Page 21 of Magic and Mayhem

I gesture to the room. “Anywhere in here you like.”

She glances around, then to me. “Is there no privacy?”

“Privacy is an illusion made up by humans so that they feel they have a cover for their sins.”

She blows out a breath, her head tipping back to stare at the ceiling.

“Why is it that you are so bothered by me seeing your flesh?”

Her gaze turns to the floor, glued to the furry rugs while silence rings out around us.

“I just want to understand you, Ev. I want to know why it matters so much to you.”

She crosses her arms in front of her as if she were trying to block me from seeing her breasts.

“Master used to watch me change as a punishment.”

Her voice is so soft that if it weren’t for my enhanced hearing, there would be no way I could hear it.

But it makes sense. Humans like to use nudity as a way to make others feel negatively about the body that brings them life.

Fucking Adam and Eve had to go and ruin that for everyone. Things were simpler when there were no clothes.

The worst part of the mortals’ story is that Adam was actually the one to take the apple. He was the first human deceived by Lucifer. The King of Hell thought it would be a good joke to blame the woman.

But God knew the truth and cursed men with a hideous Adam’s apple on their neck to show that they were the ones to swallow the fruit first.

They believe that women have pain during childbirth as a punishment for their sin, but that is far from the truth. Labor is God’s way of proving the strength of his female creations, showcasing just how much stronger they are than a man.

Gender may not play a role in the demon realms, but mortals crave diversity. They believe that if others are forced into small boxes, limited by their genitals in what they can achieve, then they will be kept under control.

It’s one of the many reasons why God has turned away from them. He wished to rule with peace and love, and they denied him, believing that they alone could hold the power of the creator.

I turn my palm in the air and craft a room divider a few feet in front of her wardrobe. It blocks her from me and the door should anyone dare come in.

“I am not him, Ev. If this is what it will take to prove that to you, then I’ll be glad to give it to you. However, I want you to know that your flesh is never anything to be ashamed of. Your body is perfect in my eyes.”

She steps out from behind the thin wall, smiling at me. “Thank you, Eryx.”

This strange feeling builds in my chest because she has no idea what’s coming for this performance. I would prepare her for it, but we’re assessed every night.

If it looks like I’m getting too close to a human, I’ll be reported. Which is the last thing I need after taking over eighty unwilling souls.

As much as I want her to accept our mate bond and trust me, she’s just starting to see that this world is much bigger than most imagine. Evolet has no idea about the real dangers, and I intend to keep my promise to her about keeping her safe.

Turning my wrist, I examine the mark that binds us as one. It’s a mess of lines and symbols, a star in the center with the tip pointing at the vein that runs directly to my heart. The Fates really can be cheesy sometimes.

“Alright, what next?” Evolet steps out, revealing herperfect body draped in a dress that makes her look like a queen. It’s elegant but definitely revealing, giving me some hope that she won’t hate me for our performance.

“Come with me, Love. It’s time to see the stage.”

???

Evolet had many questions about tonight, but I kept my mouth shut. About fifteen minutes ago, she finally gave up. She’s sitting backstage with her arms crossed in the cutest pout I’ve ever seen. I didn’t mind because it gave me time to collect my thoughts.

But now, we must perform. Holding out my hand, I help pull her up to a standing position.

“Have you ever been handcuffed before, Love?”

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