The Soul Bounder

chapter eight: vermillion

chapter eight: vermillion

Snow fell heavily from the sky, covering every inch of dead grass in the yard.

Flurries fluttered in clumps, falling fast into Serenity's mitt-covered palms. Thankfully, Seraph supplied her with brand new winter clothes, so she'd be well suited in the wet climate. Bundled up in a thick snow repellent jacket, Serenity stood in the center of the cottage's vast property. Seraph watched her from afar, performing her daily responsibility of surveying the force field. Christian on the other hand, worked quietly in the kitchen on other menial duties such as cooking their next meal. He once argued the role of the cook, but he slowly learned to enjoy the simple domestic task.

It was December thirtieth, and the next day would be new year's eve. Excitement would once ignite in Serenity's bones for the holiday, but this time around didn't seem to hold the same meaning. All of her past memories seemed so distant, as if it wasn't actually her in body and soul. Serenity came to terms with her new life, being hidden away from society for the protection of her livelihood. She was never allowed to leave the fairytale-like home, she felt like a princess locked away in a far away tower.

Serenity huffed, her breath on display in the intensely negative temperatures. As she stuffed her hands into her coat's pockets, she carefully shuffled her way inside. Seraph followed suit, believably relieved that she no longer had to stand in the freezing outdoors. The two kicked their boots off, being sure no leftover slush flicked over to the thick carpet. As she was struggling to remove her jacket, Christian appeared behind her. She could feel his strong hands gently slide it off of her shaking body, placing it onto the coat rack. Green eyes met blue, a shy smile versus a cheerful grin.

"Thank you." Serenity said sheepishly.

"No problem." Christian returned coolly.

Seraph rolled her eyes, earning a smug snort from the demon. "You seem capable enough to take off your own jacket." He teased.

"As if I'd ever ask you for help for something like that." The angel snapped.

Serenity lightly chuckled, still amused by how the polar opposites couldn't seem to completely get along. Things had improved, but not by much. Christian poked fun, Seraph replied sourly each time.

Serenity crept upstairs to her room, to prepare herself for that night's dinner. Her hair was damp from the snow, her skin chilled through her several layers of clothing. Ten minutes later, she wrapped a thick white towel around her bare form, standing in front of a steamed up mirror. She wiped a hand across, her reflection poking through. Running a brush through her tangled tresses, she noticed more of her hair turning black. Serenity sighed, reminiscing the day she panicked once she realized the sudden transition. Nearly half of the locks resting on the right side of her head were the dark color.

"This is a notable sign of your awakening, Serenity. Physical changes are also in store, up until the day of your eighteenth year."

Serenity changed into a pair of warm matching pajamas, a ditzy flower print covering the fabric. She fiddled with the sleeves of the top, being sure she evenly buttoned the shirt. In the kitchen, was waiting a hot meal with the usual band of company. Dinner was a hearty bowl of beef tips and rice, with aplenty brown gravy. The redhead gladly dug in, not wasting a single morsel in the dishware. Afterwards, she washed the dishes and all of the cookware involved to prepare the meal. Everyday things like this made Serenity feel normal, as if she were still living under the same roof as her adoptive parents.

Well. Almost normal.

Seraph ate in silence, then awkwardly thanked Christian for the food. She often insisted on doing all of the chores in the home, but Serenity happily denied. The angel felt obligated, in turn caring for Serenity. She was her guardian, after all.

Seraph retired to her room, Christian reading a book in the study. Serenity was pulled into a dream nearly every night, as soon as her eyes fluttered closed until the dawn. Christian picked her brain about new books to read, and she cheerfully obliged. Among all of the recommendations, it seemed romance was his favorite. The redhead curiously once asked him why he enjoyed the genre so much, and the answer tugged at her heart strings.

"I don't know. Perhaps it's because... Love is so terribly intangible for me."

Serenity delved deeper into the demon's presence, falling into an unplanned ritual. The few times it was necessary for him to leave the home for most of the day, left her feeling dejected. She felt silly to believe she was actually beginning to like having him around. Christian was still egotistical, so cruel, dark... Yet, Serenity couldn't fight the warm feeling that heated within her belly once she saw him smiling back at her.

Serenity sat herself in the middle of one of the living room couches, flipping the television on. She decided to watch one of the highly suggested popular movies on Netflix, settling underneath a fluffy blanket. As if on cue, Christian left the study and quietly joined the room. He felt her young eyes peep over to him, enjoying the stolen glances. Christian graciously sat diagonal from her, on the loveseat that sat beside where she was. He kept his eyes on the tv, not once meeting her eyes.

Serenity heard the stirring of dresser drawers, coming from the room located next to her own. Her hearing gradually became so much more advanced, developing more attributes from her parents. Everything sounded so clear, as if she were in the same room. Seraph came bolting down the stairs, dressed in new garments. She wore a casual pair of light-wash jeans, and a simple lavender sweater. She wore a different pair of boots from earlier, with her curly hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. Around her neck was a long scarf, suited to keep her neck warm from the cold.

"Where are you going?" Questioned the redhead.

Without stopping, Seraph gathered a worn leather knapsack from the console table over her shoulder. "Out. I'll be back later tonight. Don't wait up."

Serenity studied her expression, this particular one more serious than her usual ones. She began to ponder further, but decided it was probably better she didn't. Whatever the reason was, Serenity knew it was well thought out and in her best interest. Seraph was always so thoughtful, persistently studying for their next planned course of action.

"Okay, be careful."

The front door opened and closed, milliseconds between motions. Christian remained unmoved, still focusing his attention to the movie that was playing in the background.

"You need to trust her, you know. She was appointed your guardian for a reason." He said, eyes glued to the tv.

Serenity shifted in her seat, repositioning the blanket over her petite frame. "I do. It's just... I get nervous."

Blue irises finally met her gaze, sincere concern washing over his features. "Why? You're safe."

"For now, Christian. But what's to happen when that safety is gone?" She asked, voice hushed. Serenity fiddled with the hem of her thin pajama shirt, averting her gaze to the floor.

"I'll- We'll protect you. From anything that threatens you." Christian answered, his gentle stare went hard.

Serenity nodded, more so to herself than to him. She peered up at the movie playing, hardly keeping up with its plot. It was a simple distraction, to keep herself from thinking about endless worries.

"Christian did you know my father?"

The demon's eyes widened at the sudden question. "I— Yes. But I wasn't well acquainted. I met him only on a few occasions."

The redhead suddenly perked up, delighted. "Yeah? What was he like?"

Christian sat up straighter, mentally carefully choosing his next words. "He was...Soft spoken. It was odd, given his role in the kingdom. Most princes would be demanding, blaring with pointless demands. But he was the opposite."

Soft spoken, huh.

"How did you meet him?" Serenity asked with gleaming eyes.

"While I was still meeting with... Her. I ran into him. Literally."

Serenity frowned, but quickly overcame that with more curiosity. "Was he mad?"

Christian simply shook his head. "Not at all. It only surprised him, to see someone such as me running through the courtyard of the castle."

"He admitted he'd been watching me speak to her, and gave me advice on how to win her heart. I never once looked down on me given my background, no discriminating glances." He continued.

Serenity's face glowed, content with her newest discovery.

"I see his personality has been inherited by you." The demon quickly admitted.

"Oh yeah? What's my personality like?" Serenity teased with a smirk.

The demon rolled his eyes, but his gaze soon became gentle. "Kind, attentive; I suppose."

"Well, thanks. I guess." Serenity answered, her tender eyes meeting his.

"You're welcome, I guess."

Moments like those were always gone too soon for her liking, but she felt herself grow closer to Christian. However, she noticed how far he seemed from her physically. He was in the same room, yet decidedly chose to sit across from her. Serenity craved to close the gap, to gain enough courage to stand up and laze next to him.

"W-why are you sitting all the way over there? There's enough room over here, you know..." She stammered.

Rising his eyebrows, Christian peered questionably at the girl. "I didn't want to invade your personal space, idiot."

Yet, he got up anyways and plopped himself next to her.

Serenity felt her heart race, trying to ignore how his close proximity intimidated her. She stiffened, letting the plush throw blanket fall from her shoulders to her lap. Christian detected her anxiousness, quickly glancing over her. Her chest rose and fell in rhythm, her breathing faster than it usually was. The last thing he expected to notice was how the top button of her sleep shirt unbuttoned, probably on accident from her constant fidgeting. Creamy pale skin peeped from underneath the flowery garment, red and black hair framing over her thin shoulders.

Christian forced himself to tear away, his hungry stare begging for more. His instinct was to pursue her, to shove her onto her back and take whatever he wanted. The innate desire clawed at his dry throat, an undying burn to quench the thirst that had him aching. Without realizing it, his fingertips wafted through the ends of her hair.

Serenity stared back at him, watching his fingers curl around the multicolor strands. The gesture was innocent, but surprised her immensely. Christian lifted his hand away, placing it into his lap. 

What the hell am I doing...? Christian thought to himself.

"Why do you touch me so kindly, then leave me?"

Christian met her eyes, studying the hurt in her jade orbs. He watched her bite her lip under his watch, nervously tightening her grip on the blanket.

"A demon's touch is never kind. Don't forget that."

"But yours is! You said my father was the same, and I'm half demon so— I just don't understand why you feel the need to push me away." Serenity exclaimed with sorrow.

Christian balled his fists up, frustrated with how easy it was to want to give in to her every whim. Whether due to her empathic compulsion or not, he felt like he owed it to her. "I push you away so you don't suffer the same way you did weeks ago. Are you forgetting that someone of my kind tried to kill you? And how they almost succeeded?"

Serenity shook her head, tears threatening to spill onto her cheeks. "You aren't like that, I know you better. You actually care about me, Christian."

"How obtuse of you to believe that I could actually care about you." Christian replied flatly.

Serenity's heart felt like it was breaking, as if the air was so thin that she could no longer breathe. His stare was cruel, as were his words.

Such selfish lies.

"If you don't actually feel anything for me, then-" She paused, shakily grabbing his forearm.

She led it to her, landing his long fingers around the base of her throat. She brushed her long hair over her shoulder, the smooth skin on her neck begging for Christian to finally taste. "-please be the end of me. Because I can't take this— any of this, anymore." She whispered, never once breaking eye contact with him.

Rage consumed Christian whole, how dare she invite him to do such a thing. Her hands dropped to her sides, yet his hand loosely dangled where she placed it. Moisture gathered around Serenity's eyes, but she bravely stood by her words. She watched as his irises turned to that same violent red she once feared, and they stayed locked onto her neck. Blood rushed through her veins, screaming for him to finally indulge himself into the forbidden fruit he so desperately craved.

"Be the end of you? Is that really what you want?" He laughed wickedly, flexing his fingers over her ivory skin.

Isn't this what I want? To use her in any way I see fit, then to toss her to the side like common street trash?

Before she could murmur another word, Christian quickly closed the space between them. Serenity's heart thudded painfully against her chest, terrified and thrilled altogether. His structured nose slid up the hollow of her bare throat, with his inviting aroma dulling her senses. Christian closed his eyes, lips curling up. She felt his fangs graze her virgin flesh, feeling her hands find themselves wound up tight in his shirt. Serenity too, closed her eyes; awaiting for the venomous bite to steal her short life away.

One that never came.

Christian's lips closed together, gently pressing a kiss to Serenity's warm skin. They lingered there for several long moments, Serenity too scared to say anything. She peeked one of her eyes open, watching how the demon sat perfectly still over her.

"Stupid girl."

Serenity sighed heavily in relief, silently thanking him for breaking the silence. Her body was less tensed, inviting him to lean more into her. Christian soon sat up, his hand leisurely stroking her cheek the same way he did weeks ago in her dreams.

"You're a bad liar, you know. Absolutely awful." 

Serenity laughed softly, a few more streaks of tears falling down her freckled face. Christian could only smile in return, a brief quirk gracing his mouth. He felt her visibly relax under his soft touch, watching how she tranquilly closed her eyes in satisfaction. Suddenly, he watched her lips turn into a pout, almost as if she were inviting him to inch closer. Christian focused, ignoring the blood lust that tempted him to further into things of a malevolent nature.

Serenity felt a pair of soft lips peck over hers, lingering hardly for a second. Her green eyes fluttered open, a frown spreading over her brows. Christian smirked at her, his eyes still that scary blood red.

"Please, Christian. More." She pleaded, her hands still balled up in his tee shirt.

Silently, he pressed into her embrace and gave into her lustful will. His mouth found hers once more, but this time they moved languidly against each other. She happily complied, following the same skilled rhythm he displayed upon her. Heat rose to her flushed face, along to her belly to the tips of her toes. Her blood begged for him to selfishly touch her more, the very same way he did for her. His body moved hesitantly over hers, but she lightly pulled him to gravitate towards her. Their chests connected only briefly, Christian shifting slightly so he wouldn't crush her under his weight.

Her delicate hands found themselves desperately grasping for purchase, still wrapped up in the soft fabric of his tee. Christian broke the kiss, leaving her panting for more. He watched how dangerously she looked at him, relishing in her wanton gaze. His breath caught in his throat, as he watched the mesmerizing emerald fade into the same ruby his were.

"Your eyes, Serenity."

She paused, studying his features. "What about the-" Serenity's eyes widened, shock forming over her expression.

"Are they...You know. Like yours?"

Christian nodded, giving her a bashful grin. Serenity didn't seem placated by the gesture. "Does it look bad?" She questioned shyly, averting her gaze.

"No," Christian quickly answered. "You're so beautiful, Serenity. Red or green, you look the same to me."

A wide grin spread ear to ear on her, tingling from the unusual compliment. "You just called me beautiful, you know. Is there a natural disaster bound to hit us soon?"

Rolling his eyes, Christian playfully smirked down at her. "Ha ha, you're hilarious." He joked in return.

"Of course. But I do wonder... Why do you think that happened?" Serenity innocently wondered.

Christian pushed himself up, giving the redhead some space. Serenity gave a childish pout yet did the same, and waited for him to return an answer. She watched Christian run a hand through his dark tousled hair, attempting to gather himself in one piece.

"I'm not sure you'd really like the answer to that one, Serenity."

She c****d her head to the side, furrowing her eyebrows. "And why not?" She retorted.

Christian shrugged his broad shoulders, affixing himself to sit straight back against the couch. "Well, think about it. Demons can naturally thirst for blood, as they thirst for... Other desires." He peered over at her curiously.

Serenity's face felt hot, finally putting two and two together. Her incredibly innocent mind never once thought about that, but it would make sense. Out of all things to think about, intimacy was the last thing on her mind. However, the kiss with Christian felt so... Natural. She didn't know how she felt compelled to do it, but she kissed him back as if he were air and she forgot how to breathe. 

"I see." Serenity quietly added, still embarrassed.

"But—bloodlust is something that can obviously cause it. It's an instinctual trait among demons, stronger in most than others. I'm just surprised this didn't happen sooner." Christian continued.

"Didn't happen sooner? Are you saying that you thought we'd... You know!" Serenity blushed as she spoke.

"Don't be so prudish, it's natural to mate. But no, I meant that in reference to the bloodlust. Although a hybrid, you will still feel the desire to satisfy the thirst you'll have for blood. Especially since you'll be incredibly strong." Christian explained.

Serenity felt conflicted. He made it seem so natural to speak about such things, but deep down it didn't sit right with her. "I don't know if I could ever do that." She admitted.

"You say that now, but you'll soon change your way of thinking."

They both sat in the hushed quiet of the night, the only sound being the pitter patter of snow falling outside of the windows. Serenity couldn't get the thought out of her head. Her, drinking someone's blood? All for the benefit of strengthening her powers?

"How does one... Do that?"

Christian glanced over to her. "Feed?" Serenity nodded.

"It's hard to explain. You kind of just, feel the urge and go with what your instincts tell you." He explained.

"Then show me. Bit-"

"No. Absolutely not."

Serenity frowned. "I know you won't hurt me." She persisted.

Christian gave her a pained expression, one that seemed to break her heart. "Do you know what you're asking, Serenity?"

Nodding, she gathered Christian's hands into her significantly smaller ones. "I do. And I know you haven't fed in awhile, so please. Let me help you." She squeezed his hands lightly.

"Serenity, don-"

"Do you think I don't notice these things? How you become so weak from protecting us, all because you're exerting all of your energy to use your powers. The nosebleeds?"

She's not wrong...

"If you are serious about protecting me, then please. Let me protect you too." Serenity spoke softly, her gaze locked onto him.

He brushed the rough pad of his thumb over her knuckles, contemplating her words. She was serious, and meant every word she spoke. He felt her concern reach him, and that was the part that worried him the most.

Don't look at me with such innocent eyes, He thought.

"It'll hurt, you know." Christian finally said.

Serenity nodded in agreement, planting a curt smile upon her lips. "I know you won't purposefully try to make it hurt."

"You place a high amount of trust on me, Serenity. That's going to be your biggest downfall, as its your fatal flaw."

"I know but I just feel this is the right thing to do. So please, let me help you."

Christian's body went tense, mind boggled by how persistent the redhead really was being. She appeared to no longer be afraid of him, and this delighted yet scared him all at once. He bit his lip, feeling his throat become drier with every dangerously lingering thought. Looking away, Serenity slowly turns her head, baring her throat for him to take.

He wanted to look away. To desperately look in the opposite direction, to null his natural desire to sink his teeth deep into her flesh. But he didn't. Instead, he sat hesitant, waiting for Serenity to change her mind. With a deep sigh, he brought his hand up to her shoulders, steadily tracing them up her throat. Her flesh was perfectly clear, without any blemishes or scars. The thought teased him more, his teeth rushing for him to jump at her. His mouth neared her ear, one hand wrapped around the back of her head, the other snaked loosely around her small waist.

"There's no going back, Serenity." Christian whispered with warning.

He felt her nod her head in silence, braving herself for him to take. Christian took a deep breath, inhaling the pleasantly clean aroma of her freckled skin. His fangs lightly pushed into the soft flesh, until they were settling fairly deep into the skin of her neck. Serenity cried out from the bruising pain, tightly wrapping her arms around his back for support. Christian softly moaned, greedily drinking in her life essence. He repetitively told himself to slow down, to calm himself before he went too far. 

Before he lost himself.

Don't kill her, please don't kill her, He repeated to himself like a mantra in his dark head. 

Serenity quietly writhed beneath the demon, allowing him free reign to feed upon her. No matter how much Christian pushed her away, she continuously insisted for him to script his fate with hers. She always found a way to get underneath his thick skin, pulling him into waters so deep that he'd eventually drown.