Chapter 5: Pride
The moment the warm glow of light enveloped me and my vision gradually sharpened, I was greeted by a cascade of intoxicating sensations: the sultry warmth of the air, a heady blend of floral perfumes, and the vibrant hum of animated voices. I had returned to our grand hall—a magnificent space awash in golden candlelight, where the flickering flames danced along the walls, casting playful shadows. Velvet pillows, luxurious and inviting, lay scattered around, while silk-draped columns towered majestically, their rich fabric flowing like water.
The atmosphere shimmered with an almost palpable magic, alive with energy. My sisters, radiant and enchanting, glided towards me from every direction, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and approval as if they were stars drawn to the latest comet.
I remained kneeling on the lush carpet, my new tail curling around my thigh like a contented cat nestling in the sun. My heart raced—not from fear, but with the exhilarating thrill of the moment. The remnants of power and pleasure still coursed through my skin, creating a delicious buzz that tingled at my fingertips. I felt profoundly... complete. Electrified. As if I had partaken in something forbidden and transformative, firmly binding me to this enchanted realm.
In an exhilarating rush, they enveloped me with teasing laughter and graceful movements. Their hands caressed my shoulders, arms, hair, and the delicate strands of my tail—each touch a gentle affirmation, both welcoming and playful.
“Tell us everything! How did it go?” Jasmine exclaimed, her eyes alight with eager anticipation as she sank beside me, her grin as radiant as the golden light surrounding us.
“Oh, do tell,” purred Melody, her voice smooth as silk as she nestled behind me, wrapping her slender arms around my waist in a warm embrace. “You’re absolutely glowing.”
A gentle chuckle escaped my lips, breathless and dazed, as I tried to find my footing in this reality where I felt so unmoored yet so exhilarated. My gaze drifted from sister to sister, each of them shimmering with an aura of excitement and pride—not a hint of jealousy or coldness. Their delight was palpable, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket, and I felt as though I had been welcomed into a radiant tapestry of love and connection. No longer was I the wide-eyed newcomer, stumbling through the enchanting realm of beauty and magic; I had found my place among them.
“Well,” I began, savoring the moment as I slowly licked my lips, the lingering taste of mortal desire still teasing my senses, “I was summoned into this shadowy little basement. Picture it: lots of flickering candles casting dancing shadows, very ‘dark wizard chic.’” My words ignited a cascade of giggles that filled the room with warmth.
I leaned into the memory, my smile widening, “He was cloaked in heavy, flowing fabrics, attempting to project an air of command. But it was clear he was out of his depth; his voice trembled as he tried to impose his authority. Poor thing didn’t know what to do with me.”
“I bet you showed him!” Jasmine laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.“Oh, do tell,” purred Melody, her voice smooth as silk as she nestled behind me, wrapping her slender arms around my waist in a warm embrace. “You’re absolutely glowing.”
A gentle chuckle escaped my lips, breathless and dazed, as I tried to find my footing in this reality where I felt so unmoored yet so exhilarated. My gaze drifted from sister to sister, each of them shimmering with an aura of excitement and pride—not a hint of jealousy or coldness. Their delight was palpable, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket, and I felt as though I had been welcomed into a radiant tapestry of love and connection. No longer was I the wide-eyed newcomer, stumbling through the enchanting realm of beauty and magic; I had found my place among them.
“Well,” I began, savoring the moment as I slowly licked my lips, the lingering taste of mortal desire still teasing my senses, “I was summoned into this shadowy little basement. Picture it: lots of flickering candles casting dancing shadows, very ‘dark wizard chic.’” My words ignited a cascade of giggles that filled the room with warmth.
I leaned into the memory, my smile widening, “He was cloaked in heavy, flowing fabrics, attempting to project an air of command. But it was clear he was out of his depth; his voice trembled as he tried to impose his authority. Poor thing didn’t know what to do with me.”
“I bet you showed him!” Jasmine laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Oh, I certainly did,” I said, savoring each word as they slipped from my lips like silk gliding between fingers. “I teased him just enough to get his blood racing—and his magic surging. He invited me to join him at a summoner’s soirée. So naturally, I requested something fitting to wear.”
“Let me guess,” Melody chimed in, her fingers brushing my hair over one shoulder with an intimate grace. “Lace and a hint of scandal?”
“Precisely. A striking red halter top, so sheer it barely registered as fabric—my breasts practically staging a rebellion, precariously close to freedom.” Laughter erupted around us, a chorus of playful mischief. “And the skirt? Well, it was a flirtation with indecency, only offering modesty if I stood as still as a statue.”
A few of them replied with exaggerated moans of approval, and someone cheekily remarked, “Perfect for leaving a lasting impression.”
“But here’s where the tale turns delightfully wicked,” I added, a smirk dancing across my lips. “While I played the role of the dutiful companion, another summoner seized me from behind. Bold, brazen, and utterly ravenous.”
Gasps and giggles rippled through the group, excitement mingling in the air.
“And oh, I didn’t resist,” I continued, a thrill humming through my veins. “Why should I stop at one? I ensnared two of them, weaving a sensual dance that left them breathless. I stole their strength, their thoughts, leaving them dizzy in my wake. By the time the night drew to a close, they were utterly spent, collapsing like marionettes with their strings cut—boneless, wholly mine.”
The room erupted in a chorus of joyous cheers, a vibrant wave of excitement filling the air.
“Oh, she’s a natural!” someone exclaimed, their voice rising above the laughter.
“She’s radiating like a soul lamp, pure and luminous,” another added, marveling at my presence.
“I knew she’d be trouble,” Melody whispered conspiratorially in my ear, her tone laced with mock foreboding.
With a playful tilt of my head, I leaned forward just a touch, my sleek, whip-like tail arcing elegantly behind me, a sly grin playing on my lips. “And guess what else? I returned with a little surprise.”
Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd, eyes wide with curiosity, as eager hands reached out to admire the graceful movement of my tail, now flicking confidently with each playful sway.
“My first tether awakened it, sending ripples of energy through the air. The second one merely ignited the final spark, a brilliant flash of potential.”
A hushed reverence fell over the gathered crowd, a palpable silence that seemed to thrum with anticipation.
Then, from the depths of the assembly, a voice emerged, bold and vibrant, raising a gleaming goblet crafted from pure magic. It shimmered like starlight, catching the flickering candle flames, and the voice rang out with unwavering pride:
“To Andria! Our radiant sister! Two tethers and a tail on her first summons!”
With that proclamation, the hall erupted into a symphony of applause and laughter, the sound cascading around us like a jubilant wave. I leaned back into the warm embrace of my sisters, their affection enveloping me like a cozy blanket on a chilly night, infusing me with a sense of belonging and strength.
In that moment, I had never felt more powerful—more vividly, authentically myself. This was not a feeling of arrogance. No, this was the essence of pride, a joyful acknowledgment of who I had become.
Gone was the awkward, uncertain man I had once been, replaced by a vibrant essence that breathed with newfound vitality. The heavy cloak of my former identity—the self-doubt that clung to me like a shadow, the discomfort that curled within my skin, the profound longing for a sense of belonging—had evaporated as my soul stepped into this radiant realm. That previous existence felt like a distant, fading dream now, bleached of vibrancy and replaced with the exquisite colors of joy, the intoxicating thrill of pleasure, and the luminous certainty of truth illuminating every corner of my being.
In this sanctuary, I felt more at home with my beautiful new sisters than I had ever imagined possible in the mortal world. Here, there was no judgment, no shaming glances; rather, there was an open embrace that invited everyone to reveal their authentic selves. Every inch of our bodies, every sigh, every curve, every breath—was not only accepted but celebrated, revered, and cherished. Here, there was no need for masks or facades. No forced smiles to mask discomfort, no stiff handshakes punctuated by awkward pauses. Instead, we existed in a realm that thrummed with power, pulsed with pleasure, and resonated with the sweet melody of freedom.
My first return to the mortal realm as Andria—embracing the essence of my true self—was a moment that irrevocably defined my existence. The summoning circle pulsed with a radiant glow beneath my feet, but rather than ensnaring me, it elevated me to new heights.
As I navigated through the throngs of mortals, I was enveloped in a sense of empowerment that I had never known before. No longer did I feel diminutive or invisible; the burdens of doubt fell away like mist in the morning sun. I stood tall, unafraid of the curious gazes that followed me. I no longer stumbled over words or agonized over the need to fit in. Instead, I had transformed into the mesmerizing figure that sparked whispered fantasies in the corners of their dreams.
Their hearts thumped like drums in a resounding symphony, while their pupils expanded, absorbing my presence with an almost primal eagerness. Their bodies responded to my aura with an electric thrill, as if I were the skilled maestro guiding an orchestra—each person an instrument waiting to be caressed and played.
And I? I conducted them like an exquisite symphony, each note resonating in perfect harmony. Gone were the burdens that once tied me down—the insecurities surrounding women, the stilted awkwardness that filled every encounter, the gnawing fear of rejection that had shadowed me like an unwelcome specter. I no longer felt the weight of expectations, no longer compelled to mold myself into what others desired. The shackles of a conservative mindset that had never suited my fiery spirit lay shattered behind me.
The boy who once lingered in the background, second-guessing every instinct and hesitation, was now nothing but a distant memory. In his place, I emerged—complete, fierce, and radiant.
My singular focus now was on indulgence—immersing myself in passion and lust as one might savor a rare vintage of fine wine. It mattered not their source; be they man or woman, mortal or summoner, their identities faded into a mere blur once the connection was forged. Each individual became a vessel of energy, their essence intertwining with mine, enriching my very being as their essence soaked into my skin, igniting a fire within me that demanded to be kindled.
No attachments.
No heartbreaks.
No responsibilities.
Just need—and indulgent satisfaction.
Once, the notion of hell struck terror in my heart, but now it had transformed into a sanctuary of liberation, a realm where pleasure and power danced freely. They could keep their ethereal harps and wispy clouds; I had enveloped myself in silk and moonlight, the intoxicating fragrance of jasmine lingering on sun-kissed skin.
Though I may not have been pristine enough to touch the divine gates of Heaven, I had unearthed something far more precious—my own paradise. It was a haven wrought not from rigid doctrines, but from raw, unvarnished truth, a space that recognized me, embraced me, and celebrated my essence.
As I reclined on a lush bed of velvet and whispered sighs, the melodic laughter of my sisters floated softly around me like a warm breeze, filling the air with joy. I smiled, the corners of my mouth curving upwards, fully aware that life—my life—couldn't be more exquisite.
Melody lay beside me on the soft, sun-warmed grass at the lake’s edge, her iridescent wings folded beneath her like intricate silk curtains, glimmering in the dappled sunlight. Her delicate fingers trailed lazily through the water, sending ripples that danced across the surface. The air around us was imbued with a gentle tranquility, sweetened by the intoxicating scent of blooming jasmine and punctuated by the distant echoes of laughter, like a soft melody in the breeze. We sprawled in our natural state, languid and content, much like lionesses basking in the aftermath of a successful hunt.
“Andria,” she murmured, her voice smooth and melodic yet tinged with a curious spark. “Tell me more about that succubus you encountered before returning. The one who sent you back.”
I shifted onto my side, my head propped upon my arm, and felt my newly formed tail flick lazily in the grass behind me. The memory of her presence unfurled in my mind—the weight of her aura, the icy chill in her piercing gaze—rising to the forefront like dark ink bleeding into clear water.
“Ahh, yes. The dominatrix,” I replied, a wry grin spreading across my face. “How could I possibly forget?”
Melody arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into an enigmatic half-smile. “That good, huh?”
I let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked the warmth I had anticipated. “She seemed to be in charge—more than just confident; she radiated control. Her presence thickened the air around us, as if she wielded authority without a single gesture. It was palpable, like a heavy fog that enveloped the room.”
“Was she powerful?” Melody inquired, her gaze lifting to mine, curiosity etched across her features.
“She embodied power,” I replied, my voice carrying a slight awe. “I hadn’t seen her before the summoners collapsed, but then she emerged with an intensity that was almost otherworldly—wings unfurled, clad in dark leather, an image of absolute judgment. Her long, sinuous horns spiraled upward, and her eyes blazed like molten gold. When those piercing eyes locked onto me—” I paused, a frown creasing my brow, “—it sent a shiver down my spine. There was nothing warm or inviting in her gaze; it was akin to an icy clarity, devoid of envy or rage. It felt as if she had already made her verdict about who I was.”
Melody's expression shifted to one of seriousness. “And what did she conclude?”
“That I didn’t belong,” I murmured, my voice dropping to a whisper, imbued with lingering regret. “Or at least, that I hadn’t belonged once upon a time. But by then, it was too late to alter my fate. With two tethers and a new tail binding me, there was nothing she could say that would change what had already been set in motion.”I let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked the warmth I had anticipated. “She seemed to be in charge—more than just confident; she radiated control. Her presence thickened the air around us, as if she wielded authority without a single gesture. It was palpable, like a heavy fog that enveloped the room.”
“Was she powerful?” Melody inquired, her gaze lifting to mine, curiosity etched across her features.
“She embodied power,” I replied, my voice carrying a slight awe. “I hadn’t seen her before the summoners collapsed, but then she emerged with an intensity that was almost otherworldly—wings unfurled, clad in dark leather, an image of absolute judgment. Her long, sinuous horns spiraled upward, and her eyes blazed like molten gold. When those piercing eyes locked onto me—” I paused, a frown creasing my brow, “—it sent a shiver down my spine. There was nothing warm or inviting in her gaze; it was akin to an icy clarity, devoid of envy or rage. It felt as if she had already made her verdict about who I was.”
Melody's expression shifted to one of seriousness. “And what did she conclude?”
“That I didn’t belong,” I murmured, my voice dropping to a whisper, imbued with lingering regret. “Or at least, that I hadn’t belonged once upon a time. But by then, it was too late to alter my fate. With two tethers and a new tail binding me, there was nothing she could say that would change what had already been set in motion.”
Melody fell into a thoughtful silence, her gaze drifting as if searching for words in the shadows that surrounded us. Finally, she nodded slowly, her expression distant. “In every corner of Hell, there are unspoken hierarchies,” she murmured, her voice low and laced with a hint of reverence. “Even among our kind. Especially among our kind. The older succubi, particularly those lurking within the Torturers' Hall, carry themselves with an air of authority, as if appointed by fate to guard the gates of power. They believe it is their divine right to determine who is worthy of a taste of it.”
A smirk crept onto my lips as her words echoed in my mind, dripping with a dark charm. “She hinted to me that not just anyone receives an invitation to their exclusive soirees,” I replied, recalling the way her voice coiled around me like a silken noose. “I suspect that was her subtle way of extending a warning—a genteel threat cloaked in velvet.”
“Sounds about right,” Melody sighed, her breath escaping like a whisper of smoke. “She was assessing you, ensuring you understood your place in this infernal game.”
I met her gaze and cracked a slow, deliberate grin, a playful challenge lingering in the air. “And I do know my place. It’s wherever I choose to stand.”
Melody’s laughter erupted like a melody carried by the breeze, a musical trill that made the leaves around us shimmer and dance. “That’s the spirit,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief and approval.
I turned my gaze back to the sky—a vast expanse of eternally bright blue, a canvas unmarred by clouds, as if painted by the hand of a master artist. I felt a rush of triumph; I had made a mark that night, and I could sense that someone powerful had taken notice. It mattered little if she favored me or not.
What counted was that she had seen me.
And no one—not even her—could unmake the force of the person I was becoming.
“It sounds like she runs a nest of Earthbound succubi there,” Jasmine said, her voice calm yet steeped in an undercurrent of warning as she approached. “They no longer have allegiance to our realm. It would be wise to avoid any interactions with them in the future.”
Her tone bore the gravitas of experience, tempered with a protective care reminiscent of an older sister's concern. She wasn't scolding us; rather, she was imparting hard-earned wisdom.
Melody and I exchanged glances, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the enchanting sight of Jasmine from that angle. The golden rays of the sun danced upon her bronze skin, still glistening with droplets from the lake, illuminating her figure in a warm, ethereal glow. Her curves, framed against the vast azure sky, seemed as if they had been meticulously sculpted by the hands of deities themselves.
Her long, silken strands of white-blonde hair tumbled gracefully over one shoulder, partially veiling the elegant rise of her delicate horns. The subtle shimmer of lingering enchantment clung to her body like a second skin, enhancing her allure. She exuded a captivating confidence, standing tall with one hand resting on her hip, her magnificent wings half-folded behind her like a luxurious velvet curtain, whispering of the immense power that lay just beneath the surface.
“They’ve lost the connection that binds us to this sacred place,” she continued, her golden eyes narrowing like a fierce predator assessing its surroundings. “To her—the heart of it all. When that bond begins to fade, all that remains is an insatiable hunger. They feed on whatever they can grasp, hoarding power and resources, and will not hesitate to turn against their own kin if it suits their purpose. Unlike the sisters here—genuine sisters—they are ruthless, willing to inflict harm to achieve their desires.”
Her gaze, once sharp and piercing, softened as it slid to me. “You’re new, Andria. Fresh to this world. And within you lies a potent strength, making you…” She paused, weighing her words. “Tempting—a rival in the making. Don’t give them a reason to see you as easy prey.”
I nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling into my mind. “So, I should steer clear of them unless I’m prepared to fight.”
“Exactly,” Jasmine replied, her voice a blend of excitement and caution. She leaned in closer, the vibrant colors of her attire contrasting with the lush green grass beneath us. The sweet, floral scent of her skin enveloped me like a warm breeze. With a graceful flick of her tail, she settled beside us, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief as she tilted her head slightly. “You’ve accomplished more in a single summons than most do through five. That’s bound to attract attention—both the admiring and the envious.”
I propped myself up on one elbow, a smile dancing across my lips as I met their gazes. “Let them watch, then. I refuse to hide,” I declared, my confidence unyielding.
Melody flashed a smirk in response, while Jasmine let out a light, melodic laugh. Her hand reached out, fingers brushing against my tail in a gentle, teasing manner.
“No,” she said, her tone playful yet earnest. “You’re not hiding at all. And that’s precisely why you’re destined for greatness.”