After scribbling a few more notes, Axel sat up in his chair and scratched his scalp through his messy black hair. He'd been at this for so long, his back was almost locked in a permanent arch. His stiffness certainly wasn't helped by most days planted in front of a computer all day, at work or at home.
Well, that took longer than expected, but I think I got it all translated.
He'd found the old volume on his desk in a used bookstore, and, being a sucker for that sort of thing, bought it right away. Everything from the leather binding and metal accents to the strange writing and illustrations made him want to learn more.
Weeks of research and work, but I think I have a good ideanow. He'd translated a few pages now, or at least mostly.
Straightening the scattered notes on his desk, Axel hauled the heavy book off the table and spun around in his chair, looking around his bedroom at the various decorations and collectables he had: figurines, novelty posters and shirts from events he went to. With a small smile, he glanced down at the heavy volume on his lap.
"Okay, let's give it a go. Hopefully nothing nasty comes out." No one was in the room with him; he just had the habit of talking to himself out loud.
Taking a deep breath, he read the chosen incantation out loud. If his translation was correct, this would summon and bind a demon to him as a servant, giving him a companion that would be loyal to him. It seemed the most appealing out of the selection inside the book.
"Accium! Infernus! Consorta!"
The air went still, like a hush fell over the room. Right as the last word left his lips, the air getting thick, a pressure unlike anything he ever felt settling in. A smell, like sulfur and ozone filled the air, sending a tingle up his spine. Then, the light of his desk lamp dimmed, the darkness heavy and thick, a velvety blackness that almost felt tangible and cold. While he was trying to process the sudden shift, the pages of the book began to glow.
Fire. Light. A cyclone, bursting from the floor to touch the ceiling with a Whoosh. The air was filled with the smell of smoke and searing heat. The sudden light shocked his eyes so severely, he was blinded temporarily. The force of the whirlwind started throwing anything light that wasn't secured around the room, only adding to the confusion as he was overwhelmed with the situation.
Axel fell from his chair, shock and terror filling him in equal measure. It worked?! It actually worked?! But what did I do?! Was the only thing that came to mind as he hit the floor, his notes flying around him like scared birds. His heart was pounding as he got his sight back enough to see what was happening inside the cyclone. Standing inside was the silhouette of a figure, its eyes glowing in spite of the already brilliant light of the fire.
As quickly as the light show started, it was over. Axel blinked at the sudden stillness, his eyes needing to readjust to the lower light. The silence was deafening compared to the previous raging storm.
Once his vision cleared, Axel looked again at where the fire had been, and standing in the place of the pillar of fire was a figure, a woman who could only be described as 'inhumanly radiant': obsidian hair down to her lower back, skin the color of pure moonlight, and eyes that glowed with violet light and a fierce intelligence almost beyond human comprehension. A pair of stout horns grew from her temples and wrapped around her forehead to gently point up above her fringe.
He was stunned again. I must be dreaming. There's no way I'm awake for this. I probably hit my head as I fell. But as he waited, he didn't wake up, so that answered that question.
Even though she looked confused, there was an air of immense pressure around her, filling the room with the feeling of dense fog, thick enough to cut. She was coughing and brushing ash off her sleek black and purple attire, cinched at the waist with a wide white belt. Her plum boots reached her knees, completing a look that was both stylish and imposing. Appearing more than a little disoriented at the sudden displacement, her violet-eyed gaze swept across the room. Looking around, she scanned the now disheveled room before her eyes landed on Axel, one of her narrow eyebrows rising in a haughty question. Her gaze never wavering, she looked down at her right hand, and her demeanor shifted from controlled curiosity to annoyance and anger. She let out a disgusted groan.
"Are you serious right now?! What kind of amateur are you? Do you realize what you've done?" Even her voice was beyond anything he'd ever heard, low and full like a cello. Even in annoyance, the sound alone quickened his heart and made his spine tingle. She stood there over him, the glow in her eyes having intensified, her spaded tail twitching behind her. And her gaze, it was like ice; he was somehow both overheated from earlier and chilled to the core from her scrutiny.
This just gets even stranger. How can she be so… alluring?
His eyes wide, Axel slowly stood, brushing his hands off on his jeans. "Um, I believe I summoned you. Unless you make it a habit to show up to people's houses unannounced." Keeping his composure, his mind began to race at what he just said. Since when am I a smartass?! A dumbass, sure, maybe even a jackass on occasion. But why would I pick now of all times to suddenly get lippy? He didn't know where the sudden boldness came from, nor why he chose that moment of all things to be sarcastic; this woman looked like she could rip his throat out without even trying. Despite her unimposing appearance, the air was filled with an aura of menacing authority, almost as if there was more to her than he could see. What he did see, however, was his remark didn't help matters at all; her annoyance only grew, and her heels clicked on the wood floor as she closed the distance to jab a finger into his chest and countered his sarcasm with her own.
"Oh, no. I simply adore getting dropped into random places against my will, being bound to incompetent summoners like some sort of dog." The droll look on her face said more about her real feelings than anything else.
Feeling her presence swell with even greater annoyance, Axel swallowed hard and, trying to grasp the situation, honed in on one word she said that stood out. "Wait, 'bound'? What do you mean by that?"
Aurelia's eyes rolled, a sharp huff escaping her lips. She snatched Axel's wrist, her grip firm but oddly warm, and shoved their hands side by side. A glowing lattice tattoo pulsed on his skin, mirrored on hers. His stomach dropped. "What the—" he stammered, yanking his hand back.
"Inferius Matrimmonium," she spat, her voice like a blade. "You bound us. Husband." Her tail lashed, and the tattoo flared, sending a jolt through his arm. "Permanent. No escape."
Axel's jaw slackened. "Wife? You're kidding."
Her violet eyes narrowed, a cruel smirk curling. "Do I look like I jest, fool?"
Stepping back, Axel placed his hands on his head, the news hitting him hard. "Married? Is there any way to undo it? Can we fix this?" His mind was reeling, panic starting to build up. But she seemed to be enjoying the look of his discomfort, as a twisted smile spread across her face.
"Oh, no, it's not that easy. The binding is permanent. You're stuck with me, husband, whether you like it or not."
At this point, Axel felt way in over his head. Married? To a demon? Where was this in the notes?! The summoning was successful, the woman was clearly more than a little sadistic, and to top it off, they were seemingly permanently bound together as partners. But, she wasn't done talking, ticking off her fingers as she started listing a variety of novelties that he had no idea how to acquire.
"So, if I'm to be stuck here with you, you're going to locate for me and gift me the finest vintage of Belgor's vineyard, garments made from the highest quality Chartol wool and Infernal silk, produce and meats from the Bazaar of Kar'ool, a monthly offering of silver and precious gems to decorate my quarters…"
Even while she was talking, listing off various items that he had no idea how to locate, his mind was racing. Okay, this is a lot. I don't know if I should be intimidated by her, happy and excited to have a partner, overwhelmed by her demands and presence, or perhaps even turned on by her.
His face seemed to betray his thoughts, though, because while he was in the middle of his mental tirade, she snapped her fingers to get his attention. Coming back to the moment, he was greeted with her hand in his face and further annoyance on her features.
"Human, are you paying attention? Honestly, I swear you creatures are absolutely insufferable. Did you even hear a word I said?" Placing her hands on her hips and tapping her foot, she waited with barely-contained impatience for his answer.
Thankfully, he was able to think and listen simultaneously, and responded with his newfound confidence. "Wine from Belgor's vineyard, garments made from the highest quality Chartol wool and Infernal silk, produce and meats from the Bazaar of Kar'ool, a monthly offering of silver and precious gems, a host of staff to maintain the facility, and a list of contacts with the local political hierarchy to establish connections. Yes, I was listening, but I'm also trying to process all that's just happened in the last hour."
The annoyance she previously wore was partially replaced with… respect? Rubbing her bare shoulder with a bit of sheepishness, she nodded her admiration at him. "Impressive, human. I underestimated your attentiveness. My apologies." She cocked her eyebrow, showing she was still fuming at the situation. "But I still believe you're a fool and an amateur."
Axel nodded, not wanting to disagree. Mostly because it was correct in most cases. He's never been one to completely consider the ramifications of his actions unless he saw something bad possibly happening afterwards. Meeting her ethereal eyes, he extended his hand to her. "Axel St. James, ma'am. Nice to meet you, in spite of the circumstances."
Looking down at his hand, then back to him, she put her hand, knuckles first, in his face. "Lady Aurelia Vex'aria. And it's… nice to meet you, too, Axel." Initially confused, Axel took her hand and placed a respectful kiss on her second knuckle.
So weird. Never done that before. Hiding his thoughts from showing on his face, he awkwardly stepped back, putting his hands in his pockets. "So, what do we do now? I mean, we're stuck with each other, so we should probably get to know each other, right?"
Aurelia's eyes rolled again, and it started to become apparent she was actually tired. Being summoned is such a drain on mana, and the binding even more so. Gesturing to the bed, Aurelia marched over to it, her slick outfit shifting to a silky black nightgown with a flick of her wrist. Sitting on the edge, she waited for him to follow suit. "Come, husband. Lie with me. I'm sure we're both tired from this evening's events, and require rest. We will have our discussion in the morning."
Glancing pointedly at the other side of the bed before at him again, Axel took the hint, kicked his house shoes off and changed his jeans out for pajamas, tucking into bed beside her.
Aurelia loomed over him momentarily, her eyes glowing in the low light of the room. "Is it not customary among you humans for a wedded couple to kiss upon your union?"
His eyes got wide at her boldness, but didn't dare not answer her. "I mean, yeah, technically. But I–" before he could finish, she silenced him with a kiss, and not a small peck either, the contact searing and confident on her end. His mind raced, the contact surprising and both welcome and shocking. I'm kissing a woman?! This is awesome! And the scent she carried with her was unlike anything he'd ever encountered: jasmine flower and currant with teak notes. In that moment, his head and world was spinning, everything that just happened melting away. But it didn't last long, because she soon retreated, the lingering sensation tingling his lips and clouding his mind. Oh, it's over already? Before he could say anything else, she laid down, snapping her fingers to turn the lights out.
Her voice whispered from the velvety blackness before a gentle snore could be heard as she drifted off. "Good night, husband." Axel, however, didn't sleep right away. His mind was still spinning with everything that happened, and he didn't know what to do about any of it.
Ok, I'm now married. To a demon. With a serious attitude problem. And I just kissed a girl, for the first time. He was never sure when a girlfriend would come into the picture, let alone when he would get married. The last few girls he dated didn't last, coming up with any excuses to break up. He didn't quit trying, but it was certainly confusing sometimes. But now, against everything he ever considered, he was lying in bed with someone who, whether either of them like it or not–and she made it clear she doesn't–is now his wife.
With these lingering thoughts dancing in his mind, Axel started to drift off himself, wondering what tomorrow and the future will bring.
§
"HUMAN!"
Axel started out of his sleep at the shout, slightly disoriented. Looking around, there was Aurelia at the foot of the bed, arms crossed under her chest, positively fuming. He swallowed hard at the pressure in the room, the sensation feeling like he had a car parked on his chest. He hesitated, but was still morbidly curious as to what else could be wrong. Considering she's already dressed, I'm going to assume she went and explored the house already. "Yes, Aurelia? You called?"
Her frustration only worsened, her eyes flashing an intense indigo. "What is the state of this household?! The clutter everywhere, the condition of the appliances, the paltry selection of food in the kitchen; do you even care for yourself?!" Before he could answer, she hauled him out of bed with surprising ease, dragging him into the living room. Not exactly sure what else to do, he simply went along with it, standing on his feet when she finally stopped. Gesturing to the general area of the room before them, pointing out the various piles of refuse and litter on the furniture and floor. "Truly look at the mess. Is this how you live your days? It's detestable! Explain yourself!"
Before he could get out more than a syllable, she put her hand up to stop him. "Actually, nevermind. I don't want any lousy excuses you have." With a wave of her hands, the garbage and various scattered garments started levitating, the pressure in the room high but not oppressive. All at once, the different groups started to either fly into trash bags or away to the laundry room. In no time, the mess throughout the house was cleaned, and as the trash bags were filled, she dropped them at his feet. All except one, which either deliberately or by mistake hit him in the chest and knocked him down. Looking down at him sprawled on the floor, she rolled her eyes and groaned. "Ugh, what are you lying around for? Take all that out!"
With an annoyed grumble, Axel carried the bags outside. By the time he got back in, a spread of various breakfast items was on the table; crepes, fresh cut fruit, eggs and bacon, toast and jam, plus other things he didn't even recognize. But, like when he was hauled out of bed, she didn't let him process what was going on.
With a crook of her finger, he slid over beside her, Aurelia pushing him down into the chair behind him. "I hope this is satisfactory. I don't know much about human breakfast cuisine, but I have heard of these."
His mouth watering at the sight before him, he shook his head as he loaded up his plate. "No, you did great. This looks fantastic!"
She nodded, turning to head to another room. "Good, then partake. I can't do this every time, as it's not sustainable for me. I'm going to eliminate that obscene smell coming from over here." Every word was said with her current level of annoyance, like merely existing in this space was trying her patience to its limits. But Axel didn't pay much attention, focused more on the breakfast she made.
By the time he was done, with plenty left over, the entire house was tidy. Grumbling and muttering under her breath, she still managed to drop herself with some level of dignity into the chair beside him, plucking a piece of fruit from the bowl. "You have a lot of nerve, making me clean this entire house like that. Where I lived, I had a host of servants that did all that for me. Is it some sort of sick joke to you?" The venom in her voice could probably kill an elephant, but that uncharacteristic confidence woke up inside Axel again as he responded.
"Well, technically I didn't make you do anything; you went and did that yourself. And, believe me, I appreciate it." Again with the smart mouth? Do you have a death wish, man? She's already shown she can pick you up, and you want to poke the bear?
Taking a sip of coffee and leaning closer to her before continuing, his voice softened slightly, a kind of vulnerability creeping in. "If I'm being honest with you, I really don't have much energy to bring myself to do more than the bare minimum most days. Between the long hours at work, other priorities on the weekends if I don't pull any extra shifts, and no real social life, I'm mostly going on autopilot. I also wasn't thinking I'd ever get into any sort of relationship, let alone with someone as amazing and beautiful as you. I promise I'll try and do my share; I'm just going to need some patience while I get to that point."
Aurelia blinked, stunned at the sincerity in his words, a small blush creeping up her neck and cheeks coloring her pale complexion a delicate shade of pink. I don't know why, but I believe every word he says. It's like I can feel how genuine his words are. Clearing her throat, she bashfully adjusted her top, pulling the low collar up a little higher. " Well, I mean, it's the least I can do. I am your wife, after all, and taking care of the house and you is my job. I won't mind doing it, as long as you hold to your end of the bargain." While she tried to keep her composure, her tail was flicking in glee, the spaded tip gently tapping on the leg of her chair.
Axel couldn't help but smile, feeling the appreciation in her. When she's not a flaming ball of rage, she's actually kind of adorable.
Aurelia laced her fingers together, resting her chin on her hands. "So, you wished to know more about me last night. Alas, while I would've been glad to enlighten you, being summoned is incredibly exhausting, as maintaining one's form through the barrier takes considerable amounts of mana. But, now that I'm rested, allow me to answer your question.
"As I said, I am Lady Aurelia Vex'aria, named heiress to the Vex'aria line, one of the most prestigious Infernal families in the Netherrealm. And, yes, I could tell by your expression and what emotions I could sense you labeled me as 'demon'. While not technically wrong, demons are more of a sister race."
Axel nodded, taking in the information. Who'd've thought they're different? Good to know. "That definitely seems to be quite the pedigree, then. And, you mentioned something about the bond I put us under being permanent. Like, no way to reverse it?"
Aurelia flicked her wrist, dishes gliding to the sink where a sponge scrubbed them on its own. Her fingers traced the glowing lattice on her hand, her lips curling in disdain. "This bond? Unbreakable. That grimoire's magic is older than your world, carved in stone to force obedience." She shot him a glare, the tattoo pulsing faintly. "We're stuck, human."
Axel rubbed his neck, the matching mark on his hand tingling. Older than my world? Great. I'm married to an Infernal with a magical prenup I can't break. "So, no loopholes? At all?"
Her tail flicked, a dry laugh escaping. "Dream on."
Rubbing his neck, Axel huffed out a surprised laugh. "Well, good to know. But, I'm sure we'll make this work. I may be a little dense, admittedly, but I always give it a shot, even if I don't know much before going in."
There's something intriguing about this human. I don't know what it is, but he's surprisingly charming, even if he is a dolt. "An admirable quality, husband. I hope you put it to good use. And I shall try to be patient with you, though I offer no promises of not ever losing my temper."
Laughing at her honesty, Axel got up to get the day started, wondering what's going to happen next. This is going to be a hell of a ride.