Dark Dominion

32. Edged in Black

The door closed with a smooth and quiet click. Juniper's chest clenched as the sight of Ash disappeared behind solid oak. He reached forward – the urge to fling the door open and chase after his little brother nearly overtook him.

He dropped his hand. He took a step back. His place was here, beside his master.

Jun turned away from the door and found Isaac's eyes. He didn't lower his head. Here – alone with him – there was no need.

Juniper walked towards the prince, his steps measured and purposeful. Their eyes stayed locked, and the boy watched as honeyed amber darkened into smoldering cinders. Heat coiled within him.

Juniper had learned a little of what the prince liked – which actions shook his control and made the boy feel so wanted. So desired. So worthwhile. He could get addicted to that feeling. Maybe he already had.

It was intoxicating. A mere swing of his hips, a bite over his lower lip, or an upwards glance of his eyes was all it took to influence one as powerful as the vampire prince. Power and control – such fluid dynamics, seamlessly passing back and forth between master and slave. But Juniper wasn't so deluded. He knew this was only an illusion. Isaac would ultimately decide when he was done with him, when he desired a new thrall.

But... Ash was here now. Would Prince Isaac move on to another potential after he released Juniper? Or, would he really turn Ash? As far as the boy knew, progeny cannot be anti-venomed. His brother would stay forever, while he would have to leave – sent away from both Isaac and Ash...

Juniper stumbled over his feet as pain pinched his chest. He stopped walking and looked down, staring at the intricate embroidery of his soft slippers.

In that eerie and silent way, Isaac was there, standing before his thrall. Long, elegant fingers tilted his chin up. Juniper avoided those eyes, glancing past neatly styled, dark hair.

"I thought you would be happy. You were."

Master's deep, molasses voice permeated his heart, causing it to ache all the more. He had been happy. Why was everything so fleeting in this palace? Was there anything he could hold tight to, forever?

"...me."

Juniper flinched.

"I said" – Isaac gently moved Juniper's face, forcing their eyes to connect – "look at me."

All the convoluted, insecure thoughts melted away. Juniper had the now, that moment in time, in which he had friends, family, and his prince.

He felt the intensity rolling off Isaac, something he hardly showed outwardly. Only Juniper could feel it – a secret passion burning just for him. Maybe... he could somehow feed that flame and keep it burning eternally. Then... Master wouldn't make him go.

Would it be foolish to hope?

"Are you happy, sweet boy?"

Yes. Yes, he was happy, and he really wanted to stay happy.

"I am." The edges of Juniper's eyes pricked with tears. "I'm happy, Master."

Isaac bent down and claimed his lips. Juniper opened, and without pause, Isaac delved deep. He wrapped an arm around the boy's waist, crushing them together. A fang nicked Juniper's lush lower lip, and he tasted his own blood. Isaac flicked his tongue over the cut and drank down the blood as well as all of Juniper's breaths.

The boy moaned into the kiss, painfully hard now and wishing his master would take a proper bite. But Isaac broke away, leaving Juniper dizzy. The small wound had already healed.