chaos.

Irelia had an abundance of knowledge on dark magic after years of bouncing between substances, there was a time when suppliers ran out of everything they had due to a shipwreck. That year Irelia grew desperate to find a cure to heal her itching skin, but botany was never her favorite subject nor did she care for the growth of plants in any shape or matter. Her desperation led her down a path of dark, forbidden magic, and gathering fresh goat milk every week to create an unstable anesthetic in the form of a sizzling liquid. The minute the witch had grasped her all those memories of dark magic came to the surface, surrounding all of them with demonic hands wrapping around their ankles; The warmth of his arm across her chest spread fire throughout her organs, smoke filling her lungs as he spoke to her in a tone that could be easily misinterpreted. Did he care for her? It wasn’t like she was carrying his child or would bear any children in the future for him. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Irelia questioned watching as the woman found a home on the ground, twitching as if her soul was fighting to stay stationed inside her until the last breath filtered out into the open air. “Why would you kill her?” Irelia broke the barrier between them, nudging his arm away from proximity, and began walking in the direction in which they came. Understanding was a waste of her time, Irelia knew the high would hit at any moment and she couldn’t afford to be figured out by her husband. More like she couldn’t be bothered to explain where she obtained such a drug. “Thrax.” She realized sooner than later that snakes were a small piece of Orion, comprehending the concept of never being alone, especially after marrying a maniac. The snake slithered towards Irelia in its original size, small yet deadly, and it wrapped around her leg as she made her way down the hill. “Your owner is a real work of art.” It wasn’t until her body reached the gates that her body froze, the warmth surrounding the Sacred Arces turned senseless suddenly, and the atmosphere around her was brisk as flowers withered. Her eyes raised to catch the eyes of a woman who reeked of threat, dark iris staring into her soul as she whispered in a playful tone. “Don’t let them catch you, don’t let them catch you!” Irelia questioned whether to speak, if what she was something from beyond Damned then it would be obvious that Phoenix had invited unwanted spirits into the living. “I have changed my mind, I’m not saying that I’m terrified about walking back on this wonderful–very badly lit road, but that’s exactly what I am saying.” Ignoring the being to keep her sanity as she spun to wait for Orion to catch up to her, walking side by side with him made her feel disgustingly secure. “Please, hurry up.”

The show was magical, at least in Orion’s eyes, although they didn’t receive the chaos they had initially wanted he had at least seen the fragility of a human. He had seized a tighter hold around Irelia’s chest as he witnessed the blood that streaked so dark that it almost ran into the shadows. Khaede had become nothing but flesh and bones in a matter of seconds, no longer a spirit ringing around in that mind causing him a headache. “Why keep her alive?” Laughter rose so slight once she had nudged from his arm yet the night had carried the sound higher and wider. He didn’t care for the loss of warmth at Irelia’s distance, his focus on the body that lay on its side, pressing his foot into Khaede’s side to force her onto her back. The life had faded fast, Orion suspected the blood added to the effect, but she had been gaunt in seconds as if death had sucked the youth from her - or perhaps she had created an illusion with her talents; showing them a younger and more beautiful version of herself. “I don’t like owing anyone anything.” He hunkered down next to the witch, making short work of searching her body and pocketing the items that were both of interest and anything that made her identifiable. If he was lucky; Strife would never have to claim her once she was found. Irelia remained his focus even when his eyes weren’t tacked to her, aware that she was trudging forward on her own, but he knew her better than she believed he did. Once he had finally straightened and crossed the acre at his own pace, he had found her in the spot he expected of her. Much like the night they first met - her fear would always root her two steps away from a dangerous path. “I’m not leading the way.” Orion drew to a halt directly behind her, enough to fan a breath across the back of her neck. “You lead us.” He tilted his head to peer over her shoulder and catch her expression before his eyes followed the road that would take them home. Knuckles pressed against his nape and slowly grazed down her spine until he was pressing weight on the small of her back. “Is there something scarier than me out there? Hurry up, little one. We don’t have all night.”

Each step felt heavier, breathing slowing as Irelia stepped into the land of the dead. The scent was unlike any typical gravesite, Irelia picked up on magnolia and a hint of jasmine depending on the area; Irelia kept to herself as the others spoke with body language and piercing gazes until the witch flicked her tongue in Latin. She’d read them before but the memory was damaged from her usage of narcotics, thinking carefully of where she was when a spell to retrieve the spirit of a deceased would've been used. The spell was over before she could understand what was swirling inside of her, swallowing the cold air as her eyes scouted the area for anything unusual. “You.” It was the strong tone that snapped her back to the woman covered in markings, eyes widening as Khaede made her way toward her. “You have something the dead want.” Irelia’s brows furrowed the minute the witch's hands grabbed her face, inching closer while the ground around them began to shift into a black hole, and Irelia was met with hazel eyes amidst the darkness. Those eyes were not of the witch, those eyes were of Rosie-lane as bloody fingers massaged the tips of her ears. Rosie-lane’s voice spoke in whispers, casting curses to everyone gathered in the circle with a menacing smile. It took only moments before Irelia was face to face with Khaede again, but this time fear was seen on her features. “Orion,” She didn’t dare to remove the woman, hands shaking uncontrollably as her knees began to buckle even considering touching her would be devastating to those around her. “Get her off me, get her off me!” Irelia questioned the time when she took the substance, it was too soon for her body to react, but how could this possibly be real? Phoenix disturbed the peace and no one stopped him. This was a problem considering the high would last all night long. “I said get her off me!” The familiar sound of slithering began to grow louder as pet snakes evolved into larger ones, circling Irelia as a means to protect her from the witch. “They get bigger?” Phoenix shuddered in disgust watching the scene unfold. The length of the snake was remarkable, Irelia glanced down as the snake slid in between them with fangs larger than the jewels Orion had stuffed in her pocket. It was waiting patiently for an order, facing the woman who threatened the Crown, and it gave Irelia a sense of security as the snake followed every detailed movement of the witch. “He will be the death of you.”

If there was an ounce of havoc to be found in the evening, Orion would seize it with his all, hoping to find it in the jewels that rattled in his pocket. However, they weren’t required to draw out the events that followed the turn of his back. Khaede approach to Irelia was unknown until the mention of his name pierced the night and he was digging up tufts of dirt with the vigour in which he spun on his toes to his wife’s call. A flicker of panic pinched at his jaw and drew his brows together, a second what all that was required to school his expression back to nonchalance. “Remove yourself, Khaede!” Orion’s voice cut the stir in the air, the magic that Khaede had used was fluttering, it was struggling to find a home and it was clinging to the darkness. He didn’t rush, his feet were steady in their pace to reach Irelia and Khaede, eyes lingering on the former for a beat too long once he was in close proximity. “Stop panicking.” His voice lowered, aware of the snakes that had fallen from him on entry to the Sacred Acre, slithering along the grass while it extended in length, appearing as if it was casting a skin that it dragged deftly behind it. Orion edged himself behind her then, an arm crossing her chest so if the witch were to lash out with a violent swipe, he would take the brunt of the blow rather than Irelia’s vital organs. “They get bigger.” Orion’s amusement was evident at Phoenix’s disgust towards his favoured protection, but he didn’t have the time to dwell on it, not while he abruptly hauled Irelia with him and clicked his tongue. “Thrax.” There was a pause, a brief wave of a moment where Khaede’s expression shifted and fear lit her eyes, she was back in her own body a moment too late. “We no longer require your services.” With that, Thrax’s jaw extended and he lunged for the woman’s throat, her scream silenced by a gurgle, a massacre that filled his vision with a beautiful flurry of red. His hands hadn’t eased on the security they had on Irelia, not wishing for another to rise in attack or for her to flee and become impossible to find. “Wait for the crack, it's the best part.” It came crisp and clear, perfectly on cue, and Orion delighted in it. “Beautiful.” 

For years Phoenix read about the ‘off limits’ land where those who have buried and gifted the land with an unexplained warm hue. As the gates opened the minute a royal from Devotion was near, Phoenix held his laughter as his disgust for Aphrodite grew more. He thought about the line in an ancient book, every royal from Devotion would be granted access to the Sacred Acres, and those who trespass would answer to Aphrodite. These words irritated him since the day he heard them, as the son of Hades, it was almost like a slap to the face. Tonight made history as his feet crushed the leaves beneath, Phoenix bathed in the thought that the son of Hades was stepping foot on Sacred lands. “I wouldn’t dare burn a witch, it would bring you years of bad luck and I can’t afford years of a curse.” His laughter was barely audible as his feet followed behind their cover, lowering his head to avoid being caught by those who paid attention to him daily. “I never understood why the weather is warmer here.” The minute he stepped foot onto the ground, every neuron activated almost warning him that this location was not to be tampered with even on Hallow’s Eve. Phoenix ignored the feeling, allowing the mother of the deceased to guide them to the burial site with the witch close by. “Here.” His vision adjusted to the engraving on the marble stone, lips curving downwards as he nodded in approval. “There she lies.” Phoenix signaled toward the witch to begin the spell, gathering everyone around as he emptied his pockets of the needed sacrifices; rat tail, white roses, and fresh goat milk. He shut momentarily while Khaede blessed the land until she grimly demanded his hand, casually lifting his arms for her to wrap her wicked fingers around his wrist. It was an odd sensation running throughout his body as the witch spoke in paint words, “Impere tumis noli lectimus iactos picissimum quo futurissime defectant ludant.” The wind near them began to twirl the white petals before creating a circle around them, each petal landing elegantly on the ground to keep those inside from stepping out. “Call out her name.” Phoenix cocked a brow, voice low as he spoke out the name of who he wished to speak with. “Rosie-lane.” The witch failed to address that not every soul will find a path back to the real world, but those desperate enough will leap at the opportunity to torture the living. His patience was running thin, glancing around for a sign of her deceased presence yet nothing seemed out of the ordinary. “What a waste of time.” He snatched his hand after minutes of no activity, but that action caused the witch to panic as each petal began to wither instantly. There was no longer light, only darkness had entered the realm. “Good luck.” Phoenix shrugged his shoulders as he faced the audience, parting his lips to speak with boredom painted on his features. “I thought this would be more exciting, but I was wrong. Let’s leave.”

“This night feels like a curse.” Orion drawled as he took a step away from Phoenix and began to circle the site that they had been led to, basked in flowers and trinkets. It was a feeble and disgusting memorial, the people of Devotion lived their lives with the direction their heart led them and it was clear they decorated the same way. The marble headstone carved gaudy swirls that bleed themselves into roses and hearts, dusted with a golden hue, never mind the small stuffed bear locked in a golden lantern, as if overseeing the protection of the jewels that circled it. Jewels that he noticed were embedded in every tomb or headstone they’d passed. “Pathetic.” His eyes rolled and he missed the sharp snap of Aera’s head towards him, although when he returned his focus to the task, he couldn’t miss the piercing stare. He also picked up on the distance she placed between herself and Rosie-Lane’s mothers, almost laughable that she had put both him and Phoenix between them. It piqued his interest, a story that his friend had certainly failed to tell him, yet he would likely be given the time to indulge. The interaction with the dead was short; in fact, it was non-existent. “You dragged me out here for this?” Orion’s laughter was hollow, a lacklustre affair after the promise of chaos didn’t settle well, and he kicked himself off the nearest headstone to the burial site the others huddled around. Dropped down towards the lantern that housed the bear despite the call from Rosie-Lane’s mother, he was interested and no amount of aching sobs of a parent would halt him, nor the attempt to tear him away by his collar. “I’ll bring them back,  promise.” The lie was smooth off his tongue, seizing the several jewels that were stored within, unbeknown to him that he had given the princess the cover required to retrieve the necklace. Annoyance led to him ramming an elbow directly to the woman’s nose, knocking her to the dirt of her daughter's grave and returning to his full height. “On second thoughts, I’ll be keeping them.” He didn’t look behind him, not to the weeping woman or the witch that had been trapped in her dire position. It was his return to Phoenix’s side that had him kicking up dirt and slipping his souvenir into his pocket, but not before dropping a few into the other’s pocket. “If I’m right, my dear friend. Tonight is going to be very interesting."

“Which is why I brought us the lovely Princess Aera. No one would ask any questions if she’s the one who granted us access.” The ball began with guests arriving early to set the mood for those who felt the urge to arrive later, Phoenix could hear the clacking of servants rushing to the opposite of Strife as the occupancy grew. “Tick, tock, catch the witch.” His soul dangled effortlessly against his hip as it spoke with urgency, only a friendly reminder for Phoenix that their conversation was a waste of time. “Property is such a strong word for a human being.” He raised a hand suppressing his laughter, but making a scathing remark would have them standing there for hours. There had been a course and place to explain his thinking, but even he didn’t plan this thoroughly. It was time to initiate the last step of the makeshift plan, Phoenix casts his attention over to the women as they spoke about nonsense before carelessly interrupting. “How do you ladies feel about seeing a witch? Right answers only.” There was no reason to receive an answer from them when he already knew that the two beauties, especially Irelia, looked like she was about to crumble after wandering the halls of Strife for months. Phoenix shivered at the thought of never leaving Strife unless accompanied by her husband, “Be a decent husband and have your wife come with us. It’ll be a nice bonding moment for the two of you or one of you may commit murder. Who truly knows?” His hands returned to his pockets, head tilting slightly towards Orion as an indication it was time to move. “Bring the witch to the Sacred Acre.” The group didn’t have time to make rounds to visit the witch personally, Phoenix aware that she may already know that her presence was needed on sacred grounds. His legs began to move towards the doors as servants slowly opened the closer he got to the door, turning on his heel to walk backward as he spoke towards Orion with a displeased expression as he made unwanted eye contact with his pets. “You’re bringing the snakes, aren’t you?” It would take approximately thirty minutes from Strife to reach the grounds before it was completely dark, but the moon would give Phoenix enough light to play with spells.

The crackle of gravel under feet was swiftly changing to the crunch of ice-lined grass as Orion followed the lead of Devotion’s doll. If he thought too long about being on her heel he would have been lost to maniacal laughter, the princess seemingly made of candied clouds and the fairies dew, was the one leading both he and Phoenix into a land that was never to be tread by their toes. “Let’s make it quick. I’ve got a ball to host.” Orion extended his hands although they were planted in the pocket of his coat and it ended in a shrug, bristling the snake that had been hanging from his lapel. He treaded forward and up upon grass verges, hearing the gasps of Aera as the mounds he cared little for were recently buried devotees of Devotion. “Khaede.” He called to the witch who was several steps behind, urging her forward to get introductions over swiftly, he didn’t have the minutes to spare tonight of all nights. “This is Phoenix and you’ll tell him everything and do everything he asks.” Her dark gaze was locked on him when he spun to face her, laughter bubbling forth at the tight-lipped response he was receiving. His hand suddenly raised to rub his thumb and forefinger together, a confirmation that she’d receive formal compensation. “Bitch.” He spoke under his breath once he was out of her earshot and within Phoenix’s, clamping a hand on his shoulder and wholly prepared to witness an event that would put his own ball to shame. Fingers tapping to their own tune, eyeing up the rest of their company; not quite those that he expected to indulge in chaos yet he was happy to oblige in reeling them in. “Burn the witch if it’s what you need, it’s no loss to me.”

“I always prepare ahead of time for your balls.” Phoenix emptied his hands from his pockets, carefully monitoring the two women as he quickly caught a glimpse of the fabric. If he were being honest, Phoenix had low hopes for the Princess and her skills to deliver an unknown package. The minute Irelia wrapped her fingers around the gift, he heard the ticking of time as his plan unfolded almost too perfectly. It was satisfying watching until he redirected his attention to Orion. “I require a witch.” Phoenix knew the man well enough that he allowed no time for interruptions, tongue running over his teeth. “I’m planning to reconnect a mother with her child. I need a spell that can make that happen, but my sister refused to share knowledge on the dead and I know you have information on the whereabouts of a witch.” The explanation was too simple, Phoenix was well aware of the questions that would be asked and he abruptly turned his head to make eye contact with Orion. “Let me explain it in more detail. Princess Aera has access to the sacred lands which is why she’s here with me, The mother is of the one named Rosie-lane who was brutally murdered.” His hand hovered over his heart, deep sigh to pay respects to the dead as if he wasn’t the one who lead them through Damned. “May she rest in peace or should I say pieces?” Phoenix cleared his throat before laughter could erupt. “What do you say? Chaos is calling and it's been a while since we were behind it.” His eyes caught the slithering of two snakes, lips curving downwards in disapproval as he returned his attention to one carefully wrapping around the ankles of the woman he delivered substances. “I understand why they follow you everywhere, but why would one be near Irelia?”

“A witch?” Orion found himself hooked with a single word, the dipping into the realms of magic always came with a joyful set of aftershocks. Witches had been forced out of many houses, trickling back into noman’s lands or in this case, defected to Strife. Her name was on the tip of his tongue, making a clicking noise on the roof of his mouth as he toyed with sharing it. “What exactly do you receive from reconnecting this mother and daughter?” Orion perched himself on the edge of the windowsill, crossing his arms and following with his legs. His eyes skipped over his friends towards Irelia instead, unaware of the passing of a gift that occurred seconds prior and behind his back. “Or do you want to use dear little Rosie-lane’s bones to strengthen the goal?” Chaos. It was the only goal that Orion had ever been so intent on, a smile curving on the corners of his mouth at the thought of what they could accomplish on the ground that Aphrodite sunk her blood, sweat and tears into.“I’ve always wanted to step inside the Sacred Acre.” A confirmation of his participation, gaze sweeping over Aera and the innocence that sickeningly ebbed with every graceful movement. She would fall from grace for allowing them to play their games. The notice of his snake-attentive nature to Irelia had Orion hissing his disapproval, driving one of the creatures away from her and towards him, a smooth change of direction that had him reaching downwards to allow it to curve around his wrist and circle up his arm. “They protect my property, it’s unfortunate when your property moves, and breathes.” His eyes rolled at the tongue that flickered into his face, a fluttering of distaste from his own pet, an occurrence that grew once he had married Irelia. He didn’t wish to dwell on it, not when Phoenix was present long enough to pass judgment. “Khaede. The witch lives on the boundary of Strife, she’s amicable as a viper.”

"Finally, someone who understands me." Phoenix wiped away fake tears while he listened to her words, sniffling over the pain he endured knowing Orion planned to marry someone else that wasn't him. "You don't know much about Prince Orion, do you? I'll break down to you before we meet him." He adjusted his sitting, unbuttoning a button before he stood up to educate the Princess. "Orion, the love of my life, is an outstanding yet devilish man whom I know doesn't care for anyone. The only reason he married was to have an heir, last child, blah blah. There may be a bastard out there, but that's for another story." He began pacing the room, hands behind his back thinking about good times with his evil companion; a closer look would indicate a smile as he daydreamed. "Irelia is a handful and I've heard stories that he locks her in a room. Let's the servants take care of her and leave for days at a time for business." Phoenix didn't know the exact reason, but he was well aware of their growing feelings for one another. "It's all interesting, I'm not curious enough to evaluate further but I know that she does need those pills. Orion may not show it, but he'll be grateful to you and Devotion even in the worst tone." The plan was unfolding too perfectly, gracefully, and magnificently. He planned to say more until doors opened, announcing the presence of two very important players. Phoenix spun on his heel, bowing slightly at the two royals before scanning Irelia and then Orion with a soft smile. "The tension is high. Did you two fight?" His tone teased, walking over to greet Orion with open arms and lips against Irelia's hand as he returned to his original position. "Orion, you know the Princess. Irelia, you can do the introduction on your own." He gestured to the odd companion, tilting his head to signal that the two should remove themselves and talk privately. "Let's talk."

Orion’s dealing with Irelia had been few and far between yet each time they were in a room together he found his blood pressure rising to exponential levels. Her hand on his a show that they had to play when it came to guests and allowing her the freedom to be in the presence of others would at least silence her temporarily. The moment they entered the room, his eyes snapped towards Aera, a female who had never been of interest to him despite the marriage that tied her to Strife. However, he was curious as to why Phoenix had chosen to have her in his company on today of all days. “Sorry for the lateness, but Irelia tripped out a window.” He didn’t glance towards his wife as he addressed Phoenix, his eyebrows nudged upwards, the only person that he would divulge such information to that wasn’t under his direct control. Irelia’s absence at his side wasn’t missed even though he turned his head to follow the initial interaction with Aera. The typical dance of the females at court, all fluff and ribbons while they spoke in tongues that only another woman could understand, he never trusted women together but there was little he could do given the circumstances. “I thought you’d be preparing for the ball, readying your torture devices for whatever lady dares to enter your carriage this evening.” Orion didn’t speak to Phoenix's comment that they should talk, he took a simple stride to the opposing end of the room, placing enough distance between them and the princesses to conceal conversation. “But I don’t think you’re here about that, it’s Hallows-Eve after all, it’s your favourite time to play. So what's the game this year?"

"You don't think I'll come back, do you?" Irelia couldn't blame him for thinking logically because the answer was staring both of them in the face. She wouldn't return, not immediately, after a three-day high since it wasn't her first time. She vividly remembered her mother locking the doors to her bedroom, chaining up windows, and closing off any exits in case she decided to flee for another three-day bender. In fact, Irelia was certain that her mother was the one to advise Orion about her flight strategies. "You've never experienced withdrawals have you? You have no idea what my body is doing to me. You did this to me, you decided one day that our deal is no longer valid because the marriage was sealed." The aching would never subside until she received the needed healing potion, the voices never whispered only shouted at her for denying them the needed vial to survive. "You lied to me, Orion." Irelia having to live without inhaling or ingesting something was starting to open emotional chapters for her that she didn't know existed. Empathy, sadness, happiness, and love were chapters that she didn't understand--her mind only focused on one thing, addiction. It was as if time stopped momentarily, eyes flickering over his features as he announced a name that she recognized. Someone who was willing to provide without any questions, inhaling sharply before agreeing to his suggestion. "Fine." The walk towards the doors was daring, Irelia lifted her arm to block any contact from him as her hands pulled the doors to reveal their audience. It was time to put on a performance, she gently placed a hand against the nape of his neck wasting no time to reel him into a kiss. Even after everything, Irelia despised how his lips sent waves of electricity throughout her body--she blamed it on the lack of narcotics. "Ready to go?"

“You don’t like my rules?” Orion scoffed in the wake of her complaints and it slowly morphed into laughter, his eyes darting away from her and towards the ceiling in disbelief. Truthfully shocked that she’d made it this far, but more so that she had felt that their deal had been made in any way that truly benefited her. He had always had the upper hand and he was content in the knowledge she hadn’t figured it out until their marriage was fully fledged. “That’s too bad, Irelia. I never offered you drugs on a platter, did I? I offered you a chance to escape your mother and I’ve delivered it so perfectly that she hasn’t set foot on Strife territory since our wedding night.” A partial truth, she had appeared twice to be turned away, Orion’s own choice to keep Irelia locked inside the bubble that he’d created. A bubble that he hoped would force her to heal yet had done quite the opposite. He had expected her to deny the request to meet with guests and toss another object at his head, but instead, he was greeted with enthusiasm and she alerted his suspicions. “Irelia.” Her name was a warning, his toe practically scrapping against her heel on the move towards the door, already disliking his decision to invite her. The kiss had come as a surprise, rare occasions of affection had flittered between them and just like now, they were rarely private. A show that played his part with ease once the shock settled and his hand crossed the small of her back and locked her against his frame. “Stay at my left.” He whispered his demand while their lips were inches apart, presenting his left arm to her and unravelling his right from her waist, intent on keeping her close enough that Phoenix wouldn’t dare to play a game with her. “I’m ready, my love.” Endearment poisonous on his tongue, but in front of the staff that now shuffled into line to allow them to breeze past, it was a requirement.

Irelia knew the moment the doors slammed shut that he was no longer in the mood for her irresponsible personality. It would've made anyone keep their mouth shut the minute he engaged in friendly fire, but Irelia refused to back down from this fight. "You never respond when I address the situation of me leaving for a day, you're too busy falling head over heels for the new bait that walks through Strife's door." Irelia understood when the maids would say he was working, busy with paperwork about becoming the next King, but no matter how many times she told herself it didn't matter. It always mattered because she was stuck roaming the house, Irelia knew everything about Strife after months of residing there and it drove her to insanity. "I never sent for you! You mad that an unspoken rule, someone must be sent in your direction when I decide to leave. If you took time away for a second and listened to your wife when she spoke then we wouldn't be in this predicament." Irelia never withdrew her weapon, unlike him her anger was explosive after months of being kept inside, and she retaliated by reaching for the nearest object. "You have plenty of women who can give you heirs, you filthy piece of shit. The women don't mind bragging about it, I hear it all day about how Orion sent flowers to someone other than his wife." The small statue was tossed in his direction, lifting the cushions from the seats to continue the flying fits of rage. "God, how can you be so stupid? How can I be so stupid to marry you? I barely see you every day, I memorized the paintings in the hall so that I can paint them with my eyes closed. Impressive, right? The least you can do is send eye candy for me to stare at except you send Robert." She huffed, puffed letting her anger subside as she finally dropped the last item in her had as it shattered on the ground along with the roses. "Don't you have some important meeting to attend? Leave."

“I have addressed the problem of you leaving for the day, I said no.” Orion hadn’t been entirely forgiving when it came to the rules that he had outlined to both Irelia and the staff that tended to her. As much as they had struck a deal that should have benefitted them both, he did not trust her to venture beyond the castle walls and return. “That no should have been final. Do you want anything that does not require you to step outside those damn gates?” The bait dangled in front of his eyes was too tempting, snatching it and allowing his temper to flare. Choosing a wife was supposed to be the hard part, obtaining and keeping one was supposed to be easy, especially when she had so much at her disposal. “And how would that go exactly?” The small statue grazed his left shoulder before it shattered against the marble fireplace, and still, he did not move from where he stood. “An illegitimate heir, pointless. I could have achieved that without marrying you.” He allowed her rage to run its course, the cushions hitting true twice while the others bounced objects from the ledge behind him. “If you can paint every painting and you require something nice to look at, should I request nude models? I feel like our bedroom is missing a striking painting of another man’s dick above the bed.” Orion’s anger had never subsided, it remained subdued beneath the surface as he counteracted her, drawn inward by the gnawing guilt that he had locked her in a cage. His eyes darted to the door, a pause in the commotion that made him all too aware of those who stood outside. “Join me.” He may come to regret the request, he slowly edged forward, although he remained at arm's length to halt her potentially striking him. “If you want something to do, then join me. I’m meeting with Phoenix, I believe he’s brought a guest. You can request to draw her nude if she’s to your liking.” 

For a mere second, she thought fear came from his voice along with her name. It was the first of many to come, but for now, it happened to be the first time anyone had said her name in a way. "No." Spending months together had connected Irelia to him in plenty of ways, but it wasn't until this moment that she realized the connection was stronger than she expected. She shook her head, no drugs could prepare her for what he was about to do next which scared her even more. Why did climb out the window? Where was the emergency button? Why did this man even attempt to save her? "Orion!" Irelia shouted, her voice coated in fear while her mind attempted to calculate their survival rate. Her body clung to his like her life was at stake, free falling suddenly being checked off her bucket list. "Your snakes! You're fucking ridiculous." Irelia held her breath, arm reaching out to let the snakes wrap around her wrists. A normal position for the slithering creatures, ignoring the sensation of her stomach dropping before securing herself safely around his body. "What the fuck is your deal? You can't advise your wife before making a decision to drop from the fucking sky?" Although, the guards caught them gracefully even tended to her gown as well as the snakes wrapped around her wrist. Every servant dashed towards her, fixing her appearance as she pushed past every guard with no intent of stopping, yet she halted anyway. Members of the house made room heads glancing down while Irelia spoke with power in her voice. "Don't ever risk your life again for me, understand? I can't afford to lose you, they can't afford to lose you."

“I must advise you when I plan to drop from the sky?” Orion’s laugh didn’t encompass its usual malice, although it was paired with batting to remove the hands that surged to check he hadn’t injured himself. His irritation grew for the fuss that was created around him, he couldn’t escape it from the moment his sister had met her gruesome end, as if a single scratch would bring an end to his family line. “I would appreciate the same from you, yet it doesn’t seem like you’re capable of acting reasonably.” He broke through the guards and those who looked on, grasping hold of Irelia by the elbow, not tight enough to cause injury but enough to lead her to a room that housed fewer eavesdroppers. Her attempts to escape had been suicidal and each incident was worse than the last. He feared each day would be his last with her and the more time he spent in her presence, the more terrifying the idea of living without her had been. “When did I grant you the authority to tell me what to do?” His voice lowered, releasing her before his aggression flared, placing a safe distance between them to slam shut the door in the faces of the staff that had attempted to follow them. Her words were heavy on his heart, that she couldn’t afford to lose him, a confession that passed her lips before she focused on the people of Strife who couldn’t afford the loss. “And I can’t afford to lose you, Irelia. You are the main event in this empire, do you understand? My wife, the future Queen, the woman that is supposed to carry heirs, and I will not hesitate to lock you in a room without a damn window. How do you feel about daylight only on special occasions?” 

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Irelia stared at the man who claimed to be her husband, glancing down at his hand as she decided whether to grab hold or move towards the nearest decorative stone head; However, Irelia couldn't help but feel her heart drop realizing that he came instantly without hesitation. Didn't ask someone else to grab her, but he came for her and this caused confusion within her thoughts. Cheek pressing along the dark shutters, body automatically moving in the direction of his hand until she foot slipped. The fall would be deadly, it'll be at least 10 seconds before her body hit the ground, and Irelia would be spoken about for years. Woman who jumped to her death, bride to Orion Thornes pronounced dead; The idea wasn't so bad until she was living in the moment. "You're horrible at talking someone down, this is not your strong suit at all." Irelia caught herself just in time before she created crimson fireworks. "Orion." This was the courage she needed, only to say his name as her hand grasped his own with closed eyes. Gradually leaning towards him, slipping would be unforunate because now she held his life in her hands. "Don't let me fall." It seemed the univrse heard her loud enough, wind suddenly picking up the minute she stepped on the edge of the railing. Another slip, Irelia hated this railing more than she could express and today it plotted revenge. All the members holding Orion had cursed, gasped, and shouted in unison as they watched her slip and it was expected that Orion would follow her down. This was it. No more balls to attend, no more worries about her withdrawals, and no more slithering snakes wrapped around her wrists. Finally, just breathe.

Orion hadn’t second-guessed his decision, not even as the winds cut a chill through his shirt or multiple pairs of hands had attempted to seize him from behind; as well as multiple serpents that twisted around his ankles. It wouldn’t have been a grand Hallows-Eve if Strife’s only remaining heir plummeted to his death, yet he didn’t think of himself. His mind was on saving the woman that he had tied his life to, to lose Irelia now would have been a disaster for the throne, but also would have done irreparable damage to his heart. “I never claimed to be an empathetic suitor, my love.” His lips twisted into a smile despite the scene unfolding, stretching himself further until his hand was locked with hers, and he had gained enough balance to tug her towards him. “You fall, I fall, it’ll make a beautifully tragic storybook.” His taunting was ill-timed, matching the second that she slipped and wiping the smile from his mouth. “Irelia.” True fear ignited as her name became lost in the screams from behind and below, releasing his hold on the barrier to free fall. A momentary action to swing an arm to seize her frame against his, while his opposing hand jolted to grasp the final inches of metal remaining on the railing. “You’re fucking insane.” Strained between locked teeth, his focus shifting downwards to the balcony that was at least a foot to the left, but now housed several guards. “Ready to go?” He didn’t give any indication of his intentions, brushing his lips over the crown of her head before he swung inwards towards the balcony and released his hold on the railing.

"Madam? Your dress is ready to be fitted." Irelia fiddled with her fingers, staring out the window of her quarters until her mind disassociated everything around her. Voices becoming slurred, vision growing blurring as her body shut down; The servant turned to the extra help, speaking kindly. "Lara, please fetch the Sire and explain to him that she's doing it again." The idea of being around people only escalated her anxiety, it was easy to fuck up around people, and she failed at every attempt to be intimate with someone. Her mother insisted, always insisted that she should attend balls to mingle with the guests even now she leaves a letter every day to remind her. 'I insist you attend this ball, I hope to see you there. I will see you there, Irelia Rose.' This ball was the biggest one of the year, Irelia failed to attend every year because she preferred the comfort of her room while her body fought between alcohol and drugs. "I'm leaving." These words startled the woman, who attempted to stand in her way, but Irelia gently pushed past the woman to sneak herself out the window. "Please, hon, come back inside." Irelia refused, arms stretching out to grab ahold of any fixture as she balanced herself on the structure. "Don't talk to me, I'm trying to concentrate." What the hell was she even thinking? How can she hate social interaction more than her fear of heights? Irelia shuffled to the left, holding on for life as she counted the steps to the next porch railing. "Meredith?" Irelia struggled with her voice, "Yes, dear?" She sighed hearing her voice before turning to lay her head against the shutters. "I fucked up."

The main arrangements for the ball had been left in more capable hands than his own, allowing Orion the option to focus on his desires and he had been travelling in the direction of the entrance hall to do just that when frantic footsteps stopped him in his tracks. “Sire, come quickly.” The greeting spat out between a deep intake of breath and spluttered in the hair that had fallen over her face, and before she could explain what had happened, Orion had already changed his direction of movement towards Irelia’s suite. “Tell Phoenix I’m running late.” His command was tossed towards the man that left behind once Orion had reached the staircase, the servant that came to fetch him was on his heel and attempting to explain the situation in undecipherable gasps. Not that he needed the explanation once he reached his destination, the drapes caught in the wind and whipped a dreadful feeling to the pit of his stomach. “Irelia?” The maid that stood at the window moved a beat too late, his arm snapping out and casting her aside with more force than necessary to throw himself against the railing to view the woman who had willingly climbed outside. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” A question that did not need an answer, although he barked it in her direction regardless. He didn’t hesitate to rise onto the railing and drop himself onto the thin ledge that decorated the building. “Sire!” There was a brief tug at the back of his shirt before there were cries for the guards of the halls and those below, but his focus had remained focused on the woman he vowed himself to. One hand locked on the interior window while he had extended the other towards Irelia, feeling dangerously close to tipping and decorating the courtyard with red. “Come back in with me right now, or I’ll let you dangle out here by your thumbs for a night.”

"You're a strange man for keeping dead roses in your bedroom." Irelia questioned herself picking him as a husband, there were plenty of men who would take her hand in marriage. That was a lie, every man would end up returning her the minute that she showed withdrawal symptoms. Nothing in his bedroom seemed alive other than the snakes that found comfort in their designated areas, Irelia shuddered the minute she thought of sleeping in here with slithering creatures. She planned to go explore the other rooms until her body felt the pressure of another, the sudden close proximity took her breath away momentarily and the way his hands already knew their place on her body caused an eruption of dreadful passions. "Orion." Irelia spoke his name tenderly, wondering why the taste of each letter felt remarkably familiar. "I will not be addressing you as sire, but I appreciate the offer." It was an automatic chuckle from her lips, Irelia quickly realized why this man was a wanted bachelor. He was unattainable, dangerous, and breathtakingly handsome. "Every other woman might've fallen for your gesture, but I don't like the idea of you thinking I don't have a say in what I wear. I dress to my liking even if you disagree." Her mother always warned about the mouth of hers, unable to obey orders because Irelia believed in having her own will. "Orion." The only danger in this room was the lack of space between them, Irelia gathered the courage to place each hand on his distinctive shoulders. Carefully tracing the outline over the fabric until she reached the outline of his neck, thumbs tracing right underneath his jawline. "Although, I'll let you win this round because you seem very serious about this announcement."

His name sounded sweeter on her tongue than on any other, so much so that Orion felt the strong urge to dance treacherous road to draw it out of her again, and again, with no care for if it was in pain or pleasure. “What a shame, I suppose I’ll have to accept it.” A smile twisted on his lips, flexing his fingers at the small of her back, drawing the limited space between them to a close. “But if you ever change your mind, I’ll happily hear it, or you can always call me your Highness or master.” His eyebrows rose with the final click of his tongue, a low roll of laughter quick to follow. Surprisingly it was difficult to hold the persona in front of her, not when he was so intrigued by her. “I won’t dictate how you dress, but I do think you could look much more intriguing.” While one hand remained fixed on her lower back, the other hand rose to the underside of her chin and fingers easing towards the centre of her chest. His eyes were fixed ahead, locked intently on her face rather than the pull of his fingers on the neckline of her dress. “A beauty like yours is wasted in Seven Seas attire.” His hand shot suddenly in the air as if pricked by the fabric, allowing it to hover for a moment until it dropped to clasp the fingers that ran his jaw. Fingers played her hand like a piano, tracing her knuckles and her palm until he seized her wrist, using the anchorage to spin her around and lock himself against her back. “Should we go make that announcement or allow them to find us in a dishonourable position? I’m sure they’d love the pleasure of arguing we must marry if I took a shred of virtue.” He caught the edge of her ear in his teeth, eyes flickering from the door to the mirror on the opposing wall, drinking in the figure that he’d hooked in his arms. 

There was a time when Irelia didn't have to rely on an elixir to provide a sensation of euphoria, those memories gradually faded along with her ability to function normally. Now, she found herself in the quarters of a man who would soon be called her husband. It was all unfolding unrealistic for her, but the high she was on prevented her from thinking too much about the matter. "You think that someone with your power would have room service." Her legs began to wander his bedroom, fingers running over dressers as she leaned in to few the objects. Her curious pointers picked up shards of crystals, opening jewelry boxes in hopes she'd find a witch's finger. "She's not really mother, in fact, I think she hopes that you won't send me back with an apology." And cue her laughter, Irelia rarely found reason to laugh until she was in a delirious state. "I'm sure my mother will kiss your hand or something." Her fingers picked up a flower petal, bringing it near her features to sniff the rose before placing it back down in disgust. "Ew, what the hell? Why do you still have this? It smells like a rotting corpse." Her body detached from his belongings and delicately walked towards him with a small smile painted on her lips as she glanced over to the other women. "Will you tell them? I'm great at disappointing others, I can tell them for you unless you're one of those men who take multiple wives. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? Multiple wives." All this time spent with him and Irelia still had no idea what his name could possibly be--better late than never. "What do they call you besides sire? You have a name, right?"

“I have room service, but if you want it, ask someone outside, not me.” Orion clicked his tongue, gesturing haphazardly towards the door they’d entered from, certain that the usual brigade of staff that gathered while he was in his room was scurrying into position. He spun on his heel to trace her movements once she was upright, sinking down to sit on the windowsill. Every move she made was fascinating, the courage to search his things paired with the brazen way she did it, taking care to note the objects that took her interest. In particular, her decision to delve into the jewellery boxes that were lined on his dresser. “Not really your mother? I would never have guessed.” Orion’s eyebrows rose, doing a terrible job of concealing his sarcasm, a grin spreading the closer that her movements brought her to him. “Roses from Devotion, King Haneul sent them ahead of being crowned. I keep them to remind me exactly what is needed in such a house.” Death. He wanted to pour it through Devotion, make it bleed, he had started with the former King, and he continued to bask in their mourning. “I think it’d be better if we announced it together, don’t you? I have no intention of having multiple wives, but I will take the announcement of my one and only bride seriously. You’ll be decorated accordingly, this Seven Seas attire doesn’t quite suit you.” He extended his hand, gesturing down her frame at a gown that was chosen to impress, although he made no move to draw his hand back to himself. He stood slowly, outstretched hand gliding over the soft fabric of her dress until it locked into place on the small of her back, and he tugged her abruptly against him. “Orion, but feel free to call me sire.”

Irelia thought about the story of the girl who fell through a rabbit hole. Falling until she reached a room with different doors, one so tiny that seemed impossible to fit through while the other so large that the handle had been out of her reach. She related to this mad house tale, but she could never find someone who was willing enough to keep her until she met him. He smelled like a soft vanilla, oak, and sweet berries which was ironic because his personality had been a cold mist since the moment they met. Not cold enough, not dead body cold, but cold enough to the touch. Why did it have to be him? She didn’t have a choice, but it seemed the universe picked someone with enough tolerance to handle her. “You’re funny, you know that?” Irelia spoke softly, heartbeat drumming against her ear as she glanced around the room. “You don’t seem like the type to do good deeds and I find it really funny that you have a pet snake.” She didn’t expect him to hold her mouth open, tasting his skin first until the substance tickled her taste buds, and making sure to close her mouth around his finger. Irelia bit down against his skin, tongue running laps around his finger before gingerly detaching her mouth. “You shouldn’t stick your finger in a strangers mouth, you never know when someone might enjoy it or bite it off.” Now, Irelia wasn’t an new to the drug world, but she couldn’t identify the taste that lingered on her tongue. The substance was extremely well made, it only took a minute to revive her from her ghoul state while others would take hours before she could feel the high. The question remained unclear, Irelia desperately wanted to know what in Poseidon’s name did he just give her. “What the hell did you give me, pretty man?” Her heart rate slowed, nerves obtaining a tingling sensation as her mind rewired itself into a high funioncting society. She flung herself upwards, head hanging low as laughter eclited around the room. Nothing was funny about her inability to function without snorting, swallowing anything that would calm her anxiety. “You’re a very interesting man.” Even thinking about how he went out of his way to deliver the drug, Irelia brought her hands up to tangle into her hair. It was settled, fleeing would be foolish because this man had given her a reason to stay. “I’m hungry.”

“I do good deeds when it benefits me.” Orion’s face lit with a grin, choosing honesty with a woman who would be given little option but to tolerate it once they were bound by marriage. He remained in a position leaning over her, although his hands were tucked behind his back, nose a hairsbreadth away from brushing hers yet he had no intention of contact once he had removed his finger from her mouth. Typically, it was laughable to witness someone so reliant yet something about Irelia’s addiction had inflicted him with a touch of empathy. “You seemed to like something in that mouth too much to bite anything off.” He closed the space an inch to snap his teeth, catching her lower lip for a split second before he turned his focus to retrieve the snuff box that he had left at her side. He returned it to the drawer, tucking it underneath several papers before making a point to lock the drawer and pocket the key. “Aster.” He didn’t elaborate, choosing not to be careless with information on the drugs that Strife had come to perfect with the limited plants that sprouted on their land. “If you’re good and don’t attempt to run again, I might let you truly enjoy it.” He tapped the tip of her nose, his laughter a low trill, bouncing back on his heels to straighten up and step away from her. Orion’s focus switched to the window, glancing down at the courtyard that they had met in, entirely different than it had been only thirty minutes prior and now housing several females who were each in varied stages of worry and confusion. “If you’re hungry,  you’re welcome to join your mother downstairs.” He pressed his thumb on the glass, concealing the faces of the females below from his view, if only it was so easy to crush them like the ants they were - an irritating infestation to fight for a ring. “In fact, might be fun to watch her bow in her thanks for extending my hand to you, a woman like that on her knees is a pretty thing.”

“I do good deeds when it benefits me.” Orion’s face lit with a grin, choosing honesty with a woman who would be given little option but to tolerate it once they were bound by marriage. He remained in a position leaning over her, although his hands were tucked behind his back, nose a hairsbreadth away from brushing hers yet he had no intention of contact once he had removed his finger from her mouth. Typically, it was laughable to witness someone so reliant yet something about Irelia’s addiction had inflicted him with a touch of empathy. “You seemed to like something in that mouth too much to bite anything off.” He closed the space an inch to snap his teeth, catching her lower lip for a split second before he turned his focus to retrieve the snuff box that he had left at her side. He returned it to the drawer, tucking it underneath several papers before making a point to lock the drawer and pocket the key. “Aster.” He didn’t elaborate, choosing not to be careless with information on the drugs that Strife had come to perfect with the limited plants that sprouted on their land. “If you’re good and don’t attempt to run again, I might let you truly enjoy it.” He tapped the tip of her nose, his laughter a low trill, bouncing back on his heels to straighten up and step away from her. Orion’s focus switched to the window, glancing down at the courtyard that they had met in, entirely different than it had been only thirty minutes prior and now housing several females who were each in varied stages of worry and confusion. “If you’re hungry,  you’re welcome to join your mother downstairs.” He pressed his thumb on the glass, concealing the faces of the females below from his view, if only it was so easy to crush them like the ants they were - an irritating infestation to fight for a ring. “In fact, might be fun to watch her bow in her thanks for extending my hand to you, a woman like that on her knees is a pretty thing.”