I saw you were taking Ambessa request so I've had something in mind for weeks now because I just love that milf. Sorry for the bad spelling and grammar.
Ambessa x priestess! Reader from a country she helped conquer. The country is run by the priestesses so when the reader is brought to Ambessa with the other priestesses Ambessa finds the reader interesting because she's the only one not scared.
This can a series of you want it to beI've asked so many people and they never end up doing it or they go inactiveđ„Č
a/n: hi! i really like this prompt and hopefully i did it justice đ«¶đ» if y'all want this to be a series it can be! also, this is for all requests, if you want đ¶ïž plz mention it in request bc i feel weird just adding it
word count: 1.7k
warning(s): i mean ambessa is not exactly the best person however she's hot; mentions of blood and battle; suggestiveness; use of y/n; manipulation?
tag(s): @thesevi0lentdelights @sevyscoven
all things end
The halls you once danced through as a child were now stained with blood, smeared with the resistance of your people. Noxian soldiers formed a wall around you and your fellow priestesses as you were paraded through the halls of the castle, the survivors of the Noxian invasion, desperate for a glimpse of their leaders, formed a crowd. The soldiers pushed through the people, their skin stained with blood and their weapons drawn. Your kingdom wasn't one of war, your people unfamiliar with the craft of violence. To Noxus, you were soft, a country pliable enough to shape in their vision. You knew where the soldiers were taking you, the path one you had walked every morning since becoming a Priestess of Zhritsa. The center of the castle, where you would go to do your morning prayers, to feel the sun through the stained glass window on the ceiling, to hear the requests your people would bring to you. It was the hub of your government, the place where decisions happened.
Now it was where Ambessa Medarda waited.
Following Zhritsan custom, you and your fellow Priestesses wore white veils of mourning, the pure fabric growing dirty as you dragged your feet towards what you assumed was death. A mask of marble weighed heavy on your face, grounding you to reality. In one last act of defiance, you had convinced your fellow priestesses to follow you in donning your ceremonial crowns, sending the message of being the true rulers of Zhritsa. The attire of the Priestesses of Zhritsa was rumored to have scared off countless conquerors, the ghostly movements of the veils and the emotionless masks where only the eyes could be seen were now your only hope in making the Noxian invaders leave.
Suddenly, the soldiers stopped, their spears hitting the ground rhythmically as they parted, revealing Ambessa sitting upon the middle throne, her posture comanding and confident. Upon seeing all of you, you noticed an unsettled expression flash through Ambessa's eyes before it was replaced by the stare of the Wolf. She stood, waving her hand through the air.
"Lift your veils and remove your masks, I belive I am owed the faces of the former rulers of this...quaint kingdom."
Your resolve grew stronger as you lifted your veil, your hands steady as you removed your mask, your eyes glaring straight ahead at the warmonger. Your fellow Priestesses, however, shook with fear as their veils were raised and their masks removed. One of your sisters dropped her mask, the shattering of the marble echoing throughout the chamber. Noxian soldiers moved forward as if her clumsiness was an attack, you moved just as quick, standing in front of her, your eyes daring the soldiers to get closer as your Sister picked up the shards of her mask with shaking hands. Ambessa watched you with careful precision, making her way down the steps of the throne, her steps surprisingly quiet. The soldiers stood down as she grew closer, your defiant gaze now settled on her. She smirked lightly, removing her war mask, raising an eyebrow.
"There. Now we can all see each other." Her eyes held a type of humor that didn't amuse you. You didn't ignore the way blood was splattered across her towering form, reminding you of the countless lives of your people she slaughtered to get where she is. Ambessa grew closer to you, her eyes analysing you. Your eyes never left hers, willing to die in one last act of resistance for your country. The Noxian soldiers had stripped you of any weapons, even the ceremonial knives with blunt edges. However, in your stance in front of your Sister, you, as stealthily as possible, had picked up one of the shards of the broken mask. You lunged forward, the pathetic excuse of a weapon in your hand, aiming for her throat. Like it was a simple game, Ambessa maneuvered expertly, grapping your wrist and twisting with just enough force that the piece of mask fell from your hand where she kicked it away. Her grip on your wrist was firm, yet not painful as she pulled you close to her. You had to look up to see her face, her expression one of withheld laughter.
"She'll come with me. Take the others away."
The soldiers acted immediately, grabbing your Sisters and pulling them out of the room, their cries sending daggers into your soul. You struggled against Ambessa's grip on your arm as she too started leaving the room.
Was this how you were to die? Alone and by the hands of Ambessa Medarda? Surely she was dragging you to certain death, as a wolf has no mercy. Yet as you were pulled through the familiar halls of the castle, you felt her grip grow softer. Soon it was as if you were holding hands with the woman who was covered in the blood of your people. She stopped in front of a familiar set of doors, your stomach dropping as you realized you now stood in front of your chambers. Ambessa turned to look at you, cocking her head slightly and raising an eyebrow. Her hand left your wrist, instead now taking its place on your lower back as she pushed you forward lightly.
"Open the doors, my Lady." Her voice held a mocking tone, yet you detected a hint of warmth, sending your mind spiralling in confusion. You wanted to defy her, stand your ground against letting her into your room, but your eyes fell on the sword hanging from Ambessa's hips. If you could prolong your life by even a few minutes, you would. Holding your head high, you twisted the handle, pushing the doors open, revealing your room. Ambessa stepped in first, looking around before walking over to the balcony, where you could see your kingdom in almost it's entirety. Cautiously, you went to stand next to the imposing woman, some of the fight drained from you as you imagined your Sisters being tortured under the Noxian soldiers hands. Was it because of your outburst that they were taken away?
In your thoughts, you had grasped the railing of your balcony, your eyes unfocused as your thoughts spiraled.
"Don't tell me you've lost that fire in your eyes." Ambessa's rich voice broke you from your spiral, her words causing you to spin around to face her, bringing the anger back to your face.
"Why?" You spit out, "Do you want to watch it die out as you kill me in my room?"
Ambessa almost looked taken aback, like she didn't expect the venom dripping from your words. Still, she carefully composed herself, moving so now she caged you in on the balcony with her muscular arms. Her eyes were glued to yours, making you unable to look away. There was a light smirk on her lips as she spoke.
"There it is. I have no interest in killing you, Y/N. You've caught my interest with your fire, your willingness to fight back even though," she interupted herself with a laugh before continuing, "there was no chance of you winning. I admire that." You stood frozen as her eyes examined your face. Being this close to the general, you felt your anger slip slightly, feeling heat rise to your cheeks as you realized just how intimidatingly beautiful she was. It bothered you, how someone who's committed such horrible acts could be one of the most beautiful women you've ever seen. Ambessa took a step back, her arms no longer caging you in and you felt annoyed at yourself for being disappointed.
"We're going to be here a while, my soldiers and I. I would rather not have to spill any more senseless blood," She walked back into your room, expecting you to follow her and you did, "You've shown strength while others reek of weakness. Know this, young one, this isn't an act of mercy. Keeping you alive keeps stronger enemies at bay." She sat on your bed, leaning forward on her knees and clasping her hands together as she continued to pierce you with her gaze. You didn't know where to go, a stranger in your own room. You just returned her gaze, once more holding up your chin as you responded.
"And what is the price for this act of 'non-mercy'?" You decided that if she was letting you live, you would at least be yourself, cocking your head to the side and raising an eyebrow. You also crossed your arms, a grounding position for you as Ambessa just smiled at your petulance. She beckoned you to stand in front of her, positioning you so you know stood in between her thighs. One of her heads took it's place on your waist while the other cupped your chin and held her face in place so you were now eye to eye. Her touch sent chills down your spine, a flash of anger going through you as how your body was reacting to your countries conqueror.
"Show me more of your fire, teach me more about Zhrista so that my protection isn't just at the surface. All I ask is loyalty and all your needs will be met."
All my needs? Your mind supplied unhelpfully, making you unintentionally blush as you pushed those thoughts away, though it was hard with how Ambessa's eyes were looking into yours, awaiting an answer. You still held contempt for the woman in front of you, however your mind thought through Ambessa's offer. Your kingdom was a beautiful one, yes, strong only in trade and exports, your military lacking in skills of war. Ambessa's presence, while slightly annoying, could help strengthen your people's safety. You thought about your fellow Sisters, your certainty of their deaths fading away as you continued to examine Ambessa's expression.
You came to a decision, one that would change the course of your life and the trajectory of your kingdom forever.
Boldly, you got as close to Ambessa as you could without being in her lap, reveling the slight surprise her eyes radiated. You felt her grip on your waist tighten as you nodded, silently giving your agreement.
If she wanted your fire, you would set her ablaze.
a/n: hi! i hope this wasn't awful, im still new to writing for arcane, let alone ambessa (love her so much, it's a concern). thank you for reading!!
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Poly!ACOTAR x Reader Masterlist | Event Masterlist
Summary: Your High Lord and Lady, your closest friends, have called you in to see them for dinner. You're worried they know of your feelings for them, but it turns out, you have nothing to fear.
Warnings: mild angst but nothing bad
Words: ~2.2k
Author's Note: here's Day 2! A tiiiny bit late but who cares lol. I really liked getting to write this pairing, I'll definitely be doing more of them in the future!! Also if something doesn't make sense, yes it does. Read it on AO3!
Your knees ached from kneeling on the cold marble for so long, your heart heavy from the prayers youâd been repeating in your head for over an hour.
You blessed me with such friendship, and cursed me with affection.
Please, just let me live without these feelings.
Let me stay with my friends.
Let them love me back.
Over and over, you prayed to the Mother to solve your problem. To keep you from being made to leave your court, to keep you with your oldest friends, the ones you love.
You had grown up in close proximity to both Kallias and Viviane, being an orphaned fae living in the Winter Courtâs grand temple, connected to the High Lordâs palace. Your pale blue skin and curved, white horns on your head had made you feel out of place among so many High Fae, but Kal and Viv?
They had befriended you without a thought.
And while Viviane had moved away when you were all in your second century, the three of you had stayed thick as thieves, sneaking away every night before Winter Solstice to Kalliasâs cabin, and any other night you could manage. You would stay up all night, catching up on the goings-on in your lives, drinking just enough spiced wine to warm your bodies against the inevitable blizzard raging outside.
Though even without the wine, or the blazing fire in the fireplace, their presence alone would have kept you plenty warm.
Your⊠Feelings for the pair had arisen on one of those nights, when the three of you had snuggled close under a blanket, Kallias and Viviane on either side of you. The closeness of them, the soft puff of their breath on your neck, the gentle brush of their hands.
Of course, it didnât help that they were so kind and considerate, always willing to listen to you. And oh, how they brought you so much joy without even trying. Hearing about their day, or even the random, strange thoughts that would pop into their heads never failed to bring a smile to your face, spark the flame of joy within your chest.
And in the last century and a half, those feelings had never faded, only growing stronger with each passing day.
Of course, you had never spoken aloud your attraction, your love for either Kallias or Viviane, utterly afraid of rejection. You saw the way they looked at each other, the pure love in their eyes, even if they were too stubborn to admit it yet. Early on, you suspected that they were mates, with the way they were always on the same wavelength.
Kal had been busy being raised as the High Lordâs heir, most of his days crammed full of meetings and lessons. Viviane had been trained as a courtier, as well as honing her magical abilities with the help of Kallias, their powers so similar. And when Kal had sent her to a large border town, near the Summer Court, she had taken a position of leadership in their armed forces after excelling in physical combat, once given the chance to learn.
You had joined the priesthood early, as soon as you had been allowed by the High Priestess of Winter. She had taken you in at the age of two, the closest you had to a mother. In the four centuries you had been alive, you rose to the top of the ranks, your devotion to the mother and the people of Winter your top priority in every way. Just before the rule of Amarantha, you had earned the title of Head Priestess, just a step below the High Priestess, Jayna.
However⊠Amarantha had slaughtered most of the priestesses in Winter when your court had rebelled, along with the two dozen younglings whoâd had their minds shattered by her daemati. Your near-mother, Jayna, had been among those killed.
In a cruel twist of fate, you had been given her position by Amarantha, her maniacal cackle still ringing in your ears some nights when she had appointed you, laughing about how distraught the Mother would be to see such pitiful scum, a lesser fae, in charge of one of her temples.
But when Kallias had been freed, nearly fifty years later?
He had officially appointed you as High Priestess, a new, more ornate circlet made for you to wear, made to fit easily around your curved horns - a detail that hadnât gone unnoticed.
Before that, though, before he had given you your title, he had rushed to Viviane, confessing his love and asking for her hand in marriage. Not even a day later, you had married them using your title as High Priestess, your heart so, so happy, but so, so broken, three sharp, jagged pieces constantly digging into your chest.
You were so, unbelievably happy that your friends were married, and even happier that they were happily mated, their bond finally having come to life after the wedding night.
You only wished to be a part of it.
Over the past two years you had slowly withdrawn, leaving your friends space to learn their new relationship dynamic without your presence, an unwelcome third wheel.
Not that theyâd indicated any discomfort with you being near them, but⊠You needed to give them space.
To give yourself space.
But earlier today, while you were taking your lunch, a note had arrived, sealed with Vivianeâs personal seal.
Asking you to dinner, saying the three of you had something to discuss.
Youâd managed to make your way through the rest of the day without giving away how utterly nervous you were feeling, performing blessings on those who came, seeking your help. An hour before you were due to arrive at the High Lord and Ladyâs personal quarters, you sought the guidance of the Mother herself.
Well⊠Begged for guidance, help from the Mother. She had never led you wrong before, though you wish sheâd allowed you more power to save those who had been under your care during Amaranthaâs rule.
But now?
She was giving you nothing, no hints as to what to do in this situation.
And you were out of time.
With a sigh, you stood from your kneeling position at the altar, lowering your invoking stone back to your chest, resting over silvery blue robes.
You knew the way to their shared rooms so well, you could have walked the path with your eyes shut. But the closer you came to their door, the slower your steps, the more your nerves told you to turn around.
That wasnât a possibility, though. You have to face them, even if itâs for the last time, for them to kick you out of their court.
You took a deep breath when you stood before their door, preparing yourself for whatever may happen once you enter. One knock and the door swung open, your hand still poised to knock again.
âY/N! Itâs so good to see you!â Viviane exclaimed, throwing her arms around you and squeezing you tightly, her vanilla and cinnamon scent washing over you as her silver hair bounced over your shoulders. She pulled back to look at you with her sparkling blue eyes before saying, âI feel like itâs been forever! And your hair looks gorgeous, by the way.â Her fingers ran through the ends of your hair, half an inch longer than when sheâd last seen you, the natural curls of your azure hair a bit more noticeable.
âThank you, Viv, and yes⊠Itâs been a bit since weâve met, just the three of us,â you said as she tugged you inside, closing the door behind you.
Their private dining table, made to seat four, was already set with dinner, steam rising from the roast chicken, and you could spy potatoes, carrots, and onions in the dish surrounding the bird. Kallias was busy pouring the wine, sparkling white, your favorite.
He looked up when you and Viviane approached him, a warm smile crossing his face when he saw you. âY/N, itâs lovely to see you again dear,â he said before setting the bottle down on the table and approaching you, arms outstretched.
Even with your promise to yourself to give them space, you couldnât help but melt into his hold, inhaling his refreshing pine and snow scent greedily.
âItâs good to see you too, Kal,â you said with a nervous smile when you pulled away. âThe food looks lovely.â
Viviane smiled brightly at you before tugging you to the table, settling you into a chair before taking the one to your right, Kallias sitting to your left. He began carving the roast while Viviane dishes out the roasted vegetables and cut a fresh loaf of bread into thick slices.
Your hands rested uselessly in your lap as you watched them work, twitching every so often when it looks like they need help, but they never truly do.
And by the time the food was plated, your stomach was so twisted in knots all you could do was push food around your plate, occasionally taking a bite when you could manage.
It took maybe ten minutes for one of them to knock you out of your stupor.
âY/N, is something wrong?â Kallias asked, concerned enough that your eyes snapped from a roast carrot to his ice blue eyes, fear in your heart that youâd been caught.
âWha- what do you mean is something wrong?â you laughed nervously. âNothingâs wro-â
âDonât say that,â Viviane interrupted, a sharp look in her eye. âYouâve been avoiding us for the past year whenever you can, and donât say you havenât because you have.â She fixed you with a stare when you opened your mouth to deny the accusation. âAnd now youâve barely eaten a thing, and you canât even look me in the eye,â Viviane noted sadly.
âDonât try to act like sheâs not stating the facts, Y/N,â Kallias said gently, taking one of your hands into his. âWe miss you, and we just want to know why. Why youâre pulling away from us.â
With both of them staring at you, their beautiful, concerned eyes watching your every move, you fell apart. You wrenched your hand from Kalliasâs grasp to bury your face in both of them, wanting to hide the tears welling in your eyes, even if you knew it was useless in the long run.
You were still here, in their rooms, with few ways to escape the conversation other than fleeing the court entirely. And you werenât willing to do that, unless you had to.
âHey,â Viviane said softly, a delicate hand pulling yours away from your face, revealing red eyes with tears pooled in them. One fell down your cheek and Kalliasâs thumb brushed it away. âPlease, Y/N?â
More tears fell at her plea, and you shook your head. You wouldnât - couldnât tell them.
âWill you at least let us tell you the reason we invited you for dinner?â Kallias asked quietly, a hand cupping your cheek gently.
Tell you something? Probably that youâre banished from the court, your mind hissed at you.
But you needed to hear one way or the other.
So you nodded your head.
Viviane took a deep, calming breath before speaking. âI-I wanted to tell you that I love you, Y/N. And I⊠Iâve loved you for a long time,â she whispered.
Your heart caught in your throat - this couldnât be real, could it?
Kallias turned your gaze from Viviane to him with a gentle hand on your chin. âI have loved you since we were younglings, Y/N, barely old enough to wander the city without guards accompanying me. I have loved you, and I wish that the mating bond would snap to include you to, I care for you so deeply. And Viv has told me the same, we justâŠâ Kallias sighed.
âWe canât live without you, Y/N. Please, please come back to us,â Viviane pleaded as she held one of your hands tightly in hers.
You could hardly believe what you were hearing - Kallias and Viviane, your friends, your longtime crushes - they had felt the same way about you as you did them for years? A giggle left your lips at the idea, the sheer stupidity of the three of you.
The swish of Vivâs hair told you that she and Kal had made eye contact at the noise, likely exchanging concerned looks.
âIs⊠Is everything⊠Okay?â Viv asked shyly.
You giggled again. âEverything is- oh, Mother!â you laughed. âYouâre telling me that we could have been happy together all this time?â You looked at the two of them, eyes bright. âReally?â
Viviane grinned at you. âReally,â she breathed.
âWhen you put it like that, the three of us do seem a bit foolish,â Kal chuckled before pressing a kiss to the back of your hand. âSo? Will you have us?â
You smiled wide as you answered. âYes!â
Immediately you were pulled from your chair as the two pushed it back, pulling you into their arms. âOh, thank the Mother,â Kallias sighed.
It was Viviane who kissed you first, her soft, pink lips pressing gently to yours. Kalliasâs followed shortly after, pressing more firmly to yours, more sure.
Tears filled your eyes for an entirely different reason.
Perhaps the Mother sent you no sign, no course of action for a reason. To be here.
Mother Moon wanes in the sky, like the sly grin of a fox. Turning your gaze from her cool light, you continue with your toiling. You gather herbs along with the other village women, whispering chants over the brambles and plants. Tomorrow you welcome the birth of a new moon and winterâand with those, the ceremony of oblation.Â
The wights of the land clamor for your attention, whispering in your ear of the hunger for blood to be shed. As the priestess, youâve led many rites to the elder gods. Every full moon a calf is sacrificed at the altar in the center of the village, followed by dancing and merriment. A wooden goblet is filled with its blood and poured upon your nude body, anointing you with its life so you can pass it on to the village.Â
The women and men are gifted with innate power, dark arts to help keep your community prosperous and safe. These sacred practices have been passed down through the ages, the covenant with the Dark Ones holding fast and true with every new generation. It now falls upon you as the newest priestess to keep up these traditions.
The air is sharp and cold, furs keeping the soft animal of your body warm. Your fingers curl like the gnarled hands of the older women beside you, a fate you hope to see in your future. A few of them catch your eye and nod, solemn gazes and voices when otherwise there would be singing and joy.
Your gaze alights upon a party of the men returning from their traps, various animals thrown over their shoulders or writhing in sacks gripped in their fists. A few of them spot you and nod in respect. As you watch them walk back to the village, you muse that one of these men will partake in the ritual with you tonight. Many of them are a stranger to your eyes, but if it is the will of the ancient ones, then it shall come to pass.
Once enough has been gathered, each of the women rise and follow along the winding path back to the village temple. Fires burn bright and hot in the night, dancing shadows cast upon the men while they skin and flay the carcass of beasts in preparation for tomorrow night.
Entering into the temple last, the other women have formed a circle around the altar. The red-stained surface feels cool under your fingers when you press your own herbs down onto it. Words spill from your lips like wine, an ancient chant of embracing the dark for its sinister gifts. Other voices join, swelling to fill the chamber with their ambiance.Â
Hands raise in supplication, feet stamp against the cold, earthen floor, and you slice open your palm to rub blood across the runes etched into the stone altar. Once filled, you turn, chanting softly, to paint symbols across each of the womenâs faces. They bow their heads and sink to their knees once theyâve been anointed. Before reaching the final woman, a wisp of a boyâstraddling the line of manhoodâenters the doorway with a plump hare in hand.Â
He waits until you beckon him forward with blood-coated fingers. Placing the warm animal in your arms, he leaves the temple. The chanting of the women ebbs and flows like the wind in a storm, the sound bolstering and soothing. An elderly woman steps forward and holds the hare against the altarâs face. Pulling out the same blade you used to slice your hand, you wait until the old woman snaps its neck, then you plunge your blade deep in its soft belly.Â
Lifeblood runs hot and thick across the stone. Each of the village women comes forward to gather the blood, bathing their arms and necks with the dark liquid. You skin the chosen creature, gutting it quickly before the innards grow too cold for use and drop the heart and lungs in a separate wooden bowl. Finished, you pick up the bowl and walk outside to the center of the village. You toss them into the fire with a smattering of herbs gathered earlier.Â
You shout out an incantation, tossing more herbs and branches into the fire. Voice growing quiet, you bow to the flame, ending the ritual. Everything is now in place for tomorrowâs oblation. A few of the women help you to your home, exhausted as you are from the fervor of performing your duties.
The next morning dawns brightly. You rise along with the burgeoning rays. Dressing for the cold, you join the congregation of people at the temple. The scant time of daylight is spent readying the skins and headpieces for the ceremony. Masks and furs are to be given to those joining, a trickery of confusion to one chosen to Hunt for the priestess. The times when the Hunter has become confused and chosen poorly, the dark gods were unkind, and many perished.
The village elders now choose more carefully lest it happen again. For as long as youâve been alive, every chase has ended with the priestess caught, ensuring the village is secure until the next ceremony of oblation. The sun begins to set, signifying an end to preparations.Â
Everyone begins to gather outside the temple. The elders talk amongst themselves, narrowing down who shall become the Hunterâwho shall be the one to find you amidst the trickery in the dark of the forestâthe one who shall perform the ceremony and satisfy the lust of the ancient ones.
âLeon, come forth.â
A young man with blonde hair and blue eyes is brought forward. His strong arms, offset by scars, signify battles won, someone who must be from the war party. Youâve seen him before, but with his task of being a fighter, he is rarely in the village. This ceremony, however, requires everyone to partake. All of the war parties and hunting parties made the trek back home in time.Â
A loud cheer goes up when the man accepts the crown of ravenâs wings, letting one of the elders anoint his brow with blood before placing it atop his head. He shrugs on the sacred skin of the bear, cutting a formidable figure against the dying sun. You hope he is up to the task. His serious blue eyes seek you out amidst the villagers, nodding in deference once he locks eyes with you.
You join the elders and enter the temple. They strip you of your warmth and paint your body with runes and symbols of the dark gods you worship. Herbs are crushed into a paste and smeared across your belly and breasts. Chants and incantations are murmured while they ready you for the ritual. Dressing you in the coat of a freshly skinned stag, they adorn your brow with a headdress of antlers.
Guiding you from the temple, you join the group of men and women joining the chase, each dressed in skins and masks. Now that youâre ready, theyâre off, running into the dark of the forest with you trailing behind. The elders will release the Hunter once theyâve completed the blessings for him. Itâs not long before villagers begin to split off.Â
The chase warms the blood. Itâs why this part of the ceremony has lasted the test of time. Warm blood is the preferred offering of your dark gods. The antlers snag on a low branch and keep you in place. You can hear the others running, footfalls muted on the soft, damp earth. It gives them time to distract and escape from the clutches of the Hunter.Â
The heavy coat of the stag drips against your skin, sticky blood running down your naked body. You finally snap the branch thatâs keeping you from moving, feet picking up speed until youâre running through the winding trunks. The silver birches gleam like ghosts in the murky night. You catch fleeting glimpses of other animalsâdeer, rabbits, a fox or two. Your eyes have yet to see the Hunter, clad in the finest bearskin with a crown of ravenâs wings atop his brow.
No matter how cold the night is, the heat of the chase keeps the chill at bay. Youâre close to where the ritual needs to take place. This Hunter is smart, corralling you close enough that he can catch you more easily. The elders chose wisely this time. The tree comes into view. A horrible wretch of a thing. Legend tells the screaming face embedded in its onyx-colored bark is the combined souls of those who would do the village harm. Another reason why the covenant with the dark gods is so necessary. Its thorny branches are sharp enough to slice into flesh.Â
A thick arm bands around your waist, stopping your momentum and sending you stumbling back against a warm, fur-covered chest.
âIâve caught you, priestess.â
You can see the smoke of Leonâs breath passing by the side of your face. A low humming chant begins deep in the forest, the elders leading the procession of villagers to the site of the ceremony. He manhandles you until heâs pressing your back against the rough bark of the dead, wizened tree. The antlers are tossed from your head onto the ground along with his own crown before he takes your lips in a rough, hungry kiss.Â
The men and women begin to form a semicircle around the tree, witness to the ritual about to take place. Theyâre only a minor distraction before Leon rips the stag coat from your body, dropping it at your feet. Skin scraping against the bark makes you hiss in pain, small cuts forming along your back and arms. He kisses you again, parting his own animal skin to bare his naked body.Â
You pull away and sink your teeth into his shoulder, biting hard enough the tang of blood fills your mouth. He grunts, cock thickening against your leg. Shoving you more firmly against the dead tree, he slots his leg between your thighs, pressing the damp lips of your cunt against the warm skin. Hissing, you rock down against him, pleasure zipping through your body.Â
The ritual is meant to be bloody and rough, an offering to the dark gods that bay and howl for life. Leon moves to kiss you again at the same time you dip forward to bite his other shoulder. His chin knocks against your cheek, making you shift, arm catching on a thorn-covered branch and slicing open your flesh. Pulling you into his chest, he braces his forearm against your side, the branch cutting into his flesh and preventing it from sinking into yours.
You admire his care; the ancient ones have no preferences whose blood is shed as long as it is human and it is fresh. He kisses across your jaw before sinking his own teeth into your neck at the same time he lifts your leg to wrap around his waist. Your eyes catch sight of the villagers, standing solemnly, watching as Leon and you perform the rite. He brings your attention back when he ruts his cock against the seam of your cunt. Notching the head of his dick at your hole, he bullies his way completely inside, stuffing and stretching your pussy so suddenly you canât breathe.Â
He groans like a wounded dog, pulling halfway out before sinking back into your pliant flesh. Your nails scratch and claw at his back, shredding the skin underneath. He retaliates by biting and snarling, teeth maiming your neck and shoulders until itâs a bloody mess. All thoughts of higher thinking are lost to the frenzy. Leon mates you like some rabid animal. You're biting and clawing at each otherâblood spilling from your bodies to coat the imposing tree at your back.
At some point, Leon pulls out to spin you around, pressing your stomach and chest against the rough bark. Keening like a bitch in heat, Leon pounds your cunt with hard, powerful thrusts. More cuts open against the soft meat of your belly and breasts, palms scraping against the tree while Leon fucks your pussy into submission. His palm cups above your mound, angling your body back in a way that makes you clamp down around his cock.Â
Groaning, he keeps up the fast paceâhis dick plunging in and out of your wet, dripping hole, the tip grazing something so delicious itâs making your brain light up in ways youâve never experienced. You canât stop the noises escaping you, like a stuck pig braying for help. Leon rams into you, cock thick and heavy, stretching you out. A pleasure unlike anything youâve experienced is overcoming your senses. Your fingers curl into claws, mouth open in a silent scream as something in your brain snaps.Â
Everything goes silent except the pleasure engulfing your entire being. Time is infinite in this space. Tears streak down your cheeks, eyes open yet unseeing even as Leon buries his cock to the hilt to fill you with his sticky spend. You come to yourself when a heavy fur is draped around your exhausted body.Â
âPriestess, the ceremony of oblation is complete.â
Turning, you look into a pair of blue eyes.Â
âThank you,â you rasp, voice scratchy.Â
He shifts on his feet, nude body covered with his own animal skin. The various men and women are walking back to the village, preparing the feast that is to follow the ritual. Leon stands next to you, a warm and quiet presence while you gain your bearings once more.
You walk in silence, side by side, through the forest. Itâs a companionable feeling, a sense of peace that pervades you. The man beside you coughs lightly.Â
âPriestess,â he pauses for a breath. âMay I dance with you at the fire tonight?â
Heat suffuses your chest, and you smile at him, dried blood flaking from the movement.Â