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Chapter Text

Rolan didn’t recognise the mirror. He had few personal belongings, anything not needed was but a burden when you are forced to travel miles on foot. He’d shown up to the tower a pauper, with two dog eared books, his journal, and the clothes on his back. It was not the impression he wanted to make, but it could not be helped.

The mirror was pure silver, and it glittered in the light coming in from the window, beckoning Rolan’s eye.

He wondered if it belonged to Lorroakan, but what would his master be doing in his private chamber?

Although… he didn’t put it past the man to be paranoid enough to spy on his apprentice. Rolan scoffed, apprentice , shop keeper more like.

Floor sweeper, boot cleaner.

…punching bag. He winced.

The wizard turned the object over in his hands and saw no markings other than the delicate engravings. Rolan couldn’t be sure… but the swirling patterns in the metal almost resembled flames.

Finding the latch, the wizard flipped the mirror open. His own visage looked back at him, his eyes tired with dark circles forming under them like storm clouds. Rolan sighed and adjusted his hair, ensuring his ears were hidden.

“Isn’t that a pretty sight?” A voice, husky and suggestive drifted by Rolan’s ear like a faint breeze. He startled, but before he could so much as mutter a cantrip another body pressed against his own from behind.

Shamefully, he yielded to the familiar sensation, knowing who it was without even having to look.

Two bat-like wings spread elegantly behind him and Haarlep, their forms almost merging into one in the sheen of the mirror. A clawed hand grasped Rolan’s throat, squeezing. He wheezed, unable to make a sound.

The incubus’ other hand snaked it’s way around Rolan’s waist, smoothing over the fabric at his chest. Their lips brushed the wizards’s neck, as if they both were tender loves exploring eachother’s bodies. “I could gaze at you all day kitten” They whispered “But, we have an appointment to keep… and it’s best not to be late.”

The ground dropped out from under Rolan’s feet, everything turned upside down and there was a rush of scorching wind against his face. He cried out, clutching what he thought was Haarlep but honestly had no sense where he was or what was happening.

The next thing Rolan knew he connected with a wooden floor, hard. His head throbbed and he was sure he’d now have a new crick in his neck. “Ow… bugger…”

A titter sounded from nearby, “Maybe later, Kitten.”

That’s right. Haarlep.

Rolan bristled with fury, leaping to his feet and snarling at the incubus.”What did you do?!” He demanded, spitting like an angry cat. “Where am I?!”

“My home, kitten.” The incubus purred. “I apologise for the rough landing, it’s been some time since I’ve brought a mortal here.”

“And here is….” Rolan glanced around, as far as he could tell they were in a grand study. It was decorated in finely carved wooden furnishings embellished with gold trim, a plush red sofa faced towards a roaring fire. Nearby, a large shelf was well stocked with papers and scrolls, neatly arranged into piles. The ceiling was high, supported by pillars of marble.

It looked almost ordinary, but then… Rolan really thought about what Haarlep mean’t when he said ‘home’.

Nearby, a stained glass window glowed faintly as if the sun shine through it, but the heat was not that of a distant star but rather of fire . There was a faint scent of something sulphuric in the air,

“….I’m….in the hells, again .”

The incubus looked almost bemused by his comment. “Again? Make a habit of stopping by the infernal realm do you?”

Rolan couldn’t even think of a witty reply, he was too shocked to speak.

Haarlep swayed over and patted his cheek. “Another time perhaps.” Footsteps could beyond the study door, the incubus perked up. “Ah. Here he comes. Don’t worry, all you have to do is keep your nerve. Just be your sweet little self and he won’t be able to resist…” The incubus winked before retreating into the shadows like the cad he was. “I’ve warmed him up for you, shall we say.”

The handle clicked softly, and the blood oak door opened with a creak. The figure who stepped though left Rolan gaping. There was a human man wearing Haarlep’s face standing there. What was going on?

No, he couldn’t be human. Not in this place, the only humans here were the dammed, suffering for all eternity. Either this was an illusion, another game by the incubus, or something else entirely.

“Ah, I see we have company this evening.”

When the wizard didn’t speak, the strange man went on, “I’ll introduce myself, I am Raphael. And this, is my House of Hope.”

Rolan was not feeling particularly hopeful in this moment. He wanted to shout and scream and demand to know why the bloody hell he’d been brought here. But it seemed this… creature, true nature yet to be revealed, had some authority. He was certainly dressed in lordly attire, with slick, well combed hair and a ruffled collar that indicated wealth but was somewhat old fashioned these days.

But why did he look like Haarlep? Or, why did Haarlep look like him?

Rolan needed to tread carefully.

Not wanting to offend, Rolan nodded as if this was completely normal and nothing odd was happening, “Well met, my lord. I am Rolan. But I’m very confused as to why I’m here.”

“My lord? Well, I thought mortals had abandoned civilised manners entirely. As to why you’re here… you will soon see.” With a flourish, Raphael said, “Allow me to slip into something more… comfortable.”

The human guise slipped away like a sheet, revealing Raphael for what he truly was. Two jagged horns rose up from Raphael forehead and his pale skin turned to a burning, aortal red. Two wings burst from his back and fluttered, as if stretching before the devil folded them away neatly. There was a hush as the devil stood in his full glory, no doubt expecting to be admired.

Dumbly, the first words out of the wizard’s mouth were “You’re a devil.”

Raphael looked dry. “Observant.”

Summoning some courage, Rolan straightened his back and cleared his throat. “What do you want with me? I have no dealings with devils.”

“Oh, but you do.” His words became brimstone, hot and burning and reducing Rolan’s confidence to ashes. “You snuck in, like a rat in the night and pilfered something rather valuable to me, without consideration or thought.”

“I-I haven’t stolen anything from you, my lord, I would have remembered.”

The devil did not appear moved in the slightest. “Did Haarlep not tell you? They’re my personal incubus, my own possession. I even gave him my face. And-“ He hissed venomously. “I do not share, especially with those who take without asking.”

Rolan sweated, and not because of the hellfire. “That wasn’t my fault!” He blurted out, determined to defend himself. Had he known any of this, he wouldn’t have touched that deceitful incubus with a ten foot pole. “I tried to send it… them back!”

The devil waved a crimson hand, his face twisted into imperious scorn. “Excuses. Sinners are full of them.” He put on a mockery of a simpering voice, “Oh it was not I- it was she, I didn’t mean to I was drunk you see, but I didn’t know I would be sent to hell for that-“ performance concluded, he snarled. “It’s tiresome. What I want are my dues, paid in full, with interest.”

Why, oh why had he been so foolish? What did the devil want from him? His soul? He could have it as long as Cal and Lia were left alone.

“I think an apology would suffice.” Raphael mused after an agonising pause as Rolan silently panicked.

Rolan blinked, he was floored with relief. “Really? Is that all?”

“Yes, that shall be quite sufficient. You find me in a merciful mood, my pet. Do not scorn my generosity lest you feel my wrath.” The tone was lordly, theatrical, even.

Rolan’s nose wrinkled at being called a ‘pet’.

Condescending infernal beast. He thought. You want an apology? Fine, you shall have it. Then I can go home and forget all about you. Both of you.

Raphael’s glowing orbs never left him, they bore into Rolan’s very being. His mouth was quirked up in the smallest of knowing smirks. A small, terrified part of Rolan wondered if devil’s could read minds.

Out loud, Rolan said, as earnestly as he could, “I will not, my lord, I can assure you.”

Nodding approvingly, the devil clicked his tongue and flicked a claw in Rolan’s direction as if he were a servant. “Disrobe.”

“ What ?”

As firm as iron, Raphael replied, “I believe I was clear.”

Tail lashing in anger and fright, Rolan tried to wriggle his way out of the chains he could feel were tightening around him. “You… you said I had only to apologise to you,”

Raphael chuckled, deep and rolling, like thunder. “You will. Now, don’t make me repeat myself, pet.”

Floundering, Rolan looked over at Haarlep, though he should have known better than to seek support from the creature who dragged him to this pit. The incubus blew a kiss at him, in the most unhelpful way he could have, “Better do as you’re bid, kitten.”

The wizard glared darkly at Haarlep. I’ll get you back for this, wait and see. And I’m. Not. A bloody. Kitten.

Trapped between two devils, Rolan had no choice. If he was going to survive this, he needed to satiate the Raphael’s anger. He was more than practised in how to walk on eggshells around a bad tempered man.

Undressing, Rolan averted his eyes and concentrated on his task. Each layer dropped to the floor and with it the wizard’s notion he could still talk his way out of this.

The devil let out a thoughtful hum, sampling Rolan’s naked flesh with his eyes. “I can see why Haarlep decided to taste you.”

Despite himself, Rolan felt a slight tingle at the devil’s compliment. It could mean he might not chopped up and fed into an infernal machine after all. “I’m… glad you are pleased, my lord.”

“Speak only when I give you permission.” Raphael growled, fangs showing.

The words stung with the force and precision of a whiplash, and Rolan cowed. Raphael would not be easily won over.

The devil approached, slowly, achingly slowly, no doubt he’d saviour watching Rolan’s chest rise and fall quickly as his dread climbed higher. Raphael was statuesque, resplendent in red with the flickering fireplace behind him.

He gestured to the floor. “Now, on your knees. A stance I’m sure you’re used too.”

So, Rolan knelt. How enormous the room seemed now, the figure before him, cloaked in menacing power loomed large and mighty. He could tear Rolan to shreds and it would be nothing to him.

Hot prickles crept up his skin, into his lower regions. Oh no.

Rolan couldn’t have moved an inch even if he wanted to, the burning pits of the devil’s eyes kept him pinned to the floor like a trapped insect. “Haarlep was regaling me with tales of how beautifully you can beg.” He mused. “I dare say… I believe it would be a fine look on you.”

Rolan had his gaze dropped to the floor, and he dared not look over his shoulder, but he could feel the smirk of the incubus behind him. He wanted to let loose a fireball right at his smug face.

Raphael reached down and tilted Rolan’s chin up so their combined gaze met. His scent was of coal and flame, his skin so wonderfully warm to the touch and yet Rolan still shivered; he was naked at the feet of a fiend, brought lower than he ever had been.

Yet, perversely, Rolan felt… peaceful, like he had nothing to loose now.

“I shall like to see that, pet.” The grip tightened and the devil held Rolan’s face firmly but not painfully in one hand. “You will beg for my forgiveness, but-“ Raphael held up a finger. “I will not tolerate snivelling , or bargaining. Beg, and show me how repentant you are. Then, I will make my judgement.”

Rolan swallowed, his mouth dry. If he was to beg for his life… he needed to make it his best performance. His voice was quiet, but steady. “I… Forgive me, my lord. I overstepped my bounds.”

Raphael nodded. “A good start, but you can do better.”

Lowering his head, making himself small and contrite, Rolan continued. The words were sandpaper on his tongue, every fibre burned with humiliation. “I… I beg of you, my lord.” Then, out of desperation, he added, “please.”

The devil extended a clawed hand, and Rolan forced himself not to flinch. Raphael toyed idly with the tip of one of the wizard’s horns, then the hand trailed down to a sensually rub one ear between his fingers.

Rolan stifled a whine in his throat… he couldn’t enjoy this. He would not. But he didn’t even believe his own convictions.

“Hmm, you’re getting close, pet.” Raphael’s broad, magnificent wings fluttered approvingly. A foot was suddenly placed on his back and Rolan was pushed down so his forehead touched the floor.

Raphael circled him, his great shadow passing by. “A few strikes I think… to encourage you.”

The first hit struck Rolan firmly in the left buttock and it stung, he could imagine the welt that would rise up from his skin later. Whatever was hitting him was thin and flexible, like a whip used to hurry along a horse. He kept his head to the ground.

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

He moaned, he whimpered, and he couldn’t be sure but he may have pleaded. His rear end was on fire and he was utterly helpless.

It was happening, Rolan was drifting away to the beautiful place where nothing mattered and his body was a vessel for everything good and wonderful. His pride dropped away, he shed it like a skin, reborn fresh and anew and oh so sensitive.

He scarcely recognised his own voice. “ Please …” Rolan wondered if Raphael felt the change too.

If he did, the devil did not let it show upon his imperious features. Rolan shrank a little, he needed to know he was doing well. His cock twitched, already filling with blood. There was no hiding that shame.

Suddenly, a hand hovered in front of the wizard’s eyes, palm down. “Show me, pet, how grateful you are for my mercy.”

Tentatively, Rolan leaned in and grazed his lips across Raphael’s knuckles, then, feeling emboldened, laid small kisses on the red skin. He shyly looked up, testing the waters.

“Look at you.” The Devil’s voice was as soft and luxurious as silk, it dragged Rolan deeper. “So eager, so willing , and so greedy for my attention aren’t you? Well, greedy pet, I’ll give you what you want.”

Please . Rolan pleaded silently. I need it.

The fingers moved, the tips pressing against Rolan’s lips. The message was clear; open up. Rolan did, letting his head fall back as he allowed the devil to insert his digits. He sucked, making love to Raphael’s hand with his mouth. He must look quite the sight.

But Rolan didn’t care .

“Well.” Raphael sounded pleased, and Rolan burned brightly at the prospect having been the one to do that. Smiling, almost comfortingly, Raphael went on, “What a good pet you are, so obedient, so humble…”

Good, he was good!

He wanted, no, needed more praise. His arousal was pushing against a dam about to collapse, hot and desperate his cock pulsated between Rolan’s legs and he longed to touch himself.

“Good pets get rewarded.”  The devil’s fiery eyes drifted down and looked pointedly that Rolan’s swollen cock. “So, cum, pet.”

Everything went white, it was touch much all at once and Rolan’s world floated away from him.

Chapter Text

Rolan finished with a full body spasm and a raw, desperate cry; his spill covered his chest and belly. The air was rich with the heady scent of him, and Raphael’s loins twitched traitorously at the sight, the smell . Delectable, and now the room reeked of it.

The mortal wasn’t objectionable to look upon, in fact, Raphael might indulge and say he was handsome. But regardless of how comely the tiefling was, he’d sampled delights that were Raphael’s only to enjoy. A devil’s hurt pride was not easily soothed.

The tiefling was collapsed onto his side, a few sobs wracked his body before he fell quiet. Unwilling to have the carpet soiled, Raphael gestured with a claw and Haarlep plucked Rolan from the ground and laid him out on the nearest couch, tittering soft nonsense to him.

“Do be mindful of the soft furnishings, you knave.” Raphael grumbled, cleaning his hand with a handkerchief. “Or I’ll have you scrub off any mess your pet has made.”

The devil stood over the sweat soaked remains of the tiefling for a moment, watching as his breathing evened and he fell into a fitful rest.

How brave, or incredibly foolish, to sleep in a devil’s den.

Sitting down, Raphael mused. He had intended to pull out the mortal’s guts when he was finished begging, but events had transpired rather differently.

Raphael, for no reason at all, found himself scratching his claws through Rolan’s hair, easing his fingers through the brown silky strands. Rolan shifted unconsciously in his doze, curling himself up and pressing himself as far into Raphael’s thigh as he could.

Such weakness and open vulnerability usually inspired disgust in a fiend such as Raphael. There was no place for such things in the nine hells, least you come under scornful mockery. 

But the recoil of distaste never came. Troubling, the devil thought. He did not like surprises.

Haarlep sauntered behind him, loosely wrapping their arms around the devil’s neck, whispering into his left ear. “Soul coin for your thoughts, Master?”

As if he’d sell his thoughts so cheaply . A thousand soul coins wouldn’t be enough. Thus was the sheer audacity of Haarlep, to presume he could know what his master was thinking.

Raphael raised a dry eyebrow. “A tiefling, Haarlep? This is what has your tail wagging? Perhaps eternity has finally gotten to you.”

At least Haarlep had bedded a creature with a few drops of infernal blood.

“This is lunacy. He’s far too breakable.” His hand drifted lightly over Rolan’s naked body, stoking his shoulders, ribs, and toying with the impression of wings upon his back. Raphael had never seen a tiefling disrobed before, so was unaware they had such a thing.

Rolan twitched and shivered, sensitive to even the slightest touch. Raphael settled him with a firm hand lain upon his neck, glaring at the incubus beside him. “He’s practically a virgin , Haarlep.”

Haarlep was not deterred, if anything, they seemed even more smugly pleased with themselves. “That’s why I brought him to you, master, he requires a skilled hand. Someone who can ease the submission from him drip by drip.” The incubus purred long and low, nibbling coyly at Raphael’s ear lobe.

The devil snarled and batted Haarlep away like an insect, he would not be so blatantly manipulated. Irritatingly, the incubus merely sauntered out of reach and perched on the opposite end of the couch. “He’ll be your own to mould, to shape to something worthy of your attention.”

Rolan shuffled about, murmuring unhappily, his tail thumping on the cushions. Almost instinctually Raphael began to rub circles at the teifling’s pulse point until he breathed out a sigh and was still again. Hm, this could indeed be troublesome.

The incubus cooed at the form between them, his tail lolling back and forth. “Look… he wants to please you already. Sweet kitten.”

Raphael had not seen Haarlep be this… saccharine before, it was downright disconcerting.

“I am not a fool, you harlot, do not pretend you did any of this for my sake.”

Haarlep looked bored. “Perhaps not.” He twirled a strand of their own hair idly though their long fingers. “But you can either sulk and rage and break your toys-“

With a growl, Raphael went to rebuke him but was cut off. “-Or, we can have some hell-damned fun.”

Oh, how dare they. With one snap of Raphael’s fingers he could reduce Haarlep to dust on the floor. He could replace Haarlep easily, the hells were full of creatures who’d be honoured just for the privilege of warming the devil’s bed.

His anger came out in a long exhale through his nose, bubbling under the surface. “I’m not you, Haarlep. I cannot abandon all sense and decorum for fucking , no matter how enjoyable.”

With a dramatic roll of his eyes, Haarlep said, “Oh, I know , Master.” His burning eyes flickered in between his master and the sleeping Rolan. His tail twitched, like a keen predator waiting to pounce. “Why don’t you make up a contract for him, Hmm? would that please your sensibilities?”

That… was an intriguing idea. Raphael raised one eyebrow, curious, “And what would be the terms of this… contract?”

In a sultry voice, Haarlep said, “Mutual pleasure, dominance and submission. Both given willingly and with joyous consent.”

Give and take, balanced, fair. What a contract should be.

Mortals had sold their souls to Raphael for tuppence, in acts of desperation and greed, in short sighted vanity. Still, their motives were ultimately meaningless as the ending was always the same.

But this would be different. Raphael had never made such a …personal arrangement between himself and a mortal before. There were lots of unknowns. Unknowns left Raphael feeling unprepared, his defences compromised. He needed to know exactly where all the pieces were so he could predict, or manipulate, where they’d fall.

Raphael did not need such a distraction, Haarlep was plenty enough to deal with. Yet… the feeling of true satisfaction watching the tiefling present himself, submitting so prettily, so openly at Raphael’s feet.

Then, witnessing him cum untouched with mere words …

He liked the chase, to be sure, but this was a new novelty.

Raphael hadn’t even been trying very hard. He could ruin the tiefling, give him such ecstasy that his little soul would willingly leave his broken body which would be reduced to mush in the devil’s hands. And he’d beg for Raphael to do it again, and again for all eternity.

Raphael licked his lips, savouring the images he’d created in his mind.

Something stirred within the devil, a part of him uncoiled for the first time in many years. The need to possess, to own, was not something that Raphael expected; but he did not squash it.

Why should he deny himself such an indulgence? Did he not deserve it? Had he not worked and toiled to have his house? His power?

In any case, if Rolan failed to please him, the devil could still have his soul. He’d be fun to shatter into pieces.

With a snap of his fingers, Raphael said “Quill and ink, Haarlep.”

For once, Haarlep swiftly did as he was told, all teeth with his grin. “You won’t regret this, Master, I assure you.”

“We shall see, Haarlep.”

Chapter Text

Rolan was brought back from cool, dark oblivion by a low, raspy voice.

“Ah, there you are. Awake at last.” It said, luring him to wakefulness, “You slept so soundly, I almost mistook you for dead.”

The wizard’s skin nearly jumped free from his bones, he almost sent out a shockwave in that direction, such was his fright. For a moment he was bewildered as to where he was exactly, blinking in confusion.

Rolan saw and felt the warmth of a nearby fire, he was covered in a blanket to which he was grateful, apparently still naked and extremely exposed.

Raphael was sat next to Rolan on the sofa he had been sleeping on, the devil now in his human guise… a little pointless, at this point. If Rolan had to look at him, he preferred an authentic visage.

“Shhh… no need to fear…” Raphael hushed, as if speaking to a small animal. “I assure you, my anger has been quelled… after all, how could not be? You were so… very, very sorry .”

Rolan only had hazy pieces of what had occurred after Haarlep kidnapped him. He mentally retraced his steps… remembering the room, Raphael…. Standing above him… touching him.

Oh.

Oh merciful gods.

Rolan wanted to burst into flames, or throw himself into the fire perhaps. Why had he allowed that to happen? How did it go that far? He’d begged… and pleaded… and made himself kneel before an complete stranger…

It was whorish behaviour unbecoming of a wizard. Yet… it had felt…. good . Very good.

But why was he still here? What else could Raphael possibly want from him?

Rolan looked around nervously. “Am I a prisoner?”

Raphael looked almost affronted by the suggestion, as if he wasn’t a creature that bound unfortunate souls to suffer torment for all eternity. “Why of course not, you’re free to leave, I’m just giving you some time to recover before you go home.”

Was he telling the truth? It was difficult to tell.

On the table was a bowl of fruit, bulging with apples, grapes and peaches. They looked ripe and perfect, practically beginning someone to eat them. Rolan stared, feeling weak from hunger all at once.

Raphael noticed. He seemed to see everything. “Oh, do help yourself, don’t hold back. You must be ravenous. “

He was ravenous, so much so that as soon as he was given permission Rolan grabbed an apple from the bowl and bit into its crisp, red flesh. The devil beside him watched, orange eyes unreadable.

Rolan looked at Raphael with curious caution, his tail twitching. He wiped juice from his mouth. “Do devils not eat?”

“We do not need to, little mouse, but it can bring us pleasure. A fine meal can almost be as satisfying as a scrumptious soul.” His tongue ran over his pearly white teeth.

Rolan rolled his eyes, he should know better but he did not have all his filters on account of their… activities tiring him out. He should feel more mortified… and yet. “Am I kitten, or a mouse? You may as well stick to one stupid pet name.”

“As you wish.” Said the devil, smirking. “I believe kitten does indeed suit you better, you certainly purred away like one as you slept, all cozy by my warm fire.”

Rolan flushed with shame, which he didn’t think was still possible, then set his jaw and looked away. “That was snoring.”

“As you say, kitten, but I know what I heard.”

Rolan grumbled under his breath, trying to salvage some self respect. Really, he should cast a thunder wave right at Raphael’s face just for making him beg. “Are you always this smug?”

The devil barked out a short, sharp laugh that made Rolan’s skin prickle. “Are you always this cheeky to someone who has granted you such a boon of mercy?” Raphael’s tone froze over like a lake in winter, becoming sharp like ice. “There is still time for me to change my mind, kitten, unless you reign in that tongue of yours.”

Rolan gulped, remembering he was speaking to a being who could erase his existence. “Yes, my lord.”

Raphael nodded, his warm, seductive countenance returning. He was a creature of many faces, it seemed. Charming one minute, vengeful the next. “Better, much better.”

Feeling cold all of a sudden, Rolan pulled the blanket closer over himself, shuffling around so that his private areas were not visible. He’d rather not be ogled by the devil’s eyes if he could help it.

“As you can see, my mercy is boundless….for those who deserve it.” Raphael said.

“Generous of you.” Rolan muttered. His experience with Haarlep had taught him to question every word that was uttered by a devil’s lips.

“Hmm, I’m full of good will, a saviour of lost souls, a champion of the down-trodden.” Raphael drawled with the airs of an actor commuting to the bit.

Also a smug egotistical hell-bourne bastard . Rolan thought, finishing the sentence in his mind.

They sat in quiet for a while, the room in a hush save for the crackling of the warm fire, sending a faint yellow glow over the features of the tiefling and the devil sat side by side. A strange picture, to be sure.

Raphael broke the silence first, catching the wizard off guard. “What’s it like, kitten, that special place you go too? When you… beg?”

Rolan was many things all at once, mostly shocked and horrifically embarrassed. “ What ?”

Without missing a beat, the devil replied, “You heard me.”

Rolan stared into the fire, refusing to make eye contact. “That’s private.”

A quiet laughed rolled off Raphael’s chest. “I think the boundaries of privacy have shifted somewhat, don’t you?”

Fine, if the devil wanted to play games, so be it. “What is it worth?”

This seemed to be highly amusing to Raphael. “Scarcely back in Avernus for a few hours and you’re already negotiating like a devil, such devious little kitten, aren’t you?”

Rolan paled and his stomach dropped. “How do you know about-“ he asked. “Were you… were you there, when Elturel fell?”

The devil smiled like a tiger, all teeth and coy deviousness. “What is it worth?”

Oh…oh sod off. Rolan quietly fumed, huffing loudly and pulling the blanket back over his shoulders. In the back of his mind, he feels a pressure, like someone closing their hand upon his throat.

Careful, kitten.

The wizard froze in his seat at the intrusion and he turned to glare hotly at Raphael for taking such liberties, baring his teeth. “If you can read my mind, why not look into my thoughts and see for yourself?”

Raphael clicked his fingers. “Ah, what a delectable idea. Hold still-“

Rolan saw the Devil reach over, he flinched away, realising what he’d done. “No! A-actually, no, you don’t have to do that-“

“Oh but I’m curious kitten, so I must know. And while I’m in there, I’ll have a good poke around, see all your little secrets.”

Trapped, no where to go, Rolan said quickly “Wait! Wait! I’ll tell you!”

Satisfied, the devil leaned back and waited expectantly. “Go on, then.”

Rolan never talked about… that place before, he’d never actually sat and dwelled on it long enough to articulate even in his own head what it was like… it just was . Somehow this felt more invasive, more intimate than Rolan stripping in front of the devil and cumming at the sound of his voice.

Oh yes… he’d done that hadn’t he… and enjoyed it.

Rolan wasn’t entirely sure he could explain what the place felt like. “…Can I write it down?” He asked weakly.

The devil shook his head. “No, kitten, I want to hear your words. Tell me, how did I make you feel ?”

Not a bloody kitten. Rolan seethed.

Where to start? After some thought, Rolan began hesitantly… since there was no getting out of it, “It’s… like…. floating. Like, my body doesn’t shackle me any more… I can still feel everything though, my senses are so heightened I-“

No . His mind forced his jaw to clamp shut. This was not for Raphael, it was too personal. Was he so cowed he’d give up his inner workings so easily?

With a shudder, Rolan drooped.. “I can’t do this.”

A clawed hand stroked his cheek soothingly, Raphael’s voice was as soft as Rolan had ever heard it since they met a few hours ago. “Go on, you were doing so well .”

“I can’t.” Rolan braced himself for a blow, for insults, for hellfire. But none of these came. Instead, Raphael brushed some sweaty hair from Rolan’s forehead… the touch gentle…. and familiar.

“Shhh, there, there… you did well to give me that.” Sighing as if he’d just enjoyed a refreshing drink, the devil went on, “It was delightful. But we could have so much more, kitten. I could fullfill your deepest desires.”

“W-What?”

“I see it in you, kitten, you have such potential. But you’re hindered by that pride of yours, you won’t allow yourself to fully enjoy the pleasures you crave.” Raphael leaned in closer, his breath a hot, lurid whisper right into Rolan’s ear. “But with me, in my house, you live every moment deliciously and without shame.”

Stupefied, crimson red, Rolan could stuttered like an absolute idiot. “I… I don’t know what you’re t-talking about…”

“Don’t be coy, kitten.” Raphael huffed. “Haarlep is a vile, traitorous, creature. But they hunger, kitten, hunger for the warmth of flesh. But they can never be satisfied. It’s almost pitiful. They’ve had many lovers… but you’ve caught their attention, and mine. The way you make love… it’s exquisite.”

The last thing Rolan felt for Haarlep was pity. It was that incubus who had charmed him and got his tangled in this mess in the first place. He’d played Rolan like a bard’s fiddle and the Wizard wanted very much to even the score with him.

Raphael’s final comment made Rolan hot all over, he tried not to squirm, wag his tail or worst still hide his face. No had ever given him a compliment that like before. “W-We’ve never had sex. I haven’t even seen you undressed.” He stammered.

“In time, I assure you.” The devil chuckled, “And… when Haarlep fucks another in my form… I feel it. So in a way… you and I are already carnally acquainted.”

Well that was mortifying, so much for privacy in the bedroom. Rolan couldn’t be any more humiliated, he was splayed open for all to see. The devil had seen the most intimate parts of him. Rolan shivered. Why me?

His last vestitages of pride and self preservation reignited, and Rolan sat up straight and said in the firmest voice he could manage , “I won’t deal with you. I’m not a pet, I have a life, responsibilities. I’m an apprentice of Lorroakan.”

I also have siblings who’ll miss me. Rolan thought, but I’m not going to tell you about them.

The devil raised a dark eyebrow. “Lorroakan you say? My, that’s a surprise.”

Rolan turned to him, eyes wide, surprise on his face, “You know him?”

Raphael waved a hand, as if this was nothing especially interesting. “I have cause to be in Baldur’s gate on occasion.” He sald, “from what I’ve heard… I did not think he had the patience for tutelage.”

He doesn’t . Rolan thought bitterly, looking at the floor. But I need him, I have to fullfill my destiny.

The devil smirked, looking downright playful, and the wizard decided he did not like that look on him. “Well, if it’s magic that you want….”

The fire erupted. Great sparks flew from the hearth and spluttered madly, Rolan threw his arms over his eyes, gasping as a few stray ashes brushed past his ears. The flames took the form of a great, scorching bird which soared up from the fire place and rose into the air. Rolan watched in awe as it flew in a circle around the room, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake.

It’s circle completed, the bird dove back into the fireplace in a cloud of heat and flames. The fire returned to its flickering state as if nothing happened.

Rolan licked his lips, almost speechless from what he had seen. “I-Impressive.”

“Why, you’re too kind.” Raphael purred, as warm and inviting as the fire they sat by, it flickered wildly in his strange, human eyes. “But that is a mere taste, kitten, a drop of honey on the tongue… I can give you so much more. I have access to knowledge no mortals can reach, power none of them can yield.” He slid a slow, sensual hand up Rolan’s thigh. “And I could share, if you are willing….”

The touch was…

Rolan blinked. All the magic he could want and more, flooding through him like a jet stream. He’d be glorious, a sight to behold, it would be him who would rule over the tower and more besides. He’d be the master of magic… the one others looked up to and admired… he’d be seen .

But the cheers quickly turned into screams and the light of the sun that shone on Rolan’s face become the steering heat of hellfire. Everything had a cost.

He was proud of his accomplishments as a wizard, and Rolan had done it all himself without help. “I’m not interested, I don’t need your patronage, or your attention.” Suddenly tired, Rolan allowed himself to slump a little, the day had been long to say the least. “I want to go home.”

Raphael nodded, but held up a single finger, “You may… on one condition.”

Of course . Rolan thought. As if I could forget I’m talking to a devil. You love your fine print and catching people out.

“What’s that?” Rolan grumbled, readying himself for some humiliating request.

“You consider my offer, that’s all I ask.” With one hand, the devil now held up three digits. “Three days, kitten, to mull it over, is that so unreasonable?” His voice has shifted to a comforting murmur, a honeyed suggestion, a temptation.

It didn’t sound unreasonable. “Very well, I agree to that.”

The devil’s eyes sparkled with dark mischief. “Excellent.”