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As Rey hung up the phone, her eyes lifted from the front desk to track the bellman who was still assisting their last guest. She followed them down the lobby to the elevators before turning to Rose. “Is Jannah your relief for this evening?”

Rose nodded as she finished stacking the last of her receipts and placed them neatly in the register’s drawer.
Rey and Rose had the best jobs. They worked the hotel’s front desk at a great hotel in the heart of downtown Corellia. The Theed Royal Palace boasted being the best ranked luxury hotel in the city.
Rey followed Rose’s line of sight and saw what had just captured her friend’s attention. A tall handsome gentleman strode into the lobby and approached the counter. “Reservation for Armitage Hux.”
He was a relatively attractive man, pale, red-haired and quite reserved. It was obvious Rose found him to be suave and mysterious. Rey thought he was polite, formal but rather dispassionate.
Rey greeted him first. “Good evening and welcome to the Theed Royal Palace Hotel.” She scanned the monitor and easily found his accommodations. “And - - here you are.” She smiled then collected his card, swiped then handed it back to him with his new key cards. “One moment and I’ll have a bellman assist you and show you to your suite. It’s number 2187.”
“That won’t be necessary, thank you.” He grumbled, then walked away dragging a simple black carry-on.
Apparently, after the man named Hux checked in, and settled into his room, he called down to the Concierge only moments later. Poe rushed over to inform them. He rarely hesitated to tell them whatever he found to be gossip. Apparently, Hux ordered some very interesting and unusual items to be charged to his room. A long black cape, a Carnivale mask and the rental of a high end limousine service. Poe Dameron gave them that little tidbit, finding it rather strange.

“I’ve handled some of the most bizarre requests ever, but… I don’t know. Kinda gave me the creeps.”
Rose giggled. “Well, I think it’s fascinating…!”

“Yeah, Poe, find out where the limo’s dropping him. This may just turn out to be something really fun.” Intrigued now, Rey eyed them both excitedly.
“Already know… The Cloisters.”
Rey and Rose turned to one another and said simultaneously, “Destination - The Cloisters.”

<<<>>>
No sooner had Jannah clocked in as Rose’s relief, the two made arrangements to secure the proper attire in order to get ready to hobnob with the rich and famous.
“Need a favor… Please don’t close before Rose and I can get to you. We just snagged invitations to a swank affair and we’re really pressed for time.” Rey assumed the little white lie wouldn’t matter much. she figured if they looked like a million bucks no one would even notice they’d crashed the exclusive soiree. Least of all Amilyn Holdo.

“Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Okay then, just give us ten minutes.” She mimes a big okay in Rose’s direction. “See ya soon, Am.”
Rose called down to the garage and spoke with Finn, who was a valet and bellman. She convinced him to take them in one of the hotel’s town cars.
Once they reach the boutique, the two go crazy hunting for the perfect frock. Rose selected a burgundy velvet
tea length dress with a drop waist. She wasted no time trying it on and it was a perfect fit. Rey scoured the shop and finally settled on a black crepe sheath that hit just below knee length with a tasteful flounce of gathered tulle at the hem. It was very simple and yet breathtaking.
“Thanks, again, Amilyn. We owe you one.”
“Good. Cuz I’d sure love a comp’d room one of these days… and soon.”
Rose chimed in, “You got it, Am.” With a wink and a wave, they were out the door.
Finn got them home in no time flat. He plopped down on the sofa, made himself comfortable and waited for them to get dressed.
They blew into Rose’s bedroom. “I’ve got a couple of really nice masks. I bought a bunch when Paige and I went to New Orleans.” She dug out a huge box on the floor of her closet and dragged it across her bedroom floor. They took turns trying on masks from Rose’s modest collection. There were several brightly colored masks with Mardi Gras themes. Rey decided on a black, brown, and bronze sequined number, embellished with marabou and long pheasant feathers. “It’ll be perfect with my dress.”
She pressed the mask to her face, pulled the elastic band over her head, turned to the mirror and fluffed up her hair. “Ooooo - I love it!” Rey made a pouty face and Rose gave her a high five.
“Here’s my favorite.” Rose pulled out a plum colored satin mask piped in gold cord and large pearls. It was on a lorgnette, a long stick with braided silk ribbons and pearls.

Rose lifted it to press up to the bridge of her nose. “Boo!”

They both laughed and giggled, and before long, fell into their familiar rhythm. They had been roommates since college and best friends forever. Many nights spent hanging out, partying and getting ready for this or that, had them perfecting it to a science. Once deciding who’d go first taking turns showering, they got into their flow. Each of them did their hair, applied make-up, and pulled out their favorite strappy stilettos.

Rey chose to wear her black, lace-top thigh high stockings with only a thong.
It was roughly ten thirty when they excitedly hopped in the town car and Finn headed for the Cloisters. They blushed at all his glowing compliments. He cranked up the music as they barrelled down the road.

<<<>>>
The autumn evening was warm but held a subtle crisp breeze. A large creamy moon hung low and the ellipse glowed like butter as it appeared to follow them. The valley was gorgeous at night with its canopy of trees weaving intricate patterns beneath the kissing clouds.
A few miles
from their destination, Finn slammed on his brakes, “What the Hell??”
“Hey!!!” Rey and Rose pressed palms to the tinted glass separating them from the front of the vehicle.
“Some stupid cat just ran out in the road!”
“It wasn’t black, was it…?”
“Actually, it was. Could hardly see the little sucker.”
In an instant, the Cloisters came into view. It looked more like a castle as it rose up over the hillside like a gray specter against the midnight blue sky.

The Cloisters had a most interesting history. It was an old mansion built in 1881 by Han Solo and his famously wealthy heiress wife, Leia Organa Solo. He was a highly successful shipping magnate and they both were importers.
Brick by brick, and piece by piece, Solo had the castle-like mansion transported to the country and restored the European gothic architecture to its original glory. The man spared no expense. Rumor had it that he was slavishly devoted to his wife, Leia, and the project had always been a labor of love.
A rolling estate, castle and manor house sprawled over twenty-four acres of land. Located deep in Corellia Valley near Millennium Falls, nestled between Gundam Springs and Lake Poanga.
It was later donated to the state and the County of Corellia, and The Historic Society was made responsible for its care and upkeep. They host annual events now, but mostly rent it out for parties and weddings.
An eerie mist clung low like a fog and spread along the dips and hollows of the ground cover, like powdered sugar on a cake.
While the town car traveled through the gates and lurched up the winding driveway, Rey and Rose were both plastered to the tinted windows. It was easier to see the white granite and flagstone gables and spires now. The ivy-covered walls which were dotted with harlequin windows of stained glass climbed upwards into the clouds.
Real candles lit each and every window. There must have been hundreds of windows facing them alone.
Rey recalled the few times she’d been in this neck of the woods. Over the years several hotel guests had come here for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs.
The driveway and parking pads were lined with luxury vehicles. Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Ferraris, Jaguars, and Lamborghinis. Rey even spotted an old 1937 Duesenberg that looked to be in mint condition.

Oddly enough, there were no valets to be found anywhere.
They had no idea what to expect when they stepped out of the car. Over the years working at the hotel, Rey and Rose had become consummate party crashers. Each experience had turned into an adventure.

<<<>>>
A large, older distinguished looking gentleman greeted them at the main entry hall. He and another smaller, younger man stood vigil behind an oaken table. “Good evening.”

The older man sported a wild boar’s mask and the other, that of a mouse. They each had name tags adhered to the lapels of their tuxedos with a small leaf cluster. They read Moden and Dopheld.
Rose produced a pen from her clutch and swiped two name tags for her and Rey. The two pinned them on each other.

The larger man signed to the smaller one. Rey and Rose deduced Mitaka was deaf. He also requested their cell phones. Behind the gentlemen, lay a large wicker basket filled with the phones of all the other guests. A cluster of small wooden boxes were piled on the far end of the table to their left with strange symbols embossed on the lids.

“What a receiving line.” Rey turned and started to saunter off. They passed the Grand stairway and started to explore.
The music coming from the ballroom emanated from, then spilled out into the grand hall. Lilting strings and a keyboard playing a dance suite wafted through the entryway, its melody haunting. It lent itself to the atmosphere and drew them just inside the doorway.
“Very, very retro…” Rose whispered.
Rey nodded. “I know…”

Once they stepped inside, they were overwhelmed by the grandeur and opulence which surrounded them. At a glance, they took in the dramatic scene that lay before them. There was a gothic, old-world charm to the décor.
It was earthy and enchanting. Ivy, fresh flowers, moss and braided ribbons adorned large pedestals covered with white candles. Rey breathed deeply of the intoxicating blend of scents.
“... and I love it.”

<<<>>>

Immediately the mood was heightened and the energy in the ballroom felt mercurial. Upon examining the guests in attendance, they both felt painfully under-dressed. Tuxedos and trés chic designer gowns of every shade and style of lamé, silk, satin and taffeta all covered with palettes, sequins and flute beads filled the room. The women were adorned with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls with ornate headpieces of ostrich and peacock feathers, and accessorized with full elbow-length gloves.

The animal masks were apparently some sort of theme and Rey only hoped it would not give them away as intruders.
Wine and food abounded everywhere. Tables upon tables spilled over with black breads, fruit, cheeses, and charcuterie boards. Offerings from a raw bar in a corner were heaping metal platters which provided oysters, clams, prawns and mussels embedded in piles of rock salt.
Simple stoneware was available for the guests who chose to partake in the food as opposed to fine China, which was to be expected at such an extravagant gathering. Rose began to help herself and made a small plate, when a much younger woman materialized next to them. She was in a ferret’s mask and a pale pink satin gown. She purposely stood between the two friends and whispered breathily, “You need to leave. It’s not safe for you here.” After plucking some grapes and popping one in her mouth, she dashed off, disappearing into the crowd.
Although the young lady genuinely seemed sincere, Rey wanted to shrug it off.
Rey dismissed the encounter. “Weird.”

Eyeballing her, Rose took a beat then furrowed her brow. “I don’t know, Rey. It’s beyond weird really.” Rose added. “Almost as weird as the absence of any catering staff or bartenders.”
“You’re right.” Rey scanned the room once more only to realize there were none. “Did you see her name tag?”
“Kaydel, I think.”
“Hmmm… Honestly, I find it intriguing. Besides, we can always leave. It’s not like anyone can keep us here. Come on, Rose. Let’s go explore.” She noticed several private salons off the ballroom, and drawing rooms, a study and a library. Rey and Rose ventured further and strolled across the dance floor.

Balconies lined the high cathedral ceilings, overlooking the ballroom. A few couples and a trio of mysterious gentlemen sat high atop the first level. They were not dressed as the others. Their clothing resembled period costumes. One man, in particular, clearly stood out from the rest… Tall, muscular and imposing. His chair was taller and wider than everyone else’s… dark hand-carved ebony with a red velvet cushioned seat, back and armrests. Almost like a throne. He sat poised, lording over the guests.
A striking black and gold mask of a bighorn ram hid the upper half of his face. What remained visible was intimidating. He had a sharp nose, strong jaw and very full lips.
Rey watched as he gradually rose to his feet. When he leaned into the railing, almost immediately, she felt his stare from clear across the room. They locked eyes. Her skin heated and prickled with the strangest sensation. It ran over her like a fine hairbrush against her flesh, and made Rey slow her steps and falter.“Are you okay…?” Rose cuffed her hand about Rey’s wrist.
“Sure, I’m fine.” Rey shook her head, giving Rose a slight grin. “We need to mingle a little more so as not to stand out.”
They ducked into one of the private salons and strutted as if they belonged there.
Each room offered a different experience. In some salons, guests ate and drank, played billiards or other games of chance. What they did not expect were the blatant displays of debauchery and hedonism. Around every corner and corridor there were people engaged in all manners of depravity.
Gwen, a tall platinum blonde, statuesque with a commanding presence flaunted a floor-length gown of white flute beads and she wore an owl mask. She seemed to speak another language, Rey guessed Russian or German. She was with Bazine who wore a caramel chiffon gown paired with a snow leopard’s mask.
In the center of the room, the two women lounged on a chaise. Bazine’s head rested in her lap and Gwen’s right hand snaked down between her cleavage.
They refused to gawk, so Rey and Rose kept moving.
They cracked open a door and found Hux from the hotel. He clutched the mask of a fox fast to his hip while in a tight embrace with the deaf Dopheld. Hux pushed a palm to the wall above Mitaka’s head and he let the mask slide down his wrist and forearm as his hand lifted to wrap deliberately around the smaller man’s throat. Hux leaned in closer to lick up his mouse forehead slowly, taking special care to let his tongue linger just at his hairline.
He obviously sensed their presence and after becoming aware of their unwanted audience, Hux turned to hurriedly replace his mask and then slammed the door shut.

When they walked into the study, they found a few couples seated who were groping and kissing, as well as a group of older gentlemen, clustered together. Peavey, Canady and Pryde stood smoking cigars by a fireplace with a huge alabaster mantle piece.
The same young girl that warned them earlier, Kaydel, flew through the room and the men gathered around the fireplace took notice. Pryde muttered something in an unrecognizable language, then the three quickly left in pursuit.
The young woman's words of caution flooded Rey's brain. It was, however, fleeting.
Once the room cleared, she immediately felt his presence before she saw him. He strode through the French doors and looked larger than life. He was much taller than he appeared from the balcony earlier.

His costume seemed to be a period one of an age, an era long past. He wore black boots, a long waistcoat atop a black satin formal shirt. With his already arresting appearance the mask enhanced his imposing stature.
Rey pivoted on her heels and watched as Rose slipped away from her and disappeared into the adjoining room. She tried to relax by casually placing her hands on either side of her hips, just along the ledge of an antique bookcase.

He approached her and simply laid a single finger on the back of her hand. “Hello, little dove…” Once he had her attention, that same single finger slowly rose up her hand to her wrist with a feather light touch.

Rey resented how small her voice sounded in reply. “Hello.” It spilled out without her control. His, however, resonated deeply and seemed to fill the entire room. She inched away, and pressed her back to the wall, losing all her false bravado.
“You do not belong here.” He tilted his head slightly, raised a lone eyebrow, and offered her a slight knowing smile.

Imagining him now to be the host, and knowing he would easily see through her subterfuge, she was totally prepared to apologize and leave. “... and yet, here you are.” With every other word, he took one step nearer. Finally, he clasped her fingers in his, pulling her closer. “Rey.”

Her chin dipped to her name tag, and she nodded back, until she saw he did not wear one. “Yes. And you are?”
“My name is Kylo Ren.” His thumb lazily stroked the underside of her wrist now.
“A pleasure.” She swallowed carefully around her suddenly thick tongue. “I’m so sorry for the intrusion, Mr. Ren. But - but Rose and I will be on our way.” Rey nonchalantly pulled her hand away to stem his attempts at driving her to distraction.
“Such a beautiful interloper.” He hummed only for a second then licked his full bottom lip. “No need for an apology and certainly no need to leave.”

“Have we met before?” At that moment, curiosity held a grip on her, and Rey wanted, more than anything, for him to remove his mask.
“Hmmm… that is indeed a possibility.” He smirked and as his lips pulled to one side, his deep dimples tugged at her attention. The man was terribly charming. Already Rey had to fight the urge to flirt. “Such a delightful possibility.” He crooned.
“I want you to know that I normally don’t make a habit of crashing parties, nor do I trespass. That’s not who I am.” She plainly lied.
He crept closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Oh, I know exactly who you are, Rey. You are bold, daring and adventurous. Brilliant and opinionated. Tough as steel but soft as silk.” She caught him for one brief moment staring at her lips.
Rey was taken by him, absolutely entranced. His words wrapped around her like his arm, and his voice - - it was positively unnerving. She practically swooned and that was most unlike her.
“And you cannot leave… not just yet.” He pressed two fingers to her chin and drew her into him for a chaste kiss. His lips were so soft and warm. His thumb lightly brushed her chin and tiny tendrils of heat lit beneath her skin, her cheeks flushing just like before in the ballroom. “Ah - little dove. You so remind me of wildflowers… delicate and fierce. You cannot leave.”

Rey wondered how and why this man was wreaking havoc on her nervous system. Her pulse pounded like mad, and the pit of her stomach was on fire. “No…?” She ultimately dared direct eye contact. “Not ready to part with my company?”
“Oh, no. You cannot leave.” He watched as her eyes widened. “We have yet to dance.” Kylo then brought his hand from her waist and brought it up to the nape of her neck. It skimmed between her shoulder blades and smoothed effortlessly down the curve of her spine. It was deliciously slow and against her bare skin, the pads of his fingertips felt electrifying.
Her whole body felt numb with the exception being where he touched her. An intense heat radiated from his hands. The study began to spin, and Rey thought she was about to lose her footing until he grazed over her miles of exposed skin, making her shiver and her body suddenly crave him. When he reached the small of her back, he lightly nudged her... “Shall we…?”

<<<>>>

Rose walked through the French doors of the library and was taken by the large portrait on the wall facing her. It was of Han and Leia Organa Solo and their young son.

Directly across from the family portrait, there was another. The polished brass plate beneath it read, Master Benjamin Solo, son and heir of the Cloister’s Estate.
A young dark-haired boy about twelve years of age sat alone on a marble bench in one of the mansion’s gardens. He was a handsome young man, stately and composed. His gaze was drawn and captured by something unseen and not pictured in the painting. He possessed a sad, somber, faraway look that was rather haunting.
Just then, Kaydel hurriedly walked through the library and ducked out the far entrance. The older men who had been in the study stalked through the room, following her, and they were hot on her heels.
Rose was struck with a sudden pang of uneasiness. Kaydel was visibly rattled. There was no mistaking she was discernibly more frightened now. She decided that after she found Rey, they needed to speak with her.
As they passed her, Rose couldn’t help noticing that the three men all had the same identical cuff links. Recognizing the symbols etched on them, she remembered it was the sign of the Pontifax for the Brotherhood of Cognizance, an ancient organization similar to the Masonic Order dating back to antiquity. Only rarer, more exclusive, secretive and far more dangerous.
Rose’s face grew pale, and her eyes went wet and wide as saucers. “What the actual fuck?” She ran through the study and headed to the grand hall, frantic to find Rey. She made it to the hall where they had entered, only to find the large table with the name tags and the wicker basket which held their cell phones were gone.
“Rey, we're gonna have to get the Hell outta here.”
<<<>>>

He escorted her out into the middle of the dance floor. His cognac eyes were pinned to her.
The guests silently cleared a path for them, and the musicians began to play another piece. It was slow, passionate with a rich cello.

He gripped her waist once more, gently and somehow insistent. He pulled her close into his broad chest and started to dance with her. His hands were sure and the one that held hers was smooth and soft.
“Did I mention I love your mask?”

She answered breathy. “No, I don't believe so, but...” Rey blushed furiously. “Thank you. I like yours, too.” Deep down she wished he would remove his mask. She desperately wanted to see the man behind it.
Rey clung to him as they rocked and swayed to the rhythm. She loved the feeling of the slight flounce as it whisked and ruffled against her legs. He took every opportunity to run a hand along her exposed back and occasionally rubbed circles that dipped down to her firm ass.

At first, he hummed the tune to her, his lips pressed to the shell of her ear. The low rumble of his baritone voice vibrated against the soft skin at her neck. It spread and seeped into her flesh as it rippled throughout her whole body. Kylo dipped his hips down to allow his thigh to part hers. The subtle grind caused a shiver to run through her. Then he started to softly sing the lyrics to the song which seemed strange, unfamiliar, and yet so alluring, so intoxicating.
Rey gasped when Kylo spun her around and pulled her into a low dip. He whispered something low under his breath, while his lips still hovered just above her ear. She couldn’t quite make it out and was too breathless at the moment to ask.
He broke their embrace with one hand of hers still held firmly in his. With only their fingers barely touching, he still masterfully guided her along the dance floor. Kylo raised his long arm, the other firmly behind his back and stood in place while Rey spun and twirled around him.
They glided across the room effortlessly and Rey could no longer feel her feet against the tiled surface.
Many of the other couples nearby seemed to be singing the lyrics as well. It was very odd. First it breezed and then buzzed through her brain like some type of an incantation. Then it began to thrum incessantly. The sound lulled her and Rey began to feel light headed and faint.
All at once, the crowd spread and scattered to the outer edges of the floor. When Rey turned around in a complete circle and for the first time looked down at her feet to see the marble and alabaster floor, she realized that the inlaid mosaic tiles formed an enormous pentagram. It spanned the length and breadth of the entire ballroom.
Far off in the distance, she faintly heard Rose shout. “Rey - We have to go!!”

<<<>>>

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Rey reeled for merely a moment, still dazed.
She had been completely and totally mesmerized by Kylo, but luckily her friend’s cries pierced the veil, the haze that had enveloped and subsumed her. Instantly, the threat of danger had become undeniable… palpable. The air was thick with it. Stricken with the sudden fear of these cultists, witches, devil worshipers or whatever they were - - it coursed through her, coupled with the realization that they had made a huge mistake coming to this godforsaken place.
Horror seized her.
It all happened in a matter of seconds. Rey tore her eyes from him and shook his hold on her then she spun around to find Rose flanked by two men in hooded cloaks. They were wearing wolf’s masks and held her shoulders down with heavy hands. After elbowing one in the ribs, Rose struggled and broke free from the slight hold they had on her.

Stunned, Rey watched as Rose ran straight for her, barreling into Rey, breaking the last hold Kylo had on her as she bore them both to the ground. Shocked and embarrassed, they scrambled to stand and took off running full tilt.
The crowd began to murmur until Kylo, now standing alone in the center of the room, raised his arms slowly. His steely eyes seemed to narrow and still through the holes of his mask, with huge hands lifted upward toward the vaulted ceiling. His presence was imposing and the action itself was arresting. A hush enveloped the ballroom.
All of the six fireplaces in the room suddenly roared wildly, raged and burned hot. Red, orange and white flames licked high above the mantle pieces, then flickered back down.
Everyone hung on to his simple words. “Let them leave.”
Under his breath, whispering, Kylo issued a foreboding, “Fly, little dove. Fly.”
Sprinting for the door, the two ran for their lives. Rounding the bend in the grand hall just before the main entrance, they encountered two more cloaked men blocking their exit. At first, believing their phones were within reach, Rey stopped momentarily to find the wicker basket. She quickly pivoted and headed past the grand stairwell, tearing down the darkened hallway toward the rear of the mansion. Unbeknown to her, Rose had skidded on her heels, then bolted through the men and ran out the door to freedom.

She saw a small parlor off to her left which had a huge portico right through large double glass doors. Rey dashed through and threw open the double doors. Once she mounted the balustrade, threw her legs over, she shimmied down the portico, using the ivy for leverage to climb down. It only allowed her to get but so far. Finally, she leapt and tumbled to the ground. The drop was easily fourteen to fifteen feet.
Without a moment to spare, she ripped off her mask and threw it into the grass. Rey needed her vision unobstructed in order to flee. She hurriedly kicked off her stilettos, then proceeded to rip the flounce from her hemline to allow more freedom of movement.

<<<>>>

Frantically, her eyes adjusted to the dark and darted around the rear of the mansion, trying to locate her companion. With no sign of Rose, Rey headed for the forest.
Suddenly a loud crash had her adrenaline flooding her veins as thousands of glass shards sprayed all over the portico when Kylo burst through the doors. He sprang off the ledge, rolled and tumbled after landing on the lawn.

Rey heard him huff as he rose to his feet.
Putting it into high gear, her legs were pumping and her heart was racing like a track star. Rey poured every ounce of energy into putting miles between her and that dreadful mansion. She knew she could never outrun him, so she had to be smart.

Rey weaved in and out of small trees, hedges
and underbrush. Low hanging limbs snagged her hair while branches lashed at her calves and ankles. Off in the distance, his heavy footfalls echoed in the darkness and kept her hyper-vigilant.

She attempted to keep the access road to her right but not to stray too close, suspecting if more were in pursuit, they would certainly use it to find her. She purposely zig-zagged in order to evade him. All she needed to do was stay ahead of him for a mile and a half until she made it to Millennium Falls Road.
Rey really hoped that Rose had the same idea. The thought was mildly comforting. The two friends were always so close, so connected that they were famous for completing each other’s sentences. So, Rey sent up a silent wish for her safety.
The forest was eerily silent, and the moon sank low now, bathing everything in a soft, pale yellow light. She stayed in the shadows, sticking with tree cover, dashing through hanging vines, and stumbling over raised roots. Just up ahead, she spied an outcropping that buttressed a creek and small gully.
Kylo was gaining on her. His footsteps fell like heavy thuds and resonated in the open air as he grew nearer. Willful, he stalked her without even attempting to hide his presence.

Rey broke through the outcropping covered and filled with briars and thickets. She slid down the ravine, and suffered the pebbles and rocks beneath her bare feet. Her hose were shredded and fluttered, pitifully pointless at her ankles. She carefully waded through the creek. Upon reaching the other side, she threw herself against a large elm and simply clung to it. Her arms wrapped around its trunk in order to regain her breath and fight off her exhaustion.
This was plainly an instance of predator versus prey. This was no game they were playing, and Rey knew it. She was aware of the painful truth of what it really was… clearly, this was now a matter of life or death.
The moment she caught sight of him, she knew without a doubt he alone had given chase. His strides slowed upon his approach.
“There you are, little dove.” Kylo appeared barely winded. His eyes now burned a fiery gold. As he moved in closer, he reached up to remove his mask with a dramatic flourish. “Alone at last.”

And Rey truly saw him for the first time.
What she may have longed for earlier in the evening was readily revealed and made plain to her. He was, indeed, handsome. The prominent nose and plush lips complimented his cheekbones, pronounced brow ridge, and deep set, soulful eyes.
Kylo was strangely beautiful, though very menacing and quite ominous. The man, however, was dangerous. She felt it, sensed it, and Rey needed to remind herself of that fact. It tugged at her very conscience although he made no effort to accost her. Her mind muddled with the conflicting visuals and the feelings associated with them. What she saw and what she felt were at war with one another.
A light breeze blew stray strands of his dark waves over one eye as he leered. He simply stood there glaring down at her.

<<<>>>

Immediately Rey wanted to flee but deep down she knew it to be pointless. She saw herself trapped – just as a small creature in a skilled hunter’s snare. Instinct had her searching the forest floor for something, anything… a large branch or tree limb to swing at him or at best, fend him off.
By the time she blinked him back into view, Rey was face-to-face with Kylo. They were less than two feet away from each other. He stared as if seeing her for the first time, too, then he extended his right arm out with long fingers splayed reaching for her.
Instantly, her limbs froze in place. Rey’s body went rigid, board straight. She was somehow completely immobile. He had her ...he held her in an indiscernible grip. It was almost as if hundreds of tiny vises, strong and rough held her in place. Pinning, pressing down hard on her, constricting her blood flow. Her arms and hands fell, stuck fast to her sides. She winced in pain and shuddered as every muscle in her body fought to free itself.
“Please… p-please.” Rey begged, trying to yank her feet loose, which felt anchored to the ground. “Let us go. We won’t tell anyone. We won’t. I promise… Please, just let us go.”
He tsked loudly as he tilted his head slightly. “Surely by now you realize you can never outrun destiny…”
Rey’s lips barely parted with the intent to reply, to cry, to beg more, to even whine, but no words came. Her mouth suddenly felt sealed shut. Both her thoughts and words became caught in her throat.
“You’re still holding on.” His long index finger curved downward to the ground all the while his whole hand remained steady, still pointing toward her forehead. “Let go...” He whispered in a way that hinted at command.
He forcibly invaded her mind. Initially, it was much like thick fingers leafing through the pages of a book. Then, it became far more invasive. In a high laser-like focus, fine point accuracy he pierced, then delved in deeper. The sensation was inexplicable, otherworldly - the feeling was highly intrusive.
Rey feared at first that her brain had short-circuited with all the sudden sensory overload. All her struggling was for naught.
Submit, submit, submit were the very words that whirred inside her skull over and over again. Permanently embedding, not only the idea but, the act virtually inside her will.
She immediately sensed her body was no longer her own. The way he brushed inside her brain with precision, and skill, it felt like he unlocked something. Something she’d always held deep inside… something buried beneath all the layers Rey created to protect her secret. The false bravado, the self-assured pleasure-seeker, designed to cover up the shaky insecure, frail and fragile little girl. She always had to fend for herself, avoid danger and keep that little girl safe from far worse creeps than these crazy cultists freaks in the fucking woods.

But now she was revealed, bare and totally exposed. Naked.
She trembled before him. Her will was utterly lost, and she was unable to fight, yet inside she still refused to kowtow or show any deference to this monster now facing her.
Her resistance was futile. Her whole body shook and shuddered in place, unable to move a muscle or free herself from his hold.
Rey watched as his thumb and pinky stiffened and drew down to meet, just touching fingertips. Slowly, the side seams on the skirt of her dress started to tear, split and rip up along her thighs.
The loud ripping sound, that tearing noise it made filled the empty space in the quiet of the forest.

She was utterly powerless.

Kylo dropped his mask into the grass.
He raised his left hand, the fingers curled and cupped just beneath his right hand.
Rey’s body leaned in toward him. Her shoulders tensed in response to some invisible pull. Unwittingly and or unwillingly she felt an intense physical draw to him, and that pull seemed to center in her chest and belly.
Some tether between them, connecting them was drawn tight, taut like a bow’s string.
The shredding of her dress stopped at her waist. Tiny pieces of the torn fabric fell to the ground. The remnants of her bodice ripped and tore away from her skin as it fluttered, toppling onto the already fallen tatters of her dress.

Rey kept telling herself, this isn’t real - This. Isn’t. Real, but the thought gnawed at her brain. It was inconceivable. Her mind could not grasp the fact this man was stripping her with the sheer strength of his mental power - his mind - his magic?

The faint breeze was cool and crisp on her skin, but she felt none of it because her body was so hot and her flesh felt as if it was on fire.
Her nipples hardened to berry buds in the night air. Standing there semi-nude, with only her thigh highs riddled with snags and runs and her immodest thong, she was red-faced with embarrassment.
“Beautiful…” He hummed while his eyes traced languidly over her entire body, taking in every curve, every line. “Simply. Beautiful.”
Coupled with all the guilt and shame she already faced, Rey now had to navigate the emotional contradictions of his flattery and praise.
Before she could even hear the sound of the loud ‘pop’ ring out, she felt the lacy, elastic fabric of her thong slide, tug and yank hard between the crack of her ass before it snapped and just laid limp, sliding down her thighs.

His lascivious grin spread across his face with just a hint of innocence like that of a prankish little boy. She could only stare back up at him, feigning defiance, teetering on unsteady legs.
He moved much closer, carefully and quietly. She felt something hard edge on the inside of her ankles, sliding her legs wider apart.

Her heart pounded in her ears as her pulse raced.

Tasting his breath in the air, Rey’s eyelids grew weighted and heavy. Awashed with humiliation, she could only stand there, trance-like, while he defiled her.
He could only grin as her breasts bounced while her nipples pinched, squeezed together, recoiled then jumped with the plucking of dozens of invisible fingers.
Rey felt so helpless. Her face became flushed as she tried to gulp down more oxygen.
"So, so sensitive, and so very sweet." He crooned, very pleased with himself.

A stiffness pressed hot and hard to her labia, then slowly wedged and pulled her lips apart. Her blood rushed to her tummy. Rey’s eyes shot to his, hoping he could see the desperation written across her face. The silent begging for him to stop.

His eyes glowed even brighter now. Kylo’s face was half lit by the moon and half in darkness.
She shivered and attempted to press her thighs together and could not. A rush and a charge lit excitement inside her pulsing walls.
He merely licked his lips just before his fiery eyes intensified. Rey supposed his assault required his full attention. She knew he was toying with her, and she hated it, loved it … Hated it .
An imperceptible pressure pulsated like a steady stream of water rippling over her folds. Gently, it danced over her clit, teasing it, taunting her and causing a deep rumble in her chest. Rey’s mouth fell open as she twitched, and it darted straight into the very pit of her stomach.

Her nipples were alight once more. This time with a strange buzzing sensation that she likened to an electrical current. It was slight, subtle but unending, causing them to shamelessly bud and harden once more. The feeling shot straight to her core.
Arousal seeped down her thighs and the cool night air chilled every trickle as it traveled further down her legs. Goosebumps sprang up and pimpled the skin along her shoulders and arms.
He leaned in closer, then hissed, “Yessssss…”
New warm circles swirled into the fleshiest part of her ass, smoothing in warm vibrations like waves. Her heart swelled then stuttered. Feeling weak, her eyes fluttered closed while Rey’s head lolled back and her chin rose to the sky.
Simultaneously, this was matched with a hot pulsating feeling circling her clit. It all made her throb endlessly and like a thread it ran directly up her spine. Achingly edging her.
A myriad of sensations, everywhere and all at once, from so many unseen sources, concealed touches all over her body had her convulsing… taking her there, to the precipice. But it was all just shy of pushing her over the cliff.

His onslaught was relentless and agonizing. Her little pussy ached now, she was sopping wet, and she wavered on her feet with toes tingling.
Rey thought of how much she liked dancing with him. If he hadn’t been a huge weirdo, she may have given him some. And now - oh, now, just how much she needed to cum. And despite how she hated to admit it, she needed him to do it. He had to take her there.
Hot tears ran down her cheeks and flowed down, following the soft line of her jaw.
He whispered barely under his breath. "Yesssss, that's it, Rey. Let go."
A blazing heat coursed through her, rolled and climbed up her chest and wrapped about her throat at the very base of her neck. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head while Rey clenched, her walls fluttered and contracted around nothing, around something hidden.
Every time she inched closer to release, the bombardment would cease only to return, rise and build again even more. Shifting her weight from one leg to the other, she wobbled on the balls of her feet, teetering on the verge of unconsciousness.
Rey tried to swallow and to stave off her responses to his constant ministrations. She could only whine, all her cries unheard.
He would constantly stop and start. It was beyond frustrating. And it was never enough for her to get to that point, that place she longed for. Satisfaction.
Rey thought she heard a low chuckle roll up from his chest.
Her eyes shot open. A cold sweat broke against her brow from the over-stimulation. The waves suddenly ended and left her wanting. She knew she would have easily dropped to the ground had he not been holding her steady with his unseen arms around her.
His gaze lingered and then seemed to soften. It all felt so incredibly good and he obviously knew it.
Weak and whimpering, rather than fall into delirium, she tried to think back to her foolish decision, the simple choice she made to come here. Regret surged in her mind and for only a moment it felt as though something else had intruded to combat the thought… to chase the idea away and out of her head.

It was him.

His large frame cast a dark gray shadow along the fallen leaves at her feet. Kylo leveled her with a look that spoke of sheer dominance.
She stood there, still suffering the indignation at the hands of a maniac, and yet desperately wanting him to grant her some sort of release. She longed for it. Then and there, Rey realized had she been able to
speak, she would beg for him to let her finish much like she begged for him to let her go.
Another wave of warmth washed over her as their thoughts seemed to fuse together. He finally released her. He let her go and she collapsed. His huge hands still hovered there in the air between them.
After falling hard to her knees, Rey's mouth started to water. The surge of saliva welled up in her mouth, filling it completely.
The silk lacings of his trousers instantly loosened and quickly came undone. He stood with his legs spread, widening his stance, and pushed his hands to his hips. Once his trousers loosely fell to his knees, his erection sprang free. He presented himself to her proudly, as a loud, long-held breath escaped his lips.
Glassy eyed and panting, and suddenly at eye level with his manhood, her breath hitched when she saw it to be exactly what she had imagined.
He was huge, swollen and throbbing only an inch from her nose. Rey inhaled him, his heady scent filling her nostrils. Kylo smelled of the epitome of masculinity: of earth, with notes of pepper, cedar and juniper.

A small part of her wanted to just reach out and touch him. Feel the weight and the heft of him in her hands. She wanted to run her fingers along each vein, every ridge. She really wanted to touch him, but her hands and arms were still stuck, fixed like iron anvils at her sides.
Suddenly hungry for him, all needy and desperately wanting to please, Rey knew... Not only was her body no longer hers, but neither was her will.
He swiveled his hips, gradually rocking them from side to side, causing his cock to smack her cheeks. Rey’s lips parted, her mouth opened wider and wider as she bobbed her chin like a baby bird needing to feed.
Kylo paused, aimed, then positioned himself, just the tip touching, nudging her bottom lip.
Rey tried once more to press her thighs together again. She needed to create more friction, any friction.
All too eager, she began to lick and lathe the tip, covering and coating the crown of his cock till it was shiny and glistening. She took her time and worked slowly and deliberately. He never said a word, but she heard him in her mind repeating the word he’d spoken only moments ago, “Beautiful…”
It blew her mind that she, too, could feel the pure pleasure he now experienced… almost as if his cock was hers.
Thick locks of her hair started to gather in a clump at the nape of her neck on their own accord. She flinched as a huge swath pulled taut and yanked hard in order to work her around the head of his cock. This demonstration was urging her, angling her head, allowing her jaw to dip sideways, rolling her mouth around him much like she would if she had the use of her own hands.
It was clear Kylo was exerting his dominance and Rey found she was even more excited by it. His heavy hands remained at his hips, although his expression contorted and belied such a pent-up power under great restraint. He inhaled a ragged breath before he eagerly surged forward.
Her wet lips thinned as her mouth widened to accommodate him. His cock stretched her to her limits and Rey was strangely thrilled by it.
She could barely make out his soft moans as he pushed further in, feeding himself to her. It was painfully slow. Her gaze lifted, traveled up his body to his face. She found Kylo’s own fixed upon her and the strength of it filled her with an overwhelming, aching need .
She sucked him in deeper until he filled and stretched her mouth completely.
Everything all at once, the very same sensations from every stimulation he had applied before revisited and converged on her. Rey began to twitch and shake uncontrollably. She was a live wire, much like an exposed nerve, and her whole body was alight, aflame.
Rey continued to lick and lap along the underside of his shaft whenever she could manage. She moaned with each attempt.
He gasped loudly and his large hands flew up to grip the collar of his shirt and ripped it open completely, sending tiny buttons flying, lost in the damp grass. Rey was surprised to find how turned on she was watching as he caressed himself, lost in the throes of the pleasure she gave. His broad hands and long thick fingers massaged his chest, then honed in on his nipples, pinching them.
Her breath caught and she thought her heart had stopped. So engaged now by the sheer sight of it, the sight of him, it had renewed her vigor. With his resuming her sensory bombardment, all she could do was focus on his eyes. Rey was too afraid to blink with her body now thrumming.
She drooled over the root of him disgracefully. Drenching him at the base and drowning his thatch of black hair. She let him slip out from her lips to lave his balls until they, too, were wet and messy. She swirled patterns in the fine hairs there, making him shine and glisten in the soft yellow glow of the moon.
This strange link they shared had her slick-coated thighs matching his. Despite herself, she was vibrating all over like an exposed nerve and leaking uncontrollably.
Her tongue dabbed and painted in thick, lazy stripes along the underside of his shaft, earning her small shifts and stutters of his pelvis with each hitch in his breathing. Then, Rey sucked him hard, pulled him in past her lips, and let him glide across her tongue. He dipped his hips, bent his knees slightly while easing steady strokes in and out until he reached the back of her throat. He let out a groan and stopped.
Kylo’s hands flew to his head and rifled through his hair. With knuckles buried deep in his scalp, he pulled it back from his forehead, grunting while his face contorted. His was the expression of pure ecstasy.
It was as if the frequency had been dialed up. The onslaught on her senses had her literally gushing, her whimpers and moans rising in frequency and pitch. Rey’s heart began to thunder beneath her ribs when her teeth grazed him, and he pushed in further until she took him deeper down her throat.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She imagined she was a sight with make-up smeared eyes, hollowed cheeks eagerly sucking warm around his cock as he plunged in and out of her mouth. Rey’s jaw ached while her neck strained against the unseen influence, the phantom power constantly tugging handfuls of her hair.
Kylo rocked his hips hard. His pace and rhythm sped up as he pumped furiously, fully fucking her face.
With all the added attentions, each and every sensation she experienced moments ago came back to her with a vengeance. Rey’s entire body was quivering. Her legs had long turned liquid much like the slick running down them in rivulets. Her breasts were raw, red and tender with nipples that tingled from abuse. The cheeks of her ass were hyper-sensitive and warm, and her pussy incessantly ached and throbbed.

First, he hissed through his teeth. Then, he panted out loudly before his strangled grunts, peppered with occasional moans, tripped and tumbled from his lips. What felt like a current shot through the length of him like voltage, and it reverberated.
Strong and steady and true. Rey felt it on her tongue and it tickled the back of her throat.
It started low and deep, then she moaned out loudly in spite of herself as white hot sparks skittered over her skin. An unyielding pressure had been building and building inside her and was now intolerable. Her whole body tensed as he arched his back when his hands rejoined his hips.

Then, it pulled from her - - and it pulled from him. It was an endless loop of give and take, an ascending, almost spiritual in nature. Lost and floating, found and grounded.
Kylo growled as they both came at the same time, their orgasms explosive, primal and untamed. Together they convulsed in tremors that drained her as well as him. His legs went weak for the smallest of moments and Rey sagged on her knees, almost as if she was suspended in midair.
His spend was thick, salty and warm. She enjoyed the taste of him filling her mouth and spilling down her throat. She swallowed and gulped him down. Some dribbled from the corners of her mouth and ran down her chin, and her tongue lazily licked out to capture it all.
Kylo loomed over her as he pulled up his trousers. Cavalierly, he bent down to retrieve his mask, wrap her in his cloak, and collected Rey in his arms. Cuffing her legs over the wrist of one arm and supporting her back with the other, he began to slowly trudge back to the mansion.
She caught a glimpse of his lips curling to reveal a flash of gleaming white teeth. His smile was lazy, wolfish. Cocky. Rey barely heard him whisper softly as her eyes began to flutter close. “I have what I want.” He touched his palm lightly to the center of her forehead and Rey lost consciousness, her body going completely limp.

<<<>>>

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

With steps slow and sure, Kylo strode casually across the dew-covered grounds while her head was buried and nestled in his broad chest. It felt so safe and secure. His strong arms held Rey, swaddled in his warm velvet cloak, cradling her gently as he carried her into the mansion.
So gently, she could hardly believe it was the same man. The man she encountered in the study, not the one who had just raped her… raped her without laying a finger upon her. It was a complete contrast.
And it flew in the face of all logic. Trying to reconcile with all she'd seen and experienced, Rey thought she may have been hallucinating. Perhaps all that had happened earlier was merely a fever dream, she suspected. But the tingling sensation between her legs, her swollen lips, and the tightness of her jaw suggested otherwise.
She was groggy, disoriented and what seemed like in and out for the entire trek back to the Cloisters, but it was as if he was another man entirely and she did not know what to make of any of it… of Him.
He walked through the main entrance and a stifling heat overwhelmed her. After being completely nude and out in the cool of the evening, Rey felt perspiration bead on the small of her back beneath the warmth of his cloak. Wood creaked beneath his feet with their combined weight.
A spectacle of heightened revelry met them as they meandered from room to room. All the guests were in various states of undress, with flushed cheeks beneath their askew, crooked masks. In every corner stairwell and alcove were gathered tangles of limbs in the throes. A riotous display of couples, trios and foursomes, all engaged in all forms of sexual indulgences. Women squealed with gowns hiked up to their waists, while the men, whose pants wrinkled about their ankles, moaned and groaned, and all were moist with sweat.
It was truly Bacchanalian, this craven assembly of dark appetites. Rey ducked her chin to his neck. Not to be prudish nor bashful, she only wanted to avert her eyes so as not to gawk. She and Rose had witnessed the priming, the preliminaries much earlier and they never shrank. They had seen far wilder things in the hotel.

- Rose -

Rey secretly hoped she was free, had gotten away, was safe and had ultimately gone for some help.
A part of Rey started to fear having a second round with their illustrious host. She had been compulsed by him. Rey was certain now, and it was no illusion. It was very real… every last aspect of him.
She noticed a sudden change in the atmosphere. As she and Kylo passed by, each and every one of the revelers stopped short, ceasing their degeneracy. Some even mid-thrust, now simply froze in various tableaus and vignettes of their passionate frenzy. Silently, they all gathered themselves and followed him, one right after the other. Their orgy was now at an end.
As they left each room, the French doors suddenly slammed shut as if some errant gust of wind had blown and sealed them. As bizarre as it may have seemed, she knew it was his doing. Rey sensed it.
Low murmurs accompanied the snail-like procession as they all approached the grand ballroom.
All eyes were on the two of them as they entered.
As the crowd assembled, they all donned long black cloaks much like his. They all huddled together, forming a large semi-circle, surrounding them completely. He stood tall and appeared regal, magisterial.
He carefully set Rey down to the floor by his side. She virtually swam inside his cloak. It was dusting the marble floor and catching under her sore clumsy feet.
Rising up four feet high off the floor now were two huge marble slabs in the very center of the ballroom. It appeared they were altars of some kind. Perched on top were small black, red and gold velvet pillows with tassels of braided cords at each corner. The second Rey saw them, she shivered and stiffened in fear, but he roughly gripped her hand in his.
Her mind raced. Who are these insane people? What warped and twisted shit was this? Some indoctrination ceremony? And what part am I supposed to play? For God’s sake, where the Hell is Rose?
A petite middle-aged woman stepped forward holding a long scepter-like staff in one hand and a large amulet in the other. Her name tag read Arihnda Pryce. A shock of silver streaked her otherwise short mop of brown hair. Her features were severe, and her eyes were round, large and carried an almost vacant blue-ish gray hue. Rey did not remember seeing her at all throughout the evening.
She had on the mask of a sheep with curly cotton puffs covering her forehead. Despite her slight frame and weathered wrinkled skin, she stood sharp, authoritative.
“Suffer no more… By Order of the Light and Order of the Darkness. Suffer no more.” She proclaimed while she banged the staff loudly to the floor. It made Rey flinch. “All things Prophecy, Foretelling and Divination… Of the Sight, by the Sight, and from the Sight. Forged by both The Light and the Dark - - All Hail, The High Priest, Our Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren!”
All in attendance repeated the words, “All Hail.” They raised their arms straight out in front of themselves with palms facing outward. One might have assumed they were possibly drawing some sort of power from him, the staff and the amulet.
The fireplaces suddenly roared to life again, set fully ablaze. Her skin prickled the moment Kylo took her hand in his, removed his cloak from her and smoothed his hands to her waist. Then, he swooped her up, lifting Rey, and placing her upon the altar, laying her supine.
Rey shuddered. The cool marble chilled her skin, yes. But also because the hushed and whispered approvals among the bottomless sea of eyes taking delight in her vulnerability made her flesh tingle.
The sounds of shuffling, then looming flowed through her ears as shapeless figures emerged. There were two women who joined his side. They held large silver bowls. It was Gwen and Bazine. They wore long white cloaks which covered their gowns.
On approach, they laid the bowls at her feet and began wringing out the round sponges that soaked inside them. They proceeded to bathe Rey, using long even swipes, dousing her with the warm liquid then wiping her clean. They were meticulous and the act, the practice, gave her the impression it was a solemn one.
The soft sponges soothed her and whatever mixture of infused herbs soaked in the softened water seemed to be reinvigorating. Steadily lifting her legs and arms dabbing to see to her fingers and toes. They worked diligently and yet delicately, very ritualistic. The women were gentle with her, and Rey relaxed in their care.
Once they finished, Rey saw them in her periphery as they each began to assist Kylo disrobe. He eased his arms out of his sleeves. The demonstration was indifferent. His whole manner and tone were impassive, self-possessed. They each helped him remove every article of clothing one at a time.
Kylo stood proudly, confident, naked to the world. His pale skin shone, and his finely chiseled form was utter perfection.
Rey had to force herself to turn away as two more bowls were brought out to them and they repeated the ritual for him. Rey believed what she saw was an added reverence. Bazine and Gwen circled him quickly while tending to him as well.

<<<>>>

Rey felt surprisingly calm as she stared up into the high ceiling. There were chandeliers. Ten of them lined in two rows of five. She’s certain she never noticed them before. The fireplaces and candles more than supplied sufficient light. The chandeliers sparkled with all the silver and white. The crystals shimmered and danced, becoming flashes of bright spots, glittering through in her blurred vision.
“Now - - We shall begin.” His baritone voice boomed and seemed to rise to the rafters and echo throughout the large ballroom.
Defenseless, and so terribly exposed, she was afraid... afraid of becoming a spectacle, of being their entertainment. There was, however, a thrill attached. Rey admittedly was thrilled by the gathered furry and feathered menagerie, his unholy acolytes all gawking and leering at her.
She suddenly was very aware of his presence in a more profound way. Instantly, Rey’s panic and frustration subsided. She blinked, keenly aware of the space between them. His eyes on her and the way her body responded to it. It was that pull again, like from earlier in the forest. Although the marble altar had seemingly consumed, almost absorbed her with all her being weighted and glued to it, her shoulders, arms and legs wanted to lift away from it toward him.
Kylo rested a knee atop the altar, and slowly climbed up on top. He moved gracefully, crawling over her like a panther. Every muscle, every tendon flexed in his chest, back, shoulders and arms. They rippled with ease, all sinewy and sculpted. A thrill teased her mind and her body while she watched him inch closer and closer until he covered her entirely.
He hovered above her, supported by strong arms, with his hands pushed close to her ears on either side of the altar. He was as still as the stone. When Kylo finally moved, it was to take off his mask and fling it to the floor.
His gaze completely leveled her when he brushed the damp, fine hairs at her forehead while he leaned down with those fiery eyes which burned golden again. Staring deeply into them turned her to jelly.
There was no more denying her need to finally touch him and be touched by him. Feeling his need and hers melding together in her mind created such a longing... such a desire.
Unlike before, his lips crashed onto her mouth hard. They were warm, smooth and terribly soft. When his tongue entered her mouth, it plunged inside, so assured and insistent. Not tender like in the study, but wild, lust-filled and fierce. He adjusted his jaw and deepened the kiss and forced her mouth open wider. His tongue swept further inside, brushed along hers and reached deeper. Swabbing every inch, rife with an intense passion and hunger.
Full plush lips covered her mouth entirely when his tongue plunged in harder this time. He let it run along hers, skating over her teeth and pressing to the walls of her mouth. He was forceful in his pursuit, and she felt her cheeks heat from it.
The kiss rapidly turned into a bruising one. Kylo dipped his chin, angled his jaw for better access again and again, and Rey slotted her lips to match his. Met the force of his kiss with the desperation of her own. Their tongues twisted, twined and danced together. Rey found the feeling dizzying while he stole her breath completely. His arms wrapped around her, skin on skin, and she realized her body felt numb except wherever their bodies touched.
The thick fingers that weaved through her hair gave him leverage to palm her scalp, bringing Rey tighter to his chest.
Her pussy spasmed and she could tell it was in eagerness, her own anticipation. The idea of feeling him, really feeling him and his actual touch had her even more and more excited.
No sooner than the thought took hold did he cradle her and let his hands begin to roam all over her. They immediately sought out her breasts. Kylo’s large hands spanned the width of her chest - from breastbone to the pits of her arms. He cupped and caressed the undersides, weighing her small mounds. He teased them at first, squeezing them before massaging in wide circles which grew smaller, so that his fingers met in the middle, scouring her areolas.
He plucked then pinched, pulling her nipples into hard peaks. It made her eyes roll back as she sucked in hard breaths through her teeth. Rey heard the word “Yes” play in her brain the second it actually hissed from his lips.
Kylo hummed as he snaked one arm behind her back to support her while his free hand played at each nipple in equal measure. Both hands seared her flesh, leaving flushed and sensitive skin in their wake.
He cupped her sex then petted her mound. First, by sliding up and down her folds, then switching from side to side in a flitting motion, parting her lips which drove her insane.
His fingers were so long and thick. He let them rifle through her pubic hairs, and occasionally pulled at a strand or two. It made her tense up and her breath hitched, especially when she heard the new whisper in her mind, “Let me in…”
Braving a path - carving their way down, the pads of his fingers sliced through her folds, separating her lips then raced and rubbed around her entrance. His thumb toggled and circled across her clit. Gently at first and then with much more pressure and more speed.
Rey’s back arched despite all her protests weakening with his every stroke and strum.
Slight murmurs and a few sporadic moans from the crowd drifted through her ears.
All her past exploits may have entered into what might be considered mild exhibitionism, but now here she was - losing herself to the feeling, playing her little role in this sordid theater, this peep show for some coven.
Trickling drops of slick, Rey squirmed beneath him, reveling in the feel of him and how he explored the feel of her. He slipped two fingers deep inside her. And Kylo delighted in it… obviously taking pride in his skill, his sheer artistry and innate mastery of her body .
She was vibrating and he plucked and played her like the strings of an instrument. Ever so often he would lick and suck his fingers hungrily whenever he withdrew them from inside her. The sight of it turned Rey on so much, her walls fluttered uncontrollably. Each press, each thrum, every stroke of his fingers before plunging them back inside her seemed to pull her closer to that edge she knew she would ultimately topple over.
Rey was just about to lose total control when he withdrew sharply, almost wrenching their bodies apart as he then slid off the altar.
His followers went silent, clearly riveted and captivated by them.
She nearly cried out desperately, feeling abandoned and left wanting, so empty and longing for more. She tracked him with her eyes as he coolly circled her, his fist gripping his erection, stroking it with each pass.
His moans in her head were designed to both console her and urge her on, “Yes, yes, yes…”
He exuded such power, and was the living embodiment of it. It ran through his veins and now ran through hers.
Kylo gripped her ankles and dragged them to the ledge of the altar. He pushed her legs further apart, opening her up wider for all to see. His actions were met with a litany of oooh’s and aaah’s from all the onlookers. Rey felt such a rush as ripples ran up her spine. She found it to be lewd, honestly, and yet the attention from their audience made it all the more stimulating.
Two fingers spread her folds, as a thumb lined up one side of her lips and down the other, liberally spreading moisture.
Spitting on the hood of her clit, he leaned down closer to purposely blow warm breaths between her legs. In that moment, that very second, shame and guilt ceded control to her most wanton, most lustful need. Rey’s hips lurched forward to meet his open mouth and pursed lips.
He tongued at her slowly, swirling circles above her entrance. Rey listened to him smacking his lips while writhing against his face as he dined and feasted.
"So sweet." The thought that had just left his head and entered hers made her toes curl.
Kylo stopped only occasionally to pull her tiny bud completely into his mouth and suck hard.
Nearly driven to madness, possibly delirium, Rey’s lips parted for a sigh of release when she felt an all-consuming heat roll up her stomach and break, bursting inside her chest.
Without any warning he wrapped her thighs over his biceps, then laced his long fingers over her stomach, keeping her still, and holding her firmly in place.
Although he never spoke, again his words flooded her head, “Let go…” Rey’s reactions and responses were no longer focused on how it looked, but only on how it felt. It felt fucking incredible. Hearing the sighs and gasps from those surrounding them only heightened the pleasure of the experience.
He was indeed highly skilled and seemed proud of his mastery.
And there it was again – that familiar pull she experienced in the forest that tugged at her. Another connection between them, one that was physical, and had been centered in her neck and shoulders, was now anchored, taking root in her chest. It was beginning to pluck at and take root in her heart.
A sudden coolness crept over her heated skin. She shattered and came with a vengeance. Her climax was earthshaking. Rey’s legs quivered and quaked while her shoulders hunched when her stomach contracted in millions of tiny spasms. It was a never-ending pleasure, derived from the pleasure of pleasing. The sense of it being too much all at once harkened back to the forest. She was lost in it… lost in Him.
Kylo grabbed her mid-thigh and yanked her legs down the smooth surface of the altar, stopping when her ankles reached and barely hung off the edge. He turned her over onto her stomach and raised her hips, presenting her. His thumbs pried her apart with both hands, leaving Rey gaping, totally open and exposed. His thick fingers dipped inside her entrance to spread her juices once more.
His strong thick thighs, hard as steel bracketed and caged her hips when he mounted her. They reminded her of the solid ballasts of railway ties. Kylo swatted her ass hard with his opened hand. After two unforgiving smacks to both cheeks, he let her know the train was about to barrel down on her.
“Let me in… let me in.” Coaxing her as it wormed behind her temples, coupled with the warmest sensation. It was utter transcendence. The places he was touching her inside were euphoric and intoxicating. Rey had never experienced anything like it.
His hands, like a vise, pinned her hips in place while he rushed in and out with a punishing pace. Rough and reckless, he went in hard, all grit and glass, forcing her breath from her lungs. She was shocked at the loud groan, the rush of expelled air leaving her body. Supporting herself on her forearms was difficult. Every part of her went weak.
The initial burn soon led to a ripping and tearing sensation, splitting her open. His sheer force coupled with his size was staggering. Words could hardly form in her mouth, although he was no longer preventing her from speaking.
Their mental connection had her seeing white as the words, "Raw Passion", poured through her. Then, his voice echoed within the recesses of her mind, “That’s it...”
Kylo skirted both hands up her spine and his nails raked white lines up her tanned flesh, pressing down between her blades. It forced her cheek further into the velvet pillow.
Sawing into her cunt, pistoning back and forth, with his fingers now digging hard into her waist drove her mad, and inspired a second chorus of ‘ooohs and aaahs’ to rise and fall from their audience.
He dipped and snaked a hand down to massage her breast and then grabbed her shoulder with the other, forcing her back to arch more severely.
Without warning, he placed the ball of one foot to the pedestal at the base of the altar and started to grind his hips. The atmosphere was thick with them, the scent of their sex hung like a cloud in the air and permeated everything. And the intensity of his grinding, his pelvic thrusts had reduced Rey to a feverish throbbing mess.
Her head bobbed weakly with his rhythm and she feared her elbows could no longer support her weight. She had no idea how much longer she could withstand his thighs slapping hers, and endure the embarrassing squelching or the way she leaked around him.
Pressure was building and building and it was pushing her to that place.
Kylo pulled out from inside her. It was abrupt and unexpected. Rey whined and had even tried clenching harder to prevent him from parting from her this time.
He gripped her hips and flipped her over onto her back. Rey slid along the cool surface. Scooping her up supporting her shoulders by the blades and curling his massive body into her, Kylo snarled as he took her once more. His strokes were more powerful and his pace, even. Rey could see he was restraining himself as the cords in his neck strained with each thrust.
Next, he rolled his jaw and released a growl and squeezed Rey tighter than he had before. His thrusts grew intimidating and yet strangely intimate once they were eye to eye and he vigorously pounded her pussy. His eyes never strayed from hers as his breath grew more ragged. Seeing his pupils blown wide and black made Rey wrap her arms around his back now soaked with perspiration and ride him as he bucked wildly into her.
Rey could not help hearing the loud gasps from all assembled and wanted to measure their curiosity against the thrill the pair provided them.
Kylo grimaced and gritted his teeth, his hands scrambled wildly like paws groping at her hips and pulling her into him for deeper penetration.
Both were unaware that they were mirroring each other’s movements. Rey pushed her chin above his shoulder, clinging for dear life. Her eyes opened, remembering the viewing audience, and took in the scene. She saw some of the women’s knees visibly buckle. Pawing at their crotches and rubbing along their erections hidden under their dark cloaks, the men were far more obvious.
Growling which translated as “More, more, more!” flashed like subtitles in her skull and signaled his entire body going rigid. Kylo shuddered through hunched shoulders and broken pants when his whole body molded itself around hers. Her own pleasure coiled deep inside her and it felt impatient, wanting its own release.
Time seemed to stand still as he filled her. Filled her to the brim, completing her in a way she’d never known could be. The powerful waves of pleasure rolling from his very being stoked the coils in her core, calling, summoning them forward. The command was explicit and when she finally let go, she was consumed whole.

The fury of his victory at finally being let in was drowned out only by the overwhelming rush of Rey’s climax, unleashed and ultimately set free.
They both howled together as it crested over them, and the sound of their cries joined, filling the room as they reached up into the vaulted ceilings.
His nails bit into her flesh as he squeezed Rey tighter to his chest. She was trussed firmly, securely to him, the two fused together, a veritable wet sweaty mass.
The silence was deafening.
He slowly stepped down off the altar and circled it almost in a ceremonious way. By the time he reached the rear of the platform, his body was covered in sweat, flushed pink and gleaming in the firelight.
Conflicted by her already aching need for more of him, Rey folded her body into an almost fetal position as if to fend off the feelings at war with each other.
.A looming long face, made of stone, hovered above her. Already missing his warmth, the very nearness of him, she peered up at him and tried to keep him in focus given that she was seeing him upside down.
His nose brushed against her hair as Kylo planted a kiss on her forehead and once again she lost consciousness.The last whisper she heard in her head was very faint but ever-present. “For Eternity.”

<<<>>>

Rey woke with a start, finding it odd that she could not remember falling asleep. Odder still, she couldn’t move her arms no matter how roughly she wrangled them. Her arms tugged roughly against her. Still naked and now restrained and staked out on display, her wrists and ankles were manacled firmly to the marble altar. She took a harsh deep breath, filling her lungs. But right before she had a chance to process it all or even panic, He gradually came into view.
Clenching her jaw and gritting her teeth, Rey tried with everything she possessed to struggle free and break her bonds. It was utterly useless and she knew it.
The doors to the ballroom were flung open with a loud slam. Another woman was forcibly dragged, stumbling through the entrance into the ballroom, a muslin sack covering her head. Two men escorted her, a cruel repeat of Rose’s detainment earlier that evening. Rey struggled and fought to crane her neck from the pillow, attempting to lift herself to see. Shock, horror and fear crushed her. She was so heartsick, afraid that it was Rose.
In a rage mixed with fright, Rey squirmed harder. She wriggled her wrists to escape, and yanked hard at the manacles. Rey blurted out, “Spare her! Please!! Spare her!”
“SILENCE!” Kylo's tone and manner turned harsh and coarse. His next statement was clearly directed at her. “You mistake me, madam.”
He continued. “A reminder - You hold no sway here.” Rey thought she saw something minute, imperceptible. A slight tremble to his lips.
The sack was ripped from the woman's head, revealing a messy mop of tousled blonde hair. Her face was red, and slightly swollen. It was now evident the victim was Kaydel.
Much relieved, Rey released a deflated sigh and relaxed the muscles in her neck.
A flash of shiny bright white light flickered in her periphery, and Rey wished that she could close her eyes against it.
She already knew what it was.

Once unsheathed, it accompanied the sound of a sharp twang of metal as the silver dagger adorned with jewels was pulled then lifted high above his head. The cold steel sang out.
A pang of sorrow rumbled inside her gut, miserable and wracked with anguish in anticipation of her impending torment, torture and likely death. They – well, he meant to do her grave harm and injury she was sure. Rey was convinced of it, but she was powerless and there was no escaping this end.
She was not ready to die.
He averted his eyes as he held the dagger tightly in his fist and let it hover, poised just above the hollow of her throat. All the while, she heard Kaydel’s soft sniffles.
Rey stopped breathing. Fear filled her as the dagger skimmed lightly along the soft, delicate skin beneath her collarbone. She hated that his hand guided it. It angered and confused her. Circling each areola slowly, down the planes of her stomach and along the curve of her hips, he let the sharp blade skim over the surface of her skin. It never nicked the flesh, but the all-too-obvious risk was without question, so she dared not move.
She never once batted an eye.

“Such strength - such courage.”

Something subtle passed between them. Almost as if she had sent a message within his mind, Kylo watched her with some sort of quiet approval. It had him turn away to face the other members of his coven. While Kylo looked on, silver trays carrying silver goblets filled with blood were being served, passing from one guest to another.
All of her fight, all of her toughness, and her self-preservation had vanished. It was surprisingly replaced with a warped sense of gratitude. Rey had resigned herself to whatever harsh reality and unavoidable fate that awaited her.
At least she knew how it ended. Rey had resigned herself to the harsh reality and the inevitability. She choked back a sob and imagined Kylo’s next utterance, asking her, “Any last words?” but his golden eyes narrowed then carefully drifted between the two women, before he then turned to Enric, giving him a curt nod.
Enric Pryde then moved to his right, announcing loudly for everyone to hear. “Cast your stones.”
Hux, Canady and Mitaka spread out amongst all those gathered and distributed the tokens from inside the little wooden boxes.
Arihnda closely followed them holding a black velvet bag. She collected the chosen tokens, then shuffled back over, returning to the altars. She stood before Kylo and one at a time, began placing them atop each altar at their feet.
The loud chinks of stone upon stone counted certain death out slowly, inexorably. It was the sound of her own demise, her very life ebbing away, Rey mused. Although Arihnda added stones to each pile, alternating between Rey and Kaydel’s. She pushed the last three to the pile set at Kaydel’s feet.
They all began to chant. It was more like a buzzing sound filtering throughout the room. What came to her mind was something similar to an angry hive of insects.
In an instant, it all came to an end when Arihnda raised the empty bag high above her head. Kylo stepped forward to join her. “It is done!” Rey was trembling feverishly.
Next, Armitage and Moden stood beside them, and Kylo handed one of them the dagger. Rey was not sure which one. What followed was the grotesque, muffled metal sound of chnk-chnk-chnk. The crowd swelled and drew nearer, huddling around the two altars.
The terrible smell of iron and salt filled Rey’s nostrils and clung to the roof of her mouth.
Petrified, Rey’s eyes went wild as she watched the splash of arterial spray spatter along the altar. Her stomach roiled and she slammed her eyes shut. She
was so horrified and filled with such dread that it made her nauseated.
Rey could barely hear Kaydel’s last squirms and choked squeals. It sickened her so, knowing that fate, that end could have easily been her own.

<<<>>>

Kylo cast his eyes down to Rey as he slowly peeled himself away from the sacrifice and began to unlock the manacles at her hands and feet.
“Do you choose to join me, little dove?”
She only swallowed and scarcely nodded.
“Willingly or unwillingly… you are for me.” He leaned closer. The pink of his tongue pressed from between his lips and wet them. “For I have deigned you worthy.”
Rey’s lips quivered when she eked out, “Then why…?”
“Why what?” Kylo slightly creased his brow.
She couldn’t control her trembling and with each passing second grew colder and colder. “Why d-did you, you..?”
His stare was piercing. “Say it! Why what?” He rolled his jaw. “Say it...”
“W-why did you choose me?” The words tumbled out quickly and once they left her lips, she swallowed hard breaths behind them.
Kylo heaved an enormous sigh. “It may be beyond your comprehension now, but in time, you will understand.” He studied her closely and found the tear that struggled to well in her eyes finally fell and slid down her cheek. It was quickly followed by another.
As he watched another tear slowly follow the others, he continued. “We are fated. You and I.” He leaned down closer to her. His lips pressed loosely into the lobe of her ear, gently caressed her cheek, and thumbed away her tears. “I told you in the forest. You can never outrun destiny, Rey…” She noticed his eyes were deep and had surprisingly turned a warm brown.
He then stood fully, still naked, fearless and proud as he finally addressed his followers.
This time, Rey clearly and succinctly heard him inside not only her mind but entire body and it was no whisper. “Stay by my side.
Be with me.”
With a loud declaration, “By the Light. By the Darkness… She is now Mine!” As if he proposed a toast, Kylo plucked a goblet from Hux’s hand, took a long sip from it and slowly turned back to Rey.
Slipping an arm beneath her shoulders he scooped her up, helping her to sit up and face his followers.
Then, the rim of a silver goblet filled with the thick red liquid was pressed gently to her lips, and Rey drank deep.

<<<>>>

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The dawn broke then cracked through the misty blue darkness on the horizon with an even golden glow. It seeped slowly across the sky. Coming to, she blinked up and squinted, regaining consciousness slowly. Lulled by a steady rumbling, swaying.

Rey was in a daze. Her head was cloudy and fuzzy, wrapped in warmth, and nestled in something soft and large. For one simple fleeting moment she believed she was lost in a dream… an endless dream. Small fuzzy images of her, of her past, her present, all flashed through her mind like computer generated slides. There were visions she remembered and those she had forgotten.
Sparks flickered inside her of the ritual night filled with fear and dread. She took in a sharp breath as they mingled together among something welcoming and reassuring. A thick, creamy cable knit clad arm held her firmly. Her own hands lay tucked beneath a muscular thigh in chocolate brown cords.
When her eyes lazily opened fully, she saw him. With one hand tightly to the wheel and the other gathering her in closer to his chest. Then he provided her with a thing she’d only seen twice since they met, since he had chosen her. Kylo gave her a smile. His warm light brown eyes crinkled. A tan muffler he sported around his neck fluttered in the autumn breeze, as did his long, black wavy hair.
“There you are, Little Dove.” He whispered in her hair.

They were bouncing and swerving along in what felt like the uneven motion of a car careening down the back roads that bordered Lake Poanga. The sunlight now was steadily seeping through the forest, the rolling hills of Corellia Valley, and shimmering on the still waters of the lake.
Rey’s rough raspy voice slipped out between her dry lips. “Kylo…?”
The realization that they rode in the old Duesenberg she had seen the night before sank in.
“Yes.” He caressed her gently. “Are you excited? You certainly should be… You’re about to learn how to navigate this strange new world you will now live in.”
Her mind reeled with the memory of all the magic he had wielded the night before. “Y-you are so, so powerful. Are y-you…” Through knitted brows, she looked up at him. “Are you immortal?”
“Yes, I am. And soon, Little Dove, you will be, too.” Kylo stroked her hair down to her shoulder. The car lurched as he shifted gears then pulled her hand from his thigh, clasping it tightly in his with a squeeze.
“But what of my friend, Rose…?”

<<<>>>

Finn hauled up the countryside doing over sixty-five miles an hour, one eye on the road and the other glued to his cell phone. He was worried sick after not hearing back from them since last night. His fears got the better of him and he left home with a singular purpose… to find Rey and Rose.
A quarter of a mile before the main gates, he strained to squint through the brush and saw a lone figure. As he drew closer, the ragged shape of a person appeared to look like Rose. He screeched brakes and pulled over onto the shoulder. She was wandering an uneven path beside the roadway. Her dress was in tatters and her face was weathered and worn. Although he’d last seen her only hours ago, she seemed to show signs of exposure.
He leapt out of the town car, removed his hoodie and promptly wrapped her in it.
Babbling and incoherent, Rose went on and on once he helped her inside. All that Finn could decipher was something about witches, sacrifices, and a huge pentagram in the middle of the ballroom floor.
“Okay, okay, Rose. It's all right now.” Reaching into the wide console, he handed her his coffee. “Calm down. Now, here - sip some.” He put the car in drive and pulled off.
Both her dirty hands stiffly clamped onto the mug. Still shaking, Rose lifted it to her lips and took a sip. She leaned up onto the edge of her seat, pushing her knees to the heating vents and then took another slow sip.
After she became a little more lucid, she rattled off more. “He chose Rey, Finn! I could tell by the way he looked at her. B-but they were all witches! We - we were in so much danger - we ran, and ran - Ran!”
Finn nodded while listening intently.
She chugged down some more of his coffee and brushed her bangs from her face with the back of her hand. “I dunno, what - what - I dunno. He wanted to take Rey! We have to find her, Finn! We have to!”
When Rose saw that he had pulled right in front of the mansion, and she saw the large front doors facing right through the windshield, she totally freaked out. “No, no, no, no –” Rose recoiled and squirmed in her seat, brought her knees up to her chest and planted her bare feet into the seat, then dug her nails onto the dashboard, she was so horrified.
“Sshh - sshh... It’s okay, Rose, it’s okay.” Finn patted her thigh trying to comfort her. “Listen - I’ll be right back, honest, Rose. I’m just going to check with the staff to see if they’ve seen Rey and can answer a few questions for me.” He doubled-parked and left the engine running. Finn winked at her. “I’m pretty sure she’s sitting inside there right now, wondering where you went off to. Or trying to find her cell phone and most likely nursing a hangover.”
Once he locked her inside, he gestured to her to stay put. Finn ran straight through the main hall to the grand ballroom. With his eyes scouring the large vacant space for tell-tale signs of remnants from a lavish party, he saw none. No wax drippings on the floor, no empty bottles of wine, no large trash bags or cans for cleaning staff, No smoke lingered in the air and each fireplace showed no signs of recent activity.
He looked down at his boots and stared into the wood grain and intricate designs of a very old, polished parquet flooring.
A middle-aged lady disturbed him from his preoccupations. “Good afternoon, sir. Did you have an appointment?”
“Oh, no, no, no…” Startled, Finn was at a loss for words. “I - I didn’t. I - um, I’m sorry but you do work here, right?”
“Yes, I do, for over eleven years now. So…” The woman fidgeted a bit with her weathered hands, tracing the lines of a vein. “Were you interested in planning and or hosting an event?”
Nervously, he scrubbed his hand to the nape of his neck. “Ah - Actually no. No, I was more interested in the affair that was held here last night.”
“I’m so sorry, sir. But there was no event last night.”
Shock combined with a twinge of terror washed over his face, when at that moment a loud creaking floor caught their attention, and it came from the library.
They both darted their eyes toward the library door then back to each other. “Was there anyone else with you, sir?”
Mildly spooked now, Finn’s mouth hung open. “No, no, I’m pretty sure my friend is still waiting in the car.”
Making their way to the library, once the woman opened them wide, they entered through the double French doors. There on the Persian rug they found Rose crouched low on the floor with her hands cupped to her cheeks. She lay at the foot of the painting, hunched over crying.
It was the portrait of the little, raven-haired boy who sat alone on the garden bench. His gaze still focused to his far right. Only now, instead of an empty space, there was a lovely little auburn-haired, freckle-faced girl in a simple gingham dress. She was holding a small basket filled with wildflowers and her eyes were on his much like his were upon hers.
Finn squatted down next to his friend on the floor. He glanced back up to request assistance from the docent, viewing her name tag which read, A. Pryce. But before he could call to her, Rose sobbed even louder.
It was more like a wail. Rose’s swollen puffy eyes lifted to the painting, eyeing each and every brushstroke along the textured canvas.
“Doesn’t matter anymore.” Rose whimpered softly. “She’s - she’s gone…”

<<<>>>