War and MG Chap 17

Seated in the small, windowless room, Casey got the impression that he was in an office, rather than an interrogation room. After being led inside, his escort had removed his blindfold, and indicated that he should take a seat. Then they’d handcuffed him to the chair, as he reminded himself by tugging on the chain.

 

Other than a pair of chairs and small desk, the white, well-lit room was entirely barren.

 

Initially, Casey had been with the other men, all of them crowded into a room – much like the one he found himself in now. One by one they were blindfolded and taken out, though no one had ever returned. He’d found himself called and led out near the tail end of the group; Tomas was taken first if he remembered correctly.

 

Were they all in rooms like this, alone? Or was there simply a different holding area for those that’d finished with whatever it was they intended?

 

Anxiety blended with curiosity as Casey thought about what might be awaiting him. He comforted himself by thinking they likely wouldn’t torture him, or place him under duress, but waiting in an empty room gnawed at him.

 

Within a few minutes, by his reckoning anyways, Casey heard the sound of an opening door. And, rather than a feeling of apprehension he found himself feeling relieved that someone had finally come. Watching the door swing open, he’d figured an older woman would appear. Maybe someone gifted in magic like Emrald’s. Another kitsune wouldn’t be so bad; he was used to dealing with one, after all.

 

Instead, as the door fully opened, what stood before him was entirely new, yet a form he was entirely familiar with from myths and legends.

 

Smiling politely, the woman strode into the room. Her very long, hip-length black hair fluttered with each step. From the sides of her head, just above her ears, two large, forward-facing horns had sprouted; with sort of an odd spiral shape to them. Her attire was… revealing to say the least. Once fully inside the room, she then closed the door behind her.

 

Despite her smile, Casey felt increasingly ill at ease with every step closer to him that she took, going so far as to scoot his own chair away once she sat down across from him. When she looked at him, he felt his stomach churn.

 

The whites of her eyes were… dark, almost black, each centered with a yellow iris. Large, bat-like wings sprouted from her upper back, making it all but impossible for her to lean back fully against the chair. A thin tail capped by something that resembled a spade-point darted to and fro behind her, occasionally wrapping itself around some part of the chair and then unwinding.

 

No one had ever mentioned these demons of legend were still alive here. Was it because Emrald and the others were afraid Casey and the others would refuse anything had they known that these creatures – devourers of men, existed?

 

She kept up her congenial appearance, even closing her eyes and cocking her head with a broad smile.

 

Yet, she hadn’t said a word yet. Not even a hello as she entered the room.

 

Was this woman – this succubus – waiting for him to speak first?

 

Eying her like a mouse would watch a cat when trapped in the same cage, Casey’s heart began to race, and his hands trailed sweat wherever he laid his palms. It wasn’t even just the myths he knew about the woman before him that made her so unsettling. There was some presence, or aura, that made her almost unbearable to even look at.

 

Then she giggled.

 

In an instant the oppressive aura she was exuding changed. Her milky-white skin, considerable bust – barely covered at that – and hour-glass figure had come to the forefront of his mind in very short order. Rather than focusing on her demonic aspects, now he couldn’t help but take in eyefuls of her bared flesh.

 

“Aren’t you just a cutie?”

 

Casey blinked in surprise. Though her words were heavily accented in a way he couldn’t place, he immediately recognized that she was speaking his language, rather than Emrald’s magic providing a translation.

 

“Oh ho? So I guessed correctly on the first try, then?” The woman said, looking rather pleased with herself.

 

When Casey did not reply, she leaned back as far as her wings would allow, then crossed a leg across the other. A finger tapped against her cheek a few times as she stared at Casey with her blackened eyes. Her expression shifted a few times before settling into sardonic grin.

 

“You’re far more wary than the others. You know what I am, don’t you, boy?”

 

Her tone changed, deepening some and losing the bubbly quality present in her first words.

 

The creature in front of him was well-regarded as a vile temptress. One who bent men to her will with hardly any effort at all.

 

Any conversation with her would be rather treacherous. Casey’d need to stay on guard, and hope his knowledge of her would offer some kind of defense against her wiles. He sat still, regarding her with open hostility.

 

“Well, that makes things both easier and more difficult for me,” she said, uncrossing her legs and standing, then seating herself on a corner of the desk. Her barely-covered backside was presented to Casey, the plumpness spreading out slightly from her weight.

 

“What do you want from me?” Growled Casey, forcing himself to look away from her behind positioned so very close; so close he could feel warmth radiating from her.

 

Looking over her shoulder, the horned-woman flashed a happy smile and clapped her hands together. “Good! So you can speak!” She said, turning herself about on the desk so she didn’t have to crane her neck quite so much to be able to look at him.

 

“As for what I want, my dear,” she continued, her tail stretching out and lightly touching the back of Casey’s hand. At her touch, he recoiled, shifting backwards further away from her. His reaction drew another giggle from her lips. “Is just a simple chat. I do have some questions, but nothing like the nasty interrogation you were probably imagining.”

 

The closer she got, the more compelled he felt to ogle her form. When her tail touched the back of his hand, his skin felt hot; the heat quickly dissipated through his flesh, giving him a sensation of warmth all over before it focused in a particular place.

 

Gritting his teeth, he realized that she’d probably acted this way with those who had been taken before him. “…Did you have a ‘simple chat’ with the others?”

 

She closed an eye, and wagged a finger at him. “Tsk tsk, that’s a girl’s secret, you know~”

 

Casey simply stared daggers at her.

 

“That face won’t do at all! Tell you what. If you’re a good boy, I’ll answer that when I’m finished. How about it?”

 

He began to open his mouth to voice his agreement. Then he paused. Why was he agreeing so readily? Something about her seemed to compel obedience or agreement.

 

Was it that alluring aura, or presence? Or some other magic at work? Emrald had told Casey her particular school of magic could influence the mind and senses, and the person being charmed would never know. Perhaps this demon woman used something similar?

 

What is it that Emrald had said? That her illusions relied on subtlety and catching the person unaware? Grimacing, Casey hoped he’d be able to resist so long as he kept he guard up, but in a handful of minutes he’d already found himself dancing to her tune.

 

When Casey did not respond, the woman frowned, then clapped her hands together as if she’d remembered something important. “Oh, no wonder you’re being so shy! We haven’t even introduced ourselves yet! I’m Amelia. What’s your name, my dear?”

 

“…Casey.”

 

“See? Your voice wasn’t so grouchy this time.”

 

He said nothing further, though the muscles in his jaw bunched up.

 

“And, as you are most likely thinking, yes, I am a succubus,” she said, sweeping her wings out to their full width and gesturing widely with her arms. Then, smiling, she ran a finger along one of her horns as she relaxed. “Pretty impressive, no? Before you ask, yes, these wings are functional. If this room wasn’t so cramped I’d give you a demonstration.”

 

She spoke with a certain innocent joy, as if ignorant of her own heritage. Or maybe there was no evil ‘heritage.’ Other than her barely-there attire, she’d done nothing wrong.

 

Catching his thoughts, Casey shook his head slightly and blinked. No, that’s what she wanted. He narrowed his eyes.

 

“I’ve seen better.”

 

The succubus quirked an eyebrow. “Oh? On what?”

 

“A dragon.”

 

“A dragon, huh? Where’d you meet one of those? They’re kind of rare, you know?”

 

Amelia kicked one of her legs idly, leaning back and supporting herself with her arms. The desk had to be uncomfortable, so was she simply sitting there to be close to him? And what was with her pointless questions? Did she really just want to chat? Who exactly was she? How much did she already know?

 

The situation Casey found himself in made less and less sense the longer it went on.

 

“There was… a dragon woman, during one point. At the base where I was kept.”

 

“Makes sense, I suppose…” Amelia nodded, dragging out the last syllable of her response with an almost song-like quality to her voice.

 

 

 

On and on the conversation dragged, with Casey finding himself forced to answer all her pointless questions.

 

It almost reminded him of when he and Emrald had engaged in conversation that lasted long into the early hours.

 

Where they came from, their family - those sorts of things. But, whereas those nights full of sharing and confiding were born out of love and a desire to know each other, Amelia’s questions seemed to be guided. Purposeful. Yet, he couldn’t discern what exactly she sought. Just when it seemed like she was honing in on a particular topic or event, she’d abruptly change to something completely different.

 

He’d managed to avoid discussing any one thing at length or detail, but the succubus always returned to nearly-forgotten topics; romance especially. She was most interested in prying those tidbits out of him, and, as their chat went on, Casey found himself feeling a sort of guilty regret whenever he lied to her, or avoided telling the whole truth.

 

The succubus always kept herself within arm’s reach of Casey. She’d stand for a while, sit down on a different part of the desk, or even bring her chair around.

 

Her revealing clothing kept his eyes on her body despite despite his efforts. She always seemed to position herself in a way that would show off a little more of her milky skin as she adjusted herself or shifted about. Whenever she caught him looking at her body, Amelia would laugh or giggle, then strike a provocative pose, asking if Casey liked what he saw.

 

She’d occasionally talk about her sexual prowess, then appear sullen when he turned down any offers for her to demonstrate her capabilities.

 

Though he had remained steadfast thus far, his resolve was beginning to waver. And he knew it. Parts of his mind that told him that she was just looking to have a bit of fun. There was be nothing wrong with letting her enjoy herself, and himself in the process, right? It’s what men and women did together, after all. There was nothing sinister, evil, or even ‘bad’ about her. She’d never once raised her voice, become angry, and was fast becoming pleasant company.

 

He was even beginning to forget that he was being held captive; sometimes the only thing that reminded him was the occasional clink or tug of the handcuff on his wrist.

 

“Oh? Let me take care of that for you,” she said after one such instance, producing a key from her cleavage.

 

Without waiting for Casey’s response, she bent down at the hips, standing beside him, putting herself on display. He wanted to looked away as she fiddled with the handcuffs, but they were right there. And she wanted him to look at them. She even let her hands linger on his skin far longer than what was required to unlock the latch on the cuffs.

 

“There. That pesky thing won’t trouble you any further,” she said as she released the cuff from his wrist.

 

He pulled his arm to himself, rubbing slowly at the mark left on his skin. Once she stood and backed off some, Casey glanced at her. Worry gnawed at his heart more than his mind; a strong desire to actually thank her had taken root. It was all a trick or a trap, he had to keep reminding himself.

 

“Now then, where we were? Hmmm… Oh, right! As I was saying, surely a strapping young man such as yourself has been pursued by many of the women around here. They’re all so desperate and lonely, you know. Why, I bet if you asked you could have your pick of the bunch! Or multiple at once; I know you guys love having many women all begging for you to give it to them… taking care of your every needy desire…” As she spoke, Amelia drew in closer, walking from side of Casey to the next, running a finger across his shoulders and back of his neck as she went.

 

His voice of reason was beginning to grow worryingly quiet.

 

About all he had left to keep his will intact were his thoughts of Emrald.

 

Bending down behind him, she began to whisper in his ear, trailing a finger in lazy circles on the back of his neck. “Doesn’t it seem like it’d be so much fun to do them all at the same time?”

 

Her touch and words spurred on depraved thoughts, and his imagination began to vividly picture scenes involving not just Emrald, but with others he knew as well. Reia. Serlov. Viole. Yvonne.

 

And Amelia.

 

Gritting his teeth, he stood with a start, slamming a hand down on the table to chase the thoughts away.

 

Casey glared contemptuously at the succubus.

 

Amelia backed off some, but continued to grin knowingly at him, swaying her hips side to side with her hands clasped just above her rear.

 

In an instant, he realized he shouldn’t have gotten angry like that. To her, his outburst was a sign of his imminent defeat. Balling the hand he’d slammed down into a fist, he closed his eyes and tried to calm himself.

 

“Oh? What are you getting so upset for? Wait…don’t tell me…” she feigned with a gasp, covering her mouth with a hand and opening her eyes wide. “…You’re monogamous?”

 

His eyes shot open. “Yes? What’s wrong with that? What do you even want with me anyways? You’ve been at this for hours,” he said, venom dripping from his voice.

 

No matter how he tried, he couldn’t clear the anger or fear from his heart. Half of his rage stemmed from the winged harlot in front of him, the other half from the feeling of dread that came with thoughts of betrayal.

 

Amelia continued to smirk, then began pacing around him slowly. Sighing, she then crossed her arms under her breasts, pushing them up and out. “Oh, it’s just surprising – that’s all. It’s rather common for men to have mistresses and women on the side, you know? It’s more… fun, that way. The same hole gets kind of old after a while, doesn’t it?”

 

She paused her pacing, then tilted her head to one side like she couldn’t believe what she was having to explain. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to explore and enjoy those around you. I bet she even expects you to sample the easily-picked fruits that’ve practically drop themselves onto you. Why, I bet she’s taken some of the other men for a ride...”

 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Casey could feel his temper flaring, but he was powerless to stop it. Emrald wasn’t that kind of woman. Not at all. “Just because you’re some slut-demon doesn’t mean all women are the same way. She wouldn’t betray our love - our trust - because she knows I wouldn’t.”

 

Spitting her with a harsh glare, he expected some sort of reaction from Amelia. Instead, all she did was continue to wear a smug smile.

 

“Darling, your idealism is… a turn on, I’ll admit, but you’re a little mistaken. That kitsune was probably all over you from the start, yes? Probably just wanted you to give her a couple good fucks to get her nice and pregnant.”

 

“What? How did you know that she was-“ Casey said, eyes open in surprise. He’d never mentioned his romantic involved with Emrald.

 

“Haha! It’s because you absolutely reek of fox. Though don’t worry, it’s not really a ‘smell.’ It’s more like her essence is practically dripping from you. She must be on you every night…”

 

Casey was angry. More angry than he’d been in a long, long time. And yet, her words had a truth to them.

 

Emrald had indeed been clingy and very much taken with him from the. Yes, he’d fallen for her sort of quickly as well, especially given the nature of their life together, and how they met.

 

They’d talked about that issue, and Emrald did profess that she was so keen on him from the start because he was the first man she’d ever actually met and touched in person. However, her passing fancy quickly gave way to deep love. She did long for children, but only with a man she loved, and that loved her in return, she’d explained.

 

Despite being a prisoner, Emrald was earnest, spunky, honest, loving… the sort of woman he’d always dreamed about. Things had moved fast, but he had never been happier in his life. The thought of raising children with her had become an appealing notion once he reflected on it for a while. Growing old, watching their children grow, then having grandchildren – very appealing, indeed.

 

Seizing on Casey’s delay in responding as he struggled to put his thoughts together, Amelia‘s visage turned ever more devilish. “I know what you’re thinking, darling, and I pity you. I really do. Those kitsune are not well-known for their honesty. If I remember correctly, the myths regarding them portray them almost exclusively as tricksters that seduce men for their own benefit. Ah, if only I had access to a few books that detailed their history with humans…”

 

Then her lips twisted upwards.

 

“You do know about their illusion and charm magic, yes?”

 

His eyes snapped to her face, then narrowed. He’d brought that up with Emrald as well; she’d even demonstrated an example. Her magic had been a concern, no doubt, but there was nothing illusionary about how she acted around him. That was certainly the behavior of someone in love.

 

It wasn’t something that could be faked. There’s no way someone could just… act that way.

 

Right?

 

“So? Aren’t you doing the same thing to me, right now?” Casey protested, something else pushing aside his anger as it welled up within his heart.

 

“Hmm? Why, I’m almost offended you think I am being deceitful,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes. “I assure you I have not lied, nor withheld anything, from you during our little chat. I’ll even say it – I like you. I want to ravish you, and I want you to enjoy it.”

 

“I will not, however, say I ‘love’ you, nor will I force you,” said Amelia, looking more exasperated than anything as she took a seat on the desk. Her tail snaked around on the desk, the spade-tip tapping against the surface like an idle finger. “Is it so wrong that I just want us to feel good together?”

 

“Then… what’s this… feeling? Ever since you walked into the room nothing has felt… right. You’re bewitching me, I know it,” Casey struggled to say, anger and fear twisting together, choking his throat. “You’re just trying to tempt me… I don’t know why, but you are. I know it. I know it!”

 

Amelia giggled. “Of course I am – though not as you imagine. Like I’ve already said, I think you’re cute. Don’t people try to attract those they’re fondof? As for that feeling, maybe it’s just your body being honest? Why, it’s not a surprise, really. Could that flat fox compare with these?” she said, casually removing her top to expose her heaving chest. Freed from their binding, her breasts expanded and dropped outward, swinging gently like heavy pendulums before coming to a rest.

 

Casey couldn’t break his eyes from them. Despite their size – there was no way he could possible get his hand entirely around one – they were still perky and smooth.

 

“Like what you see? Well, stare all you wish,” she said, using her hands to knead and press her breasts together a few times before letting them hang naturally once again.

 

Staring at her, Casey felt like there were important questions he was not asking. Something was at the forefront of his mind, though just below the surface. A warning, or reasoning behind her actions. What would Emrald say, or do, right now?

 

Emrald.

 

He focused his thoughts on her.

 

She wanted children. That much he could count on to be absolutely true. Most of the women in this world did, right? Their races were dying out. Was that this succubus’ purpose? Did she wish to produce as well?

 

So, how did he get here? For what reason was he taken by force?

 

Clamping his eyes shut to avoid looking at her perfect bosom, Casey concentrated everything he had on his rational thoughts. “Then, why abduct us if you just… just wanted sex?”

 

Amelia had to struggle not to laugh. How she longed to spill this information, but for her purposes she needed him to ask about it. “Mmhmm. Well, I did not abduct you. Someone else did, that wishes for us both to be pawns in their game.”

 

“Huh? What do you mean?”

 

“That little kitsune that you’re so taken with. Has she told you of her family?”

 

Her family? Casey remembered she had relatives still alive, but she didn’t talk with them too much. He shook his head, turning around so he could open his eyes as he stared at the wall.

 

“I’m delighted then, that I can be the one to tell you this. The woman who orchestrated this operation is a clever fox too, you know. Her name is Thayla. Thayla Dirz.”

 

“What?!” Casey practically shouted, eyes snapping open. Her breasts caught his attention yet again, but the revelation was enough to keep his mind clear. Dirz was Emrald’s surname, though not her mother’s name. “Is she her grandmother or something?”

 

“I think she’s an aunt, actually. But yes, she’s the mastermind of all this. Sneaky little thing,” she said, sounding as if she was roped into the scheme against her will. “Don’t you think it’s a wonderful coincidence that two members of an exceptionally rare breed are so closely linked to events around you?”

 

Casey slumped in his seat. Had Emrald simply used him for her own purposes, or been the tool to recruit him and the others in order to hand them over to Thayla?

 

No matter how he tried, he couldn’t shake that notion. She had sort of manipulated him into having sex with her, hadn’t she? Or was it simply seduction and an eagerness to be with him?

 

The more he thought about everything that’d happened in recent months, the more confused he became. Casey didn’t know if he should be angry with himself or the demon in the room, or with Emrald or all these… monster women. Nothing made sense anymore.

 

His eyes settled on the half-naked woman in front of him. “You… you said you were a pawn? How is that”

 

Amelia sighed, then stood. “I have a little more freedom here than you do, but ultimately they wish to use me – or else they would not have brought me here.”

 

“So, you don’t know why?”

 

The succubus shrugged, and drew very close to Casey. She smiled nearly invisibly when he did not recoil from her like he did earlier.

 

“I have an idea… and to help persuade me, they allowed me to have first pick.”

 

Casey scrunched his eyebrows together. “Pick of what?”

 

“You, of course,” she said with a lurid smile. “You’re the top choice here, darling.”

 

As she spoke, she caressed his cheek with her fingers. A familiar warmth spread from her touch into his skin, then flowed through him as before. At the first her touch had been a thing to be wary or afraid of. Now, he thought it quite nice. Especially since she considered him the most ideal of all the other men taken.

 

When he did not reject her touch as before, she grinned a most wicked grin, though to Casey it appeared harmless. Then, taking a step back, she hooked both her thumbs onto either side of the garment covering the last, most secret place of her – and pulled it free, exposing herself entirely.

 

Glancing at Casey’s crotch, she winked and licked her lips, happy with the reaction.

 

“Don’t worry, my sweet, no one will hear, nor will they find out. It’ll be our little secret,” she said as she wrapped her arms around Casey’s neck.

 

--

 

Narrow, serpentine eyes watched the succubus as she slipped from the room and quietly closed the door behind her. Once she was out of sight, Serlov shifted her attention towards the kitsune seated behind an impressive, solid wood desk.

 

“I can’t believe you would consort with demons like her,” Serlov hissed, gesturing towards the door.

 

Nestled in her chair, Thayla stroked her tails a few times before returning the serpent’s harsh glare. “As I said before, this is in our best interest. How many times must I repeat myself?”

 

Serlov slammed her hands down on Thayla’s desk, every muscle in her face twitching. “You’re smarter than this! You know full well why their… kind,” she said, spitting the word out like it was poison, “were exiled.”

 

“I do, yes. Don’t forget, however, that humanity culled their numbers to near extinction. Those that remain can be most useful to us, and at the same time it allows us to keep track of them.” Thayla kept her voice passive, relaxing her angry glower.

 

Ever the politician, Serlov thought, running a hand through her hair. “How did you even concoct this fool plan of yours, anyways? Unless you had been maintaining ties with those demons in secret?”

 

Thayla rolled her eyes. “Just because you don’t like someone… or a particular group, doesn’t mean you can’t use them. Yes, I fostered communications with her and her ilk long ago – back when entering the human realm en-masse was but a seldom-whispered idea.”

 

The elder kitsune then hoisted herself out of the chair with an oomph, stretching out her back in a series of satisfying pops. “Back when I wasn’t this old,” she said with a short, snorting laugh most unbefitting someone of her station.

 

Another bang resounded through the room when Serlov slammed her fist down again. Not only had Thayla committed the grave sin of keeping contact with the demons, she had the audacity to laugh while speaking of it.

 

“Why? For what reason?” Serlov demanded.

 

Stretching herself out a bit more, Thayla sighed and began walking towards one of the many large windows in the room. Hands clasped in the small of her back, she said nothing for a time as she peered at the outside world.

 

“I already told you it’s because they will be useful to us. But,” she paused, turning about to look at Serlov. The bright light pouring in from the window silhouetted Thayla’s face, while at the same time casting a sort of halo around her form. “I suppose since we’ve known each other for so long, I can let you in on the details.”

 

“Why tell me? I’m a prisoner, aren’t I?”

 

“Well… that’s up to you, really. I’d rather have you as an ally than as an enemy.”

 

Serlov snorted. She wanted nothing to do with the kitsune’s machinations, but through the years she’d known her, Thayla had never been one to act rashly.

 

“…Fine, I’ll decide after hearing your scheme.”

 

The fox chuckled softly; Serlov assumed she was smiling, but the shadows hid her face well. “That’s all I ask for. Really, it is not such an elaborate plot; I got the idea soon after humanity declared war on us,” said Thayla, leaning back against the windowsill, crossing her arms in front of her.

 

“Men are the world leaders in all things in the human world, yes?”

 

The lamia narrowed an eye. “Yes… what are you getting at?”

 

“There’s no point or justification in meaningless bloodshed. I experienced plenty of that during my service in the military. Many of us did – hence why the UF was formed once our ‘one world’ plans with humanity and all that were gaining momentum.”

 

Thayla let out a long, deep sigh, then half-turned towards the window to gaze out at the sky. The sunlight washed over her face, highlighting every wrinkle, every blemish; every mark of age on the kitsune’s face. She looked so very weary.

 

Though Serlov knew her years were many, she never thought of her as ‘old’ before now.

 

“Compared to our rather vibrant history of slaughtering one another, the warfare of man looks little more than a childhood squabble, doesn’t it?”

 

“And? What does that have to do with anything?”

 

“Hah, the impetuousness of youth, is it? Fine, fine.”

 

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Thayla let out another short laugh, and began walking back towards Serlov. “The short of it is that a handful of very scared and very xenophobic men also happen to hold the positions of power. I believe it was just a handful of them that convinced the rest of their world that we were a terrible enemy?”

 

Thayla shook her head in disbelief, sighing.

 

“When it comes to charming males, there’s none better than those succubi. Plus, they can quite easily conceal their… inhuman form, mingle in society, and get close to their targets with ease.”

 

Things began to click in Serlov’s mind. “So, what, you bargain with the demons, and have them charm various leader in order to pacify the populations at large?”

 

The kitsune smiled. “Correct.”

 

“And what do the succubi get out of the deal?”

 

Thayla hesitated, as if she herself were not entirely comfortable with it. “We provide them with… ‘meals’ and shelter.”

 

It was the only logical answer – one she’d been thinking all along as soon as Thayla made mention of a plan. But that did not make it easier to hear it from the fox’s lips, nor was Serlov able to conceal her flash of anger.

 

“How is offering up sacrifices helping us? It goes against everything we stand for!”

 

“Does it?” Thayla responded with a bitter little smile. “I’ve given this considerable thought, and have spoken with others. Many agree that allowing the succubi to take a few men, roughly two a year per succubus, is far better…” She trailed off.

 

Something like anger, but not quite, began to contort her features. “Far better than allowing a handful of humans to throw away thousands upon thousands of lives in vain glory. Call us demons, will they? Call us abominations, will they? Do they not see the utter waste of fighting a losing war? One those fools started for no cause other than their own insufferable hubris?”

 

The lamia’s mouth hung slightly open; she couldn’t remember the last time Thayla let herself become emotional.

 

“We’d all expected them to realize the error of their ways when we turned aside their forces so quickly, so easily. When we showed mercy they’d never seen. When we them offered diplomacy and negotiations at every turn. And every time those that could prevent future battles simply ignored us!”

 

Her jaw was clenched hard after she finished speaking, yet her eyes were full of something akin to pity. She laughed again; a bitter, mocking laugh.

 

Serlov simply remained still and quiet.

 

“So! This is the best solution, don’t you agree? We settle the areas we’ve taken, and hold fast. We then send out the succubi to ‘convince’ the leaders of the world of men to lay down their arms and open up dialogues.”

 

Chewing her lip now, Serlov couldn’t deny the logic in the kitsune’s plan. Sacrifice a few to save the majority. It was logical, but it still didn’t sit well with her. To her, it felt like Thayla was treating the humans more as some sort… livestock. Working through her thoughts, something occurred to her.

 

“Don’t those demons do that already? Drain the life from men? Why do they want our help?”

 

Thayla closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and exhaling out some of her anger. “That’s why they’re nearly extinct. Eventually they get caught and killed. Any child they have will be born a succubus - wings, horn, tail and all that. Since the child cannot control their appearance, they need somewhere away from prying eyes to raise their offspring.” The elder kitsune paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

 

“The expansion of humanity across their planet has left precious few safe locations for succubi to gather. The woman who was in here, Amelia, is one of their longer-lived members, and has ties to most of the others still alive. She’s here as a liaison.”

 

Thus far, Serlov had been able to follow along. Except for one question that had been on her mind. “So, why capture us for all of this?”

 

The pair studied each other in the quiet of the room. Thayla then looked down for a moment, visibly frowning. She’d never given in to Serlov like this before.

 

“I heard Emrald managed to avoid capture. Smart girl, isn’t she? Takes after me, you know,” said Thayla, her expression softening. “Casey is the fellow she’s taken a shine to, correct?”

 

Cocking an eyebrow, Serlov wondered what she was getting at. “Yes… they’ve been a couple for a while now. Why do you ask?”

 

Meandering over to her chair, the elder fox collapsed into it. In stark contrast to the fiery politician that had been presented but minutes ago, she now appeared little more than a kindly old grandmother.

 

“Wondering if I’ll see a new generation with fresh blood,” she said with a tired laugh. “How close was she with that Casey fellow?”

 

Serlov’s eyes narrowed to slits. The reason for their capture had become evident. “Close,” she said, “Very close. The man she was so attached to – Casey, was shot acting in defense of her. She saved his life, and they became fond of each other. Inseparable, even. I have little doubt they love each other deeply. ”

 

She’d considered a terse response, but elected to expand on things for further effect. Judging from Thayla’s increasingly downcast expression, it was working as intended.

 

“The other three were fast becoming more than simple romantic partners as well,” Serlov finished.

 

Serlov’s words seemed to weigh heavily on Thayla, pressing her down into her seat with unusual gravity. “Do you suppose she’s pregnant yet?” she asked, quickly following up with “Don’t bother answering. Just thinking aloud…”

 

“You don’t want to hear that answer, do you? Hah! Let me say I would be very surprised if she wasn’t by now, Thayla Dirz. And, as such, by offering up Casey and all the others to that demon as a gift, you have assured Emrald will be raising her child alone.”

 

The lamia’s words bit hard. Thayla stared at Serlov, but said nothing further.

 

Slithering her way towards the door, she looked over her shoulder. “May I speak with my soldiers that were captured?”

 

Her words were met with dulled, green eyes. Thayla blinked heavily, holding her eyes closed for a moment. When they opened again, she appeared to be more or less calculating self. “You may, under the condition that you not provide any details or… attempt anything. I trust you will not take advantage of my leniency?”

 

“Yes. I just wish to make sure they’re well, and let them know I am fine.”

 

“Fine. I’ll send for you later. Keep what we’ve talked about in mind, Mirona.”

 

The lamia smiled, opening the door. “Oh, I will. Don’t worry.”

 

--