"You know if we cross that line, there's no going back, Thalia. You will be mine. Forever." His voice is low, and the vibration alone makes me shudder with anticipation and my need tramples at any reservation I may have.

  "I am yours."

  "Mine." He says like he is testing to hear it in his own ears. He then finds my thighs and rides my dress up. He takes off the dress and drops it on the side. His eyes replace more of the green with a fiery orange. He removes my undergarments with such reverence I forget in that moment that I am a mere slave girl.

  Where Is Eros?

  Thalia

  "Mine." He says again after he tosses my undergarments to the side and he takes in my bare body. With his fingers, he touches my lips like he's studying me, then he explores my neck, and he goes lower and cups my breast in his hand, feeling. Lowering himself, he takes one in his mouth.

  I close my eyes briefly as I take in the new sensations. His eyes are closed as he sucks from one nipple to the other like he knows my body better than myself, like he doesn't even need any direction. My back arches when he bites my nipple lightly. His eyes open, pinning me with his blazing gaze as he continues his sweet torture.

  I can't look away.

  He kisses lower and gives my navel attention, leaving touches of magic with every kiss, before he goes lower. I swallow. I have never been that close with anyone. He gives me a gentle kiss, as if to say he knows my thoughts and I can trust him. I spread myself a little wider for him and I watch his orbs dance as he watches his prize. He inhales deeply like he's trying to catch all my scent then I watch him intently as he darts his tongue and lowers his head between my legs. He spreads me wider with his powerful hands. The hunger in his expression is unmistakable, but I see restraint too as he gives me a long lick and he groans.

  My body shivers as goosebumps erupt all over me. The pleasure goes straight to my head, and I moan as my eyes become unfocused. He does it again and again and I throw my head back as I finger his hair. He licks my pleasure nub, and it drives me insane with pleasure.

  Before I know what's happening, my whole body tightens and my body feels like it’s elevating on its own as he transports me to a new plane of existence. I moan loudly as my body shakes on its own, pleasure blinding me and coursing through every part of my body. I expel a long exhale, and he doesn't stop. Feeling his tongue in my most sacred entrance, my eyes roll back as I receive more of what he's giving.

  "Mine." I hear him growl as he takes me higher once more.

  "Yours," I breathe out as I shudder from feeling something penetrate my tight channel. I look down and see he has one finger disappear inside me. His tongue circles my bundle of nerves, and it makes me want to open wider for him. He works me with his finger, and I plop my head down again as all energy leaves me and I tip over again.

  "Oh, goddess!" I whimper in pleasure. I feel him come up and pull him to me by his neck and I kiss him, feeling bold. My hands explore him, and I grab the hem of his tunic and I pull it up. He pulls away and takes it off. Then he lowers his breeches, and his length jumps forth. My lips part as I take him in. My core pulling together deliciously.

  A smirk plays on his lips before he comes to capture my lips in a kiss once more. I taste him but also myself. I feel his hard length pressing on my wet center and I tense, feeling fear suddenly. How will all of his impressive shaft fit? As if sensing my thoughts, he pulls back, and his blazing gaze draws me in once more.

  "Relax, my love."

  "How will it fit?"

  He smiles.

  "Won't I get hurt?"

  "It will be painful at first, but it will be over quickly. Do you want to stop?"

  I shake my head eagerly. "I want to be yours, body and soul. I know you'll always take care of me."

  "On my own life." He gives me his promise before he lines his length on my entrance and he takes my hands in his and he links our foreheads together. We breathe into each other, like we are already stamping each other on the other. He pushes forth and I shut my eyes as he probes me, stretching me beyond my limit.

  "Open your eyes, my love. I want to see you." He pauses his invasion and after a few deep breaths I open my eyes to find his orbs still blazing. Now I know, they blaze for me. He pushes the rest of the way in one push, and I scream in pain.

  "Shh, it's done, my love. Just breathe, I'll wait for you." I see the struggle behind his eyes. I pull him to a kiss to redirect my mind away from the pain, and I start relaxing as we kiss. The kiss rekindles my fire and I feel myself relaxing, accommodating him. He doesn't move and we just kiss. When I am ready, I move my hips to let him know what I need. He growls in my ear as he peppers my outer shell with kisses, and I shudder under him.

  He pulls out completely before he sinks into me again. His kisses distract me from the stretch. Even though it's not as painful as before, I still am not used to his girth. He takes a slow and steady rhythm, and before long, pleasure links with pain and I moan as we kiss. I give him all of me and he gives me everything he has.

  "Mine." He professes.

  "Mine." I return his claim. He really is mine, and I am his. The thought tips me over as I stare into his blazing orbs. His eyes change color again to an intense red this time with stripes of orange. He rides my pleasure with me, and I feel something warm coat my insides and it drives me wilder. We go wild as we become one. His blazing red turns back to the intense orange and we don't stop. He flips us and places me on top.

  We continue giving each other everything and lapping from each other's endless fountain of devotion. We kiss as I move my lower body up and down his length. The slickness from his essence makes it easier to slide. Before long we tip over the cliff of our joyride together again. We pant as we both try to regain our calm, our eyes intent on each other. His arms are wrapped around my waist, and he gives me a gentle kiss. I get off him, and he cradles me in his arms as we continue kissing.

  His hand finds my center and he runs his fingers. He pulls from me to see his hand. It comes back bloody. His eyes flash red for a moment before it’s gone. An intense possessiveness. He brings his fingers to his lips, and he licks them clean. I am left there stunned, mouth open as he kneels between my thighs and licks the rest. He kisses my inner thighs when he is finished. His lips still have some of the crimson and he licks his lips.

  He smiles down at my reaction before he gets up and gets one of the cloths we keep here in the cave. He takes care of me, wiping me then himself. Then he comes back next to me, and he pulls me in his arms, and we kiss. I can still taste the iron in his mouth, and it cements us even further.

  We belong to each other.

  When we pull apart, I see a flash of sadness as he gazes at me and my brows furrow. We just committed to each other, why is he sad? However, before I ask it is gone the next moment and it leaves me thinking maybe the lamp light is playing tricks on me.

  He smiles down at me. My love is back.

  "Thank you," I say after a few moments pass.

  He knits his eyebrows in confusion.

  "For today, my birthday, everything you arranged. I don't know how you got everything together but thank you. No one has ever done something so thoughtful for me." I kiss his cheek.

  "Today was just the start, my love. We still have the rest of our lives for more." I detect only truth in his utterances. Our current reality comes back in my mind, and I wonder when we will leave this realm so we can start our lives in our own realm.

  "We won't be here forever. The Gods have much planned for us." He answers my unspoken worries, and he sounds certain.

  "How can you be sure? The gods have already destroyed me once. Maybe they are just waiting to rip this away from me too. Eros, I wouldn't handle it this time. I can't lose you."

  "Shh, my love. They won't. Our destiny is only in our hands. I will never let you go through that again. Do you trust me?"

  I nod. "I do, but we are mere humans in a universe of beings who have more power to control anything. I'm afraid. What if he comes for me again and takes you this time?"

  He crushes me to his chest, his heart accelerating its pace. "He won't harm you, baby bird. On my honor."

  I shudder in the arms of the man that I love, and he comforts me. He kisses my face in soft kisses as he reassures me. Not long after, I descend to sleep.

  Me and Eros are back in Midgard, in my village. We are sitting in my old spot at the village garden on top of the hill. I am sitting on top of him, and he has his arms wrapped around me, my back on him. He whispers promises of forever in my ear. We both watch the five-colored sun as it dances in the sky. There isn't anything more perfect I've ever seen and felt. He kisses my neck in soft kisses and I move my neck to give him more space. He expels a growl of approval and the vibration travels through me, touching me in all the right places.

  "Say you belong to me only, forever, little bird."

  "I am only yours, Eros."

  I twist my neck to look at my love, only to make contact with the monster. It's not Eros. My dream turns to a nightmare as I try to get out of his arms. He just holds me in place tighter, and he laughs. He laughs at me and my efforts as I try to get away from him with no success.

  "You are mine forever, baby bird."

  My eyes fly open, and I am met with darkness. The lamps must have gone out sometime. I get up and I light a lamp. I want to tell Eros I had a nightmare.

  But when I look at Eros, all moisture leaves my face.

  His eyes fly open and the monster stares back at me. My lips tremble as tears fall. But where is Eros?

  "What have you done with Eros!"

  It’s Time To Go Home

  Thalia

  "Thalia, calm down." He rises slowly as if to not frighten a wounded animal, and I step back.

  He is wearing Eros's clothes and he has Eros's eyes and body. But where is Eros?

  "Where is he? Tell me!" I cry as a possibility too horrible crosses my mind.

  No. No, no, no, no.

  "Tell me!!" I scream, not carrying that he could crush me with one hand. Eros was the last thing I had. Without him I'm...I'm nothing. I drop my gaze as I try to breathe.

  "You know that answer, my love."

  My eyes rise to him.

  No. It's not what I think. It can't be. I would have known.

  I sink to my knees as I shake with realization.

  I just gave the monster all of me…

  Everything.

  "Did you kill him?" I whisper, not sure I want whatever answer he gives.

  "I am him."

  "No. No, he...he was a good man. You ate him! Give him back to me!" Tears run down my face as I look up at the monster of my nightmares.

  "Please," I beg. "He is all I have."

  Sorrow blankets me once more. This time worse than anything I've ever felt.

  I shrink when he touches me.

  "Come, my love. It's time to go home." He picks me up like I weigh nothing, And I launch a series of slaps and punches that don't even look like they are landing. Throwing me over his shoulder, he walks out of the cave.

  I scream, trying to scratch him and pummel his hard as stone body. But stop when I realize the only thing I’m hurting is my own wrists.

  "Please just let me go. I-I am begging you, please. I don't know what sin I committed to the gods, but please, take my life." My pleas fall on deaf ears as we descend the mountain I have come to know so well.

  "Just take me back. I will forgive you for killing my village. Have mercy on me. Please." I continue begging but I get no response like I am talking to a rock.

  The trees swallow my pleas and I resort to screaming, hoping someone hears and rescues me. But not even the other gods can save me from the god of war. I have heard stories that he is second only to his father Odin, the All-Father.

  He pushes the gate open, and the front door of a house opens.

  "What is going on ou—"

  Then I hear the loud gasp from the mistress.

  "Help me, mistress, please. He means to end me!" I cry.

  Silence.

  She says nothing till the monster sets me down.

  "L-Lord Vidar, what have w-we done for this honor?" she starts blubbering.

  I find her gaze on the ground, bowing. Gary slithers around her and comes to me like he doesn't see who's next to me. Vidar grabs my hand, not in a crushing grip but it is firm, and I know there is no escape.

  "I am here for my bride," he says, looking down at the mistress with displeasure.

  She lifts her head and looks at me with wide eyes. Realization filling her face before twisting to horror.

  "I didn't know, my Lord. I…I thought she was just a servant girl." She falls to the ground before my feet. "I am sorry, m-my queen."

  I step back, uncomfortable with her being at my feet.

  "She told you I was after her, what did you think I wanted? Do you think I make a habit of chasing maidens across the realms, fairy?" His voice and demeanor are full of authority. It’s fearsome, and nothing like Eros.

  The mistress shakes as she begs for her life.

  The woman Eros left to tend to the compound in our place yesterday comes from behind the house. She bows her head to both of us.

  "Lord Vidar, my queen," she says with respect.

  "Fima, have you collected everything?"

  "Yes, lord. I just came from the cave."

  "Good. Get Gerol from town. It’s time."

  She bows before moving her hands, opening a portal before our very eyes.

  My eyes widen and it dawns on me again that I can't win against any of these creatures. They are all high above me and my non-existent abilities.

  Vidar grabs the mistress with his free hand and dangles her by her throat. Horror descends on me as she chokes for air, and I see he is going to crush her if I say nothing.

  "No!" I don't know where the courage comes from. But a part of me knows he will listen to me.

  He looks down at me and his eyes soften. He lets go and she drops to the ground like a bag of manure. Disdain written on his face as he barrels down at her with his glare.

  "I should end you for how you treated my queen."

  Mistress weeps silent tears as she touches her neck, trying to draw desperate breaths.

  "I'm-m sorry, m-my lord. I di-didn't know sh-she was yo-yours."

  "Your fate lies in her hands. I will carry out whatever judgment she sees fit for you."

  Her gaze travels to me and she bows and begs with both her hands linked.

  "I'm sorry, my queen."

  I remember all the harsh treatment she has doled out to me. The many slaps when I broke something. The punishments I got when I forgot to timely tend to one of her many animals. She made me suffer, but does that mean I should make her suffer too? But what of her next slave? What if she treats them worse?

  Vidar looks at me for my judgment as she waits at my feet.

  Steadying my breath, I try to sound strong.

  "I want Gary and you may not have a slave for the next two years. After that you may, but you will give them decent shelter and pay them fair wages."

  Her eyes widen in confusion. "But the compound is big."

  "I took care of it alone for years, remember?"

  She nods. "Thank you for your mercy."

  Vidar leans down and picks up Gary and hands him to me. He loosens his hold on me, but gives me a warning look not to run, making me swallow.

  The portal opens again, spitting Fima and the elf from the bakery. He is sporting a smile on his face and bows like he did yesterday. I didn't think anything of it yesterday, but I realize now it wasn't a coincidence or him calling me 'queen'.

  "Lord Vidar, my queen." He bows again.

  "Rise and get inside, fairy," Fima commands the mistress.

  The mistress rises and looks between all of us before she bows to me then to Vidar. Her eyes land on Gary who is very comfortable in my hands. Realizing what she needs, I step closer.

  Vidar's arm rises to stop my advancing.

  "She needs to say goodbye to Gary." I don't look in his direction, but he lowers his hand. When I step forward, he steps next to me.

  Ridiculous. I have nowhere to run.

  I place Gary in her arms for the last time. She brushes him and kisses his scaled belly and on top where he has fur. He growls a low growl of pleasure, and she hastily puts him back in my arms before turning to enter her house and close the door. And with it the end of a life.

  It feels like that was the end of a life. A closure of a chapter. I stare at the door as I snuggle Gary tighter in my arms, wondering what kind of land I am heading to. I never thought I’d leave this realm. And definitely didn’t think I’d ever go to Asgard.

  Asgard, the realm of the gods. I feel a hand on my shoulder and tense, turning to find the portal open and vast green land before us.

  "Let's go home, baby bird." His voice is gentle again.

  He leads me with a hand on my lower back as I step on the grass, inhaling the new air for the first time. I have lived in lands surrounded by forest air all my life, but this is a new level of crisp.

  I look back to find the portal closing, and the next second, I can no longer see the land I have called home for the past seven years. My new reality descends like an iron rock and I am crushed.

  My family died for nothing. The mage died for nothing. My community died for nothing.

  Samson died for nothing.

  I should have stepped forward and handed myself over all those years ago. Maybe they'd all still be alive. What was the use? All those lives lost and all for what? I am here just like he wanted. He got to me just like he wanted. And now I have no escape.

  My knees buckle as I fall into despair. Gary slips from my hands and I wail, crying for all my futile efforts to fight fate. My body shakes with sorrow and utter despair.

  I should have known better. You can’t hide from the fates, and they sought to punish me for the rest of my days by tying my soul to a monster. A monster even his own kind think is a savage.