The Demon's Muse

Leon and Mari's dark story that created a legend for the ages.Lost to time and the shadows that cloaked him even in his lifetime, the Puppet Master haunts myths and legends long after his death. What gave rise to this demon who was able to stand against the gods of his era? And what is he doing now that he’s escaped Death’s icy grip?This novella from the Dark Desire series tells Leon and Mari's story, intertwined with vengeance, lust, madness, and the ultimate game of death.The Demon's Muse is intended for a mature audience.He sensed rather than saw her as she stepped towards him.“Mari, my dream,” he sighed, placing the gem down. “You drive me to distraction, you know.”The woman from the throne room moved over the white stone floor, bare feet making no noise as her soft tread brought her even with him. He turned to face her and she brought a hand up to stroke his strange, auburn hair. He caught her hand and held it there.“Ah, you torture me so. I should expect no less from hopes and dreams though, no?”She smiled as dreamy eyes turned in his direction, “Leon, your riddles always delight me. How can hopes and dreams be a torture?”His smile broadened to show delicately pointed canines. “How can you be anything but cruel? How many men and women have broken themselves pursuing an impossible dream as you smiled at them, egging them on with hope? How hard to catch? And how much harder to hold? And when they do, you consume them.”He brought her hand to his mouth to kiss the inside of her wrist. Her laugh played like silver bells against his ears.“I, myself, have sacrificed heart and soul to worship at your altar and this is how I am rewarded? To have you brought before my enemies to have my secrets dragged out of you?”She pressed her lips softly against his. They played like summer moonlight against him as he held her, his touch light as if pressed against blown glass.“Show me again, Leon,” she asked, her sweet breath brushing against his lips.“As you command, goddess,” he said, and pulled her mouth back to him, deepening the kiss this time.He tasted her as he allowed the fire in his mind free reign and it flooded through his veins. His hand ran down the violet silks she wore, lighting on the cord that held them around her waist. With a swift pull it came loose and the indulgent fabric pooled around her bare feet. She stepped free of them into his embrace.