"I Consecrate my Soul to Thee" Witch/Demon AU

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a very specific reason why Essek was here at this moment.

All around him was gathered components, and within his hand he held chalk with which he was drawing the familiar pentagram that would assist in his mission. For his entire life, he had been gatekept, he came from a long line of witches, all of them female; the power passed down through matriarchal laws and blood-- from woman to woman.

However he was the black sheep, the one who had been given far more power than was comfortable for the bloodline in which it had been strictly locked up. Because of this, no female line could inherit and even right now etched into his chest was a binding spell that was unbreakable though oh, how he had tried. It had been placed there by he who he had been given in marriage to; locked until at which point a female was conceived which would then continue the line downward.

There was nothing more vengeful than a cat who had been caged, and right now Essek Thelyss was out for blood and perhaps even a healthy dose of revenge. There was that intrinsic longing for freedom to do what he wanted, not wanting to be bound by tradition to a familial coven who cared more about the line than him. He wanted to put a stop to it, perhaps even get this angry scar of a sigil on his chest removed, wanting night upon night of assault to end.

He did not care what he summoned, the only thing he wanted was for whatever power he could bid to rise to invoke retribution, to free him. Logically he knew that he would be entrusting his fate into the devil he did not know-- but at this point in time, that seemed far preferrable.

And that was how he had roped Alex into this. Someone who was well versed in the rituals if not well practiced; he could not do this alone because there was so much that could go wrong. Best to have two hands in it, even though he knew that it was not Alex's job to intervene but rather to 'watch' but he was desperate, and Alex knew how much he hated Adeen.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it was then that Essek finished the circle and then set his chalk down gently. ]

The circle is complete, the components are gathered.. it is time.

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[ausgebrannt]

[There it was, what he had been waiting for. Bren drank it in, the sight and sound and feel of the other man's orgasm. Some demons fed off that energy, took it into themselves. Bren could, of course, but he didn't want to drain Essek. On the contrary, he wanted to see him embrace all that he could -- that he should -- be.

Of course, Bren couldn't pretend that he wasn't finding his own pleasure in the drow. Because god he was. Essek was driving him to ruin and distraction, and the way that tight heat gripped at his prick, well, the last of his self control shattered. His hips jerked hard once, twice, before he came undone, cock loosing rope after rope of his seed inside him, filling his pactkeeper, marking him. Claiming him.

And with his release came a flood of magic, the last remnants of the binding spell finally shattering, the magic undone and the scars swept away.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Oh gods, Essek could feel his power come back in its entirely and the lush apex of power was a siphon that dived into his body, all seals broken-- he would have to keep this power a secret, pretend he was helpless though knowing he was not.

His breathing came in pants against Bren's neck while he lay against Bren's body, feeling his spend that spread between them. There was satisfaction in making Bren come and he shifted his head to rub his nose against that bearded jawline.

He felt closer with him than he had felt with anyone and he wanted to continue that. ] That was... breathtaking.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren draped an arm over Essek, holding him close as he settled down atop him, a comfortable, grounding weight that he would love the chance to get used to. His fingertips wended their way up along Essek's back, down again, soft and soothing. They were a bit of a mess -- Essek's spend between them, his own seed already beginning to drip its way from the drow's hole with as hard as Bren had come, how completely he'd filled him.

He smiled and turned towards that nuzzling.]

You are breathtaking, Schatz. The entirety of you... look at you, with nothing tethering you down.

[zauberdecke]

Was that what freedom tastes like?

[ Essek said this wonderingly as he made himself comfortable draped over the demon, much like the socialite that Alex had described him as, though while he was-- there was no happiness that lay therein. He combed his fingers through Bren's locks of hair and then he says this rather tentatively. ]

How will I hide you? [ He would still have to go to the place where his husband resided and at the moment it was probably best that he did not make himself known. ] How will I summon you if I should need you?

[ So many questions, and perhaps most of these were stemmed from the fact that there was panic from when he had to go back. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ja. But only the first taste, mm? It will be sweeter when you can claim it fully. But for now... you know it is yours.

[Even if the rest of the world did not just yet. They would. Those who deserved to pay for what had been done to Essek would face that price. Bren would, admittedly, enjoy that part of it.

Though not as much as he enjoyed the way those fingers felt playing through his hair.]

This is not the only shape I can take.

[He could look entirely human, for one thing. For another, well, there was a more demonic form. But Bren was talking about something a great deal smaller.]

How do you feel about taking in a stray? I make a very cute cat.

[But much more importantly, the last question.] Call for me, and I will always come for you.

[zauberdecke]

I have never had a cat before.

[ He'd never been allowed to, though he had no doubt that a demon cat could take care of himself; and perhaps he needed to put his foot down-- already thoughts of taking Bren home as a cat, it did have it's appeal. It would not be suspected-- and he stroked underneath that chin as if hew as pondering petting at soft fur underneath. ]

I believe it, believe that you will come to me.

[ It was still hard to trust that if he stuck out his hand, that there would be someone out there to take it; the evidence of that lack of been given enough reason to trust anyone lingered in his eyes. ] I will name you Caleb then... could you come to Caleb?

[ausgebrannt]

I am glad. I will do everything in my power to never give you cause to doubt that.

[Bren was determined on that point. Essek had been let down too fundamentally by those around him who should have been support and safety and instead had treated him as something to be suppressed and controlled.

He lifted his chin, entirely catlike in how he reacted to the attention.]

Caleb will do, ja. I like it.

[Essek could call him anything and Bren would answer to it.]

There is... one matter I wish to ask you about, Essek Thelyss.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek propped himself up at the request, it came from something deeply serious and he endeavored to treat it with all due express. Those eyes looking down at Bren while all thoughts of pets and cats fled from his mind. ]

I will answer to the best of my ability and as truthfully as I am able.

[ He pulled himself up then to a sitting position while he ran his fingers through chest hair, warm and silky but with that hint if bristle that remained inviting. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren would try very hard not to be distracted by that touch, but oh it was tempting to forget anything more serious than just enjoying being close to the drow that he had watched for so long, been drawn to for so long. He offered a smile, a small reassurance for both of them, before he began.]

Normally, a pact such as ours... I would leave my mark upon you.

[Bren's fingers ran over Essek's chest, over skin that was now smooth and free of the scars that had been there -- and not yet masked in the glamour that would keep the secret until there was no more need for secrets.]

But I will not place another mark on your skin without your permission.

[He wouldn't be Adeen.]

The mark has its purposes. It would let any other infernal creature know that you are claimed, that you are under my protection. It would make it easier for me to find you should we be separated. ...and ja, it would feed my ego to know that you wore my symbol. [He was, after all, only human demonic, and had a bit of vanity and ego despite himself.]

But it does not affect our pact. That is sealed in blood and magic and word. So I leave the choice to you.

[zauberdecke]

[ The touch would come, would be the rains that washed down upon Bren's desert; cool and languid as he listened intently to the words that Bren spoke. He did not know it yet, but deep within him something had quenched the ache within him, and it was perhaps a blessing in a way as it would give him time away from Adeen's unwelcome bedroom attentions, it would buy him leeway-- a gift of it's own merit.

He could tell that Bren wanted to mark him, wanted to make him his-- but there was a respect for him in those words as well. He told him that it was not needed, that the pact was already cemented. The ask for permission however? It softened his heart toward that request, just as Bren's ask for permission earlier when they had become highly physical with each other.

Very softy he reached for that hand as it traced over his chest, and then held it firmly there as they made eye contact. It was heavy, this gaze-- it was also loaded and there was something sexual about the way their eyes collided. ]

You have given me no reason to distrust you, and conversely have given me every reason to. I will allow this, because you have promised me freedom and I do not think your mark would be a cage but the wind that would allow my wings to fly.

[ Softly-- ] Where will you mark me?

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren desperately wanted to mark him, but he'd meant what he said. With what had already happened, he needed it to be Essek's choice. And if the choice was no, then he would abide by that decision.

His touch stilled its exploration as Essek's hand found his. He held the drow's gaze, those eyes that reflected galaxies, infinite violet and gold that promise the knowledge of starlight from ages long past.]

I would never cage you. You are meant to spread those wings, and I want to see you do it.

[Plain and simple. His gaze dropped to where their hands rested, where an old scar had been.] Here? It will be a good tether for the glamour while it is needed. And I like the idea of being close to your heart.

[zauberdecke]

[ Why did that thought fill him with such.. warmth? The fact that this demon wanted to be close to his heart? He had previously thought that circumstances had abolished that heart before it had ever had a chance to beat, and yet he could feel it thump within his chest near achingly underneath Bren's hand. He nodded then and while he could keep the flush out of his cheeks, the tips of his ears was an entirely different story and Bren would feel the heat gather there.

As well as the slightly more sparkling eyes where the heat was always echoing against starlight. ]

Then place your mark there.

[ He was allowing Bren to do it, with such trust and he knew somehow that it was not wasted trust-- that this demon would have his back. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren could feel the beating of that heart beneath his touch. Oh he wanted that heart, wanted to hold it and keep it safe, wanted to offer his own up to Essek for him do whatever it was he wished.

For now though he would be content at bestowing his mark on his pactkeeper.

A smile and he let his hand fall away.]

Thank you, Schatz.

[He could see that flush at the delicate tip of those pointed ears, but did not comment on it. Instead he leaned in and without any more ceremony than a soft murmured,] Mein Ein und Alles,

[before he pressed a kiss against his chest. Essek would feel a slowly spreading warmth, hot enough that it ought to have burned, but there was no pain, just that flush of warmth as Bren drew back. The mark shifted on his skin, glowing as if molten and moving like the dancing of a candle flame without its candle. Eventually it stilled, the shape of a tongue of flame still, frozen in time. The glow cooled as well, to a soft gold against the lavender backdrop of his skin.]

[zauberdecke]

[ He wanted to know what Bren and spoken, what those words meant.. but just like Bren did, he kept his words silent; that did not detract from the warmth that spread through him like a warm glow-- and then once the mark etched into skin, he took a deep sigh and then his palm moved over the sigil where it glowed.

There was a question however. ] Who is able to see this mark?

[ Only a little bit of trepidition because there where times that Adeen forced himself into his quarters without a care for boundaries or respect. ]

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren would tell him, if he asked. He'd be an open book for Essek, even if he would not be that for anyone else. The drow was his exception to everything it would seem.

The question was met with a small smile.]

Everyone, Schatz.

[Probably not the most reassuring response, but it was only half the answer.]

But what they see, well, that varies. You and I can see it's true form. Other demons will see the infernal protection within it. Your husband [Funny how that word sounded like a curse in this moment?] will see what he expects to see, the spell carved there before. As will anyone else. Until you area ready to reveal the truth.

[zauberdecke]

[ Not the most reassuring however he knew that Adeen could be.. well, controlling, he did not want to suffer the repercussions when he was not equipped to protect himself yet (due to the secretive nature of limiter being removed) but when Bren said the word 'husband', Essek could not help a snarl to cross his expression-- silent and yet it held so much unspoken, it said so much as to how much he hated the man in question. ]

So only for us will this pact-mark show the reality of it, unless I determine otherwise?

[ that was a relief, it allowed him to breath easier. A testament to how much Essek still both hated and feared him. In other AUs he would have power to flout him, and yet in this one he did not-- this was what he needed help with, needed someone to wrap him up and offer a blanket of protection so that he could strike decisively and without error-- when the time came.]

That is a relief-- you have opened the door to my cage, but I cannot come out yet.. I have to act as if my cage is still closed, I have to act this way while we plot his demise.

[ausgebrannt]

[Another nod.] Ja. Until you make the choice.

[It was in Essek's hands now, all of it.

But while Essek did not have the power to spurn Adeen's advances, Bren had the power to play interference until they were ready to take the boor down once and for all. A well placed enchantment, a sleeping spell accidentally stirred into his tea.

Essek Thelyss was his, and he would not share him with someone who so very clearly did not deserve or appreciate him. Hells, he wouldn't share him with anyone at all, if he could avoid it.]

You do, but I am an unknown. There are things I can manage that he will not expect, to see about occupying his time elsewhere and not haunting your shadow.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a level of safety that Essek felt in this moment as he looked to Bren, as he heard the demon explain what he could do and what power he could wield to keep him away from him. It felt too good to be true and yet.. he knew it was not. The warmth of the pactmark just against his heart was testament to the fact that none of this was a dream.

He slowly brushed his fingertips against that jawline. ]

You've just given me more hope and more peace of mind than I have had in quite a while.

[ Since he'd been a small child, since before he had been consecuted when he had been adored and petted for all the potential that he could've been, and then when nothing surfaced and his mother found out that he was but a new soul cast adrift on the seas to be born.

Bren seemed to want him as he was, as he could be if given the chance. ]

[ausgebrannt]

It is a selfish thing. You are mine now, and I do not wish to see him lay a finger on you again. He does not deserve to be near you.

[He never had and he never would. Bren could learn to abide if Essek found someone else he wanted to be with -- though he meant what he said about being selfish. He wanted it to be him. But more than that, he wanted Essek to be happy.

Bren turned into that touch, lips brushing along Essek's fingertips.]

I will protect you, Essek Thelyss, however I am able to.

[zauberdecke]

[ What Bren did not know was that Essek was just as possessive, but also he burned slow but he also burned faithfully. It took him much to allow someone to come in close and it was Bren who had stolen in; the drow did not have room for anyone else.

His eyes shimmered at the barest brush of lips to his fingertips, his eyes memorizing the warmth and heat-- both that Bren radiated, as well as that which he engendered with Essek.

Slowly he shifted so that he could perch upon that lap and then he settled there. Both these two men were far too afraid of ruining something with any actions perhaps too forward, Essek did not want to appear too needy or greedy.]

I am very selfish too, my Bren.

[ausgebrannt]

[Bren was entirely too happy to have Essek settled close in his lap, to be able to let this moment prolong. His hand settled against his hip, just along the side of his thigh.]

Are you?

[He ducked his head to press a kiss to his shoulder.]

You should be more selfish, I think. It will make me very happy to spoil you a little.

[More than a little. It would make him very happy to give Essek everything he wanted to.]

[zauberdecke]

And so we have agreed that you shall enter the household as a cat.. my cat.

[ His fingers were behind the horn then which he lightly scritched with such adept fingertips-- the one thing that he would take for himself, and because of Bren's own encouragement it gave him the courage to go against Adeen's orders here, he would have this cat and it would be a small victory. ] Then I will be very selfish, Bren-- you will find that I am not good at sharing.

[ Which would align very well with Bren's plans truth told. ]

[ausgebrannt]

Ja. As your cat. Who will rid your home of pests.

[Especially ones shaped like his husband. Kitty-cat-Caleb will piss on Adeen's things out of principle. For now though, he was having a catlike moment leaning into the petting by his horn. Yes. That. That was welcome, and Essek could do that as much as he would like.]

Good. Neither am I.

[He leaned in close to press a kiss to the corner of Esseks lips.]

Do you wish to rest before we return to your home? Bathe? A snack? Anything you desire.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek thought about the offer; he thought about how much he did not want to go home, however the knowledge that Bren would be coming with him managed to fill him with a kernal of something deep down-- was it hope? He would continue to pet that horn as he was lavished with kisses-- and he would not bother to move quite yet. ]

I think that I enjoy being cuddled like this. [ He'd never been held like this before and was finding that it was quite pleasant when it involved someone whom he was had allowed into the circle of his trust. ] Though a bath would be nice, a simple prestidigitation spell will do the job, but I tend to be old-fashioned when it comes to bathing.

[ausgebrannt]

I like it too, Schatz. I am very fond of holding you. So then... we will pass some time like this?

[With that he tipped over, bringing Essek with him to settle back on the bed, so they could cuddle up properly. The blankets settled themselves over the two men, even as Essek would feel the faint flutter of prestidigitation over his skin as the mess that had been oh so enjoyable to make was magically swept away.]

Are you warm enough?