Charybdis x Scylla "Luck of the draw" (Patreon)

This one continues right where the previous chapter "First day of trials. " left off.

Content warning: Mentioning of dubious consent. Idk how to tag this, no naughty stuff actually happens. Also not beta read and quite long.

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Scylla waited to be inside of a crevice on the far side of the main cavern, before wolfing down the fruit. Even the center, though rather chewy, was filled with a delicious sweet and juicy flavor. She hadn’t lied. She really never tasted anything like it and wondered where the idiot had managed to find something this delicious.

Her tongue ran over her lips, savoring every bit of the sweetness that remained on them.

Perhaps he wasn’t as useless as she had first assumed he’d be.

She lingered out of view for a moment, thinking about what was to come. Tomorrow was the second trial. It wouldn’t be as tame as today. Tomorrow's trial was meant to test physical strength and cunning. The prospects would need to face each other in one on one combat. Scylla pursed her lips. Using lethal force was forbidden, but that did not mean everyone would come out of it okay. On occasion some candidates would still succumb to their injuries after the trial. Scylla caught herself biting on the inside of her cheek.

It would be fine, right? Diz wasn’t as big as some of the others, but he at least did not look frail. All he had to do was win one match. That would be enough reason for her to advance him to the third and final trial. It was risky, but Scylla had no other choice but to pray. With the apple now completely gone, she made way to leave the crevice, when a pair of guards swam by. With a flick of her tail, Scylla ducked back into the shadows, keeping still as they passed.

‘I don’t know how to feel about this…’ one muttered. ‘We’ve never had to do anything like this. I don’t know what her majesty is thinking.’

Interest peaked, Scylla leaned in closer, curious what the pair were discussing.

‘You can’t refuse her, If she wants the matches a certain way, we can’t question it.I’m sure there is a perfectly good reason.’

‘Sure but who’s fighting who is supposed to be determined by chance on the day itself. The faits will decide and whatnot. Rigging the draw feels wrong…’

Scylla’s dorsal fin straightened. Mother wanted the draw rigged? Why on earth would she want that?

‘Did you see the pairings?’

‘Some of them. I’ll tell you one thing. If you ask me, the matron wants the outsiders to fail this trial..’

‘Mmm,that’s what I thought too. But don’t we need outsiders for diversity?’

‘Sure, but this year is special, an exception. You know how it is.’

The second guard nodded.

‘I suppose, If my daughter was in the mix, I’d meddle as well. It makes sense.’

‘Right! I just feel sorry for the one versing Scython…Did you see what Scython brought Scylla today?’

‘I swear that male is downright mental. Scylla is a catch for sure, but I’m not risking my tail by fighting a giant squid for her.’

‘Whose he up against then?’

‘That commerson Dolphin weirdo from the meeting.’

Scylla squeezed herself as close to the rocks as she could, completely paralyzed. Shit. Shit, shit, shit. Mother was up to something. She remembered the mer who brought her the tentacle earlier. A huge  black specimen with nasty claws, fangs and quills. He was lined up to become the next captain of the guard. Mother watched the two of them like a shark watched a fresh carcass earlier. She obviously wanted Scylla to pick Scyton for her mate and would do anything in her power to see it happen. If he won, it would be extremely difficult to keep Diz in the running. This was bad.

Scylla lifted one of her claws to her mouth and got an inch away from chewing on the nail. A habit her mother had managed to eradicate over time, but Scylla reverted back to on the occasion she got really anxious. That couldn’t happen.

She shot through the main cave like an arrow. Most of her pod had gone to rest for the day, so there were only a few bodies still out and about. Making sure nobody was watching her, Scylla took a sharp turn into the prospect section of the cave.

There wasn’t much she could do to help, if anything. Changing the draw of the matches was within her mothers right. Asking for a redraw would only draw more suspicion to herself. The only alternative she could think of, was warning Diz of his opponent. Maybe, just maybe, he was an accomplished enough fighter to handle Scython. Scylla gritted her teeth.

The prospect cave was by far the shittiest part of the whole cavern. The cubbies here offered little in terms of shelter and even less privacy. Once the outsiders housed here found a mate, they were allowed to move to a more comfortable part of the cavern, but until then, mother made sure they didn’t get too cozy. Those who came out of the ritual mateless would be promptly removed.

Scylla tensed as she entered. The water was thick with a hormonal scent that was typical for this time of year. For a female to show up in this part of the cavern alone was highly unusual and even dangerous, most of these males were likely stir crazy. Scylla didn’t see what other choice she had though. She just had to make sure to go unnoticed and get out again as swiftly as possible. Luckily she was good at staying unseen.

Racing from cubby to cubby, she tried to sniff out Diz’ scent. The smell of sunlit sand and dust. She had it memorized ever since their first encounter in the tunnels, just in case. There were too many close calls. This year was easily the busiest yet, so almost all of the cubbies were occupied. More than once she had to duck away in order to avoid getting spotted.

Dozens of smells mixed together into one big blur and every scale on Scylla’s back was begging her to retreat back into the main cavern. Still she pushed on. checking the final row furthest away from the entrance. There in the dark, she finally picked up his scent. A wave of relief washed over her as she tracked it to the backmost entrance.

‘Diz?’ She hissed. Something stirred in the dark beyond her vision, but no response came. She tried again. A bit louder this time.

‘Diz!’ Silence. Was he asleep? Ever so careful, Scylla snuck inside. This cubby was a fair bit deeper than the others and pitchblack. It smelled like him, but also permeated with a heaviness Scylla couldn’t quite place. Mer had fair sight in the dark, but this darkness felt unnatural. She could barely make out the end of her own tail. How was this possible?

Cautiously, she advanced, using the edges of her fins and webbed fingers to guide her down deeper into the rock. After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, she bumped into something warm, resting at the bottom of the shaft.

‘Diz? Is that you?’ A sleepy grunt echoed off of the cavern's walls.

‘Wake up!’ Scylla reached forward, her hands pricking on  something hard and sharp, almost like bone. Her fingers recoiled. What the hell?

Diz shot upright as he awoke, whirling himself against the cavern walls and bouncing off of them as he ran out of space, His tail slamming back and forth and hitting Scylla right in the center of her stomach. She let out an audible gasp, instinctively extending her claws to grip onto the males tail to stop him from banging into her further.

The two mers tussled like a pair of upset eels, whirling around each other until Scylla got pinned below the much stronger male.

‘Wake up you idiot!!! You're hurting me!!’ She squealed in desperation.

This seemed to calm the male down. Somehow the darkness in the cave lifted just the slightest bit. Enough for Scylla to make out his panting face above her. His eyes were wide, and glowed their eerily white color. His jaw was unhinged and fangs bared.

‘Princess? What the hell are you doing here?’

‘I live here, remember?!! You lot are my guests. Get off me, you big lug!’ Diz remained put, staring at Scylla’s face like he couldn’t fathom she was actually here. Blinking a couple of times and furrowing his brow.

‘You shouldn’t sneak up on someone when they’re asleep. Didn’t your mother teach you that? Do you have a deathwish?’

‘Do you? Get your hands off me this second or so help me Leviathan, I’ll scream and my guards will come and skin you alive.’

That seemed to do the trick. A confused Diz removed his claws from Scylla’s arms and backed away in what little space remained in the cubby. The places he grabbed were sore and looked like they’d bruise. Great. The both of them fell quiet for a second. Scylla watched as Diz gathered his thoughts. His disheveled face lifted into his usual calm and smug appearance. The shift from groggy confusion to complete calm was so smooth, it was almost impressive. It was a trick she recognised, she often applied a similar transformation when dealing with her mother.

‘What brings you to this particular corner of paradise in the middle of the night, princess? Did you miss me?’ Scylla was about to bark a snarky remark at the male, but remembered just in time that she was supposed to be enamored with him. Or at least pretend to be.

‘I came to warn you about tomorrow’s trial.’

‘Oh?’

‘There’s going to be a fight, and I fear it will be rigged against you. I overheard a couple of guards. Mother plans to put you up against Scython.’

Diz swam towards the entrance of the cubby, poking his head out and checking the perimeter. As he returned, his face was blank.

‘You’re certain of this?’ Scylla nodded.

‘I heard them clear as day. The fights are supposed to be determined by faith. Following the moons will, but this year, mother is pairing all outsiders against the pods' strongest warriors.’

‘Hmm…And this Scython you are referring to, what’s he like?’

Scylla bared her fangs.

‘Big. Dark scales. Claws like ice shards.’

‘Ah, I know the type. Shares a brain cell with the other muscle heads of the clan?’

‘No’ she interceded. ‘-he’s smart and ruthless. I grew up with him and he never loses at anything.’

Diz sank down to the cavern floor, staring pensively ahead. Scylla couldn’t help but notice how his expression changed once again. Gone was the flirtatious smile and confident posture. He’d started hunching more and flicked his tail in an agitated tick.

‘I see…, that is indeed a slight problem. I’ll just have to think about something then…’

‘Can you fight?’ The male shot her a short glance.

‘Of course I can fight. What do you take me for? A bright-eyed pup?’

Scylla blew a couple of bubbles.

‘You don’t strike me as the fighting type.’

‘Good observation. A fight avoided, is a fight won. But that doesn’t mean I'm incapable. I have some tricks up my sleeve.’

‘Do tell.’

‘I’m nothing without-‘’

‘Yes yes, without your secrets, you said so before. You’re a weird one, you know that?’

‘Weird how?’ Diz smiled, regaining an air of confidence.

‘You don’t always act like a Mer, you look like one, smell like one, but don’t act like one. Also you talk funny.’

‘Oh? Then what did I say that was amusing to you?’

‘Like what is this “princess” thing you keep calling me?’ Diz inched closer, stretching himself and nestling back down into his mossy bedding.

‘Ah, It means you are the daughter of a queen,-. Uhm, the daughter of royalty.’ He clarified.

‘A queen?’ Scylla tested the unfamiliar word carefully. ‘I like the sound of that better.’

‘I bet you do.’

A moment of quiet returned, though the caves never were completely silent, a howling sound often echoed in this part of the cavern, caused by the currents between several halls. Scylla used to hate the sound, it had scared her to no end as a pup, sounding like the wailing and screeching of sea monsters. Now however, she was grateful for it. It kept her company under the scrutinous eye of this male.

‘So… Was that the only reason you came here?’ He pushed off teasing.

‘Hmm? I wanted to warn you. What other reason would I have?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. A lady by herself, braving a cave filled to the brim with sex starved males.’ His frankness rattled her, though she didn’t show it.

‘If I didn’t know better, I’d dare say you have a soft spot for me.’

Good thing you know better…

‘I merely want to give everyone a fair chance, even outsiders.’

‘Oh, so, I am your token outsider?’ He grinned. ‘I don’t believe that for one second’

‘Believe what you will. I have my reasons and need you to do well tomorrow.’

Something in the air thickened. Scylla’s dorsal fin stood upright as she realized her choice of words a bit late.

‘You need me to do well? What do you ‘need’ me to do well for exactly, princess?’ His face darkened along with the inside of the cubby and Scylla felt the space grow heavy with tension.

‘It was the wrong choice of words. I want you to do well. Think nothing of it.’ Her backpedaling didn’t seem to satisfy him. Diz came closer, forcing her against the wall of the cubby, all the while blocking the only exit.

‘What are you planning exactly? Is this whole ritual even serious to you?’

‘Of course it’s serious!’ She scoffed. ‘The rest of my life hangs in the balance here, do you think I'm just going to leave that up to chance and mate the male who happens to do well in a few silly tests? Naturally, I'll push for an outcome that favors me.’ Scylla swallowed. It was a lie hidden amongst truths, she prayed that was enough to fool the male. She watched as the bump in his throat bobbed up and down and his shoulders relaxed a bit.

‘I… hadn't thought about it like that. I didn't have you pegged for a schemer, darling. Looks like you’ve got both beauty and brains.’ Scylla rolled her eyes at him. Was that an attempt at a compliment? Before she had a chance to finish the thought, Diz whirled around towards the entrance of the cubby, letting out a short hiss.

‘Hey! Monochrome bastard. Some of us are trying to sleep down here. Keep it down, will ya!’ A gruff voice echoed along the walls of the cubby. Scylla tensed up and held her breath as Diz moved towards the entrance.

‘Apologies friend. I’m afraid I sometimes talk in my sleep.’ His jovial mask fell back into place as he spoke.

‘Freaking weirdo…’ the other mer grunted. Things fell quiet and Scylla swore she could hear the unseen visitor sniff at the entrance. This was bad. The muscles in Diz back tensed as he positioned himself square in between her, the exit and the unwelcome visitor outside.

‘What the hell? Have you got a female in there, outsider?’

Diz scoffed in response.

‘Last I checked not, friend. Your nose must be deceiving you.’

‘I’m not your friend, buddy. And my nose is spot on. You’re going after the next Matron and frolicking with some girl on the side? The nerve. You’re either very brave or very stupid.’ Diz glanced back over his shoulder, meeting her eye. She swore the little cave darkened even more while he turned to face the other male again. With a stone cold voice he replied.

‘You are mistaken.’

The male outside clicked his tongue and took another whiff. The sound made Scylla’s skin crawl.

‘Listen pal, I admire your spirit.’ He snorted. ‘Really I do. But unless you want the current Matron to hear about this little fling of you’s…You’re going to move aside and let me have a go at your little nestmate.’

Scylla’s heart stopped. The first feeling she had was, understandably so, a feeling of downright shock and contempt. Then anger joined in the mix, followed up by queasiness and anxiety. Part of her wanted to hurl herself out of the cubby and go for the Mers throat, how fucking dare he? She could have him banished for a comment like that. But she remained still, her gaze fixed on Diz continuously clenching and unclenching his fists.

‘Excuse me?’

‘C’mon then! What will it be, outsider?’

Diz straightened his back, staying perfectly still for a moment.

‘I fear that it is not up to me to decide. Give me a moment.’ He then turned back inside and settled in the darkness next to her, making sure to block vision from outside.

‘I take it you heard his proposition?’

Scylla threw him a deadly look.

‘Over my dead fucking body. If that fiend so much as touches me, i’ll neuter him.’

‘You do have a way with words, princess. So I suppose we need another solution.’

‘If he finds me here, the gig is up. I’ll be punished and they’ll do even worse to you. I’m not supposed to ever come here!’

‘How come your actions somehow end up being worse for me than you?’

‘Because I’m a princess and they need me. You, not so much.’

‘Hmmpf, fair point. So now what?’

‘What’s taking so long?’ The creep outside helpfully whined.

‘For Leviathan’s sake man! Don’t rush the lady!’ Diz barked.

‘I’m gonna kill the both of you…’ Scylla growled.

‘No you won’t, you ‘need’ me. Our friend outside however sounds disposable. I have an idea, but I need you to stay tucked in here and not move a muscle. Can you do that?’

‘Can I sit still and be quiet? Oh, how will I possibly manage?’

‘That’s the spirit, Darling. No peeking, oh and I’ll want a reward after this.’

‘A reward? What kind of,-‘

Before she could finish her sentence-, Diz shot out of the cubby.

-

Charybdis considered himself to be a sea monster with class. Would he stoop down to lying, deceiving and all around devouring those who were dumb enough to fall for his tricks? Yes. Obviously. But the thought of forcing himself on someone disgusted him so thoroughly, that a mere hint of it sent his blood to a boil. Now here he was, facing off with a scrawny, stinking, putrid mer in rut, who not only smelled like he was already fantasizing about getting it on with whoever was inside his nest, he downright decided to blackmail Charybdis to allow it.

He’d made up his mind then and there what he was going to do to the bastard, but went back inside to check on Scylla regardless.

‘I take it you heard his proposition?’ If looks could kill, he’d sure as day be dead.

‘Over my dead fucking body. If that fiend so much as touches me, i’ll neuter him.’

‘You have a way with words, princess. So I suppose we need another solution.’

‘If he finds me here, the gig is up. I’ll be punished and they’ll do even worse to you. I’m not supposed to ever come here!’

‘How come your actions end up somehow being worse for me?’

‘Because I’m a princess and they need me. You, not so much.’

That sounded about right. In all honesty, it was the first thing that crossed his mind after he woke up and found her on top of him. For a full minute, he was convinced that she was trying to frame him somehow by showing up in his nest at night. Like any second the mother could pop out and point a finger at him for breaking some sacred rule. It wasn’t until she started rambling about the trial that those suspicions started to fade.

‘Hmmpf, fair point. So now what?’

‘What’s taking so long?’ Diz gritted his teeth as the mer outside howled. He should at least try and remain calm. Just savor your last breaths, friend…

‘For Leviathan’s sake man! Don’t rush the lady!’ He barked.

‘I’m gonna kill the both of you…’ Scylla growled.

‘No you won’t, you ‘need’ me. Our friend outside however sounds disposable. I have an idea, but I need you to stay tucked in here and not move a muscle. Can you do that?’

‘Can I sit still and be quiet? Oh, how will I possibly manage?’

When they first met, Charybdis would not have described the mini-matron as interesting or feisty. She appeared rather docile and obedient, but tonight she was quick witted, sharp and overall, rather enjoyable to be around. Enjoyable enough that he could even forgive the multiple threats on his life she spat at him over the course of the evening. She did however, put him in a position that could cause his whole plan to crumble, and for that he required payment. Luckily, there was a pleasant way she could make up for it.

‘That’s the spirit, Darling. No peeking, oh and I’ll want a reward after this.’

‘A reward? What kind of,-‘

Charybdis shot outside, not giving Scylla a chance to protest. There he found the male, looking rather dumbfounded and to Diz disgust, already very pent up.

‘You gonna let me inside? Or shall I make a little trip to the Matron in the morning?’ How optimistic of him to think he’d make it till morning.

Apart from the filth in the males cubby, no trace of his existence remained a mere minute later. Charybdis told the truth when he said he wasn't really a fighter, but this wasn’t fighting. All he had to do was touch the Mers skin and concentrate. The creature didn’t even have time to scream. In under a minute, Charybdis sucked him dry of every drop of energy, leaving only a husk. After that it was a cinch to use the newly acquired energy to disintegrate the body, with still some energy remaining for his fight tomorrow. Honestly, he preferred the mers death to be less peaceful, but needed him to go quickly and quietly. Beggars can’t be choosers.

He swam back to his nest, to find Scylla where he left her, albeit with a nerve wracking look on her face.

‘It’s okay. He’ll keep quiet.’

‘What? How did you convince him?’

‘Hmm, everyone has something they want. All you need to know is that he won’t be a problem anymore.’ Ever.

The she-mer visibly relaxed and sank to the floor of the nest.

‘Thank Leviathan for that…’

Carefully, Charybdis snuck forward, letting his body glide closer to the floor as he inched towards the mini-matron. A while back, when he’d been resting on some ice floats, he’d seen baby seals do the same thing. They’d nip at their parents' flippers and even though it had annoyed the hell out of them, they’d never been reprimanded. If it worked for baby seals, maybe it would work for him as well? She watched his every move with suspicion.

‘What are you doing…?’

‘I’d like my reward.’

‘I never agreed to give you a reward.’

‘Won’t you at least hear me out?’ Charybdis cocked his head to the side and gave her a sly smile.

‘Hmmpf, fine. What do you want?’

‘I’d like a kiss.’ Rather to his amusement, the mini-matron froze. This was perfect, he had her all alone. If she’d allow him close enough to cast a spell without interruption, he wouldn’t even need to fight tomorrow. He’d begun to get this nagging feeling that he wasn’t the only one with a hidden agenda in this ritual. Something was definitely up, so the quicker he got Scylla under his thumb, the better.

‘You…want me to kiss you?’

‘It can be as quick or as intense as you’d like. It’s up to you. I’ll settle for a peck on the cheek if I have to.’

‘I-That’s…’ she fell quiet.

‘Are you opposed to kissing the guy who’s courting you?’

She made several attempts to speak, each time reconsidering and beginning her train of thought from scratch.

‘I’ve never actually kissed anyone, besides my mom. I don’t know…’

And his plan went up in smoke, unironically  just like Mer-creep did. What an unexpected turn of events. Charybdis took a moment to recalculate.

‘Ah, I assumed you had experience with that sort of thing. Aren’t there heaps of males interested in you?’ That caused a blush to color her cheeks and ears. Her normal shade of red grew even more intense. The way she curled her arms over her chest and started fiddling with the fins on her neck were a clear indication that she wasn’t comfortable.

‘I’m sorry, I shouldn't have asked.’

‘No. I should be able to do this.’ She sputtered, briefly looking up at him from under thick eyelashes.

Something stirred in the hag that he had not felt in a long time. A coil originating in his lower abdomen and traveling south. How very unlike him. Almost something a Mer would feel. Alarmed, Charybdis gave himself a quick pinch in the pelvic fin. The sting, enough to snap him out of it. For Leviathan’s sake, staying in the cavern of hormones was getting to be too much, even for him. Now suppressing a blush himself, he turned away. This wasn’t worth it. He’d cast the spell some other time. When he had a clear mind and this body wasn’t being a treacherous piece of shit.

‘It’s okay, forget I asked. It was rude to demand a kiss after what happened with that bastard anyway. Just…forget it.’ He growled. It was Charybdis turn to freeze as Scylla floated towards him, looking awfully nervous yet determined at the same time. She gently took his face between her hands and pressed her lips to his.

A ripple originating from his chest, ran down his arms, down his spine and up his neck, ruffling every scale it passed. Her lips were soft and warm and they had a sweetness to them, not unlike the apple he’d given her earlier. If he had to compare taste, he preferred hers... Every thought in his mind flatlined, making room for her and her soft and careful kiss. He wanted to live in that moment, where everything was peaceful and sweet and perfect.

The fragile moment had to end though. As they parted, not even the howling of the caves could break the silence between the two of them. It didn’t take long for the hag in him to turn greedy. It was Charybdis’ turn to lean forward, inching his body closer to hers and licking at her lips, begging to be let in. Scylla lifted her chin up so all he could reach was the crook of her neck, the corners of her mouth curling up into an awkward smirk.

‘Didn’t you say you’d settle for a peck on the cheek? I gave you more than that.’

He vaguely remembered saying something along those lines, and he knew he really shouldn’t push after the incident earlier. Charybdis let out a groan.

‘You give me a little taste like that and expect me not to return for seconds?’ But he obliged her and backed away, nestling back down on the bedding of his nest.

‘There you go saying strange things again. You sound like an old man.’

The male chuckled.

‘I’m older than you, that’s for certain. So what? That was your first kiss, huh? I’m honored.’

Scylla curled up against the opposite site of the wall, pretending to fix some of the moss.

‘Oh don’t flatter yourself, Old man. I don’t know what all the fuss was about. It felt rather plain.’

‘Well of course, because that was hardly a real kiss.’ The hag spat, trying to ignore his hurt pride and the new annoying nickname.

‘I wasn’t aware that a kiss required any other components.’ She playfully twirled her fingers. Charybdis watched as the she-mer sunk back, staring right at him with a cocky smile.

And she kept on staring.

Ah, she was goading him on. Rather proficiently so…

‘Tssk.’ A cinder of playfulness kindled within the male. ‘May I?’ Charybdis leaned forward and reached for Scylla’s hand, slinking down to her eyeheight. The look on her face turned from cocky to unsure.

‘What are you,-’

‘If you want me to stop, I’ll stop. you have my word.’ While watching his every move, she hesitantly lowered her hand into his. It was slender and tiny compared to his, but her claws were perfectly sharp and had a nice curve to them. He half expected she’d scratch his eyes out if he stepped out of line, but It would be worth it to see her response.

Bringing her hand to his face, he placed a soft kiss on the inside of her palm. From there, he pulled himself up until they were practically nose to nose. A glint of panic shot past her eyes. He gave her a moment to protest, push him away, but when she didn’t and her body relaxed a bit, he went in for the kiss. A real kiss this time, according to his standards. Soft at first, but growing in intensity. His lips crashing to hers with an ever increasing need. Scylla trailed a hand across his collar bone and he shuddered slightly, drawing a wicked grin from the female.

‘You’re awfully sensitive for someone,—‘

That was all the opportunity he needed to slide his tongue past her lips, which resulted in a short but adorable muffled squeak. Uncertain how to respond to the invasion, Scylla froze. She really didn’t know. How precious.

He took the lead, tracing his tongue against hers and past her fangs, pulling himself closer so his chest pressed above her tail. It didn’t take long for her to follow his lead, a ripple of pleasure surged through the hag when the she-mer returned his efforts. Accompanied by a soft moan, her body relaxed. Even tracing the side of his jaw, down to his shoulder with her fingers. Those soft, sweet ministrations. Lingering around the sensitive part of his gills and sending icy chills across his skin as she traced the length of them. It was an unfamiliar sensation for him, nobody had ever touched them like that before. Why did it feel so mind-numbingly good? If she could just keep doing that, he’d be perfectly content. She was so soft and warm. And gods, she tasted sweet. He wanted to taste more. Feel more. Wrap around her until he could feel her heartbeat in every inch of his body.

Alarmed, Charybdis broke the kiss. His thoughts rapidly spiraled out of control. If he had his real tail, he’d actually have been halfway coiled around her petite frame. What the hell? What. The. Hell?

Scylla blinked a couple of times, her mind clouded, producing a short purr.

‘I’ll hand it to you, Old man. Strange at first, but not half bad.’

If Charybdis wasn’t panicking, he might have appreciated the offhanded compliment. But he was busy making sure he hadn’t accidentally slipped back into his original form, not that it would have ever fit inside the cubby. Actually, was the cubby getting smaller? Or was he getting bigger. Fuck. He needed to get himself back under control, before he’d sprout his spikes and plating.

‘Are you okay?’

‘Perfectly fine dear.’’ He was not in fact fine. Not even close. Thank Leviathan the darkness he placed upon his nest still remained. His experiment did not go according to plan. No spell, no nothing. The only thing it got him was a hard on pressing against the inside of his slit and the realization that the little she-mer had way too much of an effect on him. The worst part was that he couldn’t for the love of Leviathan figure out why.

In his agitated state, he ended up flicking his tail against the stone walls over and over again, loud thuds unsettling the water inside the cavern and pieces of rock trickling down from the ceiling. It was a tick that carried over from his other form apparently. He cursed, trying desperately to settle down.

‘Diz? You’ll hurt yourself like that.’ Her voice broke his train of thought. A sting shot up his tail. As he glanced back, he noticed the skin of his tail already turning raw and red. Great. Now he was both horny and bloody…

Scylla pushed off, swimming over and inspecting his tail.

‘Did you get yourself too pent up, Old man?’ She cackled. Before Diz could protest, she bumped her flank against his chest, twirling under his right arm and placing her hands on his shoulder. Her soft purr returned, but this time it resonated within his own chest.

All the sudden anxiety and panic just… melted away. Every muscle in his body relaxed. Diz sank down to the mossy floor, his limbs falling slack besides his body.

‘What… are you doing?’ He struggled to keep his eyes open. Scylla nuzzled the crook of his neck and purred right into his ear. A thrumming started to resound in his chest as he joined in with a rumble of his own, Charybdis had no idea where the sound came from or how he even made it, but it made him feel so calm and relaxed. Almost intoxicated.

‘W-What sorcery is this?’ He sputtered, forming words took more effort than it should have as the world around him started to fade to black. Scylla smiled against his ear.

‘A perk of being the matron-welp.’

(I like how this is the second time where Diz unalives side character offscreen and then continues the scene like nothing happened. The download is the uncensored version of this chapters illustration.)