chapter 7(a)

The Island's Lullaby

The island sprawled before them like a fever dream-lush jungles, jagged cliffs, and beaches of black sand that shimmered under the noon sun. Caden stood at the edge of the villa's porch, arms crossed, his gaze locked on Selene as she twirled a hibiscus between her claws.

"We're not touring the cellar," he said flatly.

Chloe nodded, though her eyes flickered to the villa's shadowed basement door. "We'll pass."

"Island included too, we're going nowhere," said Caden .

Selene pouted. "Spoilsports."

Angus stepped forward, his voice uncharacteristically firm. "Caden-a word?"

The two men moved to the far end of the porch, the ocean roaring below. Angus's composure cracked, his hands trembling. "Please. If we tour the island... if *you're* there... maybe I can breathe for once. She's-*I can't*-" Caden gave a puzzled look.

"Turn me," he begged, his eyes wild. "Make me a vampire. I can't-*I can't keep living like this*."

Caden's gaze hardened. "You think immortality would free you? A succubus's tongue could bring a god to his knees, Angus. You'd crave her *more*. Her scent would haunt you, her touch would scorch you, and you'd spend eternity starving for a demon who'll never love you back."

Angus gripped Caden's arm, desperation cracking his voice. "But I'd be *stronger*. I could fight her-"

"You'd be a slave to two hungers instead of one," Caden interrupted, peeling Angus's fingers off him. "Survive this. Or don't. But don't drag me into your hell."

Angus staggered back, his face crumbling. "You're a coward."

Caden turned away. "And you're a fool."

Angus sagged against the railing. "Then what do I do?"

"Survive." Caden clasped his shoulder. "Or don't."

The girls

Chloe stood rooted to her spot , her phone clutched tightly in her hands. She swiped aimlessly through the screen, pretending to scroll through apps she knew wouldn't load.

Selene leaned against the doorway, her crimson lips curling into a sly smile. "You know there's no service here, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "This island is a world of its own. No distractions, no escape."

Chloe didn't look up. "I'm fine," she said curtly, her tone clipped.

Selene's tail flicked lazily behind her as she stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "Are you, though? You've been awfully quiet since we arrived. Something on your mind?"

Chloe ignored her, her fingers tightening around her phone.

Selene's smile widened. "Oh, I see. Playing the strong, silent type. How... *adorable*."

In a flash, Selene's hand shot out, snatching the phone from Chloe's grasp. Her fingers brushed Chloe's in a way that was far too deliberate, lingering a moment too long. Chloe's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing with anger and embarrassment.

"Give that back!" she snapped, reaching for the phone.

Selene held it just out of reach, her tail curling around Chloe's wrist to pin it to the armrest. "Relax, darling. I'm just curious. What's so important that you'd rather stare at a blank screen than talk to me?"

Chloe glared at her, but Selene's gaze was already scanning her-not just her face, but her body, her posture, the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. It was invasive, predatory, and Chloe felt a shiver crawl up her spine.

"You're tense," Selene murmured, her voice low and sultry. She leaned in, her free hand brushing a strand of hair from Chloe's face. "So much tension in such a delicate frame. Let me help you with that."

Her fingers trailed down Chloe's arm, her touch light but deliberate. Chloe stiffened, her breath hitching as Selene's claws grazed her collarbone.

"Stop it," Chloe said, her voice trembling.

Selene ignored her, her tail tightening around Chloe's wrist as she leaned closer. "You're so... *fragile*. Like a little lamb lost in the woods. Do you know what happens to lambs in the woods, darling?"

"Please ..." started Chloe before Selene placed a finger on her lips quieting her down.

Selene's laugh was a blade. "Oh, little lamb. Show the wolves you don't know your own flock, and they'll devour the shepherd *first*."

Her fingers trailed up Chloe's arm, lingering on the pulse at her wrist. Chloe jerked back, but Selene pressed closer, her claws skimming the neckline of Chloe's shirt. "Relax. I don't bite... much."

Chloe's breath hitched as Selene's eyes glowed, amber spirals pulling her into a trance. "You're... beautiful," Chloe murmured, her voice hollow.

"Aren't I?" Selene whispered, her lips inches from Chloe's. "But not as beautiful as *you*."

Chloe's hand rose, trembling, to brush Selene's cheek. The succubus smirked, her tail coiling around Chloe's waist-

Chloe's heart pounded as Selene's face hovered inches from hers. The succubus's eyes glowed faintly, amber spirals pulling Chloe into a trance.

"You have... the most beautiful eyes," Chloe murmured, her voice hollow, her resistance crumbling under Selene's hypnotic gaze.

Selene's lips curved into a wicked smile. "And you have a death wish," she whispered, her breath warm against Chloe's skin.

Chloe's hand rose, trembling, to brush Selene's cheek. The succubus smirked, her tail coiling tighter around Chloe's waist as she leaned in-

The door slammed open.

"Get. Away. From. Her."

Caden's voice cracked like thunder. Caden lunged to catch Chloe as she swayed, her eyes dazed.

"Whose... beautiful stranger...?" Chloe slurred, her fingers grazing Caden's chest. "I want *you*."

Angus whirled on Selene. "What the hell did you do?!"

Selene shrugged, her tail retreating. "A taste of truth. It'll wear off." She leaned into Caden's space, her breath icy. "But remember-no one's safe around me. Not even *you* ,now follow me ," she said in a commanding yet persuasive tone laced with seduction and hypnosis, Caden looked away from her eyes, he knew what power she held,he had that charm too but a collision would cause something worse.

They followed Selene behind slowly Angus drawn to her thighs which seemed to have a control over his breathing rhythm. Chloe was still in a trance cradled in Caden's arms trying hard to kiss and romance Caden who was trying to get her to relax.

Selene led them into the jungle, her tail slicing through vines as the group followed. The air thickened with the scent of orchids and decay.

"Stay close, little lambs," Selene called over her shoulder. "The island's hungry."

Chloe stumbled, her hand finding Caden's. "Why does she keep calling us that?" *and why does she have a tail*She asked herself the second part.

"Because she's right," Caden muttered. "We're all prey here."

Above, the canopy swallowed the sun.