Page 23 of The Night Belongs To Lovers

Then, wanting it to be so, the false Olympius willed thelimb to solidify; the body quickly obeyed. Once it could feel the beating heart in its grip, as this solidification manifested, it tore the organ from Veturia’s body, creating a gaping hole in her chest, killing her instantly. It then tossed the body away, discarded like a broken doll.

The once-Titan raised the juicy, still-beating human heart above its head, craned its neck back, and allowed the blood to ooze downward into an open, waiting mouth.

But even as its welcoming maw became blanketed in falling crimson gore, there was no flavour, no ecstasy in the consuming. The apparition’s new flesh could feel the moisture and texture of the blood, but that was all. It tasted nothing like delectable Ambrosia, nor was there any indescribable feeling of rejuvenation. The mortal’s blood was useless to it.

Yet another damnable element of The Fates’ curse to keep me from reclaiming godhood!

When the excruciating pain commenced, it remembered the warning it was given: to attempt to subvert the curse would result in agony and utter failure.

Incensed at being denied the food of the gods, the chance to feel like a Titan again, the apparition used its inhuman body and brute strength and crushed the bloody organ, flicking away the powdery remains. It spat out the blood that was no more than water; the scarlet Nectar no longer served a purpose, for it held no nourishment. And as the pain subsided, the apparition, still clinging to Olympius’ image, felt a new sensation.

The tugging, the pulling, had returned.

No, not yet! I need more time! Do not punish me for my transgression. You promised me revenge!

But all cries for clemency went unanswered; the force attempting to drag it back to its prison of emptiness remained. Involuntarily, theapparition’s newly created physical form slowly began to transform back into spirit. So, seeing that time was short, it focused its anger on Aufidius.

The Volcian General reached for a weapon upon seeing what he could only assume was a demon in man’s form. Black eyes stared at him from across the room, a sinister grin conveying murderous intent upon the inhuman, enraged face.

But no sword or dagger was within Aufidius’ reach.

You cannot escape me, mortal. Do you believe you can hurt me?

The false Olympius flew across the room toward Aufidius on legs that were quickly becoming translucent. Running out of time, it leapt atop the man and straddled him, keeping the mortal’s limbs, both broken and healthy, pinned down. It brought its face downward, practically close enough to kiss.

Aufidius, a man Coriolanus had once openly bragged about and admired for his bravery and virility, even though he was his enemy, now begged for his life.

Before I kill you, mortal, you will do one thing for me.

With teeth stained red with Veturia’s blood, the false Olympius smiled widely—and wickedly. Using all the willpower and determination it could muster, it opened its fading physical mouth and finally managed to speak.

“Coriolanus! Scream—his—name!”

As it heard the name roared aloud, the apparition tore Aufidius’ eyes out.

CORIOLANUS

The Present

“SORRY,man, I didn’t mean to get so didactic. My philosophizing and social commentary were getting a bit heavy there. That’s all great for an intellectual discussion but not very sexy.” Christian laughed playfully to reduce any lingering tension. “Let’s talk about something with a less polemic tone. Like, we can talk about your incredible ass! I mean, damn!”

Corey nodded and let out a hearty chuckle. “You’re funny. And I concur. Like I said, I want to go deep with you in many ways tonight, but perhaps you’re right. Maybe notso serious so soon. We can go that route on our next date.” He winked and ran his tongue over his top lip in a playful, suggestive manner.

Christian choked on his wine; his choice to take a drink that moment, he realized, was a definite mistake of lousy timing. Were they on a date? He did not expect that or even dared hope it could be possible. Was this not just a hook-up with some enjoyable social four-play thrown in?

“Um, are we on a date?”

“We can be on whatever adventure you—wewish,” Corey answered honestly. “I’m having fun. Let’s see where the night takes us. And I appreciate the compliment about my ass.”

Christian giggled as he nodded enthusiastically. “Sounds good. I hope you know I’m really enjoying myself here. I’m glad you came looking for me, Corey.’

“Me, too. So, are you originally from the GTA?”

“Yep. I was born here in Toronto. I grew up in what you’d call an upper-middle-class family in a large suburban home. I moved out on my own a year ago—and not soon enough.”

“Why? Were you abused?”

“Fuck no!” Christian scrunched up his face, surprised by the frank question. “God, nothing like that!” he laughed.

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