Chapter 10: Every Inch

Joshua woke up just before dawn. His body felt heavy, yet oddly warm, as though an ember burned within his core. He blinked groggily, his vision adjusting to the dim glow of the nearby fireplace. The scent of smoldering wood mixed with something faintly sweet lingered in the air.

His gaze landed on Maydee. She was sitting cross-legged near the fire, her eyes closed, her body faintly glowing with an ethereal light. Thin wisps of blue energy trailed around her, as if the air itself bent to her presence.

Joshua remained still, watching in silent fascination. There was something entrancing about her form—the way the glow danced across her smooth skin, how the energy pulsed rhythmically like a heartbeat.

Suddenly, as if sensing his stare, Maydee opened her eyes. The glow dissipated instantly, and the energy surrounding her faded into the darkness.

"How do you feel?" she asked, her voice calm yet laced with authority.

Joshua groaned, stretching his aching limbs. "Like shit," he muttered before quickly correcting himself. "I mean, I don't feel so good, Master."

Maydee smirked. "Good."

Joshua frowned. "Good? What part of that is—"

"You have been asleep for four days," Maydee interrupted. She rose gracefully, walking toward him with measured steps. "I watched over you during that time, and I have to say… you are not ordinary."

Joshua swallowed. "What do you mean by that?"

"You will find out soon enough." She waved off his concern. "For now, get up. Eat. Then we will continue with the ritual."

Joshua stiffened. "Wait—there's more?"

Maydee shot him an amused look. "Of course. That was merely the beginning."

Before he could process her words, Maydee reached for the clasp of her tunic and, without hesitation, undressed before him.

Joshua froze.

The firelight illuminated her smooth, flawless skin, accentuating the curves of her toned body. She was beautiful—an otherworldly kind of beauty that felt almost divine. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, barely covering the intricate lines that ran across her flesh.

His breath hitched when he noticed them. Lines—similar to what she had carved into his back—etched into her skin like an intricate masterpiece, stretching from her shoulders down to her thighs.

"Wh-what…?" Joshua stammered, tearing his gaze away.

Maydee chuckled. "Am I not pleasing to look at?"

Joshua clenched his jaw. "Master… please don't tease me."

"Hmm," Maydee hummed before slipping on a fresh robe. "Come. Let's eat."

Joshua let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and quickly followed her outside.

They sat in the open dining space, where a feast had been prepared. The aroma of freshly roasted meat filled the air, making Joshua's stomach growl. There were thick cuts of sizzling meat, fragrant herb-laced vegetables, and a dark, rich broth that gave off an earthy scent. The food looked divine, unlike anything he had ever eaten before.

Joshua hesitated at first, but the moment he took a bite, his taste buds exploded with flavor. The meat was tender, seasoned to perfection, and the broth had a deep umami richness that warmed his core.

Maydee ate in silence, watching as Joshua devoured the meal. He realized he was eating far more than he used to, yet he didn't feel sluggish—if anything, he felt stronger, his body absorbing the nutrients greedily.

"What kind of meat is this?" he asked between bites.

Maydee smirked. "One that is rich in energy. Your body needs sustenance to handle the next stage of the ritual."

Joshua paused mid-bite. "...Next stage?"

Maydee stood. "Come."

They returned to the fireplace. The furs had been rearranged, and at the center, another bowl of thick, viscous liquid rested beside a new, sharper knife.

Maydee picked up a thick piece of wood and handed it to Joshua. "Bite down. And try not to lose consciousness this time."

Joshua hesitated, eyeing the knife warily.

"Take off all your clothes and lie down," Maydee instructed.

Joshua flinched. "All of them?"

Maydee rolled her eyes. "What are you being shy about? I already saw all of you."

Joshua groaned but complied, discarding his clothes and lying on the soft fur. His heart pounded wildly in his chest.

"With your talent," Maydee continued, "I will need to carve into every inch of your body."

Joshua clenched his teeth, gripping the wood between his jaws. He barely survived the first time—how the hell was he supposed to endure this again?

Maydee knelt beside him, dipping the knife into the thick liquid.

"Relax," she said softly.

And then, she began carving.

Agonizing pain erupted through his body as the blade cut into his flesh. The liquid seeped into the wounds instantly, igniting an unbearable burning sensation.

Joshua's vision blurred. His muscles convulsed involuntarily. He wanted to scream, but his jaw was locked tightly around the wood, his teeth nearly cracking from the pressure.

Every slice was deliberate, every movement precise. Maydee worked methodically, drawing intricate symbols into his skin, each one more complex than the last. The pain was unlike anything he had ever known—it was raw, excruciating, yet there was something beneath it.

Something primal.

Energy surged through him, wild and untamed, setting every nerve in his body ablaze. His heartbeat pounded like a war drum, his blood boiling from the sheer force of whatever was being etched into him.

He was losing himself.

The edges of his consciousness frayed, darkness creeping in.

No.

Joshua dug his nails into the fur beneath him, refusing to give in. He forced himself to remain awake, to endure.

The pain continued.

Seconds stretched into minutes. Minutes into hours.

By the time Maydee finally pulled away, her breath was ragged, her forehead glistening with sweat. "It is done."

Joshua barely heard her. His body felt like it had been torn apart and rebuilt from the ground up. He lay motionless, his chest rising and falling rapidly, his skin burning like fire.

Yet deep inside, he could feel it.

Power.

Raw, unbridled power coursed through his veins. It wasn't just energy—it was something else. Something alive.

His heart pounded erratically, his body trembling from the sheer force of whatever was inside him. It clawed at him, desperate to be unleashed, to be used.

"Calm yourself," Maydee said, her voice steady. "You must not let it consume you."

Joshua swallowed, forcing deep breaths. Slowly, the raging force within him began to settle. The energy didn't fade—it merely waited, coiled beneath his skin, pulsing in time with his heartbeat.

"You should rest." Maydee handed him a small bowl. "Drink this. It will help you sleep."

Joshua took it with trembling hands and downed the liquid. A strange warmth spread through him, and within moments, his vision blurred.

Darkness took him.