Page 11 of Ashes to Ashes

Reaching out with his powers to touch the back of her mind, Leviathan poked around for what she truly desired most. A smile marked his handsome features when he found it—this human woman envied anyone who was close to him, anyone he chose to notice them. Her thoughts were filled with desires to please him, to gain his favor and win his attention. It was intoxicating. This realization made him chuckle darkly, the sound echoing through the garden.

“Such an innocent thing to envy,” he mused aloud, watching as she reacted to the sound of his voice with a startled jump. “To be noticed by me. I’ve clearly noticed you, you’re here with me. Do you know who I am?”

Leviathan leaned back against the cool marble wall of the garden fountain, crossing one ankle over the other as he regarded her carefully. His long fingers traced idle patterns in the air around them while he waited for her answer. The blood from the fountain splashed gently against its sides, creating a soothing rhythm that matched his internal clockwork of sinister thoughts. But even as they sat there together under the starry sky, surrounded by velvet night, something niggled at him—an itch under his skin that needed scratching.

He found himself enjoying the game they played together. It made him feel alive, intrigued by her. With a gentle wave of his hand, envy overtook the air around them - entwining itself with their breaths, sparkling on the surface of the water in the fountain, and painting everything around them in a crimson tint, not green as the old saying went.

“It’s time for you to learn more about us now,” Leviathan began, his voice deep and hypnotic as he spoke. “This world you’ve been thrust into is cruel but not without its charm.” His voice echoed off the stone walls surrounding them, causing a chill to run down her spine despite the warmth given off by the fountain’s waters. “Each demon prince represents one of the seven deadly sins,” he explained while extending a clawed finger toward himself gently, tracing along one of his dark wings that he kept tucked behind him only half out. “I am envy,” he purred softly. His voice dropped low as he moved closer to Ashe, letting his scent wash over her—a seductive musk mixed with burning embers that only seemed to make her shiver more. “Your master is one of my servants. I could make him grant your freedom.”

Leviathan could see the fear in her eyes, the way she trembled ever so slightly at his words. He sensed her hesitation, her internal struggle between wanting freedom, and the unknown consequences of defying her master. But he also knew she was just a mortal, easily swayed by temptation and desire. And he was the embodiment of envy, skilled in manipulating these emotions to his advantage.

He leaned even closer to her, almost close enough to touch her, but not quite. His lips curved into a knowing smile as he whispered in a low voice, “You don’t have to be bound by his chains any longer. You can be free with me.”

Ashe’s icy eyes went wide, her pupils dilated with both fear and curiosity. Leviathan knew her heart raced from the rapid thumping only a demon could hear. It was a faint pulse that echoed in sync with his own dark desires.

“But at what cost?” she spoke up, her voice shaky.

Leviathan chuckled again, enjoying this game of cat and mouse. “Just say yes,” he said softly. “And I’ll take care of everything else.”

The woman hesitated for just a moment longer before shaking her head. “The devil I know, because I won’t be here forever.”

The sound of clinking chains echoed through the courtyard as Belial stalked towards them, his gaze cold and calculating. He smirked at their small gathering, his eyes lingering on Ashe for just an instant too long. She shrank away from him instinctively, her red hair flickering in the twilight like a fiery halo around her head.

“You’ve had more than enough time,” Belial snarled, his fangs extended like he may do something foolish.

“I was merely taking an interest,” Leviathan said calmly, challenging the other prince’s authority without provoking him directly. “Perhaps you should consider being more lenient withyour new acquisition.” A sardonic smile played at his lips as he watched Belial’s face darken further. “She has potential.”

“I’ll decide what she can handle,” came the gruff reply before Belial turned on his heel and disappeared back into his chambers, leaving behind a trail of discomfort and fear.

“It would seem to me you’ve made a poor choice.”All the better to create delicious envy.A part of him balked at leaving this magnificent creature here for Belial to torment, but she’d had her chance. “Another time, then.” he gave a mock bow and transported himself to his palace.

Leviathan paced restlessly the instant his feet touched the floor. The image of the fiery-haired human woman haunted his thoughts despite leaving her behind. He had never felt such a pull to any creature before, and it unnerved him. With a growl of frustration, he punches the wall, fracturing the stone.

“Master?” A timid voice asked from the shadows.

“I, I’m fine, Ignis,” Leviathan said, composing himself. “I’ll be in my chambers. Inform me of any developments.”

“Yes, My Lord.” The decrepit imp bowed before scurrying away.

Alone, Leviathan allowed his mask of indifference to slip. His chest constricted at the mere memory of her face, the way her eyes had pleaded for mercy. A dangerous emotion surged within him, one he’d long ago thought dead: compassion.

“Damn it all,” he muttered, running a hand through his short black hair. “Why her?”

Cursing his traitorous thoughts, Leviathan left the study in search of a drink.

CHAPTER 6

Ashe’s hands moved mindlessly through her daily chores, wiping away the dust and grime from the onyx-tinted windows of the demon’s mansion. But her thoughts were far away, lost in a sea of memories and unexplained longing. In her mind, she saw him again—the demon prince with his sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut right through her soul. It was more than just a strange attraction to the man who was considered damned by society—there was something deeper, more primal pulling at her heartstrings and haunting her dreams.

Something she couldn’t quite grasp.

Ashe remembered the way his dark blue gaze had lingered on her during their short conversation. Remembered the way his claws and fingers held her. His touch had been unexpectedly gentle, a softness at odds with his powerful form.

Ashe’s heart raced at the memory of their first encounter, her cheeks flushing crimson despite herself. She knew now his name was not just truly Levi, but Leviathan, Prince of Envy. He’d swept into her life like a dark knight in shining armor, plucking her from the clutches of Belial, if only for moments because she turned his offer down.

He was a prince, not a knight, but one who ruled over demons. Ashe would return to her human realm if it took every ounce of strength she had.And you’ll do it without the help of those who capture you.

Lost in her reverie, she didn’t hear the footsteps echoing down the hall until it was too late.

---