I discovered that I had been unconscious for twelve years, and Vetro stayed by my side as much as his work would allow. I wasn't moved by his dedication.
I'm positive that he violated me even while I was unconscious—he only wanted to be sure I lived so he wouldn't lose his favorite toy. Knowing him, he'd be content just preserving my unconscious body.
All these years, he has ignored my deteriorating mental state and focused solely on my physical appearance. Now that my looks have finally returned, he wants to give me all his attention.
So the day after I awoke, he began disbanding his harem, down to five of his favorites, Aluma being one of them. The rest were sent home, except for the pathetic ones who clung to him and begged to stay. They were publicly executed.
Usually, I would be fuming right now—after how he treated me last night, and knowing how many others he hurt—but… after Insinz comforted me, my heart feels calm.
I'm even happy that the girls who had some shred of sanity got to go home.
I brushed my hair, even though V would disapprove.
I'm seeing Insinz today, so I even put on lip gloss and perfume. I wish I still owned decent clothes, but I settled on a plain, tan, shapeless dress—the only thing I had without rips or stains.
I tied a red ribbon around my neck, with a matching one on my ankle.
I just wanted to look nice for the first time in centuries. No… It's been over 7,000 years now.
I kept trying to tell myself it's not because I was lovestruck, but when I saw him waiting outside his doorway for me, Cupid shot his arrow straight through my heart again.
"Hey… did you get enough sleep? You don't have a fever, right? You were a little warm last night," he said, sitting beside me on the bed and touching my forehead.
"I slept great, actually… and I'm okay." After I reassured him, he took both my hands in his.
He smiled, blushing slightly as he asked,
"Did you get this cute just to see me?"
I began flailing my arms and shaking my head dismissively.
Even with all my moving, he kept a firm hold of my hands.
"I just wanted to look nice today! It's not just you I'm seeing!" I blurted on impulse.
I was so nervous, I lied. I expected him to be annoyed, but he just kissed me sweetly and then pulled away, licking his lips.
"Mmm… your lip gloss smells like cherries. I regret not being able to taste it. The color looks really good on you," he murmured while stroking my cheek.
I squeaked and pressed my lips into a hard line, hoping my expression didn't give too much away.
"You should check on Rytem and Nelly first. I'll see you when you're done," he suggested, as he lowered his hand.
That's when he got up and returned to his room.
Where does he get all this confidence?! My heart can't handle much more!
No—this is on me.
I haven't been able to turn him away since the first kiss; of course, he'd get bolder.
Rytem and Netalai were clinging to each other as usual when I arrived, but they showed me how they had mastered their elements and shared information about their powers.
They could now tag-team effortlessly, swapping between Mist and Sound at will.
The skills they demonstrated were amazing. I'm glad they haven't been slacking off while I was asleep all these years.
I gave them tips on how to better complement each other and concentrate their attacks for a more piercing effect.
We studied for two hours, but my mind kept drifting back to Insinz. I found myself distracted, blushing, impatient, and feeling a throbbing deep in my stomach.
I like him… but is that okay? My feelings might put him in danger.
I left Rytem's room and went straight to Insinz's.
He was waiting for me at his door with a flower in hand—the same kind he presented years ago. All my mental defenses shattered, and I smiled.
"Thank you…" I whispered shyly as he pinned the flower into my hair.
"I'm ready for my lesson, teacher."
My pulse quickened. I think I prefer it when he calls me Tana.
We sat together at his desk, and I began reviewing his element, trying to assess how much he remembered.
As I was going over the skills he should have mastered by now, he said, "Wow, you know a lot."
"Well… I know a lot about your abilities because I've worked with many generations of Chosen," I replied bashfully.
He grinned.
"We never got to perform the ritual together," he commented in a low voice,
I gulped.
"Stop changing the subject!" I shouted as I tried to regain my composure, "Now tell me, what do you need help with?"
He placed his hand on my knee and looked into my eyes with a confident smirk.
"I mastered my element a long time ago, but shush… don't tell anyone. You can keep a secret, right?"
I gasped. Insinz had always seemed like an underperformer, only ever doing the bare minimum. The only reason he got a room in the main palace was that he stayed behind while most of the other Chosen left, or were banished.
I've already kept secrets for him: I know he was sneaking out of the palace before he was allowed, and I know… his feelings for me are romantic. And now this?
"You what?!" I muttered in shock.
He shushed me again, laughing softly. Does he take me for a joke? All those hours I spent studying so I could tutor him—were they for nothing?
"I think the only way for me to improve now is with the connection ritual. Don't you agree, Tana?"
My heart stuttered. Never mind, I hate it when he says my name.
"…Fine."
He smiled brightly. He does realize he didn't have to seduce me to get me to perform the ritual with him, right? If he didn't know, it would explain a lot. Maybe this was his goal all along.
"Tonight?" he said, full of enthusiasm.
He's so eager, while I'm not mentally prepared at all.
"Tomorrow! I have to prepare the ink…" There's a special plant that smells like decay.
When it's ground up and mixed with ink, it can form permanent marks on a Chosen's body—but only if painted to perfectly reflect the symbols that appear when their powers awaken. It's a delicate process that's going to take time.
He pouted briefly before smiling again and saying,
"I'm excited."
"You don't need to tell me that!" I remarked bashfully, hiding my face.
He squeezed my knee and repeated himself—quietly, right in my ear.
"I'm excited."
I jumped up and walked away as briskly as I could. He drives me insane! And yet… this is the longest I've felt like myself in a long time.
I wonder if my treatments fixed my blackouts? Or… have I simply been happier, so I don't need to disassociate anymore? I needed to escape so often in the past that I was losing my sense of self.
*
"Tana, are you done with the boys? I need you." V said, strolling toward her through the hallway. His head officers were trailing after him, babbling on about work and needing his approval on a few more issues, so he glared at them until they shut up.
My brief happiness is gone.
"I just finished…" I said reluctantly. He hugged me by the waist with one arm, pressing kisses to my throat and jawline.
"V, stop… they're staring," I said as if I was talking about his officers, but my real worry was Insinz seeing me like this—disgraced...
"Why are you telling me no? You wanted my attention. You're dressed up. If it's not for me, then who?" he said aggressively. I avoided his gaze, then V gripped me tighter and bit my neck so hard he drew blood.
"Ow! What are you doing?!" He began sucking on the wound, so I pushed him back by the shoulders.
"I said stop!" He barely moved.
His eyes only flickered with annoyance.
My anxiety swelled, and tears stung my eyes.
"Mmm, it's been a long time since you told me to stop with so much passion… It's kind of... erotic."
That heart-pounding fear toward him returned. I don't have the luxury to relax or love.
I tried to use my telekinesis to shove him away, but it felt like I was only hitting him with pillows instead of fifty tons of force.
My powers tore through the floor and left imprints in the walls, but he didn't shift an inch.
"What's the problem, Tana? Am I not allowed to touch you now, just because you're pretty again?!"
Without thinking, I slapped him. The hit connected, but breaking my hand in the process. Pain lanced through me as I looked up at him, trembling. He gazed down at me with a cold indifference.
"Fine… not tonight," he muttered, defeated, but a moment later, he slid his hand under my clothes, stroking just outside my underwear. Proving he didn't mean a word.
"You said not tonight!" I yelled tearfully. Why is he so intent on doing this here?! Anywhere would be better.
"But you're so wet. Are you sure you don't want to?" he commented, pressing his fingers harder.
If I am, it's not because of him.
I looked to his officers for help, but they averted their eyes. No one here cares what happens to me.
"Yes! I don't want to! Get off me!" I shouted.
He paused, reluctantly withdrawing his hand, and turned back to his advisors.
"I guess I'll spend more time on… diplomacy and finances, or whatever… I'll find you later, Tana. We can discuss why you felt the need to embarrass me today. Love you."
Then he and the group left.
Such relief… I don't know what I'll do the next time I see him, but this victory was enough.
Once my hand healed, I went outside to gather the flowers I needed and made the ink for my appointment with Insinz.
He arrived outside my room at the crack of dawn.
"Are you ready, or am I too early?" he called from the doorway.
"I'm ready… please close and lock the door after you enter!" I replied, secretly thrown off by his promptness.
He did as told and joined me on the mat in the middle of the room.
By candlelight, I mixed the ink and painted his left arm, mirroring the tattoo that covered his right. His arms were black up to the elbows, then faded into swirling, light brown flowers that blended into his skin just below the shoulders.
I had to get all the tiny details right, so I tried to focus, but it was hard... Insinz was shirtless, close, warm. My inner thoughts were spiraling out of control.
My fingers brushed his skin again and again, unnerving me. Each time my heart skipped, he smiled like he knew what he was doing to me.
He snickered and said,
"I'm sorry, that tickles."
"Stay still," I snapped, hoping he actually didn't notice my blushing.
Once I finished painting, I put my supplies away and sat back in front of him.
"It's time for the next step now…" I mumbled shyly,
"…Intercourse?" he blurted. I swallowed hard and nodded.
Insinz leaned in slowly, his lips grazing mine with maddening softness, testing me—teasing me. Then, with a gentle certainty, he cupped my face and kissed me fully, again and again. Each kiss was deeper, slower, more consuming. His lips were warm, coaxing mine apart, and when our tongues touched, I nearly melted into him.
"You don't have to kiss me," I reminded him breathlessly, once I gained an opening to speak.
"I want to. Unless… you hate it?"
His voice was low and rough with restrained desire. He patiently waited for my response, not moving an inch.
"I… don't hate it," I whispered.
That was all he needed. His lips moved down to my neck, sucking softly before dragging his teeth across my sensitive skin, biting just hard enough to make me gasp.
His hands roamed over me with bold curiosity. Then he parted my robe, grazing over my breasts, palms hot and insistent. Goosebumps chased each touch, and my breath hitched.
"Y-you could just… s-skip to the finish line," I stammered, my face burning.
If all he wanted was power, this was unnecessary.
He chuckled against my skin and whispered,
"No. I want to enjoy every part of you."
His lips trailed down my torso, leaving wet, tingling kisses.
When he dipped between my thighs, I nearly cried out.
None of the other people I'd been with had ever done this, but Insinz kissed me like I was sacred. His tongue moved slowly, deliberately, savoring every sound he drew from me.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured.
I clung to him, nails digging into his shoulders. I wanted him desperately. And when he finally entered me, it felt like fire laced with something sweet. He moved slowly at first, watching my face with every thrust, then faster, deeper, grinding into the places that made me tremble. My back arched. I cried out. I couldn't stop myself.
My body moved on instinct... answering his. He kissed me through it all, whispered gentle praises, gripped my hips like he never wanted to let go.
We climaxed together, our voices overlapping in a tangled mess of moans and cries. My whole body shuddered, and I collapsed against him, limp, dazed, and shaking.
But he wasn't done.
Still hard, he kissed his way up my collarbone again, nuzzling my throat like a man possessed. I stopped him, gently pressing my hands to his face, breath ragged.
"Wait… I need to draw a new mark before we do it… again. I can do it tomorrow."
He pouted but kissed my palms, murmuring, "Another day?"
"It would be pointless if we did that again right now. There'll be no benefit… it'll just be sex."
He grinned, excited. "I'm fine with that. And we can still do the ritual tomorrow."
I rolled over, hiding my face. "No. Just come back tomorrow…"
I couldn't let him see my face. He'd know I was hesitating. There's no way I could explain intimacy with Insinz outside this ceremony—and if I don't have an excuse, there's no telling what V might do.
"Okay… but… do I have to leave? Even if we can't have sex, I'd like to talk to you. Hear more about your life." Talk… to me? When was the last time that someone had a genuine interest in me?
"You've been alive almost ten thousand years. I'm sure you have plenty of stories to tell."
I turned back to him. He laid my robe over my shoulders and averted his eyes. I began sharing stories, leaving out details about V, retelling my time on Earth by describing animals, recipes, and even how I learned to sew. He smiled, held my hand, and listened closely. Only speaking to ask more details.
Later that day, V visited. I had no excuse to refuse him. But compared to being with Insinz, it was hell. I wanted him off me. I hated him. But he was already angry from my earlier rejection… I couldn't risk it worse. So I tried to disassociate as much as possible, imagining I was just floating underwater, letting the current take me.
That horrible night passed, and I got up as early as possible to be ready for Insinz.
He arrived at first light again, locked the door, and joined me on the mat. After I placed a mark under his right eye, we began again. He didn't touch me like it was just a ceremony. He touched me like I was precious to him. Slowly, reverently, passionately.
His lips explored every inch of me, his hands trailing down my body like they were memorizing it. He held me until I forgot my own name, until my thighs trembled and I moaned against his mouth without shame.
I should've told him not to get emotionally involved. I should've pushed him away, reminded him this was still supposed to be only a sacred rite. But… I didn't want to. Not when he touched me like this. Not when I finally felt safe.
After we finished, he cuddled me into his arms and asked me about life on Earth. I found myself talking about sea creatures and sunsets and the first time I tasted something sweet. His fingers traced lazy circles on my hip while he listened, still tangled up with me. It felt like more than comfort. It felt like the start of something I shouldn't dare hope for. I asked about his past, but he gave short, vague answers—then he redirected the conversation.
He must not like talking about himself.
I thought I knew everything there was to know about the chosen, but Insinz has always been a mystery.
The next day, we repeated the pattern—but this time, he pulled me into his lap, held me close, and bounced me gently against him, eyes locked on mine the whole time. His gaze was hungry, unrelenting. I felt completely claimed—completely cherished.
When we stopped, he didn't let me go or avert his gaze; he whispered,
"I love you,"
My breath caught as the words hit me. My heart thundered painfully in my chest.
"I love you, too." I whimpered out.
I was tempted to cry because I felt I had revealed something so vulnerable. I tried to bury this feeling deep inside my heart, but he dragged it out of me.
We kissed like we were starving. And then we made love again. Not just once. Again. And again. There was nothing ritual about it. It was indulgent.
He worshipped my body as if he'd never get another chance, and I gave him everything.
I must have lost my mind. Why didn't I stop him? I can't say I blacked out—because I was there for every second. I enjoyed every second.
We spent more hours talking, and my body still ached in the best way after he left.
And my heart? It ached even more because now I had something I needed to protect. The thought of losing him made me feel hollow.
V has killed Chosen over me before. Sure, he's been letting a lot slide lately, but I know his patience has run out, and THIS... this is the worst thing I've ever done…
The next morning, I stared at my ceiling aimlessly, feeling defeated, but then indignation welled up inside of me.
NO! I can't let him win this time. This isn't like before. I care for Insinz more than I ever imagined. There's no way I'll let Vetro get in our way.
While I was lost in thought, Insinz showed up again, and I was stunned as soon as I saw him. He had six marks! I thought the limit was three?! Under each eye, three small, horizontal moles lined up perfectly. There's no way to hide what we did. It's literally written on his face.
"Hey… I missed you," he said warmly from the doorway—completely unaware that V was standing behind him.