81

"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" the demon's voice was like a whip, deep and menacing, sending chills down her spine, "The fiery princess with a sword and her mother?"

Her mother's face paled, while Regan tried to remain steady. She knew he'd eventually find her, and now with her mother, he could easily use leverages. The thought made her blood boil, "What are you doing here?" Regan snarled, her voice echoing in the empty mist that now loomed around him as well, but this time painting something more terrific, more predatory. It was as if the nature of this place was drawn to his demonic aura.

"What? You didn't expect me?" Sirius replied with a smirk, taking a step forward, his dark cape flowing behind him "I admit, you're so....fascinating, firefly," he drawled, watching as Octavia's face slowly changed from confusion to a flicker of acknowledgement.

"I don't need your approval," Regan spat, her hand tightening around her mother as she guided them forward, away from Sirius's gaze.

"Dear, wait," Octavia halted, making Regan's eyes widen with confusion and a hint of anxiety. "You're him, right?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

Sirius's eyes narrowed for a second but he replied, "Yes, I am."

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"I came for what's mine."

His words, spoken with so much intensity made her heart race, but Regan didn't look at him, "Mom, come. Let's go." She pulled her mother with her, a part of her wondering why he wasn't stopping her.

"You have nowhere to go, Ylor. I've closed all of the portals," he suddenly appeared in front of them, the dark mist around him growing like an ominous testament of his power.

Regan's anger flared, "Get Out Of My Way," she spat through gritted teeth, "I'll leave how I please, with portals or not!"

"Calm down, firefly," Sirius teased, his smirk never leaving his face, "You're not in a position to make demands. And you don't even know why I'm here in the first place."

Regan took a deep breath, though it did little to calm the frustration within her, "I'm not going to be anyone's slave," she snapped, her voice tight with defiance, "And I won't let you touch my mother."

Sirius took another step closer to her, the mist enveloping him now turning even more suffocating, "Who said I want you as my slave?" he hissed, his voice coming sharp and cutting, like an invisible grip on her neck, "No, you're not that, firefly. You're much more."

"Get away from my daughter," Octavia seethed, advancing a step forward, her eyes burning with a mix of anger and protectiveness.

But the cruel glint in Sirius's eyes was still there, "I'd have it much better if I let you both remain in this hell. But I'm generous enough, Queen Octavia," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "I'm giving you both a chance and you act like I'm signing your death warranties."

"We don't need anything from you," Regan threw at him, her voice razor-sharp, taking steps away from him, from the mist that was becoming even more oppressive.

"And what about your mother? Where are you going to go, alone, in this dead land?" He gestured at the place surrounding them, a place of hell and depravation, but without the red sky.

"It's my own choice," Regan hissed, barely able to contain her anger as he followed them, "I don't need lessons from you. You threw the very woman who raised you into jail and left her root. You're no example for me."

Sirius stilled for a moment, letting her go ahead, his expression darkening, not with malice, not cruelty, "You don't know what you're talking about," he said in a growl, keeping up with them. Regan could feel her own steps turning heavier, but she didn't want to tire her mother.

"Oh I know very well. I met her, I met Agnes and she told me everything about you," she shot back, turning to look at him once, but was taken aback not just by the look on his face, but by the look on her mother's face too. It was as if she was still being kept from finding out something, and Regan couldn't shake the frustration from it.

The mention of Agnes had struck a nerve, "You don't know what you're saying," he growled, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Agnes was never my mother. She was just your father's mistress, nothing more, nothing less."

Regan froze, her pace stilling as his words slithered in her mind, her hand on her sword trembling slightly as she turned to look at them, both him, both her mother. She had never expected such thing, never heard such story. 

Her eyes met her mother's, seeking confirmation or denial, but Octavia's expression was unreadable, her jaw clenched tightly.

"Is that true?" she whispered to her mother, but Sirius didn't give them time to react.

"It's all irrelevant now," he said, his voice a mix of anger and a strange sadness. "There's no point to dwell on that."

"Was she the p-peasant w-"

"Ylor," he interrupted, a warning glint in his eyes, "Drop it.

His words hit Regan like a punch on the gut. Her mother's expression had turned somber, but she didn't say anything, "Mom," Regan said, her voice barely a whisper, eyes welling up slightly, "Don't listen at him. Let's just go." She quickened their pace again, Octavia now following suit better.

"You're not going anywhere, Ylor," Sirius called from behind, his voice cold and cutting, "You're coming with me, and that's final."

"Try me," Regan spat back, not turning to look at him, continuing forward. She had found her mother, the most important person who she had missed, who was taken away from her, and she wasn't going to let him hurt her, she'd rather get hurt herself at this point.

"Try you? With all my pleasure," Sirius chuckled darkly, and with a flick of his wrist, chains appeared from nowhere and wrapped themselves around Octavia's wrists and the ground, making her gasp and struggle in surprise. Regan's eyes widened with panic as she saw her mother's grip loosen, her heartbeat frantically rasing as she looked back and forth between her and Sirius.

This was it. She had had enough of it. "Free her. Now," Regan demanded through gritted teeth, bring the sword straight, pointing it at him, her hand not shaking, but her heart clenching at the sight of her mother helpless.

Sirius stepped closer, letting the tip of the fiery blade press on his chest, bringing up a hand to grip it tightly, and shove it away angrily. Regan's stomach twisted when she saw crimson blood dripping from his hand, which he tightened into a fist. Before she knew, he was awfully close to her, his gaze falling on the sword she was still holding. 

"Or what? You'll kill me?" he titled his head, his dark cologne filling her nostrils, voice amused by her bravado. "Go ahead, firefly. Do it."

Regan took a deep breath, her eyes to her mother, who was struggling against the chains, and back to him, who had a infuriatingly mocking smirk on his face. She tightened her grip on the sword but eye to eye, she couldn't bring herself to even tear his imperial clothes, let alone kill him.

"Come on, firefly," he taunted, "Where did you courage go?"

"Do you have a sword?" she suddenly asked, her voice steady despite the beating of her heart.

"What?"

"A sword. Do you have one?" she repeated, her gaze unwavering. "Do you know how to fight?"

Sirius's expression was unreadable, before a flicker of challenge and amusement passed through his eyes, "Of course I do, darling. How could I not have one for you?"

"Then let's see it," Regan said, her voice steady and defiant. She stepped back and held out her arm, the sword still pointed at Sirius. "Let's fight."

"Fight? With a sword?" Sirius raised an eyebrow, mockery tone to his voice, but he still found it amusing. And there was something in Regan's eyes made him pause. Something that told him she was serious.

He took a few steps back, the ice in his eyes filling with a hint of admiration. "I'd love to," he murmured, reaching to his side, pulling out a long, shining sword that had been concealed by his clothes. The blade was sharper than a razor, the hilt carved with intricate designs. Regan's heart skipped a beat as she saw it. She hadn't known he carried swords, his mantles were always hiding it it.

"Yloria, stop it," Octavia intervened, her eyes filled with concern, "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," Regan assured her. But deep down, she was scared. Sirius's behavior was unpredictable every time so she didn't know what to expect. She didn't want to die. And she didn't even know how to use a sword good. Yes, she had fought these monsters back there, but this was different. This was Sirius.

"But let's set a rule," he said, "no magic or spell used. This is going to be a fair fight. Just you and me, sword to sword." His voice was cold, his eyes turning back to calculating.

"Fine." Regan nodded, steeling herself. She was shaking with fear and adrenaline, but she couldn't back down now. She would fight him. For her mother, for everything he had taken from them.

"But what if you lie and use your magic?" she asked, not taking her eyes off him.

Sirius smirked. "Trust me for once, firefly. Now, are you ready?"

Regan rose her sword, feeling its weight and balance in her hand. She hadn't really worried about it when she had fought the guardians of the fortress but now it felt awkward and she felt his gaze piercing through her in its mockery tone. She took a step forward, readying herself for his attack.

Sirius did the same, his sword held at the ready. For a moment, neither of them moved. They circled each other, sizing each other up, searching for an opening. Regan's heart was racing, her breath coming quick. She felt like she was in a nightmare. She knew she was probably going to die and the thought made her want to scream and cry, and run away. But she couldn't. She had to stay and fight.

Suddenly, Sirius lunged forward, his sword aiming to her. Regan barely managed to block the strike, the force of it sending her stumbling back a step. She winced as the blade clashed against her sword, the sound echoing through the clearing. Sirius grinned, his breath hot on her face.

"Not bad, firefly," he mused, "but you're still no match for me." He feigned a lunge to the left, then went right, his sword dancing through the air with deadly precision. Regan struggled to keep up, her arms aching from the effort of holding the sword steady. She didn't know why the hell she was noticing that now. She parried another strike, feeling the weight of the blade threatening to pull her off balance.

"You're strong," Sirius remarked "But you're still too slow. And your form is all wrong." 

He came at her again, this time faster and harder than before. Regan felt herself starting to panic, her mind spinning as she tried to keep up with his movements. She could feel the sweat trickling down her forehead.

Just as she thought she couldn't take another strike, as she felt the hopelessness wash over her, something inside her snapped. She saw a tiny opening, a fraction of a second where Sirius's sword was slightly off balance. 

She lunged forward, her sword slashing through the air with all her strength. There was a sharp metallic clang as their blades connected, and Regan felt a surge of adrenaline course through her veins.

Sirius stumbled back, his sword arm shaking with the force of the blow. For a moment, Regan thought she might have won. But Sirius recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. He lunged forward again, this time with a newfound ferocity that took her by surprise. 

His sword slashed through the air, forcing her to retreat, step by agonizing step. She felt the ground beneath her feet giving way, her sword arm growing tired and heavy. She could hear her mother's voice, screaming her name in terror as she fought for her life.

But then, a wave of power. She felt a surge of anger and determination rise up within her, drowning out all other thoughts and feelings. She blocked Sirius' strike with a loud clash of steel, and then counterattacked with a ferocity that even surprised herself. Her sword moved like an extension of her arm, a blur of silver and black as she moved around Sirius, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground.

Sirius struggled to keep up with her, his face twisted in anger and frustration. But it was no use. He knew he couldn't go that far to hurt her. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she snapped at his sword and sent it flying away from his grasp. It clattered to the ground several feet away, the tip of the blade quivering in the dirt.

Sirius glared at her, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "You cheated," he sneered. "You didn't really win."

"I'm not the one who lost their sword," Regan retorted, her chest heavy from the exertion. "And I don't think anyone's going to argue with me about who won that fight."

She turned away from Sirius, unable to look at him any longer. Her body ached and she walked to her mother, trying to free the chains. Octavia's face was in tears but she managed a smile as Regan managed to free her. But she didn't know he was behind her until she felt the cold metal press against her neck.

"You see now, you didn't really win, princess. I'm still the one who holds your mother's life in my hands." Sirius's voice was cold and unyielding as he leaned even closer to Regan's ear. "I let you win that battle. I could have killed you, but I didn't."

"Why didn't you?" Regan said, swiftly turning to face him, feeling the sword's blade on her neck, "Why haven't you killed me already?"

Sirius smiled, his eyes piercing through hers, "Because I have other plans for you, my dear. Where would be the fun to kill you? All that beauty, all that strength... it would be a waste to simply end it." He drew the sword away from Regan's neck, stepping back as he admired her.

"Now, Princess, you are going to do exactly as I say. You're going to follow me and then I decide what happens to you both. But if you don't follow me, I'll take your mother and kill her, understand?" Sirius's voice was cold, and menacing and Regan felt the urge to slap him hard across his face. But she knew that wouldn't help anyone.

"Very well," she spat, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "free my mom, and we'll follow you."

Sirius chuckled and called a spell that made Octavia's chains disappear. "Good, now let's go."

Regan hugged her mother tightly and helped her stand up. They began to walk through the dull, grey mist. Regan couldn't help but feel the urge to go and kill him just then and there. But she knew she couldn't do it. Not with her mother's life hanging in the balance.

The further they went, the closer she held to her mom. Octavia's expression was a mix of reluctance and anger.

"Mom, I know this is bad. Really really bad. But I won't lose you," Regan whispered, her voice trembling. Octavia tightened her grip on her daughter, tears streaming down her face. They continued walking, deeper into the forest, with Sirius bringing up the rear. He seemed to be lost in thought, occasionally shooting glances back at them.

"I don't understand why he let you win," Octavia confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "What other plans does he have?"

Regan felt a shiver run down her spine. She was terrified of his plans. The only thing she didn't want was for him to use her as a concubine, or worse, a slave. She couldn't bear the thought of serving him in that way. She'd rather be his prisoner, at least he hadn't treated her badly so far. But she had to keep her mother out of this.

"I don't know, mom," she admitted, shaking her head. "But I won't let him hurt you. Even if he threatens me, I won't let him hurt you." Octavia kissed her daughter's hand, a small smile on her lips.

"What are you talking about?" He suddenly asked, whirling around to face them. Regan and Octavia jumped, startled by his sudden question.

"What is it to you, Sirius?" Regan retorted, her anger flaring up. "What do you want now? Now that we're coming with you, shut you fucking mouth and just lead the way!"

Sirius's face contorted into a sneer, and for a moment Regan thought he might attack her. But then his expression softened, and he let out an amused laugh. "Oh, you're so fiery, firefly. I admire that. It's just that I'm curious." He paused, taking a step closer to her.

"Stay away from us, you monster!" Octavia shouted, her voice trembling with anger, "I know very what your plans with my daughter are!"

Sirius stopped in his tracks, a surprised expression on his face. "Oh, really?" He said slowly. "And what do you think I plan to do with her, my dear?" He turned to Regan, a smirk across his face.

Regan tightened her grip on her cloak, feeling a shiver run down her spine. Octavia on the other hand was glaring at him with fierce determination. "You want to make her your pet, your slave! You want to make her yours! I won't let you do that to my daughter! I won't let you ruin her life!"

Sirius's smirk widened into a smile as he listened to Octavia. "Ah, such a protective mother," he mused. "Very touching. But let me tell you, Princess," he said as he turned to Regan, "I don't intend to make you my slave or my pet. I have a collection of these and I have no desire to add another one to it. No, I have something much more... special in mind for her." He looked at Regan, her expression unreadable.

"Keep your plans for yourself. I'm not part of them, and I won't let you hurt any of us," Regan hissed, clenching her sword tightly.

Sirius laughed, a genuine sound of amusement. "Oh, Ylor. You really know how to twist things, don't you?" He took another step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I see myself in you, you know. We're not so different, you and I."

Octavia shoved him roughly away from her daughter, her anger flaring. "Now, you listen here, you fool! You stay away from Ylor! You keep your hands to yourself! You don't get to decide what happens to her! Not after what you've done to us!"

Sirius raised his hands in a placating gesture, a small smile playing on his lips. "My, my, my. Calm down, your highness. I meant no harm. I only wanted to explain myself." He turned back to Regan, his expression softening. "You see, Ylor, you're a beautiful, passionate girl. And you're also intelligent and resourceful. I won't let that go to waste. I won't let you go away from me again."

Regan's anger flared, her veins burning with the need to defend herself and her mother, but also with the fact she felt her heart flutter at his words, filling up with a sense of warmth, "You don't get to decide what I am!" she spat at him, "You better stay the fuck away from me and my mother!" She took a step back, but Sirius's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, yanking her close.

"Listen here, Princess," Sirius hissed, lowering his head down to her, "I've had enough with these cat and mouse games. I've had enough with these useless chases. You're coming with me, whether you like it or not. And your mother will also come wherever you go, because I have no intention of separating the two of you." His voice softened, and he released her wrist, taking a step back. "Now, let's go. There's no point in fighting it any longer."

Regan's heart raced both in confusion and anger. She glanced at her mother, who's expression was a mixture of determination and desperation, but the strength in her mother's stare was obvious.

Sirius led the way, not bothering to hide his smirk of satisfaction. He knew he wasn't going to let her go. Even if she hated him to death he would never give up on her.

Octavia kept her suspicious gaze on his back, her teeth gritting in anger. Regan could see her mother's anger, mirroring her own. She hated the situation they were in and it was exhausting. It was always the same, she escaped, he found her again. She didn't know if there was an end to this.

"Where are you taking us?" she asked. She knew too well where he was taking them but she couldn't help herself.

Sirius glanced over his shoulder at her, a half-smile playing on his lips. "To hell," he scoffed.

Regan was going to snap back but her mother held her by shoulder, her grip tight. "Don't," Octavia whispered, "don't give him the satisfaction."

They walked in silence for a while, the heavy gas smell making Regan throw up. But she hadn't eaten for long so she didn't have what to throw up. Her mother was shivering, her knees nearly giving in. He threw words on their way, demanding a response from Regan, but she kept her silence, refusing to give him the satisfaction. It was obv

ious that he was enjoying himself. He had always enjoyed her reactions.