Heart of Darkness

The atmosphere remained tense despite Alexander telling them to relax. Everyone watched him curiously, suspiciously, noticing the difference in him. Roxana not only noticed but sensed it as well. She couldn’t explain the feeling but it made her tingle with nervousness, especially when he looked her way again. His eyes were void of emotion yet sharp with animalistic instinct. She wanted to speak but the words couldn’t form in her mouth.

“How are feeling Alexander?” His grandma asked as the servant placed food on his plate.

“I don’t want the vegetables. Just put more meat,” he spoke to the servant before turning to his grandmother.

“I am fine,” he said his voice very casual as if nothing happened. He motioned for the servant to put even more meat on his plate.

Roxana was surprised. He rarely ate let alone that much food. And what was it with the meat? She was told that he ate a heart but… he should not do it right now. Right?

He picked up cutlery and began to cut the meat. Roxana watched him as he put it into his mouth and almost sighed.

“Mhmm…How come I never enjoyed this before?” He said chewing.

This made everyone even more conscious. He smiled knowingly. A but devilish.

“Can you pass me…” He reached out and the pepper flew right into his hand. They were all shocked and he seemed surprised as well. “Oh. I guess I acquired some magic. How useful, ” he said and then went on to put pepper on his meat as if it shouldn’t matter that he suddenly could do such a thing. “Had I known, I would have consumed spirits a long time ago.”

Now they were worried for him, but he continued to enjoy his meat. As he put a piece into his mouth he looked up at her. Her heart fluttered. His chewing slowed down as he watched her like the time he wrapped her in his wing. His eyes were hungry as if he was imagining chewing her and then he swallowed. His tongue came, the tip licking his lips.

“You should eat,” he told her.

Only a breath left her lips and then she looked down slowly at her plate. Was she imagining things or did his voice carry another meaning? Just relax, Roxana. He said he wouldn’t eat you, she told herself although he looked at her that way.

She didn’t know why her gaze was drawn to his mouth and as he noticed he run his tongue along his teeth as if sending a message. She shivered. He smiled.

“Do you want more meat?” Angelica asked him.

“Oh no, thank you. I don’t think this will satiate me.”

A silence followed. He chuckled. “I already told you, I am not going to eat you.”

She really wanted to believe he was only teasing now but she wasn’t sure anymore.

“Lucrezia. You have many places. Could you not borrow me and Roxana a place for tonight?”

Why?! They had a room here.

“Of course,” she smiled.

He turned to the others, “I want you to feel comfortable and have a peaceful sleep,” he explained.

Was that the only reason?

Alright, it was enough. She needed to talk to him in private. Find out what was wrong. Once they were done eating she helped Angelica quickly and went upstairs to find him. He stood on the balcony, watching the view. She carefully stepped outside and went to stand beside him. He turned to her, his eyes still different. She watched him carefully.

“You didn’t eat,” he said.

“Alex. I was worried. What happened to you?”

“I am alright,” he looked her up and down. “You have been busy taking care of me.” He said.

Yes. She had been neglecting herself a little.

“I need you fed and showered.”

Her heart skipped. He put his arm around her waist and led her inside before she could think of what he meant. “I will take care of you now, once we get away.”

“Why do we need to get away?” She asked.

“I need you all to myself,” he said this time taking her hand as if impatient.

Roxana was still confused about him. Maybe once they were away she could get to talk to him more.

He took them to Lucrezia who showed them to a luxurious mansion with diamonds, crystals, feathers, and leather interior. It was very much like her.

“Everything you need is available.” She told them. “And the bedroom is there.” She told them. “You can borrow my clothes. All are new. I haven’t used any yet.” She told her.

Roxana looked at how the woman was dressed. A black silky gown that covered half her thighs with high-heeled black boots that covered up to her knees. She waved with her fingers before vanishing into smoke.

If she was a man, she would have fallen on her knees in front of that woman. “Why don’t you go shower? I will prepare food for you.” Alexander told her.

Oh… “Alright.” She said, feeling like he was preparing HER to become the meal.

She shook her head as she went to the bathroom. She was letting what she heard get to her head. Of course, he wouldn’t eat her. How stupid.

As she entered the bathroom her eyes widened. Wow. She looked around at the white tiles, large mirrors, and feathery mats on the floor. The room was big, towels hanging ready to be used, creams, soaps, and perfumes standing above the sink.

She looked at herself in the large mirrors. She had truly neglected herself. Taking off her gown, she examined her body. It must be his blood if she still looked fine. Or perhaps she was just happy the scars were gone, her skin looking smooth.

Going into the shower she took extra time to wash her body clean and put extra care into her hair. She then used the scented creams on her body, smearing it all over. She out some a little perfume, oiled her hair, combed her hair, and then looked satisfied at her clean and glistening skin.

Wrapping herself in a towel, she then went to find some clothes. She had learned about the different underwear that existed in the demon world and this woman had a lot of them. They filled the three drawers as she looked for clothes. All newly packed.

She found them in all colors and fabrics. Some of them confusing as to how to wear them. She picked a white lace underwear that covered almost nothing. Great. Why wear them? She skipped the chest support, they were too confusing and went on to find a nightgown.

In the closet, she found too many, tiny ones. She picked one that was short but the breast section was made of lace only. Her breasts would be seen. Confusing.

She put it away. Another one was all lace. What was this supposed to cover? Was it torn perhaps? Or they didn’t finish sewing it.

She got frustrated as she tried to find something decent. She picked the most decent one. This woman must be joking, she thought.

She picked a peachy silk gown with a low v-neckline that showed the hollow of her breasts. And covered almost nothing on her lower body. If she bent down her underwear would be seen.

Alright. She gave up. Maybe this would save her from being eaten? Maybe he could think of enjoying something else.