Bliss (Succubus Series Book One)

Chapter Three~The Offering~

“Breathe, just breathe,” Bliss whispered to herself as she stood in front of one of the many doors that led into the arena

Usually, the Yearning took place at the Palace in one of their many gathering rooms but this year there were just too many people along with many succubi who were coming of age this year. Besides Bliss and her Sisters, there were around ten other succubi ready to succumb to the Yearning for the first time. They all stood in front of different doors, going to walk in from all different sides and meet in the middle where Bliss was sure a large round bed would be set up. Bliss could feel her stomach twist in disgust at the thought of it all.

How was she ever going to survive this? It was not that Bliss was afraid to have s*x in front of so many people. As a Succubus, you learn the many arts of lovemaking while someone is always watching, ready to critique your every move. It was the idea of not being in control of herself that was making her sick. Who was she going to become once the moon reached its highest point in the sky? Would she even be herself anymore?

“It’s almost time.”

Bliss lifted her head and saw Artimus, Sarafina’s advisor, and Instructor to her children on becoming the perfect servants to their masters. He was pacing back and forth constantly looking through a window behind them and up into the night sky. He approached Bliss giving her a quick look over and nodding in approval before glancing at her sister Ecstasy and Desire who was standing in front of the doors on either side of her.

“Now, ladies, this is a big night. Everything in your life has trained you for this moment. Once you are overcome with the Yearning do not worry. Just let instinct take over and all will be well,” He reassured them all the while distracted and seeming impatient that the doors had not opened yet, “What in the world is taking them so long?”

Artimus was never one for patience and he had not been the easiest of teachers. He had a very short temper if you did not give him the results he expected. For this reason, Bliss, Ecstasy, and Desire had always been taught to be nearly perfect. In their demeanor, appearance, and behavior. Around their Mother and Artimus, they always appeared to be meek and obedient, they only got to be their true selves when they were alone with each other. Only Bliss knew That Ecstasy truly had a passion for art and beauty and Desire loved to read and was very good at inventing things. While only they knew that Bliss loved nature and spending time growing her flowers and herbs. Using them to create medicine to treat animals and the sick.

They had all been born only minutes apart from each other. Looking at them you would never think they were triplets let alone sisters but that was the succubi way. Each one is born having their own distinct look. Ecstasy had long fiery curls and vivid green eyes while Desire’s hair was black like their mother with deep blue eyes the color of the night sky. All their other siblings were much older and already in the trade so they had never met any of them and Bliss was not sure she would recognize them even if she did. All she knew was that they existed.

At one point Sarafina used to breed every year when she was still ruled by her Master. After she purchased her freedom from the King of Vulroo, she began to breed less and less, and once Bliss, Ecstasy, and Desire were born she decided she was done. The news had come as a shock to the Masters who were now in a frenzy to purchase the last in an ending line. Bliss still had her suspicions her mother was hoping to get a high price for her last three daughters. Enough to sustain her in her comfortable and elegant lifestyle for many decades to come.

Of course, Sarafina was never one to appear as if she wanted for anything, especially money. Even though she would cover herself from head to toe in diamonds and rare jewels at all times. Artimus had always told them that appearances were everything and Bliss thought maybe that was why their mother always wore the most outrageously expensive outfits. To give the appearance that she was the most wealthy former slave in all of Vulroo. However, Bliss was not so sure that that was entirely true.

“It’s time.” Atriums announced snapping Bliss out of her daze.

She quickly looked towards Desire who mouthed the words good luck before heading through her door and then to Ecstasy who smiled and nearly skipped out of hers. The noise of people cheering and yelling blasted through the doorway before Bliss had opened and waited for her to walk through.

“Go! Don’t keep them waiting!”Artimus urged, while also giving Bliss a little nudge towards the doorway.

Bliss took a deep breath and took a step over the threshold unsure of what her future held.

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“What did you just say?”

Garrett stared at his old childhood friend, unsure if he had heard him correctly or not. Raja merely smirked and gestured towards the center of the arena where the men had now set up a large round bed. In the center, a large globe made out of some kind of clear crystal was reflecting the moon perfectly, as if measuring its height in the sky. The men now laying out sheets of white silk over the bed and scattering petals of white orchids over them, the Flower of Vulroo.

“Most of the men are too…intimidated to sacrifice their bodies to a newly turned Succubi. I have heard it can be intense and some men claim that once you have experienced it that you will never find pleasure again. Of course, I cannot believe that that is true but still, some men do believe it and my Steward was just informing me before I sent him to find you that they are a few men short.

Usually, it is not so difficult to find enough men willing but there are thirteen Succubi in total who are coming of age tonight. We are exactly two men short. If you wish, you and your friend may experience a once-in-a-lifetime night of pleasure not soon to be forgotten. That is unless the idea of doing it in front of thousands of people unnerves you.” Raja stated unable to keep the amusement out of his voice.

Caleb gave Garrett a slight nudge taking him out of his stupor. He could not believe what Raja had just asked and if he had been alone he knew he would have declined. However, his friend Caleb had a way of always talking him into the most ludicrous of situations. Like dragging him to Vulroo to a celebration that involved men sacrificing themselves to a creature who survived on s****l pleasure.

“Well Garrett, This seems like an offer we would be fools to refuse. I mean, I have never heard of any man in Rylan claim he has spent the night with a Succubus but I had heard rumors that it is an experience if given a chance you should never pass up! Also, it would be rude of us to refuse such a generous gift from the Prince of Vulroo.” Caleb reasoned the smile on his face that of a man who had already won.

Of course, it all made sense in Caleb’s mind to accept the offer and Garrett was sure that Raja just wanted to watch him squirm out of his own twisted amusement but a part of Garrett, the rebellious part who wished he could be free of his responsibilities and title, was excited at the idea of doing something he was sure his father would never approve of. Something almost close to an adventure he would remember for the rest of his days before he was burdened with the task of becoming King. In fact, that had been Caleb’s very idea behind this whole trip. Why not make the most of it?

He turned to Caleb and smiled and his friend gave him a pat on the back knowing he had won.

“Yes! That’s my boy. So Prince Raja what do Garrett and I have to do?”

Before they knew it they were being ushered off the Royal viewing platform by Peru and taken down a winding maze of corridors before coming to a door with an intricate carving of a moon engraved into it. Peru opened the door for them and moved to the side so that they could pass. A heavy cloud of steam escaping through the doorway and out into the hall.

“By the gods…” Caleb said under his breath. Confused and curious as to what could be waiting for them inside.

Garrett stepped through the doorway first with Caleb close behind and they found themselves in what appeared to be some sort of bathing room. Several men lounged around in a large pool of steaming water in the center of the room while the others were drying off and getting dressed in white pants that appeared to be made of silk. The floor and walls looked to be made out of smooth white stones and the smell of orchids hung heavy in the air.

“You may wash up here and once you are finished you must put these on,” Peru informed them while handing them the white silken pants Garrett had seen the other men wearing.

“You only have a few more minutes before the ceremony begins so I suggest you hurry. Almed, here, will inform you when it is time to begin and will escort you to the arena where you will wait for the Succubus to meet you.” Peru said while gesturing to a man standing beside him whom Garrett assumed to be Almed.

Garrett and Caleb both nodded and Peru smiled and wished them luck from the gods before leaving out the same door they had come through.

“Well it was a long journey here, we best get washed up and ready before it’s too late,” Caleb said heading towards the bath, Garrett following close behind.

They quickly took off their clothes and descended into the warm water. The men still bathing greeted them in the traditional Vulroonian way by bowing their heads. Garrett and Caleb both returned the gesture but, none of the men spoke. Garrett found it very unnerving how the men did not look excited but rather solemn. Like the look of men who were going on a pilgrimage rather than to a celebration. Some of the men around them who were already dressed were actually on their knees praying.

Garrett and Caleb quickly bathed and dried themselves before donning the white silk pants, afterward sitting and waiting for what came next.

“Vulroo sure is a strange place. In Rylan, these men would be drinking and celebrating but these men seem to be preparing their souls for battle…” Garrett whispered to Caleb right before the door opened and Almed appeared.

“The time has come Gentlemen! Follow me.”

Garrett and Caleb stood and followed Almed and the other men through the doorway and down a long hallway before exiting out what appeared to be a large gate and entering the Arena. They all walked towards the round bed in the center, the moon's reflection in the crystal globe nearly reaching the very top. Almed placed the men on the edge of the bed, side by side but with a good distance between them.

Garrett looked straight ahead noticing a door before him on the far side of the arena. He could feel himself becoming nervous and starting to question just what exactly he had gotten himself into right before the door opened and out stepped the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. The whole world around him faded away, the loud cheering becoming just a soft hum in the distance.

Her eyes blazed a deep violet and he could feel himself becoming lost in them as she slowly made her way towards him, never breaking eye contact. Her long hair glowed golden in the moonlight while the dress she wore accentuated her large bust and voluptuous hips. The sheer skirt with embroidered orchids on the hem was unable to conceal all her assets below her waist.

Everything seemed to go in slow motion until she finally stood before him, her eyes never once leaving his as she bent down. Her mouth was mere inches from his as she reached behind him for what looked like strips of white silk. She took his hands placing them in his lap and started to tie his wrists together, smiling at him as she also got on her knees and did the same to his ankles.

It was then Garrett noticed the drums had started beating out a hypnotic and primal rhythm and he watched as she started to move her body to the music. Slowly removing her dress piece by piece until it all lay in a puddle at her feet. He took in every curve of her body unbelieving that a creature could be so perfect. Even her skin was flawless and like porcelain with its pale color, a huge contrast to all the dark-skinned people of Vulroo.

The drums started to become more intense and she slowly made her way toward him. Leaning down, her mouth so close to his as she reached up and placed her hands on either side of his face. Her touch was so delicate it sent shivers of pure need through his whole body. Never had he desired a woman so much in his life. So much so that he felt his whole body aching at just one small touch. She smiled and slowly leaned in placing her lips gently against his in an agonizingly soft kiss before whispering.

“My name is Bliss…”