No Turning Back: Part II

Reagan pressed Annabella against the wall, a question haunting her thoughts: "Could this petite girl be the same woman who had captivated her desires all day?"

She was jolted from her reverie by Annabella's urgent command: "Reagan, stop this... now!"

Reagan's grin widened as Annabella resisted, and gazing into her irritated eyes, she said, "The gods have answered my prayers by bringing you here! What a fortunate coincidence!"

Annabella resisted with even greater force as she felt Reagan pressing her body against hers, exclaiming, "You must be truly desperate to risk destroying us both! This is no trivial matter!"

Reagan spoke with rising anger and lust : "You should be the one to stop playing games. I'm not going to flee from the situation as you proposed! The fact that you're here proves there's no turning back from our actions."

Annabella responded with anger, shoving Reagan away: "This is not the work of the gods. It's simply... none of your business! I have everything under control."

Reagan grabbed Annabella's waist tighter, making her moan quietly, and said: "What have you got under control?"

Annabella responded in a gentler tone, cradling Rea's cheeks in her hands, "Let it go! Just follow my instructions and everything will be alright. You've made me yours, a fact I'll cherish every day of my life... and if you can be a bit patient with me, I'll figure out a way for us to be together although temporarily."

Reagan pulled her in for a kiss that seemed to last forever, and it was incredible! Annabella, who had not originally been eager to give in to the kiss, seemed to be enjoying it more. She knew she had to put an end to this when Reagan's hands started to roam her sweet spots a little too much, prompting sensual moans out of her that somehow encouraged an already aroused Reagan to go further. But Reagan was a smart girl and managed to sit Annabella on a ceremonial table standing between her thighs and holding her wrists behind her back.

Annabella was trying to free herself but she couldn't stop moaning with delight as Reagan kissed her neck and slowly unbuttoned her shirt.

"Reagan... Rea... listen... please let me go. Don't make me regret giving you my virtue. Don't dishonour me!"

Reagan was moved by these words and gave her a loving hug, breathing in her intoxicating scent. She said, "Oh, that wasn't my intention at all! Please forgive me for being impatient. I was so excited, I just couldn't help myself!"

Reagan turned away from Annabella to take a moment to compose herself, allowing Annabella to do the same. 

Annabella gave Reagan a hug from behind and whispered, "I can't wait to read your letters, my love!"

Reagan nodded excitedly, but before she could say anything, Annabella was already making her way out of the temple. Reagan sat down in the dark corner and started chanting the fertility spell her grandma had taught her. She knew it wouldn't work, but she had to try. Thanks to her hunter's senses, she could still hear Annabella's heartbeat in her surroundings. She feared what she would do to her if they met again in the forest. 

In the Empire's Palace of Justice, the privy council convened for a meeting. George was seated beside Charles, surrounded by fellow members of the life mages' nobility. Opposite them, Dvark took his place next to his uncle, Alixus, flanked by the other members of the ruling nobility. The final two seats were reserved for the ruling elite of Sagans, Salvador Mondego and Raymond Redington. 

Raymond rose to his feet and said warmly, "We are honored that you have responded to our call for help today."

George offered a courteous nod, while Dvark remained impassive and disinterested.

Raymond, though aware, maintained his composure as he spoke: "We are thankful for your substantial support in building dams, providing protection runes, and arming us against the creatures of the night and renegade mages. Nevertheless, we request a reduction in taxes. Our tributes have been consistent, but the additional taxes are now hindering our economic growth."

Alixus spoke with disdain, "Peasants... the audacity to stand before us, your mages and challenge the wisdom of our taxes! Without our aid, your civilization would have perished in that barren land, becoming nothing but fodder for the beasts. 

Raymond, filled with fear, pleaded, "Forgive me, my lord, that was not my intention... I..."

Salvador stood up and interjected, "True, we may be peasants, but it is our hard work that creates your wealth."

Alixus was seething with fury, on the verge of invoking a lethal spell that could doom them both, when George interjected in a tone both commanding and whimsical, "Charles, my son, have my senses grown dull, or do I detect the summoning of a death spell in this hallowed place?"

Charles, gazing intently at Alixus, declared, "Father, your perception is unparalleled. Yet, there must be an error, for no one would dare shed blood in the grandeur of your presence within this neutral domain, as such a transgression can only be reconciled with blood."

George, holding his chin, responded, "I will overlook this act of bravado since you are new here, but never forget your place."

Dvark responded, unleashing a murderous aura that enveloped Redington and Mondego, causing them to fall to their knees: "Well said, my lord! We must not forget our positions within this council. This principle is especially true for you, Sagans. Bear in mind that your survival hinges entirely on your ability to remain scarce." 

Redington, who was choking severely, quickly responded, "Yes, My Lord!"

Salvador attempted to resist, but the overwhelming power compelled him to utter, "Forgive me, Lord Alixus. I spoke out of turn"

Before releasing them, Dvark held on a moment longer, gazing at them as though their lives were inconsequential, mere insects. He let go not out of concern for their fading lives, but because their demise would sully the floor. George could do nothing but observe; he was equal to Dvark in power and status, and he dared not provoke his ire. Once released, he motioned for the guards to assist them to their feet and offer refreshments. After a short pause, they signaled to George that the meeting could continue.

George then assumed control of the meeting, declaring, "My lords, it has come to my attention that the proposed tax increase is entirely unjustified. It appears to be less about fiscal needs and more akin to a personal vendetta between life and death mages, who resolve their disputes by penalizing sagans aligned with one faction or another. I propose that the taxes already collected remain as such but the future taxes go back to their normal rate."

Alixus was on the verge of interrupting when Dvark responded indifferently, "This arrangement suits me. I would despise the necessity of engaging in a civil war with the Sagans. It would be not only a waste of time but also a squandering of my forces and resources. Mages battling peasants is a war to be ashamed of. I do not wish to be remembered by history for such a petty act."

The meeting concluded positively, and afterwards, George was confronted by Alixus, who spoke with malice: "I've heard your protégé is taking the final year exam. Never in my life did I expect to see a life mage, let alone their leader, sponsor a stone. Aren't there any orphans in need of assistance in your realm?"

Charles responded with annoyance, "The powerful have the right to perform charity wherever they see fit. I'm eager to see how Yennifer fares. I've heard she's quite the unruly one."

Dvark entered the conversation and remarked whimsically, "I am more concerned for the instructors who will be testing her than for her own safety." 

George gave a polite chuckle, exchanged a grateful glance as he shook hands with Dvark, and then left with his entourage.

Charles noticed that and later remarked, "I hope you're not getting too soft with the old man."

Dvark responded with nonchalance, "I refrained from interjecting for the same reason you chose silence. Your father was correct. Consider the numbers! Annually, each family produces fewer qualified mages than the year before. Our ranks are dwindling. Meanwhile, the Sagans have multiplied rapidly, akin to rabbits."

Charles smirked and remarked cynically, "The thought of an insurgency excites you nearly as much as it excites me. The massacre would be... unspeakable."

Dvark grinned with a bloodthirsty gleam in his eye and said, "It's nothing but cattle control! They wouldn't dare, as they can sense, deep down, that's exactly what we desire."

Charles sighed and remarked, "Well, let's watch and see. As for the final year exam, everything is proceeding as planned." 

Dvark whispered as he shook Charles' hand:" How does it feel to be so close to killing your child and ending your misery?"

Charles replied:" It has never felt better!!"

Dvark nodded and left with his guards. 

Like and Subscribe