Prince of Astion

Sebastian

Rage burned within me as those words that left her lips after her beautiful dance routine. Skipping meals? Recalling what she was eating? What else was she hiding?

I gritted my teeth as I watched her leave the dining hall, heading to go get ready. I broke the glass in my hand as my demon flared in me. What was the Lahnust clan like? And why did they treat my little lamb like so?

I bushed the shattered glass off my pants as I stood up. I'll take a gander at what's in the library, and what we don't have I'll purchase on our trip out.

I quickly strode towards the staircase, making my way up to the fourth floor where our vast collection of books sat. I skimmed the bindings, as I walked down rows upon rows of books. I finally landed on the L's. I furrowed my brow when I only noticed one book labeled "Lahnust Clan". I took it off the shelf, flipping through the pages as I headed towards my room.

I licked my fingers as I turned the pages, flipping through pictures of emaciated children, stunning women wearing armor and a whole illustration dedicated to them fighting and beheading... Demons.

As I approached my door, I halted. My finger ran over the words "Guardian". I read the passage:

"The Lahnust clan has a spiritual guide known as a Guardian. A being who inhabits their souls. Most come in tune with their Guardians at the ripe age of six; The youngest recorded is three. Once a Guardian is confirmed to be within the vessel, the vessel must undergo the Trials of Purity. Only the purest of the clan may keep their abilities and take on the missions the country of Astion requests. Their duties include but aren't limited to being sell swords and demon slayers."

I snapped the book shut as I entered my room. I placed it on my desk as I headed to change my shirt. I needed to find more information. The book was vague, telling me what Sir Garrett said. They're highly private about their clan, and with what I saw from her this morning, I could see why.

"You know anything about the Lahnust clan Azazel?" I questioned my demon, who was awfully quiet. He cleared his throat.

"Not much, just that they came into this world to rid it of evil", he grumbled as I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Hard to believe I have this ancient demon in me, who won't share his knowledge." I finished buttoning up the last button. I smoothed my shirt out as Azazel grumbled in the back of my head.

"Would you believe me if I said I just didn't pay attention much?" He chuckled as I shook my head. I reached out, my hand hovering over the handle to my door, as I could smell Lilith on the other side of the door. My heart raced as it pounded against my chest. I snatched the handle, turning it to reveal her leaning on the railing.

Her arms were hooked around the banister as she leaned on it, facing me. Her mouth slightly parted and turned into a smile as she pushed herself up.

"The carriage is waiting for us." She turned, her hands behind her back as she waited for me to close the door. She watched me intently as the lock clicked. I took a step forward, gesturing for her to continue forward. She shook her head, as a sly sneer crept across her face, she returned the gesture with a bow and added "After you my liege".

I furled my brow as I stuffed my hands in my pockets, making my way in front of her and down the stairs. I could hear her snarky giggling which made Azazel heartily laugh in my head. I reached the carriage, opening the door for her. At least she couldn't flip this around on me. My jaw dropped as she strode around the backside of the carriage, opening her own door and taking her seat. She patted the cushion as she grinned from ear to ear at me.

I hopped in, mumbling as I slammed the door shut. I stiffened up as soon as I realized how close we were. Her thighs were mere inches away from mine. I turned facing her, the sun beaming onto her skin, illuminating her features. I wanted to tease her like I did the night before, but images of her in the springs flashed through my mind.

"Oooh, I like that one, the one where she's bare chested.... so delicious" Azazel growled low. I stared at her, my gaze lowering to her chest that moved up and down with each breath she took. She snapped her head, her eyes locking with mine.

"Multiple people have seen me naked Sebastian, it comes with the job." She folded her arms across her chest as she leaned away from me.

"Excuse me, what?" I growled at her. The thought of other men seeing something so heavenly really pissed me off. She sighed as her shoulders relaxed.

"My armor lives within me. It is extracted from my body and retracted. If I get drained it'll retract, leaving me exposed. Most of my fights don't last that long, but a few have. So, some onlookers have seen me..." She made eye contact with me as she slowly stabbed me with her words. "Have. Seen. Me. Naked." She stuck her tongue out at me as she turned to face the window.

I grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at me as I pressed my chest up against her, forcing her to slide down, so the carriage door wouldn't be thrown open by my force. Fear did not cross her face, but that look. God that look of "try it and see what happens" flashed across her face causing my hand to snake up her waist.

"You love pushing my buttons don't you little lamb?" I glared down at her, her chest heaving into mine causing my body to flare up with heat. I pressed my groin against her leg as she slightly pushed away from me. She pursed her lips together as she scanned my face with her beautiful yellow eyes.

Before I knew it there was a searing pain going through my forehead as a loud crack echoed through the carriage. I reeled back, grabbing my head where she head-butted me as she adjusted herself up in the seat, returning her gaze back to out the window.

"Jesus fucking Christ..." I hissed as my anger slowly turned into laughter. She chuckled next to me, soon the carriage was filled with booming laughter.

"Hee-hee, the best ones in bed are the feisty ones", Azazel chuckled as I wiped away a tear from my eye. Sniffing, I folded my arms as I looked down on her.

"Why do you keep doing that?" I cocked a brow at her. Without turning she responded, "Do what?"

"Keep aggressively turning me down, it's like you're afraid of a man." The words crossed her ears, causing her to tense up.

"Oh? Has little lamb never been bedded before?" I leaned in, the risk of being decked again and seeing stars, worth it.

She quickly turned towards me. "No, because you're a demon." She said without skipping a beat. I pulled back as my smile faded.

"There's good demons you know..." I turned my gaze out my side of the window. The subject was touchy. Azazel was bad before he entered me, but since he's been inhabiting my body, he hasn't really been able to do what he wants. Azazel shrugged as he stayed silent.

"You reek of destruction." She turned her attention back to the view outside.

Without thinking I chimed back, "That makes two of us." Silence filled the air as we finished our ride.