FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Under the swirling obsidian depths of the night sky the wolves ran, vaulting boulders and fallen trunks with a grace only their kind could manage. Fur gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting its piercing beam with a clash of black and silver. They were like daggers, sharp and agile, and one could almost see their sharpened edges as they came to a stop by a silent grove.

"Sheva."

"Your highness?"

The wolf pulled out a sheaf of parchment, turning it up to catch the light. She regarded it for a moment, glancing sporadically up to the trees ahead before letting out a growl of frustration.

"She's supposed to be here."

"Perhaps they were held up, your highness."

Liliana shook her head. In all the time she'd known the Royal Advisor the gaunt, stern wolf had always stuck to a strict schedule. Such a skill was required in her position, after all. "Alexis doesn't _get_held up. Something's wrong."

"Should I scout ahead, your highness?"

"No. Not yet. And stop with all this 'your highness' crap."

The smaller wolf gave her royal companion a wry smile. "Sorry. I thought it would be good form around the others. Garna has told me off too many times for calling you Lili."

The princess sighed, looking to the stars. Her own party was already late as it was; perhaps the Advisor had given up? No, the cargo was far to precious. The only other explanation was that they really _were_held up, but what possible reason could have excused missing this? Nothing so important had happened in... well, in all of Liliana's nineteen years living in these lands. Surely their enemies hadn't discovered their plans? No, that was impossible. They would have been warned. She turned to address the lines of wolves waiting quietly behind her. Some were looking suspiciously around the clearing or talking amongst themselves in hushed whispers, but all stood to attention when she cleared her throat. "Obviously there's been a delay. We'll remain here for another hour; I want everyone to set up watch. We're too far into Xaviic territory to get complacent."

The Moltan soldiers didn't reply, not that they needed to. They were the best of her tribe's ranks, and Liliana was confident they'd do their duties. Turning back to her friend, she nodded to the edge of the grove where the trees rose up from the greenery like watchful monoliths. "I'm going to send a message to mother. Keep an eye on everyone would you?"

"What, by yourself? Don't you at least want Garna and Soban with you?"

"And watch them pine over my mother? I really don't need that right now."

Sheva gave her a long look. "Well... don't do anything stupid."

"Of course not." The Motlan princess grinned.

Queen Demia of the Molta tribe was without doubt the single most beautiful creature in the White Lands. Her hair was said to carry the light of the moon, her claws to consist of pure obsidian, and her fur washed in only the finest waters from the highest springs. Many came from far and wide to offer gifts and receive blessings, and the touch of her silky paw was rumored to have mystical healing powers. It was all a bunch of bullshit in Liliana's opinion. She'd cut her ankle once and all her mother's hand had done was uncomfortably ruffle her tangled brown hair. She knew for a fact her mother used the same rivers as the rest did to bathe, and most of the time her claws weren't even real. Worst of all, in some cruel stroke of fate Liliana hadn't even got her mother's looks. Where the Queen enjoyed delicate, sly features - a long, pointed muzzle and an upturned nose, long, white-tipped ears and soft, lightly-furred cheeks - Liliana had a shorter, boyish muzzle and downward nose, short, scruffy ears and thicker, padded fur. Demia's hair was a brilliant snowy white, cascading down her slender arms is carefully arranged rivulets, a river of beauty - Liliana's was brown, short and seemed permanently tangled no matter how many brushes were forced through it. The royal wolves' fur was traditionally a striking silver, sleek and demanding of any worthy gaze, yet Lili had been 'gifted' with a darker, stormy grey, streaks of black and dark brown furrowed between the long hairs. A sour reminder of her illegitimate conception, a tryst between her mother and one of the gritty bandits of the south. Not that it had ever been proved... but gossip said it all.

Liliana could almost have lived with all that if she'd just inherited Demia's breasts. Oh, how the stupid boys of her tribe pretended not to stare at her mother when she made her processions through the village. Did they ever look at her? No, they were too captivated by the round, perky, smooth and unfairly large assets only barely covered by the sultry royal attire Demia wore. Worst of all her mother wouldn't stop complaining about them. "They always get in the way!" She'd growl, pawing at the flesh angrily as one or two guard would cough and look away. "You should be glad you don't have to worry about them." That always stung. Liliana would look down at her own small, almost flat mounds hidden beneath rich silk and fabric - she barely even needed a bra - and grimace. Only those with big breasts could ever tell other's they didn't want them... it was like a merchant telling a homeless wolf he didn't need money. Life really wasn't fair sometimes.

The princess was shaken out of her reverie when her shoes scuffed gravel. Looking up with a start, she realised she'd been enveloped by trees. How far had she walked? Turning around she let out a sigh of relief; the glimmer of spear tips and raw armour barely a hundred tail-lengths away. Pulling a small jar from her belt, she tapped the glass in which two small insects flittered here and there in the confines of their home. Carefully opening the lid, she let one squeeze its way out and shut it tight again. The little blue-winged creature flitted onto her shoulder and waited there patiently while she scrawled a quick note on a scrap of paper. Handing it to the Glassfly, she watched as it grasped the parchment between tiny feelers and took off into the night. Staring after it long after the creature had disappeared, she lent against the tree and let out a sigh. This was her first proper assignment away from home, and now things were getting complicated. Why couldn't everything just work out perfectly?

Her ear twitched and she stiffened. Why was her fur prickling, her scalp tingling? She bared her teeth and whipped, a hand on the black hilt at her belt, yet she faced only inky blackness. She hadn't heard anything, nor seen or smelt something behind her, but... something just wasn't right. She didn't move for a long time, her heart beating a million times an hour like a deer trapped in a cage. Then, slowly, she took a step backward, and then another, and then three more before she turned and ran, all the way back to the clearing, never stopping until- She collided with something and fell like a rock. Crashing into the dirt, she tried to force in a breath but her chest wouldn't have it. Thoroughly winded, she could barely even scramble up before claws like knives circled her wrist and pushed her back down. She tried shouting, tried yelling to the others in the grove that was so close by, but a rough hand covered her mouth and nose. It took only a few seconds before she blacked out.

Light. Orange light. Sunlight? Surely not, it was still evening. Sounds. Activity, quiet murmuring, and a muted, far-away urban bustle. Smells. Stone, water, a hint of... spice? And something else, something dangerous.

Liliana opened her eyes. Before her stood a wall of stone, a pool of orange light splashing its surface. Drips of water rolled down its surface, and the flicker of things moving two and fro in the light caused tides of shadows to roll along the haphazardly-placed stone bricks. She let out an involuntary groan as a pain in her chest made itself known. The murmuring to her left stopped short.

"She's awake."

"I can see that."

She tried to turn her head to face them but the disembodied voices were hidden in the shadows of the room's far corner. Where was she? Far away from home, obviously. Above and just behind her was a large grate through which seeped the light. Sunlight, judging by the hue, though trying to see beyond the grate was futile. Apparently it was morning. How long had she been unconscious? She focused on herself again. No visible damage, probably just some bruising. She was still clothed in her worn leather tunic and long dark pants, with a hefty scarf to protect her neck. Certainly not royal attire, but the occasion had called for something at least a little stealthy; all those necklaces and long silks would have just got in the way. Liliana was a practical wolf. She tried standing but the clink of chains caught her attention. She was seated on a simple wooden chair, arms free by her side but cuffed with thick metal braces. Her ankles, too, were chained, the links disappearing into a hole in the ground behind her. Things were... not looking good.

"Your lot has caused us some real trouble." Growled the deep, grinding voice she'd heard first. She looked up to see another wall, only this time it consisted of scales, scales of a dark scarlet like fresh blood and rusted iron. The creature in front of her bent down, small green eyes regarding her angrily. "I'd like to break some of your bones. Would you be up for that?"

Liliana said nothing, forcing a blank expression on her face. The dragon straightened up, laughing with a sound like concrete against steel. "Good, she agreed. How about your arm first?"

"Let it go, Lepidus." The owner of this other voice was still swathed in darkness.

"Why? She has the information we need. Let's make it easy on ourselves."

"You can't kill her."

"Why not?" Lepidus turned in frustration to the shadows. "It would only be fair."

The other individual was quiet. Liliana took a moment to breath in and steady herself. She didn't know why she was here, but she sure as hell wasn't going to help them. The dragon turned back to her with a shrug. "Looks like Lucio is out of reasons." He made a grab for her arm, long claws reaching toward her slender shoulder - and then he jerked aside, stumbling several steps. He snarled angrily as another dragon appeared in front of her.

"Not yet, brother."

"You... pushed me."

"And I'll do a lot worse if you don't get out."

Lepidus stared at his brother for a long time, fury boiling behind his green glare. The wolf could see a heated argument taking place between their expression, until eventually the red dragon relented, straightening as a growl rumbled deep in his chest. "Don't take too long. Mother will not take kindly to being kept waiting." And with that he strode out of the room. A flare of light lit up the cell as the muscled dragon shouldered his way out through the heavy wooden door before it swung shut with a bang and everything returned to its moody orange glow.

Liliana took stock of the beast before her. A dragon, broad and tall, though not as obscenely muscled as his brother. Dark orange scales fanned out along his back and sides, though his stomach held a lighter, softer tone. Two broad wings were folded flat against his back, and a long spiny tail snaked its way down to the floor, covered in small ruts. His neck was short but striking and patterned in long white stripes to match the markings on his broad shoulders and arms. Long claws emerged from his scaled hands, and talons clicked on the cobbles beneath his large feet. His jaw was impressive, clearly that of a hardened predator, though the teeth were well hidden behind firm lips. His eyes were a green paler than his brothers, though larger and certainly more cunning. Finally, a long plume of pale feathers marked his neck and followed the lines of his toned back almost like a mohawk, finishing off his impressive physique. Over his scales he wore a simple cloth shirt and pants. Despite their primitive nature they somehow amplified his strong aura, somewhat helped by the loose belt he wore at his waist with a small scabbard attached.

She broke the silence on an impulse, wanting to express gratitude for his timely interruption. "T-thank you."

He turned his piercing gaze to her, taking the wolf's figure in, scanning every inch of her to a point that Liliana felt he was looking right into her. Then his throat rumbled and he leant close to her. "Do not think for a moment that I am your friend." His voice emerged from the rumble like a serpent, deep and sonorous. "If you do not listen to me I will hurt you, is that understood?"

Liliana blinked, her neck feeling cold and stomach clenching.

"I said, Is that understood?" His voice had taken a dangerous edge and the wolf could only nod hastily. Lucio was still for a moment before nodding to himself and taking a step to the side. "Good." Circling around her, Liliana listened intently as he came up right behind her and bent down. His warm breath tingled her neck as her chains shifted slightly. Then there was a click and they loosened, falling to the floor in neat loops. She jumped up with a start and backed away, rubbing the sore skin where the cuffs had just been. Lucio watched her in amusement.

"Are you trying to run away? I don't think that will do you any good in here." He stood slowly, towering over her as he took a casual step forward, brushing the chair aside. Liliana gulped and took another step back, until her tail brushed against the wall. She flattened herself against it as Lucio continued forward until he was only a few tail-lengths from her.

"Now," He began, a smile settling onto his features as his voice took a pleasant turn. "If you answer truthfully and to my satisfaction, I... I'll let you run all the way back to that little village of yours. Sound good?"

Her voice cracked. "Y-yes."

"Wonderful." His grin dropped slightly. "Now, let's start simply. Why were you, a Moltan wolf, in our hunting grounds?"

She paused. To answer honestly would be to throw away all they had worked towards these many moons. She looked him straight in the eye, raising a brow cockily. "I was hunting."

"Hunting?"

"You said I was in your hunting grounds, right? Our tribe faces a harsh winter ahead. We... we needed the food. To eat." It was the best she could come up with, and partly true.

Lucio nodded slowly. "I see. And you thought you could just come in here and take our food? Without thinking how it might harm us?"

She looked down apologetically. "Yes. I'm sorry."

Lucio's eyes glinted. "Under normal circumstances I might accept your apology... it you were telling the truth."

The wolf hesitated. "I- what? Truly, we face starvat-"

"Lies." The dragon hissed, and his open hand crunched into the bricks above her. Keeping it there, he leant close enough that she could once again feel the heat of his breath on her neck. "You were not hunting. You were waiting. Waiting with others. What was it that you were waiting for?"

So, the Xaviir been watching them. For how long? Had they heard her conversations? Obviously not, which was a relief. "Fine, fine. We..." She searched for a reason. "We were trading with the Alish of the east."

"Oh? And why, pray, were you doing it in our lands?" Lucio had cocked his head, his posture not quite as threatening as before, merely interested.

"Because I... didn't want mother to know. It was... mistleaf." Mistleaf was a powerful hallucinogen that was considered highly illegal among the Moltan tribe - nearly all of the nearby tribes, really. Queen Demia had banned it the moment some had found its way to their village, after Covus had slipped into psychosis and tried to kill his fellow soldiers during a training exercise.

Lucio drew his bottom lip into his mouth, pressing his teeth gently against it. "Your mother?"

And that's when Liliana realised with a start that this dragon didn't know who she was. It was an unusual feeling; in the confines of her tribe the royalty was common knowledge. She snapped her jaw shut, giving the dragon a defiant glare. "Mistleaf is banned in our tribe, obviously I didn't want her to know."

"Right. Except I know for a fact that at least a dozen soldiers were with you. A bit suspicious if it's supposed to be illegal, right?"

"But-"

The dragon's hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of hair. "Stop playing this game, girl_."_ He growled, heat rising from his chest as he jerked her away from the wall. She let out a yelp as he swung her around and pushed her against the other face of the cell. Her breathing became ragged as she felt the pangs of real fear well up inside her. "I'm going to ask you one more time." He said, and now his voice was quiet, almost a whisper in her ear. "And if you don't tell me the truth... we're going to have to do this the hard way. Would you like that? Would you like the hard way?"

She felt something cold on her waist and glanced down to see the steel blade of a dagger at her hip. She resisted the urge to cry and looked up defiantly at him. He grinned, and now she could see the rows of predatory teeth filling his jaws. He leaned in close, nostrils flaring as he breathed into her twitching ears. "Good. I like the hard way."

Liliana fell into the chair with a grunt, grabbing uselessly at Lucio's arm as it kept firm hold of her hair. He knelt down in front of her, knife gripped loosely in his hand. He looked at her, grinned at the fury and resilience behind her eyes. It would be so fun to break her. He slid the dagger easily into his belt and grabbed one of her wrists. She tried to pull away but her held her firm and grabbed her other paw, tight enough to warrant a gasp of pain. He leant around her, scaled cheek brushing against her own, pulling her arms around far enough to slip into the steel cuffs lying on the floor. She struggled against him but the weight of his chest on top of hers rendered such efforts pointless. Within seconds she was restrained, and now a real tear did make its way slowly down her cheek, soaking into the fur. She blinked away the rest determinedly as Lucio pulled away, regarding her with more than a hint of satisfaction.

"Why so stubborn, hm? All you needed to do was tell me what you were doing in our lands." He chuckled. "Now I think that time has passed. Maybe you can still walk out, but it'll probably be... painful." A dangerous smirk crept into his features. Taking the knife languidly from his scabbard, he brought it up to her face, waving it slowly in front of her. "This is Veritian steel. The finest on the continent. Strong, stubborn... much like yourself. I wonder which would win." He let the blade fall gently against her fur, and Liliana stopped struggling, trying to calm her heavy breathing. The knife traced slowly along the contour of her cheek, up to her nose, and she tried not to sneeze as the blade nicked her sensitive organ. No blood was drawn, but the wolf could feel the line as it made its way around her face and to the side of her head.

"Perhaps you could lose an ear? You mammals rely so heavily on these, don't you?" He pricked the edge of her ear and Liliana let out a breathless gasp. The dragon grinned, lifting the knife away. "Or perhaps..." And he brought the knife to her neck, forcing her to raise her head. "We could make quick work of it. Does that sound good?"

She couldn't shake her head, but Lucio dropped the knife, letting it fall to her collar. "No, that wouldn't do. We should leave your face as it is, yes. It'd be a shame to ruin such a pretty thing when there are so... so many other things we could ruin." He tilted his head as he let the blade fall to the lowest part of her collar. Pressing forward carefully, he pulled apart the fabric with the blade, cutting an inch of the shirt downward. Then he looked back up at her, clicking her tongue and shaking his head. "Certainly not very well made. We should get you some proper clothes. Of course-" He smirked. "We'd need to get these horrid clothes off first. What about that?"

Liliana couldn't help it; she let out a sob. Lucio's head immediately snapped up to her and in a blur his face was levelled with his, knife forgotten at his knee. "Not enjoying yourself? Shame. I certainly am. Perhaps you'd rather tell me what you know?"

"Never." She managed, voice wavering.

Lucio's gaze intensified and he hissed at her, muscles tensing. "Why do you refuse to cooperate?" He stood up, pacing away from her, and the wolf glanced down at the knife on the floor. Lucio raised a fist and smacked it against hitting the wall, sending tremors through the brickwork. Then he turned to her, a snarl etched into his features. "I have given you better opportunities than anyone in your position could wish for. If it was up to Lepidus you'd be dead." His eyes blazed. "Why won't you tell me!? Why won't you speak, you bitch!" He strode forward and kicked out a leg, cracking it into the seat of the chair next to Liliana's leg and shoving it backward, sending it scraping along the floor. He darted forward, grabbing her ripped collar and pulling her toward him so that her chains went taught and she gasped. His face right in front of hers he growled again, and she could feel his breath's heat intensify. His jaws opened right in front of her, and for a moment she thought he was going to bite her... And then his teeth closed around her collar and pulled backward, tearing the tunic cleanly in half. She gasped as he threw her back into the chair, discarding the two now useless pieces of cloth aside. The fur on her chest prickled against the air and her breathing became labored as she panicked. Lucio glared at her bra, two round, shallow cups of black material that was hiding her breasts from him. How dare they? He watched as they rose and fell rapidly with each terrified breath. Her eyes were on him, partly covered by strands of her brown hair, but the fire that had burned there before was now muted, clouded by fear. Good.

He advanced forward, still low to the ground. Bringing his scaled hands up to her knees, he touched them gently with two black claws and she let in a short breath. She'd gone quiet again, and he slowly trailed his claws up and down her thighs, first on the outside, then slowly inward, up and along the seam of her tight-fitting pants. She could feel the point of each claw drawing steadily nearer to her middle, closer and closer, and... Lucio flexed the talons and they caught the fiber, snapping the threads and tearing greats long strips from her garment. Liliana cried out as he brought his claws back down, tearing again and again until they were mere strips on her legs. Even then he tore the rest off with a final triumphant growl, revealing bare legs and simple black underwear that matched her bra. No matter, he would deal with that in due time.

Taking stock of his prey, he saw that her breathing was beginning once again to slow, become less fearful. She was becoming complacent. He noticed her gaze fall to the ground just behind him, and he slowly turned his head. There lay his dagger, reflecting the light brilliantly onto the roof. He reached for it and twirled it expertly in his hand. Twirl, twirl.

"Getting ideas, were you? Thought you were going to use this on me?" Twirl.

She shook her head.

"Thought you could... escape?" Twirl, twirl, twirl.

She shook her head again, more vehemently this time.

"Once again, lies. You just won't stop lying, will you?" Twirl, twirl-

He caught the spinning dagger, blade pointed toward the captive wolf. He could see her reflection in its polished steel, a terrified wreck. But a wreck that still hadn't broken. He could also see her hair, a shining brown, like the streaks of pattern in her fur. She was beautiful, he had to admit that. For a wolf, anyway.

Lucio brought the knife back to her neck, settling his mouth next to her ear again. "You're a pretty thing, aren't you? Well, I'm sure all the boys back at home think so when they're busy fucking you." He grinned at her, teeth bared - then hesitated when she glanced to the side, a mixture of emotions flashing through her expression. It took a moment for the truth to dawn on him, and he let out a laugh. "Really? A virgin?" What luck. "Well... that makes my job a lot more fun." And he let the blade press in a little, not enough to draw blood, but enough that - while he was so close to her - he could feel the quickening beat of her heart. Perfect. Slowly he drew the blade down the nape of her neck, past her shoulders and to the top of her torso, keeping his head level with it at all times. A breast lay right before him, and he couldn't resist bringing another hand up to touch it. His large hands easily cupped the flesh, yet to him the size was perfect - they flattened out enough that he could feel her contours beneath his scales. The material of her brassier was soft beneath him, but thick... that could be helped. He cut down with the knife, grinning as the thin band holding the cups together broke in two. They hovered there a moment, held desperately by flesh, but soon fell sideways, dangling at her arms. He flicked the bra away before moving back to admire her.

The mounds were so gently curved, unaffected by gravity and primed in youth that he had to blink a few times. To Lucio, they were everything he'd hoped for. A soft pink bud topped off each breast, positively begging for his touch. The areola pale, asking to be drawn into his mouth, to be warmed by his tongue. Sheathing the knife, he strode behind her and embraced her tightly at the waist. Rubbing her cheek with his own, he felt a few tears smear his face and smiled. She would soon change her tune, he knew she would. Bringing his hands slowly up, trailing through her fur and over her stomach, the girl shuddered and let in a shaky breath, her body twitching as if tickled. He grinned and did it again, and she whimpered, struggling half-heartedly against his warm, insistent touch. He rumbled approvingly and continued upward, finally reaching what he'd been striving for - his hands cupped each breast, squeezing them gently and delighting over the way they rolled under his touch. He couldn't help but grin when she let out an involuntary moan and marveled at the way her body responded to her touch. Her struggles seemed almost forgotten as each squeeze elicited a new movement - they seemed to start at her neck, rolled down through her torso and midriff, all the way to her hips and legs which bucked gently to finish each journey. Lucio resumed his caresses, slowly at first, gradually gaining pressure and speed. Liliana's body kept up the entire time, aside from a few times she seemed to regain her senses and struggle fruitlessly. Each time her writhing would lessen, her strain more convoluted and hopeless than before. By this time he could clearly feel something hard under his palms and released a hand to feel for it. There, achingly hard, jutting out into the cooler air was her nipple. He tweaked it, rolling it through his fingers, occasionally pressing a claw against it or flicking it. Each movement drastically increased the wolf's response, and her whimpers now turned to moans, her whines to pleasured gasps. He mirrored the movements with his other hand, enjoying her reaction for a little longer.

Then he stopped as something occurred to him. The bitch was enjoying it! He stepped back and looked at her, there in the chair, her back to him as she shuddered as if waking from a dream. How was he supposed to get information out of her if she was enjoying herself? With another growl he strode back around to face her, shaking away the desire to watch her shudder and moan again. This was not how interrogations worked. He needed the upper hand again. Kneeling in front of her, he regarded her body coldly. Breasts? Bare. Stomach? Bare. Legs? Bare. Just one item left...

"I think the time for intricate stories has passed, don't you?" He regarded the wolf with a tinge of despair. "I know why you were in our lands. I know what you have. You really thought you could take Asha without us knowing?"

Liliana's head snapped up, horror etched on her features. Lucio grinned.

"See? I knew you knew. Why couldn't you have just told me in the first place?"

He knew. He knew they had taken the only Xaviir princess. But how? She had set out on her pilgrimage to the Canic Mountains only two days ago, and no further contact was expected for at least a week. Had there been a unit waiting for her? Questions swirled around her head. If they knew the kidnapping had taken place, what did the Xaviir want with her?

"Now that we've got that nasty little business out of the way, are you ready to answer the question that actually matters?"

Liliana scrunched up her face and spat at the ground by Lucio's feet. The dragon nodded, seemingly unconcerned. And then his shoulders dropped, and he let out a sigh of relief. "Oh good. I thought we were going to have to stop."

And he drew his knife with a flourish.

It took Liliana a moment to realise what he was doing. Up until now she'd taken relief in the one piece of her that remained modest. Her underwear was nothing like the lacy, barely-there items given to her as part of her royal wardrobe - not to say she didn't like them; indeed, they were exquisite - but in practical terms the simple and comfortable was best. Not that it mattered anymore; Lucio had once again brought his knife to her skin, and now he was tracing the waistband gently and with great care. She was ashamed at the way she had lost herself earlier. Why had her body responded like that? Her nipples were still hard, aching for attention, and with growing horror she realised her lower regions were aching in much the same way. This wasn't how she wanted to lose her virginity - she had always imagined rose-filled fantasies gyrating passionately with some nameless hunk of a wolf. Not a dragon, and not tied to a chair.

"S-stop!"

The knife paused, the tip digging gently into the material of the waistband.

"Please!"

The pressure lessened, and Lucio raised an eyebrow at her.

"I'll answer your bloody questions, okay?"

"Question. It's only one."

"And then you'll let me go?"

Lucio waved her question away, lifting the knife into the air and admiring its gleaming surface. "So you're finally ready to give me the truth?"

"Yes, anything. Just don't... just stop."

"Stop?" He reached a claw toward her groin and pulled at the garment's waistband, holding it between two fingers. He pulled it back an inch, then let go, snapping it into her. She visibly flinched but made no other sound.

"I can give you gold, if that's what you need. My mother can arrange it."

"And again with your mother. Remind me why I care about her? All I want to know where that princess of yours is hiding."

Liliana went quiet. Lucio stood, pacing slowly.

"See, I think it's only fair, don't you? Then perhaps we can have a fair trade. A princess for a princess. Hm?" He looked at Liliana, frowned at her intent gaze directed at the floor. What was so interesting about it? Why was she avoiding his eye? He crossed the room in two strides and gripped her chin, jerking her head up to face him. "Where is the bitch? Some of your party got away. Where would they go?"

She said nothing, couldn't for fear of chocking. Lucio's grip lowered, falling to her throat. He squeezed, watched her cheeks redden.

"Where do you keep your princesses hidden?"

Her air was constricting like the walls around her, closing in, darkening.

"Answer me."

She glared at him, hatred fueling her veins. And he let go, a new look in his eyes. Liliana gasped for air, coughing and drawing in deep, greedy breaths.

"Well... I did not expect that. You certainly don't dress the part." His tone was almost disbelieving, as if he was looking at a ghost. "But I suppose it makes all of this so very easy." His grin broadened, flashing his white teeth. "Princess Liliana, isn't it? I should have guessed. You're certainly got the beauty you're supposed to have."

Somehow, despite everything, she grasped that comment and tucked it away for later. "I thought-" She coughed again. "I thought you were going to let me go."

"Well now, that was before I knew you were a princess. Forgive me if things have changed. I'm sure you understand. After all, you were just about to imprison my sister in your own cells, right? Now things are equal."

"My people will come for me."

"No. No they won't. And do you know why?" He leaned closer, and his tongue snaked out to lick at the corner of her mouth. She shied away but he pursued, planting a light kiss at her dimple. "Because no Moltan bastard will ever find this place. You're alone, Liliana. It's just me and you." He kissed the other side of her mouth. "And something else..." His lips hovered just above hers, eyes piercing her own as he stared right into her. "I've never fucked royalty before. It'll be an experience for both of us."

And down he went. He didn't even use a knife now. There was no need for showmanship. He was hungry, intent on enjoying his prize. Grabbing her underwear he pulled, snapping the flimsy band easily and casting it aside. He took only a few moments to admire her before standing, reaching down for the hem of his shirt and pulling it up. He turned away from her, dragging it over his head, impressive considering his horns. She could see his back, muscled, shoulder blades prominent as he cast his own shirt aside. Striding to the door, he drew the large bolt into the catch, locking them in. It took barely a second for his pants to hit the floor, and Liliana became aware of his lack of underwear. When he turned back to the wolf her eyes widened and she dropped her gaze to the floor.

"Not bad? Good, I'm glad you think so." He laughed as he made his way back to her, hanging his belt and scabbard on a hook. His steps were slow and deliberate now, showing her his power, his dominance, and most of all - and Liliana was painfully aware of this - how achingly ready he was for her. Yet, when he reached her chair he didn't stop, continuing past her. For the second time that morning her chains were loosened. She didn't waste a moment, darting from the chair and to the belt on the hook. She grasped the scabbard and turned, triumph on her face - and then she saw his lazy grin as he leant against the wall. She looked down in horror, saw the empty scabbard. When she looked back up it was to Lucio twirling the knife again.

"Nice try." He took a step toward her, and in her anger she didn't even notice.

"You... you fuck! You absolute-"

He moved so fast she barely saw him, just because aware of a stinging pain in her cheek. It took her a moment to realise he'd slapped her, hard and resolutely. She brought a hand to her face, tears springing to her eyes.

"I would strongly advise you to stop talking."

"Fuck off!" She managed, her voice cracking as she threw the belt to the side and turned, running for the door. A fist as strong as iron grabbed her tail and hauled, sending her crashing to the floor, her back end suspended in the air.

"I'm so glad you never listen to me. It makes everything much more fun." Lucio flipped her over with a simple flick of the wrist, and she glared up at him. He couldn't help but watch as her bare breasts flattened against her chest, becoming almost invisible. Somehow that was even more sexy then when she was sitting. He dropped her tail and dived down, legs and arms trapping her own and spreading her out. The knife was gone, but she had no idea where. Towering over her, Lucio gave her a final grin. "And now, finally, I get to enjoy myself."

He opened his jaw wide, grazing his teeth against her neck, and Liliana went totally still. Any movement could have cost her life, or at least a lot of blood. He breathed in her scent, captivated, and gently dragged his teeth along her neck, down, stopping at a breast and enjoying a moment of gentle suckling. But he wasn't here to pleasure her. Straightening up, he drew a finger up to her lips. "Open up."

This time she listened, and though her glare was icy, her mouth was warm as she coated his finger thoroughly.

"Good." He drew it out, nicking her nose again with a claw, and then the hand disappeared from view. A moment later she yelped, taking a great breath in as she felt a sudden fullness, an invasion that was something between pain and numbness. And then something else came above it, not inside but on top. Lucio's thumb found that crucial spot with practiced expertise, pressuring it in a way that sent hot sparks of electricity running through her legs, right up to her scalp. She almost couldn't bear it; his finger massaged inside her, pressing ever deeper, yet his thumb circled with perfect motions, manipulating her into yips and gasps. Her breathing quickened as her brain tried to sort between throbbing pain and mind-numbing pleasure, and the more the dragon worked the more confusing the battle became. When he added another finger into her slickening depths, his assault on her clitoris became more masterful, rubbing and stroking and coaxing her into seeing stars. He watched her coldly, following the motions, watching her ever-changing expression and her eyes almost rolled back in her head. At one point her breathing quickened ever more, her hips gyrating, bucking against him, and her hands closed into fits beneath his grip. Her eyes flew shut and a long, low moan issued forth, followed by a yowl as her head turned this way and that, her mouth closed, and her breathing stopped for long seconds. Her hips were raised in the air, paused in time, before she collapsed back down. She sucked in a breath, hips still bucking gently, silently begging him to continue, to give her more time. He grinned.

"My turn."

"W-what?" Her eyes fluttered open, as if once again she was waking up.

"I said... my turn."

And Liliana let out a scream as he pushed into her, relentlessly entering nearly half-way. Her claws dug into his arm but her ignored it, gritting his teeth as he felt her tighten around her, gripping him like a vice. He stayed there for a second, let her just begin to relax before pulling out, leaving her only the tip. She gasped, breathing in, eyes tearing up again as she struggled but it was no use - he pushed in again, harder, further, barely giving her time to recuperate before pulling out and pushing in, out and in, rubbing against her in something once again between pain and pleasure. His rigid length held all sorts of bumps and ridges, and she could feel each contour as it entered her, feel every vein pumping blood that made him so thick, so large. After countless minutes he relaxed slightly, and his glassy gaze focused on her again. He looked into her eyes, and she looked back, hair tangled around her and she sucked breaths in and out, no longer screaming. He seemed to think for a moment, never once stopping his movement, and then his hand disappeared again, coming between their gyrating bodies and heading once again for that sweet spot, that place he knew so well. It was a wholly different kind of skill that let him manipulate it while still pushing deep into her, nearly three-quarters of his length buried inside. And Liliana cried out again, but for a very different reason. His other hand, which until now had been holding her arms down to the ground, lifted off to let him grasp her lithe waist, helping him piston in and out. Yet she did nothing but reach up for his face, feeling his scaled cheek, his strong neck, and finally found his broad back, running over his shoulder blades, his ridges and spine. Her legs were raised even more, and her pelvis tipped forward, and suddenly Lucio was entirely inside. He grunted in surprise, looking down to see his groin against hers. But his movements faltered only a moment before he resumed his steadily increasing pace. His growling had become something close to purring, increasing with each desperate thrust, and he increased his assault on her most sensitive organ.

Liliana had no idea how long they were there, fucking with such primitive desire. All she knew was that the air had warmed remarkably by the time Lucio's growls became roars. His eyes opened, looking at her, and she understood his message wordlessly. Her hands came away from his hard back, reaching under her as he pulled out one last time, fully, leaving her achingly empty. His hand came away from her clitoris and she almost moaned in disappointment, so close to her third orgasm. Yet she reached for his length, finding it and gripping tightly with both paws as he moved to her left. She stroked him with the same tempo he'd set inside her, though this time it increased even more exponentially. His hips humped at her, so close, and his roars became hoarser, as if he was close to blacking out. His fluttering eyes supported that. She pushed harder, paws slipping easily up and down his wet length. Wet with her own lubricant, she noted. And then he stopped suddenly, fist smashing into the ground as torrents of his pleasure flooded the ground beneath him. His hips gave one, two, three, four more thrusts, each weaker than before, and for a good two tail-lengths in front of him the ground became evidence of their tryst. After a minute his panting became quieter, the darkness in front of him fading, and he rolled to the side and collapsed onto his back. Final remains pooled at his crotch, slowly making its way to his stomach but he ignored it. Then, beside him, Liliana moaned quietly.

Lucio turned to look at her. Her eyes met his, and she hesitated before wiggling her hips a little. For a moment she though the dragon would yell, outraged, or hit her again. But no, he rose onto his arm and navigated his way over the stream he'd made earlier. Finding himself back between her legs, he wordlessly resumed his manipulation of her clit. Liliana's eyes snapped shut, resuming her explosion of pleasure - only this time something was different. Something new and fantastic... what was that wonderful feeling? She glanced down, saw Lucio's head at her legs, moving erratically. His mouth was open, tongue swirling her organ, pushing against her most sensitive area, flicking it and even biting lightly.

It was too much. Mere seconds later she gasped, hips rising, smacking into Lucio's face. The dragon let out a bemused rumble and stepped back, using his finger to guide her through her finish. She yipped, hands scrabbling at the stones beneath her, trying to find a bedsheet to grasp. Then it became too much, too strong, almost painful, and she batted away his hand desperately. He resisted for a few more seconds, laughing at her expression, before finally relenting and pulling away, merely sitting on his haunches and watching her as she slipped into something between sleep and unconsciousness.

Liliana awoke groggily, still bathed in a warm glow. Her loins ached, but that wasn't surprising. Lucio had been right when he'd said she'd be sore. Lucio. The wolf sat up with a start. She still lay in the cell, in the same position as before, though a glance to the side confirmed that cleaning had taken place. She looked around in confusion. At some point someone had dressed her, in what could only be Xaviic clothes. They were too big, but indeed well-made.

"Afternoon, sleepyhead."

She whirled around to see Lucio grinning at her, sharpening his knife with a black stone. She stumbled up, falling against a wall for support. He stood as well, stepping toward her - though he had sheathed his knife, and now his face showed genuine concern. The sincerity was almost frightening.

"Woah, calm down. I said you could leave, right? I'm keeping that promise." He was dressed in a black cloak, the material hanging off his frame in all the right ways.

"I thought... you said things had changed."

"Yeah, but then my idiot brother informed me that Asha was indeed locked away in a Moltan camp. Apparently she'd caused quite a bit of trouble before they could transfer her. That does sound like my sister."

"Your... sister?"

"Yeah?" Lucio raised an eyebrow. "I guess I didn't introduce myself. Lucio, prince of the Xaviir. I honestly thought you knew."

"Fucking hell."

"What? I mean I thought we'd already-"

"You don't understand." Asha cursed. How hadn't she clued in before? "You want to know why my mother kidnapped princess Asha? It was a bargaining chip."

"For what?" Lucio's expression had darkened.

"According to her, the only way to stop this idiotic war of ours is to... well..."

"What?" His voice was low. Liliana gave him a long look.

"Arrange a diplomatic marriage."

There was a long pause. Then, breathlessly, Lucio whispered; "And who's the lucky groom?"

"Lucio. You. To the recently widowed Demia, queen of the Molta. My mother."

He let out a long sigh. "Well. Fuck."

Liliana grinned. "You'd better save that for my mother."

"Shut the hell up. I think I'll keep you for that trade after all."

"But that'll take ages to organise!"

Lucio nodded. "Yep."

"And, uh..." Liliana glanced at him. "What am I supposed to do in the meantime?"

"Well..." He grinned. "I can think of one or two things."