Page 25 of Summer's Seduction

“I’m the first living soul you’ve met in The Underworld?” I asked, reaching for the armbands, knowing they could be used as a weapon.

“No weapons,” Megara chided, seeming to read my thoughts as I reached for my dagger. “You can wear the cloak, but this is where we step away from battle and wars. I won’t have you jeopardizing the fragile peace we’ve managed to cultivate.”

Muttering a half-hearted protest, I abandoned my blade and started down the hall after her.

“And yes, you are the first mortal I’ve seen in over a century.”

A weight dropped into my stomach. That meant she hadn’t seen Psyche, but maybe Megara could provide ideas on where to search for her.

“Hypnos seems to be causing quite the problem in The Realm of The Living,” I said, watching for her reaction as I tried again to learn what she might have heard.

“Is that so?” Nothing. Megara kept walking as if I’d remarked on the muddy red-brown color of the floors.

“That’s what I heard,” I continued, trying for an off-handed tone. I could’ve tried persuasion, but something told me this woman wouldn’t take kindly to bewitchment. “Rumor has it he’s also the reason for much suffering in The Underworld. Thathe may have taken souls hostage in the last few years while planning this war.”

“This is The Darklands.” Megara shrugged. “Lord Hades did what he could, but before death magic was balanced, we were left to The Slumber King’s rule. Souls were often collected.”

“Collected?” I asked, keeping pace with her. Steam swirled up from dozens of small hot springs as we passed, the pools giving way to large caves coated in shimmering gems. Small clusters of dark ones spotted the edges, the crowds growing thicker as we continued.

“Some for war, some for leverage.” Megara’s voice dipped as the sounds of bodies and music rose, seeming to grow heavier as a weariness settled over her. “I like to think he granted some the release of The Lethe, though most were said to travel to the west.”

Candles flickered as we delved deeper until we reached an expansive cavern where the sounds of bodies and instruments hummed. Music thundered through the vast space—violins and pianos creating a symphony for The Dark Ones to dance to. Everywhere bodies were swaying, golden attire glinting in the dim light. The sweet, coaxing scent of blood was everywhere, nearly as powerful as the smell of sex.

Couples were fucking openly on the dance floor, one partner bending, exposing their ass for one, and their mouth used by another. Some were grouped, one collection of feeders and dark ones so tangled it looked like a web of blood and bodies gasping in pleasure.

“West where?” I asked, having to shout over the noise.

“Welcome to The Playground,” Megara said, ignoring my question as she held out a golden necklace for me to take.

A few of The Night Children closest to us noted her voice. Hungry eyes snapped toward us as I clutched my cloak tighterdespite the heat emanating from the writhing bodies.Where the fuck was Morpheus?

“I know you stated you didn’t want anyone to feed from you,” Megara said, stepping closer to keep the conversation between us despite the prying eyes. “But, as you can see, things can get a little hazy here.”

My fists clenched as a lecture rose to my lips about consent, but she shook her head before I could start.

“Consent is of the utmost importance.” Something in her eyes turned sad. “At least, it is as long as I’m here. But by entering, you’re granting permission to join the feeding. You’ll get approached unless you’re claimed.”

I lifted a brow, glancing toward the necklace. She held it up, asking for permission to fasten it around my throat. It was a small circle of gold with a jewel obsidian dangling from the center.

“A collar?” I huffed incredulously. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“I won’t force this on you,” Megara said. “But every soul in this place has reviewed and agreed to certain experiences. Based on your previous comment, I assumed you would like to refrain from participation, but I’m happy to review terms if?—”

“No,” I cut in, watching as a female feeder was shared between five men—one for each arm and leg, and the other looking as if he were feeding from between her legs, lapping at her pussy as the blood from his bite mingled with her slickness. “I won’t be participating tonight.”

The words were harsher than I intended, sounding like I was trying to convince myself of their truth. I wasn’t a bashful person, but the moans escaping her, the way her body collapsed from her first orgasm and then started heating from the next one already building as the men cradled her—worshiped her—gods below, did it look intoxicating.

“None will bother you while you wear Morpheus’s collar. You retain the right to refuse any contact without it, of course, but it does make it easier for those here to spot. Dark Ones are in place along the periphery to ensure everyone’s safety, should you need help.” I followed her gestures, attempting to concentrate on the beings dressed in all black along the room's edges. “I won’t be here personally to oversee things as I have matters I must attend to.”

“And I have no dagger or weapon at my disposal should I need it,” I muttered, realizing just how out of control a place like this could get.

“The collar?” she asked.

“I’m not his dog,” I said, not liking the idea of being tagged.

She rolled her eyes, placing the collar in an outside pocket of my cloak. “It’s seen as an honor. Take it, just in case. The cavern splits off into smaller rooms if that is preferred. Some can be rented if privacy is a concern, though most prefer the open stage.”

“I can see that,” I muttered, watching as a man worked his cock into a woman’s pussy, her legs spread wide as her ass rocked on the lap of another.

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