Archive of Our Own ^beta

Image by Mal

Blitzø scales the walls of the looming palace before him. He has an idea. A foolish, manic idea. He remembers the little owl from his childhood. The book he so proudly displayed for Blitzø.   

Now, as an adult, Blitzø finds himself in need of a way to the human realm, and what better way to achieve that than stealing from his one-time childhood friend? Surely, he can pull this off. The kid was rather soft.  

Blitzø makes it to the balcony easily, no guards catching sight of his small form. He rubs his hands in anticipation as he approaches the doors.   

Carefully, he peeks inside, looking for any sign of the prince. Finding none, he pushes open the doors, skulking through the shadows toward the book on the highest shelf.  

He snickers as he climbs the ladder beside the shelf, hand reaching for the tome. Just before he grabs it, however, it is encased in a purple magic and pulled away. Blitzø jumps, losing his footing and falling back to the floor.  

Swallowing thickly, he turns, seeing glowing red eyes in a shadow across the room. “Lost, little imp?”  

Stolas stares, his eyes boring into his old friend. He's livid, waiting for the imp to speak.   

Blitzø stumbles to his feet and retreats backwards, his back hitting the shelf. “S-Stolas. I can explain…” he stutters, his heart pounding in his chest.   

“No need. I know why you’re here. Did you truly think it would be so easy to steal from me?” The prince is angry, and Blitzø can feel sweat forming on the back of his neck. Every nerve in his body is screaming run, but he knows it would be futile.  

Stolas stalks toward him. "I should kill you for your insolence. Blitzo."  

Blitzø retreats further, his back pressing tightly against the shelf. It digs uncomfortably into his skin. Stolas continues to close in on him, stopping a mere foot from the imp. “I-it's Blitzø now,” the imp whispers.   

The prince hums, smirking. This little imp amuses him. “How cute.” His head tilts as he studies his old friend. A conniving grin spreads across his face. "I may have a better use for you than a corpse, however.” Stolas traces a talon under Blitzø’s chin, making him shudder. "What do you say, Blitzy? How badly do you wish to live?"  

Blitzø swallows, studying Stolas' face. His eyes trace down the prince’s body, a sick curiosity coming over him. "What do you want?" He has the feeling he already knows. Stolas' gaze is pure hunger.  

"Oh, I think you know what I want." Stolas brings Blitzø’s face towards his, bending so they're at eye level. "I've been lonely for such a long time. I need someone to... satisfy my urges." Stolas can feel excitement fluttering in his gut as he waits for Blitzø to answer.  

Blitzø searches for words but ultimately can only get one out. “W-why…?”  

“My marriage is unsatisfactory at best. My wife is not… quite to my taste, per se.” Stolas traces his fingers along the side of Blitzø’s face. A wide grin graces his beak. “And you, old friend, are not unattractive to me.”  

Blitzø’s breathing increases as he stares at the owl. “Stolas, please…”  

“Choose, Blitzø. Become my toy, my pleasure, or I can kill you where you stand.” Stolas can feel his patience wearing thin. The prince is unsure which option sounds more appealing at the moment, though he is leaning more toward a hedonistic answer.  

Blitzø swallows hard. “Okay.”  

Stolas' eyes widen ever so slightly, though the grin never leaves his face. “Truly?”  

“Yes,” the imp whispers, feeling his heart rate skyrocket. “Use me as you please. Just… just don’t kill me. I have a daughter.”  

“Hmm. To that, at least, I can relate.” Stolas tells Blitzø, his face softening briefly.  

Blitzø notes that for later. “So how do you want…?” He gasps as he's suddenly dragged forward, the prince’s breath hot on his lips.   

“Just do as you’re told, Blitzy, and nothing bad will happen,” Stolas purrs. “Starting with this. Kiss me.”  

Blitzø hesitates a moment, staring into the glowing ruby of Stolas' eyes. He feels like a virgin. Like an inexperienced teen.   

Then, slowly, he presses his lips to the prince’s.   

Suddenly, it’s as if a fire has been lit in his abdomen. Like nothing he has ever felt. Kissing Stolas feels right in some twisted way, even if done for all the wrong reasons. This whole situation is fucked, yet he still opens his mouth to the owl. Drowns in the taste of him. Their tongues tangle, and Blitzø pants as he pulls back for air.  

Stolas hums, the smirk back on his face. “Good boy.” The price stares down at the imp. He takes in his flushed face. The hunger in him grows stronger.  

Blitz shudders at the praise. Whimpers as Stolas drags a hand down his chest. The prince slowly raises his shirt, revealing the scarred skin beneath it. The article catches on his horns before being unceremoniously tossed to the ground.   

Blitzø shivers, the chilled air of the room biting his skin. “Fuck…”  

Stolas hums softly before dropping to his knees, now eye level with the imp. He licks up his neck, loving how it makes Blitzø tremble. “So good for me, little imp.”  

It’s humiliating. It’s hot. Blitzø isn’t sure which feeling is stronger. He inhales shakily before gripping the prince’s cheeks and kissing him again.  

Stolas lets out a muffled grunt, eyes widening with surprise before his lips curl against Blitzø’s, and he kisses back. Their tongues tangle together, and Blitzø’s hands reach for the buttons of Stolas’ blouse. Stolas pulls back, leaving the other demon gasping. “So eager.” He taunts.  

Blitzø is unsure what has come over him. He feels hot and cold. Needy and repulsed. His emotions war inside him. The only thing he’s sure of is that at this moment, he wants Stolas. Wants to feel him. Touch him. See what a powerful demon looks like when they come undone.  

“Less talk, more fuck,” Blitzø mutters impatiently.  

Stolas chuckles. “You dare tell me what to do?” He pushes Blitzø onto his back, standing to press a sharp, taloned foot into his chest. “I’m going to enjoy this.”  

Blitzø gasps, hand instinctively gripping Stolas’ ankle. “Stolas...”  

“Silence,” the owl snaps, and Blitzø’s mouth falls shut. “You’ll do well to behave.”  

Blitzø swallows and nods, his grip loosening.  

Stolas grins. “Good.” He falls to straddle the imp’s hips, grinding on Blitzø’s half-hard cock. Stolas moans.  

Blitzø nearly dies right there, horns pressing into the floor as he throws his head back. He pants with every shift of Stolas’ hips, his dick growing harder by the second.  

“Someone is enjoying himself,” Stolas notes, voice low and cruel. He presses harder, and Blitzø gasps, eyes rolling back. “You better not come, little imp,” the prince threatens.  

Blitzø whimpers, longing for the pleasure and dreading its consequences. “Please.”  

A hand covers his mouth as Stolas leans down to whisper, “No amount of begging is going to save you. You’re mine now. Mine to use, to taunt, to torture.” The owl’s beak drags against the side of his neck, leaving a thin trail of blood that Stolas then licks up. On instinct, Blitzø tries to pull away, but he’s held in place. “Come now, Blitzy. You don’t want our little game to end, do you?”  

Blitzø whines in the back of his throat. Stolas’ hand slides down from his mouth to press against his neck instead. Blitzø’s hips jerk upward, seeking more friction. Stolas stands on his knees, and Blitzø is left humping air. He whimpers again, longing for the pleasure. His neck burns, and his breathing is shallow, and Satan, he wants more.  

He finds himself tugging at the prince’s clothes. Blitzø pushes his shirt the rest of the way off his shoulders, undoes his pants, and pulls them down his hips. Stolas allows the desperate act, more amused by the second.  

Blitzø stares at Stolas’ naked body in awe. His feathers are perfectly preened, though some have become disheveled by his frantic undressing. His long body makes the imp’s mouth water, and there, between his legs, was a beautiful, dripping bird puss. “Fuck...”  

Stolas presses down on his throat, cutting off Blitzø’s air. “I didn’t say speak,” he growls.  

Blitzø struggles for a moment before Stolas releases him, leaving him gasping for air. Instead of the verbal slew he wishes to throw, he just nods. He must do this. Has to be good. For his life.  

“Good,” Stolas purrs. “You like what you see, don’t you, Blitzy?” He looks at Blitzø with a feral gaze. “Would you like to touch?”  

Blitzø swallows and nods again. Stolas guides his hand to the wet heat between his legs. The imp lets out a low groan at the slick on his fingers. Slowly, he rubs Stolas’ entrance, the prince gasping softly. After a few seconds of teasing, he carefully eases a finger inside.  

Stolas gasps, grinding on the appendage. It’s so unlike his own fingers. Better.  

Blitzø groans again. The owl is so tight. He wonders how he’ll feel around his dick. The thought makes him twitch. He feels pre-come leaking down his shaft. He adds another finger as Stolas rocks against his hand. Blitzø shifts his thumb and finds a ridge on the outside that makes Stolas choke on a pleasured cry.   

Electricity shoots down the prince’s spine, and he arches, crying out again when Blitzø adds a third finger. Soon, he’s a shuddering mess, suddenly at the mercy of the imp as he pleasures him. A high-pitched wail echoes through the room as he comes undone, and it takes Stolas a moment to realize the sound was from his own throat.  

Blitzø watches with hooded eyes. So that’s what a powerful demon looks like when he comes undone. Beautiful.  

Wait. Shit, no. This man could kill him. Now is not the time to think of how pretty he is.  

Stolas is still panting, watching Blitzø with a studious gaze. “Lick your fingers clean.”  

Blitzø groans at the order. He pulls his hand from Stolas’ heat and to his mouth. His long tongue darts out to wrap around his fingers while he keeps eye contact with the prince, savoring the salty-sweet flavor. He can see how Stolas’ chest rises and falls a bit quicker.  

A chirp suddenly leaves the prince, and Blitzø feels his pants being torn off. Literally. “Hey!” He can’t help but protest. Thankfully, Stolas seems past the point of punishing him.  

“I don’t care about your possessions; I need you inside me now.” Stolas glares down at him before getting into position above him.  

Blitzø swallows thickly and nods. “Okay.”  

The prince lowers his hips, and both demons gasp as Blitzø fills him. Stolas is so tight. It feels so good.  

Meanwhile, Stolas savors the stretch. The fullness. How perfectly Blitzø drags against his walls.  

Involuntarily, Blitzø jerks his hips upward, and Stolas gasps a surprised moan. Sharp talons drag down Blitzø’s chest in response, and the imp freezes, but instead of sinking into his flesh, they stop at his abdomen.  

“Fuck me,” Stolas orders.  

Blitzø doesn’t need to be told twice; his hips snap up against the prince. Another breathy moan leaves the owl as Blitzø growls. “So, what exactly is this?” He can’t help but ask, even as he thrusts into Stolas’ wet heat, his pleasure growing. “Have some fetish for the lower classes? Get off to being fucked by an imp?”  

Stolas moans louder, grinding down with each of Blitzø’s thrusts. “I enjoy proving my power, regardless of how.” He chokes out.  

Blitzø huffs a humorless laugh. “So, what happens when you get bored of me?” He grips Stolas’ hips, thrusting even harder as he pulls him down to meet him. Stolas screeches, and his walls tighten around Blitzø’s cock. “Oh, fuck!” Blitzø gives a few more thrusts before spilling deep in the owl. His breaths come out in short gasps.  

Stolas collapses above him, just barely catching himself before he smothers Blitzø. He strokes the imp’s cheek with the back of his hand. “When I get bored? Well, I suppose we’ll just have to see.” He chuckles darkly.  

Blitzø doesn’t like the sound of that.  

After a few moments, Stolas lifts his hips, and Blitzø’s softening cock slides free. The imp watches as his come drips from Stolas. The sight is enough to stir his loins once more, but he fights the feeling. “So... can I go home now?”  

Stolas stands, staring down at him. “I could let you go... but I’m having so much fun.”  

Blitzø swallows. “Please... I need to go home.”  

For a moment, it seems like Stolas will refuse. Will punish him further, but instead, the owl scoffs. “Fine, but before you do, I have a proposition for you.” A cruel grin spreads across his face. “You need my book, yes? I will allow you to use it, under the condition that you meet me here any time I see fit. It can be our little secret if you please, but you’re mine to use as I desire.” Stolas waits, the grin staying in place. He can see how Blitzø’s mind tries to fight itself. The struggle between his need and his safety. “Come on, Blitzy. Time is ticking.”  

Blitzø hates this. Hates how small he feels, but he finally swallows and nods. He needs the book. I.M.P. needs the book. “Okay. Whatever you want.”  

Stolas’ grin grows further as he hands the tome over. His talons linger against Blitzø’s claws before he pulls away.  

“Good boy.”  

***  

“The fuck were you at?” Loona asks with a raised brow. She studies her adoptive dad a moment before her brow furrows. “And what happened to your neck?”  

Blitzø quickly covers his neck, hiding the scratch. His face is hot with shame and embarrassment. “Don’t worry about it,” he mutters. “Here.” He passes over the book. “That should get us to the human realm.”  

“Blitzø… what did you do?” the hellhound whispers.   

The imp is silent. “What I had to.” He turns away then, going to bury his face in the couch.   

Loona stares a moment before whining softly and retreating to her room. She's genuinely worried. Blitzø is known for his recklessness, but getting a book like this…  

She fears what he may have gotten himself into.   

***  

Blitzø gasps, head thrown back as he pulls against the ropes that bind him. Stolas is kneeling on the bed by his feet, his cock in his mouth. Fuck. This shouldn’t feel as good as it does. He should be scared. Be repulsed. Yet all he can think about in the moment is the pleasure. How good Stolas’ mouth feels on him.  

Stolas enjoys watching Blitzø writhe, taking him deeper and wrapping his tongue around his shaft. He smirks into the action as he takes full advantage of his lack of gag reflex.  

“Stolas! Stolas, please!” Fuck, the owl looks good sucking his dick. Blitzø is loath to admit it, but he loves the sight.  

The prince pulls back with a dark grin. The imp whines and pulls at his bindings. They hold firm. “What’s the matter, Blitzy?” Stolas taunts.  

“Fuck you,” Blitzø bites. He gasps in pain when talons dig into his ankle.  

“That’s not very nice.” Stolas rises up on his knees, looming over the smaller man. “You know better.”  

Blitzø whimpers. “I’m sorry.”  

Stolas tsks. “I think you need to be punished.”  

Blitzø trembles beneath him. “Please, no. I’ll behave.”  

Stolas leans over him, running a hand over his throat. “Oh, I know you will,” he hisses. “I’ll make sure of it.” His hand tightens around Blitzø’s neck.  

Blitzø gasps, his hands clenching the ropes in an attempt to break free, to pull Stolas off. His vision blurs, and he grows lightheaded. Just before he passes out, Stolas suddenly lets him go.  

The imp sputters and coughs as Stolas watches with a cold gaze. The prince lets out a long breath before smirking again. “Remember why you’re here.” He drags his sharp talons down Blitzø’s chest.  

Blitzø jerks as Stolas breaks his skin, tensing against the ropes again. Tears prick his eyes, and he grits his teeth.  

“Does it hurt, little one?” Stolas asks. He presses against the wounds, watching Blitzø’s tears spill over. “Remember, it could be so much worse.”  

Blitzø knows. Satan, he knows how much worse it could be. He could be dead. Maimed. Any number of horrific things, he had no doubt, Stolas has considered.  

He found himself wondering how the innocent owl boy from his childhood had turned into this.  

Stolas presses his beak gently against Blitzø’s cheek. The best imitation of a kiss he could give. The tender action catches him off guard, yet it feels like an insult as well. “Behave.”  

The prince’s voice has softened, and Blitzø is confused before he gasps as Stolas lowers himself onto him. The stinging pain from his wounds, paired with the pleasure surrounding his cock, makes his vision go white. He finds himself longing to touch the prince.  

Stolas rides him slowly, and Blitzø’s hips stutter involuntarily against his. He chokes on a moan, his head tossed to the side.  

Stolas groans at the feel of Blitzø inside him, pressing his hand into the mattress for better leverage. He grinds against him, loving how utterly wrecked the imp looks. He’s covered in blood and sweat, and the sight alone nearly sends Stolas over the edge.  

Blitzø can feel his pleasure rising, can feel how close he is. Stolas’ walls tighten around him as the prince cries out, coming hard above him. Blitzø is close too. So close. Just a few more...  

“Fuck! No!” he cries out when Stolas pulls off of him. “Stolas, please! I’m sorry! Don’t do this!”  

“Hmph,” the prince huffs. “Only good boys get to come, Blitzy. And you disrespected me.”  

Tears are falling freely from Blitzø’s eyes now. His chest and ankle sting, his wrists ache, and his cock is throbbing. “Please,” he sobs.  

Something shifts briefly in Stolas’ eyes. So brief that Blitzø nearly misses it. It’s gone just as quickly, and Stolas scowls. “Lay there and reflect on your actions. Then maybe I’ll give you a release. Later.”  

Blitzø watches Stolas dress and head for the door. No. Surely, he won’t leave him like this. Not tied up and hurting.  

Except he does.  

The door closes, and Blitzø wails. He hates this, yet deep down, he knows he craves the prince. He wants to be good. Shame pools in his gut.  

He’s humiliated, and that just makes everything worse.  

Blitzø doesn’t know how long he lies there, but eventually Stolas does return. “Well, my little imp. Have you learned your lesson?”  

Blitzø nods eagerly. “Yes.”  

“Hmm.” Stolas stalks toward him. “I’m not so sure that’s true, but perhaps you have suffered enough for one night.”  

He takes Blitzø’s somehow still hard cock in his hand, and the imp sobs with relief. It takes an embarrassingly short number of strokes for him to orgasm, hot come shooting in ropes across his stomach and the prince’s hand.  

“There’s my good boy,” Stolas whispers, wiping his hand on the sheets.  

Blitzø shivers, the praise comforting him.  

Stolas unties the ropes, then turns to leave again. “Clean yourself up and go. I’ll call you again when I need you.”  

Blitzø swallows and nods, heading for the bathroom. He washes himself of the come and blood, then dresses to head back to his apartment.  

Loona is thankfully in her room when he arrives. He doesn’t want to explain where he’s been or why he smells like sex. Exhausted, he collapses onto the couch and immediately passes out.  

***  

His throat is bruised. The scratches on his skin burn and itch throughout the following days. It makes Blitzø shift uncomfortably. Distracts him.  

“You okay, B?” Millie asks, concern written across her expression. “You seem out of it.”  

“I’m fine,” he tells her, even as he flinches. “I’m just... tired.” It wasn’t a complete lie. He had been at the palace until the early morning hours.  

His friend doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t dwell on the thought for long once their target comes into view.  

Blitzø misses every shot he takes. He’s shaky. Distracted. Moxxie takes over, and the target drops. Blitzø doesn’t miss the glare the other imp gives him.  

They finish up and return to the office.  

“Sir,” Moxxie stops him as he heads for his office. “You need to take better care of yourself. You’re distracted, and it’s putting our work at risk.”  

Blitzø wants to snap at him. Tell him he’s exhausted from keeping the company alive. He doesn’t, though. Instead, he just nods, then pushes open the office door.  

Loona watches him go, her ears pressed against her head. Something is wrong, and she’s determined to figure out what.  

***  

The first time Stolas collars him, Blitzø nearly bites the prince. “Come now, Blitzy. That’s rather rude.”  

The imp growls, tugging at the strap around his neck. It's mortifying, even as he ignores the heat stirring in his abdomen. Stolas yanks the attached leash, and Blitzø’s face hits the mattress. He pushes himself up and glares at the owl.  

“You look perfect like this. In your proper place.” Stolas strokes Blitzø’s chin. “Beautiful.”  

Blitzø whimpers. Fuck, he loves the praise even as the situation becomes increasingly mortifying. He bites at Stolas’ hand again.   

The next moment, he’s lying on his side, his face stinging where the prince struck him. “Behave, or I will make sure you regret it.” Stolas’ voice is cold, and his gaze even icier.  

Blitzø takes a shaky breath. “Yes, sir.”  

A dark grin crosses Stolas’ features. “You learn quickly. Good boy. Now come here.”  

Blitzø pushes himself up, crawling over to the prince. He sits on his knees, trying to ignore the shame in his gut.  

Stolas pets him gently. “See? I knew you could behave,” Stolas taunts. “Now then, undress me.”  

Blitzø does as he’s asked, pushing the cape off of Stolas’ shoulders before undoing the romper and pulling it down his body. Even like this, even collared and humiliated, Blitzø still can’t help but admire the prince’s appearance. After he throws the article to the side, Stolas yanks the leash, making Blitzø fall into him.  

“You’re going to pleasure me tonight, and maybe, if you’re extra good, I’ll let you come after. Understood?” Stolas’ eyes bore into Blitzø as the prince waits for a response.  

Blitzø wants to fight back. Wants to be a brat. Yet he knows Stolas now, and knows he will absolutely keep him from his release if he does. Will likely do worse. “Yes.”  

Stolas grips his face, squeezing tightly. “Yes, what?”  

Blitzø swallows. “Yes, sir.”  

Stolas loosens his grip, then slowly strokes Blitzø’s face. “Good.” He kisses Blitzø. It’s slow and deep and lights a fire in the imp’s loins. Fuck. “Now do your job.”  

Stolas spreads his legs, and Blitzø stares at his already damp mound. Slowly, he leans in, dragging his teeth down Stolas’s abdomen, nipping his inner thighs. He loves how the owl’s breath hitches. How he grips one of his horns.  

Stolas tilts his head back when Blitzø finally runs his tongue through the feathers around his hole. His fingers tighten around the keratin in his hand, talons scratching at the hard surface. He loves seeing Blitzø like this. So submissive, so giving, so unlike the brash man he is in his daily life. It’s delicious.  

Blitzø laps at him, moaning at the taste. Stolas wraps his hand around the leash, putting the slightest bit of pressure on Blitzø’s neck. It’s both uncomfortable and arousing. He grips Stolas’ hips, pulling him closer to his face as he presses his tongue inside him.   

Stolas cries out, back arching off the mattress as he pulls Blitzø closer. It feels so good, so right. Even he is aware of how fucked up this is, but he never wants to stop.  

Blitzø continues to work his tongue, hitting all of the nerve bundles he has learned about over the past few encounters. Stolas’ grip on his leash tightens as he begins to shake, and Blitzø knows he’s close.   

Come for me, pretty bird.  

Blitzø’s own thoughts startle him, and he nearly loses his pace. Before he can dwell on it too much, Stolas snaps, his come coating Blitzø’s face and tongue. Blitzø licks it up eagerly, pulling back when Stolas falls still.  

The prince is panting, his hand stroking Blitzø’s horn and down his back. “Good boy.” Stolas pulls Blitzø back up to him, dragging him into a filthy kiss. His tongue invades Blitzø’s mouth, licking out the lingering flavor of his own release. He moans against the imp’s lips. “Such a good boy.”  

Blitzø whimpers, eating up the praise. He can feel his cock throbbing in his pants and subconsciously rubs a hand over it. Stolas catches his wrist.  

“Now, now. You’ve been so good for me. Don’t ruin it.” Stolas warns him. He lays Blitzø on his back and releases his wrist before sliding down the imp’s body and undoing his pants. Blitzø sighs with relief when his cock springs free.  

“Time for your reward.” Stolas grins, then licks a strip up Blitzø’s cock.  

The imp moans, tossing his head back. “Fuck... please,” he begs.  

“Needy thing,” Stolas teases. Then he takes Blitzø into his mouth.  

Blitzø cries out, body trembling as Stolas holds his hips down. He can feel the strength in those skinny arms, the power Stolas holds, and it turns him on more. His breath hitches when Stolas swallows around him, and his vision goes white. He’s close, so close. “I-I’m gonna...”  

Stolas gives a final suck and Blitzø comes hard, spilling down the prince’s throat. Stolas swallows, grinning up at Blitzø when he pulls back. “See how easy things can be when you behave, Blitzy?” He stalks up the bed until his face is mere inches from Blitzø’s. “Like a good little pet.” 

That makes Blitzø scowl, but before he can retort, the prince is kissing him again. Blitzø’s eyes fall closed, and he can’t help but lean into the action, his hands coming to hold Stolas’ sides.  

Stolas reaches to undo Blitzø’s collar as they kiss, rubbing at the irritated skin. It’s far more aftercare than either is used to. Stolas pulls back then, gazing down at the imp. “Go home. We’re done for tonight.”  

Blitzø feels a little disappointed as Stolas pulls away, but he knows expecting anything more is futile. He stands and fixes his pants as Stolas retreats to his bathroom, closing the door.  

Blitzø’s eyes linger on the closed door for a moment before he sighs, rubbing at his neck. There would be a mark, but his usual sweater should cover it. After collecting his things, he heads out the balcony doors and scales down to the van.  

***  

Blitzø knew his luck with Loona would run out eventually. The hound was awake when he got home.  

“Where were you?”   

Loona looks pissed, and Blitzø feels like a cornered animal. “I had something to take care of. It’s not a big deal.”  

“It clearly is! You come home late, looking like death, and you just want me to ignore that? Are you getting in bar fights or something?” Loona growls.  

Blitzø huffs a humorless laugh. “Honestly, that would probably be better.”  

“The fuck does that mean?”  

Blitzø just shakes his head, then cracks. “I was at the palace,” he whispers. “Stolas knows we have the book. Has known. We... we made a deal. That’s all you need to know.”  

Loona is no fool. She can put two and two together, and she feels sick. “Dad, are... are you sleeping with him for the book?”  

Blitzø is silent. “Go get some rest, Loonie.”  

Loona shakes her head. “Is that where all your injuries have been coming from? That’s fucked up!”  

“It’s necessary for the business.”  

“Fuck the business! He’s hurting you!” she snaps. “Are you... I mean, is he...?” Fuck. She can’t say it.  

“I didn’t say no, fucked as it sounds,” Blitzø says softly. “I had a choice. I still technically do, but for all the fucked-up shit I...” He shakes his head. “It isn’t like that, okay?”  

Loona looks far from convinced. “Please, Dad. Don’t do this.”  

Blitzø is silent for a long time. “He isn’t actually that bad. It’ll be okay.”  

Loona just whines. She doesn’t know how to respond to this. Any of this.  

Blitzø doesn’t give her a chance to press further, though, turning to the couch to lie down. She knows the conversation is over.  

That doesn’t make the sick feeling in her gut leave.  

***  

Blitzø hadn’t expected to see Verosika ever again, yet here they are, arguing in a parking lot over a spot that is rightfully his. There are insults, old wounds being opened and salted, and yet, she still looks at him with a calculating expression.  

Damn her and her stupid sex senses.  

The succubus actually seems concerned as she studies him. “You smell like sex.”  

Blitzø flinches. Of course he does. Stolas had made sure he felt every movement the night before. Every nip, every scratch, the strength of his hold. Fuck this. Blitzø puts on his best arrogant grin. “Yeah? You jealous?”  

“Not good sex, Blitzø. Your energy is... off.” She studies him. “But there’s something underneath. A desire. The fuck happened to you?”  

“Like I’d tell your whore ass,” he snaps back.  

Verosika growls. “Fine. Stupid for me to even ask. Fuck you, Blitzø.”  

“In your dreams, slut! Now give me back my parking space so we can move on with our day.” He flips her off.  

“As if.”  

So, in his usual fashion, Blitzø challenges her. He can kill more people than she can fuck. Easy right?  

Except he’s tired and sore, and when the giant mutant fish attacks, he’s eternally grateful that Millie takes care of it.  

“We fucking won! In your face, bitch!” He flips her off and falls back into the portal.  

After congratulating everyone, he saunters off into his office, closing the door and promptly collapsing into his chair with his head in his hands.  

The fuck is this bird doing to him?  

***  

Blitzø scales up the palace wall, slipping into Stolas’ chambers. The prince is waiting, lounging back on the bed in only his robe. Blitzø quickly removes his jacket and places his mother’s broach in its pocket before hesitantly making his way over.  

Stolas blinks slowly, a grin spreading across his face. “Hello, Blitzy.”  

“Hey, Stolas,” the imp whispers. He’s used to this by now. Prepared for whatever the prince may ask of him. In fact, he’s nearly eager to know. Underneath all of the suffering he has, in a twisted way, grown to enjoy their encounters.  

“I have a proposition for you,” the prince purrs. “Come here.”  

Blitzø swallows then scurries over. Stolas pulls him onto his lap, stroking his horns. The imp closes his eyes. Every once in a while, Stolas can be soft. Blitzø cherishes those moments.  

“I have a festival to host in Wrath. Would you and your companions like to accompany me? I have had no issues in years prior, but having someone keeping an eye on things may be… useful.” There’s something dark behind Stolas’ eyes, and Blitzø suspects he won’t just be fulfilling bodyguard duties on this trip.  

Still, he nods. “Okay.”  

Stolas smiles. “Good boy.”   

Blitzø hesitates, then asks something he had been wondering for months. Something he never felt the prince was in a good enough mood to ask, but as talons softly stroke his cheek, he figures this may be the only time to ask. “What happened to you?”  

Stolas pauses, head tilting as his smile falls. He stares, waiting for Blitzø to elaborate.  

“You... this. You weren’t like this when we were kids.” Blitzø hesitates to continue but pushes through. “You were... softer.”  

Stolas’ lips curl upward again, but this time it’s far more sinister. “Ah, well. I suppose I was soft.” The gentle hand on Blitzø’s neck suddenly grips him, pulling his face toward Stolas’. Blitzø gasps. “This is what happens to someone pushed to their breaking point, Blitzy. My wife was always cruel, and I tolerated it, but I wasn’t going to tolerate her raising a hand to our daughter. I had to put her in her place, and in doing so, I realized how much easier things are when you keep control.” A sadistic grin splits his face. “It’s a delicious feeling to control the uncontrollable. To make the feared fear you. Stella was never one to be trifled with, but she learned quickly exactly what I was capable of. She knows not to cross me again.”  

Blitzø is trembling in his hold now. He can see the darkness in the prince’s eyes. He worries about what is coming. “You don’t have to do this.”  

“No,” Stolas agrees. His eyes flash. “But I enjoy it.” He leans down and nips at Blitzø’s shoulder with his sharp beak.   

Blitzø jumps at the sudden pain, feeling the small cut drip blood. Despite the danger, Blitzø feels his resolve harden. “You really think it’s easier to be hated than show emotion?”  

Stolas pauses, then chuckles. “Is that not what you do, Blitzy?”  

It’s a gut punch, but he knows the prince is right. “Fuck you.” He mutters.  

Stolas sighs. “Is this truly the game you wish to play tonight? You’ve been so good lately.”  

“I’m not your fucking toy!”  

Stolas is on him in an instant. He pushes Blitzø back, shoving him onto his stomach and pressing a talon between his shoulders. “You, are whatever I want you to be.” Stolas hisses. “My toy, my sub, my pet. Whatever I see fit, if you wish to keep using my book.”  

Blitzø whines, but doesn’t submit. Not this time. “You’re just a weakling trying to prove something to himself.”  

Sharp fingertips bite into his skin as Stolas lifts him by the back of his neck and throws him off the bed. “Insolent imp. I should have killed you.” Stolas growls, standing and stalking toward him.  

Blitzø pushes himself up on aching limbs. Pinpricks of blood pool on his neck, but he still glares at the prince. “Then fucking do it.”  

Stolas pauses, studying Blitzø before huffing. He should kill him. Could do it easily, but something is stopping him. “You’re not worth the cleanup.” He turns away from Blitzø. “Get out.”  

That surprises Blitzø, and despite everything, he feels ice form in his gut. “What?”  

“I said to get out, or are you deaf?” Stolas glares over his shoulder. “I’ll see you for the Harvest Moon Festival.”  

Oh. So, he wasn’t free, but Stolas was letting him go tonight. Blitzø had trouble understanding why, but wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. He quickly retreated, grabbing his coat on the way out.  

Something tells him things have just changed. For the better or worse, he is unsure.  

***  

“Alright, gang, pack your bags, we’re going to Wrath!” Blitzø claps his hands together as he addresses the office the next day.  

Everyone pauses, looking at him, confused. “Why?” Moxxie asks, brows furrowing.  

“Because a royal bird asked us to guard him at some harvest bullshit, and I said we’d do it, Mox. Don’t ask questions, just do it.” The smile doesn’t leave his face, but his gut twists uncomfortably. Especially when he catches Loona’s eye.  

“The Harvest Moon Festival!” Millie squeals excitedly. “We can go visit my folks!”  

“Oh, crumbs...I mean joy!” Moxxie forces a smile at his wife.  

“Are you sure this is a good idea? We don’t usually...” Loona starts.  

“It’ll be fine, Loonie! Super easy job and we get paid! Now let's get our shit and head down before something bad happens,” Blitzø says quickly.  

Moxxie blinks. “Bad?”  

“You wanna risk pissing off a royal? Cause I sure don’t. Millie, get your little dicked husband and let’s go.” Blitzø bounds into his office and starts rummaging for his guns.  

Loona follows.  

“Dad... are you sure...”  

“Gotta do it, Loonie. It’s fine.” Blitzø forces out, still trying to smile.  

“You don’t have to do this,” she insists. “We can figure it out.”  

Blitzø pauses, then sighs. “I know I just... trust me, okay?”  

Loona whines, but nods. “I do.”  

“Good.” Blitzø finds what he was looking for. “Then let’s go.”  

He doesn’t have the words to tell his daughter that part of him doesn’t want this to stop.  

***  

That condescending, pompous asshole.  

Blitzø is fuming when he gets back to Millie’s parents’ place. Stupid owl. Stupid comments. Way to out to the entirety of Wrath that he’s fucking him. Bastard.  

And now this? Safe trip, his ass.  

“Excuse me, the fuck?!”  

Striker turns from the window, gun still in hand. “Blitzø! I thought you’d still be at the festival.”  

“You think I wanted to stick around with a thirsty owl on the stage?” Blitzø spits back. “Any time away from him is valuable to me.”  

“Hmph, yet you seem upset.” Striker grins.   

“Yeah, well. I’m not too thrilled that the guy I offered a job to is trying to off my easiest access to the human realm.”  

“Come on, Blitzø. We’re superior to our kind. You deserve better than a pompous, rich Goetia that treats you like a toy.” Striker sets the gun down and stalks toward him. Blitzø can feel his hand shaking. “Why keep acting like a pet on a leash when you could be so much more? You could work with me, slaying royalty and overlords. Starting with the one so clearly using you.”  

It’s tempting. More than that, it makes sense. Blitzø would be a complete fool to deny that offer. Be rid of Stolas? Keep a career? It should be everything he could ever want.  

So, why does the thought of Stolas dying leave him hollow?  

“Just… just don't kill me. I have a daughter.”  

“Hmm, to that, at least, I can relate.”  

Damn it.  

Blitzø swallows, seeing the short shadow slip into the room. “Fuck it, I’m in.”  

Striker grins, then freezes when a gun cocks behind him.  

“Took you long enough, Mox!” And then there's a knife at his back. “Oh, come on! Cliché much?”  

The following scuffle is long and only ends when Loona accidentally sabotages Moxxie’s shot. “Maybe you’ll get me next time... Blitzy.”  

Blitzø flinches. Fuck him. Fuck everyone.  

Loona stares at him with concern. “You good?”  

“Fine.” Blitzø goes to shove past her.  

“Sir.” Moxxie stops him. “...You and the prince...”  

“Don’t,” Blitzø spits. “I don’t need any of you butting into that. Leave it alone.” Then he storms out of the room, out of the house, and right back into the nightmare of his own making.  

***  

Stolas isn’t hard to find. He’s hidden away in a barn waiting for the rest of the Wrathians to disperse.   

“Blitzy,” the prince coos when he sees him.  

Blitzø stalks toward him. “Shut the fuck up.”  

Stolas raises a brow, and Blitzø can sense the danger in his gaze. He ignores it, grabbing Stolas and shoving him onto a pile of hay. “You are playing with fire, little one,” Stolas hisses.  

“I just saved your stupid royal ass! And I still don’t know why, so just shut up! I’m in control this time, bitch!” Blitzø straddles him, leaning to bite hard into his feathered neck.  

Talons dig into Blitzø’s back as he does, but the pain just spurs him forward. “You’re a selfish,” another bite, “manipulative,” Blitzø tears open Stolas’ top, “exploitative asshole.” He rakes his claws through Stolas’ feathers, scratching the skin underneath. “I should have let him blow your fucking brains out.” Blitzø reaches to grip Stolas’ throat. “It would have been such an easy out, but I didn’t take it. Couldn’t. And I don’t fucking understand why.”   

Stolas’ eyes are wide, but he looks more amused than anything. The prince chuckles darkly. “You should know I’m not so easy to kill, my little imp.”  

Blitzø growls. “Last I checked, an angelic bullet does the job just fine.”  

That makes Stolas pause, then a talon gently wraps around Blitzø’s wrist. “Of that, you are correct,” he says lowly, all amusement lost. “Yet you still chose to save me?”  

“Don’t think on it too hard, feathers. You’re just an easy meal ticket. Now be quiet.” Blitzø presses his lips to Stolas’, the hand around the owl’s throat tightening. The prince tightens his own hold on Blitzø’s wrist, his other talon gripping one of his spines.  

The kiss is long, violent, and messy. A clash of teeth, beak, and tongues. When Blitzø finally pulls back, they’re both panting messes, a string of saliva connecting them.  

Blitzø scowls. “I’m going to fuck you. Use you the way you always use me, and you’re going to let me.” Blitzø loosens his grip.  

Stolas just grins up at him. “Let you, is the key phrase, darling.” Darkness swirls around Stolas, just a fragment of his true power slipping through. “I could destroy you.”  

Blitzø just grins back mockingly. “Yet you’ve already proven you won’t.” He taunts.  

Stolas sneers, grabbing Blitzø and flipping them. “You would do well to remember who I am.” Talons dig into the imp’s shoulders. Blood wells around their sharp tips.  

“What? A prince?” Blitzø raises a brow, then smirks. “A fraud? A softie who’s pretending he’s tough?”  

“Enough!” Stolas’ feathers darken as his rage grows, and briefly, he considers simply crushing Blitzø where he lies.  

Finally, fear catches in Blitzø’s throat. He stares at the darkening black and red feathers and remembers exactly what the demon prince is capable of. Still...  

“You won’t do it.” Blitzø stares into Stolas’ eyes, the unspoken dare passing between them.  

Stolas stays there, hovering above Blitzø and shaking with rage, before he finally pushes his power back down with a long sigh.  

Blitzø smirks again. “Knew it.”  

Then Stolas is on him. Their lips clash. Skin breaks. Clothes tear. It’s a violent struggle for dominance between the two until Blitzø manages to shove the prince down, pushing inside him without another thought.  

Stolas cries out at the sudden stretch, talons raking down the back of Blitzø’s shoulder and leaving deep gashes. The imp doesn’t care, continuing his brutal pace. “I’m done being your toy, understand?” the imp hisses.  

Stolas chokes on a laugh. “You’ll always be mine. So long as you have the book, I’ll always be on top. Even when I’m not.”  

Blitzø grits his teeth and goes harder. It shuts the prince up as he moans, crying out with each thrust. “I don’t have to be at your beck and call. What are you gonna do if I just don’t show?”  

The sinister look that crosses Stolas’ face is enough to make Blitzø pause. “Oh, Blitzy. You don’t wish to know.”  

Then a hand closes around Blitzø’s throat, and their positions are flipped. Stolas rides him at a torturously slow pace. The grip on Blitzø’s neck doesn’t let up, and the imp struggles for air. “Do you ever imagine how you want to die, Blitzy?” Stolas asks with a head tilt. “Quickly? Slowly? Violently?” He leans in close. “Choked to death getting fucked in a barn?”  

Blitzø claws at Stolas’ wrist. His eyes plead with the prince, wide and horrified. The prince just laughs, then breaks his hold. Stolas grabs Blitzø’s horn instead, holding his head to the floor as he gasps for air. “I am always the one in control. Don’t forget that again.”  

Blitzø pants, looking up at the prince. There’s a look in his eyes that Blitzø doesn’t like. Oh fuck, he is so fucked later.  

Hot shame washes over him along with his orgasm moments after. This shouldn’t be a turn-on. He should be horrified.  

Stolas moans as Blitzø fills him, shuddering with his own release. Then he collapses next to Blitzø as they both catch their breath. A long silence falls over them as they lie there, trying to recover from each other’s brutality.  

Finally, Stolas speaks. “You saved my life.”  

It takes Blitzø a moment to reply. “I did,” he finally whispers.  

Stolas hums. “I will forgive this little outburst then, just this once.” The prince turns toward him. “However, if you ever try something like this again, I will take everything you love and revel in your suffering.”  

Blitzø swallows. That threat, he believes. “Understood.”  

Stolas’ face softens. “Good boy.”  

Blitzø stiffens when Stolas suddenly pulls him into his arms. He waits for something to happen, some sort of punishment, but it never comes. Confusion washes over him as Stolas just... holds him.  

Then, slowly, he relaxes. Before he knows it, he dozes off.  

Stolas sighs heavily, stroking one of the imp’s horns. He’s confused yet grateful that his life was saved, even if only for his daughter’s sake. Blitzø has every right to hate him. To let him die.  

Slowly, the prince stands so as not to disturb the other, sleeping, demon. He opens a portal to where Blitzø is staying, lifting him and setting him on the bed. He summons a cloth and water to wipe away the dirt and blood from his back. After that, he dresses Blitzø and pulls the blanket over him. He glances back one last time before opening another portal and leaving. 

When Blitzø wakes, he’s back in his room at Millie’s family farmhouse. His shredded clothes are nowhere to be seen, and he’s in fresh ones. His back aches where Stolas’ talons dug in, but he can tell the wounds were tended.  

When everyone else wakes up, it’s clear they have no idea what transpired the night before.  

It leaves Blitzø even more confused by Stolas’ actions.  

***  

The wounds on Blitzø’s back pull painfully over the following weeks. Thankfully, it wasn’t his dominant arm, but certain actions still made him flinch. “Sir, are you sure you’re alright?”  

“I’m fine, Mox. Now shut the fuck up, we need to be quiet.” Blitzø snaps back, even as he stumbles into a dumpster, making a loud crashing sound.  

“Sir, you’re being the loudest one.” Moxxie deadpans.  

“I said shut up!”   

And then all hell breaks loose as they’re attacked by the human government, no pun intended on Blitzø’s part. He looks back at the portal. “Loona, close it!”  

Moxxie gets hit, and Blitzø grabs him, ignoring the pull on his wounds as he throws him over his shoulder. They have to get out of here. He can’t imagine the consequences if they don’t.  

Then he gets shocked, and the world goes dark.  

***  

Fucking with the agents was fun. The truth gas? Not so much.  

“Does Millie ever peg you?”  

“Sometimes. Wha-ew! Why that?!” Moxxie glares over his shoulder.  

“Ha! I knew it!” Blitzø grins.  

“What’s with you and the prince?”  

And Blitzø’s blood runs cold as he has no control over his answer. “I made a deal to be his sex toy in return for the book.”  

Silence falls over the room briefly. “Sir...”  

“It’s not that bad.” The words are true. Blitzø couldn’t lie if he wanted to. “I mean, it sucks sometimes, but I don’t hate it.”  

More silence. “Holy shit, Blitzø.”  

And just like that the shame is back. The knowledge that he shouldn’t enjoy this. Not even a little. Except he does, and that’s the problem. “Why is everyone making a big deal out of it?! I agreed to do it, no one made me!”  

“We’re just worried, sir.”  

Then the hallucinations began.  

“But you don’t wanna do things alone, Blitzo.”  

“You tried the solo act, and it didn’t work out so well.”  

“Yet you still shove away anyone who gets too close until they resent you for being a selfish, shitty, shitty, fuck!”  

“Do you know what love is supposed to feel like, Blitzy?”  

Shut the fuck up, all of you!  

Then suddenly he’s awake. Then Millie is there. Then Loona. They break out. They kill a bunch of agent assholes. They’re going to be free.  

And then everything gets locked down, their weapons are gone, and Loona can’t see the spell to open a portal.  

Blitzø knows he’s fucked.  

Knows it more when Stolas’ voice cuts through the dark.  

“Who dares threaten my impish little plaything?”  

What ensues is horrifying as Stolas emerges from one agent’s mouth, snapping her neck in the process. The other is ripped limb from limb, viscera and blood flying everywhere. Stolas is there in his full demon glory, and Blitzø’s mouth hangs open in awe.  

And, just like that, it’s over. Stolas reverts to his usual form and turns on the lights.  

“S-Stolas.” Blitzø stutters. “I can explain...”  

“No need.” He says coldly, and Blitzø’s mouth falls shut. “You little creatures need to be more mindful of your actions, lest you get all of us in trouble, and we don’t want that, do we?” His eyes never leave Blitzø’s, and the imp knows he’s fucked.  

“We’re sorry, Your Highness. It won’t happen again.” Moxxie says quickly.  

“Oh, I know it won’t,” Stolas says, a grin on his face, but a sinister flare to his voice. “Now then, let us all return.” He opens a portal, and the others walk through, but Blitzø stays behind. He catches Loona glance over her shoulder and shakes his head. The hound’s ears press to her head, and she slowly turns away.  

Blitzø swallows thickly. “Stolas...”  

“I don’t need to tell you that this was a foolish mistake.” The prince cuts him off. “I do, however, believe you owe me for saving you.”  

The imp just stares, then nods.  

Stolas smirks. “Good boy.”  

Suddenly, Blitzø is being carried through another portal. His phone buzzes, and a quick glance shows a text from Loona asking if he’s okay.  

He quickly types back that everything is fine and to go home. He’ll be back later.  

Hopefully.  

He doesn’t add the last part.  

***  

Blitzø is bound and gagged. His wrists are suspended in the air, and his legs are tied so he’s forced to his knees. The strain hurts, but he knows Stolas doesn’t care. Not now. Probably not ever.  

His cry of pain when the whip strikes him is muffled by the ball gag in his mouth.   

“You recklessly risked everything today, Blitzy,” Stolas says coldly. Tears well in Blitzø’s eyes. He hates this. Hates how bad he feels. Hates that he disappointed Stolas.  

Another strike. “You could have gotten me into serious trouble.” Another. “Do you think I enjoy having to hurt you?”  

Blitzø screams when one of the strikes hits his still-healing wounds, the sound echoing despite the gag. He squeezes his eyes shut. Tries to breathe the best he can through the pain.  

Stolas smirks. “Then again, perhaps I do.”  

Blitzø is mortified. He feels bad. He wants to be good. Praised. He can't handle this anymore. Not while Stolas berates him.  

Stolas strikes again, and it breaks him. The pain, the shame, it’s all too much. His tears spill over in streams, and he sobs, completely broken. He shakes in his bindings. Everything is too much. The strain, the ropes, the gag. He can’t breathe.  

Stolas is about to swing again when he catches on to the state of the imp. He hesitates, hand shaking around the whip. Blitzø is sobbing, choking on the gag. His eyes are wide yet unseeing.  

Fuck, he’s definitely having a panic attack. Stolas shouldn’t care. Should continue Blitzø’s punishment. The imp would deserve it.   

Yet…  

Before Stolas fully thinks about it, he drops the whip, rushing to Blitzø’s side. He undoes the gag first, then slashes through the ropes binding his wrists with a talon. The ones on his legs follow.  

Blitzø falls into his arms, a writhing, sobbing mess. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He clutches at Stolas’ shoulders.  

Stolas hushes him softly, his chest aching. Fuck. Why does he care if Blitzø is having a breakdown? Why should he? He’s the one who nearly got them all killed today.  

Yet he can’t bear the sight of Blitzø falling apart. Not like this. Not anymore.  

“Breathe, darling,” he whispers. “It’s okay.”  

It takes a few minutes, but eventually Blitzø calms down, only to immediately tense up. He slowly looks up at Stolas with wide, fearful eyes.  

The sight nearly breaks the owl.  

“I’m sorry,” Blitzø whispers, fear coursing through his veins. “I-I didn’t mean to! Please don’t...!”  

“It’s alright, Blitzø,” Stolas says gently.  

Blitzø freezes, then looks up with pure confusion. “You... called me Blitzø.”  

“I did.” Stolas stands, lifting Blitzø with him. “I’m going to clean you up.”  

“...Why?”  

Stolas is quiet for a long moment. “It’s the least I can do.”  

That only serves to confuse Blitzø further, but he doesn’t complain. Stolas tends to the welts on his back, paying special attention to the one over the healing talon gashes. He rubs a salve over them, the coolness soothing the pain.  

When Stolas is finished and Blitzø is dressed, the prince takes a moment to study the imp.  

Despite being tall for his kind, Blitzø looks small. Defeated. Broken.  

Oh. Stolas had done that, hadn’t he?  

Fuck when… when had he become such a monster?   

“I think it’s time we end this.” The words leave Stolas' lips before he can think too hard on them.  

Blitzø looks up at him, startled. “What?”  

“Our arrangement. It’s... I think I’ve finally grown bored.” It’s a lie, but a necessary one. “You may continue to use the book. I find your business entertaining, but I no longer require you to meet me. We’re done.”  

To Stolas’ surprise, Blitzø shakes his head.   

“I-I can do better. Be good. Stolas, I swear, just... don’t...” Blitzø stops, unsure of what he’s even asking.  

Stolas changes tactics. “You won’t change my mind, imp. Now gather anything that may remain here. I’ll send you home, and you will not see me again.”  

Blitzø’s mouth falls shut. He feels like a kicked puppy as he gathers his things. He looks around the room, the room that for months has been a prison and a comfort all at once, then turns back to Stolas. “Okay.”  

A portal to his apartment opens, and he steps through, wondering why freedom tastes so bitter. Loona hugs him tightly, glad to see him okay. Except he’s not okay. He feels hollow. Broken.  

Even Stolas had eventually grown tired of his toy. Blitzø feels useless. Doomed to die alone.  

“He ended it.” He finally mutters into Loona’s shoulder.  

The hellhound stiffens, then holds him tighter. “You’re safe now.”  

Blitzø doesn’t feel safe. He just feels empty.  

Stolas watches the portal close, then collapses on his bed, his face in his hands. Tears fall down his face, and for the first time in years, he feels like his old self. Because at some point, that stupid, reckless imp had gotten beneath his defenses. Made him care about something other than Octavia again.  

He hadn’t thought it possible, yet here he was.  

In love with an imp.  

It felt like one of the frivolous novels he read in his youth. Albeit a more fucked up version.   

Stolas knows he loves him, but the prince isn’t sure he remembers what that actually means to entail. Surely not this. Not using him, berating him, forcing… fuck.  

He allows himself a short time to feel. To mourn. Then he stands, pushing those feelings down and hardening himself once more. It was done, and now things could return to how they should be. As best as they can after all of this.  

***  

Blitzø is getting so sick of watching Moxxie and Millie. Sick of how they look at each other. Sick of their love.   

He tries to follow them for selfish reasons. Be it for sabotage or self-hating purposes, he hasn’t decided yet.  

But of course, like always, there’s a hurdle to clear.  

“Couples only.”  

Fucking of course. Blitzø tries his hand at flirting with the bouncer and fails fucking miserably, getting tossed in a dumpster. Groaning, he lies there, scowl firmly in place, before he gets an idea.  

It's a stupid one, far worse than the idea that had landed him in Stolas' clutches in the first place, but damn it, he wants to see the bird, if only one last time.  

So, praying he isn’t blocked, he pulls out his phone. To his relief, it rings.  

Stolas picks up on the second ring. “What do you want?” His words are clipped, and Blitzø knows he has to act fast before the prince's patience runs out.   

“I need a favor,” Blitzø whispers.  

Stolas is silent, and for a moment Blitzø thinks he may have hung up. Then he speaks. “You have a lot of nerve, little imp.”  

Blitzø sighs. “Look, just do me this one thing, and I swear you never have to see me again.”  

“Blitzø…”  

“Please,” he cuts off Stolas' cold reply.   

More silence. Then…  

“What do you want?”  

Blitzø sighs in relief. “I’m trying to get into Ozzie's.”  

“…For what purpose?” Stolas sounds exasperated.   

“I’m… spying on my employees,” he admits.   

Stolas sighs heavily. “I will help you this once, if only…” The prince chokes on his words, then redirects. “Do not contact me again after this.”  

“Deal.”  

Which is how Blitzø found himself sitting across from Stolas, a very awkward silence falling between the two. Blitzø locates the M's fairly easily, but the butterflies in his gut make it hard to focus on them.  

Instead, he sighs and addresses the prince. “Thank you.”  

Stolas just hums in response, not making eye contact.   

“Stolas… why did…?”  

His question is cut off by the lights dimming, and everything goes to shit.   

Blitzø can’t help but cringe when Moxxie starts singing. He can see how this could end badly. It's why he can’t stop himself from trying to defend his friends in front of the entire crowd.   

“Blitzø?!”  

Which is what draws Fizz's attention to him.  

“Last I checked, your love life was a pile of shit!”  

Well, the jester isn’t wrong about that. Blitzø glances at Stolas.   

Then Verosika has to call him out. There's something in her gaze as she glares at him, though. Something calculating.  

Stupid succubus senses.  

And then Asmodeus notices the owl sitting across from him.   

“Stolas, is that you?”  

“Are you sleeping with an imp?”  

Something flashes in Stolas' eyes. A look Blitzø has become intimately familiar with over the months. The prince is pissed.  

Fuck.  

“I suggest you not continue,” Stolas warns the sin, power crackling under his feathers.  

And just like that, everything stops. No one wants to irritate a pissed Goetia further, not even the Goetic sin.   

Stolas glares, then stands and turns to leave.   

Blitzø panics. “Stolas, wait!” he calls, scurrying after him.   

The prince doesn't look back. He’s determined to leave before something bad happens. Before he completely loses his temper.  

Blitzø is able to catch up with him just before he opens a portal. “Stolas!” Blitzø is panting, but he manages to grab the fancy ass sleeve of Stolas' outfit.   

Stolas growls. “What do you want, Blitzø?”  

“I…” The imp doesn't know how to answer that question. What does he want?   

Stolas grabs his wrist, prying off the hold Blitzø has on him. “Goodbye, Blitzø.” Stolas opens a portal.   

Blitzø is at a loss, so he does the only thing he can think of. It’s stupid and reckless, but he doesn’t know what else to do.   

He pulls the owl down and kisses him.   

Stolas lets out a muffled sound of surprise, eyes going wide. Blitzø keeps his eyes closed, even as Stolas doesn’t move.   

Then, suddenly, there’s a hand around his throat, and he’s being dragged through the portal. Stolas shoves him into the wall, staring down at him. Blitzø trembles.  

He’s scared.  

He’s turned on.  

His heart is fluttering in his chest, and he doesn’t understand.  

“You are an insufferable man,” Stolas tells him. “Do you know that?”  

Blitzø swallows. “I’ve been called worse.”  

Stolas groans and lets him go, turning away with his face in his hands. “I try to do the right thing for once , and you are making it so hard!”  

“The right thing?” Blitzø huffs. “Throwing me out like yesterday’s trash?”  

“Letting you go!” Stolas snaps, turning on him. “I was using you! I set you free! Why would you not want that?!” The prince is glaring. He’s angry. Hurting. He longs for Blitzø but also knows he’s no good for him, not like this.  

Blitzø is confused. His emotions war within him. “What if I didn’t want to be let go?! What if I... Satan, Stolas, you hurt me, you did, but you also... I didn’t hate everything,” Blitzø admits.  

Stolas takes a shaky breath. “I’m not a good man, Blitzø.”  

“I know that.” Blitzø takes a few hesitant steps toward him. “I don’t care.”  

Stolas is on him again, his face mere inches from Blitzø’s. “If you do this, I won’t let go again,” Stolas warns. “You will be mine. Forever.”  

“Even if I’m a piece of shit?” Blitzø asks. “You heard Fizz and Verosika.”  

Stolas’ lip quirks. “You are no worse than I, darling.”  

Blitzø kisses him. “Then you have your answer.”  

Stolas grabs him, tossing his smaller form onto the bed and kneeling over him. “I can’t promise I’ll ever be gentle with you.”  

Blitzø smirks. “If I wanted gentle, I never would have called you.” He cradles Stolas’ cheek. “And I know you still have some softness in you. I’ve seen it.”  

Stolas wants to argue. To say he’s wrong, but deep down he knows he isn’t. Instead, he kisses Blitzø again, pressing him into the mattress.  

The kiss is returned with equal fervor. Blitzø grips his head feathers, pulling him closer. Stolas slides a hand up his chest before slashing back down, his talons ripping through Blitzø’s shirt and chest. Shallow scratches well with blood on his skin.  

Blitzø pulls back with a whimper. “Okay, we need to talk about destroying my clothes. I’m not made of money.”  

“I’ll buy you new ones,” Stolas tells him before dragging their lips back together. He pushes Blitzø’s ruined top off his shoulders, then wraps a hand around the back of his neck, pulling him back.  

Blitzø grins at him. “Pretty bird,” he teases.  

Stolas feels himself blush, taken off guard. His feathers puff, making Blitzø laugh. Stolas leans back to undo the buttons of his own clothes, letting Blitzø sit up to push the article away. Claws card through Stolas’ feathers as Blitzø studies his now bare torso.  

Stolas presses his beak to Blitzø’s forehead. It doesn’t feel like a taunt this time.  

“Told you, you can be soft,” Blitzø whispers.  

“Hush,” Stolas replies gently.  

They kiss again, Stolas rolling them so Blitzø is on top. The imp breaks away to press kisses to his neck feathers, then makes his way down his body, stopping at his hips. His hands undo Stolas’ pants, and the prince arches so they can be pulled away. “Blitzø...”  

“Gonna make you feel good.” Blitzø nips his side, making Stolas jump. “Sing, birdie.” Then his head is between Stolas’ legs.  

Stolas gasps, head thrown back as Blitzø teases him with his tongue. Blitzø starts slow, licking around his most sensitive area, then teasing his ridge with his teeth before finally pushing his tongue inside.  

Stolas cries out, reaching to grip Blitzø’s horns, trying to pull him closer. “Blitzø...” He gasps.  

The imp grins against him. He targets every nerve bundle he’s learned over the past few months until Stolas is a shaking mess beneath him. A few more strokes of his tongue and Stolas breaks, crying out as his release coats Blitzø’s mouth. He savors the taste.  

Stolas lies there gasping. He pulls Blitzø up by the horns, a tired smile on his face. “Good little imp. Now fuck me.”  

“Hmm, and if I don’t?” Blitzø teases.  

A hand darts to wrap around the imp’s throat. “You will,” Stolas commands.   

They stare at each other for a long moment, stuck in a silent standoff. Blitzø swallows, then wraps his hand around Stolas’, forcing his grip to tighten. Stolas tries to pull back. “Blitzø...”  

“I want you to hurt me,” the smaller demon whispers. “I... I like feeling helpless.”  

Oh.  

Stolas hesitates, then tightens his hand. He easily slips back into character. Or maybe it’s not a character at all. It’s just a part of him.  

“I said fuck me, imp.”  

Blitzø gasps for air. “Yes, sir.”  

Blitzø slides his pants off and positions himself, pressing into Stolas in one quick motion. He groans at the tightness. Revels in the way Stolas moans.  

The pace he starts is brutal. The headboard rocks into the wall. Stolas’ hand leaves his neck, scratching down his back instead. Blitzø groans when the sharp points break his skin.  

When he sees the prince getting close, he becomes bold, wrapping his claw tightly around Stolas’ throat. The owl gasps, arches his back, and comes.  

Stolas sees white as his orgasm washes over him, the lack of oxygen prolonging the effects. Oh, fuck. Is this how Blitzø felt?  

The tightening of Stolas’ walls around his cock paired with the sight of his blissed-out face sends Blitzø over as well. He spills inside Stolas with a cry, collapsing on his feathered chest.  

Stolas gasps for air when Blitzø lets go. Once he’s composed, he stares at the ceiling for a long moment. Then...  

“Thank you.”  

Blitzø blinks at him, enjoying the afterglow. “What?”  

“Thank you. For showing me a chance to be something else. For coming back.” Stolas gives a sleepy smile. A real smile. It takes Blitzø’s breath away.  

“Thank you for taking me back,” the imp whispers.  

“Always.” Stolas strokes his horn. “You’re mine now. Forever.”  

“Forever,” Blitzø agrees.  

He can feel his new wounds stinging. Can feel the ache in his bones. Yet he also feels something else— an uncommon warmth.  

Love.  

Well, shit.  

Tomorrow, he would have to deal with consequences. With work. He would have to apologize to Moxxie and Millie. Would have to explain himself to Loona. Right now, though, none of that matters.  

Right now, he lets Stolas hold him. Pretends this is some happily ever after.  

Even if, deep down, he knows he’s just a prisoner in a golden cage. One of his heart’s own making.