I circled him slowly, tracing my fingertips along his back, ribs, and stomach. His hair stood and I saw other clear signs of arousal, but I knew I could do better. I wanted him to beg - for what, I didn't yet know. He would tell me, and I would use it against him.

"Scarlet," he whispered, voice heavy with need.

I kissed his cheek.

My purpose was to serve the Ivory Kingdom. Be their sacrificial princess; enter the Other world; seduce our enemy, Rowan the Crimson King. I did all of these things. Now he would take me to the Crimson Gates and unwittingly break the banishment curse on my kingdom. My kingdom would invade his overnight. But he wasn't the monster I was told he would be. He was precious, playful, and all things good. I didn't want to betray him, but I didn't know what else to do.

18+ for sexual content
TW: mild violence; substance-induced psychosis; recovery from cult/mental abuse.

Of What is Red is created by Diana Regolizio, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Of What is Red

“Here we go again,” the Engineer muttered from the booth as we transitioned from sunset to void-black sky, white sand stretching as far as the eye could see. I forgot she had experienced the Night before. She fell here from the Other world, so it stood to reason.


She and Donovan sat in the booth with the explosive supplies stored safely atop the bed in the nook. 


I offhandedly wondered how the teen girl from Lumora was doing. The one with twin braids and dual pickaxes. 


“I never notice the effects in here,” I said. “Not when there’s other people with me. We should be fine.”


I glanced through the rearview mirror and caught Donovan sitting anxiously stiff. He’d also had experience here.


Not wanting to waste any time, I tried the radio trick to call Rowan. The Engineer stood from the booth for a closer look.


I remembered Rowan’s arms around me when we said goodbye. How he knew to bound into the bus and hold me tight before I left. 


Chapter 50: The Drive Through Night