Sinful Obsession

23. 23 – Vienna

23 – Vienna

I sit on the edge of Ewan’s bed, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap. The four horsemen are scattered around the room, as Ewan leans against the wall, his long legs stretched out in front of him, his pale eyes sharp and unreadable as he watches me. Kaua lounges in a chair near the corner, Nevan and Vito on the opposite bed, murmuring quietly to each other, their handsome features shadowed in the dim light.

I feel out of place, like an intruder in their world despite how much time I’ve spent with them. And tonight, something feels different . The air is thick, heavy with a tension I can’t explain. It clings to my skin, seeps into my lungs, until I’m sure they can feel it too.

But I know the source. I can feel him—Asmodeus.

His energy is stronger than usual, a pulsing, oppressive presence that seems to fill every corner of the room. It’s like a storm gathering just beyond the horizon, its power crackling in the air, waiting to be unleashed. My body reacts to it instinctively, heat spreading through me in waves that I can’t suppress. My cheeks burn, and I keep my head down, unable to meet the horsemen’s eyes.

I try to focus on anything else, but the visions start creeping in, unbidden and vivid. Flames lick at the edges of my mind, casting shadows that twist and writhe. I see a sprawling, endless landscape bathed in fire and darkness, the contours of hell itself. It’s not chaotic like I imagined—it’s structured, intricate, a world of terrifying beauty. His world.

I can feel Asmodeus’ touch even though he isn’t physically here. It’s like he’s wrapping himself around me, his energy seeping into my skin, pulling me under. My breath hitches, and I press my thighs together, trying to fight the sensations coursing through me. It’s intimate, invasive, and I feel completely exposed. I glance around the room, panic rising as I realize they’re all here, watching, unaware of the battle raging inside me.

His voice slithers into my mind, dripping with promises that make my head spin.

“Look, love. This is where you will reign. Where you will be worshipped, adored, and feared.”

The images shift, and I see myself standing on a throne of black obsidian, the heat of hellfire illuminating the space around me. Creatures bow at my feet, their faces twisted in awe and terror. The power is intoxicating, a promise of something I never knew I wanted but now can’t resist.

“You will never be alone again. Eternal love, power, and union that transcends anything mortal.” His words wrap around me like a seductive spell, each one sinking deeper into my mind.

My breath comes faster, my skin flushed and damp. I can’t tell where the visions end and reality begin. It’s like he’s touching me, his hands roaming over me in ways that leave me trembling. I bite my lip hard enough to draw blood, trying to stifle the soft sound that escapes me.

“You okay?” Nevan’s voice breaks through the haze, concerned. He’s watching me now, his brow furrowed as he leans forward.

I nod quickly, ducking my head. “Yeah. Just… tired.”

“They’re watching,” I whisper in my mind, trying to push Asmodeus away, though my body betrays me, aching for his touch.

And then he appears.

The shadows in the corners deepen, pooling together, coalescing into a figure. My heart skips a beat, my mouth going dry as Asmodeus steps forward, his form slowly taking shape.

“Hello, boys,” he says, his voice a deep rumble that reverberates through the room.

I can’t breathe.

This isn’t the Asmodeus I’ve grown accustomed to, the charming, beautiful man who appears in my dreams. This is him in his true form, unfiltered, raw, and utterly demonic. Horns curve elegantly from his head, as dark as onyx. His skin is dark and marbled with faint cracks of molten red, glowing faintly like embers beneath a dying fire. His wings are massive, stretching wide before folding neatly behind him, their edges sharp as blades.

He grins, revealing too many teeth, his crimson eyes glowing. There’s something monstrous about him, something that should terrify me, but instead, I feel drawn to him, mesmerized.

The horsemen are silent, their shock palpable. Even Ewan, who rarely betrays emotion, looks visibly shaken. Kaua straightens in his chair, his body tense, ready for a fight that will never come.

“Asmodeus,” Ewan finally asks, his voice tight. “What are you doing here?”

Asmodeus doesn’t answer immediately. His gaze flicks to me, lingering for a moment before he turns to the others. “I thought it was time to introduce myself properly. After all, we’re all part of the same game, aren’t we?”

Vito narrows his gaze at my demon. “Game? Is that what this is to you?”

“Not at all,” Asmodeus replies smoothly, his grin widening. “This is destiny. Each of us has a role to play. You, the horsemen, and Vienna—my beloved queen.”

The words make my stomach flip, a mix of fear and longing that I can’t untangle. I glance at the horsemen, their expressions a mixture of anger and unease.

Asmodeus tilts his head, his grin softening into something almost tender as he looks at me. “I want her to be mine. To take her rightful place at my side. To see her ascend to the power she was born for.”

“She’s human,” Nevan snaps. “You’re asking her to throw away everything for—what? Your vision of eternity?”

Asmodeus’ gaze sharpens, his eyes locking onto Nevan. “You think she’s human?” he asks softly. “You think someone as radiant, as powerful as her is just a mortal girl?”

The words send a chill through me. I want to deny them, to cling to the fragile reality I’ve been holding onto, but deep down, I know he’s right. There’s something inside me, something that’s been awakening since I came to Briarwood.

Asmodeus steps closer, before leaning down, his hand brushing my cheek as he whispers, “You feel it, don’t you? The truth. You were made for this.”

I can’t speak. My throat is dry, my mind spinning, but I don’t pull away. The horsemen remain silent as Asmodeus straightens, his gaze sweeping over them with something almost like approval.

“You’re meant for great things,” he says, his voice low and commanding. “When the time comes, you’ll see where you truly belong.”

The portal.

The second crack is there, a jagged line that promises the beginning of the end.