The Seduction?

Suleth lay completely relaxed, his breathing slow and rythmatic. To any observer, he was sleeping soundly and peacefully, but in truth he was now wide awake, his eyelids ever so lightly slitted as his grey eyes scan carefully for the noise he had heard. It had all become instinctual to him. There was no fear: he knew that whomever had snuck into his bedroom might well be a threat to him, but not a challenge. He could feel the cold presence of his sword beside him in the covers, where his departed love, Ceres, had once slept; and he knew it would be in his hand the instant he needed it.1

But when the voice called out again, it came not from the room, but from within his very being. It was loud and terrible, and it enveloped his soul. It left him shaking uncontrollably, covered in a thin sweat born of true fear.2

Suleth, it is time.3

No sooner had the voice sounded, then he was standing defensively on his feet upon the large bed, his tainted sword in his hand. The elf knew it was a futile gesture, but what else could he do?4

Suleth, stop resisting what you are. You have become the strongest of the Aeshnai bloodline.5

There was something almost seductive about the way it called his name, the voice was full of dark power. Power that could be Suleth's, if he'd only reach out and take it. He shook his head, forcing himself to clear his mind.6

"Strong enough to stand up to you."7

To resist me for a time, true. But what has it gotten you? Your unborn child: dead. And what of your precious Ceres? She loved you so much she took her own life. And where are your friends, Suleth? Ryosho will have nothing to do with you know. And when have you last seen Lillian, or Gwenyth or even Taleana who you once loved? They have left you, Suleth. You sit here among the ruins of the life you had with Ceres, friendless and loveless, trying to hide your pain from all those you meet. You've returned to your assassin's life in hopes of striking out at them. Turn away from these mortals, Suleth. You are better than them. You are of me.8

Even as the words stung him, he knew there was truth to it. For as long as he resisted the calling, nothing good has come to him. But he felt anger too. Righteous anger for the torment this demon had put him through. "You could have saved them. You could have taken and destroyed the demon that possessed Ceres and perverted what she was. You are stronger than it. You could have even had her for yourself, but you wouldn't, because you knew what she was to me. You knew she loved me."9

The voice rang out again, seeming suddenly not terrible but...concerned. It was as though it pity him, and it was something he had never heard it do ever before.10

Suleth, if the girl loved you, why did she take her own life? If any of them had really loved you as they had thought they did, they would have not abandoned you.11

His grip tightened on his sword, he felt rage at the accusations, rage that his worst fears had said as much to him. He wanted desperately to just strike out at the voice, but he could not.12

Your anger can serve you Suleth. Embrace it.13

"If I embrace my fury, it will only be to destroy you."14

Suleth, you can not destroy me anymore now than you can when you last tried. Do you think it was an accident I gave you that sword and let you escape? Look into it's blade, Suleth, it shows you what you have become. You know that you cannot end me until you understand me.15

Suleth stared into the blade, and saw his dark and twisted image staring back at him. It's how he would surely look if he was as outwardly evil if he was on the inside. It hurt to accept it, but at this moment he could not deny it. He knew that this demon had spoken true. If he ever hoped to defeat it, he must fully embrace it, and embrace his rightful place at it's side. He must learn it's ways and become like it. But would he be able to turn away from that darkness after he embraced it?16

Even now I can see your mind Suleth. You cannot resist my calling for much longer, though you are stubborn enough to try. You will return to me, be it in friendship or anger. But I will leave you in peace until then.17

A great pain washed over Suleth, and he fell to his knees, and he knew the voice would speak to him no more tonight. He looked painfully to the other side of the bed where his departed Ceres should be sleeping, and he desperately wished she could lend him her strength...and he wept.18