《Monster among Monsters》 Prologue When the sin was laid bare before her, she knew that it would be her end. She had been prepared for the consequences. Hands held out for the chains to bind her wrists and to be taken away. But¡­ ¡°If you do this, I can erase your sins away.¡± She stared at the stranger sitting opposite her. His smile reflecting something that unsettled even the abyss that was her mind. ¡°You only need to participate and survive,¡± he continued in that sinister yet alluring tone. ¡°Won¡¯t that be better than rotting away in a filthy cage?¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Looking between the written proposal and the pen in his gloved hand, she caught a glimpse of canine fangs peeking out between his lips. ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°What is in this for you?¡± She clarified warily, narrowing her gaze. ¡°To go so far as to save someone like me?¡± The monster made an all-too human laugh. ¡°Oh, my dear¡­ I¡¯m not doing this for some noble purpose,¡± he grinned with a predatory gaze. ¡°I¡¯m only chose you because you seemed the most entertaining.¡± Chapter One Their voices were muffled. Whispers between humans growing louder as they rose to consciousness. Their reactions varied between confusion and fear. Uncertainty plaguing their minds as another presence entered the room. ¡°Oh, we have four here today.¡± The high-pitched male voice startled a young woman. Her breathing turned into trembling sobs while the female next to her demanded, ¡°W-Who the hell are you?¡± Their captor clicked his tongue, walking over to third blindfolded female in steady steps and grabbed her throat. ¡°I would appreciate if you don¡¯t use that tone towards me,¡± he warned. She returned a choked gasp, coughing loudly once the clawed hand left her neck. ¡°After all, the four of you are under my care,¡± their captor informed happily. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t want anything unfortunate to happen during that time, right?¡± At that moment, the second woman felt around her face for the blindfold. Her hand barely lifting it when something stopped her from removing the restricting fabric. ¡°Especially if you remove your blindfolds without my consent. If you do that¡­¡± Silence hung in the air at the threat that lingered in those words. Enough for their captor to assume they would not resist anymore. ¡°Good. Such good girls we have here. Now let me guide you to your individual rooms.¡± One by one the women were led to their unknown destinations. Fear wrecking them without a single word being uttered. However, the last woman remained eeriely calm ¨C something that her captor took note of with intrigue. ¡°What is your name, human?¡± He asked curiously. ¡°Aoi.¡± His clawed hand approached her form. ¡°Are you scared?¡± The words dripped with curious cruelty. However, Aoi shook her head. Her strange captor emitted a soft hum of approval, taking her hand into his. ¡°Mizuki,¡± he introduced himself. ¡°From now on, let¡¯s get along.¡± Aoi squeezed his hand in response. The sound of light flapping and happy humming filled the silence between them. ---- Within a lavish room, a large monitor plays everything that had transpired. The atmosphere however was the complete opposite of the horror played on the screen. Golden lights cast upon modern, expensive furniture. A spread of food and drinks laid over a long buffet table for the excited crowd of spectators. ¡°How long do you think they would last?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know but I can¡¯t wait to see what happens next.¡± Alphard smiled to himself, swirling the cocktail in his glass within his gloved hand. ¡°That last human¡­¡± A deep voice approached him from behind. ¡°¡­I assume she is yours?¡± From the corner of his eye, Alphard maintained his smile at the humanoid white tiger. ¡°Interested in her?¡± His new companion chuckled, looking over the crowd of monsters mingling and spectating their entertainment. ¡°To think our little game has turned into such a spectacle. Monsters flocking together over morbid curiousity.¡± ¡°That was what started it in the beginning, no?¡± Alphard mused. The enormously-built white tiger downed his drink, watching the particular human with great intensity. ¡°She looks ordinary.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± the canine sipped his cocktail, gazing upon the screen confidently. ¡°But once she reveals her true self, you might think otherwise.¡± ---- Within the dining room, Aoi felt around the table for her utensils and bowl. The fabric of the yukata feeling odd but not unwelcome on her skin. ¡°This is ridiculous¡­ We have to play along with that monster?¡± One of the women, Megumi scoffed. ¡°Unless you want to get eaten or killed, it¡¯s probably for the best,¡± the second woman, Naomi replied, grumbling at the uncomfortable blindfold. ¡°Though he could have taken these off when we have to eat.¡± ¡°N-No¡­ I don¡¯t want to do this¡­¡± The smallest among them, Tomoko sobbed. ¡°Quit your whining! If he finds you crying, we¡¯ll-¡± The sound of approaching footsteps immediately silenced the three women. Aoi¡¯s ears perked at the opening of the sliding door.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°I¡¯m back!¡± Mizuki announced. The women went rigid with each step their captor took. Tomoko bit her lip in fear, still trembling as he set the tray of food onto the centre of the table. ¡°Today¡¯s dishes turned out quite well. There should be enough for everyone to have seconds.¡± With each bowl taken to be fill with food, Mizuki placed each woman¡¯s share onto the table. A lump went down Megumi¡¯s throat at the smell of food. ¡°I-It smells good,¡± she remarked with surprise. ¡°Of course. I cook often since I live alone,¡± Mizuki proudly admitted. Swallowing back her saliva, Megumi searched for her chopsticks only for Mizuki to beat her to it. ¡°H-Hey!¡± ¡°Now, now. You don¡¯t think you can feed yourself with that blindfold on,¡± he pointed out in a patronising manner. ¡°Then how about you let us take them off?¡± Naomi retorted. ¡°You can¡¯t expect to feed us one by one. It will take forever!¡± ¡°Then you will have to learn to wait, Naomi-chan,¡± Mizuki firmly answered, picking up some rice and vegetables with the chopsticks. ¡°This is our time to bond and get to know each other. We can take turns to eat while sharing more about ourselves.¡± ¡°You have got to be kidding me,¡± Megumi muttered, only to flinch at the food being pressed against her lips. ¡°Megumi-chan, say ¡®ah¡¯.¡± Before she could retort, the food was shoved into her mouth. She almost gagged in response, coughing and chewing at the same time. ¡°Take it slowly. It¡¯s not going to run away,¡± Mizuki mused. ¡°Was it too hot?¡± Making sure she swallowed her food, Mizuki proceed to feed Tomoko next. The small woman shakily accepted her food, too scared to resist. ¡°Good girl. Is it to your liking?¡± She only managed a shaky nod before Mizuki turned to feed Aoi. The dark haired woman waited calmly ¨C something that made Mizuki tremble with delight. ¡°You have been a good girl this whole time, Aoi-chan,¡± Mizuki praised, proceeding to feed her. ¡°How are you finding our time together thus far?¡± ¡°It¡¯s-¡± Aoi paused to chew on her food before swallowing it. ¡°-not unpleasant.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Happiness filled Mizuki, prompting him to pet her head. ¡°There is no need to hold back, ok? Eat your fill.¡± ¡°This is ridiculous¡­¡± The atmosphere in the dining room grew tense immediately. Though it was only a mutter, the women could sense the tension building up slowly. ¡°¡­What was that, Naomi-chan?¡± ¡°N-Nothing.¡± Realising her mistake, Naomi struggled to think of a solution. However, Mizuki had already come to a decision. ¡°If you dislike it so much, perhaps you would like to skip tonight¡¯s dinner?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. I just-¡± ¡°Take your blindfold off then.¡± Naomi¡¯s mouth parted in surprise at Mizuki¡¯s sudden suggestion. ¡°If you think you can handle what you see, then go ahead and do so,¡± he added without a hint of emotion. ¡°But know that there would be consequences.¡± Hearing those words, Naomi mustered her courage and slowly undid her blindfold. Her fingers worked out the knot, letting the fabric fall from her eyes. Her mind could not process it at first. But when it did, Naomi could not help but choke up in fear. Sitting among them was a monstrous moth about the size of a human. Humanoid in shape with large red eyes and pale wings wrapped around his body like a snowy robe. ¡°A-Ah¡­¡± The fur around his neck bristled at Naomi¡¯s reaction. A pair of furry antennae raised to mimick frowning eyebrows. ¡°As I thought¡­¡± The apathetic tone of Mizuki¡¯s voice seemed disconnected with his form to Naomi. ¡°¡­my form disgusts you.¡± The bowl of food flies across the table past Naomi¡¯s head. Tomoko flinched with a startled squeak at the loud shattering impact. Sauntering towards the stunned woman, Mizuki placed a clawed hand over Naomi¡¯s face. His other hand gripped the pair of chopsticks tightly, raising them over her eyes. ¡°Mizuki.¡± The chopsticks barely stopped over Naomi¡¯s eyelashes. The moth monster turned to Aoi who was still sitting undisturbed. ¡°They won¡¯t be able to eat if you scare them,¡± she said. ¡°But I have to-¡± ¡°Mizuki.¡± There was a shift in her tone. One that disturbed even the other women around the table. ¡°We can¡¯t enjoy the food you worked so hard to make if it gets cold,¡± she reasoned with a smile. ¡°If you are still angry with Naomi, you can send her to her room to reflect on her actions after you help us. Right, Megumi? Tomoko?¡± The two girls snapped out of their shock at Aoi¡¯s words. ¡°A-Ah yeah¡­ and your cooking is really great! It would be a waste if we don¡¯t finish them now,¡± Megumi added. Tomoko nodded hastily in agreement and after an agonising few seconds, Mizuki visibly calmed down. ¡°Ah¡­ then it can¡¯t be helped,¡± he sighed. Releasing Naomi from his grip, he gave her a warning look. ¡°You¡¯ll sit here until the rest of them are done. Is that clear?¡± ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± Naomi stuttered. Joining the other women at the table, Mizuki took a seat next to Aoi. His clawed hand came to stroke her head. Naomi immediately noticing the smile on the calm woman¡¯s face. ---- ¡°¡­Why did you help me?¡± Naomi asked Aoi once they were alone in the dining room. ¡°You could have let him kill me and increase your chances of winning this game,¡± Naomi muttered, narrowing her gaze at Aoi. ¡°What exactly do you benefit from saving me?¡± She was not sure how the usually quiet woman would respond. The whole entire time, Aoi had been the least participative among the four humans. Yet something about her rubbed Naomi the wrong way. Something odd- ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea. I didn¡¯t do that to save you.¡± A cold shiver went down Naomi¡¯s spine at the Aoi¡¯s voice dropping an octave. Despite the blindfold on the dark haired woman¡¯s face, she felt the cold stare burning in her direction. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want him to spill unneccessary blood on the food,¡± Aoi spoke flatly. ¡°Plus, if he entered a killing frenzy, it would be a lot of trouble to clean everything up.¡± Chapter Two ¡°Why did you do it?¡± She asked that question many times, staring at the man who she was to marry. But he offers no answer, turning away with only silence. Suddenly, she felt lost and alone. Her own heart frozen over in the cold world that was once beautiful. And so the world of blue she once loved turned red. ---- A somber silence hung over Alphard and his companion. The white tiger stared at his drink, not once touching it. ¡°¡­Where did you get that human?¡± The question perked Alphard¡¯s pointed ears. ¡°The same as how everyone got theirs.¡± The white tiger scoffed, ¡°Not even the ones that the human government voluntarily hand over bear such complexity. Was she from some high-security prison? Or a prisoner of war?¡± ¡°None of that,¡± Alphard chuckled, resting his cheek against his knuckles. ¡°She was merely an average human. Locked away in that tiny cell. Like a little bird who had lost her ability to sing.¡± ¡°Well that little bird better be prepared. This is Stinger¡¯s most cruel pet we are talking about.¡± The white tiger glanced back at the moth monster in the screen. ¡°The last time he participated in this game, he killed two males on the spot and tricked the remaining two females into disgusting deaths. Their owners never dared to bring any more merchandise over since then.¡± ¡°Well Stinger did state before that Mizuki hated males-¡± Alphard finished the rest of his drink. ¡°-especially the good-looking ones. They don¡¯t usually last long.¡± ¡°Regardless, those humans better come up with something quick,¡± the white tiger remarked forebodingly. ¡°Before that moth¡¯s patience runs out.¡± ---- The night had gone by in silence. Since what happened during dinner, none of the women had heard from Naomi after being escorted to their rooms. Tomoko and Megumi had been quite shaken. The latter growing worried over Naomi¡¯s absence and what Mizuki had in store for them. ¡°Has anyone of you noticed how the strange lights are here?¡± Aoi and Tomoko¡¯s heads perked at Megumi¡¯s sudden observation. Though it was hard to tell the time, the lights in the residence appear to simulate that of daytime and nightime throughout each day. Following through the routine set by Mizuki, himself. ¡°Moths are nocturnal creatures,¡± Aoi answered, taking a sip of her green tea. ¡°It¡¯s probably to stimulate the daytime when he can sleep.¡± Before leaving each of them, Mizuki informed the women that they were allowed to take off their blindfolds after he retires to his room. A moment of respite for them since he would be unable to attend to their needs during that period. ¡°That means he¡¯ll come to harrass us every night?¡± Megumi groaned at the dining table, greatly annoyed. ¡°What a creep. Right, Tomoko?¡± ¡°Eh? E-Erm, yeah¡­¡± Tomoko stammered nervously. The three women had bonded a little over the experience. Aoi remembering how Megumi thanked her first thing in the morning and helping Tomoko with breakfast with a much more cheerful smile. ¡°Hey now, no need to be scared! We women have to stick together to survive this mess,¡± Megumi grinned. ¡°Here, have an egg roll.¡± A small smile made it¡¯s way to Tomoko¡¯s lips at the delicious offering. To Aoi, she and Megumi were almost like a pair of sisters ¨C the older one looking out for the little one to survive a cruel world. But there was no time for attachments. Aoi looked around the much brighter hallway. The residence was not entirely large, but not too small either. Aside from the rooms to house the five residents, bathrooms and dining area, there were two doors that were locked. If she could unlock them, she might learn more of the captor keeping her and the women here.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. No keys around¡­ No traps or cameras either. She glanced to the small device fixed to the ceiling. Except for the ones for broadcasting. Either Mizuki had nothing to hide or that he was confident that no one would dare to uncover his weaknesses. Let alone escape. As Aoi returned to the corridor of bedrooms, she noticed Tomoko outside Naomi¡¯s room. Her hands carried a tray of food. A trouble expression rested upon her face. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Tomoko almost jumped at Aoi¡¯s question. Her shoulders sunk in relief upon spotting her. ¡°A-Ah, Aoi-san.¡± Her large, round eyes fell upon the tray of food, then back to the door. ¡°N-Naomi did not show up for breakfast, so Megumi and I thought to at least bring her food over,¡± Tomoko explained. ¡°I tried calling her, but she did not respond.¡± Filled with suspicion, Aoi turned to open the door before Tomoko could stop her. Silence immediately filling them at the sight of an empty room. ¡°E-Eh? S-She¡¯s not here?¡± Tomoko flustered. Without hesitation, Aoi stepped into Naomi¡¯s room. Her eyes darted around before coming to rest on the floor. Upon closer inspection, small specks of powder were found scattered across one of the tatami mats. ---- Down in a narrow passageway, Megumi tugged at a locked door. ¡°Eh? Seriously?¡± She muttered. Testing the handle again, she noticed a small lock below the handle. For a moment, she wondered if this was the residence¡¯s exit. Confirming that no one was around, she sneakily pulled out one of her hairpins, carefully inserting one end into the keyhole. ¡°Come on, come on.¡± Suddenly, a noise came from behind the door. Megumi froze. A lump went down her throat as she carefully pressed her ear against the door. ¡°Me-gu-mi-chan.¡± She stiffened at the familiar voice, slowly turning around to only freeze in fear. Right at the end of the corridor was Mizuki standing with his head cocked to the side. His usually large eyes narrowed into half-lidded slits. Wings mimicking a pale robe around his moth-like body. ¡°E-Eh¡­ Ah¡­¡± Megumi could not even form coherent words. Fear paralysing her body at the monstrous moth sauntering towards her eerily. ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± He asked in a sinisterly polite voice. His pale moth-like head tilted to the other side. ¡°Were you trying to break into my study?¡± Her mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. Mizuki chuckling menancingly with his eyes closed with mock delight. ¡°That¡¯s not good, Megumi-chan. You should respect other people¡¯s privacy,¡± he said light-heartedly. The rhythm of her heart drummed loudly in her ears. ¡°Ah¡­ and you had to do it while I was half-awake¡­¡± Mizuki rubbed his eyes with a tired sigh. ¡°It seems I¡¯ll have to punish you too for that.¡± A clawed hand slipped out from under his wings, stretching out to grasp at Megumi¡¯s horrified face. ¡°Megumi!¡± She snapped out of her daze at the calling of her name. Mizuki paused, turning to see Aoi walking towards them. ¡°Found you at last. Tomoko was looking for you,¡± she said. ¡°Aoi-chan.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mizuki. Naomi did not show up for breakfast, so I asked Megumi to look for her,¡± Aoi apologised, bowing her head calmly. ¡°It was my fault.¡± ¡°A-Aoi¡­¡± Her voice trailed off at the look Aoi gave her and taking the hint, leaves with a hasty bow. Her footsteps faded in the distance, creating a tense atmosphere between Aoi and Mizuki. She saw it. That was the first thought that came to Mizuki¡¯s mind. The gravity of this situation caused his other clawed hands to clench tightly. She saw how I look like. He approached her without a word. A shadow cast over her form in his silent conflict. I have to punish her. If not¡­ He reached over to her head. Coldness engulfing his gaze. If I don¡¯t¡­ she will¡­ Suddenly two hands came to grasp both sides of his head. Mizuki froze at meeting Aoi¡¯s eyes. ¡°As I thought,¡± she spoke with intrigue, feeling the snow-like fur covering his face. ¡°It¡¯s soft.¡± Mizuki pulled back. Startled and alarmed at her lack of reaction. ¡°A-Aoi-chan?¡± ¡°Oh, did you not like that?¡± He searched for a sign of her putting on an act. For the actual fear and disgust that should be on Aoi¡¯s face. But he could find nothing. ¡°Are you not scared of my appearance?¡± Mizuki questioned. The weight of her gaze caused nervous anticipation to bubble within him. Yet, nothing could be compared to the emotions he felt as Aoi responded with a hand on his cheek. ¡°No.¡± Mizuki¡¯s legs almost gave out at that one word. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t disgust you?¡± His voice quivered. She shook her head with a soft smile. Large wings shook with the wave of emotion overcoming the humanoid moth. ¡°Aoi¡­ chan¡­¡± Soon, Aoi found herself embraced by the moth monster. His four arms wrapped tightly around her while his face nuzzled desperately against her neck. ¡°Aoi-chan¡­ Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan!¡± He muttered her name as if it was a spell to chase away the ugliness in his heart. Aoi¡¯s gentle hand on his back making him more desperate for physical contact. His body rubbing persistently against hers. A small whine leaving his throat at her stroking the fur around his neck. ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± Aoi whispered. ¡°It¡¯s ok, Mizuki.¡± He presses her against the nearby wall, pressing his mouth needily onto Aoi¡¯s neck. Unaware of the dark look she had cast over his shoulder as her fingers dug into his back. Chapter Three Alphard turns the shower off, drying himself with a towel as he stepped out of the bathroom into the large, high-class bedroom. He wipes the droplets trickling off his fur, languidly putting on the clothes he had laid out for himself. The next part of the game should be starting soon. He thought to himself in bemusement, eyeing the empty bed. Had it always been this big? Placing a hand over the pristine bedsheet, he smirked to himself. I wonder if Aoi is enjoying herself now? Canine fangs revealed themselves at the mere thought. The unpredictable nature of humans was often why they were so sought after. Whether they deny it or not, the monsters are beasts incarnate, feasting on anything that would give them pleasure. And once corner, the humans who thought so highly of themselves as the top of the food chain would eventually become prey for those beyond their comprehension. The faint scent of Aoi caused Alphard to pause momentarily. His eyes closed in half-lidded gaze. Excitement building up upon his anticipation. ¡°Now then, what would be your next move, Aoi?¡± ---- They had barely made it to the bed when Mizuki became more aggressive in their intimacy. Aoi had expected the clinginess but having those four claws always touching a part of her body was a strange sensation to get accustomed to. ¡°Aoi-chan¡­¡± She answered his soft whine with her cheek pressing against the fur on his face. He cooed happily, nuzzling against her neck even more. ¡°You smell so nice,¡± Mizuki whispered, extending a part of his proboscis to suck at the junction between her neck and shoulder. ¡°Taste¡­ sweet too.¡± Loosening her yukata, he turned her around to take in her entire form. The suggestive curves and supple flesh sent a shudder through his body. Moaning out her name, Mizuki draped his wings around them. Aoi¡¯s limbs entangled with his own in their intimate moment. ¡°Will you¡­ let me¡­?¡± Her shy nod was all it took for Mizuki to strip away her last defense. Holding Aoi close, Mizuki tilted her chin up. ¡°Your mouth. Open it for me,¡± Mizuki commanded softly. Carefully, Aoi complied. Her eyes shut as Mizuki slipped his proboscis past her lips. His two antennaes shivered with each movement. A moan only drawn out of Mizuki¡¯s throat when Aoi sucked at his proboscis. ¡°Aahh¡­ that.¡± His hips grinded against hers at another delicious suck on the sensitive organ. ¡°Do that¡­ again¡­¡± At Aoi¡¯s experimental suck, the room was filled with lewds groans and moans. A pair of Mizuki¡¯s claws latched themselves onto Aoi¡¯s hips, changing their positions for them to separate. Hot breath mingling in the tight space between them as Mizuki¡¯s groin shifted to reveal his already dripping length. ¡°Ah, my apologies,¡± he lovingly mused, watching the droplets land on Aoi¡¯s exposed stomach. ¡°It seems I couldn¡¯t restrain myself.¡± He leaned down. His face hovering over Aoi¡¯s own with a gaze full of love. ¡°Forgive me?¡± Aoi smiled, nuzzling against his face. ¡°Mm.¡± He almost melted against her touch. Leaning back into position, Mizuki used his other two claws to tenderly spread Aoi¡¯s legs apart. With his eyes only on her, he slid his already wet length into her. The moth monster rolled his head back with a high-pitched moan. Pleasure completely spread all over his body at his connection with Aoi.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°Ahhhhh, we¡¯re now one¡­¡± Mizuki moaned louder, pulling and thrusting his hips out with desire. ¡°Finally¡­ finally!¡± Aoi¡¯s eyes shut tight with each piercing thrust. Her body squirmed at the heat coiling at the pit of her stomach each time Mizuki filled her. ¡°Aoi¡­ chan¡­ Aoi-chan!¡± His body picked up it¡¯s pace. Wings trembling with the buildup of pleasure. ¡°I love you. I love you, Aoi-chan!¡± Mizuki cried out. ¡°Ahh, this feeling¡­ every morning¡­ every night¡­¡± He starts to pant, lowering his body over Aoi¡¯s to lean his forehead against hers. ¡°You feel good too? I want to make you feel this good every day,¡± Mizuki cooed with each thrust. ¡°I¡¯ll be your perfect husband, hm? Cooking for you, cleaning you and filling you with love everyday.¡± She could feel him getting messier in his movements. His hips practically slapping against her thighs like a sex-starved beast. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m going to¡­¡± Mizuki whimpered at how hard Aoi was clenching him. ¡°¡­P-Please¡­ let me¡­ inside you¡­¡± The claws on her hips came to embrace Aoi as Mizuki finally reached his limit. His length fully sheathed inside of her, spilling his seed into her core. He could barely let out a cry, almost as if he was strangled from the pleasure rocking through his entire form before finally collasping over Aoi. For a moment, she only heard his heavy breathing. Wings draped over their forms akin to a blanket over the futon beneath them. ¡°¡­ Mizuki?¡± The moth monster mustered his remaining strength to lift his head and nuzzle against Aoi¡¯s head. ¡°Aoi-chan¡­¡± She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. Her fingers gently stroke the soft fur of his head. ¡°It¡¯s ok,¡± Aoi assured softly, catching her breath. ¡°Rest now.¡± Mizuki hummed sleepily, succumbing to sleep within her warmth. Only the sound of their breathing filled the room in this peaceful moment. Yet with each second gone, Aoi remained awake. Her cold blue eyes wide open as she pried the moth monster¡¯s limbs off her. Mizuki unconsciously whined at her departure, unaware of Aoi feeling around the right sleeve of her yukata. A subtle pop came from the spot she pressed on and without hesitation, she discreetly puts the pill into her mouth and swallowed it. At the serene face of Mizuki, a memory resurfaces in the back of her mind. Of her and someone she had once devoted her entire life to. Of the distance that eventually left her yearning for even the simplest touch. Only to ultimately¡­ Rising from the futon, Aoi stepped towards the lone desk in Mizuki¡¯s room. Little rays of sunlight trickles in between the curtains of a window, keeping some parts of the room dimly-lit. It was then her foot hit something below the neatly organised desk, dropping Aoi¡¯s attention to the trash bin and its contents that had fallen onto the ground. She crouched down, unfolding a crushed piece of paper. Hmm? This is¡­ Aoi quickly gathered the other crushed paper scraps among the garbage. Opening them up one by one, until she managed to lay them across the tatami mat. The photos of different young women now laid displayed before her eyes. Each of their clear faces crossed out and torn from the way the photos were ripped apart. As I thought, this was not his first time. Were they those once chosen by Mizuki only to be discarded once their novelty wore off? Aoi was not sure. It was not unusual for monsters to participate in more than one ¡®game¡¯ like this. But between his twisted personality and odd rules, there was one thing she could not put her finger to. What is he really after? She looked at the photos again, scrutinising for the smallest details before the one in the center caught her eye. Unlike the others, it was rather old and only slightly crinkled, depicting a dark haired woman on a hospital bed. Her face barely in view from the odd angle the photo had been taken. Suddenly, Mizuki¡¯s hand grasped at her face from behind. A heavy weight came to rest on her shoulder. ¡°What are you doing, Aoi-chan?¡± She could not move. One of Mizuki¡¯s long arms having secured itself around her waist while he continued to nuzzle against her neck. His breath growing hot against her flesh. ¡°Sorry, I think I accidentally knocked the garbage can over,¡± she reasoned with a steady voice, collecting the torn photos and dumped them back into the garbage can. ¡°I¡¯ll clean up and join you back in bed.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Suddenly, a spray of dust-like particles flew at Aoi¡¯s face. Her body went limp in Mizuki¡¯s hold. His solemn stare focused on her even as her vision blurred. ¡°I thought you were different,¡± Mizuki whispered, burying his face into her throat. ¡°I thought you would be the one.¡± As Aoi struggled to hold onto reality, Mizuki grasped her chin. ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m not going to throw you away like them,¡± he assured in a sickly sweet tone. ¡°I have already decided on you after all.¡± He slid his proboscis out, parting her lips to taste the inside of her mouth. ¡°I will prepare the others for my owner. Then we can focus on training you to be my perfect wife,¡± Mizuki moaned, playing with her tongue. ¡°We will take it slow. Get your body accustomed to me. You won¡¯t even have to lift a finger under my care.¡± His other claw came to squeeze her thigh, moving it for his length to come tease her most sensitive region. ¡°I really like you. That¡¯s why I will make you see that I¡¯m worthy of you,¡± Mizuki promised, sliding his proboscis out of her mouth and laid Aoi back onto the tatami mat. ¡°So close your eyes. Leave everything to me.¡± His form loomed over her menacingly. ¡°That¡¯s the least you can do after such a betrayal.¡±