Chapter 4: Debate
: The Morning After
The soft morning light filtered through the high windows of Ankoku's basement, casting a warm glow over the disheveled bed sheets and a figure entwined within the sheets. Ombre stirred, his eyes fluttering open to take in the unfamiliar surroundings. His body ached in places he hadn't known could ache, a pleasant reminder of the night before. He stretched, his wings rustling against the silk sheets, and turned to find chains all over him.
The room was also filled with strolls, ancient strolls.
Ombre's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the scrolls, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the power emanating from them, a tangible force that seemed to pulse and throb in the air. He knew what these scrolls were. They were the same ones he had seen in the ancient texts, the ones that were said to bind the gods and keep them from using their powers. He had never seen them in person before, but he knew their purpose. And he knew that he was in trouble.
"Ankoku," he called out, his voice barely above a whisper. "A-are you here? Are you alright?"
Ankoku chuckled, his pupils now hearts. "Oh, darling! You're awake." He stood from a chair hidden in the shadows. "I've been waiting." Ankoku's voice was casual, as if they were discussing the weather. "Waiting for what?" Ombre asked, his voice still groggy from sleep. "For you to wake up, of course." Ankoku smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I have plans for us today."
Ombre's eyes widened as he took in Ankoku's appearance. The mortal was dressed in a crisp black suit, his red turtleneck peeking out from beneath the jacket. His silver and golden piercings glinted in the morning light, and his hair was styled in a messy, just-out-of-bed look that Ombre found surprisingly appealing.
"You look...
different," Ombre said, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "Different in a good way," Ankoku replied, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I thought it was time to put on a proper outfit. After all, we are going to be spending a lot of time together." Ombre's eyes narrowed, his wings rustling as he sat up in the bed. "What do you mean, 'spending a lot of time together'?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion. "I mean exactly what I said, Ombre.
You're mine now." Ankoku's voice was casual, but there was a steeliness underlying it that made Ombre's heart skip a beat. "Yours? What do you mean, yours?" Ombre asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "You kidnapped me, chained me up, and now you're saying I'm yours? That doesn't make any sense." "It makes perfect sense, darling. You're the god of celestial power, the most powerful being in existence. I've spent my entire life studying you, learning about you, and now I finally have you.
You're mine, Ombre. And I'm going to keep you." Ankoku's voice was firm, his eyes locked onto Ombre's. "You can't just keep me here, Ankoku. I'm a god. I have responsibilities. I have a purpose." Ombre's voice was filled with a mix of desperation and determination. "And I'm going to make sure you fulfill that purpose, darling," Ankoku replied, his voice filled with a dark amusement. "But first, you're going to learn to trust me. You're going to learn to rely on me. And you're going to learn to love me."
He leaned in. "Even if it'll hurt." Ombre's voice was filled with a mix of defiance and fear. Ankoku's smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine concern. "I would never hurt you, Ombre. Not intentionally. But you need to understand that you're not just a god anymore. You're mine now. And I won't let you go until you've learned to trust me." He reached out, his fingers brushing against Ombre's cheek, his thumb tracing the god's lower lip. "You're not alone anymore, Ombre. You have me. And I promise, I'll take care of you."
Ombre's breath hitched, his eyes locked onto Ankoku's. "You can't keep me here! I have a family tha-"
"That considers you a monster? Oh, you little naive fool..." Ankoku sighed. "Your brother, your twin... The god of optimism. So happy... and so fake." Ankoku's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice calm. "Your brother is a liar, Ombre. He's been using you, manipulating you. But I can love you." Ankoku's voice was soft, almost tender. "I can show you what it's like to be truly loved, truly cherished. And in return, I ask only for your trust and your love."
Ombre's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never heard such words from anyone before, let alone a mortal. He had always been the one to give love, to support and protect those around him. But now, here was Ankoku, offering him something he had never had before. I don't know what to say," Ombre stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You don't have to say anything, darling," Ankoku replied, his voice gentle yet firm. "Just think about it. Think about what it would be like to have someone truly love you, truly care for you." He leaned in closer, his breath hot against Ombre's ear. "Think about what it would be like to be cherished, to be desired." Ombre's breath hitched, his body trembling as Ankoku's words sent shivers down his spine. He had never considered such a thing before.
Love, yes, he had given it freely to others. But to receive it, to be the one cherished and desired... it was a foreign concept, one that both terrified and intrigued him. He looked into Ankoku's eyes, seeing the sincerity and the longing there, and he felt a strange warmth spread through him.
"Ankoku," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. I don't know what to say."
Ankoku's smile was gentle, his eyes soft. "You don't have to say anything, Ombre. Just think about it.
Think about what it would be like to have someone truly love you, truly care for you," Ankoku's voice was gentle yet firm. "I can't just think about it. I have to feel it," Ombre replied, his voice filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty. "I need to know that it's real. That it's not just some fantasy, some dream that will fade away." Ankoku's eyes softened, and he reached out, cupping Ombre's cheek in his hand. "It's real, Ombre. It's as real as you and me sitting here right now. I can't make you feel it, but I can show you.
Let me show you, Ombre." Ankoku's voice was low, his eyes locked onto Ombre's. The god hesitated for a moment before nodding, his heart pounding in his chest. "Alright," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Show me."
Ankoku's smile was slow and sensual, his eyes never leaving Ombre's as he leaned in, capturing the god's lips in a soft, gentle kiss. It was a far cry from the passionate, almost desperate kisses they had shared the night before. This kiss was slow, deliberate, as if Ankoku was taking his time to savor every moment.
His lips moved against Ombre's, coaxing them open, his tongue slipping inside to explore the god's mouth. It was a dance, a slow, sensual ballet that left Ombre breathless and wanting more.
Ankoku pulled back, his eyes searching Ombre's. "Do you feel it now?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
Ombre nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I feel it."
Ankoku's smile was soft, his eyes filled with a warmth that made Ombre's heart flutter. "Good," he replied, his thumb tracing Ombre's lower lip.