He ignored me as he continued to pull me down the spiral staircase. His home was large and impressive, resembling a historic school with its majestic design. The ceilings were high, and the wide hallways featured detailed woodwork and aged brick walls. Big, arched windows let in lots of light that brightened the marble floors. The tall, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, ornate chandeliers, and the presence of columns or arches contributed to the cathedral-like feel.
“Don’t get any ideas. The orb the chain is connected to will immediately set you on fire if you try to leave the premises,” he said.
“Can I at least cover my body? I won’t ask you for nothing else.”
“This is your natural state. Many ages ago, fairies roamed naked. Maybe you should thank me for giving you the knowledge,” he responded.
“I don’t need a warlock telling me a damn thing about my kind. We are more comfortable around each other, but not outsiders!” I snapped.
He tightened his grip around my arm as we continued down the long hallway. His home had a lot of plants and water fountains inside. I would never tell him that it was somewhat keeping me grounded. The sounds of the birds and the smell of the plants reminded me of my forest.
“Get used to being naked, Eboenia. You’d never know when I’m having a bad day and just need to bust a quick nut,” he said.
“I’m extremely dry and loose. No amount of magic can heal my collapsed walls, so I think it’s best that you stick your dick into someone else.”
We stopped in front of black wooden doors with gold latches. “There’s nothing my magic can’t heal, but if all else fails, that little mouth of yours will do,” he replied.
“How much do you know about me?” I asked, worried that he discovered my wand.
“Before your mother died, she gave you a wand that she inherited from your ancestors. Only your friends know about the wand, even though she told you not to tell anyone. And I can’t forget your fiancé, that bitch boy Sin, leaving you feeling lonely because he can’t protect you from old man Hoax,” he said with a smirk.
“It’s rude to get into someone’s head!”
“That is part of my gifts. You should be on your knees worshipping me for taking you away from that miserable life,” he responded, with a self-satisfied grin.
“Can I at least have your name since you won’t give me anything to wear?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“War,” he answered too quickly, his gaze shifting momentarily—an indication it must’ve been a false name.
He opened the double doors, and we stepped into a dining room with a modern look. Bright nature paintings covered the walls, and in the corner, a bar area had shiny countertops and glass shelves. A sleek, modern piano sat near a window framed by rich red silk curtains, adding a classy touch to the space.
On the table, there was a spread of soul food. I sat at the table, not knowing where to start. When I reached for a biscuit, I noticed my hands had a different scent than usual. They smelled like shea butter, and with everything that was going on, I didn’t know how I missed it.
“Did you bathe me?” I asked War, who was at the bar.
“Only because I didn’t want the stench of blood smelling up my tower,” he replied.
There was something alluring about him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on; perhaps it was his dominance. It wasn’t just the way he talked; it was his entire personality. I hated myself for thinking this way—how could I find anything appealing about the monster who slaughtered the army of my realm? Even if he let the women and children live, the blood of my people was on his hands. The shame twisted inside me, hot and bitter, every time I caught myself noticing the strength in his jaw or the confidence in his movements. I couldn’t tell if he hated me because I was a fairy or because I was giving him a hard time.
“Do you want Charmden to yourself. If so, you don’t seem like the type that would want to live in that realm. It’s obvious you’re more humanized than most of us," I said as I chewed.
War poured himself a glass of cognac then leaned back in the chair, taking a sip while his eyes pierced through mine. "You just like meddling into my shit, don’t you?" he asked.
"No, but I’m curious as to why a warlock wants Charmden."
“My dealings doesn’t concern you,” he replied.
“You destroyed my ceremony.”
“I did you a favor which is why you’ll repay me with your body,” he sarcastically replied.
I set the half-eaten biscuit down, my appetite fading. “A favor? You call slaughtering my people and ruining my life a favor?”
War shrugged, swirling the cognac in his glass. “Come on shorty, you hated your life.”
“You don’t know anything about me,” I snapped, heat rising in my cheeks.
He smirked. “I know enough, that’s why you’re here.”
