Post originally by Character_Sadira de Ingis

Cahira de`Ingis: Her options were limited. She knew that. The knowing did nothing to help the impotent fury she felt as a result. She had been well and truly trapped by a mage she had taught herself. A mage she had trusted simply because he was family, more the fool she for being so trusting. They were demons after all, something she often forgot as the demoness within her was the lesser of her two selves. It was so easy to distance herself, to indulge in the power of the djinn while forgetting what the succubus gave her, such as an immunity to the Solomon’s Seal. That is until a demonic mage figured out how to alter it and bind her using her demonic instincts against her.

It reviled her, what Antonio did to her. Yes she became aroused, she couldn’t stop the desire he created; calling out her demoness until all she knew was mindless carnal need, the djinn bound and helpless to stop him. She behaved like a wanton whore for him and for that she hated him. She had never approved of sexual relations between families, a by product of having been raised among the romani no doubt, but it had been enough to alienate her from her entire family and now she was made the slave of one of them. She hated it but no matter how she hated it she knew the next time he came to her she would succumb eagerly, no matter how she might wish to fight it.

She needed a way out and after several weeks she had a plan. Antonio kept her close for the most part but the recent death of his concubine Rain at the hands of his sister and former lover had kept him preoccupied. The moment she was alone without any specific orders from him to bind her to one location she ran, left the kumpania and bolted into the forest that surrounded it. Once she was far enough away that she knew she would not be accidentally discovered she began setting up the ritual circle.

Within minutes she completed the circle that was demonic in origin and standing in its center she took the knife in her belt and sliced open her palm, allowing her blood to flow freely down into the circle.

“Stativare de Ingis, Prince of Hell, I summon thee.”

Stativare de`Ingis: A summons. It'd been quite some time since anyone had summoned him by specific request. Contrary to popular belief a summoned demon wasn't necessarily required to appear. Oh yes, it had to respond in some way or another -- it was how they claimed the souls that came to fill the Pit. Not all the damned in the 9 Circles had been life long sinners. Some of them just made poor choices and inevitably paid the price for it. Claiming souls however wasn't something he did very often. Normally lesser demons ascended when a deal was to be made. This time someone had called his specific name though, they were searching him out. That intrigued him. Perhaps it would be amusing to bring about that ominous fire and brimstone theatric and cause them to soil themselves.
 
That was the idea anyway -- until the last moment before he eased through the barrier between his world and the living one. Energy. A familiar energy. This person knew him, whoever they were. The blood she'd spilled immediately became engulfed in fire and the flames spread to nearly fill the ritual circle she'd created. His hands erupted from the fire and he pulled himself seemingly up from the flames. The fire caused no harm to him or his clothing, and it extinguished when he came to stand in the center of the circle itself. The golden shimmer of his eyes peered out from beneath his hood, and when he saw her face they narrowed slightly.
 
"Cahira. Well..now I'm glad I decided to answer."
 
He knew who she was as well as what she was. She was no weakling. What could she have need to summon him for that she couldn't achieve herself? Not a single word had been said on her part and he already found himself intrigued. That intrigue caused him to step forward, at least until he came to the line of the circle. That was the rule of the magic used. Until she made it clear what she wanted..he couldn't pass the boundary of the circle. Fate's way of preventing any demon from acting prematurely. And as he stood at the edge of the circle, eyeing the unseen barrier in front of him a faint grin came beneath the shroud of his hood.
 
"Now that is just a shame. There is no trust in the world anymore."
 
Cahira de`Ingis: Their meeting had been by chance, many many years before. He’d sensed the demon within her and had naturally assumed she fell under his authority. She hadn’t, a fact she’d made very clear from the get go, but that hadn’t stopped her from willingly joining him in his bed. He was more than just the Prince of Hell and descendent of the Infernal line, so much more, and his charm and magnetism were undeniable when he wished it to be and as a succubus why would she deny him?

They’d enjoyed one another thoroughly and then went their separate ways, occasionally meeting again and indulging in one another, a friendship developing in as much as anyone could count the General of Hell’s armies their friend. For years she’d heard nothing from or of him until Antonio appeared at her kumpania announcing he had taken Sarine from him and now she was actively seeking him out.

She waited, wondering if he would come as she knew he was not required to answer her summons, until finally the blood she’d spilled erupted into flame and spread throughout the circle where she stood. From the flames he emerged as if pulling himself from the depths until he stood before her.

“Thank you for coming, Stativare. I am sorry for summoning you in this manner but I had to move quickly.”

He moved to the edge of the barrier and she smiled slightly. “That too was regrettable but again, I had to move quickly and I did not wish any interference.” Not only would the circle keep the demon in, but it would keep other mages out until released as well. Stepping forward she neared him, speaking quickly as she had no idea when Antonio would come seeking her and should he order her to attack Static she’d have no choice but to obey.

“Someone has managed the unthinkable. I’ve been bound by the Seal and I need your help to get free.” Since Antonio had used demonic magic to make the Seal affective against her djinn half a more powerful demon could break said magic easily enough and Static was such a demon.

Stativare de`Ingis: Every word she spoke was just wonderful. Antonio, the son of Morlis. She had to be aware that Morlis was dead and she also had to be aware of who it was that killed him. And now the sister was asking for his help. A woman he had an intimate past with. She was powerful even back then but had become more so as time rolled on. He never thought their paths would cross again considering the vast difference of the circles they traveled in, but he'd learned long ago that for all its size and grandeur..existence could feel so very small at times. While standing inside the circle his hands lifted to his hood and pushed it back from his face.
 
"So...the djinn has ended up her nephews pet. That's a shame. I should have thought of it first. I can make amends for that though. If you wish my assistance Cahira, drop this barrier. I assure you that once it is down the last thing you will need is to worry over Antonio."
 
He began pacing just within the circle, eyeing her from behind the invisible barrier.
 
"What do you say Cahira? Free yourself from the will of a monster..by releasing a greater one.”

Cahira de`Ingis: She was not typically a vengeful woman, especially when it came to her family, but while she was far less tempestuous than most of her kin she wasn’t without her own dark side. Neither the djinn nor demonkin were renowned for their tolerance, it was her raising by humans that had given her sensibilities other demons or djinn would not otherwise have. And those sensibilities had blinded her to the nature of those closest to her.

In spite of the situation she smiled when he spoke of wishing he’d thought of binding her first. Well, he was going to get his wish. She wasn’t a fool. She knew the price for his assistance, knew that she would go from being bound to Antonio to being bound to Stativare, had known it prior to summoning him. For all that she did not reside in Hell she wasn’t oblivious to the workings of demons.

He began to pace the circle, becoming restless by the restriction of the barrier, and as he promised she would never need to worry about Antonio again after releasing him she smiled though there was no happiness in it, only grim satisfaction as she envisioned Antonio’s fate once Stativare was freed. Out of the frying pan…into the Fire.

Plunging her cut hand through the invisible barrier the contact of her blood caused it to fall, releasing him.

“I accept.”

Stativare de`Ingis: Her hand came through the barrier and his own seized it by the wrist when it did. He held firm to her wrist as he stepped over the line of the circle and finally had the freedom to do as he wished.
 
"You know how this unfolds, djinn. You leave his service to enter mine. I will handle him, and as for the seal..it will be kept where only I know where it is. And now..I trust you're aware of the next step."
 
The grin returned to his face briefly as his free hand came up to her chest, below her neck and over her breasts. His palm pressed flat to her body and he drew in a slow breath.
 
"I remove the magic he used against you. Then his hold over you is replaced by mine in the consumation..after that, there will be no need to worry over him ever again."
 
Antonio's magic was impressive but not intimidating. In the end the boy relied on too many different strains and not enough on specific powers. To simplify it was like undoing many small knots instead of one large bundle of knots, thus it was easier to rid her of the incubus' hold. The seal was what truly commanded her, and its magic was as easily removed as taking the artifact from Antonio. But the power that even allowed it to work upon her..that could be removed then and there.
 
"This will hurt..and Antonio, wherever he is, may try to resist my stripping the magic from you. You must open yourself completely and not resist either one of us. His magic will fade before mine does. Are you ready?"
 
As he spoke his pointed claws gripped the fabric of her blouse and tore it, exposing her collar bone and much of the upper portion of her breasts.

Cahira de`Ingis: There was no gasp, no exclamation of surprise as so many would have shown. She was older than any would ever guess, centuries older, and that maturity gave her a composure he would not necessarily find with his other women. His woman. Yes..she would be his woman from now on, in whatever capacity he wished her. It was bondage, true, but at the very least it was a bondage she was choosing rather than being forced upon her.

His hand held her wrist as he stepped over the barrier, now freed of her magic, and allowing her head to tilt back to maintain eye contact she nodded. “Yes, I know what this means. I enter your service willingly in exchange for being freed from him.” It was worth it. His hand came and pressed to her body over her breasts and she could sense him feeling out Antonio’s magic, unraveling it as it were as he explored the exact spell placed on her. He announced it would hurt and again she nodded, understanding quite well how such things worked. “I know. I’m ready.”

His clawed hand ripped her shirt until she was nearly completely exposed to him but there was no false modesty or attempts to cover herself. He was carnally intimate with every inch of her body, after all, and though quite some time had passed she still looked as she did then. With a deep breath she locked her eyes with his and as within moments she had slipped into a sort of waking trance, opening herself to him and what he had to do to free her.

Stativare de`Ingis: There was a vast series of difference between her and the others. She had lived far longer than any of them, and as such she was more learned and less easily ruffled than they were. For that reason he never mixed words and was always direct. Yes he was direct at all times but with her he always cut to the heart of the matter immediately. She said she was prepared and he said no more, instead his nails stabbed into her flesh and her blood began to trickle along her flesh.
 
When her vitae met his skin the tips of his fingers immediately ignited in flame. The sound of deep sizzling came from beneath them, and the flames began to sputter..glowing brighter and more intense with every flash and sizzle. What magic Antonio had managed to cast upon her had to be eliminated, and the Hell born power within him took to burning it away. After several moments the muscles in his hand tensed and the grin returned to him.
 
"Ah. He's realized what is happening...you're going to feel compelled to go to him; you will even begin to second guess yourself and try to stop me. Do not worry..when it is all over, I will not hold this against you...much."
 
The grin widened briefly as his claws sunk a bit deeper and the sound of burning continued while he rid her slowly of Antonio's hold, strand by magical strand.

Cahira de`Ingis: Perhaps his relationship with her was different than with most women in his life but she knew she would get no additional warning and as such she was braced for the pain that seared to life the moment his claws pierced her skin. Her blood ran freely and when it connected with his skin it ignited into a pain so intense she doubted her ability to withstand it but somehow she managed to keep her feet.

She could sense it when he reached the spell and began unraveling it, her teeth biting into her bottom lip until it bleed as she did her best to suffer the pain silently. It was the only way and she would gladly suffer it and more to be free of her nephew. He warned her Antonio could sense what was happening, that he would try to counteract what Static was doing and that she might be compelled to go to him. No sooner had he spoken the words than the compulsion hit her. Antonio was summoning her and the spell was doing its best to force her to go.

Reaching out with her free hand she grasped at his belt, gripping it tightly as if to anchor herself to him. His claws sank deeper into her flesh and she cried out, unable to stop the sound as Antonio did his best to tighten his hold on her, to call her to him, but the magic was weakening in the face of Static’s power and her own desire to defy him. The hand clenching his waist tightened, trembling as if unsure whether she should cling to him or push him away.

”I…will not..go to him.”

Stativare de`Ingis: She resisted Antonio's pull, and the pain she felt as she fought the power as well as had the magic stripped from her angered him. Not at her but Antonio. She swore herself to him and now that she was his possession the idea that another male, especially such a weak specimen as the incubus..it caused him great rage.
 
"This will not do. Djinn..bite your tongue. This will hurt immensely."
 
Were she a lesser species he knew what he was about to do would kill her, but having the power she did he decided to up the ante a bit. Antonio used the seal of Solomon upon her, but to do so he had to imbue both it and her with his own pathetic magic. That alone was his greatest mistake. An artifact with its own power was made for a specific task. To add any other power upon it tainted its original purpose and its original design. So he used the magic Antonio placed upon Cahira as a celestial tow-line. His fingers curled inward and his claws dug into her flesh.
 
"Prepare yourself."
 
That was all the warning he gave as the golden glow of his eyes looked as though it -ignited-. Hellish energy radiated from the burning orbs and beneath his flesh it looked as if dozens of serpents slithered just under his skin, moving all along his face and beneath his clothing. The flames that had been burning steadily beneath his fingers where they touched her suddenly combusted and his entire hand was engulfed in flame. When the larger fire flared to life he growled and jerked his hand back with severe force.
 
Her flesh was torn where his fingers had been, and a deep burn marred her flesh...but in his flame coated hand there was an item. Blood dripped from it and flames licked at it for several moments until finally when they faded, Solomon's seal was in his grasp.
 
"And now...you have no more power, incubus. I will be coming for you."
 
The words would echo in Antonio's mind as the seal acted as a conduit for his words. Raising his eyes back to Cahira his free hand lifted and he bit into it. His pointed jaws tore into his flesh and he brought his bleeding palm to her breast. The wounds had been created by Infernal magic, so it was with the blood of the Infernal line that they were healed. His blood which was so dark a crimson it was near black ran down her wounds, and her flesh seemed to "absorb" it into itself causing every gash, every burn to close over.
 
As she healed he lowered his hand and looked to the seal.
 
"How tempting a prospect this little stone is."
 
Cahira de`Ingis: Go to him. Push Stativare away and go to Antonio; that was what the magic compelled her to do and were she a weaker woman, or not as well versed in magic as she was, it would have worked. But she knew it was the magic and not her own desires that pushed her to pull away from Static and her will was such that she defied it even in the face of the pain.

She got only minimal warning before Static dug his claws deeper into her flesh. Fresh blood ran from her bottom lip as she bit into the flesh to keep herself silent, refusing to cry out in pain as Static reached in and took hold of the Seal that had reduced her to little more than Antonio’s toy. Flames erupted around his entire palm and she could smell her own skin burning, could hear it sizzling beneath his touch, but her blue gray eyes remained fixed on Static, using the sight of him to anchor her.

Just when she thought she could bear no more his hand jerked from her and she could feel more so than hear the “rip” it caused, not from her flesh, but from her spirit. Within his hand was the bloodied seal, the magical cancer that had spread its disease through her body, and her lips curled in revulsion. She heard the threat he made towards Antonio, knew her nephew would hear it, and knew a sort of morbid satisfaction at the fate he would endure.

Her grip on Stativare kept her on her feet as she glanced down to survey the damage done to her chest. She need not worry about healing herself, though, as his hand was reappearing, this time to administer his blood to the wounds thus causing them to heal almost instantly. It was his reference to the Seal, however, that captured her attention.

“You know I will not try to stop you if you wish to use it on me but you also know I will keep my word to you and it is not necessary to obtain my loyalty.”

Stativare de`Ingis: The idea wasn't brought to his mind because he doubted her. It just appealed to the darker nature of his persona that she could be made to engage and endure in things that she tried so hard to resist. But to use a magical item to achieve it would be a sign of weakness. He needed no artifact or great magic to possess her. She was his through bargain and she would remain his because he alone had the power to make it so. Not a seal, and not an incantation.
 
His eyes glanced to her as his fingers curled into a fist. The seal that had seemed to wield so much power over her and her kind looked as though it were made of flimsy material as it literally bent, contorted, and finally crushed in his hand. The gem that had been in the center of it shattered and rained down upon the floor while smaller fragments of it collapsed to the ground. Once they struck the floor, blood red flame erupted all around them and consumed every last piece until not even ash remained.
 
Lowering his hand he dusted it off on the side of his pant leg before eyeing where her wounds had been. The skin was smooth once more without even a trace of scarring. He knew this because the fingers of his right hand raised and the trips traced over the exposed flesh of her breasts.
 
"I trust in your words, Cahira. I need no rock or trinket to keep you...I will leave that to lesser men. But though I have no doubt in your loyalty, I do demand that you reveal that loyalty to the world and the Gods themselves..here and now. And do not worry..the magic I used to take his from you has left a window in his mind. For the next few hours..he will see all you see, and feel all that you feel. I trust you won't mind."
 
The way he smiled to her was all too telling of how angered he hoped these next few moments would make Antonio. Soon that anger would be replaced by fear, fear of what was coming for him.

Post originally by Character_Stativare de Ingis

It was astounding how much could happen in a single evening. In the Pit there was no concept of time, merely an endless cycle of damnation and torment. Nothing ever changed there. Within the living world though everything was always in a state of transition. Some things changed slower than others but what Stativare noticed during his many ascensions was that the most drastic changes often happened the fastest. And what had happened in the span of a single night was quite drastic indeed. Not only was he imposing his will upon the Desiderio family once more, but he also gained a most valuable possession...

Cahira.

It had begun as a simple summons. As rare as it might be for a person to summon him specifically it was not unheard of. More often than not he sent another, lesser demon in his place. But the power behind that particular summoning felt incredibly familiar. So familiar in fact that he decided to answer the call. It was most surprising to see the one who had summoned him was not only a woman from his past, but a woman who seemed to have enough power to not need his assistance. Apparently though she wasn't without vulnerability, and it was her request that he assist in removing that particular flaw.

Normally the bargain would be that he provided the requested service and in turn would claim something of equal or greater value. Souls were meaningless to him, only his elder kin dealt in them. Servitude was the most common debt to be paid to him, and that is what he had initially planned upon agreeing to help the djinn. But then something happened. Something that had happened only once before in the past , and as fate would have it it had occurred with the same woman who stood before him. He connected with her.

Like an animal his way of establishing dominance and ownership was to claim the flesh and make it his own. He'd done so many times in the past with countless other females, but somehow she was able to surpress the demon in him as well as the archangel. She brought the human out in him, and for the first time in decades he felt a true connection with another person. It was a sensation so rare that he didn't recognize it at first, and by the time he did it no longer mattered how or why. The first time that she'd done the same thing in the past he thought it was merely due to magical influence on her part -- something unnatural and forced upon him. But that second time she had already agreed to serve him before they were intimate, her magical abilities wouldn't be able to influence him without him being aware of it. So he knew that it was indeed natural. That it wasn't magic, it was the woman herself.

One instance was a fluke. Twice was providence. As guarded and distrustful a male as he may be he was not so stubborn as to be ignorant. He knew when fate was revealing herself, and this time he did not close his eyes to her. No other being had ever been able to silence the eternal chaos in him. When he was with her the noise stopped and there was a clarity he'd never known. Such a woman was not meant to serve him, she was meant to walk with him. Hers was a power he did not fully understand but he knew how rare and necessary it was. Thus it was decided -- she would indeed belong to him, but she would also stand beside him. Najia had been his first because she was quite literally that, the first new-blood that he had claimed. But after the evening spent in Cahira's company he couldn't have her as merely a concubine, she had proven herself more than worthy of usurping Najia and taking her rightful place beside him.

It was for that reason he returned to Narion with Cahira, bringing her to the massive atrium of his estate which much more closely resembled a fort than any known home design. And as she stood within the center of the large hall he moved to the large fireplace settled in the wall and eased his face in the flames. Every chamber in his home possessed a hearth, and from each of them the flames burning within would shift to form the general outline of his face. Never one to waste time and having no patience for suspense or stalling he spoke briefly.

"All of you are to come to the atrium, now. I have taken another into my possession and you will all become familiar with her as well as the new arrangement."

The flames returned to their normal sway and crackle after his features vanished. When he withdrew his face from the hearth he turned his attention towards Cahira.

"You are aware how this must be done. To have control you must take control. Establish yourself and they will accept you."

However, acceptance and approval did not always go hand in hand.

In the shower when she'd gotten home scrubbing the hell out of herself after helping with the removal of holiday decorations, she was never a huge fan of fluff and fanfare but it boosted revenue in the Corner and made the workers happy. She never said much at that point, hadn't really as she was as always in thought and had just sat down when words ebbed from the fireplace.

Her eyebrow lofted at the demon prince's words and her lips coiled a little bit already not pleased but not for herself. Her concern was for her Mistress. Najia didn't like competition, she didn't like her older sister for that reason. This wasn't going to go well in the slighest at least that was her first perception. But still not one to ignore a direct summon she kept on her whispery silver robes that shifted whenever she walked. Her collar snapped on her throat as per always even if it wasn't locked anymore.

She slid her silver tied on bracelets that were much like her collar and little silver shoules before leaving her long pink hair in damp curls hanging down her back and spine. Her little tail coiled down her thigh. What's more Andras had also seemed to have gotten the summons he actually put more effort in his apperance and dressed up putting on a suit. Perhaps he felt a little privledged to have recieved a summon as well. She rolled her eyes some but set her hand on his suit sleave making him escort her.

Arriving in the atrium she tilted her head her eyes a swirling bundle of disbelief. Aunt Cahira here? Why the hell would she be when she never left her home. It was a confusion that showed from the pink imp and she shifted nervously really not sure what to expect at that point. She was torn between wanting to run over and hug an Aunt she'd only been told about but had never been allowed to meet and almost growling off about simularities between a few things.

However, like she did a lot of the time, her lips clamped down and she turned her attention to her toes. They were so cute in slippers after all, oi. Mistress , she hoped to high hell was at least in a good mood for this. The last thing she wanted was more upset and anger from her, although it might mean she might be wanted more. Maybe that would be a good thing, who knew.

Post originally by Character_Sadira de Ingis

Their evening together had been magical, in more ways than one. Not only had Stativare freed her from the disgusting hold her disowned nephew had on her but they had spent the evening together locked in an embrace the likes of which she had not experienced since their first meeting decades before. He had demanded she belong to him in return for freeing her from Antonio and she had agreed, preferring to enter into willing servitude to a man she respected rather than be forced to endure under the thumb of a man she now despised.

Only she would not be his concubine as she had originally expected but rather she would stand at his side as his equal; his consort rather than his concubine. He had other women, one of which was her niece, the other of which was the child of one of Morlis’ former wives and part of their demonic line. Neither would take it very well though she suspected the young one, his “First”, Najia, would take it the hardest. Najia was young and from everything she knew of the girl quite self centered demanding. She also cared quite deeply for Stativare based on what he had told her. She would attempt to be understanding of her plight but she would not tolerate the younger woman acting out against her. Stativare chose her and they would all have to accept it.

Sarine on the other hand was an entirely different kettle of fish. Their issues had nothing to do with Stativare. The girl had willfully entered into a relationship with her own brother, something all knew Cahira did not approve of, and as a result she was rather estranged from her niece. This new dynamic and the sharing of the same man would no doubt complicate things but it was what it was. She wanted to be at Stativare’s side and more importantly, he wanted her there.

Returning to Aleris he took her directly to Narion, the fortress like estate he had established in the Winter Lands of Elysia that bordered on the Soul’s Ferry Cemetary. Noticing the location she couldn’t help smiling a bit but her attention was focused on the manor itself and the people she would soon be encountering. While she waited in the grand foyer she watched silently as Stativare went to the hearth and submerged his face within the flames, his words of summons easily heard by her.

His attention returned to her she smiled at his words, understanding he was trying to prepare her for quite the upheaval and cautioning her to essentially show no fear. When he again stood before her she rose up on her toes to more easily allow her to draw him down, a lingering kiss pressed to his lips.

”Don’t worry love, I’ll be fine.”

Lowering back to her feet he escorted her to the Atrium where they awaited the arrival of the house’s denizens. Surprisingly the first to arrive was Salome. Though she had never met her younger nephew or the twin girls she knew who she was, recognizing her from the images she’d seen from Morlis’ mind and she could sense the familial bond. Salome, the twin Morlis had taken as his lover. That knowledge alone caused her blue-gray eyes to harden when they came to rest upon the younger woman and she made no move to speak with her or greet her individually.

The others would be arriving soon and she turned her attention towards stealing herself for the inevitable confrontation between her and the displaced former “First Lady” of the household and her estranged niece. They might not like it but they would accept it.

Work had kept her busy for the last few weeks, her time with Stativare limited at best though she was well aware he had other avenues with which to amuse himself. She cared about Stativare but their relationship was more that of good friends who happened to fuck, and of course he owned her, but their arrangement was such that it benefitted them both and she was content for the time being with the exception of having to share space with Najia. Since Hale had taken up a position at the Chronicle the majority of her time was spent with him until she was summoned by the Demonic Prince that ruled them all and then she went willingly.

The latest issue of the Chronicle was finally on the stands so she had some free time which she, of course, was spending with Hale in his chambers. Ever since the evening that Stativare had walked in on them in her own quarters she had always gone to Hale’s, not wishing to encourage such a confrontation again. Luckily they were not engaged in anything more than conversation when Stativare’s face appeared in the hearth’s flames and though she expected it to be a summons for her it was actually a summons for them all. His face vanished and glancing to Hale with brows raised in bemusement she rose to her feet to begin preparing.

”So he’s taken another…this ought to be good.”

A slight grin touched upon her lips as she moved to the chair where her clothing of earlier had been discarded. She correctly interpreted his words to mean he had taken another woman as he had taken her and Najia and she was eagerly anticipating Najia’s reaction to the news. Though there was a touch of rivalry already brimming within her, she was a demoness after all and it was only natural, there was a distinct lack of jealousy. She knew her place in Stativare’s household was secure, she was his Caira, a conduit, a source of power and energy for him and thus far their arrangement had worked quite well. Besides, she had Hale. She shared Stativare with the others but she had Hale all to herself and that kept her quite content.

Once dressed in the cast off burgundy wrap skirt that clung to her hips before falling to just below her knees and the cream colored silk blouse left unbuttoned enough to show a generous amount of cleavage she’d worn to Hale’s room she slid into her burgundy heels before facing the mirror to smooth her wavy mahogany locks into a sleek chignon at the nape of her neck. Once satisfied with her appearance she turned to find Hale dressed and ready to go. Taking his offered arm he escorted her from his chambers and out of the northern wing where the lesser concubines were housed downstairs to the Atrium.

She’d been expecting another woman, true, but the woman she found standing at Stativare’s side rid her of some of the humor she’d found in the situation. Instant recognition bloomed in her amber gaze and as her eyes narrowed slightly the smile she’d worn twisted into a smirk. Salome had arrived before her and she moved to stand at her sister’s side, easily noting the younger woman’s desire to approach their Aunt she shook her head slightly, her voice low as she spoke though she knew quite easily that both Stativare and Cahira could hear her and frankly, didn’t care..

”Don’t bother wasting your time with her, Lo. She knows you were Father’s lover and she’ll never accept you because of it just like she turned on me because of Nio.”

Glancing towards Cahira she smiled sweetly, the gesture obviously artificial as she had often felt betrayed by her Aunt who had essentially disowned her for her relationship with Antonio. Her anger was born of hurt and a sense of betrayal but she kept that all behind the aloof mask she had cultivated carefully over the years. Unlike the rest of her family she would not act on impulse or behave like a harridan, ruled by her emotions.

Her arm still threaded through Hale’s she leaned against him slightly, her gaze sweeping the room until they came to rest on Stativare. Offering him a slight smile she finally spoke, breaking the pervasive silence.

”I can only assume the lack of screaming means the brat hasn’t come down yet. I do hope she hurries.”

Things with Salome had been resolved for the moment though no doubt issues would rise again given the jealous and impetuous nature of the half imp. For now though things were calm between them and Salome had spent the day at the Corner doing…whatever it was she did there. Static had gone out and hadn’t bothered to tell her which was enough to chap her ass so left to her own devices she turned to her dolly, Carese, for entertainment and sustenance.

She was still amusing herself with Carese when she felt it, Static’s return to Narion, just as she always felt it. She’d had enough of his blood that she could sense his presence if he was anywhere near her. Raising her head from Carese’s neck, her lips stained in the other woman’s blood, she was about to slip from the bed when Static’s face appeared in the fire. Assuming he was appearing only to her she smiled, ready to hop out of the bed and leave Carese behind to go running to him, until she heard him speak.

”I have taken another into my possession…”

Those words alone were like knives stabbing into her, trepidation mingled with jealous anger already threatening to overwhelm the unstable girl. Her unique combination of races made her quite volatile and she at times could not control the more feral nature that overcame her. Looking to Carese she could see the concerned look in the eyes of her concubine and tried to steady herself though she only just barely managed to keep her fangs from dropping.

Maybe it was a man, maybe it was just another servant, those were the things she told herself as she scrambled from the bed and began dressing, a sharp command getting Carese into gear to do the same. He had summoned them all and they would all do as he commanded. Within moments she was dressed, black leather pants clinging to her legs to end in black boots with stiletto heels that made her several inches taller, an amethyst hued cropped top completing the hastily thrown together outfit, her black ringlets left to fall about her shoulders to where they ended at her shoulder blades.

Knowing there would be hell to pay if she dallied Carese was dressed and ready to go when Najia finally emerged, her heightened emotion reflected in her glittering amethyst eyes and the way the tips of her fangs had extended just enough to be noticeable. Exiting her bedchamber with Carese following nervously behind her she made her way downstairs in record time, the click of her heels on the marble floor as she crossed the foyer creating a staccato beat that would easily herald her arrival and hint to her agitation.

Entering the Atrium she didn’t stop until she spotted Static and the woman standing at his side, a woman she recognized instantly as Cahira, Morlis’ sister. Eyes narrowed instantly on the other woman, her hackles raising as she spotted Sarine, Salome, and Hale, Sarine’s amusement and Salome’s concern doing nothing to reassure her. Falling back on her usual “fuck you” attitude she returned her gaze to Static and Cahira, her left hand rising to rest on her hip as she locked her gaze on Static, ignoring everyone else.

”We’re all here...the question is why the fuck is she?”

Post originally by Character_Stativare de Ingis

He was an unreadable, composed person whenever in a social setting. Though his eyes were forever stern and unwavering his expression had always been a contained and stoic one. Cahira informed him that she would be alright, and then they began to arrive. Each of his possessions and their own pets. He had quite a few things to say but he waited for every one of them to arrive. The information he had to give was something that they all had to be aware of and to speak prematurely would deprive the last to arrive of need to know information.

Najia was the last to arrive. The sudden hand to hip posture she took on followed by the question she asked were to be the herald of what he had to say. He had been pacing since Cahira paused in the atrium, staring so intently at the floor before him that someone might think he paid no attention to the room. But after Najia spoke her question he paused and let his own voice be heard. He didn't look to any of them however. It was a silent way of stating their opinions didn't matter, what he had to say was the way things would be. If they didn't agree and adapt than that would be handled in time.

"For those of you who do not know her, her name is Cahira. Her connection to any in my house can be explained at her or their discretion. As far as I am concerned she is now a possession of mine. However, she will not be a concubine. She will be the new reigning first of this domicile...."

His eyes turned towards the assembled group finally, but they locked upon Najia first.

"..I understand this might be bitter and questionable to some of you. What you will understand is that she is more powerful than you. The one who stands beside me will face all consequences as directly as I do. They must be capable enough to endure as well as powerful enough to offer a potent offense. Her power is greater, that is the truth. If she wished it she could kill every last one of you. To have her as a third..or even a second would be foolish. You are to accept this. Any who cannot are free to say so now, and you are free to endure the remainder of your agreement in the service of my grandfather. But I promise..you will not find as reasonable an arrangement with him."

At the end of his words he finally panned his eyes along all of those who assembled before him. He took in their physical reactions first, well aware that Najia would no doubt have the most difficulty in accepting the new way of things. Waiting a few seconds, even if any of them went to speak he immediately spoke to cut them off. He was not yet done.

"You all have your use. I will not speak them individually..if you're unaware of your particular talents than you lack the confidence and drive I require. Each of you provides a necessary piece to this group. Make no mistake, we are not a family. I am not a father. I am not a guide. I will protect you unto my death..but I need not be tender with you. Each of you has come for your own reason. A choice made by each of you. And I have chosen you because you are of use to me. You could be great left to yourself..but you will be greater if you all proceed in the same direction. Your petty issues, your self-sustained grudges, I leave them to you..but in the end you all serve me. And in my absence, you shall obey Cahira who shall act as my voice when I cannot speak. Accept that or depart..I will not make the offer again."

The Infernal was never one to bluff. If several left he knew he could find another to take their place. The connection might not be as strong but that was a necessary risk. When one intended to meet the helm of Hell directly there was no time for emotion, no time for personal attachment. When dealing with the individual..yes, he had connections. But in regard to the force as a whole, he would sacrifice all he had to. They at least deserved the opportunity to decide for themselves which is what he was giving them.

So, let them decide. They had earned that. After he knew who chose to stay..he would reveal the end of his decision.

Cahira was powerful. Very powerful. She understood that better than anyone in there, perhaps even Stativare to some extent. She’d known the older woman her whole life, after all. She was also beautiful, graceful, and many other things that would attract any man, including Stativare. So it was no surprise to her when Stativare began speaking once Najia arrived only to announce he had taken Cahira as his first. Not a concubine, but his equal, his voice in his absence.

It was obvious he expected there to be dissent among the ranks, as it were, in reaction to his announcement but it wouldn’t be coming from her. Everyone standing there knew exactly who would have the most trouble with this development and it was the little brat standing only ten feet away from her. As for her own reaction to the news it didn’t affect her as she knew it would Najia. Her relationship with Stativare was not a love match. Oh there was caring there, perhaps even a form of love, but more the type of love between friends rather than romantic interests and there was definitely a strong sexual relationship of course. The relationship benefitted them both, not to mention she had been marked by Hell for apprehension for the murder of her mother so if she left Stativare’s service she would be remanded instantly to Hell and the keeping of Lucifer and Damian. No thanks.

So it was that she showed very little outward reaction to Stativare’s news other than the hint of a smirk playing about her lips; her features schooled into the typical indifferent mask she wore when around anyone other Hale. And so it was when Stativare looked in her direction after issuing his ultimatum that she offered him little more than a negligent shrug in response.

”It makes no difference to me General. Cahira and I are big girls. I’m quite certain we can handle any differences we might have between us.”

As the final words slid from her lips her amber gaze shifted from Stativare to Cahira, locking eyes with the woman she had counted as surrogate mother, than older sister and dear friend until their personal opinions on what was, and was not, appropriate came between them. Cahira had not approved of her relationship with Antonio and it had resulted in the two women becoming far more estranged than Sarine would have, or could have, imagined. She was not without anger, hurt, or resentment where Cahira was concerned but as she had said to Stativare, that was between them and Cahira’s presence in the household or at Stativare’s side had nothing to do with it.

Though..it would be strange sharing a man with her Aunt.

Having given her decision and announced she would be staying in spite of Cahira’s presence her attention then shifted to Najia, whom Stativare had been watching intently throughout his speech, and in spite of her usual reserved nature she couldn’t stop the small snicker that escaped her lips.

Oh this was going to be too much fun to watch.

Blood pounded in her ears, nearly drowning out everything else around her. Her vision blurred and though she could not see it her pupil’s took on a more serpentine vertical slant. And as Stativare announced that Cahira would be his new First her fangs dropped to a length that went beyond feeding or even sexual desire and went straight to battle length. Yet she said nothing. She didn’t interrupt as Stativare explained Cahira’s new place in their household nor why he made the decision that he had. She knew his eyes were on her, had felt the weight of his gaze the moment he had looked her way, but she couldn’t meet his eyes. Not because she wasn’t strong enough but because she no longer truly ~saw~ what was before her.

She was different, unique; her dual heritage an unusual blend not often seen in Hell and perhaps that was for good reason. She’d never been able to control the hunger neither for blood nor for sex and she was a creature of impulse, first and foremost and had been known to frenzy in the past. It was one of the many reasons she had two concubines herself, they were there to keep her fed and her baser, more violent, impulses under control. Or as under control as possible…it wasn’t always controllable given the situation and this situation was definitely straining the tenuous grip she had on herself.

Sarine spoke, assuring Stativare she was fine with the situation. Kiss ass. And still she said nothing…at least until she heard Sarine snicker. Then her gaze slowly shifted to light upon the Caira, her lips curled back in a slight snarl.

”Shut your mouth, you bitch.”

In a way it was easier to look at Sarine and focus her anger there. She almost didn’t want to look back at Static because then she would be forced to see him standing there with Cahira, the woman he had just displaced her for. And he had done it in front of everyone, humiliating her in front of her bitterest rival and her concubines. And to top it off…he had said they could leave if they did not wish to endure Cahira as their ruling Lady. He could cast her off that easily. She was not there because she had to be, as Sarine was. Static had come to her and she’d entered his service willingly. She had no debt to Hell to be paid; she had simply wanted to be with Static and had served him with a mindless loyalty that bordered on obsession since then. And now this.

Hurt bloomed beneath the anger and the two emotions mingled until she was forced to clench her hands into fists in order to maintain any semblance of composure. Though the scent of blood would give it away to the others she herself was completely unaware that she had clenched her hands so tightly that the nails had gored her flesh and she was now bleeding from each palm. She wanted to get the fuck out of the Atrium, wanted to kill Cahira, wanted to attack Static until he felt as much pain as she did, wanted to slap the smirk off Sarine’s lips, wanted to cry, to scream…To Kill.

But she did none of those things. He had demanded an answer. Would she stay or would she leave him and the de Ingis. The temptation to turn and walk out right then and there was strong…so strong that she actually took a single step before stopping herself. Lifting her chin she finally returned her gaze to Static and finally spoke, though it wasn’t to state her decision on whether or not she would be remaining. She was still there, wasn’t she? She did wish to retreat to her chambers, though. Of course, she had no idea he wasn’t done.

”Are we done here?”