

“Well of course, I wouldn’t have anyone to joke with about the gossip if it all turns out to be the complete opposite.” We walked into the classroom and one of Eryx’s friends came up squealing like how Adley was about the new professor. “Eryx, it has to be dreams come true! The new professor is exactly like how everyone has been saying.” Eryx had a faint smile on his lips while he shook his head lightly. “I should have known you would have been like this as well Telina.” Eryx put his hand on her shoulder, turned her around and started pushing her towards the seats. “Come on, stop squealing, and sit down. Class is about to start.” When we sat down the new professor walked in.

“Bonum Mane Class.” He spoke to us Good morning class in Latin and we responded back “Professor Bonum Mane.” Echoed throughout the classroom. “Now I shall introduce myself. I am Professor Deveraux. I transferred from Organ. I will be your professor from here on forth. I hope we can get along.” His voice was deep and mesmerizing. He had black short wavy hair, eyes as green as an emerald and dark skin. You can clearly tell he at least has Latin within his blood line. He might have been erotic and sexy looking like the rumors has said but something about him I didn’t like. Just looking at him gave me goose bumps and made me freeze in my seat.

Through the whole lesson I realized that he was staring at me making sure I made eye contact with him. Eryx had noticed as well and even whispered to me “I think you have a new fan base. It seems you caught his attention as soon as he walked in.” I nodded in agreement. I was just glad that the other woman were too busy praising him. Otherwise I would have dealt with a lot of questions and drama that were unnecessary and would have irritated me like none other. Being a scholar; I had no time for such non sense like that. “To find out where all of you are at I’d like to give you a test tomorrow so I know where to start in for our first lesson. This isn’t for a grade. If anything it’s to help me out so I can get to know you more.” He said while situating papers on his desk.

“Professor, I could always help you out.” A girl next to me spoke up. When she spoke her voice was smooth as silk to try and sexually arouse him. She also thought lightly chewing on her pen would work. All he did was look straight at her and said “I am your professor and you are my student. Besides I already have a girlfriend.” Before he went back to his papers he snuck a glance at me after saying that. I couldn’t help but blush. I noticed that Eryx was squeezing his hands into fists and had an angry look on his face. It’s the first time I’ve seen him like that. I lightly touched his arm making sure I didn’t touch bare skin. He gave me a look of shock like I brought him out from a different world. “Are you alright? You were squeezing your hands pretty tightly even made your palms bleed.” He gave me a slight smile. “Yes, I’ll be fine Celestine.” I didn’t believe him a bit but all I could do was nod my head like I did.

During the rest of the class period I slept. Memories of my past came flashing through my mind. Some I couldn’t even remember beforehand had suddenly came up. Remember the conversation between my father and me, the yelling from my mother. Seeing fear within her eyes, fear that was caused by me her only daughter. Then the memory with my boyfriend came flashing through. It seemed like this one lasted longer than the others. All it showed was me flipping his lifeless body over after he touched me. My screams echoed throughout my memory seeming louder than they should have been. “Celestine! Celestine wake up!” Over my screams I thought I heard Eryx’s voice.

I jolted up in my desk screaming. Everyone was surrounding me with a scared or worried look on their face. Because of how crowded everyone was around me I couldn’t see Eryx. “Miss, are you alright?” Looking to the man in front of me I realized it was Professor Deveraux who was trying to wake me up and not Eryx. “I-I’m sorry…It was just a nightmare.” He looked at me, it was more than that. He was looking through me. His green eyes were deep and showed no emotion. It was as if I could get lost in them. He reached out his hand and tried to touch mine reassuringly. Automatically I flinched and held my hand back. I felt guilty because it seemed like he was only trying to help me. “Go to the infirmary and get some rest. Don’t forget about the test tomorrow.” He spoke to me as he got up. I must have made him angry I should apologize to him later when I have time. Preferably without his fan base around if it’s possible so rumors won’t be spread.

“Thank you, professor Deveraux.” I got up left the classroom and went straight to the nurse’s office. When I arrived there I explained what had happened and told her I just needed to get some rest. She had responded “It’s the first day of a new term it’s probably just stress. I’ll wake you up after lunch break.” I smiled and said “Thank you I appreciate it.” I detested the idea of going back to sleep, she might be right though that it’s just stress. I have been studying the past several weeks to get a recap of things.

As I sat on the bed in the infirmary someone came in to talk to her. I didn’t recognize him and thought he must have been the other new professor. “Professor Aurelius, What brings you to the infirmary?” her actions and voice showed sexual tens[ion. What caught me off guard is that he showed like he was interested. I don’t blame her for trying considering he was exceptionally handsome. He had hazel nut hair, ice blue eyes, and dark skin like professor Deveraux’s. “One of my students collapsed from heat exhaustion I was seeing if you had a bed available.” Instead of making eye contact with her the whole time he was talking to her like he should have he noticed me and kept eye contact with me. Unlike professor Deveraux I couldn’t break away from his gaze. He was extremely beautiful; could we even call him human? I questioned myself many of times if I was dreaming or not. “Oh, I should introduce you. Professor Aurelius, this is Celestine. She’s a scholar. Celestine this is Professor Aurelius he is our new English professor. He’s also Professor Deveraux’s younger brother.” Brother? There was no rumor about that, how would our nurse know?

I looked at the nurse with confusion. As expected she explained “Deveraux, Aurelius and I grew up together.” She had a devious smile on her face. If that’s the case it wasn’t just friends between these two…that would explain the sexual tension. “Back to my student. Can you go check on her Enya? I can watch Celestine. ” she nodded and left for Professor Aurelius’ class room. I couldn’t help but blush being alone with professor Aurelius. Professor Aurelius sat down in the chair next to the door across the bed. It was a small infirmary. Next to her door was her desk and cabinets full of medicine and equipment then there were four beds. Two beds cross from the other two like a square. In between them was enough space for one person to walk through.

“Celestine, was it?” I jumped from hearing his voice after the room being so quiet. “Yes professor?” my face still felt hot, in order to hide it I let my bangs fall slightly over it. This is the first time I felt embarrassed towards a guy. “She mentioned you were a scholar. Why become a scholar at your age?” I should have known this question would pop up sooner or later. “It’s to find my mother.” While staring at me he raised his right eye brow allowing curiosity to overpower him. “I’ve been on my own since I was fifteen. An incident happened when I was three and I got adopted. Before any more trouble happened I left the family that had adopted me at a young age and lived on my own. Studied whatever I got my hands on.” There were a few moments of silence between us. “That’s quite impressive especially at that age.” His gaze was intense enough that I had to look away.

We didn’t speak a word after that and I had to tolerate him staring at me the whole time. Enya’s voice broke the awkward silence when she walked in. “I’m sorry for the delay, your student will be fine. She just needed rest and some water” All he did was nod in her response. When she noticed a light blush was over my cheeks she smirked. “I see I interrupted something. Is she the one you were looking for?” her last few words caught my attention and I looked at them confused. “I’m not sure yet. Thank you for taking care of my student Enya.” The one he was looking for? Fear engulfed me when I remembered my mother’s legend. “I apologize for the trouble Enya. But I think I’ve rested enough.” I got up and grabbed my bag. “Are you sure Celestine? It’s not even lunch yet.” I gave her a weak smile. “Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you for your help.” I quickly left the room not even saying good bye to professor Aurelius.

When I got to my next class I realized that I had forgotten my civics book in the infirmary. I must have left it on the table when I left in a rush. Knowing I would be late I went back to get it anyway, soon after it became a mistake. The door to the infirmary was slightly open and I heard Enya gasping and moaning, heavy breathing from professor Aurelius. “If you think you found the person you’ve been looking for then why are you with me now?” Enya asked gasping for breath. “The only reason I’m looking for that person from the legends is because I’m trying to keep my brother from turning evil. He’s already been taken to Hell once. I can’t lose my only family.” A raspy moan came from Professor Aurelius’ lips as Enya gripped his back from him thrusting so hard. “You are the son of Zeus, the ruler of Heaven. If you keep this up you’ll be over ruled by evil, might even end up joining your brother. Are you two really going to allow this legend that might not even be true destroying yourselves?” Professor Aurelius didn’t respond back only thrusted harder making the bed wheels squeal a bit.

While I was in shock I couldn’t gain my composure and ended up dropping my bag. The flop sound when it hit the floor caught their attention. Both Enya and Professor Aurelius looked towards the door and Professor Aurelius’ eyes met with mine. His blue eyes were sharp and it felt like they were cutting through my soul. I didn’t know what to do so I apologized. “I’m so sorry I forgot my book for my next class and came back for it as soon as possible. I’m so sorry.” I bolted down the hallway hearing Professor Aurelius call after me. Tears were falling down my cheeks and the only thoughts that occupied my mind were the thoughts of the legend my mother had raised me on.

(Chapter 2)

It was late evening when I was in the library at Harvard studying for a test. The library was one of my favorite places because I loved the smell of antique books and not that many people hovered in that area. While I was sitting at a table in the back of the library I heard Professor Aurelius’ voice from the front. I was hoping not to run into him considering I wasn’t ready to confront him about the situation that had happened earlier. To try and avoid professor Aurelius I packed my books into my bag and got up to go leave. While walking through the aisles of the library he spotted me. “Celestine wait.” I sped up my pace trying to lose him but he grabbed my wrist lightly and stopped me before I walked out the door.

“Celestine please let me explain.” Turning around to look at him I said “What do you have to explain to me?” my voice was harsh and cold. Hoping to have a reaction like I wanted him to it was different. His blue eyes became ice cold again. “You will let me explain.” Gripping my wrist a bit more he started pulling me out of the library and walked down one of the main halls. Few of the other students who had stayed over to study like I did were watching us with curiosity in their eyes. I just noticed that his hand was still gripping my wrist and I felt my face get warm. Blushing at a time like this wasn’t appropriate especially when the other students would be starting rumors by now I scolded myself. “Their watching us...” I whispered. Professor Aurelius continued to walk and snuck a glance back at me. “Oh well, let them think what they want. As long as both of us know the truth it doesn’t matter.” His voice was still harsh.

He had us turn down another main hall and we passed by Adley and Enya. Enya had a look of pure jealousy and yelled at Professor Aurelius “what are you doing Professor Aurelius?” and I heard Adley yelling as well but hers was more embarrassing. She apparently didn’t see the angry look on Professor Aurelius’ face. “You go girl!” That reminds me; why hasn’t he dropped dead yet? His skin has been touching my skin this whole time and he’s not dead yet. Could Adley be right? That it was just a legend and only a legend.

“That question will be answered when we get to a place I can explain everything to you.” Professor Aurelius said suddenly. “Wait how did you…know what I was thinking?” I paused a minute to try and configure the right words. “As I just said, I’ll explain that when we get to my office.” We turned down another hall that wasn’t so crowded and entered his office. He shut the door behind us and every fiber in my body was excited. Chills ran up and down my body, I wasn’t sure if I should be terrified, angry or glad. Too many mixed emotions from this is making me confused.

“Have a seat.” He directed me to a seat that was sitting in front of his desk. He sat down in his chair and leaned back in it. “I’m sure that you’ve been notified about the legend of the goddess of death?” As soon as those words escaped his lips my heart beat slowed down as if it was about to stop, my skin went pale and no words were able to come out. “From your reaction I’m assuming yes.” What didn’t help at all is that no emotion was in his eyes when he was staring at me. “I’m positive that you are the reincarnation of the goddess of death. After the incident earlier today I did some research. Your history was quite interesting I guess you could say. Your father committing suicide and your mother disappearing. My grandfather knew your mother and had raised Deveraux and me on these legends as well. He swore that both of us would be the one to help the goddess of death. We never believed them until your mother had told him one day about the event that had happened between you and your father. Knowing that we are the reincarnation got my family killed. I have one family left and that’s Deveraux. Deveraux is determined to make the goddess of death his completely if he’s able to without dying from your touch. He’s already been to Hell once and because of that he’s the ruler of Hell. I can’t lose him any further to evil. Because of you Deveraux, Enya and I are here at Harvard. Enya is my former lover, she’s been stressing over the legend when I told her not to. I have no interests in you what so ever like the legend says I do or will. Help me stop this from it going according to what the legend says.”

Shivers went through out my body; I didn’t know how to respond. All I knew is that I never wanted this to happen and that I never wanted to meet the brothers. Events are already going according to the legend. “I don’t want this to happen either. I have to protect Adley…” Adley; she’ll be in danger if this happens. “Adley?” I nodded. “She’s my roommate at the dorm here.” His eyes softened a bit and pity showed within them. Pity is the one emotion I despise the most. “Please, don’t pity me. If we just avoid each other I think nothing will happen. You just have to somehow keep Deveraux’s attention off of me.” It still doesn’t explain why he didn’t drop dead when he touched me…should I ask? I think I will. “I’m not pitying you, far from it.” His voice was cold again.

“Alright, I have a question. If you strongly think I’m the goddess of death then why didn’t you drop dead when you grabbed my wrist? If you were raised on the legends as well then you should know the goddess of death can’t make skin to skin contact.” He froze and didn’t know how to respond it seems. A knock on the door broke the awkward silence between us once again. “Come in.” Professor Aurelius avoided my eyes and invited the guest in. “It’s just me, Enya needs us tonight remember?” We were both in shock when Professor Deveraux came in. It got extremely silent considering what we were just talking about. “OH I see, explain to me why one of my students is with you?” Ah, that’s right I don’t have professor Aurelius this year just Professor Deveraux. “I just had something to talk to her about.” He responded back so casually. Since their brothers I imagine Deveraux could see through his lie.

Deveraux then made eye contact with me and I gulped nervously. “Celestine was it? Are you feeling any better from this afternoon?” I put a smile on and responded back “Yes, I just needed some rest that’s all.” The tension between these two was extremely high it didn’t help that I was in the middle of it right now. “You can leave now Celestine. We will continue this talk later.” Professor Aurelius was still avoiding eye contact with me but I ended up leaving as told. On my way out I felt him staring at me and Deveraux whispered “better not let the cat catch your tail.” Those words alone were confirmation enough for what Professor Aurelius and I just talked about.

When I got to another hall I finally leaned against the wall and took a breather. The tension with the two brothers was unbearable. A few seconds later I heard a squeal coming from the other end of the hall; I look up and see that it’s Adley. So much for a breather like I wanted I thought to myself. “I can’t believe it! You were with Professor Aurelius of all people in this building! What happened tell me everything?” I sighed and decided to surrender. “Nothing happened Adley. He was just lecturing me.” She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a firm look. “You don’t even have professor Aurelius’ class this term so how could he be lecturing you?” I laughed, Adley may be the girliest woman in this university but nothing could pass by her. “It’s a long story and in the past. Nothing to get too excited about.” She huffed and started pouting again. “That’s not true. I noticed that you two were making skin contact and he didn’t drop dead like the others so as I told you the legend has to be just a legend.” I wish that was true.

“Come on lets go, it’s getting late and Harvard is about to close for the night.” Considering I didn’t even give her an explanation about that she pouted even more. To distract her from what happened a few minutes ago I said “Don’t you have a date in about an hour with one of the other students?” She perked up a bit, looked at her watch and started to panic. “Oh no, I still have to get ready! You have to help me Celestine!” Well that was a mistake on my part. “You know I’m not good at picking outfits out for you.” She pouted even more. “Ugh, fine let’s go.” As we walked out of Harvard we passed by Professor Deveraux and Professor Aurelius. Professor Aurelius still avoided my eye contact and Professor Deveraux was smirking. “Remember what I said Celestine.” He spoke to me not even caring that Adley was with me. “You even spoke to Professor Deveraux? Why didn’t you tell me!” she squealed even more and I could hear Professor Deveraux laugh echoing throughout the hall.

“Alright enough! They are our Professor’s we will have to speak to them sooner or later because of class. Geez.” Adley shut her mouth and avoided eye contact with me, she knew I was irritated. I felt guilty. An hour later we finally picked the right outfit out for Adley and she was rushing out the door to meet her date. Surprisingly, her date was Eryx. I was wondering what happened to Eryx during Latin class earlier. I guess I know where he went off to. Now that she’s with Eryx I won’t have to worry so much about her.

(Chapter 3)

At least that’s what I thought. It was around midnight when I heard a knock on my dorm door. I thought it was Adley coming home late from her date like usual. Instead when I answered I found professor Aurelius standing before me in a panic. “Get ready there’s an emergency.” In confusion I responded? “How did you find out what dorm I was in? And what emergency? “He checked both ends of the hall to make sure no one was watching and came in. I wanted to yell at him for thinking he can automatically come in. I decided to listen though.

“You said your friend’s name was Adley right?” Adley? What does this have to do with her she’s supposed to be on a date with Eryx? Worry over came me the second her name was said. “She is on a date with Eryx but Deveraux has a different plan for them tonight.” I started getting ready not even caring that he saw me undress at the moment. “Do you know where they are right now?” When I looked at him his cheeks were red. Was he blushing just now? Never mind that Adley is in trouble. He avoided my eye contact once again when he spoke. “They are at the bar on Spring Street and what do you plan on doing? You don’t know how to fight Deveraux.” A smirk played across my lips and I walked over to him making sure he made eye contact with me. “That is why you are coming with. If you’re there he won’t do anything. From what I noticed you have semi control over him for being his brother.” He grabbed both of my wrists and slammed me to the wall pinning me.

Fury was within his eyes. There was one problem at that moment. His blue eyes turned ice cold and brightened into a captivating blue because of him being angry. He also proved me wrong again, he was touching my bare skin but wasn’t dead yet. It’s only been with him but why? “Don’t try and get between my brother and me. I have my own ways in stopping him. The only reason I informed you tonight is because Adley affiliates with you.” Anger rose up in me and I kicked his stomach making him fall on his ass. “If you can handle him then why did you come to me in the first place? I’ll deal with this on my own.” Grabbing my keys; I ran down the stairway and got in my car leaving Professor Aurelius in my dorm room. When I arrived at the bar on Spring Street Eryx and Adley were both trashed.

“Celestine darling! Why are you here? I thought you would be studying.” Adley barely made it to me. “Were you even planning on coming home?” With how trashed she was; not even able to walk, Professor Deveraux could have done anything by now. “Well we were just about to head back to Eryx’s place but we ran into Professor Deveraux. He ended up drinking with us.” Drink in hand she pointed towards Eryx and Professor Deveraux sitting at the end of the bar. “Eryx, look what the cat dragged in!” She started stumbling toward them spilling the alcohol in her cup all over the place. I quickly grabbed a hold of her elbow to help keep her up. “There you are, I had a hard time trying to catch up to you.” I jumped hearing a familiar voice beside me.

When I looked to my side I saw Professor Aurelius putting Adley’s arm over his neck. “What are you doing here? I told you that I would handle this on my own.” I snarled at him. His expression was serious but no emotion showed in his eyes. “You can’t handle my brother whether you like to think you can or not. We have to tolerate working together on this.” Adley started laughing uncontrollably, that’s when Eryx and Professor Deveraux looked up and saw us. Eryx was frowning and Professor Deveraux was smirking. “Looks like the cat caught the mouse.” Adley’s voice didn’t sound like herself. I froze hearing that familiar voice. When I looked at Professor Deveraux his eyes became a gold like color with a hint of green in them. Everyone froze around us like time itself had stopped. “Leave her alone Deveraux.” I looked at Professor Aurelius confused.

He was showing no emotion again. “This is one of his many powers. He’s able to freeze time. When he gets or does what he wants everyone else goes back to what they were doing the moment before he freezes time. I’m not affected because I have the same blood within me as he does, because he is my brother. You aren’t affected because you are his target.” Professor Deveraux chuckled as he walked towards us. “Did you take an inkling under your wing brother? It seems to be the new thing for you recently. I mean you took Enya under your wing.” I heard a low growl rumble from his stomach up through his throat. “Enya has nothing to do with this. We don’t want anything to happen. Why can’t you let the legend go?” Professor Deveraux had such an evil grin on his face that it sent chills down my spine.

“You know as well as I do that Enya has everything to do with this. You took Enya from me. According to the legend the reincarnation of the ruler of Heaven is supposed to be destined to be with the goddess of death to help control her power that is if she chooses you. Since you took Enya from me I plan on taking her from you.” Professor Aurelius was showing an emotion I haven’t seen yet since I met him. I couldn’t tell if it was jealousy or anger. “Enya left you when you took over Hell. It was your own fault that she’s with me now. I had no interests in Enya beforehand.” Professor Deveraux went and stood in front of me. When he did he slightly touched my neck with one finger. He then lightly dragged that finger down my neck, my collar bone and over the edge of my tank top fiddling with the strap.

My body shook with excitement as soon as he touched me. Everywhere his finger touched a burning sensation was spreading throughout my body and all the way down to my thighs. To hide the excitement I automatically squeezed my thighs together. I was utterly embarrassed especially at a time like this. Even though it’s been so long since I’ve been “touched” by a man, Adley is in trouble. I had to get all three of us out of here, including Professor Aurelius. “You said beforehand. Is that how it’s going to be with this little mouse here? Act like you aren’t interested at first and then snag her when someone else is? You’ve been trying to find her for some time now. Even after I stopped looking for her you continued to do so. As long as I can remember you have always been searching for your soul mate, for the right “one.” Now that she’s in front of you, you won’t even look at her. Perhaps I should make her mine? I can bet you that she’s already soaking wet down there just from a mere touch. Shall I prove it to you brother?” What was he doing to me? I usually have better control of my emotions. Was this another power of his? I kept asking myself several questions to try and distract me from ripping his clothes off right then and there.

Professor Aurelius didn’t respond back. He just stood there avoiding to look in my direction in any way. How can he just stand there and not help me?! I wanted to speak, to call out for help but I couldn’t, no words dared to escape from my lips. “I see that I’ll have to prove it to you. Only I have this power. To arouse anyone and everyone no matter what time or what place. I can see that you’re jealous little brother. Should I let you have your way with her right now?” Professor Deveraux went behind me and wrapped his right arm around my waist, taking my wrist and biting it slightly. He then slid his left hand down from my chest all the way to the edge of my skirt. A soft moan escaped from my lips when he nibbled on my wrist. How can this be happening? I have to stop him! But my body wouldn’t allow it. It felt as if he had me under a spell. His left hand found the inside of my skirt and lifted it up to my waist.

I looked at Adley frozen in time like the rest of them; tears welled up in my eyes. I’m sorry Adley, I came to save you and yet I’m sexually aroused just by a mere touch from this man. Another moan escaped my lips as he found the edge of my panties and slid two of his fingers inside them. “Must I go any further brother? She’s quite wet down here as I thought she would be.” Professor Aurelius still didn’t do anything. He only stared with an angry look and kept squeezing his fists tightly.

A moment later Professor Deveraux found my clit, in order to tease me he flicked it once. I gasped as he started to lightly rub it. “S-Stop.” I finally found my voice even though it was weak. “What did you say little mouse?” he whispered in my ear then started nibbling my ear lobe gently. “P-Please…Stop.” I felt his chuckle rumble through his chest. “Your body is telling me different little mouse. Would you quiver more if my little brother was doing this to you hmm? I saw the way you were looking at him earlier today at Harvard. Even your friend Adley here thought it was weird seeing you that way.” He pushed on my clit a bit harder and continued rubbing it. My legs shook a bit when he did. Will I be able to stand anymore? How can I stop him? I’ll collapse soon and let him have his way with me. I don’t want that; not even with Professor Aurelius!

Before we knew what was happening Professor Aurelius gripped his brother’s neck squeezing it tightly. He then slammed him onto the ground and started punching him. “Don’t ever touch her like that again! She is no ones, not even mine! The point is that she’s a woman! They don’t deserve to be treated that way!” Somehow his response disappointed me. While he was waling at his brother I took the chance to take Adley and Eryx to the car. After starting it I yelled out the door for Professor Aurelius. “Professor Aurelius! Come on!” Professor Aurelius looked back at me and stood up. “Be glad you’re still alive.” Not even looking at his brother he started to walk to the car. “What do you think Enya will say once she finds out about this?” Professor Deveraux snickered.

According to Professor Aurelius since time was frozen it would be best to leave them at Eryx’s place. With how trashed they were they would think the alcohol is making them not remember how they got there. I did as I was told and hesitated leaving Eryx’s place worried that Professor Deveraux would find them. “Don’t worry, they will be fine. I put a glamour over his apartment. He won’t find them.” Professor Aurelius’ voice was soft; it was most likely to reassure me. I nodded and left with him. On our way to my dorm I asked him “uhm…Do you want me to drop you off at your place or what?” It was an awkward silence again. I had no idea what to speak about. It was too embarrassing to speak, the event that just happened with Professor Deveraux in front of Professor Aurelius kept flashing through my mind. I can’t believe that Professor Aurelius saw me sexually aroused. It was a side I never intended for neither one of them to see.

“Just drop me off at your dorm; I parked my car not to far from there.” His next move shocked me the most. “I’m sorry about what Deveraux did back there at the bar.” My face got extremely hot and I avoided eye contact with him. “The way you reacted are you perhaps a…virgin still?” my hands tightly gripped the wheal out of irritation. “That’s none of your concern.” His laugh echoed throughout the car. “You’re twenty five and still a virgin?” I pulled up in front of the dorm, got out and went inside without a word. “Hey wait Celestine!” When I started walking up the stairs he grabbed my wrist to stop me. “I didn’t mean it as an insult. It’s just hard to believe that everyone you have touched has lost their soul since Deveraux or I haven’t dropped dead yet. Can I come up so we can talk?” Instead of responding back I started walking up the stairs again and he followed. He’s quite persistent tonight. “If I say yes, will you leave me alone after tonight?” mid steps; I turned around and raised my voice a bit.

He nodded to my response and continued to follow me up the stairs. When we got to my dorm we made sure no one was watching and I allowed him in. “I’ll make some tea. You can put your jacket on that hook by the door.” Since we got to my dorm I was avoiding looking at him, my face was burning hot again. I can’t seem to get the event that just happened out of my mind.

When I went to make tea I thought he had sat down at the kitchen table instead I felt my back warm up suddenly. Realizing it wasn’t my own body heat my face felt hot again. “Professor Aurelius is everything alright?” It was extremely bad to have him this close to me when an event like that just happened. I may have not had any experience but I do have my limits of not having any sexual pleasure for a certain amount of time. “I have to admit, I didn’t like the fact that Deveraux was touching you that way.” I bit my lip nervously and stood there in silence not sure how to respond back. “You have no idea how hard it is right now to hold myself back and not devour you right now. To disinfect every spot he touched.” His voice was husky and filled with desire.

I turned around and regretted the very moment I did. Our faces were close enough to where our lips barely touched. When I made eye contact with him I froze. His eyes were captivating like he was casting a spell on me at that moment. They were a deep cyan blue that had a hint of pleasure to them. “Forget about what happened earlier and let me make you feel better.” He whispered in my ear lightly nibbling it. “I-I have too many questions to ask though.” For God’s sake I felt pathetic considering I couldn’t even get this one sentence out. Just earlier today we both agreed that we wanted nothing to do with each other. But yet it seems as if we are being drawn to each other by an unforeseen force that’s surrounding us.

“Ask them later and I’ll answer each one.” He lightly pressed his lips against mine and that’s when it felt like an unknown hunger snapped in both of us. Wrapping my arms around his neck I pressed his body closer to mine kissing him passionately. All the while his hands were roaming my body and eventually found my ass cupping it tightly to help hold me up. When he did I wrapped my legs around his waist and he walked us to my bedroom.

While his hands were finding their way under my shirt and unclasping my bra my mind kept screaming NO at me continuously. I wanted to listen, to push him away and tell him no but it was useless. I can’t say that his touch alone sends shivers through out my body; since I haven’t had skin to skin contact the whole time I’ve been alive. I never thought receiving such treatment, such care would send this much adrenaline through my body like pure ecstasy. The adrenaline made me want to ravish him, to make him mine. “Stop thinking, just let this happen. I can’t explain why this is happening either; all I know is my body won’t listen to my mind. That I must make you mine body and soul.” Those very words terrified me to death considering he could very well make that happen even if I didn’t allow him to.

I allowed the ecstasy to overcome my body and decided that he would be my first. It wasn’t because of the legend saying that we were destined together; it was simply because of his touch. He didn’t drop dead when he touched me. Unable to control this urge anymore I rolled us over to where I was on top and straddled him. A smirk played against his lips when he saw how astonished I was from feeling the bulge in his boxers. It felt huge already the way it was positioned between my thighs. I wasn’t sure I could handle his size.

I bent down pinning his arms and lightly kissed him on the lips “I’ve never seen such beautiful ivory skin. It’s smooth and untouched. I’m not even sure if I want to ruin such purity.” While he spoke he stared at me with such softness and love in his eyes. Earlier I thought he was someone else, that Professor Aurelius was somehow replaced. Now I’m positive that he is someone else; his eyes were a sheer black. All of a sudden my mind went blank; I wasn’t sure what to think.

When his lips met mine again it was a harsh but gentle kiss. All the while his hand was traveling down my back leaving a line that left a burning sensation down my back. Just then reality hit me. This man wasn’t Professor Aurelius at all, there’s no possible way that he would change his actions towards me this quickly. After realizing I stared at him and Professor Aurelius changed into Deveraux. I’m not sure how to explain it. The very skin that he was just wearing dissolved into his original composure, like it was a body mask. This wasn’t just a body mask in anyway. It was one of his powers. “It seems little mouse has finally figured it out.” His laugh echoed throughout my bedroom. “When did you switch places with Professor Aurelius?” He sat up half way on my bed using his hand as support for his head. “Back at the bar of course; all I had to do was touch you.” That’s why he touched me like that in public!

“Yes my little mouse, that’s exactly why. I had to find out what you fantasized and not shocking at all it was my brother Aurelius. You started fantasizing about him since you met him at the infirmary. Though what shocked me the most is how he reacted. You really think he would have come home with you and did such a thing while he’s with Enya? His heart is too pure to do such a sin. The main clue should have been what he told you this morning; that he didn’t want anything to do with you. It wasn’t hard to trick you at all my little mouse. Professor Deveraux got up off the bed and started getting dressed.

“Then what happened to Adley and Eryx? Did we really drop them off at Eryx’s place?” Once again he laughed and his brown eyes sparkled with amusement. “They are still at the bar with brother. I’m not sure what has become of your dear friend Adley though.” A chill went down my spine, I swore that I’d protect Adley it was the only reason I wouldn’t help Professor Aurelius. “What happened to Adley?” without saying a word he walked towards me backing me up into a corner. “You were so caught up in saving her and Eryx that you completely forgot your worst enemy. I imagine by now Eryx is getting ready to call you to inform you about her condition.” His words being whispered in my ear finally made me realize what happened.

There are two reasons why he distracted me like he did. 1.) He knew how important Adley was to me. That she was practically my family; he had to get her out of the way to make me vulnerable. The only thing is; he didn’t need to use his own hands for it… 2.) He used Professor Aurelius to distract me by taking on his appearance knowing all too well that I wouldn’t be able to refuse his touch; a physical touch that I’ve never got to feel before. “Back at the bar when I caught Adley I touched her skin…You’re a fucking bastard Deveraux!” I pushed him away from me grabbing my keys. “What do you expect little mouse? I’m sure my brother informed you that you are my target. What will you do now?” his voice had determination and amusement behind it.

As I opened the door and looked back I made sure he knew what he started. “I may be vulnerable to an extent because of my power but you have no idea who you are screwing with. You just took someone important from me; you’ll deal with the same consequence. Get ready to endure a long and painful fight.” At that I slammed the door and rushed to get back to the bar. When I arrived police man and the FBI were surrounded the block. I parked several blocks away and walked to the investigation. “Whoa! Where do you think you’re going? You can’t come in here.” When I tried to get in a sergeant stopped me. “Please, I have to see her she’s my best friend!” fighting against his block I noticed Eryx walking out of the doorway to the bar. “Eryx!” Hearing my voice in panic he looked up at me and rushed over. “Sergeant it’s okay, she’s a family member of mine.” His body is shaking; seeing him hold in this pain tore me apart.

“What happened?” While he spoke he watched them load up Adley’s body. “I’m not sure, we were drinking and I found her collapsed on the floor with no pulse. Her eyes had no sign of life within them. It wasn’t like Adley at all.” Knowing he wasn’t in the mood to talk at all I went up to the doctors and stopped them. “Can I look? I’d like to say good bye.” They both looked at each other with a wary look. “There’s not much to see, we aren’t even sure how she passed. No puncture wounds or anything all of her vitals just stopped working.” The doctor on the right side spoke up. He looked oddly familiar to me. He had shoulder length blonde hair, gray eyes with a hint of blue in them, tall about 6’3 with tanned skin. “Have I met you before?” I realized I asked him when I only meant to think it in my head. “No, I don’t think so.” He averted my eyes when telling me, which meant he was lying. “I apologize then.” I walked away from the investigation passing by Eryx. “Don’t do anything stupid, this wasn’t your fault. Find me at class tomorrow. I’ll explain everything.” I kept my voice stern when speaking so I wouldn’t break down in tears.

When I arrived back at the dorm I hesitated going in. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to accept that Adley was gone, she was killed by me her best friend. The day I informed her about everything that had gone on in my life was the day I swore to protect her with my life. How am I supposed to get vengeance when I couldn’t even keep that one promise? Hell, how am I supposed to fight Deveraux? I don’t know any of his weaknesses or any power to fight against him. One power I have has no affect against him. I’ll have to get it out of Professor Aurelius regardless of the consequences.

I took one deep breath while turning the doorknob to my door. Then I opened the door and looked at my surroundings. Tomorrow will be hell at class; explaining to the other students what happened. I can’t even tell them the exact truth unless I want to put Enya, Professor Deveraux, Professor Aurelius and I in danger. They have no idea that this kind of thing exists. I’ll have to go through her things this weekend and give them to her parents. Will I be able to tolerate the rumors that will go around? Or will I lose control and hurt everyone? I don’t have the confidence to go to class, I need to though. Adley comes first always even if she’s gone now.

Allowing my feet to gain control they took me to Adley’s room. It was a mess as always but that was how Adley was. We had several differences and one of them was housekeeping. She was messy and I was neat. Though what were always on her floor were mainly clothes; Clothes that she had me help choose for her dates. I walked over to her dresser looking at all of her photos. She had several of them they mostly filled the top of her dresser except for a small corner that was filled with her make up case. There were photos of her family, her and her boyfriend and of course her and I. When I saw a specific photo of her and I tears threatened to over flow. The photo was taken after our class photo. When I first met Adley I was extremely irritated by her hyper ness and childishness over men. We were adults most of us in our mid-twenties or early thirties and she acted like such a helpless child all the time. Because of that I warmed up to her instantly. I couldn’t leave her alone with how helpless she was and she was always in trouble. Even knowing that I disliked her she came to me for help when she was physically in trouble. Of course, it was usually because of whom she dated.

I grabbed the photo and ran my hand over to get some of the dust off. Tears suddenly dripped on it and I collapsed to my knees crying. I failed her! I told her I’d protect her no matter what and yet I’m the one who kills her!

(Chapter 4)

I couldn’t sleep knowing I wouldn’t wake up to a noisy Adley or sit at the kitchen table with her anymore talking about her guy issues. Instead I sat in her spot at the kitchen table looking out the window at the night Sky all night. Hoping that she was up in Heaven, up with the stars where she wanted to be the most. Hearing my alarm go off for class I grab my bag and head off that way.

The walk to class seemed long; it wasn’t quiet because the rumors have already started. Without getting any sleep last night it was barely tolerable hearing them whisper amongst themselves, sneaking glances and glares at me. I couldn’t help but wonder how Eryx was doing if he even showed up today. “Celestine!” speak of the devil. Hearing him running while calling my name I stopped and turned towards him slightly to make eye contact. “I’m astonished that you showed up today. How are you doing?” he bent down slightly resting his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. “I had no choice really, you told me you had something to explain to me.” That’s right I did say that last night…but should I explain to him about the situation? It’ll only get him in trouble. I can’t afford to lose someone else I care about.

“I was going to do that when you were recovered from this, why was Adley with you anyway? I didn’t know you two were dating.” Curiosity got to me as usual. “It was nothing of the sort; she had a date with her boyfriend but he stood her up. She didn’t want you to worry about her again and came to me while crying. So I thought taking her out for a couple drinks would help. It seems I made the wrong choice.” That idiot! She should have come home then I would have been able to stop all of this beforehand. I winced at his last few words and smacked him upside his head. “Didn’t I say last night that it wasn’t your fault?” He stopped walking rubbing the back of his head. “How is it not my fault? She was my responsibility Celestine! I don’t even know how she died!” He fell on his knees crying. Everyone around us stopped walking and just blantly stared at us making the rumors louder than a whisper so we can hear them.

Do they not care how tough this is for everyone for Eryx and me? Yet they just keep staring not even minding their own business. While holding my bag behind my back and over my shoulder I gripped as hard as I could on the handle so I wouldn’t start punching people. Kneeling down on one knee I put my hand under Eryx’s chin and lifted his head to make better eye contact. “I understand Eryx but right now we need to keep the rumors from spreading or at least have them change. The chairman won’t be fond of us if he finds out that we’re the focus of their attention. You know they like to keep things calm here.” I wiped his tears and helped him up. “Come on go to the infirmary, get some rest. I’ll see you at lunch.” We both went our separate ways when we reached to the double doors of Harvard.

While walking to my Latin class anger built up in me knowing I’d be seeing Professor Deveraux. I threatened him yesterday to look forward to a long fight but I don’t feel confident about this at all. Thoughts occupied my mind to the point the whispers of rumors surrounding me became silent. “Celestine Hanley please come to the infirmary. Celestine Hanley please come to the infirmary.” I didn’t hear my name being called until the second time it was announced. Eryx was in the infirmary so I was curious what Enya wanted.

I silently thanked Enya for announcing my name allowing me to avoid Professor Deveraux at this point. When I approached the door I heard Enya talking to Professor Aurelius…I had a bad feeling about this. “Come in.” Enya didn’t even allow me to knock it was as if she felt my presence outside the door. “You wanted to see me?” They both looked pissed. Professor Aurelius looked like he wanted to murder me and Enya was showing pure jealousy; probably from the other day. “Shut the door please.” Enya was leaning against one of the beds with her arms crossed against her chest. Professor Aurelius was against the wall near the door across from her with the same position. If we were here talking then where was Eryx? “Where’s Eryx? I sent him here just a few minutes ago.” I made sure my voice was stern and emotionless so they wouldn’t see how worried I was about him. “Don’t worry he’s sleeping in my office for now he knows I’m having a meeting here.” Good at least he’s safe.

“What the hell do you think you were doing last night?!” as soon as the door shut to the infirmary Professor Aurelius lifted up off of the wall and started yelling. “You left in the middle of the fight last night leaving Adley and Eryx there!” Enya put her hand on his shoulder gripping it lightly. “Calm down we can’t be yelling, the other students will hear us.” He backed up and lowered his voice back to normal. “Do you have any idea what this has done to us?” Enya spoke up in place of Professor Aurelius. Her voice was calm and collective but her eyes showed hatred, jealousy and anger. I stayed quiet for a while not knowing what to say or how to explain to them what Professor Deveraux had done to distract me. In order to get vengeance for Adley I have to get time alone with Professor Aurelius to talk to him. If that isn’t possible I’ll have to snoop. Should I tell them what Professor Deveraux did last night? That he started to make his move. “ Now we have a murder on our hands, not only the chairman but the students as well are starting the rumors their causing a ruckus that we don’t need!” thoughts that occupied my mind on how to defeat Professor Deveraux soon tuned out Enya’s voice.

During the process I felt their eyes on me and one of them was more intense and focused. I’m assuming it was Professor Aurelius. “Enya stop…we lost her, she’s in her own thoughts right now.” Enya looked at Professor Aurelius with a wary look. Coming back to reality I noticed that Professor Aurelius kept staring at me actually it was at my neck. “What is it?” I was confused and somewhat flustered. “Turn your head to the left and bend it a bit let me see your neck.” I did as he told me and he came close looking at it. “Fuck, he got you already! When were you with Deveraux?” his were a piercing bright blue showing that anger was boiling within his body. “What are you talking about?” how did he know I was with Deveraux?

“There’s a small star symbol on your lower neck, it’s barely noticeable unless you focus extremely well on it. It’s his mark.” What the hell is he talking about? “Mark?” he sighed and Enya just kept quiet watching me intently. “Yes, exactly what I just said. It’s a symbol showing that you or anyone he puts that on is his property.” Professor Deveraux crossed his arms over his chest again but gripped both of his arms tightly. I noticed it was to hide his anger. “There’s no fucking way I’m going to be his property at this point I already lost the fight!” I clasped my hand over my mouth keeping it shut. Oops…I said too much I thought. I didn’t want to tell him with Enya around I didn’t trust her. “What fight?” Enya finally spoke up.

“He made his first move last night...” Professor Aurelius raised his eye brow in questioning. He was still gripping his arms to keep control of his anger. I understand why he isn’t speaking at the moment. “After Professor Aurelius came to my dorm in a panic, he informed me about Adley. I thought she was out on a date with her boyfriend and made up with him again but it seemed that she was out drinking with Eryx. We rushed to the bar and I saw Eryx and Adley drinking with Professor Deveraux. They seemed fine just then except for being plastered. That’s what I thought anyway until Adley came up to Professor Aurelius and I. while I was still flustered from trying to get there in time and lost track of thought I caught Adley when she fell. I didn’t realize I touched her skin until after the incident…” Professor Aurelius kept getting even more furious as I continued to explain. “What incident?” I really didn’t want to explain this part especially to Enya it was too embarrassing. “When we caught Adley her voice changed to Professor Deveraux’s and she spoke looks like the cat caught the mouse. That’s when I knew it was Professor Deveraux screwing with us already. After she spoke time froze and he walked over to me. I’m not entirely sure what he did to gain control over me but he; short term, sexually aroused me in front of Professor Aurelius. I don’t remember much after that it’s all still a haze.” An awkward silence came after that.

“You can go. You need to get to your next class.” It seemed like Enya wanted to say something in protest. “We’ll talk later; the rest doesn’t include you Enya. Go check on Eryx. Tell him he can come back to the infirmary.” Without making eye contact with either of us and leaving us dumb founded he left the infirmary. Shortly after I went to leave as well but Enya grabbed my wrist pulled me back and pinned me against the wall with my arm pinned behind my back. “I told them beforehand not to get mixed up in this legend, not to go looking for you. You better stay away from those two or I will destroy you myself. They are mine got it!” she leaned in a bit and whispered in my ear. All of a sudden a burning sensation was going through out the wrist she had pinned to my back. I wanted to scream from how painful it was but I bit my lip and shut my eyes tightly telling myself not to be afraid. Several minutes later the torture was over; when she let me go I hid all of my emotions but one; determination. Making sure just a few feet were between us I slapped her across the face leaving a scratch on her cheek. “I never fucking wanted this to happen. I’ve been trying to avoid this since my father’s death! Now I’m stuck in it because I will avenge Adley’s death! The fight between Professor Deveraux and I have begun and it will be a long and painful fight. I will make sure he gets what he deserves! He will never have me or gain control over me again! Now if Professor Aurelius wants to help or stop his brother I can’t stop him since he’s a part of this as well. But I will assure you one thing. I have no intention of sleeping with him or doing anything of the sort with him. Adley comes first.” She stepped back in shock holding her cheek and gave me such a glare that I knew she wanted to kill me then. When I headed to my next class I was looking at my wrist wondering how I was going to hide this burn. All I knew is if I didn’t it would increase the rumors with Adley’s death. I had to stop those or change them no matter what.

(Chapter 5)

When I left the infirmary my body felt like it was on fire with how much rage was burning within me. With the rumors going on I know I have to calm down before anything happens if that’s even possible. While walking to my next class I overheard two other woman who saw the burn mark on my wrist. “Didn’t you hear? Professor Aurelius was yelling at her earlier this morning. That burn mark must be from him. Do you think it’s over Adley?” the first woman whispered to the second one. When I looked over I was shocked at who was gossiping considering she was a good friend of Eryx’s. “Telina…” She gulped when she noticed I spoke her name. Allowing the fury within my body gain control over me I walked over to her and punched her in the face.

At this very moment I didn’t give a fuck who saw me or who was in danger I just wanted to destroy something and she triggered the flame. She was a good friend of Eryx and she knew very well doing this was betraying him, he’s already in enough agony because of Adley’s death. “Celestine it’s not what it looks like!” She pleaded while holding her hands above her face to protect it from the next punch coming. I looked down at her with my fist in the air and for a second I allowed pity to show in my eyes. The fury inside me was so strong that I lost control over it and I didn’t recognize who I was. Another punch came whaling at her and she screamed. After several more other students have gathered around while videotaping.

Seeing everyone’s cell phones out I became even more outraged. Distracting my attention away from Telina I grabbed the closest person to me and started whaling at them. I didn’t know who it was all I knew is his laughing face was irritating as fuck at this moment. Instead of running away like she should have, Telina grabbed me from behind and tried pulling me off. I pushed her off of me and turned around glaring at her. “Celestine, please calm down and let me explain. I’m trying to help you and Eryx.” While she was trying to soothe me her body trembled and her eyes shown pure fear. I was wondering what was making her so terrified. Looking back at the man I had straddled to punch repeatedly he had the same expression.

In the midst of observing the crowd that had gathered I noticed Enya standing in the far back with a smirk on her face. Professor Deveraux was walking up behind her and the flame within me ignited even more. Not caring about the consequences I plunged forward at the two. I was desperate to make them feel what Adley went through, getting revenge was the only thing on my mind. A few inches away from having a hold on them I noticed Enya’s face became of pure jealousy because a certain man’s arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back. “That’s enough Celestine! You can’t solve anything way.” Professor Aurelius’s voice echoed in my ears. His voice was filled with an emotion I haven’t seen from him yet; sadness. Why was he sad though? Or is it pity? I couldn’t tell my mind was full of thoughts of Adley and her smiling face.

“They deserve it, they need to feel the pain Adley went through!” my scream echoed throughout the hall and all the students that stayed behind started glancing towards Enya and Professor Deveruax whispering amongst themselves again. Gripping his arms around my waist even tighter and pulling me back he said “I understand you’re upset about Adley’s death but you can’t be pointing fingers until we figure out who actually did it.” Ignoring the whispering my eyes stayed on Enya and Professor Deveraux. “How are you sticking up for her when she’s the one who murdered Adley?” Enya’s voice was like a viper finally striking its meal. My knees became weak and I collapsed in Professor’s Aurelius’s arms crying. “I mean you were there at the scene when it happened Professor Aurelius.” The whispering turned into conversations and their eyes were glued on Professor Aurelius and me now.

“Enya; do you really want to go this route? Blaming a student for her best friend’s murder?” his voice was soft when he spoke to her and I could tell he felt betrayed by her words. “What route Aurelius? It’s the truth isn’t. You’re only protecting her because you’re in love with her.” I opened my eyes wide in shock hoping that it wasn’t true. I lost too many people I’ve cared about and I don’t want him in this mix up regardless if he’s professor Deveraux’s brother. “Enya, that’s enough this joke has gone too far.” Deveraux was the one who spoke up. When I made eye contact with him a sharp pain shot through my neck. “Leave her alone Deveraux! She’s going through enough as it is.’ What’s going on? Where is this pain coming from? It feels like my throat is on fire, scorching dry; almost like I need water.

Soon after the pain subsided and a burning sensation increased throughout my whole body. At the moment I knew I wasn’t myself at all, something had overcome me. The only name for that certain feeling I lost control of was evil. The word evil kept repeating itself in the back of my mind. Feeling the power spread within my body enraged the flame even more. Seeing the fear in everyone’s eyes around me made me crave. Over the soaring of the fire that has covered my whole body I heard a male’s scream. With so many people around me I couldn’t differentiate which male it came from.

Because of the power that I gained that craving was making me want to harm those around me. Seconds later I reached my hand out to a person and shot fire at them. Of course, I had to restrain most of it so I wouldn’t hurt anyone else around the target. Somehow having this kind of power felt amazing. The person that was lit on fire was Telina, She was running around screaming trying to put herself out but she couldn’t. As she banged up against the walls of Harvard it soon began a fire and it spread quickly throughout the halls.

In the midst of all of this Deveraux and Enya were just standing their smirking. That smirk pissed me off even more, without hesitating I started walking towards them. I wanted to watch Enya and Deveraux burn from the inside out and crumple to ashes. That’s exactly what I planned on doing until I felt a pair of male arms wrap around me from behind. His touch was cooling down the fire within me. “Stop Celestine, you’re harming innocent people. This isn’t you at all.” As soon as the male whispered into my ear I recognized his voice. Professor Aurelius was trying to calm me down. He’s right; it isn’t me at all, but their making the situation with Adley and me worse. I killed Adley, How can I forgive myself?

While he was cooling down the flame inside me I was able to watch what I had done. The harm that was also caused by me as well as several other deaths. Seeing Telina’s body on the ground burning into ashes and a few others along with it. The building was burning up in flames and everyone was trampling over each other trying to escape the fire. At this rate, because of the panic no one would be able to escape. I looked at the spot Professor Deveraux and Enya were standing before now it’s empty. They must have escaped in the beginning, I wanted to chase after them but Professor Aurelius was holding me back tightly hugging me from behind. “Come on, this is a lost cause we need to get out of here before the police arrive if they haven’t already. You lost the fight Celestine, This may very well cause the war to begin.” As Professor Aurelius was pulling me pretty much carrying my body weight I couldn’t help but stare at Telina’s body.

I didn’t want to kill her, but the rage I felt towards everything made it happen. Now Eryx will be in even more pain because she was a close friend of his. That thought alone snapped me out of my hazed world and brought me back into reality. I pulled at Professor Aurelius’s arms to get free. When I was free of his grasp I turned around and told him; “Eryx, he’s still here in the building. He was in Enya’s office before.” Panic rested at my heart making it beat loudly. “Eryx will be fine, he’s your guardian after all.” Guardian? What the fuck is he talking about? I gave him a confused look until someone who was covered in fire grabbed onto my arm. While screaming he tried speak “You’re the devil. How could you do this to us?!” I backed away before he could set me on fire and panic overcame me. Dropping down to the floor I hugged my knees to my chest and screamed in agony. Tears overflowed my cheeks and I lost control of my breathing. “Damn it Celestine, I understand you’re in pain but we need to get out of here.” Professor Aurelius picked me up by putting his left hand under my legs and his right hand supporting my back carrying me. I curled up to him trying to control my emotions as he got us out of the burning building.

(Chapter 6)

When I woke up was in someone else’s apartment and didn’t recognize my surroundings. “You’re finally up. How are you feeling?” Looking over to where the voice came from I saw Professor Aurelius in the kitchen making tea with the kettle. “I have a splitting headache. What happened? Why am I here?” After setting the kettle on the stove he went to the bathroom and I heard like a pill bottle being moved around. “Take some Ibuprofen and the tea will be done here shortly. You don’t remember anything that happened at all?” He sat the bottle of Ibuprofen next to the coffee table of the couch. I just realized that he had his blankets covering me as well as his pillows. It smelled like him and I tried everything possible not to allow myself to indulge in his smell. It was intoxicating; smell of cigarettes, and lavender.

“For now get some rest, we have a bit of time before anything happens.” I was confused, why was he here with me and not chasing after Enya? Instead of asking him because of not having the courage to do so I just watched him in the kitchen. His arms flexed as he lifted the kettle off of the stove and poured the tea in the cup. He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, rather than a suit like he does at the university. Watching him now it seems like he looked sexy in anything he wears.

After pouring the tea he sat on the coffee table in front of me and handed it to me. Then he took the ibuprofen bottle and spilled four pills out onto his palm. “Thank you.” Handing me the ibuprofen retrieving them, I silently sipped the tea and noticed that it was watermelon mixed with mango. Only Adley knew this was my favorite, it had to have been just a coincidence. There’s no way he would have known something this personal. “Since you don’t remember anything about last night I will ask you about Deveraux.” Feeling my cheeks get hot I noticed I was probably blushing. I was disgusted with myself though that I’d blush at the sound of his name.

“What do you want to know?” After the tea got like warm I put all four ibuprofen in my mouth and took a sip of tea. Hopefully it’ll get rid of my headache. “When Enya, you and I were in the infirmary talking to you about the incident at the bar you left certain details out. I imagine it’s because of Enya being there. What were you not telling me? When I looked over at him his stare was intense. Making eye contact with me I saw something in his eyes that says he was serious and if he found the answer he thought he was assuming he’d kill Professor Deveraux…at least that’s what I was reading from him I could be wrong though.

“During the bar incident Professor Deveraux somehow tricked me. When we were taking Eryx and Adley home I thought I was taking “you” back to my dorm.” I thought he’d say something but he sat there quietly with his hands intertwined like he was thinking. “Only problem is, I wasn’t there to begin with.” He looked at me with such a serious look it was breath taking. Not knowing what to reply to that I avoided it by continuing to explain “after the incident “You” insisted on coming up to my dorm…which I thought it was weird but being annoyed by what happened earlier I gave in. A few minutes after that while I was making tea for “You” he came up behind me and because of not feeling a physical touch since I was born It felt like pure ecstasy and I lost control. Afterwards “You” changed into Deveraux and that’s when he informed me about Adley and how it was my fault that she’s dead.” Tears started to threaten to flow down my cheeks and I tried my hardest to hold them back sine Professor Aurelius was sitting right there.

While thinking about Adley and losing sight of reality I felt someone’s hands tighten over mine and realized they were Professor Aurelius’. I was astonished that he did that type of gesture even if it was for reassurance. “Professor Aurelius?” he shook his head lightly. “Just call me Aurelius. From now on we need to keep our guard up because of what you did last night it could have possibly started the war.” Surprisingly he hasn’t let go of my hand yet and only tightened it. “What about Enya? Weren’t you two together?” He avoided my eye contact and I squeezed his hand back. “It seems Enya was on Deveraux’s side from the beginning but we’ll get through this.” Before I knew it his lips were pressed against mine and his left hand went down to my lower back pushing me towards him as his kiss became more passionate. A few minutes later he backed up a bit and put his forehead against mine looking me in the eyes. “I was lying to myself from the beginning when I said that I wasn’t attracted to you. No more lying, you’re mine and only mine. I should have said that from the beginning otherwise Deveraux wouldn’t have got his hands on you.” I felt my face get hot and I knew I was probably blushing all the way to the tip of my ears.

“He’s already made his mark on you…I-if it’s possible I’d like to replace it…If I don’t he’ll be able to have full control over you. Only problem is when I do replace it, it’ll be painful.” He avoided eye contact and I noticed that he was blushing a deep red. Seeing Aurelius this way was somehow adorable. “Plus, I’d like to make you mine before the war starts. When the war starts I have no idea what will happen especially with us.” Hearing him say these words was making my heart skip a beat and I had no idea how to respond word wise. When he looked back at me making eye contact with me I couldn’t resist it. I pressed my lips against his kissing him passionately and something busted open within me. Like a bubble of lust, the warmth spreading throughout my body.

Putting his right hand on my lower back pushing me towards him as he presses his lips against mine harder I notice the bulge coming out of his shorts. The thought of his dick in me made my insides turn, I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle my first time let alone the over whelming of being touched so much. During the midst of my thoughts I realized that he pushed his tongue into my mouth and started exploring it. My face felt hot again and the lust got even worse. He wrapped my legs around his waist, gripping my ass and turned us around to where he was the one sitting on the couch instead. Being in this position I felt his dick against my pussy through his shorts and I wanted to rip his clothes off right then and there but I tried my hardest to hold back.

“Don’t hold back, I want to hear you moan.” He whispered in my ear as he planted soft kisses down my neck line and onto my collar bone to lightly nibble it. All the while his left hand was lightly trailing down my stomach and then down to my shorts playing with the edge of them. “Are you alright with this? Me being your first time?” Aurelius was staring at me intently; I couldn’t find my voice so I nodded yes. Instead of giving a response he took my shirt off with my bra a long with it and then laid me back on the couch.

While running his right hand through my hair he bent down slightly and started sucking my left nipple and a moan escaped my lips. Having his lips on my breast somehow felt amazing. A tingling sensation went through my body and I became extremely wet down there. It was almost embarrassing from such a simple touch I’ve already become this excited. As he sucked my breasts and played with them he ran his hand down my body and found the inside of my shorts. Out of instinct I grabbed his arm to stop him and told him “No, please it’s embarrassing.” A smirk played across his lips and his blue cyan eyes shined with curiosity and lust. “It won’t be embarrassing I promise. You’re beautiful, every inch of you is perfect. Allowing me to explore it is just a bonus.” Letting go of his hand, I allowed him to go even further. It was still completely and utterly embarrassing for him to see this side of me but I wanted to be his.

He found the wet folds of my pussy and entered one finger in the beginning. Instead of entering me he decided to find my clit and lightly rub it. Unable to hold back a moan it escaped my lips as he rubbed my clit and sucked my breasts. I couldn’t help but arch my back and grip my hand in his hair pulling it. A low growl escaped his throat and he bit nipple lightly. “D-do you have to be such a tease?” I tried my best to speak but every time I tried he pressed on my clit and made me moan.

“Yes, seeing you squirm like this is amusing me. Especially when it’s caused by me.” Moving his lips from my breasts he started to kiss down my stomach and went even lower. Removing his hand from my pussy he replaced them with his lips instead. All the while his tongue found my clit and I gasped as it flicked my clit lightly. Grasping his hair lightly and holding his head in place letting him know he’s hitting the right spot I moaned. Before I realized it I started moaning his name. “A-Aurelius Please stop teasing me… I want to be yours.” I arched my back even more as he kept licking my clit and stuck one finger inside me.

While fingering me he said “Just a bit longer baby, then I’ll be all yours.” I wasn’t sure how to respond to any of this since it was a different side of Aurelius that I was seeing. This side of Aurelius was somehow intimidating but I felt safe with him. A few minutes later after teasing me even more he kissed back up my stomach and found my lips. “Are you sure you want this?” he asked me one more time to make sure I wasn’t just in the heat of the moment. “Yes, stop making me repeat myself and let me be yours please.” I pleaded him. He smiled and took off his shorts. Earlier when I saw that bulge It was embarrassing; Now his cock is hard and ready to make me his.

Instead of allowing him to take me right away I decided to give him a little punishment. I pushed him onto the couch and spread his legs allowing myself to get in between. “W-what are you doing Celestine?” His cheeks were flushed. “I decided to give you the same punishment.” I winked at him as my mouth found the tip of his tongue. He gasped gripping onto the edge of the couch. While I licked the tip of his cock twirling my tongue around the tip I found his balls and started rubbing them. “Fuck, you’ll be the death of me.” A raspy moan escaped his throat. “I don’t care as long as it’s me.” I took his cock even further into my mouth, he tried to push me away to stop me. “Stop Celestine, I-if you keep going I’ll cum.” He pleaded as he tried to restrain himself. “It’s alright if you do.” He hesitated at first to allow me to swallow him but eventually he did. After he came he picked me up and put me on his lap.

“I need to fuck you and make you mine so straddle me.” Doing as he said; I wrapped my legs around him then my arms around his neck. “Are you ready?” he whispered into my ear as he positioned his cock to enter my pussy. “Y-yes.” I admit; I was extremely nervous and knew this would be painful but I knew it would be worth it as well. “Don’t be afraid to let it out, it’ll hurt.” I nodded yes since I was too afraid to say anything.

As he slowly entered his cock in me I screamed. “Bite my shoulder if you have to.” I did as he said because the more he pushed in the more it hurt. After he got his cock completely in he started to pull it out again and I gasped. “A-Aurelius.” Putting his hand under my chin and pulling my head towards him he kissed me passionately while pushing in and out. The pain started to ease a bit and soon afterwards I was matching his rhythm. Both of his hands were on each side of my waist and he was using his own strength along with mine to support me.

After a while a burning sensation started in my throat. It was almost as if I was dying of thirst. “A-Aurelius…stop…please.” I tried speaking to get him to stop. The burning sensation increased throughout my throat and I started gripping my neck. It felt like I was burning from the inside out of my neck throughout my veins. “Shit, it’s Deveraux. He activated his mark, he’s trying to overpower you.” Aurelius quickly got dressed and put one of shirts over me as well. He knew there wasn’t enough time to dress me fully so he decided to try the best he could.

“If I try and replace his mark with mine it’ll be painful…most people won’t even survive. Do you want me to try this?” He looked at me seriously. “I don’t care, just make the pain stop!” The burning sensation increased and made its way into my head giving me a splitting headache. My vision became blurry and blackness tried to overcome it. “A-Aurelius’….What’s happening to me?” falling on my knees screaming in agony I gripped his leg trying to find something to hold onto. I wasn’t sure what was going on but in the midst of my vision going in and out I could tell that Aurelius had the look of fear and was frozen to the spot. He wasn’t sure what to do and I didn’t know why. Was it because he would increase the pain, because Deveraux was winning or was it because if he replaced the mark it could possibly kill me? Confusion mixed in with pain clouded my mind. A few minutes later the pain increased and I felt like someone was trying to personate my own soul.

“Poor brother, you have no idea what to do, do you? Seeing her in agony and being overcome by evil. Yet if you do anything you could also risk her life. At this point I’d give up and just surrender.” All of a sudden Deveraux was right behind Aurelius talking into his ear. “Isn’t this what happened to mother? She died by the hands of hades. Why should you have the throne when you couldn’t even save our own mother? Now you’re about to lose the love of your life as well.” Seeing Aurelius like this made my heart ache. Since I met him he’s always had that snide attitude like he was the king.

“Leave him alone Deveraux!” I tried screaming but the pain increased when I did. “Awe, look here the little mouse is trying to protect you when she’s this weak.” Deveraux’s laugh echoed throughout the living room as Aurelius still stood there frozen with fear. Anger flared up within me as I jumped at Deveraux knocking him to the ground. I grabbed a knife from the table while doing so and pointed the tip of it at his neck. “I said leave him alone.” I knew if Deveraux tried to make a move I’d lose considering how weak I was from the pain. Right now at this moment I was even having trouble breathing and sitting upright while straddling him.

Before I knew what was happening I felt a pair of male arms wrapping around my stomach; they were Aurelius’s arms. He picked me up and tossed me across the room. I ended up hitting a window in the kitchen. “Leave my brother alone.” I was confused and felt betrayed that he chose his brother over me. Looking back when I first met him I remembered that he did mention Deveraux was the last of his family. Several seconds’ later blackness overcame my vision.

(Chapter 7)

The blackness slowly subsided and I heard two voices from a distance. One I recognized as Deveraux’s the other was a deeper male voice. It seemed familiar but I couldn’t pin point where I’ve heard his voice before. Slowly waking up I felt cold metal items like bracelets around my wrists. The only thing is they weren’t anywhere near bracelets; they were handcuffs. My feet were also bound but by rope. Instead of being on the floor like I expected I was sat up against two walls in the corner of what seems like a cell. The cell had wood walls, a bed on the right side it was more like a cot but it seemed comfortable. A mini vanity dresser in the top right hand corner and a toilet as well as a sink and mirror. Pretty much a mini bedroom; only difference is there wasn’t a normal door but bars. I tried my hardest not to panic and try to get out of the ropes and hand cuffs. Instead I tried to restrain myself so I can listen into their conversation.

“Why did you bring her Deveraux?” the other male sounded annoyed. “I thought she could be useful. She is the reincarnation of the goddess of death after all and Aurelius’ love.” Of course Deveraux would think that…I feel that he has a different motive this time though. “ tch. Fine, you can keep her but if she gets in my way at all I’ll kill her. Understand?” there was a short silence between them. “Yes, she’ll be under my care and I’ll make sure she won’t be a pest.” Shit, how the hell am I supposed to keep her under control? Wait…whose voice was that just now? It sounded like Deveraux but he’s in the other room. Did I-I just read his thought? The only reason I brought her here was to make her my slave, she’s reckless though. There it is again! That’s definitely his voice.

A few minutes later the other male’s thoughts started to become visible and I heard both of them. It was giving me a headache, I wanted nothing more than to close my ears at that moment. During the haze of this new power I was experiencing Deveraux and the other male came back to the cell I was in. The male that was next to Deveraux looked familiar. “This is the female?” he asked Deveraux. Even though his voice made it seem like he wasn’t interested his eyes showed the opposite.

Deveraux smirked when he made eye contact with the other male and knew for a fact that his words were a lie. “Yes, this is Celestine; the goddess of death. What do you plan on doing with her?” As I study him more and more I realize where I’ve seen him before. “You were the doctor I spoke to at Adley’s investigation.” My voice was barely above a whisper but both Deveraux and the doctor looked at me. “Yes I was. The police may have not figured out who killed the poor girl but I already knew it was you who murdered her. I am Hades, I’m sure you’ve heard of me before.” His eyes sparkled as if he was amused by the thought of Adley’s death.

Instead of responding back like I should have I looked over at Deveraux and noticed he was watching me intently. What’s his plan? Why is he helping Hades when he’s obviously stronger than Hades? Maybe I can get the truth out of him. Let’s see what his limit is. I thought to myself. “When did you become someone’s bitch Deveraux? You wouldn’t even listen to Aurelius.” Deveraux avoided eye contact with me and I saw that his left hand twitched a little. Damn not good enough, he has a high tolerance surprisingly. “Seems like you got quite a woman on your hands. Maybe you should teach her how to use that mouth properly. I’ll summon you two when I’m ready for her.” Still observing Deveraux; his left hand twitched again. “Go fuck yourself Hades, No one will be teaching me anything.” I spat at his shoes outside cell. “In the meantime you can do whatever you want with her, she is your slave after all.” In response to that he gave Deveraux permission.

When Hades left, Deveraux punched the wall next to the cell. I flinched and glared at me. “Don’t fucking do that again, I have my plans with Hades and I don’t need you to ruin them.” I laughed. “Might as well occupy myself while I’m a prisoner. Now where’s Aurelius?” Why the fuck is she still worrying about him even after he betrayed her? There it is again! His fucking thoughts are back in my head. “Will you shut up?” Deveraux turned his head and looked at me with curiosity. “What are you talking about? I wasn’t even speaking then.” Just then I plugged my ears with my hands wincing because the hand cuffs were cutting into my wrists.

While hearing his thoughts other people’s thoughts started coming into range and I screamed trying to shut them up with the headache they were giving me. “I see what’s happening now…You gained a new power.” My head started to feel like it was splitting in half and tears started rolling down my cheeks. “J-just make it stop please...” How can they handle this type of power if it causes this much pain.

To answer your question the pain lessens as you gain more control over it. He’s speaking to me through his thoughts…it’s too early I don’t know what to do. “If you cooperate with me I can teach you how to control each power you gain.” Wait, if I have Deveraux teach me I can use this as an advantage. The pain lessened as Deveraux kept talking to me instead of letting me hear his thoughts. I was finally able to think clearly for a little bit.

“To what extent will you teach me power wise?” he sat down in front of my cell cross legged while staring at me. “To any extent; I don’t have a limit on mine. Since you’re just gaining yours it’ll have to be a bit at a time but we can build up to where I’m at.” There was a silence between us for a while where we were observing each other to see if we can trust one another. “Alright fine…I accept the deal.” After observing me a while longer he finally got up unlocked my cell and entered. “Don’t try and escape…I’m going to untie you and let you have your freedom here but you can’t let Hades nor Enya…if you need to go somewhere or want to go somewhere you need me with you. Understand?” I watched him as he released everything on me. “Why are you giving me so much freedom?” we both made eye contact and I noticed something different in his eyes. I couldn’t recognize the emotion though.

Avoiding eye contact with me suddenly he said “I may be second in command of Hades but I’m nothing like him. Even though I won’t ever let you know this because I know you won’t believe me. Since I spotted you in my classroom I wanted you to be by my side. The prophecy screwed that chance up though. This was the only way I can at least have a bit more time with you. Right as that thought entered my mind he put his hand on my cheek lightly rubbing my cheek bone with his thumb. I felt my cheeks get hot and knew that I was blushing. This couldn’t happen not with him. He was Aurelius’ enemy and brother! He’s just trying to confuse me. I’m positive that he’s doing the same thing as me; trying to take advantage.

When I stood up and stretched a voice we both recognized very well spoke suddenly. “You’re letting her have freedom?” her voice spat out venom. “Yes, the one thing that I do is keep my word.” At that she turned away making sure I knew she wanted to kill me. In order to go through with what I want to do I’ll definitely have to watch her. She’ll be watching me like a hawk in order to get Deveraux to hate me again if he doesn’t already. Again, I don’t know if he’s just trying to take advantage of me like I am of him.

(Chapter 8)

Eryx

When I showed up at Harvard after hearing the screams a few blocks down I realized I was too late and saw that Celestine must have awakened. By the time I got to Harvard, it was engulfed in flames. The students that were able to escape were outside with blankets wrapped around them from the paramedics, the ones that didn’t make it were already dead or running around covered in fire. I skimmed through the group of people who had escaped that were standing outside and didn’t see Telina or Celestine.

Even though I knew they were probably safe because of Aurelius or Deveraux I didn’t trust them completely nor did I think they were that dependable. Avoiding the police at all costs; I ran into Harvard and tried my best to look for Celestine and Telina. Skimming around and trying not to get myself set on fire I realized all of the survivors have been rescued. Instead of stopping to see if everyone else saw them or not I went out and searched for Celestine and Telina.

I went back to my apartment and packed a traveling bag of necessary items I thought I would need. Knowing that Celestine must have awakened I assume the war will start if it hasn’t already. By the time I was finished packing and making sure I had at least a few weapons on me it was night time already. When I left my apartment Enya was standing out on the side walk in front. “Look what we have here. It would be great news to hear that you’re abandoning Celestine if that was the case. Of course, you aren’t though.” She was standing with her arms across her chest and her right hip was tilting to the left a bit almost as if she was trying to make herself look intimidating.

“What are you doing here Enya? Or should I say Medusa?” a sneer escaped her mouth as she heard me say Medusa. “I suggest you watch your tongue Dionysus.” As soon as she mentioned my original name I decided to ignore her and kept on walking. “Hey! Aren’t you wondering why I’m here?” stopping in my tracks I looked back at her. “Besides to cause trouble and do Hades’ dirty work? Why else would you be here?” This time a snarl escaped her lips. “Will you stop glaring at me? You’re nothing when you don’t have Hades backing you up. So cut to the chase, I’m losing time.” Her right hand flexed and gripped her arm tightly holding back her anger. “I thought I’d let you know where Aurelius is.”

I turned around and studied her before I responded back. Last I knew she betrayed Aurelius by choosing Deveraux and Hades. Why would she be willing to give me his location? She’s got to have her own plan somehow. “Why are you helping me? More or less helping Aurelius when you betrayed him?” the tip of her right eyebrow twitched indicating that she was lying. “Just because I betrayed him doesn’t mean I don’t love him.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You love him? I doubt you ever loved him. You’re Medusa pretty much the evil witch of the west and also Hades’ mistress. You were once Aurelius’ mistress but that was to allow Hades’ to have an advantage.” I made sure she noticed the venom in my voice.

Within seconds I was slammed against the brick wall on my apartment building. This wasn’t just any simple push against the wall position. She stood there not moving an inch and had used her own power to keep me restrained against my own will. I could feel the source of her power getting stronger as the force field slowly crawled up my body to reach my neck. It felt like her hand but only it wasn’t. The force field surrounded my neck and gripped it tightly making sure I couldn’t breathe. “You’ll listen to me instead of respond with that fucking smart ass attitude. Aurelius is at his apartment with Celestine. We still haven’t found the location of Telina though. Now behave like a good little boy and go find him before I get discovered by Hades’ for helping you out!” She released me while I was still up quite high in the air; the result of it had me hitting the ground pretty hard gasping for air.

“Get the fuck away from me before I kill you.” She squatted down in front of me balancing on her feet making sure her ass didn’t touch the ground and slightly hugged her knees. When she stared at me I noticed that her eyes were the color of gray. “Don’t you feel a tingling in your right foot? Slowly losing its feeling. If you keep up that attitude with me I’ll have you turn to stone and force you to watch Celestine get taken away by Aurelius. “Looking back at my right foot I saw that she was slowly turning me into stone. At the moment, I couldn’t feel the lower calf of my right leg because she had it completely in stone already.

“Fine, I’ll cooperate for now. In return though you have to help me when I need it.” She stood up whipping her bright red curly hair out of her face. “I’ll accept.” The stone decreased on my leg allowing it to return to normal as her eyes turned back to the original color green. As I stood up Hades appeared behind her with the blade of his sword against her throat. He whispered in her ear “Thought I wouldn’t be watching you even after you left me?” Enya froze where she stood as he spoke. “H-Hades’ I wasn’t expecting you, I thought you were busy with Deveraux.” Hades’ eyes glinted in amusement. “I still have use for you my mistress.” When they both disappeared Enya had a look of terror on her face. She isn’t my problem anyway, right now I need to get to Aurelius to find out how Celestine is.

When I arrived at Aurelius’ apartment I should have known better than to trust Enya’s words. Just standing outside of his apartment building looking at the only window with the lights out sent chills down my spine…Something was telling me that Celestine wasn’t here. While I walked up the steps in the apartment building to Aurelius’ apartment from a far I could tell that his door was left open. Taking out the sniper I had in the bag, I put the tip of the gun in between the small opening of the door and pushed it open. Since it was Enya who had informed me about their where abouts I knew I had to keep my guard up regardless if it’s Aurelius’. “Celestine?” When I spoke her name no answer came, just silence. I had to make sure she wasn’t wounded to the point she couldn’t speak or if she was in some other type of situation. First thing I did was to check to see if the lights worked and none of them did. The living room was full of broken glass from the lamps falling on the floor and the other windows being broken. Dishes were shattered all over the place in the kitchen.

Even though in the back of my mind a voice kept telling me not to go in even further I still dared to do so. Deveraux had to have been here with how fucked up this apartment was, I had to find some type of clue as to where Celestine is. When I started walking through the apartment I tripped over something. Looking back at what I tripped over I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw Aurelius’ lying on the floor out cold. I took out a flash light and checked to see if he had any wounds which he seemed to be clean. Then I checked his pulse, unsure what to think of the irregular rhythm.

Right when I stood up to go gather supplies and try to move him a bright fiery explosion happened right outside the apartment building. Being too close to the explosion a ringing started in my ears and I could barely stand. Next thing I knew the floor under us collapsed and we were falling through to the next floor of the building. Landing on a sharp pointed board that was sticking up from the couch that had fallen from his apartment now into shreds; the board pierced through my left leg. I couldn’t help but scream as the nails were sticking out from the sides of the board shredded right through my leg. When I went to go pull my leg off the board I saw blood squirting out from the vital areas and passed out.

“Eryx my son, are you listening? You’ll regret not listening when this happens in the near future.” My father was lecturing me about the prophecy of the goddess of death again. As long as I can remember he’s raised me on this legend telling me that my duty is to protect the goddess of death. Of course, when I was little I was curious and just thought it was a bedtime story so I asked all sorts of questions. “How will I know who the girl will be papa?” my father would laugh every time I asked that question. “Because it’s your destiny to be her guardian, her protector, you will know who it is when the right time comes. I can’t tell you since by then I’ll be long gone.” His voice had a hint of sadness to it each time he responded to my question.

Because of his obsession he has lost everything. My mother whom was his mistress not even close to being his wife had left him. As the obsession became worse day by day the other family members gradually stopped contact. He kept swearing to them that the day will come when this life will ruin us all. That he had to train me, to prepare me for this so I could survive it. Each year heincreased sword lessons, wrestling, fighting, anything that he could think of that would help me.

Grandma even tried to gain custody of me because when I would go to visit her on her weekends she would see the bruises covering my body from practicing daily. I was little probably around seven so I don’t remember the argument that well but I was getting off the bus and heard yelling from outside of the house. I distinctively heard father’s from afar “He is my son, No one will take him away from me not even you! This is his duty always has been, I have to prepare him before this disaster even starts or he won’t survive anything!” As I got closer I went to the back door so they wouldn’t hear me and listened. Grandma was crying as he kept yelling.

I lightly hid behind the back door and was able to see a glimpse of my father and grandma through the glass. “He’s just a boy Charles, How can he carry such a burden on his fragile shoulders? It’s just a legend. At this rate I’ll have to-“Father interrupted grandma by throwing a pot at her head. She was able to dodge the full blow but it the edge of the pan cut her forehead and knocked her down. “Don’t even say it, I will not go to the psych ward and leave my child in your hands!” I already knew if I ran in there father would give me a punishment later for eaves dropping because it wasn’t how a child should behave. Grandma was important to me at the time because mother had abandon us shortly before.

Sliding the glass door open I ran to grandma and crouched down by her. “Grandma…you shouldn’t have come.” When she looked at me with sadness in her eyes she started crying again. “How can I leave you here? You’re only a child and should live your life as a child until it is time to become an adult. There’s no reason to grow up this fast.” While I stayed by grandma father was furious and left the house in a rush. “I’m sorry grandma but father needs me right now. Mother already abandon us before if I leave he’ll have nothing left.” Pulling me into her arms she continued to cry. “You’ll ruin yourself if you take up this burden…you’re only a child. Please know that if you can’t do this come to meright away.” She left shortly after that.

It was hard for me at that age not to go and run to her saying that I couldn’t do it. Because at that age I wasn’t ready to grow up and I didn’t want to grow up. I was only ten and had to nourish my father back to health mentally. The only reason I stayed with him was out of sympathy. I truly did not believe his bullshit about the legend, and making that decision filled me with regretlater on.

Several months later he got worse and turned into an alcoholic. Drinking day in and day out always having a whiskey bottle in his hand. Every time grandma came over I would hide father in the closet and tell her he was out job hunting or working. That decision was also another thing I regretted. I’d end up cleaning up his puke when I let him out of the close. It eventually came to the point that he lost himself completely and allowed the darkness to cloud his mind. As I got older and had a job, I started paying for him to go to a psychiatrist. One day he got annoyed with the woman who was his psychiatrist and started beating her. Because of his condition I took the blame and ended up going to prison for a few years.

During that time period my father started losing his sanity even more and grandma ended up taking care of him. When I had to go to prison I decided to ask her to take care of father and that was another regret. The news I received after being released allowed a small path for the darkness to start in my mind. While father was living with grandma he had murdered her. The police had also informed me that he was nowhere to be found.

Before I was accepted into Harvard university I tried to find him but couldn’t, eventually I gave up and thought it would be better if he was out of my life. Especially since Harvard was about reputation. Once I got accepted into Harvard I bumped into an extremely beautiful white haired woman who had the most mesmerizing mauve eyes I have ever seen. She was shy at first or that’s what I thought anyway until I learned that she wouldn’t make skin to skin contact and that’s when I knew she was the reincarnation of the goddess of death. That day was the day I started regretting not listening to my father when he rambled about the legend. I thought it wasn’t true and standing before my eyes that very day was living proof of it. I have thought since that day that if I had listened grandma would still be alive right now and many other people wouldn’t have had to suffer from my father’s crimes.

Snapping myself back to reality I skimmed over the area that I could see in my point of view and saw Aurelius stuck under part of the floor that had collapsed. He was still in the same position as I first saw him before this side of the apartment building decided to collapse. I may not like the fact that Celestine is in love with him but I have to push my feelings aside and help this fucking bastard…He’s the ruler of Heaven so how the hell did he get himself in this position? I asked myself.

I stopped arguing with myself and prepared myself to tolerate the pain I was about to go through. Breathing calmly and deeply I put both of my hands on each side of the knee of the leg that was stuck on the board. Gripping my knee tightly I started counting on 3. 1…2…3…and pulled my leg off of the board hearing the nails ripping through the muscle. The only fucked up thing about this situation was that I’m racing against time on my own life to save his fucking ass who’s worthless right now.

Seeing how much blood I was losing this quickly I took the pocket knife out of my back pocket and cut two pieces of cloth off of the bottom of my left pants leg. Then I wrapped them around the wounds on my right leg to slow the bleeding down. Looking at my surroundings I sighed deeply because of how hard it’ll be to get over to Aurelius. When the floor collapsed the brick walls of this side of the building had separated but caused a pile of bricks and huge masses of stone all over the place.