22

His lair was a blend of shadows and dim lights, velvet dark curtains draped over the windows, as if the chamber was scared of a single beam of light. He was sitting on the imposing desk made of rich oak, lost in thought as he searched through the papers, written in cursive handwriting. The mirror was beside, and his hand itched to grab it and look at her. Just out of curiosity and malice.

The fireplace across crackled into life, casting dancing shadows across the stony walls. This room, clad in black, surrounded by tall dark bookshelves, was an embodiment of darkness, power and knowledge, with artifacts and different objects lining up the was.

But the mirror, it was taunting him. He poured himself a glass of wine, the liquid glinting in the dim light, swaying with a gracefulness that reminded him of her red hair. He leaned back, eyes falling on a particular sketch, that he grabbed and scrunched into a ball, burning it into his own hand. His fist tightened until it was nothing more than mere ashes. 

"You seem....distracted," a female voice, caramel coated said, a voice that grated on his nerves. It was the last thing he wanted to hear now. Just like any other voice that he'd hear. Or maybe, not every voice. Not hers.

He didn't even bother looking up, "I'm busy, what do you expect?" he replied, the irritation in his voice as clear as day.

"I'm here to get rid of 'Regan's friend' disguise," the woman seated on the plush chair across said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But if you're really that tense, I'll come later."

Sirius looked up from his glass, his face now a mask of calmness. He waved his hand dissmissely, washing off her 'disguise'. "Do you want anything else, Vesper?" he asked flatly.

The change in her appearance was not much drastic though. Brown hair with pink bangs, turning to a long hair in a deep shade of blue. Her face remained the same, save for the replacement of black eyeliner and red lipstick. And the S mark washed away from her neck.

"I feel like myself again," she exclaimed, taking a deep breath as she looked down at her figure.

"If there's nothing else, leave me be," he said, setting the glass on the desk with a click.

Vesper's brows furrowed, "Trying to get rid of me so fast?"

"I don't remember asking you to stay."

She stood up from the chair and walked over to his desk, leaning on her palm, "But you missed me, right? We can have some....fun together. Only me and you."

"I don't have time for that," he replied, totally unfazed by her words.

Vesper's eyes darkened slightly but she concealed with a smile, "I should go say hi to my friend then."

His jaw clenched, and he grabbed the glass again , tightening his grip there, "You're not going anywhere near her," he warned, eyes flashing dangerously. 

Vesper didn't falter, "It was a nice surprise of you to bring her there, wasn't it?"

"She's none of your concern," Sirius retorted, now more sharply, "just go to your room and stay out of my business."

"But we work together," Vesper protested, her long nails tapping on the desk.

"Working together doesn't mean you get to meddle with what's mine to deal with."

Vesper raised an eyebrow, though the flicker of frustration in her eyes was palpable, "So you're telling me she's yours to deal with?"

Sirius took a sip from his wine, his throat burning, "She's a prisoner," be said calmly, way too calmly, but his grip on the glass kept tightening, "I've said the same to your sisters. You're not here to deal with my prisoners. Got it?"

Vesper was about to speak, but a knock interrupted them. There was a girl behind, with short purple hair, dressed in a black dress, "I....apologize," she said cautiously, not stepping in, while Vesper shot her a death glare.

"It's fine," Sirius said, his hand motioning for them both to go, "Take her."

Vesper's face was red with indignation now, but she walked to the door, her eyes never leaving his.

"Hey sis," the purple haired girl said, flashing a mischievous smile once they were outside his study, "How have you been?"

But Vesper's expression was a mix of annoyance and irritation, "Get out of my way, Circe," she snapped, pushing her aside.

"Allegra's waiting for you," Circe retorted, her voice now equally annoyed. She crossed her arms.

"Allegra, huh," Vesper muttered under her breath, already stepping forward, her heels clicking against the black marble floor. They went to a hall of rooms and she stepped into one, revealing a chamber draped in luxury. A woman was sitting cross legged into the plush couch, her straight blonde hair cascading down the couch like a waterfall, a smirk on her doll face.

"Ah, the big sis is home," Allegra said, batting her long eyelashes, voice full with mockery. She was just a year younger than Vesper and a year older than Circe. "I really missed you, Ves," she added, but Vesper only glared at her.

"Save it," Vesper spat, her eyes narrowing as she began to pace impatiently, "You know he brought someone here, right?"

"Who do we owe the pleasure?" Allegra scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"If you're talking about the one in the west wing, yes we know," Circe chimed in, "Some say she's ugly, some say she's got some sort of unique beauty," much to their distress.

Vesper's gaze snapped at her, shooting her a lethal glare. "You've heard the last wrong," she said through gritted teeth.

"If you say so..." Circe played along, "by the way, do you know her? Who is she? Why is she here? Her significance is quite....strange, to be honest."

Vesper didn't answer, her eyes on her long black nails. Talking about Regan was the least thing she wanted but she had to, because she couldn't stand the fact that she was under the same roof as them.

"Nothing important. Just a prisoner," she finally replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

"A prisoner?" Allegra asked, raising an eyebrow. "Why isn't she in the dungeons then?"

"She'll soon be."

Allegra rolled her eyes, "Never mind. Looks like she's really a big deal. I'll see her myself." She rose from her seat, ignoring the other two. 

"Wait, he told us we're not allowed to the west wing...." Circe said, but Allegra had already left. 

Outside the chamber, Allegra searched for Althea, knowing she was the recent servant assigned to the new prisoner, "Where the hell have you been?" she demanded after searching for a while.

"My lady, I apologize," Althea mumbled, her eyes on the floor, "I was just doing the dishes."

"I don't care," Allegra barked. She grabbed Althea's arm, her voice quiet, "Now you're going to take to that girl in the west wing."

The servant's eyes widened, "W-what? I-I can't.....if the master finds out-"

"I'll take care of it," Allegra retorted, "Now lead me there."

She knew there wasn't any choice but to obey for now. She brought the witch to the west wing, a part of the inner quarters of the castle that was most guarded than the rest.

They walked down a dark corridor that was lit by a few oil lamps. The walls were covered by portraits of noble people and grotesque paintings.

Finally the last chamber appeared and Althea knocked twice. But Allegra barged in, her eyes scanning the room as if she was hunting for something. Regan looked at them startled.

"So.. this is....her?" Allegra asked with a scorn.

"Yes, my lady," Althea bowed quickly and left the chamber after giving Regan a sympathetic glance.

"Who the hell are you?" Allegra demanded. She looked around the chamber, taking in the fancy look again, furrowing her eyebrows. Captive? Prisoner? Why was she held here then?

Regan stared at her as well, narrowing her eyes. She didn't have scales or anything. Her skin was clean, her hair silky blonde and reached down her knees. She felt jealous for that. Her dress was short, stripped, showing her legs and cleavage, and she had a snake tattoo on her shoulder. 

"Why do you care?" Regan snapped, not liking the way this woman was looking at her. She crossed her arms, clenching her jaw. She couldn't believe it, they had abducted her here, holding her against her will and now some random woman was asking her questions. She didn't know what game they were playing.

Allegra's scowl deepened, taking a step closer. "Hey, don't you dare talk to me like that! I said who the hell are you? Why are you here?" She paused, her eyes narrowing further. "Why are you staying in this room instead of the dungeon?"

"Why don't you ask him that?" Regan retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe he'll tell you. He's the one who kidnapped me."

"You stupid redhead," Allegra snapped, "do you even know him?" she sneered, looking at Regan with disdain up and down. "You look like a slave, an ordinary low girl. He's a powerful demon, a lord! What could he possibly see in you?"

Her words hit surprisingly sharp and made Regan's blood boil hot in her veins. She was being called a slave, a low girl. She was nothing like that.

"I'm not a slave," she retored through gritted teeth, "I didn't ask to be in this hellhole. Now, you better fuck off and leave me alone. I don't have time for that crap you're saying."

"You little bitch," Allegra shot back, "you have no idea who you're messing with. I'm a witch and I can easily wipe you off!"

Regan's fists clenched, both in anger and fear. But she couldn't let her show she was scared.She had to keep up the tough front. 

"You dare call me a bitch?" she spat, taking a step forward. "I'm not afraid of you, or him. I don't care if you have powers." In that moment, Regan really hoped she had powers, that he was right when he said she was a witch. She felt so helpless and weak, but she couldn't show it.

Allegra snorted, her nostrils flaring. "You little fool," she said, taking a step closer. "I could break you in half, just like that." She snapped her fingers, and a small whirlwind formed in front of Regan, pushing her against the wall.

Regan gasped for air, feeling the wind being knocked out of her. She struggled to breathe, her heart racing. Allegra laughed, the sound cruel and mocking. She approached, gloating over her victory.

Regan pushed herself off from the wall, trying to get back her composure. She couldn't let the girl in front of her think she was weak.

"It hurts, right?" Allegra mocked, smirking evilly. "Watch your tongue, little brat," she threatened, her voice venomous. "Now, you're going to beg me for forgiveness or else, I'll make sure he tortures you for eternity."

Regan glared at her, her blue eyes flashing with anger and determination. "I'd rather die," she growled, her voice low and steady. "I'd rather-"

She didn't get to finish her sentence. The door slammed open, and there was another girl, this one in a tank top and a flowing skirt with a slit, her waist bare except for a leather belt. She didn't have any scales, and her hair was purple.

"Allegra, what the hell do you think you're doing?!"

The purple-haired girl's voice was loud and incredulous, causing Allegra to snap to attention. The anger on her face faltered for a moment before she glared at the other.

"None of your business, Circe," she snapped. "I was just teaching this little brat some manners."

Regan stared at Circe, then at Allegra, not sure what to make of the situation. She couldn't believe it. Were they his concubines? Were they all fighting for his attention? She felt a wave of nausea wash over her at the thought.

The purple-haired girl, Circe, looked restless as she reached to grab Allegra's arm. "You fool," she muttered, her voice low. "You're getting us all in trouble. He's going to be furious."

Allegra yanked her arm away, rolling her eyes, "Furious? For what? For that?" she gestured to Regan with disdain.

Circe glanced over at Regan, narrowing her eyes. Then, she looked back at Allegra, shaking her head. "He called you! He knows what you were doing. And now he's going to blame us three!"

"I don't care," Allegra snapped, folding her arms across her chest. "She deserved it. She was talking back to me."

Circe sighed, grabbing Allegra's arm forcefully and pulling her out of the room. "Come on," she muttered, "let's just go before he gets here."

Regan stood there for a moment, her heart still racing, before closing the door behind them. She ran a hand through her hair, wondering for once if they were even talking about Sirius. But he was the only one who fit the description.

Outside the room, Circe dragged Allegra down the hall, muttering under her breath. "Listen, you better explain yourself to him or....he's not in the best of moods, and you don't want to make him angry."

Allegra just rolled her eyes. "He's never in the mood," she muttered, sounding unconvinced. "Besides, she deserved it."

"Say that in his face and see what happens," Circe said, shaking her head.

He had called for Allegra, and that meant trouble for all of them. They hurried down the hall, eventually reaching a hall, pentagon in shape, with doors on each side.

"Where's Vesper?" Allegra asked.

"Probably inside with him," Circe answered, her expression betraying annoyance. "You know, that fool never misses an opportunity to be by his side." They reached one of the doors, and Circe paused, glancing around one last time before knocking. "What are you going to say?"

Allegra shrugged, "I'll tell him that slave started it." Circe sighed, shaking her head. She knocked and the door swung open, revealing a dark, grand room. Circe pushed Allegra inside first, then entered as well. 

At the far end, a throne sat empty, its crimson velvet cushions seeming to glow in the dim light. The walls were adorned with tapestries in red and gold. There, standing by the the large gothic window, was him. His hands were folded behind his back, his gaze fixed on something outside.

Vesper was seated in one of the lounges across the chamber, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she watched the two other girls squirm under Sirius's scrutiny. Her legs were crossed, and she was leaning back against the cushions, looking every bit the confident and self-assured witch that she was. 

Allegra glared at her, suspecting that she might have told Sirius. But before she could say anything, Sirius turned his piercing icy gaze on them, his expression hard and unyielding. 

"Why did you go and meet her?" he sternly demanded.

Allegra swallowed nervously before launching into her story, her voice quivering. "My lord, I don't know what Vesper told you, but that girl started it. I mean, she was just being a brat, and I just-"

"Why did you go meet her?" he repeated through gritted teeth, his tone chillingly dangerous.

Circe cleared her throat, "My lord, Allegra didn't really mean it. She was just curious because you've been acting different lately. We all want to know what's wrong." She glanced over at Vesper, who grinned smugly in response.

Sirius's expression was cold, dark and unforgiving as he looked at each of them in turn. He knew exactly what had happened. "I warned you," he said through gritted teeth, "I told you to mind your own damn place and not mess with my plans!" he growled, his voice thick with anger.

Allegra flinched under his words, her eyes darting to her sisters, hoping they'd provide some cover, "I-I....Vesper was saying she was just a prisoner, so I thought...." she trailed off, unsure, watching as Vesper's expression grew deadly.

"You're trying to blame me for your own stupidity?" Vesper spat, her voice sharp.

"Well, you're the one who gave me away, aren't you?"Allegra threw back, her orange eyes glinting in the light.

"It's hardly giving away when you're the one who's not following the orders."

"You talk about orders–"

"Silence!" Sirius thundered, his voice echoing through the chamber. The girls fell silent, their eyes wide with fear. "You," he pointed a long, accusing finger at Allegra, "stay away from Regan. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, m-my lord," she answered quietly, her gaze fixed on the floor. "But I'll ask, we are allies. Why aren't you telling us your plans?"

Sirius glared at her for a moment, his jaw clenching. He caught Vesper staring at him, making him even more irritated. "Because," he said through gritted teeth, "she's my enemy. My target. Not yours." His gaze swung back to Allegra. "And I expect you to respect that. Now, get out of my sight."

Vesper cleared her throat, trying to break the tension in the room. "Look, Sirius. We know she's your enemy, but your enemy is also ours. And you can't just expect us to not react."

Sirius sighed, getting frustrated by each passing second. His partnership with them was lame, he knew. But they were useful for now. "Listen here," he said, his voice measured and calm despite his growing irritation. "It doesn't matter how you see it. You all have to be vigilant and careful. I won't tolerate any reckless behaviour. When I say stay away, you stay away," he finished, his voice as cold as ice.

They frowned, with Vesper as well. She knew he was pissed off at this situation, but he didn't have to be so cold with them. After all, he hated Regan, like she did.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced both with mockery and uncertainty. "You're telling us to be afraid of her? You really think she's powerful?"

"She is," he countered coldly, "this doesn't need validation from you. You shall not use this mindset. Unless you want to go back to the underworld."

His words stung and Vesper could feel her anger fluttering again. She didn't like being ordered around, despite the fact that facing his wrath was scary. It wasn't like he was merciful or understanding. And deep down, she was scared of openly defying him.

"That makes no sense," she retorted, trying to keep her voice steady. "I get it, you hate her, but that's worthless. You can easily end her life."

He breathed deeply, raising a hand to rub his forehead. His mind was a whirlwind of waves under the dominion of strong currents. "I decide what's worth and what's not," Sirius ground out, his voice harsh. "Now, if you don't want to get in trouble," he pointed at the door, "Out."

Vesper looked from Sirius to Allegra, then back at the door. She didn't want to leave, but she also didn't want to anger him further. Allegra and Circe already walked out of the room, their steps heavy with annoyance and arrogance.

Vesper sighed, glaring at Sirius and then turning away with a huff. "Fine," she muttered under her breath, making her way toward the door.

They were all frustrated with him. He was always like that, gloomy, cold, stern. His stoic exterior was unnerving and his anger was part of that as well. For someone with looks as beautiful as his, he could have had an interesting love life. He could have had any girl he wanted. They all loomed around him, like little moths, wanting to get closer to his flame. But he never let them. He didn't care, he didn't want anyone. His priorities were power and authority, and nothing else.

Sirius watched as Vesper left the room, closing the door behind her. He sighed in relief, but still furious at what Allegra had done. She needs punishment, he thought. A cruel smirk formed on his lips as he began to think of ways to make her pay.

Then, he decided he'd let his general handle that. He walked over to a desk in the corner of the chamber and retrieved a communication device. It was an earplug. He placed it into his ear and activated it. "General, come in. There's an urgent matter I need you to take care of."

The general responded and then, entered Sirius's chamber. He was a man of a few words, tall and muscular, exuding an aura of command and control. The military uniform he wore had the 'S' insignia, showing who he served for. His hair was brown, slicked back, his eyes green and his skin was a healthy tan. 

"What is it that you need, my lord?" he asked, his voice calm.

Sirius looked at him, sitting down on his throne, placing his elbows on the armrests. "That witch, Allegra. She's misbehaving. Discipline her. I don't care how you do it, just make sure it's painful en