Hercus turned to Sani and Eris.
The fairies were still covered in dried monster blood, trembling from the night air.
"Get inside," he ordered, motioning toward the house behind them.
The building was barely standing, its wooden beams lookked rotting, stone walls cracked and ready to collapse.
The roof had holes large enough to let the moonlight seep in. It wasn't much, but it was home.
Sani hesitated, her violet eyes darted to the red-haired woman standing near Hercus.
"B-But Master, who is she? Why is she here—?"
"Inside." His voice left no other choice.
Eris swallowed hard and grabbed Sani's wrist. "W-We have to listen, Sani… The pact won't let us refuse him."
Sani shivered. "But…"
Eris pulled her toward the house, glancing at Hercus one last time before stepping inside.
The door creaked as it shut behind them, leaving Hercus alone with the woman who had been waiting for him.
"Lola…"
The traitorous snake who had once whispered sweet nothings into his ear—only to turn around and help his brother banish him.
But now she was before him again.
She smiled. "You're looking well, Hercus. Stronger than before."
He didn't respond, simply watched her with a blank face.
Lola took a step closer, her black-and-gold robes hugged her curves as she tilted her head.
"I see you've gathered a few… pets." She smirked. "Fairies, was it? Interesting choice."
Hercus ignored her words and turned, walking toward the dense trees beyond the house. "Follow me."
Lola raised an eyebrow but obeyed, trailing behind him like a little puppy.
They walked in silence, deeper into the thick forest.
The aura around them felt stronger and there was a scent of damp earth and water.
The sound of splashes came through the trees.
They arrived at the pond.
It was a dark, still body of water, unnaturally quiet except for the occasional ripple.
A place that had once been a peaceful spring, now looked corrupted.
Hercus knew what lurked beneath.
The Blood Piranhas.
Small but deadly creatures that thrived on flesh.
Their teeth could tear through a body in seconds, and they craved the taste of blood.
Lola glanced at the water and smirked.
"Oh? I remember this place…" She turned to him, stepping closer, her body nearly pressed against his.
"Brings back memories, doesn't it?"
Hercus finally spoke. "You helped them banish me."
Lola sighed dramatically, rolling her golden eyes.
"Oh, that? Hercus, darling, don't be so sensitive." Her fingers brushed against his chest. "It was just politics. You know how the game is played."
Hercus caught her wrist mid-touch, gripping it firmly. "You betrayed me."
Lola smirked again. "And yet, here I am."
He didn't release her.
Instead, he pulled her closer, his fingers grazee up her arm until he reached her shoulders.
He felt her shudder under his touch—whether from anticipation or fear, he didn't care.
"You want something," he stated.
Lola chuckled. "You've always been sharp."
Hercus lifted her arms slowly, raising them above her head, his fingers trailed over her exposed skin.
Her breath hitched.
She looked into his dark eyes, her lips curled in amusement. "Flirting with me now, are we? My, my, Hercus, have you finally forgiven me?"
He leaned in, his lips were just inches from hers. "If you want my forgiveness…" He smirked. "You'll have to please me in return."
Lola's breath caught, "Oh?"
Hercus released her wrist and stepped back slightly. "If you truly want to make up for what you did, prove it."
Lola laughed softly, shaking her head. "You really are cruel."
"You haven't seen cruel yet."
Her smirk widened. "Alright then."
She reached for the clasp of her robe, but Hercus caught her hand again.
"Not here," he said, his eyes nodding toward the pond.
Lola followed him, and for the first time, her smirk vanished like a cloud. "You wouldn't."
Hercus only smiled.
She narrowed her eyes. "I am a noblewoman, Hercus."
"You're a traitor."
Lola's body tensed. For a brief moment, she looked like she might argue. But then, she let out a slow sigh.
"Fine," she whispered.
Hercus gestured toward the water. "Step in."
Lola's heart pounded, but she obeyed.
She removed her boots first, then slowly lifted the hem of her robes, stepping into the cold, dark water.
The moment her feet touched the surface, ripples spread through the pond. The creatures below stirred.
Hercus watched as the fabric of her robe soaked through, clinging to her body.
"Now, strip."
Lola bit her lip but didn't hesitate.
She untied her robe and let it slip from her shoulders, the fabric floated away in the water, leaving her bare under the moonlight.
"Turn around," Hercus ordered.
Lola listened, and let her back face him.
Her round butt was facing him and shining from the moonlight.
[+1,200 Evil Points]
[Lola has been humiliated!]
The system's notification flashed before Hercus' eyes, but he wasn't done yet.
The water around Lola darkened as small shadows swam beneath her.
The Blood Piranhas had awoken.
Hercus grinned. "Now, cover yourself in their blood."
Lola's eyes widened slightly, but she kept her expression composed. "You do enjoy seeing me suffer, don't you?"
"I enjoy getting stronger."
She laughed softly and reached down into the water. The moment she did, the piranhas struck.
"Ah!" A sharp bite landed on her wrist, making her gasp.
She immediately ran out of the water, straight into Hercu's embrace.
"Show me how sorry you are," Hercus looked down at her exposed breast that looked three sizes bigger than an average woman's from his old university.
It was like two moons, kissing each other and with two astronauts, proving they've landed.
Hercus gently places his fingers on her nipples, "how much do you want me to forgive you?" He whispered into her ear.
"Ah!" Lola bit her lip when he pinched the tip.
"No gasping or I will cut your throat here, just answer my damn question."
"A lot…" She mumbled.
Hercus smiled, and gently helped her back reach the ground.
He brushed his hands through her whole body, from her belly…to her breast, neck and finally to her hands.
Stretching them up, and keeping them just above the pond like bait for the monsters.
"Do you know what I'm going to do with you now?"