Chapter 10: The Abyss Stirs

Lucian strode down the dimly lit corridors of the Ashford estate, his mind tangled with the weight of revelations.

A vessel for the abyss? A cursed bloodline?

His fingers clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms. No. I refuse to be controlled.

He had already defied fate—summoning fairies instead of abyssal horrors. That meant there was a way out. He just had to find it.

The flickering glow of torches cast restless shadows along the marble floor, but the real heat came from within him—the burning pulse of the mark that had been revealed during the noble gathering. It still glowed faintly, as if whispering secrets into his veins.

Something was watching.

Something was waiting.

Tch. Let it wait. I have things to do.

Lucian turned a corner and froze.

Leaning against the wall, bathed in silver moonlight, was Nyx.

Her crimson eyes gleamed like molten rubies, her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. Her black dress clung tightly to her curvaceous figure, the slit running dangerously high, exposing the smooth curve of her thigh.

Behind her, Sylphira hovered with her usual air of grace, her translucent wings shimmering softly, while Lys lounged lazily against the opposite wall, her arms folded under her ample chest, amusement dancing in her violet eyes.

The three fairies had been waiting for him.

Nyx was the first to speak, her voice dripping with playfulness. "Took you long enough, darling."

Lucian exhaled sharply. "You all knew something, didn't you?"

Nyx chuckled, her fangs peeking out as she stepped closer, invading his space with predatory ease. "Of course we did." She lifted a hand and traced a cold finger down his chest, right over the glowing mark. The sensation sent a shiver through him—not of fear, but something else.

Sylphira's lips curled into a knowing smile. "We weren't hiding anything from you. But sometimes, truths are better discovered on your own."

Lys stretched her arms, arching her back in a way that was entirely distracting. "Though, to be fair, your uncle was a bit dramatic. 'You were never meant to summon fairies, Lucian!'" She mimicked Varian's deep voice mockingly. "Seriously, does that man practice in front of a mirror?"

Lucian sighed, rubbing his temples. "So tell me then—what exactly am I dealing with?"

Nyx's lips curled as she leaned even closer, her breath teasing against his ear. "You're not just an Ashford, Lucian," she whispered, her voice sultry and knowing. "You're the first in centuries to break the chains on the abyss."

Sylphira circled behind him, her delicate fingers ghosting over his shoulders. "That mark… it's not just a curse," she murmured. "It's also a key."

Lys smirked. "And someone—or something—is waiting for you to open the door."

Lucian tensed. "So, I was supposed to summon abyssal creatures?"

Nyx chuckled, her fingers sliding lower, teasing the hem of his shirt. "Oh no, dear. You were supposed to be their prison."

Lys grinned. "But instead, you summoned us."

Lucian's breath hitched. "And what does that mean?"

Nyx tilted her head, her fingers grazing against his bare skin. "That, darling, is what makes you special."

A silence stretched between them.

The air felt thicker.

Hotter.

Sylphira's hands were still on his shoulders, but now she was leaning in, her soft lips dangerously close to his ear.

"You're different, Lucian." Her voice was a breath of silk. "You don't belong to the abyss."

Lys closed the distance, her fingers trailing down his chest with playful slowness. "But that mark? It means the abyss still wants you."

Lucian exhaled, his heart pounding. The warmth of three bodies pressing closer, the scent of exotic perfume and magic filling his senses—it was intoxicating.

Nyx's lips brushed his jawline.

Sylphira's fingernails raked softly down his arms.

Lys's fingers traced his abdomen, mischief in her violet eyes.

"You don't need to fight alone," Nyx whispered, her fangs grazing his skin.

Lucian's breath came shaky, his resolve wavering. He could feel the magic humming between them—the bond that tied them together, pulsing with undeniable tension.

Sylphira's lips hovered over his neck.

Lys's fingers dipped lower.

Nyx's voice was a purr of promise.

"We're yours, Lucian."

And in that moment, for the first time since awakening his powers—Lucian felt truly powerful.

The air grew heated, the tension in the hallway thick like charged magic.

Nyx was the boldest, pressing herself against him, her lips dangerously close to his. "Darling… you're overthinking things again."

Sylphira sighed, leaning in from behind, her arms snaking around his waist. "You always do."

Lys's playful smirk deepened as she slid a hand up his chest, her nails dragging slightly over his skin. "Maybe you need a distraction?"

Lucian gulped.

They were too close.

Their breath, their warmth, the teasing glint in their eyes—it was too much.

Before he could speak, Nyx tilted her head and pressed a soft, cool kiss to the side of his neck.

Lucian stiffened.

His entire body reacted instantly, a shudder running through him as her lips lingered, soft yet firm. A teasing nip from her fangs followed, sending a jolt of something dangerous down his spine.

"Nyx," he warned, voice strained.

She only chuckled, pulling back slightly. "What? You don't like it?"

Sylphira nuzzled against his other side, her voice silky and mischievous. "Or maybe you liked it too much?"

Lys giggled, her fingers dipping lower, tracing patterns just above his belt. "Our master is so fun to tease."

Lucian gritted his teeth. This wasn't fair. Three stunningly beautiful fairies, each with their own charm, each pressing against him, teasing him with whispers and touches.

The heat in his core surged.

Damn it.

This was not what he needed to focus on right now.

But with three fairies, their soft hands, warm breath, and wicked smiles—

Focusing was proving to be very, very difficult.

Nyx leaned in again, her lips a whisper away. "Tell us, darling…"

Sylphira giggled, pressing closer.

Lys's fingers slipped under his shirt, teasing the skin beneath.

"...Do you want us to stop?"

Lucian's breath hitched.

His body screamed one answer.

But his mind…

It was dangerously close to losing.