Intoxicating

Absolute beauty is like a rare comet—brilliant and captivating, yet forever out of reach and making you feel small in its wake.

Intoxicating

I tapped away at my phone, trying to keep things light.

[Hey Lil, how's it going?]

I waited for a few minutes, and when she replied with a casual but friendly response, I decided to bring up the real reason I was reaching out.

[Actually, there's something important I wanted to ask. Would you be interested in accompanying me to meet with the Lust Mages?]

There was a brief pause before Lil's reply came through. Her response was more hesitant than I had anticipated.

Trouble's Chauffeur: [The Lust Mages again? What's the occasion?]

I took a deep breath and decided to lay it out honestly.

[It's part of an alliance I'm considering. It's just that Violan might try to charm me into submission if I go solo. I could use some company to keep things straightforward.]

The message I received was almost immediate, and Lil's response was filled with a sudden urgency.

Trouble's Chauffeur: [Let's make sure that doesn't happen.]

I couldn't help but chuckle at her swift change of heart.

[Great! Let's meet at my place at 5. Thanks for coming along.]

I put my phone away.

Mazen pressed his lips into a sharp line—a clear sign he wasn't thrilled with my latest plan. It was his go-to look whenever I made a decision he didn't quite approve of. I could only hope he'd actually sent my letter to Violan rather than letting it, ahem, disappear into the ether.

For what felt like an eternity, Mazen just stared at me, as if waiting for me to break down and beg for forgiveness for my supposed transgressions. But since I wasn't going to anytime soon, he finally spoke.

"You're terribly stubborn," he said, his tone flat and disapproving.

I raised an eyebrow, amused. I wasn't the only one with a stubborn streak in this room.

"Violan was a warrior mage," Mazen continued, his voice taking on a lecturing tone, "He could destroy armies with a single spell. I don't think you fully understand how dangerous he is."

Even if I had been wearing earplugs around my mage acquaintance, I would have heard the legends about Violan sooner or later. There were rumors that he could break a man's will with a single glance and shatter his body with just a single touch.

"I know," I said, nodding. "So, are you coming with me?"

Mazen stared at me, his expression blank. "Pardon?"

Before he could react, a pink envelope popped into existence with a soft 'pop.' I tore it open, and Violan's velvety voice echoed through the room.

"Dear Shay! Come and see me at the mansion to discuss the details. You can bring your friends; I'm sure they'll have fun. Love, Vio."

I couldn't help but grin, while Mazen visibly shuddered, a rare sight indeed. His face paled slightly as if he'd just seen a ghost.

"So, you coming?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"No way," he replied with firm resolve.

I knew all too well the rumors about Violan's mansion. They said once you stepped inside, you'd lose all hope, lust mages torturing you with the utmost sensuality. I could almost see Mazen's mental horror play out in real-time. His face took on a shade of green.

"But, Mazen," I said, adopting my most innocent tone, "what if the rumors are true and they try to, you know, desecrate my body? Who will save me?"

Mazen said nothing, but I could see the wheels turning in his head.

"You're the only one who can get everyone out of there quickly," I pressed. "Without you, our lives will be at the mercy of the lust mages!"

Mazen's lips twitched as he fought against my logic, but I knew he'd cave. After all, the idea of being teased endlessly as the "Darkest Mage Ever Who's Afraid Of Lust Mages" was probably enough to drive him mad.

With Mazen reluctantly agreeing to come along, I made my way back home. On the way, I called Rolo.

"You want to meet the most dangerous mages on the planet?" I asked, diving straight to the point without any pleasantries.

Rolo hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing his options. "Who will be with us?" he asked, avoiding a direct answer.

I rattled off the names as I thought them over. "Mazen, Lil... I was thinking about you and Alex. And oh, call Mose too."

"Okay," Rolo replied, his tone indicating he was intrigued but still cautious.

With everyone on board, the plan was shaping up nicely, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with a bit of trepidation. 

(...)

Alex grinned, of course. How could he not have grinned when I outlined the many sweets and treats he would have to choose from when we got there?

Mazen, on the other hand, stood as rigid as a statue, as if bracing himself for some epic battle. Mose's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of new magical discoveries, while Rolo, despite his best efforts to appear aloof, had an unmistakable glint of curiosity in his eyes.

When preparing to visit a mage, especially one as formidable as Violan, choosing the right level of preparation is a delicate dance. Overprepare and it's like declaring war; underprepare and you're walking into a potential disaster. It's a fine balance—too many weapons and companions, and you're practically begging for trouble; too few, and you're setting yourself up for a very uncomfortable lunch. Thus, finding that sweet spot is crucial.

As Lil arrived, she gave my arm a barely perceptible touch, and I felt her magic enveloping me for a fleeting moment. I glanced at her, and she winked with a smile that seemed to say, "I'm here to shield your modesty from those lustful mages." I wanted to chuckle, but I managed a grateful smile instead.

Mazen, ever the reluctant hero, teleported us to the front of the mansion. I didn't let my companions gawk too long at the imposing structure; instead, I ushered everyone towards the grand double doors. I swung them open, leading my motley crew into the enigmatic lair of the lust mages.

A loud shout split the air like a hot knife through butter. Mose jumped, his expression a mix of shock and surprise, before quickly regaining his composure.

"Whisky as a base?" an incredulous mage scoffed, practically bouncing off the sofa.

"Champagne is a more refined choice," another mage retorted with an air of contempt.

"As long as it loosens the subject's inhibitions, who cares?" another lust mage snarled, their voice dripping with disdain.

The first mage couldn't help but chime in again. "I don't know who you're making it for, but I think even the most prim nun would lose her inhibitions."

The lust mage's grim expression softened into one of pride. It was an interesting sight—lust mages, despite their fearsome reputations, often engaged in mundane Saturday activities like experimenting with new potions and spells. They were no different from other mages in that respect; they researched their magic with the same zeal.

In fact, they might even have stricter boundaries than the average mages. Most wouldn't use their magic on someone who hadn't consented. Despite many prejudices, perhaps the most honest and principled of mages gathered under Violan's wing.

However, there was a darker side. Historically, lust mages were once kept as servants or even sex slaves by more powerful mages. Some might have amplified their masters' magic, while others were kept purely for pleasure. The world of mages was rife with a rigid hierarchy: the strong ruled and the weak obeyed. In such a world, the lust mages were often the pawns, subject to the whims of others. But then, Violan appeared.

One of the mages finally noticed our presence.

"Shay!" he called out with a warm smile.

"Onyx," I nodded in acknowledgment.

Onyx, nearly bouncing with excitement, hurried over to us. "Sorry, sorry! I was in the middle of a debate. This way, come on in."

I followed him willingly. Onyx didn't fit the typical image of a lust mage; he looked quite ordinary. That's another misconception—while some lust mages are strikingly beautiful, most are just average in appearance. Onyx had shaggy black hair and dark eyes that suited his name, but he was neither particularly tall nor short.

As for his magic, I didn't ask. It was a touchy subject, and I preferred to avoid potentially awkward conversations. Imagine asking someone if they can double the magic of their sexual partners or, worse if they can see your most private fantasies. It's a minefield I choose not to navigate.

Onyx was one of Violan's preferred apprentices when he was going out, which hinted at his effectiveness in combat. Despite that, my curiosity about his abilities remained firmly in check.

"How long has it been since you last came?" Onyx asked with a grin.

"A long time," I replied.

"I'm glad you came to visit," he admitted, his smile remaining as sweet as ever. 

I nodded, and his grin widened. Most lust mages were delighted just to be treated like human beings, not expecting much more.

"And who are your friends?" Onyx asked, glancing behind him.

"Hello," Alex said with a broad smile, extending his hand. "Call me Alex."

"Hello, Alex," Onyx replied with enthusiasm, shaking his hand warmly. "I'm Onyx."

I thought Onyx looked really touched just by seeing Alex's big, genuine smile. Even more so when the wolf shook his hand. Even though Onyx tried not to show it, I thought he was going to cry. I think other mages are terrified of just touching a lust mage - especially if they're not sure of their abilities. In any case, my dear clueless friend knew nothing of this and managed to instantly worm his way into the heart of a perhaps extremely dangerous lust mage.

Mose introduced himself with similar kindness, making an excellent impression on Onyx.

"Rolo," the brat growled, his tone gruff but without malice. Onyx took no offense, merely responding with his own mage name as was custom.

Lil, attempting a smile, seemed more tense than usual. Perhaps she was more aware of the intricacies of lust magic than I was. Onyx, however, maintained his composure, treating Lil with the same respect as anyone else, though his slight bow indicated he was fully aware of her reputation.

When Mazen introduced himself, Onyx greeted him with a polite bow too. One remarkable trait of lust mages is their lack of prejudice. Whether faced with a filthy mixed-blood, the famously cruel Dark Lord Mazen himself, or the Fiery Mistress of Hell, Lilinette they show the same respect. In my opinion, lust mages are exceptional hosts. There's only one thing I could find fault with in Violan's hospitality.

Onyx led us to a spacious room where Violan awaited us at a grand table. He sat at the head of the table, draped in purple fabric, and jumped up with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome, friends of Shay," he purred, his lips curving into a seductive smile. "I'm Violan. Today, I will entertain you. Please, take a seat and help yourselves."

Everyone nodded respectfully to the grandmaster of the lust mages. Lil stared at Violan with wide eyes, momentarily taken aback, but quickly composed herself and took a seat. Mazen chose a seat farthest from Violan, his discomfort evident in the slight pallor of his skin. I seated myself on the opposite side of the table from Violan.

"Well," Violan began, his smile never wavering as he twirled a glass between his fingers, "dear Shay, I'm listening."

I picked up a few cakes and smiled.

"Don't you want to form an alliance with me, Vio?" I asked.

Violan sipped his drink, savoring it, and swirled it thoughtfully. The maddeningly sweet aroma of the dark red liquor wafted over, a scent potent enough to intoxicate anyone.

"An alliance?" he echoed, savoring the word.

Alex and Mose were sampling the cakes; Mose's hand was intercepted when he reached for a pink cube. I smiled and took a few of the less ominous treats. Alex, though tempted, refrained from overindulging, while Rolo watched my choices with keen interest, selecting only those he felt were safe. Onyx moved around the table, pouring honey-scented liquor into everyone's cups.

"Why would I benefit from an alliance with you, Shay?" Violan asked.

"I know you don't like the current system," I replied. "I can't promise to change your situation overnight. I can't guarantee that lust mages will walk among other mages without fear. But my goal is to topple the mages who uphold this oppressive system."

Despite his impassive expression, Onyx's hand trembled slightly, causing a few drops of nectar to spill. I dipped my finger into the liquid and tasted it, ignoring the sensation of it burning through my veins. Onyx apologized and cleaned the spill, his embarrassment evident. I waved it away, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

Violan's laugh was a sweet echo in the room.

"And what do you expect from me, Shay?" he asked softly.

"I want information about Belizár," I said. "Mainly about the artifact he's pursuing."

Violan pondered for a moment in silence. Then he stood gracefully from his chair, his movements fluid and confident. Violan's eyes gleamed with a predatory light as he crossed the room with an easy, seductive stride, his presence commanding attention. Moving with a grace that was both deliberate and unsettling, he half-sat on the table in front of me, his proximity sending a shiver through the air. His face was just inches from mine, his voice a silky whisper.

"Shay, you do realize that such audacious demands come with their own consequences, don't you? You may find yourself in a very different position than you anticipated."

Lil looked at him, her eyes burning with a cold fire that could consume the whole world if let loose. "Violan, don't push him."

Violan's eyes narrowed with a mixture of amusement and curiosity as he studied me. The mage's voice was a sultry whisper, laced with an underlying threat. "You know, Shay, if you don't offer something of value, I might have to... take it myself from you."

From the edge of my vision, I could see Lil rising ominously. The temperature in the room was rising rapidly.

With a smirk, I leaned into Violan's space, matching his closeness. My voice was low, carrying a steely edge that matched Violan's intensity. "If you think you can seduce me into submission, you're sorely mistaken. Now, back off."

Violan's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, his gaze boring into me with an almost unbearable intensity. He seemed to appreciate the challenge, a dark smile curling at the corners of his lips. "You're the only one who can defy me like this. Most would crumble under the weight of my will."

My expression remained steady. "I'm not most people. And I'm not here to be your plaything."

Violan looked almost offended for a moment. "You were never a mere plaything to me."

"Good," I nodded. "Don't forget that I am not a child anymore. I am here as your equal. Stop playing and back off."

For a moment, the room was silent.

A slow smile spread across his face, one that held both respect and intrigue. It was clear that my defiance was not unexpected. It was something that Violan found genuinely fascinating. Vio straightened; the seductive edge to his demeanor melting away to reveal his genuine self. "Very well, Shay. You've made your point. Let's proceed with our discussion."

"I can get you in to see Belizár, but you'll have to retrieve the information yourself," he offered.

"Agreed," I said.

I knew Violan wouldn't risk his apprentices for me, and I wasn't about to ask him to.

"Shay," Lil hissed, giving me a sharp look.

"He has to come, Myriad," Violan said quietly, "I don't trust either of you enough to take with me."

I wasn't as worried as Lil or Mazen. I knew Vio wasn't going to leave me to drown in shit, even if I got in deep. He liked me and understood that I was his best chance to disrupt the ancient order.