Chapter 25: An Apology

After Jasper returned from visiting Asmodeus, he sensed Velrith's presence in her room. Curious but not particularly concerned, he went to check on her. He found Velrith sitting by the window, staring out into the distance.

"Velrith," he called out, sounded nonchalant. "Still upset?"

She didn't turn to face him. "What do you want, Jasper?"

He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "Just checking in. You seemed pretty mad earlier."

Velrith turned and looked at Jasper, her eyes full of anger and hurt. "You have no idea, do you? Just leave me alone."

Jasper shrugged, not wanting to push her further. "Fine. If that's what you want." He left the room, thinking why she is acting like this.

Meanwhile, Raven had already left the castle without a word, heading back to her family in the Dark Elves' forest. Jasper, barely noticed her absence at that time...

Jasper first returned to the television room, saw the state of the television, and said, "Oh, right, that whole adventure was to find a repairman..."

Then he went back to the alchemy room. A body of a man that died weeks ago was there, and he had injected his own blood into it. He then tested some liquids, observing their reactions one by one, and began his experiments...

He didn't leave the room for a few days, hoping he had finally achieved something proper. Despite being dead, the man's body color looked vivid. His eye color had turned red.

Jasper murmured, "The soul... how can I produce a soul from scratch? If I remember correctly, there was an ancient spell for this..."

After pacing back and forth for a while, he pondered, "Even if I could give him a soul, what would happen to it after he dies again? Would it come back to me... Can I give him without a soul? If I could, would he be an intelligent being. Put aside, if I am successful, what will happen to him after his life is over? Will he go to heaven or hell or will he see just black or darkness? To die without a soul means to be nothing, but what is nothing? Isn't a black or darkness even a thing? Ahh, I feel like I'm having a teenage crisis again but for the experiments this time..."

Jasper was overwhelmed by the endless questions running through his mind and, with a sigh, thought about going to Velrith to relax. But then he remembered that she wasn't in a good mood when he last left her..

Even though she wasn't in a good mood, he decided to check on Velrith. He sensed her still in the same room, just as she had been for the last couple days. He walked to her room and knocked on the door before entering.

Velrith looked up but quickly turned away, clearly still upset. "What do you want now, Jasper?"

"Just checking in," he said, trying to sound casual. "You've been in there for a while."

Velrith's voice was cold. "I told you to leave me alone."

Jasper felt a twinge of something—was it guilt? He wasn't sure, maybe he was just upset not to able get what he wanted, but he decided not to push her further. "Alright, if that's what you want." He turned and left, feeling the weight of her words a bit more this time

After a few days of alchemy experiments and endless questions about the nature of souls, Jasper decided it was time to seek advice from Asmodeus. He hoped his old friend might offer some insights or at least provide a distraction.

As Jasper entered the throne room, he saw Asmodeus engaged in another dramatic battle with a group of adventurers. Asmodeus was making grand gestures and delivering over-the-top speeches, clearly enjoying himself.

Jasper sighed, "Again?"

Asmodeus, hearing Jasper, turned with a flourish. "Again to you! It's only been a couple of days, and you're interrupting me again. Get an appointment next time."

"Oh, do I need an appointment to see my best friend? I feel heartbroken, Asmodeus. You value that roleplaying thing more than your ancient friend," Jasper replied with mock sadness.

The adventurer group, clearly confused and feeling ignored, saw an opportunity. One of them shouted, "Come back to your senses! This is our chance!"

They charged at Asmodeus, who effortlessly knocked them out with a single, casual swipe. "Okay, what's the problem?" Asmodeus asked, turning his attention back to Jasper.

Jasper smirked, "Finally. Let's talk."

Asmodeus gestured for Jasper to follow him to a more private room. They walked through the ornate hallways until they reached a smaller, cozier room. Asmodeus settled into a large, comfortable chair, looking every bit the part of a demon king-turned-psychologist. Jasper sat across from him on a couch, the scene resembling a therapy session.

Asmodeus leaned back, folding his hands together. "Alright, Jasper. What's been bothering you?"

Jasper sighed dramatically. "I don't know why I'm living, man."

Asmodeus's eyes widened. "What?!"

Jasper continued, "I mean, what's the point of it all, you know?"

Asmodeus looked incredulous. "Are you seriously asking that?"

Jasper smirked, "No, I just felt like that was the right thing to ask in this situation."

Asmodeus rolled his eyes. "Okay, what are you actually going to ask?"

Jasper sighed, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "It's about Velrith, she is a succubus and since you are pretty knowledgeable about demon species. I thought you could give me an answer."

Asmodeus nodded thoughtfully, maintaining his serious demeanor despite the playful glint in his eyes. "I'm listening. Ask me anything"

Jasper hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it possible for a succubus to feel something towards someone?"

Asmodeus raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Of course, it's possible."

Jasper didn't expect a quick answer. "Aren't they supposed to manipulate their prey's emotions and suck the life force out of them? I didn't know they could actually feel something."

Asmodeus chuckled. "Yes, that's basically what they do. But they can fall in love under certain circumstances."

"What kind of circumstances?" Jasper asked, curiosity piqued.

"I mean, if they are able to have a long-term relationship with a single person, it's possible," Asmodeus explained.

Jasper looked confused. "Isn't that the same for everybody?"

Asmodeus nodded. "Indeed it is. The thing that makes succubus different is that their partners usually don't live long enough to develop any relationship. But in your case, I don't think any succubus in the world actually would able to kill you."

"So she's basically not different than other races for me?" Jasper asked.

Asmodeus shook his head. "Not exactly."

"What else?" Jasper pressed.

Asmodeus sighed. "If they stick to only one person for long time, they might actually go crazy for that person. They can become really violent and obsessive."

Jasper thought about it. "She wasn't violent at all. She looked... upset, I'd say."

Asmodeus shrugged. "I'm not a succubus expert. I'm just telling you what I know."

Jasper nodded, feeling a bit bad for how he had considered Velrith. "Thanks, Asmodeus. I appreciate it."

Asmodeus gave him a knowing smile. "Anytime, Jasper. Anytime... but next time get a fucking appointment!"

"Alright, I'll try to remember that" said Jasper as he stood up and snapped his fingers.

Jasper teleported back to his castle, his mind heavy with the conversation he'd just had with Asmodeus. As he walked through the familiar hallways towards Velrith's room, he recalled his chess game with Asmodeus and mumbled to himself, "I guess in bed, just like in war, you have to pay the price for your mistakes..." He stopped briefly, struggling to finish the sentence. Finally, the words came out of his mouth, "I, Jasper shaw, the great alchemist... will apologize."

He reached Velrith's door and knocked softly before entering. She was still sitting by the window, her back to him.

"Velrith," he began tentatively, "I'm sorry."

She didn't respond, continuing to stare out the window.

Jasper took a deep breath and continued, "I'm really sorry for not taking you seriously and thinking of you as just a toy without emotions. That was wrong of me. I'll take you more seriously from now on."

Velrith turned slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She stood up and walked toward him, her expression a mix of relief and anger.

Jasper continued, his voice softening, "You make me feel relaxed and happy when I'm exhausted or feeling empty. I'm sorry I didn't realize that sooner, but I need you, Velrith"

After a moment, her demeanor softened slightly. ''Do you mean it?'' she asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes," Jasper replied sincerely. "I mean it."

Velrith's eyes lit up with a mix of relief and anger. She stood up and walked toward him, her expression intense. "I thought you had forgotten about me... Why did it take you days to come and say those words?"

Jasper stepped closer, looking into her eyes. "I'm slow to catch on, I'm sorry." He gently pulled her into a hug, holding her close.

Velrith's intense expression gradually softened, a sly smile beginning to play on her lips. Her demeanor shifted as she embraced her succubus nature.

She took a step back, her eyes glinting with a lustful hunger. Her voice became husky and provocative, "You took your time, Jasper. Did you miss me?" She ran a finger down his chest, her touch lingering seductively. "I want you now, Jasper. I want you all to myself."

Jasper did not expect that sudden change. He looked at her, slightly taken aback. "All to yourself?"

Velrith nodded, her smile growing wider as she leaned on his chest, looking up into his eyes. "Yes, you are mine today," she purred. "And I want to lead Jasper"

For a brief moment, Jasper considered her words, feeling a mix of emotions. He thought to himself, "She wants to lead again? I don't like being controlled but since it's just for today, why not?"

He smiled down at her, his hands gently resting on her back. "Yes, Velrith. I'm yours."

Velrith started touching him, her hand moving with purpose. She skipped his chest entirely, her touch both demanding and enticing. "You'll take me on a date, right, Jasper?" she asked, her voice a mix of command and plea, as her fingers confidently grasped him.

"Date?" Jasper repeated, a bit taken aback.

Velrith pushed him onto the bed, quickly straddling him. She began to rub against him, her movements teasing and deliberate. "You said you'll take me seriously from now on, didn't you?" she purred, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his heart race.

Jasper nodded, his breath catching as she continued to move against him. "Yes, I did," he managed to say, his voice thick with emotion and desire.

Velrith's smile was both seductive and satisfied. "Good," she whispered, leaning down to kiss him deeply, her lips and body communicating a hunger that made Jasper's head spin.

She took control, her hands exploring his body with confident, assertive touches. Jasper responded eagerly, his hands roaming over her back and sides, but she quickly pinned his wrists above his head, her grip firm and unyielding.

"You're mine today," she murmured, her breath hot against his ear, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Jasper's heart pounded in his chest as he nodded again. "Right, I...am," he agreed, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Her lips found his once more, the kiss deepening with each passing second. Velrith's movements were fluid and dominant, her touch both possessive and tender as she trailed kisses down his neck.

"Ahh," Jasper gasped as Velrith's lips found a sensitive spot on his neck. Her hands roamed lower, eliciting a low groan from him. "Nnnngh," he couldn't help but let out as she moved against him, her body pressing down firmly. His eyes widened embarrassed by his own reaction, he thought, 'I can't believe, did I just... Do I really like this that much?' and he stopped moaning.

"Mmmm," Velrith moaned, her hips grinding against him. She was relentless, her kisses growing more intense as she felt him respond to her every touch. "Hmmm, yes," she whispered, her voice thick with desire. "So, you like it?" she teased, but Jasper bit his lips to not respond, his breath catching as she continued to move against him.

Jasper's hands fumbled with the fabric of her clothing, desperate to feel her skin against his. "Can we please start?" he whispered, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Velrith smiled against his lips, her movements becoming even more deliberate.

"Sure" Velrith responded, her voice a husky whisper. Jasper could only comply, his hands exploring her body with a mix of urgency and reverence.

They undressed each other with a sense of urgency and passion, their hands and lips never stopping. Velrith whimpered, her touch becoming more fevered as they continued.

"You're mine," she murmured again, her voice a sultry promise. Jasper's breath hitched, his hands gripping her hips as she continued to move against him.

Their foreplay was intense and unrelenting, both lost in a whirlwind of desire and need. "Yes, Velrith," Jasper whispered, his voice filled with both submission and longing.

They spent the entire day together, lost in each other's embrace, their passion culminating in an intimacy that left no doubt about their connection...