The Shut In - Mayko #5

Ruan stared off into the distance, eyes unfocused, barely registering the scene that was unfolding around him. The valley stretched out endlessly, a sea of jagged stone and swirling mist, with distant shapes becoming silhouettes against the alien night sky. He stood at the edge of it all, his bare feet pressing into the patchy ground, but the sensation barely registered. His mind was elsewhere, caught in a familiar listlessness where thoughts blurred into one another.

Where am I now? The question echoed, but there was no urgency to answer it. The grass felt grossly too much like the real thing, the coolness of the breeze brushing against his skin too vivid, but they were just footnotes. That was because he had been here before--well, not here specifically, but in environments like this. Another immersive world, a carefully crafted simulation where players were meant to marvel at the detail, all while accomplishing nothing with their time. It was impressive, sure, but he had seen more creative locations than this. It made him wonder why this spot in particular was so popular right now.

His eyes scanned the others gathered nearby, the men who had appeared alongside him. The man nearest to him was a pensive giant, maybe six-foot-five or taller, an absolute beast that hurt to look up at. A Japanese salaryman stood off some distance away, taking in the surroundings with analytical precision as he gripped onto a briefcase with nervous energy. A grizzled bearded man with a curved sword at his belt muttered to himself, his expression one of barely restrained panic. No one's clothes matched any single time period, but many had weapons or other props. A fantasy world, then? Ruan frowned. But, why the mix-and-match aesthetics? And why don't I get a sword?

A heavy nudge jolted him from his daze, nearly making him stumble. He looked up to see the giant man muttering something to get his attention, although it wasn't a language he knew. His brow was furrowed as he gestured toward a spot where the air shimmered unnaturally. Ruan blinked, confused, his eyes trailing after the man's silent warning--until he saw her.

His breath caught. A slow grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Oh... I can see he's a man of culture too.

Her skin was an unnatural shade of blue that seemed to drink in the light. Her hair, flowing like liquid shadow, framed a face that was both terrifying and mesmerizing. But it was her eyes--deep pools of crimson that promised taboo secrets--that captured him.

Wow... her model is insane. Was she some kind of succubus character? Ruan couldn't help but stare as he admired the work. Every detail was polished, from the way her gown drifted unnaturally as though caught in an unseen current to the way her lips moved with that eerie, directionless voice. Damn. That was a good effect.

Then the thought hit him. Wait... there's probably some guy piloting that character. His smile faded, and his shoulders slumped, a familiar sense of disappointment settling in. Figures. Why else would they need a voice changer?

He looked down at himself, absently checking for his character model--only to blink in confusion. His body wasn't clad in armour or a sleek, custom avatar. It was just... him. His soft belly peeked out beneath his pajama top, the fabric wrinkled and worn. He had glasses on too, despite him needing to remove those to wear his VR headset.

What the hell? He hadn't chosen to look like himself. Where was his HUD? His menus? His--

Wait. Was this just a dream then? Had he binged so many hours inside these fake environments that he couldn't tell the waking world from the--

Ruan barely registered a blur of movement as he was struck twice, at first sending him to the ground hard enough to take the wind out of him. The second force skipped off his nose, and although he saw nothing, whatever it was knocked his glasses off kilter. It burned like ice as he blinked back tears, and when he reached up to adjust them, he realized one of the lenses was missing. Half of his vision was compromised, but he was suddenly acutely aware of the reality of his situation.

The giant guy. His arms were outstretched as if he had shielded him from some unseen threat. He glanced down, his expression grave but steady, his soft voice now urgent and understandable.

"Are you alright?"

He only managed a nod, his racing heart and breath catching up to the rest of him as a chorus of screams rang through the air. He barely had time to push himself off the ground before something heavy crashed down nearby. Ruan's eyes darted toward the sound. His missing lens caught his eye first, glinting faintly in the dirt, but beside it lay a man sprawled on the ground, his face twisted in agony, blood streaming from the raw stump where his arm had been.

Oh... oh shit.

Ruan stumbled back, the ground suddenly feeling too solid beneath his feet. The Japanese man was already moving, dropping to his knees beside the wounded figure, his hands steady as he pressed down to staunch the bleeding. This was a bit too much, wasn't it? This wasn't like any game he had played. Too vivid. Too real.

The sound of distress drifted to him, but they were distant, muffled. He had already started to walk away, not in any particular direction, just not wanting to face whatever lay behind him. One voice managed to rise above the others, devoid of passion. It was that succubus lady.

"You have been brought here because your souls yearned for escape," she said, resonating inside of him even as Ruan continued to leave. "You may not have known it, but I have answered your unspoken desire. This is your second chance. A new beginning."

Escape? A second chance? Is that what this was?

The words echoed in Ruan's mind as he stopped to bring his hand up. It came half blurred into view, trembling slightly as he brushed his fingertips together. A strange weight lifted from his chest--so faint it was barely noticeable, but it was there.

My life is over. Finally. What a relief.

The thought made him smile so wide that he couldn't stop himself from chuckling, even as his feet carried him deeper into the night, still with no plan or destination. He stumbled now and then, but the urgency had drained from his body, and he hardly noticed when he stepped on the occasional sharp stone. His vision swam, and as the world tilted around him, a part of him clung desperately to the hope that this wasn't just another dream he was about to wake from.

He fell again, but never felt himself hit the ground.

- - - - -

Ruan woke up face down on warm, rough stones. One of the porous rocks clung to his cheek as he pushed himself up, tumbling from the rim of his missing lens as it clattered to the ground. It wasn't ordinary gravel. He was pretty sure he should remember the name from some long-forgotten science class. Igneous? Lava rocks? Whatever.

He rolled onto his back with a groan, brushing dust and pebbles from his skin, then blinked up at the branches overhead, filtering hazy light through thick leaves. His mind was slow to catch up, trying to piece together how he'd ended up here--wherever here was--and when he sat up, a glint caught his eye. He reached for his glasses, pulling them off to inspect a new scratch decorating the surface of his remaining lens.

"Great," he muttered, sighing as he slid them back on. "Just what I needed."

The weight of the silence hit him then. There was no one around this time. No weird fantasy dudes with swords. No demon lady monologuing about fate and survival. He was alone. That should have scared him--did scare him for a moment--but then, inexplicably, a strange sense of excitement stirred in his chest. He was in a whole new place. No one knew him. No expectations. No reminders of what he'd left behind. Just... a fresh start. He stood up slowly, brushing the remaining dirt from his pajamas. His bare feet protested as they shifted over the jagged stone, but he tried not to notice.

Then he saw that he was in the middle of a pathway, with four cardinal directions to choose from. A crossroads.

A perfect circle of small shrubs with gray-green leaves and bluish-purple flowers surrounded the spot where he'd awoken. The symmetry was so neat it looked unnatural. Ruan frowned and crouched down, brushing his fingers over the leaves before bringing one of the flowers to his nose. It smelled... minty? His stomach rumbled as if to remind him that mint was technically food. He squinted at the flowers again, remembering more common sense science advice about brightly coloured things in nature often being poisonous. Yeah... probably not a great idea. But this was a forest, right? There had to be something to eat, and if there was a path here, maybe that meant people lived nearby.

Without any better plan, Ruan determined he would walk down each of the paths for a bit, backtracking if he didn't find anything immediately. He only made it partway before his endurance, enthusiasm, and energy levels and started to wane. His feet throbbed from stepping on the igneous-or-whatever stones, and he winced as he sat down heavily on a fallen log.

Why couldn't it just be dirt? Dirt was normal in forests, wasn't it?

He grumbled internally, rubbing his soles. Finding shoes had just skyrocketed to the top of his priority list. Right after food, because his stomach was already complaining, and he wasn't sure how long he had been out for. Glancing down, he spotted something growing near the base of the log. Mushrooms. They were dry and ear-shaped, with streaks of purple running through them. He liked to cook for himself whenever he was feeling down, which was often. But this didn't look like the kind of mushrooms that arrived at your door, prewashed and prepackaged. Squinting, he tried to remember if that weird purple streak meant anything. He had no idea. Maybe if he turned it over or looked at the gills or... whatever you were supposed to do with mushrooms. He reached out, hesitating.

"Are you looking to eat that?"

A calm feminine voice startled him, making Ruan whip around.

She stood just behind him, holding a basket filled with strange herbs and flowers. She was tall--really tall--and wore plain cloth robes with a dark shawl draped over her shoulders. But it was her face that left him speechless. Her striking pale silver eyes were almost unnervingly bright, looking down at him with mild curiosity, outlined by dark makeup that curiously extended down her cheeks in curving points. Her chin-length, ash-blond hair framed her face in a slightly messy, effortless way, and her lips--painted a distinct shade of purple--quirked in a faint smile.

But Ruan's brain was quickly paving over those mild details.

Because she had pointed ears, and he was pretty sure they were real.

"Are you... an elf?" The words slipped out before he could stop them. His mouth hung open as he leaned back against the log, blinking up at her like an idiot.

Her expression didn't change, but for a moment, something unreadable flickered behind her eyes. Then, without answering, she knelt beside him, her movements smooth and unhurried. As she reached down to pluck the mushroom from where it grew, Ruan caught an unintended view of her chest as it drooped toward him, her shawl doing very little to disguise what lay underneath. He immediately turned his gaze skyward, his face flushing.

"Purple dye oyster," she said with an air of nonchalance, adding the mushroom to her basket. "If you had eaten it, you'd have been throwing up purple until you shriveled up like a raisin."

Ruan blinked. "Oh..."

"And yes," she confirmed as an afterthought. "I am indeed an elf."

Ruan's brain struggled to process that information. His mouth moved before he could stop it. "I-is that dye where the colour of your lipstick comes from?"

Idiot. You are going to start by talking about her lips? She's going to think you are a creeper for sure now.

He cringed inwardly, fully expecting her to give him a look that could freeze him solid. But instead, the elf smiled.

"A good guess," she said with a hint of amusement. "But no. My personal favourite comes from sage's weed." She reached into her basket and held up the exact same bluish-purple flowers that had surrounded the place where he had woken up.

"Oh... those," Ruan mumbled, feeling even more like an idiot. His brain still wasn't catching up, and before he could stop himself, he added, "Well... it looks very good. On you, I mean."

The elf's lips curled slightly, her expression unreadable. "Why, thank you."

Ruan's mind was still trying to reboot when something clicked.

"Wait... you made your own lipstick?"

"Of course," she said, as if that was the most natural thing in the world. "I make all sorts of things. It's not as though any traders make their way through here."

Ruan blinked, his brain still stuck on 'I'm talking to a real elf.' This was going to take some getting used to.

Ruan's mind raced, trying to think of something to say that didn't make him sound completely out of his depth. He settled on the obvious. "Uh... can you tell me where I am?"

The elf didn't hesitate. "Of course. You are in Vanasagara, the lost sea of trees, at the southern base of Mount Sila." She said it with a faint smile, as though that should clear everything up.

Ruan blinked, trying to parse the words. His lips moved, mouthing them again, but they meant nothing to him. He might as well have been trying to decipher coordinates on an alien map. Her satisfaction with that answer only made it more awkward. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a crick already forming from looking up at her. "Right," he said, hoping he sounded at least a little like he understood. "That's... a start."

His thoughts scrambled for another question, something to break the silence. "Do you... know anything about demons?"

That seemed to make her eyes sharpen. Ruan caught it, barely. Her smile did not fade, but something behind it turned colder.

"I know a fair amount." She said it so casually that it seemed clear she was being modest. "... You need not worry, their kind has yet to find this place."

Ruan frowned. That wasn't much of an answer. His mind wandered again. Wasn't she concerned? The world he had been dumped into was dangerous, wasn't it? Wouldn't that be the real reason why no one came here? Or... was she just that confident in her survival abilities? Maybe all the locals here were like this--too calm, too self-assured. But something didn't add up.

A part of him hoped, foolishly, that she would just read between the lines and figure out how helpless he was. But her serene expression told him that wasn't going to happen. She wasn't the type to read into someone's innermost thoughts. Likely she would only give direct answers to the things he asked and nothing more; and if she thought anything about him was out of place, she would likely keep it to herself.

Ruan sighed, swallowing his pride. "I... I'm lost," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "I don't really know anything about... anything here." His throat felt dry as he struggled to get the next words out. "I don't even really know how I got here, to this world, I mean."

He braced himself to explain, whether she would believe him or not. But before he could even start, the elf crouched down, setting her basket carefully beside her. Then, without a word, she extended her hand to him.

Ruan hesitated, caught off guard by the gesture. Her hand was slender and delicate, but as he reached out and took it, he marvelled at the unexpected strength behind her grip. Her skin was warmer than he expected, but her nails--black and wickedly sharp--were something else entirely, something wild and inhuman. She pulled him to his feet effortlessly, and he found himself sitting back down on the log before he could protest.

When he was settled, the elf finally spoke. "You may call me Lyra," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Now, what shall I call you?"

Ruan blinked, his cheeks heating. Her sudden directness caught him off guard. He blushed as he realised how dishevelled he must have looked--shirtless, dirt-streaked, and moments ago bent over as if he was about to eat a deadly fungus.

"Uh... Ruan," he said, then almost instinctively, as if on autopilot, he added, "Or... Redhair."

There was an awkward, silent beat. Then his brain lit up like a Christmas tree once he realised what he had said.

"Redhair?" Lyra's pale brows lifted slightly, and her gaze flicked up to his distinctively dark and now messy mop of hair.

"Ah... yeah, no. That's--" He rubbed the back of his neck, cursing himself inwardly. "That was... just my old handle. Like a professional name, but it's kind of embarrassing." He forced a weak laugh, feeling the heat of humiliation crawl up his neck. "Just Ruan's fine."

"Ah," Lyra said, a trace of amusement in her voice. "I understand. I too have picked up a few... embarrassing nicknames over the years I'd prefer others forget."

That caught Ruan's attention. "Oh? Like what?" He asked, before he could think better of it.

Lyra tilted her head, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as she searched her memory. Then she began to fire them off as though trying to remember her grocery list. "Elfwitch, for one. Thorn in the Void used to be quite common. Liraella the Lost. The Sage of Ashmoran. Lyra the Liar, and--"

Ruan's eyes glazed over about halfway through, his mind struggling to process the weight of implication behind those names. Each one sounded like it belonged to some ancient legend, not the humble, soft-spoken woman in front of him. He blinked, barely realising he was staring until Lyra's lips curled in a small, knowing smile.

"Ah. Forgive me," she said, her voice softening as she caught his vacant look. "None of those names would mean much to anyone still living in this era."

Ruan almost asked what she meant by that but stopped himself. He was too clever to ask a woman her age--even if she was an elf. Instead, he kept patiently quiet, watching as she bent down to pick up her basket again.

"Of course, I am willing to help you," Lyra said, her tone reassuring now. "That is why I went on this little walk, after all. That, and to gather a few things I was missing from my pantry."

Ruan perked up at that, standing to thank her, but then something clicked in the back of his mind. His brow furrowed.

"Wait..." He blinked, the pieces falling into place. "You went on this walk to come help me? Or... were you expecting someone else?"

Lyra paused for a moment, her expression perfectly calm. Then, with a faint smile that did not quite reach her eyes, she answered.

"Only you." Her gaze met his, and for the first time, Ruan felt the subtle power behind those silver irises. "You were the one I brought here, after all."

A chill crawled down Ruan's spine. His throat went dry as her words settled in.

"Oh..." His mind spun, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Okay, but... that's not true, is it?"

He tried to sound casual, taking a careful step to her side as though he was simply shifting his weight. His eyes darted briefly to the path behind him, gauging the distance, wondering how far he could run before she even thought to give chase. No way she could catch him--not in those restrictive robes. Right?

"It was a lady with blue skin that summoned me," he said, trying to sound as though he was just clarifying a point. "A demon. Red eyes. Wings. Horns. The whole shot."

Lyra's smile did not falter, but something in her expression shifted--like she was watching a child question his place in the universe.

"She summoned you to this world," Lyra corrected, her voice still calm but with a faint edge now. "But I was the one who brought you here, to this forest protected by my wards. No demon, human, or otherwise will find this place." Her eyes seemed to pierce right through him.

"And none may leave... at least, not without my permission."

Ruan felt the unspoken threat in her words, and for a moment, it felt as though the trees themselves were leaning inward. The air grew heavier, the world around him closing in. He had felt this before--this inescapable pressure. His mind screamed at him to move.

"I... I don't understand," he said, his voice quieter now. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I need a human male for my research," she said softly, as though explaining something perfectly reasonable. "And I'm afraid... I cannot afford you turning me down."

Ruan's instincts kicked in. His back foot shifted, tensed, ready to bolt.

Lyra tilted her head slightly, her voice gentler now. "Do not worry. I will not harm you."

Ruan's feet moved before he even realised it. His body took a few leaping steps back. "How can I trust you?" His voice trembled, despite his best effort. "You've already lied to me."

"I have not lied to you," she said, her voice still not betraying a hint of judgement or emotion.

Ruan's heart pounded in his ears. "But..." He swallowed, his throat dry. "But you'll force me to go with you?"

For the first time, Lyra did not answer immediately. Her eyes softened, her brow shifting ever so slightly. If he didn't know better, he might have thought he saw sadness there, but her ageless demeanour made it impossible to be sure. Was that guilt then?

Ruan's instincts screamed louder than his thoughts, telling him it was past time to give her a second chance, her trap was already sprung and in motion.

He pointed at her, his hand trembling just enough to make his gesture look more desperate than commanding. "S-stay right there," he said, his voice cracking. "Don't... don't come after me, okay?"

Lyra held his gaze, and then, with that same unreadable calm, she bowed her head ever so slightly.

"Very well," she murmured, her voice as gentle as ever. "I shall not pursue you."

That was all Ruan needed. He wasn't sure why he trusted her, even on a subconscious level, but he felt oddly assured by her.

"Okay, well, I'm going then." He said, absently waving his goodbye.

Then without another word, he turned on his heel and bolted. His adrenaline surged, looking back to see what Lyra remained in place, watching him go. I can outrun her. There's no way she can catch me--

Then with a sudden thud, he ran headfirst into something soft.

Ruan stumbled back, dazed, blinking rapidly. His mind was too busy processing the collision to realise what had happened at first. He looked down, then up... and up... only to find his face pressed firmly against a woman's chest.

A very familiar, very large chest, belonging to a tall elven woman.

"... Huh?"

Two loosely sleeved and slender arms wrapped around him, holding him carefully but firmly in place.

"Got you," came a calm, playful voice.

Ruan blinked, his brain struggling to catch up. He looked up, eyes wide, and his jaw nearly dropped. It was her. Lyra. But... that was impossible. He jerked his head back, looking over his shoulder. Lyra was still standing where he had left her, her expression as composed as ever, watching as though she had expected this outcome.

"What the--?" Ruan's head whipped back and forth, his mind spinning as he tried to make sense of it. "But... how did you--"

The Lyra holding him--no, not Lyra--smiled down at him, a mischievous glint in her silver eyes. She bent down slightly, her face drawing closer, and for a moment, Ruan's breath caught in his throat.

"W-wait, what are you--?"

Then she pressed her lips against his forehead, tender and loving. But why?

A wave of warmth flooded through him. His muscles relaxed, his tension melting away as a strange, soothing calm washed over his entire body. The panic, the fear, the desperate urge to run--it all evaporated in an instant. His eyelids grew heavy, and his thoughts slowed to a pleasant, dreamlike haze.

Actually, this is pretty nice, isn't it?

Ruan barely registered how his body went limp, sinking comfortably into her embrace. A floral scent filled his senses, gentle and intoxicating.

Lyra--the original Lyra--approached with measured steps, analyzing the scene for herself as she came before them. Her gaze moved from the docile Ruan to her duplicate, and a faint flicker of curiosity passed through her eyes.

"Luna," she said softly, her tone more inquisitive than stern. "Was that... demon magic you just used?"

The elf holding Ruan tensed slightly, her playful smile fading as she turned to address Lyra with a more formal air.

"I apologise, Mistress Lyra." Her voice was so similar, but she spoke more submissively. "It was simply the quickest and safest way I could think of to subdue the human."

Lyra tilted her head, considering this with a thoughtful hum. "Mmm..." Her silver eyes lingered on Ruan, who was now blinking slowly, his mind too foggy to follow their conversation. She exhaled softly. "Perhaps you are right. I might have done the same, were our positions reversed. However, try not to make a habit of it. Also, please refer to him as Ruan, not human."

Luna, the perfect mirror of her so-called mistress down to the clothing, bowed her head in deference.

Ruan stirred slightly, his heavy-lidded eyes lifting just enough to meet Lyra's. His mind was too sluggish to form coherent thoughts, but somewhere in the back of his hazy awareness, a faint spark of indignation flared.

"You... tricked me..." His words came out in a sleepy mumble, his body barely responsive.

Lyra's expression softened as she crouched down, meeting his drowsy gaze. Her lips curved into an apologetic smile.

"I did not intend to trick you, Ruan." Her voice was gentle, almost maternal now. "And, I still mean to help you."

Lyra turned away from Ruan, her attention already drifting elsewhere as she began down the path, her basket cradled in the crook of her arm. Without looking back, she spoke softly over her shoulder.

"Luna, be a dear and put him into a proper slumber. Take him to the house, won't you? I still have a few more things to gather." Her tone was pleasant, almost offhanded, as though she were asking for nothing more than a simple chore.

Luna responded immediately, her voice calm and obedient. "Of course, Mistress. I will do so right away."

Lyra spared the two of them one final glance, her silver eyes lingering for a moment longer than necessary before she turned and continued down the path.

Ruan, still caught in the strange haze that dulled his thoughts, barely registered Lyra's departure. Yet, as his focus drifted, he felt Luna's steady gaze upon him. He blinked sluggishly, his mind struggling to process the softness he saw in her expression. There was a small hint of a frown, barely perceptible, but enough to stir something in him. Her grip shifted slightly, cradling him with unexpected gentleness.

"I am sorry," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a conspiratorial whisper. "Please... do not hold a grudge against Mistress Lyra. She can be... difficult to understand sometimes."

Her words carried a quiet sincerity, though coming from someone who looked as she did, it was hard to not be confused. Her fingers brushed delicately against his face, trailing to the corners of his eyes. Her touch was impossibly soft, yet there was a quiet insistence as she tilted his head to meet her gaze. Ruan's breath caught as he stared into her pale silver eyes--so much like Lyra's yet... strangely vulnerable. The world around him seemed to fade as her gaze encompassed him, carefully massaging and pressing around his thoughts, until eventually they dissolved into a soft, dreamless void.

- - - - -

Ruan stirred, his senses returning in fragments as he felt the odd sensation of floating. His body felt weightless, drifting through the cool, fragrant air, the rustling of leaves in the distance. His vision swam for a moment before clearing, revealing the sight of an unusual cabin in the distance. It looked old but well-maintained, with thick wooden beams that seemed almost fused with the roots of the surrounding trees. The walls were an immaculate white, smooth yet subtly textured looking almost contemporary. Clusters of potted plants and basins full of herbs littered the outdoors incongruously, adding a lived-in charm to the otherwise out of place structure. Smoke curled lazily from a chimney, and the closer they came, the more Ruan could smell a peculiar mixture of mint and something damp in the air--like steam rising from a hot bath.

He blinked sluggishly, barely aware of Luna walking off to his side. At least he assumed it was her.

She moved a finger in delicate, precise motions, weaving invisible patterns that effortlessly kept him suspended mid-air. It was another demonstration of genuine magic; something that allowed her to carry him with the ease of breathing, her mind seemingly elsewhere as her lips pursed in quiet thought. Yet, as they neared the cabin's front door, Ruan stirred more fully, his senses returning with his awareness.

The magic guiding him shifted, and he felt himself gently lowering toward the ground. His feet touched down on a woven welcome mat, although he was suddenly spun around to face Luna.

Her silver eyes regarded him with mild surprise, her head tilting slightly. "Oh... how odd," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was certain I used too much essence for that slumber spell." She frowned, her gaze flickering with curiosity as she considered him.

Ruan's body sagged slightly, his knees threatening to give out, but before he could fully collapse, Luna's hands were on him, steadying him with surprising care.

"H-Hey... what are you doing?" He was still sluggish, his words slurred as he tried to protest.

Luna leaned down, her expression shifting into a bright, almost too-perfect smile that made his heart stutter. "Good boy," she whispered softly, her hand brushing gently over his head in slow, deliberate pats. The motion was strangely... comforting? No. She was showing too much teeth, and seeing the reveal of her elongated canines made it feel unintentionally hostile. It was weird. Definitely weird.

Ruan blinked, completely thrown off by the sudden shift and affection, but then suddenly a familiar haze began to settle into his thoughts. It was just like when she kissed him before.

"W-What are you...?" His words trailed off, his mouth moving, but with nothing coherent coming out.

Luna's smile quickly softened into something more natural as she steadied him again, her hold on his shoulders keeping him upright.

"I could not put you to sleep again. Prolonged exposure to that kind of magic can be harmful to one's psyche." she explained, clinical but caring, as a family doctor would. Her hands then guided him as though he were a fragile piece of glass, turning him toward the door.

A protest flared in Ruan, enough that he managed to voice some semblance of thought, grumbling out, "That's not... what I meant. Why are you always... touching me in weird ways?"

"Ah." Luna blinked, as if realising her mistake. "The kind of magic I just used..." she started, "requires a certain physical response from the target, crude as that is."

He couldn't grasp the intricacies of what she had said, but his mind clung to the fragment he'd heard before. "Demon magic...?"

Luna's eyes widened slightly, her posture straightening. She glanced down at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Please. Don't tell Mistress Lyra."

She turned toward the door, her hand moving gracefully as she pushed it open.

"Come," she said softly, guiding him inside by the waist. And despite every instinct telling him to resist, Ruan's body obeyed, his feet carrying him across the threshold.

Luna had to dip her head slightly as she followed him inside, shutting the door gently behind her. The moment they entered, Ruan was struck by how large the space was.

Luna gave him a small nudge further inside and asked softly, "What do you think?"

He blinked at the unexpected question, his eyes drifting around the room, but the impulse to say anything never came.

"Ah, sorry," Luna said, her voice laced with quiet amusement. "It must be difficult for you to speak in your condition. But still, I could give you a tour before Mistress Lyra returns."

Ruan barely heard her. He had expected a quaint, tidy cabin--something straight out of a fairytale--but what greeted him was a strange mix of simplicity and chaos. "... This place is a sty," he mumbled absently, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

"What was that?" Luna asked, her tone polite, but Ruan didn't answer.

It reminded him a little of his grandmother's house--or maybe his own place after he stopped caring about keeping it clean. The open space was dominated by a large, woven purple rug, with plain wooden furniture that had been softened by layers of colourful pillows and quilts. But everywhere he looked, there was clutter. Books stacked haphazardly, candles left half-melted, and jars of makeup and applicators were spread across every available surface. He wasn't sure where anyone was supposed to eat, though there was only one long table, which he supposed was the everything table. The fireplace doubled as the cooking space, a large clay pot hanging over the flames, and just like his grandma's kitchen, dried herbs and utensils dangled within arm's reach overhead.

There was an old world charm to it that he had long since forgotten about, but there were odd conflicting elements. His eyes caught the strange bronze or brass tubing that traced the circumference of the home, running from the fireplace along the ceiling before disappearing outside. Through frosted glass windows, he could make out a blurry view of what looked like a patio, with a wooden fence blocking the view beyond.

Ruan winced slightly as he was made to step forward, the soreness from his little jaunt in the woods flaring up. Luna noticed immediately, her expression softening as she gently guided him down onto the rug. She moved a discarded robe out of the way for him to sit, but then thought to lay it over his bare shoulders, and gingerly guided his arms through the soft sleeves.

"I'm afraid we don't have any clothes suited for men," she murmured apologetically, "but this should suffice for now."

The robe was far too large, hanging loose around him, but it smelled... like her. Floral, herbal, and vaguely minty.

Luna disappeared down a hall into another room. The moment she left his view, Ruan felt as though he was able to gather his thoughts. The unnatural calm he felt lessened, as the magic... whatever thing she had done to him, seemed to be wearing off. He looked down to where she had left, but his eyes stopped on the front door.

It wasn't locked. There were extra sandals by the entrance, even a few walking sticks propped up nearby. He could just leave. Take what he needed and go. He thought about it for a while, but as he contemplated, it began to feel wrong. Despite everything; his bizarre treatment and the strangeness of his situation, he didn't feel any real ill will toward Luna, in particular, even if she was Lyra's spitting image. If he were to run off, he would probably just create trouble for her.

His thoughts were interrupted when Luna returned, carrying a washbasin filled with steaming water. To his surprise, she knelt beside him, lowered herself onto her hands and knees, and began to wet a cloth. Before he could fully process what was happening, she reached for his foot, lifting it as she began to soak it with the cloth.

Ruan froze.

The sight was wild, completely beyond anything he could comprehend. Here was this powerful, dignified elf--a magical elf--kneeling before him, performing an act so degrading and menial that it made his heart pound in confusion.

"... Why?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You don't gotta do that."

Luna looked up at him, her eyes meeting his with mild surprise at the clarity in his voice. "But I do," she said gently. "Your feet were dirtied because of our meddling."

She said our, but was that really true? Ruan had no idea who Luna was. At first he thought she had to be Lyra's twin sister, but the way she spoke about her mistress--and the way she acted so quickly at Lyra's command--made him wonder if he was dealing with an indentured servant. Even as he pondered, it was hard not to focus on her touch. The way her hands moved over his skin, gentle, unafraid. He had never been treated with such care in his entire life.

"Your name is... Luna?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Luna's gaze sharpened slightly, the silver in her eyes becoming more discerning. "I am surprised you can speak, human," she said, then returned to scrubbing. "It seems you are quite resistant to my magic."

That caught him off guard. He didn't know what to make of that, but his mind flashed back to Lyra's mention of using him for her research, or something. His stomach twisted at the thought.

"Is... is that bad?" Is all he thought to say back.

"It's not bad," Luna replied in a neutral tone, finishing with one foot and moving to the other. "It just means we will have to be more careful when deciding what kinds of magic to use on you."

"But, do you have to use magic though? I mean... can't you just not?" Ruan asked, his voice quiet but hopeful.

Luna gave him a knowing look, her hands still moving carefully over his foot. "Could we trust you not to run away if we didn't?"

Ruan didn't say anything right away, because he wasn't sure how he would answer.

"The fact is," Luna continued softly, "we will require your assistance for some time. Even if you are content now, humans often grow restless when they stay in one place too long. Such is the nature of your species."

But was that true? Do I get tired of staying in one place?

He often spent entire weeks in his apartment. Nothing compelled him to step outside, to feel actual sunlight on his face, or engage with anyone. Once, when he was young, he had been more outgoing--but there had still been people who cared about him then. That feeling faded along with them. He had to leave, because that house had become a prison.

His apartment, though dark and filthy, had at least felt safe and familiar. It was his fortress of solitude, as long as he could keep paying for it. But he knew that couldn't last, and the thought of what would happen to him once his debts caught up had him living in a constant state of dread. So, when he suddenly vanished from that world--disappearing from a society that demanded too much from him--he had felt nothing but relief.

The front door then opened, with Lyra nonchalantly entering through, pausing as her eyes fell on the curious sight before her. Her expression barely shifted, but the slight tilt of her head betrayed her amusement.

"An amusing position you two have found yourselves in," she said by way of greeting, shutting the door behind her.

Luna, unfazed, kept her attention on her task. "His feet were quite raw and in need of care," she replied evenly, her tone clinical as always.

"There's no doubt," Lyra agreed softly, removing her sandals before stepping around them, carrying her basket into the kitchen area. The scent of fresh herbs and damp earth followed her as she disappeared into an unseen pantry. "Perhaps," she called out casually, "it would be best to get him properly cleaned before dinner; to get him settled in before we start discussing our plans with him."

Ruan went red at the mention, unconsciously turning toward the open doors where Lyra's voice escaped from so as to not stare at Luna. She had produced a rag to begin drying Ruan's feet.

"A good idea," she said softly, rising to her feet once she was done. "A shower will promote proper digestion."

She then leaned over to offer a hand for him to stand. Ruan hesitated, staring at it for a moment, his instincts whispering that accepting it would lead him deeper into something he might not escape.

"Luna," Lyra's voice cut through the silence, her tone polite but edged with curiosity, "why is it he is awake?"

A tense pause followed. Ruan glanced up at Luna, his eyes almost pleading. Luna's lips pressed together briefly before she answered. "The human appears to be resistant to both sleep spells and persistent charms."

"... That is an odd way of saying demon magic," Lyra quipped, with mild judgement. "And please," she added lightly, "refer to him as Ruan, not human."

For a moment, there was only the rustling of fabric and the faint clink of pottery from whatever was happening in the kitchen. Luna didn't respond to the chiding, but she did look at Ruan, who couldn't keep the look of betrayal from his face. Then the noise stopped, as Lyra spoke again as if struck by sudden inspiration.

"I think I have just the solution for this."

There were quick footsteps, then a distant thud and a clatter of objects falling over, followed by an audible sigh. "Luna, bring him here, would you?"

Luna offered her hand again, her eyes softening. She leaned in, lowering her voice to a near whisper. "Come," she murmured gently, her fingers brushing his arm. "It's for your own good... You'll see."

He doubted that, but reluctantly allowed himself to be led down a short hallway. Along the way, they passed a cluttered storage closet with its door slightly ajar, where an assortment of mismatched boxes had already fallen out of.

Turning the corner, they found Lyra bent over, her robes hiking up slightly as she rummaged through a mess of old knick-knacks sprawled across the floor. The position was undignified, her backside unintentionally on full display--shapely even through the fabric. He started to realize that getting caught in compromised poses was something of an ordinary occurrence for these shameless elves. He blinked a few times, feeling his face go red, although a part of him wished he had both lenses on his glasses to appreciate the view. Ordinarily, he would have peeked and looked elsewhere, but Luna was still standing behind him, keeping her hold light but present.

"Now where did I put that thing last?" Lyra muttered to herself, dragging stray strands of hair behind her pointed ears. She sifted through the pile of objects until, with a satisfied hum, she finally straightened. "Ah, here it is."

She turned, holding up a simple cord necklace with a raw purple gemstone set into the pendant. The unassuming stone caught the dim light, twinkling faintly.

Ruan's throat went dry. "What is that?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady but failing miserably.

Lyra's smile was serene, almost too serene, as she approached. "A little something I made a long time ago," she said sweetly. "I call it the Jewel of Demon Subjugation."

The name alone made him swallow nervously.

"Now, now," Lyra murmured soothingly as she closed the distance. "No need to be afraid. I'll show you how it works."

"Wait," he stammered, stepping back into the elf behind him, who tightened her grip to keep him from struggling as Lyra lifted the cord over his head.

"Wait, ple--"

Ruan's protests died the moment the cold stone touched his skin. A sudden chill washed over him, and for a fleeting moment, everything felt distant--like he was watching his own body from somewhere far away. Then came the paralysis, a heavy stillness that stretched to his fingertips and toes, locking him in place. His heart raced as he willed himself to move, panic setting it, but they refused to obey. He tried to scream then, and although he felt his throat tightening with the effort, nothing came out.

"Let me give you a demonstration of how it works," Lyra said, a new smile betraying a hint of excitement. "Ruan, would you touch your ears for me?"

Ruan's stomach dropped at the sound of her command, and before he could even process what was happening, his arms moved. Luna lessened her grip, allowing his limbs to rise freely.

No, stop it! Stupid, traitors! He protested internally, but his hands moved on their own accord, fingertips brushing against his ears even as he demanded they stay still. Lyra's eyes were gleaming with satisfaction.

"Good. Now..." She tilted her head slightly, her smile growing more playful. "Now, I can tell you are curious, so why don't you try touching my ears?"

What? His mind barely registered the odd request before his hands moved again, this time reaching forward--slow, almost glacially slow from his perspective--as his fingertips grazed the delicate, warm tips of Lyra's long, elven ears. One flickered involuntarily, almost like a cat, Lyra's eyes growing heavy at the touch. The heat he felt there was surprising, and for a brief moment, his horror was eclipsed by an intrusive thought--Wait, hold up... this isn't so bad.

Then Lyra leaned away, causing his arms to lower back to his sides, and the moment was gone.

"The gemstone," she explained, her tone instructional now, "is infused with a crystallization of my own essence. It binds the wearer to my will, channeling my intentions like a conduit..." She paused, her lips pursing slightly. "Or at least... I think that's how it works." Her brow furrowed in thought, the sudden uncertainty tugging at the edge of the moment.

Oh great, Ruan thought bitterly, has she even used this thing before now?

"... No matter," Lyra continued, brushing the thought aside with a wave of her hand. "This should suffice as a long-term solution for keeping you in our care."

She gave him a moment then as if to respond to her, but the silence stretched awkwardly. Her smile faltered. "No questions?"

Luna then spoke up from behind. "Mistress, it is possible that he is unable to speak unless directly ordered."

"Ah," was her only immediate response, before Lyra tilted her head in thought. "I suppose... that might be the case." She put her hands together then. "Very well. We'll simply ask him for his thoughts whenever we require them." Her tone was almost dismissive, as though the idea he might have anything important to say was an afterthought. "For now, he should have no immediate concerns... other than what to expect for dinner."

Lyra beamed a smile, a clear attempt to reassure him, although the forced nature of it only deepened his unease.

"Luna, why don't you show him the bathing facilities? I'm sure he'll be quite surprised." Then her eyes returned to him. "... And Ruan, follow all of Luna's instructions as though they were my own. Listen to her diligently, just as you would for me, understood?"

"Yes, Mistress." Ruan said, before he even realized what happened. Why had he called her Mistress? The word rang strange even to Lyra, who pursed her lips thoughtfully.

"... Just Lyra is fine. Now go, and try to relax."

- - - - -

Luna had left Ruan sitting on a wooden chair on the cobblestone patio out back. One of the two elves had left a thick tome face down on a tea table, but he couldn't will his muscles to turn and look at it. All he could do was lounge there, staring out at a well-maintained garden, waiting for an order that would allow him to move. It was a peaceful view at least, a far cry from the growing turmoil he felt inside, but he was enjoying the breeze. He began to imagine the two elves tending to vegetables, or going in and out of the shed he saw tucked away in the corner. In his mind, it was Luna who did the work while Lyra lazed here with her book. But then again, Lyra was inside right now, preparing dinner. He could hear the rhythmic sound of chopping echoing through the open window, a steady, methodical cadence. Perhaps she was the kind of taskmaster who didn't mind getting her hands dirty.

There was little hope of peace for Ruan, so long as there was nothing to distract him from his thoughts. He kept circling back to his current predicament. Why was this happening to me? He knew other men had been summoned to this world, but surely none of them were trapped like this--caught between not one, but two insurmountable powers. First, there were the demons who summoned him, and threatened to end any escape plan short. And that was only if he could escape, but those elves, somehow as powerful as they were indifferent, made the prospect seem impossible.

"The water is prepared. Would you come here, human?"

A familiar, unwanted tug pulled him from his thoughts. His body moved without his consent, his legs carrying him along the tall wooden wall that bordered the patio. He couldn't stop himself, though he had a vague idea where he was going. He turned a corner and, sure enough, found himself facing a large outdoor shower area.

A brass faucet hung overhead, gleaming slightly in the late afternoon light. A wooden shelf was stocked with scrubbers, soaps, and even candles, adding an odd, homey charm to the place that was his current prison.

"Are you surprised?" she asked brightly, turning with a smile that made his chest tighten for all the wrong reasons. "It's a shower," she said proudly, as though she'd just unveiled some groundbreaking invention. "You know what this is, right?"

His mouth answered before his brain caught up. "Of course I do."

Unfazed, Luna demonstrated the nozzle with a practiced motion, sending a short burst of heated water cascading down. Her smile widened, her expression almost childlike with excitement as she gazed up at the shower head and the intricate system of brass tubing overhead. "It's a design from Earth." Her tone was laced with pride as she explained, "We recreated it ourselves, based on the writings of a man who came to our world many decades ago. That was around the time Lyra and I first became aware that the demons were planning something." Her gaze grew distant for a moment, as if remembering something far removed from the present, but then she brightened again. "Perhaps you know of other conveniences like this? I must say, I quite enjoyed the results of this project."

Ruan's thoughts struggled to keep up. They built this... from scratch? Based on what, a description in a book? A drawing? His mind conjured up an image of the two elves tinkering with metalworking tools, wearing thick goggles in a machine shop. He hadn't seen anything like the kinds of facilities they would need inside the cabin. Then again, he supposed there were plenty of hiding places still to discover in that unassuming place. Still, the level of detail in replicating something as complex as a pseudo-modern shower was beyond impressive.

"You can leave your clothes on the bannister," Luna said, pulling him back to the present. "Including the robe. I will find you a suitable replacement."

She then leaned down and gently removed his glasses. She held them up to the light, squinting as if studying them. Her expression was unreadable, but her intense focus suggested she was analyzing them deeply. Was it just another curious modern trinket to her? Without a word, she folded them neatly and tucked them into her robe.

"Don't wait for me to get started," she said with a calm, matter-of-fact tone that only added to his rising panic. "I have a few things to clean up inside, but I'll return soon. Remain in the shower until I come back, okay?"

Ruan's head gave a weak nod, allowing Luna to be dismissed as she turned and strode away.

Did she just steal my glasses?

As busted as they were, his vision fuzzy at best without them. Even with the magical necklace regulating his motor function, a deep sigh escaped through his nose.

Once she was a certain distance away, he felt a familiar wave wash over him--a sudden release as his body was once again his own. He instinctively turned to follow where she went, but his legs wouldn't move past the boundary of the shower area. So that's how it works? He had freedom, but on a very short leash.

Fine. Whatever. He exhaled slowly, looking around at the enclosed space. The walls were tall enough to give privacy, at least. It wasn't as though Luna would walk in on him, knowing what he was doing in here.

He undressed reluctantly at first, but after seeing the state of his pajamas was happy to be rid of them. His hand grazed the surface of the necklace as he threw his worn clothes over the bannister, and a devilish thought occurred. His body stopped responding the moment he conceived the idea to remove the necklace. Nothing happened at all. It was as though the signal was lost somewhere between his brain and his arms, leaving him standing stark still. A cold knot formed in his stomach as he felt the odd disconnect. He had to try, but he pushed the thought aside, as dwelling on that sensation would drive him crazy.

His body did ache for some reason, a shower would help that. He experimented with the nozzle, feeling heat run through the metal. He turned it, and then all of his thoughts evaporated as the hot water cascaded down, washing away the grime and exhaustion. There was even a small stool nearby, which he gratefully used, his legs protesting from having stood too long. His mind emptied as the heat soaked into his skin, the tension in his muscles melting away.

For the first time since arriving in this bizarre world, Ruan felt something dangerously close to peace. Then just as he was beginning to relax, he heard the unmistakable sound of bare footsteps approaching from outside the shower, then a familiar white robe was thrown over the bannister. His body tensed instantly.

"Don't get up. It's just me," came the elf's voice.

Ruan tried to turn his head, but suddenly found he couldn't. The necklace thrummed with inner light at her voice, and he was left sitting there, listening to the delicate rustle of heavy fabric being shifted behind. The sound was soft, but unmistakable. She was getting undressed.

"Oh, you must try some of these."

His breath caught in his throat just as Luna stepped into view, and Ruan's brain promptly short-circuited.

And he exhaled, seeing that she was wearing a towel. It draped loosely from her flawlessly beautiful body, concealing far too little of her, clinging to her skin for dear life. There was very little imagination required for him to fill in the gaps. She bent to the shelf with various accoutrements, deciding which to use, landing on a hand brush and a particular bar of soap.

"Don't move," she instructed sweetly, her tone as innocent as if she were offering him tea. "I'll wash your back. You can take care of the front."

Oh boy.

Heat surged to Ruan's face, his mind going ballistic. His body, however, complied instantly, leaning forward to find a bar of soap for himself, then waiting until Luna had rounded to where he couldn't see.

What was happening? No, why was this happening?!

The initial touch of the scrub brush was almost gentle, the bristles gliding along his back in slow, careful strokes. Ruan bit down on his lip to keep from making a sound, his mind locked in an epic battle between appreciating the sensation and sheer, unfiltered panic.

Okay, this is fine. It's just a back scrub. Perfectly normal. Totally fine.

But then, Luna's movements went... lower.

Why.

The brush slid down, tracing along the small of his back, and then even lower, lingering just above the curve where decency ended and panic truly began. Ruan's muscles locked, but his body remained obedient, diligently scrubbing his own nethers. God, did he have to start there too? He felt her lean in slightly to reach, and that was when he became acutely aware of her chest brushing lightly against his back. Then he really felt them, flattening firmly as she reached.

Oh no. No no no. There was no way.

Luna, completely unaware of his internal crisis, gave a small hum of satisfaction as she adjusted her angle, pressing even closer as her hand moved to scrub the sides of his waist.

"Excuse me," she murmured softly, shifting just enough that her body brushed along his once again, feeling her towel loosen dangerously, slowly becoming soaked.

Ruan's eyes squeezed shut. His heart was pounding in his ears, and despite his desperate attempts to not focus on any of this, his mind betrayed him by zeroing in on every accidental bounce, every hum she made, feeling the water run from his body onto hers. It was the most intense physical experience he had ever had, and it made him not want to look down. He wasn't brave enough to confirm if anything inappropriate was stirring--because if it was, he was going to die of embarrassment.

Finally, mercifully, she pulled away.

"How was that, Ruan?" she asked cheerfully, her voice brimming with satisfaction. "Nice and relaxed?"

"Yes, thank you, Lyra."

The words left his mouth before he even realized it, drawn out by the necklace's magic, but as soon as they did his heart stopped.

Wait. Lyra?

His stomach dropped.

There was a pause, followed by the sound of more footsteps approaching.

"Ah, Mistress?" The new voice was calm, identical in every way, but there was a subtle note of surprise.

It was Luna, come at last.

"The soup is on to boil," Lyra said behind him, "so I thought I would get clean while there was still hot water to enjoy."

Holy...

Ruan felt his face flush impossibly hotter. His mind scrambled to piece together what was happening, what any of what just happened meant, if anything. Did it mean something? Lyra, still clinging to her towel, reached past him to turn off the water. As she turned back though, her expression turned quizzical, as if able to read the turmoil in his head.

"Are you feeling alright?" she asked, her tone genuinely concerned as she placed two fingers gently on his forehead, tilting his head slightly to the side. The movement caused the sides of her towel to loosen, threatening to reveal far more of her body than he was mentally prepared to handle.

"You appear flustered," she added, her silver eyes narrowing slightly. Her fingers left his forehead as she retrieved her towel with one hand to secure it again. "What troubles you? Speak freely."

A strange sense of relief washed over Ruan as his restrictions were momentarily lifted, allowing him a moment to gather his thoughts.

"I... think you two need name tags or something," he muttered, rubbing his face. "You're too similar to just be moving about interchangeably like that. I thought you were Luna."

There was a pause. Lyra blinked at him, her expression unreadable.

"Does that matter?" she finally asked, genuinely curious. "We are the exact same, after all."

Ruan's brain stumbled over her reasoning, but after a moment his eyes widened, realizing she wasn't being facetious. As if on queue, Luna stepped next to her half-naked twin, her expression a complete mirror of Lyra's own confusion.

"Ah, I see now." Lyra was first to speak, giving a small, knowing smile. "You believed that Luna was a unique individual. A sister, perhaps. But that is not the case."

As if to clear his confusion, she turned to Luna, then began deftly undoing the shawl around her shoulders. Without hesitation, she helped Luna slip her robe over her head, leaving her standing in nothing but simple white underwear, which did nothing to calm Ruan's rising panic.

The two moved next to one another, now standing almost identically, allowing Ruan to take in just how remarkably similar they were.

"Luna is a magical creature," Lyra explained gently. "She is a complete simulacrum I created with my own essence. She is exactly me--a copy, down to the memories I held, at least up to the point of her creation."

Ruan blinked. What?

Luna nodded, her expression serene as she continued on Lyra's behalf. "Mistress created me to assist her with her work. At that time, she believed it necessary to accelerate the rate of her research. Thus, she made me so that I may double her efficiency."

Ruan's brain was doing mental gymnastics trying to process this revelation.

"... How long ago was that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Luna tilted her head thoughtfully, then glanced at Lyra.

"Two centuries ago," she replied calmly.

Ruan blinked again. Oh. So, two centuries ago, Lyra decided to clone herself. That's... neat. She's been living in a cabin with her magically copied self for two hundred years. Just your average wizard kind of behaviour.

A stray thought flickered through his mind, imagining himself back in his old apartment--only now there were two of him. One Ruan sitting on the couch, playing video games, while the other grudgingly handled the laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and took out the trash he always forgot.

Actually, yeah... I'd probably do that too, he admitted with a mental shrug. If it was as easy as pushing a button, he would have done it already. But that raised so many questions, about the nature of making such a decision, and about the clone itself.

"But if she--Luna, I mean. If you're identical to Lyra, memories and everything, why do you choose to obey her? Why call her 'Mistress' all the time?"

Lyra and Luna exchanged a glance, as though the question was something they had never considered.

Luna spoke first, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. "It's because I have Lyra's memories. I obey her wishes because I know that will result in the best outcome."

Lyra picked up seamlessly, her voice echoing Luna's sentiment with an eerie synchronicity. "If the situation were reversed, I would gladly act as Luna's subordinate. I created her knowing she would have the same desires and aspirations I have. If I thought for a moment that Luna would be unhappy with her role, I never would have brought her into existence."

Luna nodded. "I share her passion for magic, so I am happy to assist her. I call her mistress because it is a simple truth. She created me, and without her, I wouldn't exist."

But why not just call her Lyra?

The unspoken question burned at the back of Ruan's mind, but he wasn't brave enough to voice it. The longer they spoke, the more uncomfortable he felt about their peculiar master and subordinate relationship. He also couldn't shake the unnerving thought that one of the people standing before him wasn't entirely real, and didn't seem to care. Shouldn't Luna be more uncomfortable about all of this?

Luna smiled at him with a disarming innocence that made him feel as though she could read his mind, bending to ruffle his hair. "I hope that clears up your confusion. Now, if you don't mind, I think I'd like to use the remainder of the hot water for myself."

Before Ruan can even process that, Lyra chimed in. "I wasn't quite finished either." Then, almost as an afterthought, she adds, "Ruan, wait outside. We won't take long."

And just like that, he was left standing beyond the wooden partition, forced to listen as the two elves shared the shower. Subtle splashing sounds echoed from beyond the thin wall, and despite himself, his mind immediately started to fill in the blanks. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he imagined the two of them pressing close together under the one nozzle; their identical, naked bodies slick with soap, rubbing against one another as they helped lather the hard to reach places, and certain other parts too...

Damn it. He was really trying to stay mad about his captivity, but this was making it difficult.

Before long, the sounds stopped, and when the two finally rounded the corner, they were already back in their robes, both toweling their hair with alternating motions, but otherwise completely composed. A small, disappointed part of him deflated, realizing he had missed something that was probably life-changing.

One of them--Luna? Lyra? He wasn't sure anymore--offered a polite smile. "Apologies for making you wait." She gestured toward a chair nearby, where a neatly folded set of clothes sat waiting.

Ruan turned to look. Pale green, with delicate purple flowers embroidered along the breast. Women's night clothes. He sighed again.

... Of course.

- - - - -

Ruan sat awkwardly at the very centre of the long table, perched on the chair they had dragged in from outside. The silky fabric of the women's clothes clung almost too comfortably to his skin, but it was the necklace they had given him that kept him in place. Its magic exerted an invisible pressure over his limbs, making him obediently wait for the elves to finish preparing dinner.

Lyra and Luna moved through the kitchen with an eerie synchronicity he hadn't observed before. They worked in perfect harmony, one clearing books and candles from the table just as the other set down a dish, all without a word. He watched as one paused mid-stir to fetch bowls, while the other seamlessly stepped in to add a pinch of spices and portion out the meal, barely needing to glance at what she was doing. He wondered how many years it would take to look as choreographed as they were.

They were finished before he even realized, serving him first before sitting on either side, preparing to enjoy a meal of... something. A stew, that much was obvious, but the ingredients were a complete mystery. There were earthy vegetables, vaguely carrot-like, but in all the wrong colours. He stared down at a group of pale bean-like things that stubbornly refused to take on the colour of the broth. There was also far too much green going on for something one would expect to be brown. The bread they served also appeared dangerously healthy, so dense with whatever grain it was made from that it was turning black inside. It was hot though, and served with what he hoped was butter, although he hadn't spotted any dairy suitable animals on his way in.

One of them--he still wasn't sure which--gave him the go ahead and eat. The necklace responded instantly, forcing Ruan to help himself. Truthfully, he was starving, but the ordeal quickly turned awkward as he had to sit back and watch like an audience member while his own hands picked up the wooden spoon and went to work. His body moved like a puppet on strings, digging in with even less manners than if he had full control. Luckily, the two didn't seem to mind. A spoonful came flying in, and he barely had time to panic.

Wait--he didn't even check how hot it was!

He braced for the burn, but thankfully it was fine. Still, the sensation of swallowing food down involuntarily left him a little grossed out.

Both watched him for a moment, then seemingly satisfied, turned back to their own meal. The only sound left was the soft clatter of wooden cutlery against clay bowls, filling the awkward silence.

As they slowed down, the one on his right finally spoke, asking what he thought. Truthfully, he couldn't even tell if it was good or bad. Maybe a little bland, but it wasn't like they had ordered him to savour it. But of course, his body decided to speak for him.

"It needed more spices. Something hot to give it a kick."

Damnit. You don't say it like that!

"A kick?" she echoed, her face scrunching slightly. But the other nodded thoughtfully.

"I agree," The other said. "Perhaps a bit of spice would add to its appeal. Though Mistress Lyra hasn't been fond of spices since she found a particularly ripe mustard root. Ever since, she's made me taste-test every new edible plant we discover."

Ruan relaxed once he realized who was speaking, not realizing how tense the confusion was making him.

"Perhaps Mistress would like to try a few extra mallorn seeds next time?" Luna added, her tone suggesting it was a joke--maybe.

Lyra shook her head, taking a sip of water. "I can tell when you sneak in extra, you rebellious creature. No, I believe this was already my limit."

"Ah, maybe in another century then?" Luna murmured with a playful smile, though whether or not she was serious was being literal was anyone's guess.

After a while, Lyra decided to clear the air, her piercing silver eyes settling on Ruan as though sensing his growing apprehension.

"Now that you're clean and fed," she said softly, "perhaps it's time we discussed why we brought you here. Surely you've been curious."

Ruan swallowed involuntarily, the memory of her vague threat about experiments flashing through his mind. He felt the weight of the moment pressing down as Lyra's words echoed in his ears.

"If you have any questions about your place here," she continued, her tone even but expectant, "now would be the time."

The necklace loosened its grip on him, and for the first time in a while, Ruan felt his body was his own again. His mind, however, raced. There were a thousand things he wanted to ask, but only one sense to ask, considering everything.

"Why me?"

Lyra nodded sagely at that, as though she had been expecting such an existential question from the start.

"I can see you're confused," she said, her voice gentle. "... Why don't I start from the beginning?"

She explained that the creature who had summoned him was called The Whisper in the Void. She is what is known as a Daughter of Corruption, a direct descendant of a deific entity simply known as the Goddess of Demons. It was her and her sister's duty to preserve demonkind after some kind of great war that nearly exterminated all life in their world, and for some reason, humans were needed to keep their species alive, to fuel their magic. The Whisper--and perhaps her sisters--have perfected a powerful new kind of magic, one capable of drawing men from other worlds, as Ruan now knew first hand. That was how he and the other men in the valley had come to this place.

The longer she spoke, the more Ruan's confusion deepened. His mind struggled to keep up, piecing together fragments of a story far beyond the scope of his imagination. Sensing his bewilderment, Luna interjected.

"... If you wish to know why we intervened in the demon's plan," She said gently, drawing Ruan's attention, "it was because we needed a human from another world to decipher the magic they used. Once we understand how it works, we believe it should be possible to send you--and the others who were with you--back home."

Return home? Was that what all of this was about? Then were they truly his allies? The thought struck him harder than he expected.

"Oh." The word came out deflated, and after a moment, he felt the need to clarify his original question, "I meant... why did you pick me, in particular?" That thought was followed by another question, as he honed in on the words the two had been using. "Wait. How do you know what went on back there? Were you watching us?"

Lyra smiled, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Of course. I observed the entire event through my magic eyes. I've been anticipating an event like this for quite some time."

She paused then, her expression turning contemplative before offering a surprisingly innocent answer.

"I picked you... because you were the weakest among all those summoned."

Ruan blinked, stunned.

"Oh..."

Suddenly, he didn't mind that he had been a little harsh on her stew.

Luna quickly stepped in, adding. "That's not the only reason."

She stood up slowly, then reached inside her robes and pulled out something familiar. It was his glasses. The lenses and frames had been repaired perfectly, not a scratch or crack in sight.

When did she have time to fix those?

"... What about my glasses?" he asked, thinking nothing of them for the moment.

"Ah, is that what you call these?" Luna said, inspecting them with mild curiosity. "The writings referred to them as 'spectacles.' Mmm, but no matter." She met his eyes. "It was because of these that we identified you as coming from an advanced society."

They're just glasses, Ruan thought, but he noted the added inflection she used in her voice when she had the chance to talk about them. Were they really that interesting to her?

"I was able to recreate the other spectacle, although I couldn't quite replicate the odd coating on the glass..." She said proudly, then focused back on him. " But that is wandering from the point... We believed you made the most suitable choice for us to work long term. Not only could we keep you safe, but we could also benefit from your unique experiences."

"My experiences really aren't that unique," he mumbled, more to himself than to them.

"You are from Earth, Ruan," Lyra spoke to his side, her tone firm yet almost reverent. "You come from an age where demons no longer threaten your species. That is what we wish to create here as well. And we can... but only with your help."

She rose from the table, moving gracefully to stand at his other side. Her presence was as steady as ever, but now, her words carried a weight he couldn't ignore.

"This is what we are willing to offer you. Safety from demons. A place to live. Food to eat." Her silver eyes locked onto his, the intensity of her gaze making his stomach tighten. "In return, we ask only that you cooperate with our studies... until we discover the magical nature of human outsiders in this world."

Ruan's throat went dry, feeling suddenly very small and helpless. He didn't like the way they spoke about his life so casually.

"Would... would I really have died if you hadn't taken me?" His voice came out weaker than he intended.

"It's most likely," Luna confirmed softly.

She approached him again, unfolding the repaired glasses and gently placing them on his face. The world sharpened instantly, and for a moment, Ruan was struck by just how breathtakingly beautiful she was in full clarity.

"You are marked," Luna murmured, her pointed fingertip brushing just above his cheek, where a lens had once been missing. "You felt an impact there, didn't you?"

He remembered a vague image of a man standing over top of him, back turned as if to shield him, but from what? He wished he had been paying more attention at the time.

Lyra picked up where Luna left off. "Demons mark their targets for many reasons... but never for their benefit. We believe this mark means she is watching the summoned men closely. While she may tolerate losing one or two of you to unforeseen circumstances, I have no doubt she intends to force a certain outcome among your group. Death is but one such fate."

Ruan's heart pounded. "So... she knows where I am? Can she see us now? Hear us?"

Lyra's lips curled faintly at Ruan's question, her silver eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.

"Much to the Whispers' chagrin, I believe that she has a few more years before she can penetrate the wards around my domain. Nor do I believe she wishes to engage in a fruitless battle, when she could simply summon more men for less trouble."

Luna gave a slight, approving nod, her expression mirroring Lyra's. They shared that same subtle confidence that made Ruan's skin prickle. It wasn't arrogance or bravado--it was the quiet, unsettling certainty of two beings who knew they were untouchable.

I was right to be afraid of them, Ruan thought. They were powerful, even if they were a little unusual.

"Okay," Ruan finally said, then he mustered his courage. "But... what are these experiments you want to perform on me?" His throat tightened. "Are they... going to hurt?"

The words hung in the air for a moment too long.

Lyra and Luna exchanged a glance, their face unmoving as neither blinked. The silence stretched, making Ruan's nerves spike.

"We're not entirely sure," Lyra murmured at last, her voice oddly calm for how unsure she sounded.

Ruan's eyes narrowed. "What does that mean?"

They didn't answer. Instead, they turned in unison, moving with that eerie grace that made his stomach flip. Before he could react, he felt their cool, slender hands slip under his arms, lifting him gently but firmly from his chair.

"Wait--what are you doing?" Ruan's pulse quickened, panic creeping into his voice as his feet found the floor. "Where are we going?"

Neither of them answered.

Luna gave him a serene smile as she adjusted her grip, her touch impossibly gentle.

"Relax," Lyra whispered softly, her tone oddly soothing.

"Wait, no seriously--where are we going?" Ruan's voice cracked as he struggled against their hold, but his body didn't listen. The damn necklace was at work again, keeping him in check.

They led him away from the table, their steps slow and deliberate as they guided him toward the dimly lit hallway.

"Don't worry," Luna said, her voice light and sweet as though they weren't leading him to some unknown fate.

"We're going to my room," Lyra added, her tone so matter-of-fact that it made Ruan's stomach drop.

What does that mean?! Ruan's mind screamed as the hallway ended, and a hidden set of stairs unfolded from the ceiling, leading up into a dark, unseen attic.

- - - - -

Lyra pulled back the heavy black curtains from a circular window framed in aged wood, allowing the last traces of fading daylight to filter in. The light illuminated a room that could only be described as a witch's attic, its shape dictated by the sloping angles of the roof. The air was thick with the scent of dried herbs and aged parchment, and the clutter was even worse than downstairs. Loose pages littered the floor, inked in a foreign cursive that Ruan couldn't read. Bookshelves sagged under the weight of ancient tomes, and half-burned candles dripped wax onto whatever surface they'd been left on.

Ruan's gaze drifted to a sheet near his foot. Though the script was unfamiliar, he noticed that each page bore the same signature--handwritten, with care. Luna bent down to gather a few stray sheets, her eyes trailing along a path of disruption that stretched from a dishevelled bed against the wall to the door they had just passed through.

"I see Mistress was in a hurry this morning," she murmured, her tone deadpan but her brow lifting slightly as she took in the mess.

Ruan remained silent, his unease growing as he glanced around. There was no place to sit, the cramped space forcing the elves to duck slightly the closer they came to the edges where the roof sloped. His stomach knotted tighter with each passing second.

Lyra approached, taking the pages from Luna and deftly pulling one free from the stack. She turned it toward Ruan, her silver eyes watching for his reaction.

"Do you know what this is, Ruan?"

The design was intricate--a series of concentric circles, meticulously drawn, with elaborate symbols interwoven between them. Even without understanding the language, Ruan's gamer instincts kicked in. He'd seen enough fantasy art to recognize a magic circle when he saw one.

"I... I think so," he mumbled. "A magic circle?"

Lyra's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"Correct. This," she said, her voice carrying a note of pride, "is going to be your way home."

Ruan's stomach dropped. He didn't share her enthusiasm. The image of his dark, cluttered apartment flashed in his mind--lying in bed for hours, barely mustering the energy to get up except to use the bathroom or order delivery. The thought of returning to that made his chest feel hollow.

Lyra's grin lingered, though she must have noticed his lack of excitement. She carefully placed the page aside, then turned her attention to the floor.

"It's not complete yet," she admitted, stepping back as her fingers curled around the edge of an old, worn rug.

"Luna, some lights, if you would."

Luna raised her hand, palm up, and with a flick of her fingers, tiny motes of white light materialized, floating gently above her outstretched hand. Their glow illuminated the space as Lyra rolled the rug back, revealing what lay beneath.

The floor was scorched with the outline of a massive magic circle, an enlarged version of the drawing Ruan had just seen. Charred symbols traced along its outer rings, but gaps remained where the script was unfinished.

"This is as far as I could get," Lyra said softly, her gaze lingering on the incomplete design. "Without a living human to test it with, I've been at an impasse."

She turned to Ruan, her expression suddenly expectant.

"You may speak freely, Ruan."

The weight lifted--not the compulsion of the necklace, but something else. For the first time, it felt like they actually wanted his opinion.

"How long... did this take you?" he asked, his voice quieter than he intended. He couldn't hide the weariness bleeding through.

"Twenty years, give or take a few," Lyra replied, glancing at the ceiling as if the exact date was stored somewhere in her mind. "I have it written down somewhere."

"Twenty years..." Ruan echoed. His eyes drifted back to the circle, but it was just a circle now. His mind was starting to detach from the situation. "And... how long do you think you'll need my help for?"

Lyra tilted her head, considering. "It's difficult to predict. Another twenty years, perhaps. Ten, if things go smoothly."

Twenty years. Return Home. The words barely registered before Ruan's knees gave out. His vision blurred, and he felt himself pitching forward.

Luna's magical lights vanished as she darted to his side, catching him before he hit the ground. She held him steady, concern written all over her usually impassive face. The necklace suddenly felt cold, and he felt himself move to take it off his skin, but her arms were tight around him.

"Are you alright?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a rare uncertainty.

Ruan's mind reeled. It wasn't from the shock of what Lyra had said--though that certainly didn't help. But... something was different. His body had moved. He had moved. His hand had reached for the necklace, of his own free will.

The spell wasn't controlling him anymore.

His heart pounded, but he managed to keep his expression neutral.

I can't let them know.

A plan began to form. If he pretended that the necklace was still working to control him, that could create an opportunity--an opening where they might leave him on his own, assuming he couldn't wander off. If they believed he was still bound, there would come a moment when they would be less vigilant. And when that moment came... he could escape.

He could go wherever he wanted.

He was still piecing the idea together when he remembered he had been asked a question. Luna's arms steadied him as he straightened, his movements deliberately sluggish, giving no sign of the thoughts racing through his mind.

"I'm... a bit tired," he murmured, keeping his tone as neutral as possible.

Luna's grip on his arm softened.

"Mistress," she said softly, turning her gaze to Lyra. "It has been a long day for him. Perhaps it would be best if we dealt with his sleeping arrangements, rather than overwhelming him further?"

Ruan felt Lyra's eyes on him immediately, that piercing silver gaze boring into him, as though she could peel back the layers of his mind with just a glance. His pulse quickened, but he forced himself to remain still, keeping his expression blank.

Don't flinch. Don't give her a reason to doubt.

Lyra's stare lingered, her expression unreadable as her lips pressed into a thin line. When he didn't react, her gaze finally softened--just a little. She gave a slow, thoughtful nod.

"I suppose that is for the best," she murmured, though there was a trace of reluctance in her tone. "It would be wise for him to be well-rested for tomorrow... considering what's ahead."

Tomorrow.

The word echoed in Ruan's mind like a distant thunderclap. What happens tomorrow?

Lyra stood, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Though her touch was light, it sent a chill through him, as if her fingers carried the weight of something far heavier.

"For now," she said, her voice softer but still commanding, "we'll have you sleep in Luna's room. Until we can arrange something more suitable."

Luna's room? Did that mean he was taking her bed? Was she going to be forced to sleep on the floor, or somewhere else? He wanted to ask, as he hated making trouble for others. But he was playing the long game now, so he stood quietly.

"Luna," Lyra said, her attention already shifting back to the mess of parchment and books, "if you would. I have a few more things I'd like to read tonight... to refresh myself on demon magic."

Luna gave a small nod, her fingers brushing against Ruan's arm as she guided him toward the stairs. His heart pounded in his ears as he wondered if he had done it. Had he fooled them? Was it even possible?

He quelled his thoughts. One step at a time. He just needed to make it through tonight.

- - - - -

Luna's room was much smaller than Lyra's, though by Ruan's standards, it was nicer. Taller, brighter, cleaner, with everything neatly tucked away in chests or baskets. Ruan couldn't imagine her spending much time here. It hardly had enough space for the door to open fully, and inside, there was only really the bed frame. He wasn't even sure he could call what she slept on a proper mattress. It was more of a suspended hammock stretched between the upholstery, layered generously with knit blankets and pillows. It held up surprisingly well under him, and the faint floral scent that lingered in the air made the room feel... softer.

Opposite the door, a frosted glass window peeked out from behind thin curtains, revealing a small sliver of the path he had walked down earlier. A glimpse of his potential freedom.

The most important thing, though, was that he had been left alone--finally allowed to just lay down and think. Mercifully, Luna hadn't given him any strange, last-minute orders. She had simply brought him here, taken a few things, and bid him a soft goodnight. She had asked that he remain in the room until she returned, and of course the thought of using tonight to leave lingered heavily on his mind.

And yet... Ruan couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She had been frowning at him when she closed the door. He almost thought that she looked sad for him. It was confusing in a way that kept on gnawing.

Truthfully, he was tired, exhausted even. Too much had happened today. His mind was racing, and for some reason, all he could think about was how he was lying in a girl's bed, wearing her clothes. He thought about undressing, but the idea of putting his half-naked body anywhere near where Luna had slept felt... wrong. Like he'd be despoiling something innocent.

Yet if he tried to escape, and they captured him again, what would happen to him then? What sort of awful contraption would they use to make sure he couldn't run a second time?

One thing did bring him a modicum of peace, and that was when he focused on her.

On the way she had touched him. Washed his feet... and his back. Wait, no, that was Lyra. But then again, wasn't she also Lyra, technically? His brain spiralled in circles, and it only made him more confused about his feelings.

He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the thoughts away.

Get it together, man. Just sleep.

From outside, he heard a careful set of footsteps echoing softly in the hallway. Ruan held his breath. The sound drew closer, each step deliberate and unnervingly quiet. Then, the door creaked open behind him, careful as if to not disrupt his sleep.

Why were they here? And which one of them was it?

His body went rigid, a chill running down his spine. Instinctively he shut his eyes, pretending he had been asleep. Damn it, he hadn't even taken his glasses off.

"Human?" A soft voice. Gentle, almost hesitant. "Why are you not under the covers?"

Thank God. It was Luna. Relief flooded through him, but it was short-lived. He heard her moving, but he couldn't tell what she was doing. He should have just answered her immediately. Now he was going to have to pretend he was asleep.

A dull thud hit the floor.

Ruan's eyes shot open as the sound registered. That was a robe hitting the floor. He froze, and this time the necklace had nothing to do with it.

The wooden boards creaked softly under her weight as she moved closer.

There's no room. There's no room for you! Go somewhere else. How is she going to--?

The bed dipped as her knee touched down, making him slide back against her as she leaned down. He shut his eyes tight, then loosened them. Not too tight, or she'll notice.

Ruan barely managed to suppress a noise as her hands brushed lightly over his skin, seeking out the collar of the robe he was still wearing.

"Shhh..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, soothing and warm as her fingertips found the fabric.

"Don't wake up," she murmured softly. "Let me help you..."

He pressed his teeth together as she reached into his robe, carefully pulling the first of his arms free of the sleeve. Her touch was featherlight and precise, her fingertips brushing along his skin as if handling something fragile. She had to pull him up to remove the other, pressing his back flush against what seemed like a naked body, completely unbothered by how much he could feel. Because he was supposed to be asleep.

Ruan did everything in his power not to react. He tried to keep his breathing steady, his body limp, his face neutral. Be a ragdoll. Just go limp. But one part of him--damn it--refused to get the message. His mind screamed at him to think of something else. Anything.

The robe slid off his shoulders, her hands guiding it down with deliberate care. Then, she leaned over, reaching across him to remove his glasses, setting them on the window sill. Her breasts sunk against his back as she did so, soft and warm, making his eyes go wide even though they were firmly shut. This was torture. And she was good at it. Too good. Why was she so good at... whatever this was?

Her fingers worked next on the buttons of the shirt she had given him, trailing down his torso with a dexterity that felt far too practiced. It slid off as easy as the robe, revealing his skin to the crisp night air.

And then, her fingers found the string at his waistband. His heart pounded in his ears. He didn't have anything underneath, as they didn't have anything fitting for a man to wear. She was one thin layer away from discovering how not asleep he was.

She pulled gently, loosening the tie. His breath caught, and he prepared for the worst. But instead, she stopped. Relief flooded him, but it was short-lived. She eased him back down onto the bed, laying him carefully on his side, facing the window. Then a thin quilt was draped over him, and she even tucked it around his front with the same gentle diligence she had shown in his undressing.

Then she slid in behind him.

Long, slender arms wrapped around him, pulling him close. She pressed herself against him, her warmth quickly incubating inside of the covers, her chin resting lightly against the top of his head. She fit herself around him like he was her favourite teddy bear, her breath brushing the back of his neck, sending shivers down his spine. He was so close to breaking.

Was she really going to sleep like this?

Her clawed fingers trailed down his bare chest, almost absently. He tried to think nothing of it, but then her palm suddenly came to rest right over top of his racing heart.

"... I know you're awake."

The whisper was a purr, warm and teasing, breathed directly into his ear. A jolt ran through him, his body betraying him as her arms tightened slightly, securing him in a tender, unyielding embrace. And then her fingers brushed the pendant that still hung around his neck, grabbing hold of it with casual ease.

"H-how did you know?" Ruan finally croaked out, his heart pounding so loudly that he swore she could hear it.

Luna's lips brushed against his ear as she chuckled softly. "I could hear your heart the moment I entered the room. I am an elf, after all." Her ears gave a dainty wiggle as if to drive the point home, brushing lightly against his hair. "I also felt you trying to reach for the necklace when you were upstairs," she mused, her tone lilting, almost playful. "But, I could see you were pretending, so... I thought I would play along."

Ruan swallowed hard, panic settling deeper in his chest. His mind raced for a way out, grasping at anything that could keep her from putting another spell on him. "Please don't," he gasped, voice barely above a whisper. Then, realising desperation wouldn't get him anywhere, he forced himself to speak more calmly. "Please... can we just talk for a bit? No magic?"

Luna hummed thoughtfully, her grip on him loosening just a little. "What would we talk about?" Her voice was light, innocent, but Ruan wasn't fooled. She was toying with him. "About your freedom?"

His throat went dry. "Maybe," he murmured, feeling his chances slipping further away.

Luna's grip eased entirely as she shifted, turning him to face her. She rolled onto her side, propping her head up with her hand, her silver eyes watching him with an unreadable expression. To his immense relief, she wasn't completely naked. But even in her plain, traditional-style underwear, with the moonlight casting a glow on her pale skin and her hair tousled over her shoulder, she was breathtaking enough to make his breath hitch.

"I will play along," she said softly, her tone carrying a warning beneath the gentle words. "But know that I intend to tell Mistress Lyra anything you say to me."

Ruan's stomach sank. "But... could you not?"

Something in his voice made her blink, her expression softening with what almost looked like confusion. "Not yet, anyway," he added, his voice quieter now. "I just... I want you to understand where I'm coming from. Okay? Me, with no magic necklace."

He reached up, fingers brushing against the pendant that had bound him for so long. Without hesitation, he slipped it off and set it beside his glasses on the sill.

Luna's eyes followed the movement, her expression thoughtful. Then, without a word, she sat up, awkwardly reaching past him to push the curtains open. Cool moonlight drifted in, carrying with it the lingering scent of mint from the elf's perfume.

"I would have lit the room another way," she murmured, her tone almost apologetic, "but you asked for no magic."

That caught Ruan off guard. Despite everything, he found himself smiling.

"Okay, so..." He took a steadying breath. "I know you and Lyra want to use me to... do something to help me get back to Earth." His gaze dropped, his fingers twisting the edge of the quilt absently. "But the thing is... I don't really want to go back."

Luna listened silently, her expression unreadable. But instead of reacting the way he'd expected, she bent down and reached under her bed. Ruan's brow furrowed as she pulled out a small chest, sliding it toward her with a soft scrape of wood against wood. She opened it, retrieved a small pad topped with parchment, and pulled out some kind of reed stylus with a burnt looking tip.

Ruan blinked, thoroughly confused. "What are you doing?"

Luna tilted her head, looking at him as if he'd asked something obvious. "I'm recording our conversation," she said plainly. "Your emotional state may prove useful to our work."

"... Of course," Ruan muttered, feeling his moment slip further from his grasp.

"Please," she urged, gesturing for him to continue.

Ruan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But that's it," he said softly. "I don't want to go back. I want to stay here, in this world."

This time, Luna paused as if she actually heard him. Her stylus hovered over the parchment, unmoving.

"Why?" Her voice was quieter now, her usual confidence giving way to concern. "Were we not clear about how dangerous this world is? Was the demon's words not clear either?"

"It's clear," Ruan admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... it's not dangerous, is it? Not really. I mean... you've been living here in this house, for what? Two hundred years at least?"

Luna's gaze met his, her expression guarded now. "But that is due to Mistress Lyra's wards," she said softly. "If you were to escape, demons would find you, tracking you by the mark left on your soul. Even if we were inclined, we are not yet capable of removing such a powerful curse. We can only mitigate its effect."

Her words made Ruan's stomach twist, but before he could say anything, she resumed writing, her quill scratching softly against the parchment. Something about that sound deflated him. Why couldn't he make her understand?

"This isn't just about you, Ruan," Luna murmured, her focus split between him and her writing. "This is about achieving a brighter future. Once our research is completed, we can send back the displaced men and return them to their own homes as well. This will, in turn, help us fight against the Daughters of Corruption. It may even save our world."

"I get that," Ruan said, his voice quieter now. "But this is about me. Because you two can't stop what you are doing to ask what I want."

That made Luna pause. Her quill stilled, and for a moment, she simply stared at him. Then, to Ruan's surprise, her lips curled into the slightest smile.

"And what is it that you want, human?"

"Please..." His voice was softer now. "Call me Ruan. That's a start."

Luna's smile faded. She didn't write that down. "Understood... Ruan."

"I don't want any more spells cast on me," Ruan continued firmly.

"That's not possible," Luna replied without hesitation, her tone matter-of-fact. "That would be negligent on our part. We will certainly need to subject you to our essence if we are to discover what makes men like you so vital to the demons' plans."

Ruan felt a flicker of frustration. "But does that mean you have to control my body? Stop me from being able to do anything?"

"That is but one method," Luna admitted, her stylus moving again as she spoke. "And certainly the easiest and safest."

"For who though?" Ruan's voice was low, trying not to let his frustration carry upstairs. "Not me, surely."

"For your sake, yes." Luna didn't look up as she spoke, her tone cool and clinical. "With you under our control, we can ensure that no harm comes to you, whether accidental or otherwise. We cannot afford for any injury to come to you."

"But what about mental injury?" Ruan asked, his voice barely steady, hating how emotional and amateurish he sounded compared to her calm composure. His words felt raw and vulnerable, and a part of him wished--just once--that he could see her uncertain, just for a moment. He needed to know she felt things the same way he did.

His hand drifted back almost without thinking, brushing against the cool metal of the necklace still sitting on the windowsill. He grabbed it, holding it up between them, the crystal turning lazily in the dim moonlight.

"Would you wear this thing?" His voice was quieter now. "Willingly?"

Luna's silver eyes followed the crystal's slow spin. She considered it with an unreadable expression before murmuring softly, "It depends on the circumstance. I can think of--"

"This circumstance," Ruan interrupted, his grip tightening on the chain. Without thinking, he leaned forward, lifting the necklace as if to drape it over her head.

Faster than he could process, Luna's arm shot out, her fingers wrapping around his wrist with startling strength. His breath caught as the writing materials she had been holding slipped from her lap, landing softly between her legs. His pulse pounded in his ears, but he had enough presence of mind to ask, "Why did you stop me?"

Luna's grip loosened almost immediately, her touch no longer restraining but still lingering on his wrist. "A reflex," she said softly, her tone calm but guarded.

"But why?" Ruan pressed, his voice lower now. "It's not dangerous, is it?"

"No... but I couldn't be sure what you intended."

Ruan didn't respond right away. He let her own words settle between them, filling the silence as he slowly lowered the necklace. His mind raced, but the answer was clear before he even spoke.

"I know you probably think you understand how this necklace works," he said quietly, his eyes on the crystal still dangling between his fingers. "But as the one out of the two of us who's worn it..." His voice trailed off as he looked back up at her. "I'll tell you right now--it sucks being the one who's taking orders, not knowing what the person giving them is really thinking."

Luna's expression softened, and for the first time that night, he thought he saw something in her eyes--something beyond calculation and duty.

"So this is why your heart beats so fearfully?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Look..." Ruan's throat felt tight, but he pushed through. "I appreciate everything. You and Lyra saved me, fed me, gave me a place to stay." His eyes dropped to where her hand still lightly rested on his wrist. "I just... I wish there was a way we could move forward without me constantly wondering what you two are planning to do to me."

Luna was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting down to where their hands touched. Slowly, she set the necklace aside, her fingers brushing against his before she clasped his hands gently between her own. The warmth of her touch made his heart skip a beat.

"Would you like me to speak with Mistress Lyra about this?" she asked softly, her voice filled with more sincerity than he had ever heard from her.

Ruan hesitated, his stomach twisting. "I mean... if she says no, and she wants to put me under some mind control again..." He swallowed hard. "Are you going to fight on my behalf? Or is she just going to make you be the one that does it?"

Luna's expression faltered for the briefest moment. Her gaze lowered, and she gently laid his hands back down, her own hands covering them protectively.

"It seems..." she murmured, her tone softer now, "we have placed you under more stress than we realised." Her thumb brushed lightly across his knuckles, a small, reassuring gesture. "I will make sure she understands. Okay? You may rest easy tonight."

Ruan's chest tightened at her words. For a moment, he almost believed her. But when Luna moved to stand, a sudden jolt of panic surged through him.

"Wait... where are you going?"

Luna paused, looking down at him with something close to sympathy. "I will sleep with Mistress tonight," she said softly. "Do not worry. I will not tell her anything yet."

As she spoke, she bent down to pick up the parchment she had been writing on, and Ruan watched in awe as the page began to clear before his eyes, the ink fading as if dissolved by unseen magic.

"But wait--" His mind raced. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Had he actually... confided in her? Did she really mean it? Or was this all another layer of deception? His thoughts spiralled, but there was something else gnawing at the edges of his mind.

"Luna..." His voice was quieter now, barely above a whisper. "Can you... tell me something? Just for my peace of mind."

Luna paused, her fingers still lightly brushing the now-blank parchment.

"What is it?" she asked, her tone careful but curious.

"What's... going to happen to me tomorrow?" His throat was dry, and his heart was pounding again. "... You aren't going to try to send me home, are you?"

"Are you... sure this will bring you peace?" Her silver eyes met his, filled with that same unreadable calm. "It's quite an involved process."

"Just..." Ruan's voice wavered slightly. "Could you... summarise it?"

Luna's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, her expression giving nothing away. Then, finally, she gave a small nod.

"As you wish."

At that, Luna took a step in front of him, then bent down to whisper into his ear. Her breath was warm against his skin, her tone low and filled with a mischievous glee.

"... It's essence extraction," she murmured softly.

Ruan blinked, leaning away to look at her, unsure if he had heard that right. Luna was... grinning, and that terrified him more than any magic ever could.

"What does that mean... exactly?" Ruan asked, trying--and failing--to sound polite.

Luna's smile opened up, as though he had asked the perfect question. "It's the term we came up with for the process by which demons draw out a man's vital energy to fuel their sin-based magic. It is important for us to learn whether or not we, as non-demons, can exploit similar methods as they do. Thus..." She leaned in again, her voice practically purring. "We decided to start our research with essence extraction."

Ruan's face went red. Bright, burning, breathe-into-a-paper-bag kind of red. His brain was lagging behind, but the pieces were falling into place way too fast for his comfort.

"I-I'm just not sure I'm getting it," he stammered, his voice going up an octave as his mind screamed at him to keep playing dumb. "N-no, but... What's going to happen to me?"

Luna, as composed as ever, took a seat on the bed, right next to him. Her bare leg pushed against his insistently, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine. She leaned in closer, pressing her chest molding softly into his shoulder as her hand slid gently up his arm.

Then, without warning, she kissed him.

It was just a peck--soft, slow, wet--lingering on his cheek just long enough to make his brain short-circuit. Ruan's eyes shot wide open, his body going stiff as a board.

"W-wait... please, no magic," he croaked, his voice barely above a squeak.

"No magic is required," she said smoothly, her fingers brushing lightly over the back of his head, tilting it ever so gently so that his gaze dropped to the unfortunate situation unfolding in his borrowed pajamas.

No...

A part of his soul vacated, not wanting to be present anymore. The rest of him wanted to crawl into a hole and die as he groaned internally, but there was no escape. He was trapped between an ancient elf and his own traitorous body.

"Do you understand now?" she asked, her voice dripping with innocent curiosity as she pulled him fondly against her.

"W-why are you so comfortable with this?" he blurted out, barely able to keep his voice steady.

Luna blinked, tilting her head ever so slightly, as if he had asked why the sky was blue. "Well, it's a new frontier of magic for us to explore. It's not as though I haven't mentally prepared for the occasion."

Oh, Is that it? Ruan said weakly, his internal monologue screaming at a decibel only dogs could hear. He felt like he was living inside a dream, some fevered fantasy where an impossibly beautiful woman was throwing herself at him for... science. And the worst part?

He didn't want to wake up.

"... Will it be you who does it?" The words slipped out before he could stop them, his voice shaky and tentative. "And... how will you do it?"

Her bright expression was immovable now, as though she were perfectly in her element. It was a different kind of confidence that made Ruan want to melt. She leaned back, her body shifting in a way that made his eyes go immediately to where they weren't able to before, her flat stomach flexed enticingly as she reached for something behind the bed.

When she sat back up, she was holding... an empty perfume bottle? It was small, elegant, like blown crystal. She held it delicately between her fingers, her expression serious as she removed the cap.

"We will fill a jar, like this one," she said matter-of-factly.

"Oh." Ruan said, this time out loud. His excitement deflated like a balloon. "Oh..."

But Luna wasn't finished. "Ah. You mean by what method shall we fill it?" She tilted her head thoughtfully, as though considering which spell to use. "Well, I believe by hand would be the simplest method. Least likely to contaminate the sample."

The sample.

"Y-yours or mine?" he asked weakly.

"Mine, of course," Luna said casually. "Or Mistress Lyra's. It is important for the male to be in a state of arousal for this to work. Such is the nature of sin-based magic."

Like a barnyard animal. Like a lab rat.

"I assume this will be no problem?" Luna asked sweetly, her silver eyes gleaming. "You do appear to be quite attracted to us. I have sensed your eyes wandering."

To prove her point, she let her hand slide gently onto the inside of his thigh.

Ruan's body reacted before his brain did, instinctively pulling away as he scrambled back with a startled noise, only for him to realize he had run out of bed to escape to.

"Ah--!"

He felt himself falling, but before his head could hit the floor, Luna's hand shot out again with inhuman speed, catching the back of his head as she leaned over him.

And then they ended up on the floor. Luna, straddling him with her butt in the air, her barely-clothed body pressed dangerously close, jar still held high in her other hand... and then the door creaked open.

Ruan's stomach dropped. Both he and Luna paused to turn their heads toward the noise. Standing there, framed by the dim light of the hallway, was Lyra, head tilted as she analyzed the scene.

"Ah, Mistress Lyra." Luna started to say, "Allow me to explain."

- - - - -

Ruan and Luna stood out in the hallway, still naked for the most part, pressed stiffly against the wall behind them. They cut quite a contrast standing next to each other, Luna tall, her expression as unperturbed as ever--Ruan, head bowed, tense, bracing himself for whatever would come next. On the opposite side stood Lyra, holding the necklace between her fingers, watching it turn lazily in the air.

She broke the silence first. "It seems your assessment was correct, Luna. He has proven himself remarkably resistant. It seems a different approach will be required."

Ruan swallowed. The way she said it made his skin prickle, the unspoken threat of magic hanging in the air. He hadn't found the nerve to speak yet, but Lyra's sharp gaze flicked to Luna instead, her tone carrying a note of accusation.

"... You were attempting to use demon magic, weren't you?"

"You have the wrong idea," Ruan cut in, his voice firmer than he expected. Even now, he hated the idea of someone else taking the blame on his behalf.

Luna, however, extended a hand in front of him--a small, measured motion, but one that sent a clear message. I've got this. Lyra's attention shifted back to her simulacrum, waiting.

Luna met her gaze evenly. "Your assumption is incorrect, Mistress. There is something that we both have failed to recognize in this situation."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Then explain."

Luna turned her head slightly, glancing at Ruan before speaking. "Ruan has expressed a desire that we refrain from using magic to influence his decisions. More importantly..." She hesitated, as if weighing the impact of her next words. "He has confided in me that his goal is not to return to his world."

At that, Lyra's expression shifted--the faintest trace of a smile faltering into something more uncertain. It was clear she had never considered this possibility. He imagined it made her uncomfortable to hear of her shortcomings from someone who wore her face. Her eyes flickered between them, but Ruan was caught looking up at Luna who had spoken up for him.

She had kept her word.

When Lyra finally spoke, her voice was edged with amusement. "I hadn't expected you to conspire with him, Luna." Then her gaze sharpened. "Well? Which of you would care to explain themselves?"

Ruan finally met Lyra's eyes, and though a dozen thoughts fought for dominance in his head, the first words that left his mouth were, "Don't be mad at her."

Lyra blinked, tilting her head slightly. "I'm not angry with her." She sounded almost puzzled. "Albeit baffling, Luna has acted exactly as I would have, given the circumstances."

Ruan exhaled, shaking his head. "I don't think that's true. I'm not sure I could have made you understand my wishes."

"That is unlikely," Lyra said, as if stating a simple fact. "Luna and I are the same. If she--"

"No, you aren't," Ruan interrupted, his rising voice surprising both of them. He took a breath. "That may have been true two hundred years ago, but not now."

The two women exchanged a look--mirroring each other so perfectly that, for a moment, they seemed to counter what he was trying to say. But Ruan pressed on.

"You don't like spicy food."

Lyra's lips parted slightly before she nodded. "This is true." She raised a finger between them, then turned her eyes to Luna. "However, it does not mean I am incapable of enjoying it. Given enough opportunities, we can see that it is possible for me to grow accustomed to the taste."

"And that's the difference," Ruan said. "It's in how you treat Luna. You don't see her as an equal, even if you think you do. You use her as someone to pawn off your work to."

Her response came without hesitation. "Do you see this as a punishment? I enjoy work, and so does she."

"Did you know that Luna apologizes on your behalf?"

Ruan hated to break confidence like this. It wasn't as though he had promised Luna anything, but she had once absently asked Ruan not to tattle on her. Luna turned to him sharply, responding almost too quickly. "It was my decision to do so. I wanted you to feel more comfortable in our presence."

"That was considerate of you," Ruan admitted. He hoped his little outburst wasn't going to get Luna reprimanded. He turned back to Lyra anyways. "But don't you think you're being too carefree? If Luna has to step in for you, doesn't that mean you've put her in a position where she feels she needs to?"

Lyra's gaze shifted to her copy. "Apologize to Ruan? For what?"

Luna silently took the necklace from Lyra's hand, gathering the stone between her fingers before speaking. "It seems that this item, along with my other attempts to subdue him, has created unforeseen turmoil within his heart. If I may be so bold... I would suggest that we not attempt such methods again."

Lyra frowned. It wasn't that she disagreed--she simply wasn't sure what she was hearing. "Then how, exactly, do you propose we gain his compliance for our experiments?"

Ruan exhaled. "... You could try asking."

Lyra blinked. "Asking?"

He nodded, his voice quieter this time. "Luna explained... what it is that you wanted to do. And... I mean, it's not like I really hate the idea."

He felt his face turning red again.

Lyra blinked, clearly taken aback. "I had assumed such treatment would be undignified, even for a mortal. Even if my intentions were to create a spell that benefited you, I expected resistance."

Luna smiled, a glimmer of amusement in her usually impassive expression. "Surely, Mistress has noticed, hasn't she?"

Lyra hesitated, caught off guard. "Noticed what?"

Pleased with herself, Luna wrapped an arm around Ruan and pulled him close--too close. His face pressed into the unyielding curve of a warm breast, his body stiffening at the contact.

"The human--Ruan, that is--is sexually attracted to us."

Lyra's mouth fell open slightly at the realization, turning to see Ruan's hands out to the sides, too afraid to touch her duplicate's bare skin. Then, without a shred of hesitation, Lyra kneels to get a closer inspection, studying this peculiar behaviour of his.

"... Luna, I believe you are correct," she stated, fascinated. "He is exhibiting signs of sexual attraction."

"Y-you can let go now," Ruan sputtered, squirming until he finally wrenched himself free. He took a moment to steady his breath, casting an incredulous glance between them.

He felt his irritation bubbling up--until he looked at her more carefully. Lyra, as long-lived as she was, had somehow missed all the signs. But there was no malice behind her actions, no calculated teasing. Just raw, clinical curiosity, and a special kind of genius that let her miss the obvious when it came to other people. And, he supposed, he couldn't really hate her for that. He couldn't have cared less about what others thought at his lowest point, and he certainly wasn't a genius.

Straightening, he exhaled. "... Lyra," he started, carefully. "If it would be alright, I think I'd like to stay here. With you and Luna. To uh... help with your research. And also... if I could stay here after that is over, too."

For a long moment, Lyra simply studied him. Then she asked, "Are you certain this is what you want? Your decision-making hasn't been affected by your newfound sexual attraction to us?"

"It definitely has," he admitted without shame. "But... it's not like I had much waiting for me back home. I just... want to try living with other people for a change. Is that okay?"

Lyra's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. She reached out and ruffled his already-messy hair.

"Okay. We can try things this way."

She straightened, turning to Luna. "Good work." She ruffled her hair too, which Luna accepted with mild dignity.

Ruan sighed, still untangling Lyra's fingers from his head. "Uh... I don't mind sleeping on the floor, Luna. I don't want to make you guys change anything on my account."

"Oh, but things have changed." Lyra's smile turned playful--mischievous, even. "We will not make you uncomfortable while under our roof. That, I can promise you now."

"I will stay with Mistress for the night, Ruan," Luna said, her voice as serene as ever. "Rest easy."

Lyra perked up, already considering alternatives. "Hmm. That could work... unless, of course, Ruan doesn't mind assisting with some late-night research?" She turned to him eagerly. "I am quite curious to learn more about what he's thinking."

Suddenly, two pairs of pale silver eyes fixating on him in unison. Ruan, face red as a furnace, swallowed hard.

"... Well, I don't know if anyone has ever been that tired."

- - - - -

"Tell me," Lyra began, eyes glinting with excitement, "just what is it about the elven form that you find attractive?" She tilted her head, ears twitching deliberately. "Surely it's not just the ears?"

Somehow, the three of them had navigated it back to Lyra's room, and now his back was to a wall, sitting on her bed as the enthusiastic elf crawled closer. Her robes had already hit the floor, now in an equal state of undress as Luna, who sat at the desk, quill scratching against parchment as she observed the spectacle.

Luna cleared her throat and read aloud from her notes. "An Interview With a Human: Mortal Attractions and the Male Desire to Breed, Number One, by Lyra Lunareth."

Ruan blinked. "T-this isn't... exactly how I imagined this going." He motioned toward Luna, who was scribbling diligently. Then a thought struck him. "Wait, if your last name is Lunareth--"

"Shhh... no distractions," Lyra murmured, waving a finger at him. "That title is fine, Luna. You may co-sign it with your name as well, if you desire."

"No, thank you, Mistress. I would not want to confuse our readers. Our names are quite similar when written."

"Suit yourself." She turned her full attention back to Ruan, her smirk widening. "Now then. Did you not offer to assist with my research?"

"I-I did."

"So?" Lyra leaned back on her heels, letting him take in the full picture of her body. "Which is it?"

Ruan swallowed hard, eyes darting over her curves before he forced himself to meet her gaze. "I... I mean, is it really so surprising that I find you attractive? You're essentially just extremely beautiful humans. Tall, with pointed ears... and, uh... really large breasts."

Lyra's brow furrowed slightly. "Breasts?" As if considering them for the first time, she traced a finger along the curve of one, her expression almost scholarly. "Write this down, Luna."

Luna nodded, quill poised.

Lyra continued, "Would you say, then, that what you find most attractive about another species are the aspects that resemble your own? Like the breasts, for example?"

"N-no. I mean, yes? Sort of?" Ruan was beginning to sweat. "It's all of you, you know?"

Lyra tilted her head. "Hmm." Then she leaned in again. Too close.

"Hey, why are you--"

"I am prepared to try a number of techniques on you that I have read about," she announced, matter-of-factly. "I want to gauge your reaction to each one."

Ruan's head spun. "W-wait, what?"

"Tell me, how do you feel about kissing?" Lyra continued, unbothered by his alarm. "Favourable, I presume, if Luna was able to use it to anchor her charm spells."

Ruan barely managed to process the words. "... Kissing is great," he muttered, almost in a daze.

His senses were being overwhelmed, with the reality of his whereabouts pressing in at once: the warmth radiating from Lyra's body, the candlelight flickering along the walls, the slight chill of the attic drifting in from the large window, and the scents of wax and minty flowers. He barely had time to register the shift in weight before Luna, with uncanny silence, suddenly appeared beside him, slipping onto the bed as if she had always been there. A sharp breath left his lips as she slid in behind him, her arms wrapping around his waist in an easy, almost possessive hold, pulling him flush against her warmth.

Lyra blinked, momentarily thrown. "Luna," she asked, tilting her head, "why have you abandoned your writing?"

Luna, utterly composed, pressed her chin against Ruan's shoulder, the flick of her ear passing his cheek making him shudder. "I found myself... distracted," she admitted, the ghost of a smile on her lips. "I can resume my notes once we are finished."

She gave Ruan a gentle squeeze, her breath teasing against his ear. "Besides, he will be much more comfortable with me here."

Lyra's gaze flicked between Ruan's flushed expression and the way his body stiffened between them. Understanding dawned in her as her lips curled into a knowing smile. "Yes," she agreed, watching the effect of her closeness unfold with fascination. "I believe you are correct."

Then without hesitation, she slid her hands up Ruan's thighs. "Luna, would you brace him for me?"

"Right away, Mistress."

"W-wait, what is happening?" Ruan stammered.

"Just taking precautions. Nothing magical."

Then Lyra leaned in, and all thought emptied from Ruan's mind.

"Try to relax," she murmured, her mouth opening slowly, coming closer and closer, until there was impact.

It was soft, so soft... Her lips moved carefully, exploring the sensation, her eyes narrowed on his as if to gauge his every reaction. It stole his breath, his balance, and his sense of self. This was his first real kiss. When Lyra finally pulled away, her face smile radiated a gentle assurance that wasn't there when they had started.

"See?" she whispered, brushing her thumb over his cheek. "We really are the same. Same intrigues... and the same reactions from our little human."

Ruan barely registered how she referred to him as 'human'. Everything about these two was confusing, but he didn't care. She could call him whatever she wanted. The only thing that mattered was the way his entire body buzzed from that one fleeting moment. Something had happened to her too. He didn't know how, but he felt it. Maybe he would mention it later. For now, there were more... pressing concerns.

Like the fact that Lyra was now straddling him, with Luna still holding him in place. Trapped between the two elves, there was absolutely no way to hide his growing arousal.

Lyra's gaze flicked downward. Then her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Look at that," she purred, pleased with her results. "It seems kissing is very effective."

Her eyes gleamed with interest as she turned to Luna behind him. "I would like to observe a male reproductive organ up close."

Ruan groaned, throwing his head back against Luna's shoulder. "Man, why do you gotta talk about it like that? All scientific and such. I mean, don't elven men have these too?"

"Certainly," Lyra said, unbothered, already reaching for the laces of his bottoms. "But this will be my first time seeing one this close."

Wait--how old was Lyra again? Ruan barely had time to process that thought before her nimble fingers worked at the ties.

She hummed in thought. "I suppose since elves have such inactive libidos, the desire to see one outside of my studies has never really occurred."

"... Could have fooled me," Ruan gasped, barely holding himself together.

"Shhh... No distractions." Lyra didn't even look at him anymore, her focus entirely elsewhere as she eagerly slid his pants free. "I want to see what we are working with."

Then he was entirely out in the open.

She very uncarefully tossed the pants into a pile of her own unwashed laundry, although her wide-eyed attention was fixated on one thing only. Luna hummed as she extended her neck out, leaning so she could see it for herself.

"It's twitching." She observed. "Does this mean he has already reached the peak of his arousal?"

"I believe it does..." Lyra agreed, steepling her fingers over a villainous grin.

Ruan had been holding his breath, dreading what they might say. He had never exposed himself like this to anyone, and even now, at this final juncture, a part of him feared rejection. He couldn't even picture the elves wearing expressions of disgust--yet somehow, that was what he had braced himself for. But what he saw instead was something entirely different: pure, unfiltered wonder. Maybe it wasn't the kind of interest he had hoped for, but it was a far cry from the usual emotionless deadpan they often wore. That alone was enough to let him breathe again, to loosen the knot of tension in his chest. Luna, as if sensing his thoughts, placed a gentle kiss on the back of his head, her hold softening around him, allowing him to sink into her. Thank you, Luna... and Lyra. The words formed in his mind, and he realized he didn't care if they could read his mind.

"Shall we start the extraction with our hands, as we discussed?" Lyra said, looking at her double.

Luna could feel Ruan tense at the mention of 'extraction', and so laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps... we should leave the sample extraction, and instead focus on what methods draw out the best reactions from him."

Ruan nodded his agreement, not eager to see that glass jar again. This situation was already about as overwhelming as he could manage for one night.

"Indeed," Lyra nodded. "He is a male in his youth. I am certain there will be time to collect material from him another time."

Wordlessly, Luna slid out from behind Ruan, giving him a clever smirk as she laid him back against a collection of pillows, then rounded to Lyra's side so that the two were now poised over one of his legs. He was just about to ask what was happening, but was cut off as both began to slide their hands up along his thighs, fingers splayed as they made their way up. W-what kind of technique was this? His thoughts screamed, their warm, smooth touch sending tingles up his body that made him squirm. They worked in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized. Both studied his face, observing how his muscles tensed and relaxed under their touch. Ruan's breath hitched as their hands reached the apex of his thighs, tantalizingly close to what laid between. His knees raised by themselves, as if to bar them access, but both of the elves used their other hand to gently push his legs down, allowing them to slide themselves closer.

He couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking, if they were comparing him to some kind of scientific model they had seen sketched.

Lyra noticed the slight trembling in Ruan's legs and paused, her pale silver eyes meeting his. "Are you alright with this?"

"Very alright." He just barely squeaked out, although a more devious part of him was far more eager. Just go for it, it urged. Take hold of me already.

Lyra and Luna exchanged a glance, then as one they reached out and gently wrapped their hands around Ruan's manhood. He twitched at their touch, a small gasp escaping his lips. They began to stroke him slowly, in perfect unison, their delicate fingers exploring every inch of his sensitive flesh.

"You can feel the blood pumping so vigorously," one had observed, but Ruan couldn't tell which as he was fully leaned back. He couldn't watch them poke and prod at him, instead choosing to focus on the sensations their hands were creating. Each stroke sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, and occasionally he would feel one of their long fingernails caress a vein, or lightly scrape along under the sensitive head.

"Interesting, this part seems to especially react to this motion" one mused, the other responding with genuine curiosity, "Oh, I see. Let me try."

One of them, he couldn't tell who, began to stroke him with a firmer grip, moving in a steady rhythm up and down his shaft. He shot forward off the bed, seeing the two girls perched there, looking up at him with innocent expressions.

"... Ruan, what is it?" Ruan's heart raced, still processing the overwhelming sensations they had just inflicted upon him. His chest heaved with each breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions and desires swirling within him.

"It's just... shouldn't you be naked as well?" he found himself saying, not even entirely sure why it slipped out. The intrusive thought stayed once it crossed his mind though, and it made him lick his lips just thinking about it. He had been staring at their stupid, sexy bodies all day, feeling them touch him inappropriately whenever it pleased them. He needed to see it, the forbidden thing they were still denying him access to.

The two looked at each other, sharing a look of puzzlement. "But..." Lyra started to say, followed by Luna finishing, "We are already naked, are we not?"

He was confused as well, and so pointed directly at the pale white cloth that still clung to their chest, then was bold enough to trace a line down to their underwear. The two elves followed his finger, looking down at themselves as if seeing the garments for the first time. "Oh," Lyra said softly, a hint of realization in her voice. "You mean..."

"Yes, that," He confirmed, his blush deepening. "It's only fair, right? If I'm completely bare, then you two should be as well."

Luna tilted her head, considering his words. "I suppose there is some logic to that," she admitted. "But would removing one tiny strip of clothing really matter? We are essentially bare as is."

"Trust me, it matters."

Ruan's gaze was intense, filled with a deep yearning that the elves couldn't quite comprehend. But they sensed the importance of this to him, which made them eager to test his hypothesis.

"Very well," The two spoke in perfect unison.

Damn. He didn't realize that he had been waiting for them to do that. He sat forward eagerly as the two leaned back at once, suddenly eager to be involved. Without ceremony, they began with their tops, getting as far as freeing one shoulder each before Ruan stopped them.

"Wait, wait."

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, yet he couldn't help but feel as though an opportunity was about to slip him by. The thought struck him that now would be the perfect time to try a little experiment of his own; a chance to get some petty revenge for what they had put him through.

"You should undress each other."

Ruan's request hung in the air, thick with anticipation. Lyra and Luna paused, their garments half-removed, and turned to face each other.

"For what reason?" Lyra asked, not offended, but not grasping the concept.

Ruan hesitated, trying to find the right words. "Because... it would mean more this way. You two sharing this moment together, trusting each other."

His explanation was met with silence as they considered his words. Finally, Luna nodded. "If that is what you wish, Ruan."

Lyra smiled softly, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Luna's face. Then their fingers started reaching. They are actually doing it! His mouth remained open as he watched them undress each other with slow, reverent movements.

Lyra's hands slid under the hem of Luna's top, gently lifting it over her head and tossing it aside. Luna returned the favor, their movements graceful and synchronized. As the fabric cleared their faces, Ruan's eyes were fixated on the reveal of the smooth pink nipples that he had only imagined up until now. With their arms back down and chest settling, he could see that their bras had done very little to hide how overly large their breasts were for their slender frames.

Next, they moved to each other's bottoms, untying the laces at the sides until the fabric came free. As the last scraps of cloth fell away, Ruan found himself face-to-face with the most breathtaking sight he had ever beheld. Lyra and Luna stood before him, fully exposed in all their ethereal beauty. The soft curves of their bodies were illuminated by the gentle glow of the candlelight, casting enticing shadows across the planes of their physique.

"N-now you should try kissing each other."

Lyra and Luna turned to face him, their eyebrows raising at the same time. Okay, maybe that was taking it a bit too far.

"Is this following the same logic as before?" Lyra asked, her hands moving to grasp onto Luna's hips. Carefully, Luna slid her arms up to her mistress' shoulders, looking to Ruan for further instructions.

"Y-yeah." He said, swallowing dryly.

He watched with bated breath as the two leaned in towards each other, their eyes fluttering closed. Lyra's hands slid from Luna's hips to her lower back, pressing her closer. Their breasts met before their lips, pressing together in a way that made Ruan's heart race. He could see the soft curves of their flesh melding together, the nipples dragging against each other as they adjusted their embrace.

Then, their painted lips met.

It was a gentle kiss, almost hesitant, as if they were both unsure of how to proceed. But as the seconds passed, their confidence grew. Luna's fingers intertwined with Lyra's hair, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. A soft moan escaped from one of them, and for a moment he could swear he saw something moving between their lips. It was by far the most incredible thing he had ever seen, defying anything he could have imagined or experienced in virtual.

In the end it was him who was breathless, even as the two broke their kiss, still holding each other too fondly to be mere clones.

"You two are really good at that." He noted, not sure if they would appreciate the compliment.

"That was a new experience," Lyra admitted, her voice slightly breathy. "It was... interesting."

"Indeed," Luna nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "And it seems to have had an interesting effect on him as well."

Ruan felt a blush rising to his cheeks as he realized they were talking about the very noticeable reaction he was having. His erection was standing at full attention, straining for some attention of its own.

"I don't quite understand, why would a display of two women excite a man in this way?" Lyra asked, for both their sakes.

Ruan fumbled for an explanation. "I... just really like seeing teamwork?"

"Teamwork, you say?" Lyra repeated, with the hint of a mischievous smile starting.

Ruan could see the gears turning in her head as she considered his words. A moment later, an idea seemed to click into place, and she shared a glance with Luna. An unspoken communication passed between them, and the two elves got a glint in their eye.

"Teamwork," Luna echoed, her smile widening. "I like the sound of that."

Without another word, the two elves moved closer to Ruan, their hands reaching out faster than he was prepared.

"Wait, what are you-"

"Shhh..."

Ruan felt his words caught in his throat as Lyra and Luna descended upon him, their hands caressing his body with a newfound sense of purpose. He could barely breathe, let alone speak, as they worked in perfect unison, their movements fluid and graceful.

Lyra ran her fingers along the length of his erection, with Luna delving lower, gently cupping and massaging his balls. Ruan gasped, his hips involuntarily bucking at the sudden sensation. The two elves were grinning now as if sharing a joke, softly chuckling to the other as they continued their tender exploration. Lyra's chest sank down over his leg, nipple biting into his skin as she leaned down to observe from up close.

"We've decided to take your suggestion to heart," she whispered, her breath warm on his manhood. "Luna and I will work together to bring you to the heights of pleasure."

Luna had taken her place as well, tongue sticking out from the corner of her mouth in effort as she sought the angle she was looking for. Her hands kneaded the sensitive skin of his inner thighs, pushing his legs apart and opening him up to their ministrations. His penis was in Heaven, throbbing happily between Lyra's fingers, whose interest only grew with each involuntary response he made. Momentarily distracted, she looked up at Ruan, tilting her head to ask an innocuous question.

"So, how long does it normally take before..." She got her answer before she could finish asking.

With a guttural moan, Ruan's climax overtook him, his seed spilling forth onto the elves' surprised faces, with poor Luna needing to shut her eyes, completely caught off guard by what happened. Ruan's chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, embarrassment washing over him in waves. He hadn't meant for that to happen so quickly, but the combined touch of Lyra and Luna had been too much for him to bear.

"I... I'm so sorry," he stammered, reaching up to wipe the sticky mess from their faces. "I didn't mean to... I couldn't hold back..."

Both leaned back slowly, neither looking terribly offended. Rather, a slow smile began to creep across their features.

"That went better than expected, wouldn't you say, Mistress?"

"Indeed it did, Luna."

Luna reached over to his spent penis, feeling the last spasms of his orgasm for herself. "Ah, but it is becoming softer, just as the books said."

"... What sort of books are you two reading anyways?" Ruan groaned, feeling Luna's fingers knead his length, as if trying to force it hard again. "H-hey, w-what are you doing?"

"Perhaps this is his limit?" She posed to Lyra, even as she discovered a rhythm which made him groan and wiggle his toes.

"Well, it is possible to continue, but that would require demon magic." Lyra stated matter-of-factually, reaching down to retrieve a small cloth he realized was an unworn shirt, using it to dab at Luna's face.

"Y-you know, it's possible to make it hard again, if you work together."

Ruan's hinting brought the attention of both elves back on him.

"Certainly, this would be too taxing on you, would it not?" Lyra asked keenly.

He shook his head, a determined look on his face. "No... I want to do this with you both. Please, let me try."

The elves exchanged a glance, surprised by his resolve. Lyra nodded slowly. "Very well. What do you propose we do?"

"Indeed. Your input is most valuable to us." Luna agreed diligently.

Ruan looked down at them, seeing just how eager they were for him to speak. My goodness... I could say anything right now, couldn't I?

"You can try kissing it. You know... with teamwork." The elves heard 'teamwork' and began smiling cleverly once again. Oh God, what had he just done.

Lyra and Luna leaned down, their faces close to Ruan's spent member. They glanced at each other, silent communication passing between them, and then they pushed in and gently pressed their lips to him. Ruan watched in awe as the two elves worked together, needing no further instruction as they began planting a series of kisses on every inch of available skin they could find. Their touch was soft and tender, each peck sending a jolt of electricity through Ruan's body. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, let alone experiencing. Two identical beauties were lavishing attention on him in the most intimate of ways. It felt surreal, like a dream he never wanted to wake up from.

As they continued their tender ministrations, Ruan felt his body responding despite his recent climax.

"It's working!" Lyra exclaimed, looking up to him with determination. "Quick, what comes next?"

"Next? I mean... you can use your boobs to, uh... massage it?"

Lyra and Luna looked at each other, a flicker of confusion crossing their faces for a moment before they understood what Ruan meant. They glanced down at their chests, then back at him, a hint of mischief in their eyes.

"Like this?" Lyra asked, leaning forward and pressing her breasts against Ruan's member, using her hands to hold her bust together. Luna quickly followed suit, mimicking her twin's actions. Their soft, warm flesh enveloped him, sending waves of pleasure coursing through his body.

"Just... like that..." He managed to gasp out, his eyes rolling back in pleasure as the twins continued their sensuous massage. The feel of their supple breasts enveloping him was nearly enough to send him over the edge again.

Lyra and Luna worked in tandem, their movements perfectly synchronized as if they shared one mind. They began to move their upper bodies in a rhythmic motion, sliding his length between the valley created by their bodies. The feeling was so exquisite, it made him want to close his eyes to truly relish it.

"It's difficult to see what is happening in there..."

"Perhaps if we shifted a little closer?"

They pressed themselves so close that their boobs had to desperately fight for space, squashing his penis between them. The increased pressure and warmth made it even more difficult for Ruan to hold back.

"Maybe if we tried kissing it at the same time?"

His eyes snapped open then. He wasn't even the one who suggested that. It was Luna who was brave enough to dive in first, planting a soft, lingering kiss on the tip of his manhood. Lyra followed suit, her lips brushing against Luna's as they both tenderly caressed him with their mouths.

"You can feel the results, can't you though?" Luna giggled with amusement, giving Lyra room to get in. She then turned to give Ruan a sly look. "We are so close. What else should we try?"

"I..." Ruan was drawing a blank. He needed to say something, didn't he?

"You can... put it between your legs?"

"Both of us?"

Lyra stopped what she was doing to look up at him for confirmation.

"... Yes?" Ruan said, although truthfully he had no idea what he had even asked for.

Yet despite that, the two got to work, slowly pulling away then carefully moving so that they were sitting on opposite sides of his waist.

"Do not worry Ruan." Luna said to him, placing a hand on his thigh.

Lyra nodded sagely at him. "We will work together as a team. All three of us."With Lyra on his left side, and Luna taking his right, together the girls lift their hips up on top of him. With their arms back to support them, then shifted their legs so that they could fit his manhood between their warm, soft thighs. Ruan nearly died, doing his best to push back against the added weight of both girls. They inched experimentally closer, until their waists were nearly touching, sandwiching him between their heated cores.

"Like this?" Lyra asked for clarification, not even sounding all that strained by the unusual exertion.

He could barely respond, nodding weakly as he felt the exquisite pleasure of being enveloped by their silky smooth skin and intimate heat. His manhood was trapped between their bodies, and the sensation was nearly overwhelming.

Luna seemed to be enjoying herself as well, her eyes closed in concentration as she focused on the feeling of his hardness pressing against her most sensitive area. "It feels so... strange," she whispered, "but also nice."

Lyra tilted her head, considering. "You are very creative to have thought of this method... But I believe it requires your involvement. Can you try moving your hips?"

Ruan, his heart racing with anticipation, began to slowly thrust his hips up towards the girls. He felt his manhood sliding along their slick folds, rubbing against their sensitive nubs hidden within. The sensation was incredible, and he had to fight to control himself as pleasure coursed through his body.

Both girls gasped in unison as they felt him move, their eyes widening at the new feelings.

Lyra's breath hitched in her throat, her pale skin flushing with arousal. "Oh... that feels..." She trailed off, unable to define the feeling she was experiencing.

Luna, meanwhile, had her eyes squeezed shut, a look of pure bliss on her face as she felt him rubbing against her. "So that's what it feels like..." she breathed, her voice tinged with wonder.

Those were Ruan's thoughts as well. Two. At the same time.

"I-I must say, I am not sure about the validity of this method." Lyra frowned, even as her breathing became audible to the room. "Will the results really be worth the effort?"

Luna shook her head. "We must not lose focus. Come, let us work together."

Ruan, his heart pounding in his chest, nodded his consent as he continued to thrust upwards, slowly at first but gradually increasing in speed and intensity as he became more confident. Lyra and Luna, their bodies undulating with his movements, began to move their hips in tandem, creating a delicious friction that had Ruan seeing stars. Their lower lips rubbed in closer, kissing along his shaft, leaving it moistened for their continual grinding. All three of their movements became more sensual, their hips swaying in a hypnotic dance as they ground themselves along Ruan's now throbbing erection. The sight of their bodies moving together was almost too much for him to bear. Their slick folds caressed him, sending jolts of pleasure through his body with every thrust, urging him to unleash himself yet again.

For a long while, the air was filled with nothing but sounds of heavy breathing and the soft wetness of their bodies meeting. They could all sense he was close, and were eager for the moment it would happen. Finally, with a guttural moan, he could hold back no longer. Ruan held his hips up stiff as he erupted between their thighs.

- - - - -

By the time the three of them descended from the attic the next day, the afternoon had already come and gone. The kitchen area was mostly quiet, save for the gentle bubbling of the pot over the fire and the occasional clink of a spoon against the rim of a bowl. The three of them looked far more exhausted than the day before--disheveled, sluggish, moving at half their usual pace. No one had slept until daylight was already creeping in through the trees. Not that any of them seemed to mind.

Ruan stood at the stove, sleeves rolled up on a borrowed robe, stirring the pot with one hand while tossing in more spices with the other. Lyra, watching from the side, frowned as he upended yet another pinch of seasoning. "That's too much."

"No, no, trust me. You'll like it."

"I won't."

But when he lifted a spoonful to her lips, she sipped, paused, and then pouted slightly as she swallowed. "... It's interesting..."

Ruan smirked, satisfied, and turned back to the pot, missing the way Lyra stole another sip behind his back.

Luna stood in front of a tall mirror in the hallway, her book open to a page depicting old human royalty. With a faint hum of magic, her ash-blond hair began to lengthen, silky strands cascading down her back until they reached her waist. She studied her reflection, adjusting to the new weight of the added length before turning the corner to show them. She pulled a few strands over her pointed ears, then announced. "Surely this will help to distinguish me somewhat?"

Ruan blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

Lyra, resting her chin in her hand, considered the change with a slow nod. "It suits you. It's been a long time since I've seen either of us with long hair." She glanced at Ruan, adding, "I'm sure he agrees that it looks very elegant."

Luna smiled, running a hand through her new hair before stepping away from the mirror and toward the kitchen. "How is dinner coming along?"

Ruan, still slightly distracted, gave the pot a stir. "It's... coming along."

Lyra leaned over, peering into the pot with scrutiny. "A few more minutes should lock in the flavour." Then, without warning, she draped herself over Ruan, her arms lazily encircling his shoulders as she pressed against him. Luna, not one to be left out, stepped in close from the other side, pressing against him as well, their warmth surrounding him, his face trapped between the two tall elves.

Lyra hummed in approval. "We should wash up before dinner."

Ruan made a noise--something between a gasp and a protest--but neither of them moved away. His arms stiffened at his sides, spoon still in hand. The soup was going to have to wait.

He was starting to think he might not survive this new life.