Work Text:
Alina thinks the worst thing about being collared is the fact that it is David that does it. She can handle being naked in a room filled with clothed men, can handle the feeling of the Darkling wrapped around her. Licking and biting at her throat as he is hard beneath her, hands roaming her body as he tempts her power to the surface.
She can even handle Mal on his knees, watching with a horrified expression and the promise of a bullet to the head if he utters a word.
All of that Alina can handle.
The worst thing is definitely David, sweet, gentle, awkward David, who Genya has a hilarious crush on, coming towards her with the stag’s horns in his hands. He doesn’t even look sorry, just curious and he never stops looking curious as he melts the antler bones into her collarbones. Doesn’t stop looking curious as the Darkling groans into her ear, one hand wrapping around the collar, the other around her waist.
A groan, and Alina briefly, offhandedly wonders if that is what it sounds like when he comes. A groan and then he’s pulling. Pulling on the power dancing inside her, and it doesn’t feel like before when he would just amplify it, make it stronger while it was still hers.
It’s not hers now. It’s-
It’s-
“This is wrong.”
It pours out of her and it’s just wrong, wants it back, wants it to be hers again, not this horrible feeling of wrongness, of confusion and her brain being overloaded with mixed signals. Twists into the Darkling’s neck, because there is nowhere else to go, no-one else to seek comfort from.
“Moi soverenyi, please-”
“Shush, I know this feels strange, solnishko, but it’s going to be okay. You just have to get used to it.”
“It won’t, it won’t, nothing will be okay again,” Alina doesn’t care that she is crying, that everyone is watching her naked and sobbing. Wants the Darkling to be nice again, wants him to stop being a thief.
The light keeps pouring from her without her say, can feel it gliding over the ground, hunting for something. Just burrows deeper into the Darkling’s neck and it’s not fair that he can do this to her. Violate her and cause her pain when there is still that layer of pleasure underneath. It’s cruel of him, would have been much better if he had just caused her pain.
It’s horrible to feel his lips press against her temple, the hand on the stomach moving to softly stroke her thigh. Offering comfort without being asked. The light finds its target, wraps itself around a body and she can hear screaming that isn’t hers. It’s horrible, so happy when it ends. Even happier when the Darkling stops pulling at her power, cries in relief at the horrible feeling being gone.
Is turned around so she faces him, shudders, thinks she should fight, try to get away from him. Is so tired though, the mere thought of having to battle him is exhaustive. What could she even do?
Her power is his power now, and Alina doesn’t even know if he needs to touch her to draw on it. For all she knows she could flee to the other side of the world, and still be under his control. It’s much easier to just bury her face in his neck. Stays there as he stands up, wraps her legs around his waist and she thinks his cloak comes to cover her.
Doesn’t care, it’s not like he hasn’t already shown her off to his people. There’s the hint of cold, a few whispers and then the dark walls of his carriage.
“Where are we going?”
“Don’t worry your pretty head about it, pet.”
Alina should worry, anything he does should worry her, but then his hand is on her neck again and she can’t think any longer. The Darkling is merciful now, doesn’t use her power, just puts skin to skin, skimmering over her collar on occasion. Makes her light dance inside her and she moans into his neck. Heat creeping into her belly and she rocks against him, mind flashing to those precious few moments in his rooms.
When he was hard between her legs and she was so desperate for him, so willing to give herself to him. Alina is desperate now in another way. The touch of him, as much as she hates it, the only thing keeping her sane. So she has no protest when she feels the head of his cock glide through her folds, an arm around her hips pressing her down.
“You know solnishko, this wasn’t what I had planned for our first time. I was going to be sweet to you, worship you for hours.”
The Darkling speaks as if he still couldn’t do that, like she is forcing him to fuck her like this. Bites his neck in retaliation for his theft, bites it even harder in retaliation for the pleasure he so freely gives her. Warm hands all over her, her power singing, his rising to meet it. Screams as she comes, sobs into his neck, big tears as he follows right after her, cum filling her and surely Alina is just imagining her voice gasping out a thank you?
Loses track of the days as they travel. She’s in the carriage, in a tent, in a bath, a strange unfamiliar room. Alina is sure there are other people around, there must be. Except her mind won’t focus on anything other than the Darkling. Inside her, around her, always, always present. On his lap again, a mouth pressed against her own, she’s going mad, doesn’t care.
He is the only thing that keeps her from floating away. Keeps her grounded with pleasure, with touch, anchors her to the world of the living as he plays with her power at his own perusal. Alina weeps when she realises that the feeling of wrongness disappears a little each time he does it.
Soft hand stroking over her cheeks, shushing her. Is she crying? Opens her eyes and focuses, knows the redhead crouched in front of her.
“Genya?”
“There you are pretty girl, it’s okay.”
Is led out of the blankets covering her, pulled into warm water, and it’s horrible. Feels all alone.
“Where’s the Darkling?”
“He’ll be here soon, you just relax, let me take care of you.”
Doesn’t like it, the feeling of these hands on her, allows them to touch nevertheless, a nagging feeling that she shouldn’t protest. Stays in Genya’s care for hours or days, until she feels him with her again, circling her, shudders when a finger glides over the collar.
“You look beautiful pet.”
“Thank you, moi soverenyi,” a kiss on her cheek, hands easing down her back, circling her waist.
“Were you good for Genya?”
Tears her eyes away from his chest, looks up at him, and it’s horrible how soft he looks. Gentle and lovely and everything would have been much easier if he looked like a monster. Behaved like a monster instead of looking at her like he does.
“I was, I swear.”
“I know pet, you don’t need to worry. She told me you had been such a good girl, just a bit anxious.”
Leans into the Darkling’s chest, something nagging in the back of her mind. Pushes it away, ignores it, focuses on the man in front of her. He is strong, he will take care of things.
“I woke up and you weren’t here. I didn’t like it,” her last strands of anxiety fading as the Darkling hugs her, clings to him.
“I had some things to get ready before we go.”
“Where are we going?”
“To do a little experiment, and then see some friends.”
A cloak is wrapped around her, and an arm gently taking hers, leading her out of the dim tent. Blinks at the sunlight glaring at her, barely notices the people they pass. Is led onto a skiff, keeps blinking as her eyes start to water.
“Something wrong Alinoshka?”
“It’s too bright,” turns to hide in his embrace. “Please, it hurts, make it dark again.”
The Darkling says something she doesn’t catch, can just feel the rumble of his voice, and then they are moving, air teasing the back of her neck. Stands silent and clings to him, exhales in relief when she feels the world shift around them, the air she is breathing sharper, stroking her skin in a different way.
“You can open your eyes now Alina, I made it dark for you.”
“Thank you, moi soverenyi,” mumbles it into his kefta.
Stays hidden anyways, feels nice and safe and her power hums at being near him. Her power? His power? She still doesn’t know. Doesn’t feel them stopping, only knows because she is being moved again, turned around at least the darkness offers some relief from being forced to face the world again. Walks with him, hand in hand, peacefully silent around them.
Their boots barely make any noise against the drawbridge, even less so against the sand. Clings to his hand and watches the skiff turn around, retreating to where they came from.
“Will they be okay?” is amazed that she manages to get the words out, mind sluggish at the feeling of a thumb brushing over her wrist.
“You don’t need to think about that pet, I have it under control.”
Sags into him, watches it become smaller and smaller until it’s just the two of them alone in the darkness. Stands still as she feels his hands on her, cloak falling from her shoulders, the rest of her clothing vanishing away, sand surprisingly soft under her bare feet. Stands naked and looks at the Darkling as he trails a finger from her neck, circling her breasts and then gliding through her folds.
Watches a shadow grow behind him.
“You will do as I tell you to, correct? You’ll make me happy?”
“Of course. Just tell me what you want,” there is no other choice for her, no other safety except this man who stares at her with black eyes.
“Good girl,” steps away from her, ink in his veins, the shadow beside him filling out. “I just need you to take.”
The shadow doubles in size and Alina can’t really call it a shadow anymore. It has form, a grotesque imitation of a human form. Advances towards her, towering above, Alina doesn’t even reach where the chest is supposed to be. Wants to run, but something inside her calls upon her to stay still.
Something inside her recognises the thing in front of her, something new that she suspects the Darkling left in her at some point. Eases the fear before it has time to build, lets the shadow come closer, the head coming down like it’s sniffing her. Circles her and it reminds her weirdly of its master.
The same tilt as it observes her, and Alina doesn’t protest when it reaches out to touch her. She wants to call the thing against her skin a hand, except it’s not. Neither though is it shadow, is solid, and she swears she can feel claws pressing carefully against her shoulder blade. It moves- walks- behind her, leaving her to stare at the Darkling as it continues to investigate her.
Opens her mouth, has a hundred questions to ask, except the Darkling grins at her, lifts a finger to his lips, and she promptly closes her mouth again. A pressure on her shoulders, forcing her down on her knees and she lets the thing move her as it wants. Body filled with strange sensations, strange feelings, but disobeying it seems as far-fetched as disobeying the man in front of her.
He walks closer to her, hunches down and strokes her cheek, slips a thumb into her mouth, presses on her tongue until Alina has to struggle not to gag. Sniffles a little, and then feels her back being stroked, goosebumps rising on her arms as she feels the thing settle behind her.
The Darkling presses a kiss against her cheek, can feel his smile.
“Continue being my good girl, yeah? It just wants to play a little.”
Nods without understanding, manages not to whine when he rises again, leaves her to the shadow who pushes her further into the ground. Not satisfying until her face is resting against the sand. Is allowed to put her hands under her head, a protective little pillow just for her. Stares up at the Darkling, remains perfectly still even as her legs are being pushed apart.
Breaths evenly even as it shifts to cover every inch of her, doesn’t even freeze when she feels sharpness grazing her shoulder, and then something that feels like smoke licking up her neck. The thing covering her should be cold, shadows are cold, except it’s not. It’s pleasantly warm and Alina whimpers a little. What should be uncomfortable only spreading tempting heat throughout her body instead.
And then there is something pressing against her cunt.
Something warmer than the rest of the thing, pressing and moving and her mouth falls open. Feels herself stretch around whatever is invading her, gliding in unhindered and she can’t be wet can she? Can’t actually like whatever this is, can’t actually like being taken in the sand by a creature that came out of nothing in front of her very eyes.
Refuses to think she can.
Except she makes the mistake of looking over at the Darkling and he looks so pleased and then whatever is inside of her drags against everything that feels good. Has to look away from him, too much, too much all at once. There is no getting away from the thing inside her though, can only lay there and take as it-
As it-
Can only lay there and take it as it fuck her, whining and moaning and it’s horrible, but most of all delicious. Warmth around her and warmth inside her, dragging pleasure out of her. Doesn’t even notice the Darkling move, he’s just suddenly kneeling next to her again, tracing her lips and she thinks he might be petting the shadow.
Can feel his hand, even when it’s not touching her. Feels strange, feels good.
“My beautiful pet,” for a second Alina doesn’t know which one of them he is talking to, but then he turns all his attentions to her. “Does it feel good? Would you like it bigger?”
Her tongue isn’t listening to her, can barely press a small sob out of her mouth as she looks at him.
Bigger?
She can’t handle bigger.
A tiny little rational part of her can feel that the thing moving inside her is smaller than the Darkling’s cock. But even when he fucks her he isn’t everywhere at once, not like this thing is. She can’t feel it when the Darkling glides a hand over his own stomach, she can though when he glides his hand down the thing’s back again.
They shudder simultaneously, and then for some reason the shadow comes to a stop buried deep inside her. And then there is something pressing against her other hole, hard and unyielding and she can feel herself slowly stretch. Pushes into her and isn’t this meant to be painful? Why doesn’t anything make sense anymore?
A scream in the distance that Alina knows should scare her, but she is much too focused on other things.
It’s not good, not in the same way as the thing already inside her feels. Doesn’t cause the same instant pleasure, but still has her gasping from the fullness of everything. And then the shadow starts fucking her again and it’s so much worse becauce everything is so much better. Feels almost like there are two people fucking her at once.
The thing in her ass moving at a different pace than the thing in her cunt. Doesn’t understand how it can do that when it’s all connected to the same figure. Something wraps around her stomach, the hand that isn’t a hand, claws drifting over her ribs. The touch so light that it is barely more than a tickle.
Keeps Alina still and in place and an orgasm is building now, the cocks inside her nudging her steadily towards it, going faster, more intense. A small little spot in her head opening, like the shadow is carving into her, making itself at home where it has no right to be. Except her head starts flooding with sensations that don't belong to her, whimpers into her hands. A whimper turning to a scream when she feels teeth digging into her shoulder.
Biting and the pain is overwhelming, can feel it everywhere at once, not only where the teeth are tasting her skin. Doesn’t bother holding back her tears, sobs and whines and she is pretty sure she curses the Darkling. She has been good, she doesn’t deserve this. Barely notices when the shadow lets her go, teeth disappearing, replaced by a gentle hand stroking her.
Ignores it, wallows in the pain, and when the hand finds her cheek she just wraps her head further around her head. A sigh and then Alina is eased out of the comfort of her arms, made to stare up at the Darkling who is only smiling at her. Shakily wipes some tears, uncaring if she’s leaving dust or dirt on her face.
“I didn’t like that,” throat hoarse, itchy to speak.
“I know pet, it got a little excited,” a hand on her back, except it’s not her back. “It won’t happen again and it’s very sorry. Do you think you can forgive it?”
Can only stare at him, feels a little blood trickle down her arm. Forgive it?
“I’m so confused.”
“Perhaps that is a bit too much right now. How about it makes you come instead yeah?”
Alina somehow nods at that, goes back to hiding in her arms, everything is easier there. Doesn’t have to look at the hunger on the Darkling’s face, answer questions about forgiving the shadow fucking her. Can just hide and force herself to focus on the pleasure building inside her again. The smoky feeling back against her shoulder, like it’s licking at the wound.
She doesn’t know if it’s an apology or her blood just tastes good to it, it somehow helps nevertheless. Relaxes her, tensions seeping out of her back and her orgasm starts to build again. The cocks fucking her alternating now, never leaves her empty, and she lets her hips be adjusted, claws pressing her into a better angle.
Expects it, but it still takes her by surprise when it comes, a long wave rushing through her, legs twitching and Alina’s pretty sure she blacks out a little. Comes back to herself and swears she can hear the thing purring. Cocks still inside her, still hard but no longer moving. She isn’t sure if the shadow has come, isn’t sure if it is capable of coming. Seems content anyways to just lay curled around her, pressed against her, while its head nudges against her own.
Is tangled up in a mess of shadow and limbs and it’s surprisingly comfortable, being held like this. The Darkling crouches in front of her again, nose scrunched and she giggles a little. Reaches out a hand and squeezes his, tugs him closer so she can kiss it. Warm and nice against her skin.
“Do you forgive it then?”
“Mhm,” doesn’t even flinch when she feels it lick her cheek.
“Good, that pleases me, pet. Do you want to return the favour?”
“How?”
Is collected up on her knees, still full. Watches the Darkling’s hands drift to his trousers.
“You know how.”
Opens her mouth without being asked, accepts the cock pushing down her throat. Ignores everything that stings or hurts and just focuses on the Darkling, on bringing him pleasure. Pushes down her gag reflex, barely whimpers when he pulls her hair borderline painful. Hollows her cheek and swallows, and it’s worth it when she looks up through her lashes and sees him smile at her.
Wants to use her hands, but they are pinned to her sides. It’s okay though, makes sure her jaw is relaxed and teeth covered. He’s clearly on edge anyways, comes much faster than normally, half of it spilling in Alina’s mouth, manages to close her eyes just before he decorates her face with the rest of it.
Pants, itching to clean her face, make sure it won’t get in her eyes, but her hands are still captured. Turns her head a bit and the shadow seems to realise what she wants, smoke caressing her face, and if it’s a little fucked she doesn’t care. Licks her clean and then the cocks slip out of her and she’s eased down on the ground all by herself.
Feels tired and sleepy, is content to just lay there, watch the shadow move back to the Darkling, head bowed and she’s almost certain she sees him patting it. Studies the flimsy edges of it, reminds her of the Fold, how it’s constantly shifting. Can feel it staring at her, it’s obvious in the way its body is turned. There are no obvious eyes though, just two patches that appear somehow just a little darker than the rest of it.
Can feel it staring at her. Deep, deep, blackness and Alina has never seen the True Sea. Wonders if it is anything like this, staring into something bottomless. Is a little miffed when both of their attention wanders away from her, focusing on a noise behind her. The flapping of wings, a low screech and a tingle of fear shoots up her spine.
Not enough to get her to move, the Darkling looks much too calm for that. Just enough fear to get her to chew on her bottom lip, fairly certain of what has joined her. Should probably move, but her limbs are too tired, lays there as she can hear it shuffle behind her, creeping closer and closer.
“What do you want me to do?” croaks the words out as the Darkling’s head tilts in obvious curiosity.
“Why don’t you get on your knees again solnishko? Let our new friend say hello properly.”
Her face burns as she complies, gathers her legs under her, pushes her ass back into the air. Wants to hide in her arms again, but before she gets the chance the shadow lumbers over to her, watches it settle on the ground, and then suddenly her head is in its lap. The hand that isn’t a hand stroking her hair, and she relaxes.
Whatever this thing is, it won’t let her get hurt.
Uses it as a pillow as the low screeching comes nearer. A faint memory of a talon digging into her back that she pushes away, focuses on the feeling of the Darkling’s stare, her shadow’s touch, her arousal that somehow hasn’t disappeared. Spreads her legs, shudders a bit as cold air hits her cunt, so different from the warmth Alina has grown used to.
Closes her eyes, thinks catching even an accidental glimpse would be too much. Lets the volcra sniff her up and down, and doesn’t complain when its cold skin comes in contact with hers. Focuses on the heat beneath her, the strength that shouldn’t be there and yet is.
Breathes as she feels what is unquestionable a cock push into her. It’s short, but broad, stretching her walls and it’s almost too much. Tells herself that she can do this, focuses on the light inside her, her shadow purring inside her head. Fixes her hips, ignores the coldness of claws resting against her spine.
The volcra fucks her without any regard for her pleasure, nothing like her shadow or the Darkling. Short hard strokes, and she whines, needs it to slow down a little. Doesn’t listen to her of course, a creature made of fury, not of darkness.
“You can take it, solnishko, it’s okay.”
Alina isn’t sure that it is okay, but she is obedient nevertheless. Lets herself be used, sneaks a finger down to touch her clit and that helps. Turns her entire focus to that, adds another finger, heat thankfully once again starting to build in her belly, feels her toes twitch a little. Even the hard thrusts help now, forcing her towards the edge.
Comes with a scream, a clench, a whimper for her poor knees. Shakes on the ground and it shouldn’t feel as good as it does. Her orgasm finishes and she’s ready for some rest now. Except the volcra has other ideas, speeds up its thrusts, when she just wants it to stop.
Eyes fly open as she feels the cock inside her swell, swell to the degree where it becomes painful and she doesn’t want this. Doesn’t want whatever is happening, tries to buck it off, but it’s so much stronger than her. Claws digging into her ribs now, and the pain isn’t good anymore. Starts sobbing and then there’s a loud snarl above her, blistering rage in the little corner of her mind where her shadow lives.
It suddenly disappears from beneath her and then the volcra is torn off her. Hurts when the cock is ripped away, but the hurt is followed by instant relief and the feeling of it being gone. Alina lays sniffling into the ground, feels terribly lost and alone. Feels like she lays there for hours before the Darkling comes to pick her up.
Is probably more like ten seconds.
Sits down on the ground with her, and she has never been more grateful for the heavy cloak he wears. Like being wrapped in a blanket as she weeps into his neck. The snarls grow louder behind her, pressing into her ears, echoing through her skull.
“That was a bit much, hmm?” his voice is nice and low, easing away the hurt.
“It tried to- to-”
Can’t bring herself to put words to the experience, doesn’t want to think about it. She’s never doing it again, no matter how much it would please the Darkling.
“It’s okay Sankta, your little pet is taking revenge for you. How about we get you dressed again?”
“Please.”
Alina is a bit out of it as he helps her into her clothes again. Stands still, lets him coddle and dress her. Wipes her face clean with a handkerchief and he looks so happy while he does it. Turns away from her to pick up a final thing from the ground, shakes it out before presenting it to her.
“A kefta?” She hasn’t worn one since she ran away, abandoning the beautiful garment in the stables. It’s not the same one, still black and decorated with gold thread, but the pattern is different now, looks identical to the one the Darkling is wearing. “Are you sure?”
“I would say you have earned it. And it’s not like you will ever betray me again?”
“No- I promise, I swear.”
“Good girl,” bends down and kisses her, long and deep and Alina clutches at his shoulders, marveling at the strength under her hands. Preens when he strokes her cheek afterwards. “Good little Sankta.”
There is one final scream being her and then it is silent in the Fold again. Turns around to see her shadow come towards them, reminding her of a cat, and Alina is grateful it hasn’t brought anything with it to present. It crouches in front of her, nudging at her hand.
“I think it wants you to pet it.”
She strokes the head while leaning into the Darkling’s chest, feeling safe and warm. The weight of her kefta grounding her, only smiles when he lifts a hand to caress her collar. A kiss to the top of her head and then he is calling on her power, makes the sun shine and her shadow creeps closer to her, hiding in her legs.
Cradles its head as she watches her light carve through the darkness. Focuses on what the Darkling is doing, takes a deep breath, calls upon a well inside her she has never touched before. Blinks, twirls a strand of hair around her finger and watches the color disappear from it, leaving a stark whiteness in place.
Sags a bit when he leaves her power alone again, feels exhausted. Looks at the shimmering light around her, translucent walls cutting through the Fold as far as she can see in every direction. They stand there, could be minutes, could be hours, silence broken by the fluttering of sails, several skiffs moving across the sand. Comes to a stop before them and the Darkling holds her hand as he leads her onboard.
“Where are we going?”
“I told you Sankta, we are going to introduce you to some friends.”