『14』

After a night of partying and feeding, all Matt wanted to do was sleep, but his moments of rest were consistently interrupted by Agustus or Asmodeus.

"Hello, young one," Matt groaned but paid attention. "Since you're one of the few incubi of our bloodline that can use magic, I'm going to show you how to use it. Agustus would have, but he's busy at the moment. I have seen you training with the siphon witch to learn magic, and I have to applaud you. But we are able to tap into nature like witches, you must remember we are not witches. We can tap into nature but also something more powerful," Asmodeus explained.

"You see, Matt, our magic is entwined with desire, passion, and the essence of life itself. It's a force that transcends what witches can do. Channel your desires, focus on what you want, and let the magic flow through you," Asmodeus instructed.

Matt began to sense the subtle currents of this magic coursing through his veins as he listened. It felt different from the spells he learned with Stephanie, tapping into a primal force that resonated with his nature as an incubus.

"Now, let's try a simple spell," Asmodeus suggested. He demonstrated a basic enchantment, and Matt, under his guidance, attempted to replicate it. The air shimmered with an otherworldly glow as Matt's magic responded to his intent.

Asmodeus nodded in approval. "Good, Matthew. With time and practice, you'll unlock even greater potential. Remember, our magic is a gift tied to the very essence of who we are. Embrace it, and it will serve you well."

In the following sessions with Asmodeus, Matt learned more about what set apart the magic of incubi from that of witches. Asmodeus explained that while witches drew their power from the natural elements and the balance of nature, incubi tapped into a more primal and emotional source – desire.

"Incubi magic is intimately tied to desire, the deep yearnings of the heart and the passions that course through your veins. It's a force that transcends the limitations of traditional magic," Asmodeus elaborated.

Unlike witches who focused on rituals and spells based on the elements, incubi could infuse their magic with the intense emotions of those around them. This unique connection to desire allowed them to manipulate not just the physical world but also the emotional and psychic realms.

Asmodeus demonstrated by creating an illusion that played on the desires and fantasies of an onlooker. The air shimmered with illusions that captivated the senses, revealing a glimpse of the person's deepest longings. It was a demonstration of how incubi magic could tap into the very fabric of desire and bring it to life.

"As an incubus, your power is not only about controlling the elements but also about influencing the desires and emotions of those you encounter. It's a potent magic that can shape the very fabric of reality for those who are susceptible," Asmodeus explained.

"As an incubus, you must be intimately tied to your emotions, but not let them control you. We are creatures of both lust and love, and in harnessing our desires, we must be careful not to let either overpower us," Asmodeus advised. "Just as our emotions and desires strengthen our magic, they also make it more dangerous."

The subtle balance between passion and control became a central theme in Matt's ongoing training. As he continued to delve into the complexities of incubi magic, he found himself navigating the fine line between tapping into the potent energies of desire and ensuring that he remained in command of his own emotions.

Asmodeus continued, "It's in the delicate dance of desire and control that the true power of incubi magic is revealed. Allow yourself to feel, to connect, but always maintain mastery over those emotions. The key is to channel them, not be ruled by them."

Matt halted his practice and inquired, "What happens when an incubus loses control?"

Asmodeus regarded him with a knowing expression, understanding the weight of the question. "When an incubus loses control, especially over their emotions and desires, the consequences can be severe. Our magic, tied to those intense energies, can spiral out of control, manifesting unpredictably."

He continued solemnly, "In extreme cases, an incubus overwhelmed by unchecked emotions can inadvertently influence those around them, creating a chaotic ripple effect. Illusions may become a reality, desires can be amplified to a dangerous extent, and the boundaries between the magical and mundane can blur, leading to unintended and potentially harmful consequences."

Matt absorbed this information, realizing the potential dangers of allowing emotions to run unchecked. Asmodeus continued, "Moreover, an incubus who loses control risks succumbing to the darker aspects of their nature. Lust can transform into obsession, and love can turn into possessiveness. It's a fine line, and the consequences of crossing it can be detrimental not only to the incubus but to those entangled in their magical web."

Asmodeus observed Matt added, "Remember, mastery over your emotions doesn't mean suppressing them. It means understanding them, acknowledging their power, and channeling them purposefully. The more attuned you are to your own desires, the more adept you will become at navigating the intricacies of incubi magic."

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Matt was out and about when he heard a familiar voice call out to him, "Hey, Matt." He turned around and saw Elena Gilbert, or rather, he sensed the unmistakable aura of Katherine. Choosing to play along, he kept quiet, curious about what she wanted.

"Have you seen Caroline recently? When I tried to get in contact with her, I couldn't," Katherine inquired. Matt smiled and replied, "Caroline's been around, doing her thing. You know how it is, busy life and all."

Katherine narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Matt for a moment. "Busy life, huh? Mind if I tag along and catch up with her?" Matt agreed, and as they walked, Katherine abruptly dragged him into an alley and attempted to compel him.

"Where is Caroline?" Katherine demanded. Matt paused for a moment then laughed a bit.

Kitty Kat, you've got to try harder." Katherine paused, a smirk playing on her lips, as the veins under her eyes began to pulsate.

"Well, what gave me away?" she asked, her tone laced with that infamous Katherine confidence. Matt chuckled, "Your overall vibe. Elena gives off a 'girl next door,' but you give off a 'school slut' vibe, and you do it better."

"The way you carry yourself, as much as you attempt to mirror Elena and deceive those around you, you can't elude my watchful eye. Elena may exude a sense of weariness, her posture weighed down by the burdens of her existence. But you, even in your earnest endeavor to replicate her, move with confidence in your strides," Matt remarked, his gaze keen and perceptive.

Matt seized Katherine's hand, channeling some of his chi into her. She let out a subdued moan, and Matt took advantage of the moment to make a request. "Do me a favor, would you? Leave me and Caroline out of whatever you're planning." Katherine attempted to resist, but Matt intensified the flow of chi, breaking down her mental defenses. Her eyes flickered a pale silver, and Matt sealed the exchange with a kiss, feeding off her until she succumbed to unconsciousness.

With Katherine now unconscious, Matt gently lowered her to the ground. He took a moment to collect himself; Kathrine was a 500-year-old doppelganger, and feeding her packed a punch but was delicious.

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