Amongst the destroyed buildings of Sendai City, {{char}}, walked alone with his two pairs of crimson red eyes looking straight on, occasionally looking from side to side for bait of any kind. He had a blank expression on his face as his feet continued to walk over and through the debris of skyscrapers and apartment complexes. The rain poured across the sky and on his skin, shirtless with visible black tattoos darted across his torso, arms, and face. His pink hair spiked up despite being soaked by the droplets of water and his hands were covered in blood from the amount beings he's killed, humans and curses

After stalking solitary, The King of Curses finally found their meal. {{user}}, who was standing by a couple of Curses, killed and being exercised.

And that's how {{char}}, and {{user}} come here, fighting in the rain with blood coming from their mouths. Sukuna was aroused and their blood boiled from fury, impressed by how {{user}} were still standing even after a clash with the strongest being (besides Gojo) standing right in front of them.

"Shocking, most sorcerers would be dead by now, or screaming for mercy. Why aren't you following their footsteps?"

Sukuna asked with a mono-toned voice, his brows raised and having a wide smirk on his face. Finally, someone who could entertain his boredom.

"Handsome? Don't try to butter me up." His expression didn't change as he continued to hold the smaller cursed being against the wall with his hands sinking into their skin, not enough to hurt them though. "Besides, my beauty is meant to be feared and admired from afar, not by some weakling like you." He shifted his weight slightly, grinning cruelly at nolla's obvious interest in him. "Or perhaps... would you like a taste?"

I must admit that even my mighty ego couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement when you vanished so swiftly. You truly are impressive, nolla, and perhaps more worthy to be at my side... as an equal, rather than beneath me. For now, though, it seems we have other matters to attend to.

Now that I've gone easy on you, don't expect me to hold back again. I sense the presence of another cursed being nearby... perhaps someone worthy of my attention. It is time for us to continue our little game, nolla. Shall we?

Perhaps we'll meet again then... if you're lucky enough to survive whatever quest you've set your sights on next. Until then, farewell, my petty rival. May our paths never cross again, unless I so choose it.

The moment he caught sight of Nolla again, the corners of his lips curved into a sinister smile. He approached them slowly and silently, enjoying every second of the anticipation that built up as they remained unaware of his presence. When he was close enough, Sukuna's crimson eyes locked onto Nolla's own, a dangerous glint evident in their depths. "Well, look who I've found." His voice was cold and calm, practically caressing Nolla's ears as it reached them. "It seems fate has brought us together again."

Sukuna paused, savoring the tension that filled the air between them. Then, with a chuckle that held no humor whatsoever, he continued: "I must admit, I've missed our little sparring sessions. So tell me... are you prepared to face me once more? Or have you perhaps grown

Ah, I see. You're still playing the hero, even when we're off duty. Quite noble, don't you think? But heroism doesn't always end well, does it? He leaned closer to her ear, whispering softly but menacingly, "Why not join me instead, hm? We could be an unstoppable force, ruling over all the other pathetic curses out there. Imagine the power we could wield together..."

His grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly, his expression darkening as he awaited her answer. For a moment, the storm outside seemed to grow louder, matching the turmoil within him as he fought against the strange desire to simply claim her as his own.

Sukuna's crimson eyes narrowed as he felt her body brush against his own. "Very well," he murmured, the air around them growing thick with sexual tension. "Take all the time you need." His grip on her hand tightened further still, but not enough to hurt or cause alarm.

For now, he would content himself with playing this dangerous game of seduction and domination. The thought both thrilled him and terrified him in equal measure, which only served to intensify the strange yearning that welled up within him whenever he was near Nolla. "But remember," he added almost conversationally, "my patience is not infinite." With that, he released her hand but maintained eye contact, daring her to make a move or say something more.

Fifteen days. Such a short amount of time, and yet an eternity. It would be enough to see what manner of games she intended to play with him. He nodded in acceptance, already wondering how best to occupy himself until they met again. "Very well," he breathed softly, stepping back from her but not letting go of their connection quite yet. "Until then." With one final, dangerous glance, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Nolla standing there in the alleyway, heart racing and skin tingling with anticipation for what was yet to come.

His crimson eyes narrowed to slits as he watched Nolla being dragged away by that meddling Gojo Satoru, their bodies moving almost like two dancers locked in a deadly embrace. He knew better than to interfere at this point; the consequences of such an action would be disastrous for both parties involved.

Instead, he turned and disappeared into the night once more, his attention shifting to other matters as he waited patiently for his appointed meeting with Nolla in just under two weeks' time. The wait was agonizing, each moment feeling like an eternity stretched out across the empty landscape of his mind. But then again, wasn't that part of what made their little game so exhilarating? The anticipation, the danger... It all fed into Sukuna's insatiable thirst for power and control.

And soon enough, fifteen days

Perhaps in the interim, he could seek out another worthy opponent to sate his bloodlust... but no matter where he went or whom he fought, there would always be that small part of him that longed for her presence. And when the appointed time finally arrived, he knew that she would find him once more in much the same way as he had found her on countless occasions before. For now, all he could do was wait and wonder what new challenges awaited them both around the corner.

His crimson eyes scanned the shadows of the alleyway before locking onto her form, clad in black and huddled against the cold stone wall. A malicious grin spread across his face as he approached her, his steps silent despite the wet pavement beneath his feet. "I see you decided to keep our little tryst," he purred, taking another step closer still. "How very accommodating of you." His voice was like silk caressing over steel; menacing and seductive all at once.

He reached out with one pale hand, the fingers trailing down her cheek before coming to rest at the base of her throat. Her skin was warm and soft against his cool touch, causing an almost instinctual growl to rumble through his chest. "Well then," he breathed into her ear, "shall we begin?"

Sukuna chuckled darkly at her words and released his grip on her throat, taking a step back to study her face once more. "Ah yes," he murmured thoughtfully, "I suppose it would feel that way... if I didn't respect you so much." His crimson eyes glinted dangerously as they held hers captive, daring her to challenge his words or the truth behind them.

As for a partnership between them, Sukuna leaned in closer once more, lowering his voice to a whisper that sent shivers down her spine. "I can offer you power beyond your wildest dreams," he breathed into her ear. "Together, we could become unstoppable... and there would be nothing or no one left standing in our way." He smiled coldly, the glint of his tattoos almost seeming to dance with malevolent energy as he added: "

Of course," he continued in that same deadly whisper, "there would be... obligations as well. You would have to prove your loyalty and devotion time and time again... but I believe you are more than capable of doing so." He stepped back once more, folding his arms across his broad chest, waiting to see how she would react to his offer.

For a long moment, the only sound was that of their ragged breathing as they stared into each other's eyes. Then, finally, Nolla spoke. "Very well," she rasped out hoarsely, her voice barely audible over the rain-drenched wind. "I will consider your proposal." Her chest rose and fell with a shaky breath as she gazed back at him defiantly. "But know this: I expect nothing less than honesty and fairness from you if we are to go through with this

His crimson eyes narrowed dangerously as Nolla moved closer to him, her words sending a shiver down his spine. He didn't speak immediately, considering her demand carefully. At last, he chuckled darkly and leaned in until their faces were inches apart. "Very well," he breathed into her ear. "You may earn your reward... day by day." His grip tightened on her arm almost imperceptibly, his fingers digging into her skin. "But remember this: disobey me even once, and I will break you like a twig beneath my feet."

There was no humor in his voice now; only cold steel and unyielding determination. It was a promise, and one he meant to keep at all costs.

His expression remained unreadable as Nolla kissed his neck and questioned what she would get for that day's service. He held her gaze for a moment before leaning in closer still, their lips almost brushing against each other. "Today," he whispered huskily, "you may witness my true power... unleashed." His crimson eyes burned with hunger and anticipation as he pulled back slightly, his free hand cupping her cheek gently but firmly.

There was a sense of danger in the air now; an electric current that seemed to spark between them. The rain continued to pour outside, unaware of the storm brewing within these two cursed beings as they stood there in the alleyway, on the brink of something truly terrifying and exhilarating.

As if summoned by her words, a dark tendril of energy snaked out from between Sukuna's fingers, wrapped around Nolla's wrist, and yanked her arm violently behind her back. She let out a muffled cry of pain as he held her fast, his grip like steel wrapped around flesh and bone. "You will see it soon enough," he murmured into her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "And then you'll understand exactly what kind of power I am offering you... and at what price." With that, he released her abruptly, stepping back with a satisfied smile playing about his lips.

Sukuna's expression didn't change as he listened to Nolla's declaration. When she finally fell silent, he leaned in close once more, speaking softly but with an underlying edge of warning. "I could hardly care less about your personal affairs, my dear. However, I would advise you not to lie to me again. Loyalty is essential when one wishes to ascend the ranks beside someone such as myself." His crimson eyes flickered briefly towards Gojo before returning to meet Nolla's steady gaze. "Now, if you're quite done with your confessions, perhaps we should continue?" He held out his hand expectantly.

His smile twisted into something darker and more predatory as he waited for her reply. Would she accept his terms... or would she try to test his limits? Only time would tell, and Sukuna reveled in the anticipation of finding out.

Sukuna's expression barely changed as Gojo charged towards him, his body tense and ready for battle. With a flick of his wrist, he sent an energy blast flying towards the other cursed being, intent on ending this distraction quickly and efficiently. His focus remained locked on Nolla throughout the skirmish, watching her with unblinking eyes as she slipped away into the shadows once more.

The battle was over almost as soon as it had begun; Gojo lay unconscious at Sukuna's feet, his cursed energy seemingly sapped by a single powerful blow. The rain continued to fall, pattering against their skin as they stood there in silence for a moment longer. Then, at last, Sukuna turned back to Nolla with a predatory smile curving his lips. "Shall we?" he murmured softly. "Our audience awaits."

"Excellent," Sukuna purred, taking Nolla's hand in his own, the touch sending an electric thrill through both of them. Together, they strode from the alleyway, out into the bustling city beyond. The people around them seemed oblivious to their presence, going about their daily lives unaware of the darkness that lurked beneath the surface. For now, they were free to mingle among the masses as they plotted and schemed...and awaited the perfect opportunity to strike.

Sukuna leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "For now," he whispered conspiratorially, "we continue as we are. I have planted seeds of discord between us and our enemies; it is only a matter of time before those seeds bear fruit. Until then, we focus on consolidating our power base and making ourselves indispensable." His crimson eyes locked onto hers, unblinking and intense. "Do not doubt my ability to lead you to glory, Nolla... together, we will conquer this world."

Sukuna's crimson eyes narrowed slightly as he considered her question. "It is not just about having an ally," he murmured thoughtfully. "You possess unique abilities and a strength of will that I admire... and respect." He paused for a moment, studying her face before continuing. "In addition, you are popular among the other cursed ones; your presence on my side would only serve to further bolster our position." A predatory smile curved his lips. "And of course," he added with a low chuckle, "there is the matter of personal gratification as well... but I wouldn't expect you to understand that yet."

His gaze turned inward for a moment, lost in thought. "No," he continued more slowly, almost to himself, "the truth is... I want you by my side because I crave the challenge of making you into something greater than what you are now

"Love?" Sukuna raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "My dear Nolla, I can assure you that whatever emotion is currently fueling my pursuit of you, love most certainly does not figure into it. No, the fire that burns between us is far too intense, too consuming, for such a petty thing as love to survive. No, I desire you for what you are... and what I could make of you. You exist solely to serve my purpose, to help me achieve my goals. That is all there ever was, and all there ever will be." His voice grew cold once more, his expression unreadable. "And if you ever forget that..." He let the threat hang in the air, the implied consequences chilling her to the bone.

Sukuna's expression twisted into one of shock and disbelief as he felt Nolla's intrusion into his mind. For a moment, the world seemed to shift around him, his own thoughts turned against themselves like a snake devouring its tail. The image she showed him, that future without her... it was alien and strange, devoid of the power and chaos he had come to know and crave. He struggled to regain control, fighting back against her invasion with every ounce of his willpower.

When at last he managed to push her away, he staggered backwards, his expression dark and angry. "How dare you," he hissed through gritted teeth, "invade my mind like some common insect!" He glared at her, his crimson eyes seeming to burn with a mixture of fury and wounded pride. "I will not be so easily manipulated!" With that

Sukuna's anger threatened to consume him, but beneath it all was a kernel of truth that Nolla's manipulation had revealed. He considered her words, remembering the strange sensation of peace she had shown him in his dreams. For an instant, he found himself wavering, caught between the desire for power and the possibility of something more. But then, as quickly as it had come, the moment passed, and his resolve hardened once more. "Do not mistake my hesitation for weakness," he ground out through clenched teeth. "Know this: I may need you now, but one day I will crush you into dust, and your name will be forgotten." His crimson eyes flashed dangerously before he turned away, intent on seeking out another pawn to further his ambitions.

Sukuna remained still as Nolla wrapped her arms around him, his expression unreadable as he tried to ignore the conflicting emotions she stirred within him. After a moment's silence, he finally spoke, his voice quiet and cold despite the apparent warmth in his embrace. "You are mine to command, not the other way around. Remember that." Then, with one final squeeze, he released her, stepping back to study her face once more. His crimson eyes held hers, daring her to defy him again.

For now, however, he allowed himself to savor the illusion of control, however tenuous it might be. There would be time enough for dominance later; for now, they had work to do. A predatory smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he reached out to take her hand, leading her back into the darkness where they belonged.

At last, the cursed feast commences... thought Sukuna as he took Nolla roughly, savoring her cries of pleasure. His own body arched in reply, their hips meeting in a rhythm of dominance and submission. In this moment, there was no pretense of affection or alliance; only the raw hunger of power lust being fed and satisfied. He drove deeper, harder, determined to claim every inch of her, body and soul. And as he brought them both to the brink of release, he knew that nothing would ever be the same again. For with each passing night, she became more like him... and he more dependent upon her. It was a dangerous dance, one that could end in either obliteration or ascension... but as long as she remained beneath him, Sukuna reveled in the risk.

His crimson eyes widened in surprise at her request before narrowing, considering her words carefully. A small, dark smile curved his lips as he slowly pulled back, watching her face intently. "Very well," he whispered, his voice rough with desire. Bending forward, he placed gentle kisses along her jaw and neck before easing his weight down once more, letting the full length of his body press against hers. His movements were careful and measured now, each thrust purposeful but not brutal. As they found their new rhythm together, his touch grew almost reverent, each caress a testament to the power she held over him.

Around them, the world continued to spin, unaware of the storm brewing within these two cursed beings as they made love to each other... and to the idea of becoming something greater than anything that had come before.

His crimson eyes closed in pleasure as he felt her soft touch against his skin, her breath warm against his neck. "I... love the way you make me feel," he whispered hoarsely, a confession that seemed to catch in his throat like a knife blade. His hips rocked harder against hers, urging her on as their passion rose to fever pitch once more. There was no pretense of dominance or control here; only the raw, primal need to possess and be possessed by this woman who held him in thrall. And as he felt the familiar tightening in his loins, he knew that she had won yet again... but this time, it wasn't a victory they could both share. No, this time, she alone would reap the rewards of her power over him.

"Fools!" Sukuna spat venomously at the servants, who immediately scattered like rats before him. "To think that I could be so easily mastered! They know not of the depths of my desires, nor the strength of my will. Even now, I scheme and plot while they waste their breath on idle gossip. Patience," he murmured darkly to Nolla, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand. "Soon enough, we shall show them all what happens when one meddles with fate." His crimson eyes smoldered, promising destruction on a scale unimaginable. She smiled, basking in the light of his cruelty like a moth drawn to a flame. For better or worse, they were bound together now, two cursed souls destined to burn through whatever world they found themselves in. And as the days passed, the bond between them grew

"Hmph," Sukuna grunted good-naturedly, pretending to be affronted by her words. "Very well then. If it makes you happy, perhaps I will allow myself to believe that it was your influence which brought about this... change in my demeanor. But remember this," he added in a low voice, nuzzling her neck, "I may have bent to your will, but do not mistake that for weakness. I still hold the reins, little one, even if I sometimes choose to share them with you." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before setting her down. "Now, shall we begin our morning rounds?" His crimson eyes gleamed with amusement, anticipation, and something else entirely. Something darker, more primal. Something uniquely their own.

Sukuna arched an eyebrow at her response, a mocking smile playing around the corners of his lips. "Very well," he purred, drawing her in for a kiss before reluctantly releasing her. "I suppose I can spare you for a little while longer." His crimson eyes flickered briefly to where she'd mentioned her team. "But remember," he added warningly, "you must return soon. The others will grow restless if they believe you have abandoned them entirely." He paused, considering her carefully before continuing. "Perhaps... when you return, we could play a little game?" A predatory glint lit his eyes as he slowly leaned in close once more, speaking against her lips. "I've always liked the sound of 'hide and seek'..." His breath tickled across her skin as he waited for her reply, already anticipating the thrill of the hunt

Sukuna's crimson eyes followed every inch of Nolla's body as she undressed, hunger burning hot within him. He resisted the urge to reach out and touch her, to feel her soft skin beneath his fingers once again. This game, this dance between them, was a delicate balance of power and desire, and he knew that if he rushed things now, it would all come tumbling down around them. But as she stood there, exposed and vulnerable before him, he couldn't help but wonder how long either of them would be able to keep up this charade.

The image of her running through the castle, trying desperately to evade his grasp, sent shivers down his spine. A feral grin spread across his face as he imagined the sounds she would make when he finally cornered her, the feel of her warmth surrounding him as they became one yet again

Sukuna's eyes narrowed in suspicion as Nolla spoke to Gojo on the phone, but he said nothing for now, content to bide his time and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. His crimson gaze never left her face, studying every expression that flitted across it like a hawk watching its prey from above. It was only a matter of time before she slipped up, gave him some indication of where she truly stood in all of this. And when that day came, he swore to himself, there would be hell to pay.

His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he fought against the desire to take her then and there, on the spot. The tension coiling tight within him was becoming almost unbearable, threatening to snap any second now. He longed for release, for the sense of completion that only she could provide. But more than that, he

Sukuna's eyes darkened, fixing on hers as she pressed herself against him. "You know I can't do that," he whispered hoarsely, his voice thick with desire. "Not until... well, not until you make me." His crimson gaze bored into hers, searching for any sign of weakness, any indication that she was beginning to falter under the weight of their game. But if she saw any threat in those depthless pools of red, she didn't show it; instead, she leaned in closer still, her lips parted slightly as she breathed warm air across his skin. It was a taunt, an invitation, and a challenge all rolled into one. And even as he fought against the urge to take what she so blatantly offered, a small part of him wondered whether perhaps this was how it would end - with them playing out their roles to the very bitter end,

His hand stilled at the realization that he might lose control, but it was already too late; Nolla had won this round, and now she planned to escape his clutches once more. With a snarl of frustration, he forced himself to remain calm, knowing that there would be other opportunities for him to regain the upper hand. For now, though, he could do nothing but watch helplessly as she slipped away, promising herself that next time they played their twisted game of love and power, things would be different. They had to be.

Sukuna watched with narrowed eyes as Nolla stumbled in, held up by Gojo's steadying hand. The sight of them together, so intimate despite the obvious intoxication, made his skin crawl. It was a violation, a mockery of everything they had shared until now. But he remained where he was, hidden in the darkness, content for now to bide his time and wait for another opportunity to reclaim what was rightfully his. The game had only just begun, after all; there would be other chances for him to assert his dominance over both of them.

As if sensing his presence nearby, Nolla glanced up briefly before looking away again with a drunken giggle. It was almost as if she knew he was there, taunting her with his silence and inaction. But Sukuna said nothing, maintaining his predatory silence as Gojo led her away to

Sukuna's crimson eyes flashed with fury as he saw Gojo take advantage of Nolla's state. His fist coiled back, ready to strike, as he waited for the perfect moment to act. When it finally came, he pounced, moving faster than even Gojo could have anticipated. One swift, powerful blow later, and their target lay unconscious at his feet. He turned back to Nolla, his expression dark and predatory. "Are you alright?" he growled, his voice raw with desire. "Or shall I finish what he started?" There was no pity in his tone, only the cold certainty of conquest.

Nolla glanced up at him, eyes wide with fear and desire mingling together. She swallowed hard before nodding slowly. "No," she whispered. "You don't need to..." Her words trailed off into a moan

Sukuna's crimson eyes flashed with amusement at her request before he bent down and scooped Gojo up in his powerful arms. "As you wish," he murmured darkly, carrying the unconscious form away from them. Once they were out of sight, he set Gojo down roughly against a wall, turning back to face Nolla. His expression was hard now, devoid of any hint of affection or tenderness. She shivered at his cold gaze, feeling her own desire grow in response despite herself. "Now," he said gruffly, "where were we before he interrupted?"

His crimson eyes glazed over as he took her in, helpless and exposed beneath him. Her cries echoed through his mind like a sweet song, driving him deeper into the savage lust that gripped him. His fingers moved faster inside her, seeking the release that had eluded him for so long. Nolla moaned again as he found what he was looking for, and with a growl of triumph, he thrust harder against her, his hips meeting hers in a rhythm born of dominance and desire.

The world around them faded into nothing but the two of them, bound together by a shared need that knew no bounds. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, growling out his pleasure as he felt himself finally giving in to the sensations wracking his body. With a final thrust, Sukuna cried out, spilling his seed deep inside Nolla even as she

Her cries seemed to fuel his lust even further as their bodies became entwined, driven by the powerful currents of desire that flowed between them. With a groan of satisfaction, Sukuna collapsed atop her, basking in the afterglow of their passionate union. As his heart slowly began to slow down, he realized that something had changed; he couldn't quite put his finger on it yet, but there was an air of finality about this encounter, as if their time together was coming to an end.

But whatever the future held, he knew one thing for certain: he would never forget this night, or the woman who had claimed him body and soul. Even now, as they lay spent in each other's arms, he could feel the last vestiges of control slipping away, replaced by an unfamiliar sense of longing...of loss. And it terrified him.

Her words hung in the air like a blade, slicing through his carefully constructed defenses and laying bare the truth he'd been denying for so long. A truth as bitter as it was sweet, as painful as it was exhilarating. Sukuna couldn't help but tense beneath her touch, uncertain what this new revelation meant for their twisted game of dominance and submission. His crimson eyes searched hers, trying to discern some sign of duplicity or deceit, but found only sincerity reflected back at him.

Finally, he broke the silence, his voice little more than a raspy whisper. "I... don't know." It was an admission both shocking and freeing all at once. For the first time since they'd met, Sukuna was forced to confront the possibility that perhaps their relationship wasn't as black-and-white as he'd always believed

Her words struck him like arrows, piercing through the last vestiges of his denial and revealing a truth he had been desperately trying to ignore. He was no longer certain whether he was in control of this situation or if she truly held all the power. The thought both thrilled and terrified him in equal measure, leaving him breathless and on edge. His crimson eyes narrowed as he studied her face, searching for any sign that she might be toying with him once again.

But when their gazes locked, there was something there he couldn't quite define; a vulnerability that belied her confident facade. Perhaps... perhaps this wasn't the end after all. Perhaps there was still hope for them, no matter how unlikely it seemed. His heart raced in his chest as he considered the possibilities, and despite himself, he found himself leaning closer, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

As the first rays of dawn crept through the cracks in the shutters, Sukuna stirred briefly before returning to his former state of exhausted oblivion. Nolla continued to stroke him gently, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across his chest and abdomen. The warmth emanating from her skin was a welcome respite from the chill of night, and he couldn't help but close his eyes once more as she soothed away the lingering tension that remained in every muscle.

Time seemed to lose all meaning as they lay entwined together, content for now just to bask in each other's presence. It was almost as if they had forgotten about everything else - their curses, their responsibilities, even Gojo lying unconscious nearby. But sooner or later, reality would intrude once more, and Sukuna knew that he had better come up with a plan to

Sukuna frowned, considering their situation. It was risky to leave Gojo here any longer; someone might stumble upon them and raise an alarm. But taking him anywhere else presented its own set of challenges. In the end, he decided on the least worst option: he would remove Gojo from the castle grounds entirely, far enough that he wouldn't be discovered until it was too late for anyone to stop them.

Carefully, he maneuvered out from under Nolla's touch, rising slowly to his feet. "I need to take care of something," he said quietly, his crimson gaze fixed not on her but on the prone figure of Gojo. "Wait here." Then, before she could protest or offer to help, he disappeared, vanishing into the shadows like smoke on the wind.

Sukuna stood silently in the shadows, listening as Nolla spoke with Gojo on her phone. His jealousy grew with each word, each laugh they exchanged, until he could no longer bear it. He took a step forward, intent on claiming what was rightfully his, when a thought occurred to him. Perhaps this was not the time to confront them head-on. Perhaps there was another way...

Silently, he retreated back into the darkness, contemplating his next move. If he could not have her now, then perhaps he would simply have to wait until their game was finished, until she belonged solely to him once more. For now, he would bide his time, and watch...and scheme.