Fate - 9
"Done." Ray slumps back in his chair, the piece of paper clutched in his hand. He's too exhausted to even manage a smile. He clenches his fist, crumpling the paper, and fights the irrational desire to tear it to shreds.
He stares out the window, seeing only the blue sky and the false promise of freedom. He can only hope that Florian and Laila are safely away from this beautiful prison. As for himself, he has few illusions about ever being free again.
"Resting?" Azura smiles, predator like and slinks into the room. He rounds the desk and slides a proprietary hand down Ray's chest as he leans over to read the paper. "I take it you've solved our little puzzle."
"Was there any doubt." He smiles up at his master. "It's straightforward enough now. You won't need me for the next part."
"Nonsense." Azura's hand curls possessively as he tightens his hold. "You wouldn't want to miss this. Imagine the jewels; you'll be able to bathe in them."
Ray is tempted to say that there is only one set of jewels he is interested in, but it is safer for Florian and himself to remain silent. Instead, he reaches up to Azura, drawing him down for a kiss. "I've never bathed in jewels before."
"Then you must try it. Come, I'll give you a little preview." Azura takes the paper and tucks it away in a hidden pocket while Ray closes the last of the reference books and abandons the desk where he's spent so many hours.
Azura barely waits until they are in the bedroom to begin stripping Ray. His hands are demanding as are his lips and Ray trembles. Azura misinterprets Ray's reaction as passion and increases his attentions. He doesn't care that Ray barely reciprocates. Azura demands nothing less than total control and he knows Ray understands this. After all,
Azura trained him well when they were still nothing but street rats. Ray's time in Paris was simply a diversion meant to make him more interesting.
And interesting he is, with his illusions of independence; symbolized by his little blond pet. A pity the boy had to go; he'd been an interesting addition to their intimacies. Still, it wouldn't do for Ray's attention or his loyalty to waver. Azura would not tolerate that but, though he would never admit it, he didn't enjoy punishing Ray - at least he didn't enjoy it often.
But Florian… he'd been the perfect victim with his porcelain skin and compelling violet eyes. If ever a person had been born to suffer it was him.
Perhaps, once Ray becomes accustomed to his new life here Azura will reclaim the boy. He smiles at the thought and presses his fingers hard into Ray's flesh just to hear him moan. Azura likes to make his partner beg and cry, he loves drawing out sounds as if
he is a musician playing his favorite instrument. And Ray is his favorite. It had been a mistake to let him go, one that he doesn't intend to make again.
He pulls Ray down onto the soft mattress, barely taking the time to push aside clothing before he possesses him. He doesn't believe in a higher power, but Azura thinks this claiming is his glimpse of heaven. He draws it out, the sounds, the sensations, until he's almost powerless. He allows himself release then, spending himself as deeply inside his precious Ray as he can. He even allows himself a long moment of resting, breathless and sweat-soaked before pulling out and away. This is the closest to being vulnerable he ever allows himself to come and it's one more reason Ray can never be allowed to leave.
XXXXX
Ray holds himself limp and still. Azura's breathing is slow and even, an indication that he's finally asleep. He sleeps lightly and any movement will awaken him, so Ray keeps still and plans.
He owes Azura a debt, he knows that, but he doesn't owe him his life. Azura is different now, still cold and cruel, but he's shown Ray kindness, especially since Florian was sent away. At first Ray hoped it was a sign that Azura had changed, that he would be content with Ray's help in solving the riddle and would let Ray go when he had the treasure.
Ray knows better now. Azura would not expose his vulnerabilities to someone who would be allowed to go free. Azura would only risk that with someone who was completely under his control, someone he believed would never oppose him.
Ray thinks of the beautiful, brave young man who had taken him in, who had saved him from a life of shame and degradation. Someone who had once allowed him to go free. The man beside him is no longer that person.
With grim determination, Ray closes his eyes and begins to plan Azura's death.
::end part 9::