#chandelier with crystals tree branch

[jazzypaophotography]

Contemporary Dining Room in Chicago

Great room idea with blue walls and a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor.

[juniefruit]

♤ Immortal Rose ♤

♤ Vampire! Hyunjin x Fem! Reader (18+)

♤ Summary: It's never a good idea to walk alone in the woods, especially not when a vampire is on the prowl. Now you're in his mansion; what does he want from you? A companion, a lover, or maybe someone to satisfy his cravings? Hopefully the former. This story is for adult audiences only.

♤ Warnings: Reader held captive, reader wears dresses, possessive hyunjin, vampire bite & blood sucking, mentions of mates, pet names, piv, sexual intercourse, magic. again, MDNI.

♤ Notes: Happy Halloween! in celebration, here's some 'ween' just for you. ; ) No part 2 ya nasties this a kinktober special.

♤ Word Count: 3.3 k

“You’re awake, princess.” A voice above you grumbled, suave and elegant.

“Where am I?” Your eyes were still half shut, body resting across a velvet loveseat. 

“In my home.” This guy sure loved to talk. 

“Oh.” You only had vague memories, brows furrowing at the attempt to recollect them. All you remember was how dark the forest was, you could barely see the trees you were running past under the moonlight. Crows were squawking in the branches above, as if they knew you were distressed. You were torn between making a run for it or hiding quietly. The former won. You heard whooshing noises behind you, and footsteps that were definitely getting closer. Then, everything went black right after you turned your head to look behind you. 

“Can I get you anything?” The voice interrupted your thoughts. You’d turn your head to see him, but the back of the couch was in your way. At least he kept his distance. 

“Will it be poisoned?” You ask. 

“Possibly.” He jokes, but clearly out of practice. You hear the taps of shoes against the hardwood floor, and your ears twitch at the sound. The man walks until he’s stood in front of you, crouching to your level. His eyes, sharp yet laced with the slightest concern, scan over your face. “Do you feel alright?” You should be asking him that. His skin was ghastly pale, only a slight unnatural pink tint to it. He was covered from head to toe in dark layers of fabric, a long, satin black cloak covering his form. Adorned with fine silver jewelry, cascading down his neck to chest; he was magnificent- breathtakingly beautiful in a dangerous, mythical way. He must have noticed how starstruck you are because he smiled gently before you snapped out of it. 

“I feel fine, thanks.” He hummed in response. A hand like sculpted marble came up to brush a strand of stray hair from the side of your face. 

“Say my name if you need anything. I promise, I’ll hear you.” He stood up now, seemingly incredibly tall as he was towering above you on the couch. His figure was slim but filled out, from what you could tell. 

“Uh-” You stuttered.

“Ah, that’s right. My name is Hyunjin. Make yourself comfortable.” He loosed a small smile and a nod before he vanished, just like that. A small cloud of smoke was the only thing lingering in the air to signify he was ever here. You finally had the chance to glance around. You were in a sitting room of sorts, everything carefully carved and crafted from dark oak and ebony stone– with drapes, pillows and carpets of the richest ruby red color. Even the chandelier was grand, twinkling with crystals. The fireplace mantle was detailed with swirling stone and candles atop it. But the fireplace was not lit. The room was chilling, but not uncomfortably so. When you stood up, you remembered that you indeed had no idea where you were, walking quietly to the window. Shit, it’s dark outside. Glancing up at the full moon, it was a little further than halfway, indicating wee hours of morning. Frantically looking to the door, this place looked massive. There was no way you were finding your way out. And even if you did, the north star could only lead you so far. You whined at the fact that you were utterly trapped, no matter how hospitable that man, Hyunjin, was. So, you went to lock the big dark door and plopped back down onto the couch. Not even registering that Hyunjin could just teleport in anyway. Somehow, you drifted off to sleep, and woke up to birdsong from the thick woodlands beyond the walls of the mansion. 

In front of you was a platter of dried fruits, toast and jams of all varieties, a cup of tea and a note. The note, in graceful cursive, read:

I hope you slept well. Eat breakfast, then find me in the library. I’ll see to it that Kkami leads you in the right direction.

-H.H

When you finished, still in your clothes from yesterday, you walked over to the door, creaking as you pushed it open. To your surprise, A raven with feathers of the darkest night was perched atop a lamp in the hallway. It croaked out a greeting, then heaved itself into the air and flew down the hallway. Every minute or so it stopped, waiting for you to follow. The hallway, adorned with grandoise paintings and ornate chandeliers, and doors that led to god knows where. The bird stopped in front of a set of double doors, silently glaring at you to open one. When you did, rows upon rows of books and scrolls invaded your vision. Until you landed on a reading table in the middle of the gigantic room. You softly padded your way down the carpet to where Hyunjin sat, reading glasses placed on the bridge of his nose, engrossed in a book. You couldn’t tell what, though, the cover was too faded. Even the pages were yellowing. As were most books in here, you realized. This place was old. Deep in the pit of your stomach swirled a sizable amount of unease at this strange place. And possibly fear, for the eerie sense of calmness you felt. This place was too quiet to be just a regular mansion. 

“No need to be so scared, princess.” Hyunjin spoke, eyes not leaving his book until he flipped the page and set it down. Today, he disregarded the cloak and outerwear, opting for a crisp men’s dress shirt and slacks in his signature cool black color. His chair scraped against the floor as he stood up and walked over to you, feet cemented into the ground. You couldn’t run. Your body wouldn’t let you, too paralyzed with fear. He kept coming closer and closer, until he was leaning over you and pressing a kiss to your cheek. You let out a tiny gasp and a squeak. “I picked out some clothes for you. There, on that table. If they’re too outdated for your tastes, or if they need to be tailored, simply let me know.” He gestured behind you. And when you still didn’t move a muscle, he chuckled, and grabbed your arms with a firm grip and turned you around. His hands were just as cold as his lips. At least his lips were soft and gentle, like a lover, a timeless romantic. On a vast table were countless dresses and garb, ranging from puffy, glittering black ball gowns to simple linen dresses (black, of course). Although nearly everything was black, there were a few pieces with accents of dark reds and blues. Fitting, you thought. And yet, you loved it. You loved that he put in the effort. Stepping closer, the fabric was of exceptional quality and design. Every stitch, every button. “Do you like it?” He asks, still clutching your arms, and speaking into your ear from behind you. A lick of fire ran from your head to your toes at his voice. It was addicting. 

“No one’s ever done something like this for me,” You confessed, still in awe. 

“Allow me, then.” His palms ran up and down your upper arms before he pulled away, slinking back into his chair. “Pick something and freshen up, dear.” At his words, you spun around to see the raven, stomping his little feet by the door. You grabbed a simple dress, and the raven led you to a bathroom fit for an emperor– a bathtub that could have qualified as a swimming pool, sauna benches, towel racks and warm candles that enticed you. In the corner was a basket filled with clean undergarments, Hyunjin had really thought of everything, as if he’s been awaiting your company for some time now. The door shut behind you, and you slipped into the bath. Still on high alert, your eyes scanned your surroundings incessantly until you finished, quite enjoying the feeling of cleanliness again. Getting dressed, thus began your walk back to the library. 

Hyunjin seemingly hadn’t moved a muscle. He heard the door open but ignored it until you stood in front of him. He tore his eyes from the book, only to be completely taken aback. The breath was knocked out of his lungs, because when he spoke, he sounded breathless. 

“You look astounding, princess. You’ll fit right in.” He smiled, eyes crinkling. He rarely experienced joy like this. You hummed in response, words not finding you. Fit in where, exactly? “Fancy some lunch?” Despite your inner confusion, you nodded bashfully. 

Thus the days turned into weeks, and then months. You still didn’t know where you were, or if you’d ever see home again. But you couldn’t bring yourself to whine about it too much when Hyunjin was around, offering you light conversations, delectable meals and as much time in the library as you’d wish. Hyunjin, however, was losing his mind. He needed to have you. Soon. or he’d really go insane. He could smell your delectable scent– a fresh, unclaimed body. His patience snapped when you came up to him in his study, in a light linen dress that swayed when you approached. 

“What’s the matter, princess?” He asked, taking off his glasses with an impatient hand.

“Who are you, anyway?” He scoffed.

“A vampire; but that much was obvious, no?” 

You squirmed in annoyance. “How long will you keep me here?” 

His hands hit the table. His shoulders lurched as he stood up. Something was off about him today.

“You dare suggest leaving me?” He sounded offended, brows furrowed. “You’re mine. You are not leaving this mansion. You are too precious, and the world is too dangerous.” 

“But-” 

He surged forward before you could continue. His arms wrapped around you as your heart raced. His heightened sense of smell was making him go haywire at the proximity. His jaw is itching to just sink into your supple unclaimed flesh already.

“Please don’t ask such nonsense. I love you, isn’t that enough?” He spoke into your neck.

Your eyes widened at his confession. 

“I- I love you, too.” You spoke without thinking. You didn’t even know if it was true or not, but the damage was done. At your words, as if there was a magnet in his head, he dragged his cheek from your neck, up your jaw, until his lips were locked with yours. His lips were cold, sure, but his possesion was burning hot. 

“I need you.” He grumbled against your lips. You whimpered in response, but didn’t pull away. In the blink of an eye, you were transported to his grandiose bedroom, with a bed so large you could drown in the satin, blood red sheets. After the first night, he showed you your own bedroom too, but you much preferred this one right now. Wafts of Hyunjin’s dark and masculine yet fruity & saccharine musk drifted through the air, you had never smelled it in such abundance before. Still mute, you let him walk you to the bed where he set you down, the muscles bulging in his arm from restraining himself instead of jumping you like an animal. “Your blood smells so sweet… Run now, or we are not leaving this room until tomorrow.” He groaned, lips ghosting the junction of your neck where your pulse point was strongest. Your palms stroked against his covered biceps softly.

“Are we mates, Hyunjin?” He let out a shaky breath at your question. He was looming over you now, caging you to the mattress with his broad chest & arms. He spoke simply, deep eyes boring into yours.

“Yes.” And then he ravaged you. He started by pressing a searing kiss to your lips, then licking and nipping down your jaw and to your neck. His silky tongue felt so smooth and sensual against your neck, you whined. He was massaging you with his lips, spit-covered and sucking marks onto every curve in your skin. You were so divine, he wishes he could capture the essence of this moment and paint it, just like all the other archaic paintings throughout the mansion. He would put it on full display, surely. Right by the front door, so all his visitors could see what only he gets access to. Sadly, visitors are few and far between. Suddenly, you heard the roar of a fire and the following crackles behind Hyunjin, across the room. Looking over his shoulder, you saw a fireplace with a mantle of gorgeous intricate Victorian design, in his signature ebony black stone. The fact that he held such mystical power turned you on more than you’d like to admit. 

“My apologies, you must be cold, Hm? I sometimes forget that your kind is more susceptible to the cold.” He murmured into your neck. You shook your head, dismissing his guilt. He’s been working at your neck for so long now, the skin was red, raw and sensitive.

“Hyun��� jin-”

“Mmm, love? He crooned in response, voice low and smooth like caramel. 

“Bite me,” His knees practically buckled, and a smile that was almost sinister spread across his face. He’s been waiting for this moment. “Isn’t that what you do?”

“As you wish, princess.” He took a deep breath in and you felt his lips spread across the junction of your neck. You had to give it to him, he was very charming. Albeit, his palms held on to your arms for dear life, as he was nervous himself. Bracing yourself, you squeezed your eyes shut when his smooth canines pinch against the first barrier of skin. He hummed in delight, and after that, you didn’t feel much as tingles spread scross the bitten area. His body pressed against your front, magnetized to you. His hips grinded against yours, each drag heavy with need. When he was satisfied, his deft tongue darted out to clean his lips of the ruby red liquid, sharp, lidded eyes piercing through yours seductively. His arm shuffled down to undo the buckle and button of his pants while keeping eye contact with you. His eyes asked a silent question; to which you replied with a hum and a nod. Hastily shucking the fabric of your dress up and over your head, his eyes were glued to the soft curves and planes of your body, drinking you in. He moved a hand up to smooth over your hair in a gentle caress, so jarringly different to the thoughts racing in his brain. The weight of his other palm sent waves of pleasure across your inner thighs, so close to your center. Sensually dragging his palm across your mound, his fingers dip into the fabric slightly. Pulling them off, a wave of chill air on your wetness made you gasp. His smooth and deft fingers played with your pussy, strands of slick stringing together between his fingers whenever he lifted them up to repeat the teasing circles from your clit down to your throbbing entrance. The puddle of slick was spreading into the crevices of your inner thighs now, making his movements glide against your skin and sending bursts of tingles through you.Throughout everything, Hyunjin would hum a simple tune, or make little noises of satisfaction when your thighs squirmed or when your pussy trembled. 

“I think you’re ready, are you?” He tilted his head slightly, eyebrows furrowed and eyes heavy-lidded.

“Mhm-” You whimpered in response, nodding downwards and meeting his eyes for a fleeting moment. He brought his hips in close, his bulge straining until he shoved everything down with one elegant hand and started pushing in with a huff. You could feel your walls stretching to take him in, but the wetness made it pleasurable. His breathing grew deep and staggered right next to your ear, making you arch into him.

“Oh, my good girl. You’re taking me so well,” You couldn’t hold back your smile at his praise. His hips stuttered from how sensitive his cock was, not fully used to the warm and soft walls of you yet. He grunts softly, his eyebrows furrowed and black hair framing his cheeks and occaisionally tickling yours. You sigh in pleasure at the rhythmic beat of his hips against yours, bodies rocking in sync. His thrusts pick up a frantic pace until you’re mewling and gasping, arms taught against his shoulders. As if Hyunjin had a second of clarity, he slows down again, wanting this moment to last as long as possible. He keeps switching every few minutes or so, fast and shallow for a few minutes until he feels shockwaves of pleasure and the urge to release at the tip of his cock. Then, with all his willpower, he slows down to hit deep and sensual thrusts into your squelching core, making you feel warm and satisfied. At every slow push and pull, the base of his length pulsed, making him whine at the feeling of his release tangling into knots in his lower stomach and balls that ached. As if it hurt him to do so, he tore a hand away from your waist to slither down to your clit, applying the slightest pressure to the very tip of it. You moaned at his touch, your oversensitive, swollen clit pulsing with need for more. The sensation made you pull your hips upwards, like you couldn’t take the feeling of his fingertips rubbing circles any longer. 

“You like it here, don’t you, princess? Why are you running away?” He said with a fake pout to his tone. He was only teasing but it nearly brought a frustrated tear to your eye. He slapped his fingers against your clit as a warning, the light sting making you let out an airy moan, music to Hyunjin’s ears. You willed your hips to stay grounded against Hyunjin’s assault at the apex of your thighs. Meanwhile, the ever-present feeling of veins dragging and rubbing against your soft, warm walls sent shockwaves of euphoria to your brain. Every thrust brought you a step closer, massaging against a spot so deep in your vagina you could feel your walls clench around him. It was the sweet spot that made your mouth hang open and eyes roll back. Hyunjin would have forced you to look back at him, only him, but he couldn’t pry his hands off of your heavenly hips and waist. Your lower body made him go feral for something he couldn’t pinpoint, something so primal it set his body ablaze. Maybe next time. Hyunjin’s hips came so close to you that he could feel the faint bulge poking right above your mound, and he gasped at the sensation. When it all became too much, the rope snapped, and your orgasm crashed down like a tsunami, washing through your body and out through your hands and feet. Hyunjin kept rubbing your clit in frantic little circles until your thighs shook, and your name sounded like a desperate prayer spilling from your spit slicked and raw lips. Your screams and moans of pleasure brought Hyunjin to his own peak, shivering with his release as he pushed all the way in and stayed there, rutting his hips in small but powerful movements. He stuffed you full and didn’t pull out until he’d caught his breath, scanned over your face to make sure you were okay, and caressed your waist and arms with gentle hands. The dull pulsing of your core making you squirm. He chuckled softly at your blissed out expression, pressing a chaste but dirty kiss to your lips. He swiped a thumb across the bruise that now surrounded his bite, two incisions at the curve where your neck meets your collarbone.

“You’re mine forever now, my immortal rose.”

♤Thanks for reading! Check my masterlist for more!♤Warning: Everything I post is 100% my original writing & thoughts. This also includes the moodboards at the beginning that I create. Please do not plagiarize or copy. Tag for inspiration or add-ons. Reblogs are appreciated! <3

[luveline]

Hi! I just read Prince steve's shot of the steampunk au and god, I loved it. I saw below it said you could make a request for it, so I wanted to know if you could do one about the how they met. I know it's mentioned, but I'd like to see what it was like at the time, if it's not too much trouble.

PS: qmo how you write, you are one of my role models 💕.

prince!steve au ♡ fem, 1.1k

Young people stand like dominoes in the sun, teetering, waiting to topple in on one another if given reason. Nine days of bated breath, the city waits in a ramping anticipation for Prince Steven to meet his soulmate.

You're almost hoping it isn't you so you can go home and rest your aching legs. Hours in the warm summer air, your worst dress sticking to the back of your clammy knees. You're not fit to meet the Prince. But… if you meet the Prince, and you were to somehow be his soulmate, you'd live an easy life. 

You'd live in a Palace, wear the finest clothes, eat the nicest foods (three times a day!). You could spend your days lounging under crystal chandeliers eating plates of fruit and expensive cheeses, air-conditioned and always smelling of vanilla, or sandalwood, or saffron. You've never tried saffron perfume, but it's the most expensive at the apothecary. 

The line mills shorter. You follow close to the heels of a girl dressed in better finery, a cherry red dress that looks like it's made of thin sheets of glass, her dark hair coiled in sweet cherubic curls at the back of her neck. They bounce with every step you take closer to the pedestal. You attach your attention to them, following the winding twist of them to the root over and over. 

You want very badly to be the Prince's soulmate. You'd be stupid not to want such luxury. But letting yourself believe that it's you out of the tens of thousands of eligible young people is asking to feel disheartened.

You convince yourself for the millionth time that it's not you as you follow the line inside of the royal gardens. Trees with weeping branches arc inward, their leaves kissing and sunlight dappled onto the people below. You feel it warming your skin as you take the final stretch. 

Apparently, for the King's soulmate search, he simply held out his arm and let women touch the inside of his palm with their pinky finger. He did this for two days. Prince Steven's search is taking much longer, as he's insisted on greeting and shaking the hands of everyone who's presented themselves. 

You wonder what that might feel like. He's a super pretty man, with exactly the sort of smile a Prince might hope to have. Whenever you see him on the holo screens you feel sick, wanting desperately to remain indifferent to him, but knowing you're just like every other silly young person in the kingdom. You want to be a special perfect royal. You want to take his hand and leave behind your disappointing life. 

Too bad it's a fantasy. 

"Next, please," says a young woman with red hair, looking at you pointedly. 

You bite your bottom lip between your teeth and walk determined to the top of the garden. Up three gentle steps and into a Palace of white, pearly stone. There's a long corridor lined with guards who eye you as you draw in. Deemed decidedly undangerous, they let you pass into a makeshift reception. You'd already had your name taken to be allowed in the line; nothing stands in your way of the Prince but chiffon pink curtains that shine like rose honey in the sun and a surprisingly small girl with a sword. 

And there, among an audience of officials and important people, sits the Prince. He looks smaller than you imagined, a little tired. The girl with the sword kicks his shin and he perks up, to the ire of the older members of his court. 

"Hey," he calls, "don't be shy! And don't be slow, either. Please. I missed dinner last night–" The girl clears her throat. Prince Steven takes on a more princely effect. "Please, come in." 

The audience isn't exactly paying attention. Any hope they had for a soul mate today has seemingly passed, and you can hear a few poorly muffled scoffs at your appearance. Surely the girl before you posed a more pleasing possibility. She looked like a princess. 

You stall a few paces from him. 

He frowns at you. In his garb, his neat clothes, a heavy platinum crown atop his head, he's strangely intimidating. You assumed he'd feel more familiar up close, like buying a gemstone from the catalogues and finding they've sent you zirconium, but it's the opposite. 

"Are you okay?" the girl asks. 

"She's fine," Prince Steven says, standing up from his ornate chair. He steps down from the short platform, even his steps a princely brand of perfection. "Well you're more than fine," he says to you, and you gather from the get go that he's not flirting with you, only joking to ease your nerves. 

He offers his hand. 

You take in a breath and approach him with measured steps. Being run through by his personal guards crystal sword isn't on your agenda this week. 

All you have to do is touch his hand and go home when nothing happens. You're nervous, but stalling any longer prolongs the awkwardness you've created. 

You step forward. 

Before your fingers can touch his palm, the feathered lines curled around your opposite wrists begin to glow. 

A silence falls. 

You take your hand back but the light doesn't fade. It's white, nearly cream in colour, with the density of fog but none of its cold. Prince Steven's eyes are wide and awash, the sun-kissed skin of his arm paled. "You–" he says, stepping forward again. 

You take his hand. You have to know. 

White light sears and then blooms, like petals unfurling, the source of it indistinguishable from your wrist or his. And then, when you're sure your heart might fall out of your mouth, the light dims. What remains is thin as fairy floss wrapped around your skin and his. 

He rubs the meat of your thumb with the tip of his, and that light glows soft pink, like flower jam. 

"It's you," he says. He sounds happy, as though you were a pleasant surprise. 

You tuck your hand behind your back, and the glow remains. It's you. You're Prince Steven's soul mate. 

"She doesn't look much like a princess," someone whispers. 

"I wouldn't say that," Prince Steven says, his eyes roving over you without apology. His smile is as authentic as they come. "I think you'd better meet my mother." 

"Now?" you ask. 

"Afraid so. Don't worry, though, you look pretty." He offers his hand again. "Come on."

He's a prince. You take his hand.

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

Guilty As Sin

Batter Up Chapter 6

!!! This takes place After Chapter 2, when reader and Joel's relationship was still a secret. !!!

Pairing: Baseball player Joel Miller x Female Reader Rating: Explicit. 18+ (Minors DNI) Summary: What if Joel did in fact write MINE on your upper thigh when the two of you sneak away from your friend's wedding? Warnings: smut, oral (f receiving), unprotected p in v (reader has an IUD), cream pie, bondage, a singular ass slap, neck tie turning into a gag, Joel's got a dirty mouth,spot the Taylor Swift lyrics in my writing, panties are getting ripped off. Words: 3,030

A/N: Baseball Joel is back. Thank you for being so patient with me during my hiatus. I've had this fic rattling in my brain since I heard "Guilty As Sin" by Taylor... and I may have been in feral mode while writing this. This can be read alone, without knowing most of the story of Batter Up.

Masterlist Series Masterlist Playlist

⚾️⚾️⚾️

Blake Velasco, the Capitals’ celebrated third baseman is finally marrying his longtime partner, and your friend, Gemma. You tell yourself you flew in for her, but really you’re here to see one of Blake’s groomsmen… Joel. You’ve been dreading today, your first official outing as a couple and nobody knows.

The two lovebirds really went all out for their December wedding. Crystal covered snowflakes hang from the rafters glitter in the flickering candle light, urns of white roses fill every extra space, golden and white tones fill the opulent mansion. 

Soft orchestral music begins, your skin instantly heats at the realization you’ll soon see Joel. Internally fighting and cursing every urge to turn in your seat and wait for the first sight of your boyfriend, you’re finding it hard to keep your cool. The procession begins, heartbeats begin skipping beats once you spot the same curls you like to tug hanging low against his neck. His longer offseason hair is slicked back, wide shoulders hugged perfectly by his form fitting black tuxedo. You can’t look away from his broadness walking down the aisle. 

Joel takes his place at the altar, the whole room dissolves around him. He searches for you, a perfunctory nod sent your parents' way turns into a smug smile once he spots you. His eyes crinkle in the corners, the same creases that show themselves whenever he’s closing his eyes in bliss appearing. He’s so debonair, all dressed up in his tuxedo, you want to wrap the silk black tie around your hand and pull him closer.

You’re sure he can tell how he’s affecting you. Helplessly trying to focus elsewhere, your eyes attempt to roam the room before staring at the chandelier above and bracing yourself for the next half hour of trying not to look at Joel standing tall and striking only three rows away. You look towards him, he’s still staring at you, a whimper chokes out. You brush a pretend piece of lint off your dress trying to cover your audible slip up catching your mom’s attention. She leans over and asks if you’re okay, you give her a weak smile and nod. Joel’s eyes still watch you, an imperceptible wink sent your way. Relief soothes your tenseness once the bridal procession begins. This is going to be awful. 

___

Swaying trees twinkle in the wind, fairy lights cascade down the branches, the shining orbs glow all around you, you wish they could warm you. It’s too damn cold. You just had to choose the tight gold dress only held together in the back by thin straps? You really had to forget your shawl in the reception? Sure, you wanted Joel to untie and unwrap you tonight, but now you wonder if it was all worth it... stuck shrouded in darkness behind the gazebo. Your teeth chitter, hands trying to rub warmth into your limbs while waiting for Joel to finally meet you far away from the picturesque mansion. 

You can just make out the loud music playing mostly drowned out by the raucous shouting of the party attendees. Your phone buzzes in your hand. Sorry, stuck talking, be out ASAP. You thumbs up Joel’s text and roll your eyes. Since when did he like talking? It’s been ten minutes and you’re freezing and frustrated. Joel’s teammates, your parents, and your friends are all in that far away house. Nobody has any clue about your tryst.

He’s been in your proximity all day, the two of you trading as many quick glances you can afford, a rush sent to your heart every time your eyes meet. Looking at him’s like playing with fire, you just can’t help yourself even though you burn yourself each time. He’s ridiculously handsome and he’s been driving you insane all day. 

Your wet core aches and you haven’t even touched him.

Joel Miller in a suit consumes your thoughts all day. Conversations flow around you, contrition and lust warring in your brain. It’s impossible pretending to listen to whatever story or joke people keep droning on about while he stands only a few feet away. Your nerves work overtime thinking everyone can plainly see all the fantasies in your head. Propriety in these situations always came easy to you, but today you’re suffering, longing for your boyfriend.

Looking up at the stars twinkling above you, you sigh, at least it’s a clear night.

A warm weight pushes against your back, Joel’s arms wrap around you, a large hand splaying against your stomach while the other rests across your breast bone. You’re instantly warmed. 

“Sorry baby, got caught up ‘n had to sneak out without anybody seeing,” he inhales your scent. “You look fucking amazing, it’s been so hard to stay away from you.” 

He pushes you harder against him, the shape of his half hard cock rubs against your ass.  

“Been having to adjust myself all fuckin’ night because of you in that dress, feel like I’m being haunted.”

His hands cup the weight of your silk draped breasts, his breath is hot against your neck when he kisses it. 

“We should probably find a safer place, anyone who looks hard enough could probably see us,” you groan.

“I know a place, slipped an usher a couple hundred.”

___

Joel leads you down a path back towards the house staying in the shadows of the outskirts of the yard, he confidently navigates the maze of hedges ahead of you. A dark building stands alone and quiet, perfect for the two of you.

Joel punches in a code on the door lock and opens it. Trepidation enters when you realize exactly what you’re doing. Sneaking into the guest house of the rented mega mansion your friends got married in to fuck your boyfriend that they, and everyone else, have no clue about. You’ve never been religious, but you feel like a sinner. 

“Is this okay to do?” the contrition begins to rear its head.

“It is baby, paid off a couple more members of the staff too. Cost me a couple grand.”

He leers at you like he’s a wolf and you’re the prey, he wants this. 

“Jesus Joel!”

“It’ll be worth it.”

He crowds and pushes you in before kicking the door shut. 

“Lock it,” you breathe. 

You’ve been caged up all night, now he’s here with you, his mouth on your neck. It’s time to crack the locks. You turn, crashing against him, hiking up your dress and wrapping a leg around him to rub your core against the soft fabric of his suit.

Your kisses are rushed and messy, moans floating in between your already labored breaths. 

“Fuck,” Joel pulls away, his eyes blown out with lust. “Turn back around baby, once I saw the straps of your dress, I had an idea.”

You follow his directions, turning quickly, heels wobbling on your shaky knees as he runs his fingers up your exposed spine. 

“This dress is something baby, love these delicate little strings all over your back.” He begins to untie the threads criss-crossing your back. “S’like you’re my own little present.” His fingers are quick and precise, chills shoot up your spine at his touch. “Turn back around baby.” You face him, dress falling to your hips. A mischievous glint in his eyes sparkles as he holds up two thin strips of silk. 

“What’s your plan?” Your heart shatters against your chest when he arches his eyebrows and licks his lips.

“M’gonna tie you up ’n take you right here in this guest house while everyone we know is just across the yard. You good with that?”

Your mouth drops, uttering a pathetic yes, your cunt aching with anticipation. 

“That’s my good girl,” Joel grabs a marker off the counter top. “Now, they told me there’s a bedroom to the left.” 

___

“Well, would you look at that? Gold sheets to match your pretty silk dress,” Joel chuckles. “Of course they have a four poster bed in their guest house, some people are too rich for their own good.” 

A light push lands you amongst the soft sheets. Joel takes in your flushed cheeks, parted lips, and gold dress sitting askew definitely too wrinkled for its own good. 

He hangs his jacket on the chair back, unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt. The sheets feel velvety smooth, you can’t keep still. 

Joel grabs your foot, easily turning your body around, the silk of your dress slides across the satin sheets. 

“Stretch your arms like this, baby,” Joel makes a T-pose to demonstrate.

You follow his direction. 

“That’s my good girl.” 

He straddles you, a bit of his weight placed against your stomach, his thick thighs strain in the black pants, your mouth waters at his closeness. He picks up a wrist, tying the string around you and the bed poster before doing the same for your other wrist. He tugs on both, smiling when they barely move. 

“They feel good baby?”

“Perfect. I’ve never done anything like this.”

“Me neither, but I think we’re going to like it.” 

He runs a hand down to your bra, effortlessly snapping the front hooks open. You blink in awe at the size of him taking up so much space on this king sized bed. 

He runs a hand down your face, pausing at your lips, dipping his thumb in to cover it in saliva. His thumb leaves a trail of wet down your chin and neck to your breast, circling your nipple before pinching it. You attempt to buck your hips at the sensation but you’re met with resistance from his weight. Both of Joel’s hands grab your tits, deep brown eyes getting darker when he watches himself push them together. 

“Look how perfect your tits fit in my hands. Perfect fucking size, so fucking smooth and pretty. It’s like they were made for me.”

Joel scoots back, now straddling your legs and pushes your dress up to rest against your stomach. He whistles a low note, taking in your soaked panties. 

“Baby, you’ve made a mess down here, haven’t you?”

Your eyes widen and nod.

“I’ll clean you up because this is my pussy and I gotta keep it in good shape, don’t I darlin’?”

“Yes,” you coo, another gush releases against the silk of your panties. 

“Because this pussy is mine, right baby?”

“Fuck,” you howl, body begining to quiver under his attention. “Yes Joel, all yours.”

“You’re mine, aren’t you baby? Just because all those people in that house can’t see it, everyone knows, right baby? You’ll always be mine.”

“Oh my god, yes, I’m only yours.” “Perfect.”

Joel reaches into his pocket, pulling a black Sharpie out and uncapping it. He looks up for approval, you frantically nod wanting to find out the mystery. 

The marker tip is placed against your upper thigh, the ink is cool against your searing skin. You lift your head up to watch Joel. 

M-I-N-E is written on your upper thigh. 

Your head slips back down against the pillows overwhelmed by the way Joel licks his lips while staring at his inscription against your skin. He caps the marker, placing it back in his pocket before laying down between your legs, stretching your thighs wide to fit him. 

Nuzzling his head in between your thighs, his mouth rests against your drenched panties. The sight must look so depraved, Joel’s almost fully dressed inhaling your scent with his nose nestled in between the divide of your folds as you writhe underneath him, your hands tied to a stranger’s bed. He grabs the seam of your flimsy silk underwear and tears them off, you’d chastise him if you weren’t so fucking ready to feel his mouth against you right now.

“You’re mine baby, forever,” his fudgy brown eyes gaze into yours when his tongue darts out and licks a long stripe up your aching pussy.  

He groans against your drenched cunt, lapping up all of the slick you’ve spilled out through the day. Your hands tighten against the restraints when he sucks your clit in the perfect way he always does. A thick finger circles your entrance, his tongue slowly teases your clit, both cause you to drown in satisfaction. You love how he looks in between your legs, his strong nose bumping against your skin, dark eyes focused on your face.

Your hips begin grinding against his face when he sticks another finger in, his biceps stretch across the white dress shirt with his movements. In, out, in, out, his two thick fingers fuck you, his lush mouth still adoring your clit with every lick and suck.

The silk ties pull at your wrists, your fingers dig into your palm, the buildup of watching handsome Joel Miller at a wedding made you ache all day, and now he’s here eating your pussy. You’re so overwhelmed by him, his love, his adoration, his fucking perfect mouth. Your orgasm rolls through you, your cunt rides the wave of pleasure against his mouth, grinding into his gorgeous face. 

He doesn’t let up, a third finger is pushed inside, his tongue traverses every dip, fold, and nerve. He pulls his fingers out and rests them against your aching entrance before burying them right back in. You shout his name over and over, chants of Joel screams across the room.

He pulls away.

“Baby, you gotta quiet down,” Joel’s face covered in your juices pulls a raucous moan out of you. “Baaaaaby,” he chastises, hand flying up to pull his tie apart. He balls the tie in his hand before stuffing it into your mouth. “Quiet.” 

You moan around the tie, biting down on it hard, shaking and aching as another climax splinters you. Your vision turns just as black as the tie currently packed in your mouth. Your arms burn as they strain against the ties, your legs locking straight.

“That’s it, baby, I’m fucking drowning in you,” Joel’s voice brings you back down. Your eyes open to him licking his top lip, tasting and savoring you. 

He pulls the tie from your mouth.

“I love you,” you weakly whisper, shattered by him yet again.

“Love you too baby,” Joel places a kiss against your makeshift MINE tattoo before climbing up your body and untying your restraints. 

__

He kisses each wrist as you shake them out. 

“You good baby?” 

“Of course I am,” you smile.

His thumb rubs your cheek, a doting look sits across his features. He still resembles the perfect picture of a formal man, shirt still buttoned, hair still perfectly placed, the only sign of any mischief being his missing suit jacket and sleeves pulled up to his elbows… until you notice his erection bulging his zipper out.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You know what.”

“Oh,” Joel clutches his crotch in his large hand. “This, baby? Well, since you’re mine, I’m going to fill you with my cum and make you even more mine. Now, turn over.” 

__

Your head rests against the silk pillow, heart beginning to race hearing the unzip of Joel’s dress pants. Your legs are pulled apart before he covers you in his weight, the cool cotton of his shirt brushes against your overheated skin. 

His cock nudges between your legs, you adjust to allow him full entrance. Joel slowly pushes in, his arms framing your head settling fully above you. His deep exhale hits the back of your neck. 

“Fuuuuuuck baby,” sprawls from him.

“Hmph– oooooh,” a conceited retort is interrupted when Joel buries himself in you. 

“You feel so fucking good, been needing to fuck you since I saw you, sitting all pretty at the ceremony then watching you twirl on that dance floor, you’re so fucking gorgeous, still can’t believe you’re mine.”

Your bodies rock together, his big cock filling you, you’re engulfed by Joel. It’s delightful. 

“Mine,” his hoarse whisper ghosts against your ear before he tugs against it with his teeth. 

The tempo of his thrusts rises, your cunt gladly accepting the volume. 

“Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. You’re mine, aren’t you? Only mine. Tell me,” he grunts.

“I’m… I-I’m yours, all yours,” squeals pathetically from your mouth, muffled by the pillow. 

Each snap of his hips against your ass sears so heatedly, you fear the bed sheets will be set ablaze. 

He rolls against the exact spot that amplifies your soul, a chorus of bliss strums through you. Symphonic ecstasy ripples overwhelming you, eyes squeezing shut, mouth screaming into the fluffy pillow. Your pussy flutters against his cock cramming your hole, the two of you entwined in a duet you’ll never tire of. 

Your head turns, lungs panting for air, whimpers yelping across the room as he rides your orgasming pussy, composing the melody of his own burgeoning orgasm. 

His hips stutter, the rhythm getting lost at the crescendo of his climax. 

Your name is moaned out, large hands gripping into your shoulders, his broad body collapses against you, briefly smothering you before rolling off.  

A quick smack stamps against your ass.

“Mine,” Joel growls. 

___

The mirror reflects someone who looks freshly fucked, Joel, on the other hand still looks flawless, his suit jacket already applied. He winks at your reflection while he efficiently knots his tie. 

“I get to go back now with no underwear, my hair’s a mess, and your cum is still leaking out of me, thanks. Hope everyone just thinks I’m drunk.”

He laughs a booming laugh, before kissing the top of your hair. “Anytime baby.”

Joel throws a stack of cash from his jacket on to the table before adjusting his tie, the smooth texture so obviously disfigured by your bite marks.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” you hug him tightly. 

“Tomorrow. I love you.” He sandwiches your chin between his fingers, placing one last kiss against your mouth. “Go have fun, I’ll be watching.”

“Love you too,” you breathily sigh, adjusting your wrinkled dress and heading for the door, with the final obstacle ahead… convincing all of your loved ones inebriated by the open bar that you’ve been there the whole time. 

“Miiiine,” he sing songs through the closing door. 

Guilty as sin.

⚾️⚾️⚾️

Series Masterlist

[elizabeth-holland24]

The Beast Within-Chapter 1 (Part 2)

The air was crisp as Pete’s horse trotted along the winding forest path. The trees were thick and old, their branches intertwining above like fingers clasped in prayer. Shadows danced between the trunks of the trees, every now and then, Pete caught glimpses of creatures scurrying between the underbrush, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light of the approaching night. The sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon, and the sky was a deepening blue, tinged with the last vestiges of twilight.

Pete’s thoughts, however, were not on the forest or its eerie stillness. His mind was on Mausi. He could still picture her standing in the doorway of their cottage, worry etched across her face. There was something in her voice when she had asked if he had everything, something that clung to him now, like a burr he couldn’t shake.

"Just nerves," he muttered to himself. "I’ll be back tomorrow with a rose, and everything will be fine."

But even as he spoke the words aloud, Pete couldn’t deny the tightening in his own chest, the way his heart seemed to beat just a little harder; as though it, too, sensed that things might not go as planned.

As the forest grew darker, the path became more difficult to follow. Pete squinted into the gloom, pulling his cloak tighter around himself as the cold began to seep in. His horse whinnied nervously, ears twitching in every direction.

"Easy, girl," he said, patting her neck. "It’s just the woods. Nothing to worry about."

But even as he spoke, he heard it-faintly between the trees. The howling of wolves, they were near; he had to act quickly. The cold air of the forest whipped at Pete’s face, cutting through his cloak as he spurred his horse forward. Behind him, the growls of wolves grew louder, snapping branches underfoot as they pursued him through the dense underbrush. His heart pounded in his chest, his breath ragged. He clung tightly to the reins, urging the horse onward.

“Come on, girl, just a little further!” Pete shouted, though fear gnawed at him. He had travelled this route dozens of times before, but never had he encountered something like this. The wolves were relentless, their yellow eyes gleaming through the shadows, their snarls a reminder of just how close they were.

The horse stumbled briefly, nearly throwing Pete from his seat, but it quickly righted itself, racing faster through the trees. Then, as if by some miracle, the forest seemed to part, revealing the faint outline of something massive ahead—a towering stone structure, its dark silhouette standing in stark contrast to the night sky.

A castle. With no other options, Pete urged the horse forward, through the grand gates that seemed to open on their own. The wolves, either out of fear or instinct, stopped at the edge of the property, howling into the night before slinking back into the woods. Pete exhaled shakily, pulling his trembling horse to a stop in the castle’s courtyard.

The sight before him was surreal. The castle stood eerily silent, as if untouched by time. Moss climbed up its walls, and the grand fountain in the centre had long since dried up, its stone figures frozen in a moment of forgotten grandeur. Despite its neglected state, the place exuded an unsettling beauty, a kind of elegance masked by years of abandonment.

He dismounted slowly, his knees shaking. His horse snorted, nervous, and Pete gave her a soft pat on the neck. "Stay here," he murmured, though he wasn’t sure if he was saying it for her comfort or his own.

As Pete stepped toward the grand wooden doors, they creaked open, as if anticipating his arrival. His heart raced, but he couldn’t stop himself from walking through them, curiosity and exhaustion driving him forward. Inside, the castle was even grander, though its beauty was shrouded in dust and darkness. Chandeliers hung high above, their crystals glinting in the faint light that filtered in through cracked windows. Tattered tapestries lined the walls, telling tales of a time long past.

Pete hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to leave, but the warmth of the castle was a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. He ventured further in, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors. As he passed through a wide corridor, he noticed strange things—a chair pushed itself back as if inviting him to sit, a broom swayed slightly as though it had been caught mid-sweep. His heart thudded in his chest, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end.

And then he heard it—a small voice, barely a whisper, but clear enough to make him freeze in place.

“Maverick…”

He spun around, his breath caught in his throat. There was no one there. Only the flickering shadows cast by the low flames of the hearth.

“Maverick…” the voice called again, softer this time, but more distinct.

His eyes scanned the room wildly until they landed on a small, delicate cup sitting on a nearby table. The cup wobbled slightly, as though alive, its tiny handle shifting ever so slightly toward him.

Pete stumbled back, his heart racing, his mind struggling to make sense of what he was seeing. This couldn’t be real. It had to be a trick—some cruel, twisted illusion.

The cup tipped toward him again, its handle like a tiny arm, and the voice came once more, this time more insistent. “Maverick…”

“Wh-what… who’s there?” Pete stammered, his voice cracking with fear. His chest tightened, and his hands shook as he backed away from the table. He didn’t wait for an answer—he couldn’t.

Without another thought, he turned and bolted, running down the corridor, his footsteps a frantic echo through the stillness. His mind raced as fast as his legs. Talking objects? Moving furniture? This place was cursed. He had to get out, had to—

But then, he saw it. Through the open archway leading to the courtyard, just beyond the doors, a single rose growing in the cracked stone garden, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. It was beautiful—its petals a deep, rich red, more vibrant than anything he had ever seen. He stopped, breathing heavily, his fear momentarily forgotten.

"A rose for my Mausi," he whispered to himself. That’s all he needed. A gift for his daughter. Something beautiful to remind her that even in the darkest places, beauty could still exist.

He stepped toward the rose, his hand trembling as he reached out to pluck it from its stem. But as soon as his fingers brushed the delicate petals, a low, rumbling growl reverberated through the courtyard, sending a chill down Pete’s spine.

“Thief!” a voice boomed, deep and menacing, shaking the very ground beneath his feet.

Pete spun around, his heart leaping into his throat as he came face to face with a towering figure, shrouded in shadow. The figure stepped into the moonlight, revealing itself—a monstrous creature, covered in thick fur, with eyes that burned with an angry, golden glow. It was like nothing Pete had ever seen before—half-man, half-beast, its face twisted with fury.

“You dare steal from me?” the creature snarled, its voice full of rage.

Pete stumbled back, dropping the rose in his panic. “I—I didn’t mean to… I just… it was for my daughter, I—”

“You think you can take what’s mine?” the Beast roared, closing the distance between them with frightening speed. “You will pay for your insolence.”

Before Pete could protest further, the Beast’s massive hand shot out, grabbing him by the arm with a strength that left no room for resistance. Pete’s breath caught in his throat as he was dragged deeper into the castle, the rose now lying forgotten on the ground.

The Beast’s grip was unrelenting, and as they moved through the shadowy halls, Pete realized with a sinking feeling that there would be no escape from this place. No matter how hard he tried, the Beast’s wrath was not something he could outrun.

And somewhere, faintly, he could still hear the soft, trembling voice of the cup calling his name, as though pleading for him to understand.

Mausi stood by the small kitchen window, a tight knot forming in her stomach as she watched the morning sun creep over the horizon. The sight of her father’s horse, alone and worn, grazing outside the cottage was enough to stir every fear she had buried deep within her. He hadn’t returned. Something was terribly wrong.

Her heart raced, thoughts spinning wildly in her mind. What had happened to him? The forest? Or something else, something even worse? She clenched her fists, the image of her father’s smiling face flashing in her memory as he’d promised to return.

Without hesitation, she threw on her cloak, her hands trembling as she strapped the saddle onto the horse. She could feel the dread building inside her—an unshakable certainty that this journey would change everything.

The forest greeted her with the same oppressive silence that had greeted her father. As Mausi rode deeper into its heart, the trees seemed to close in around her, their gnarled branches twisting like the fingers of some ancient creature. The air was thick with cold, mist swirling around the roots of trees, concealing the path ahead. The further she ventured, the more the world seemed to shrink into a blur of shadows, the dim light barely piercing through the tangled canopy above.

Her hands gripped the reins tightly, the sound of the horse’s hooves a hollow echo against the forest floor. She was brave, yes, but fear pulsed in her veins like a living thing. Every snap of a twig, every rustle in the bushes sent her heart racing. She glanced over her shoulder as though something—or someone—might be following her. It felt as though the forest was watching her, waiting.

Her heart pounded as she rode. The forest seemed darker now, more menacing. The wind howled through the trees, carrying with it an ominous chill. Her father’s words echoed in her mind—his laughter, his reassurance. “I’ll be back by morning, Mausi.” But he hadn’t come back, and dread began to gnaw at her from within.

The deeper she went into the forest, the more sinister it became. Gnarled branches reached out like skeletal hands, and thick mist clung to the ground, swallowing the path beneath her. The horse hesitated, but Mausi pressed forward, urging it onward with whispered reassurances. She was not turning back—not without her father.

The journey felt endless, time losing its meaning as she followed the path her father had taken. But then, like a vision out of a dream—or a nightmare—the towering silhouette of the castle appeared through the mist. Its dark turrets pierced the sky, the stone walls crawling with ivy, as if the forest itself sought to reclaim the forgotten fortress. A strange chill swept over her, the wind howling mournfully through the empty courtyard as she approached.

Mausi dismounted carefully, her eyes wide as she took in the grandeur and decay of the place. The castle loomed like a phantom, abandoned and yet strangely alive. The gates opened with a creak, welcoming her inside. She hesitated, but the sight of her father’s saddlebag, slung over the side of a nearby stone bench, made her heart lurch in her chest.

He was here.

She stepped through the grand archway, into the castle’s eerie silence. Inside, it was just as she had imagined—grand, beautiful, but undeniably haunted. Shadows danced across the walls, flickering with a life of their own as she wandered down the long, labyrinthine corridors. Cold drafts swept through the halls, carrying with them faint whispers—voices she couldn’t place.

From somewhere unseen, the sound of a hushed conversation drifted toward her. She froze, pressing herself against the wall, her breath shallow.

“She’s going to find him,” one voice muttered—low, hesitant.

“She’s not supposed to be here,” another voice responded, sharper. “Jake’s going to be furious.”

A soft chuckle followed. “It’s all part of the plan. She has to find him.”

Mausi’s brow furrowed, her pulse quickening as she strained to hear more. But the voices faded into the air, leaving her alone once more with the growing dread that crawled up her spine.

She didn’t stop moving. She couldn’t.

Eventually, she found herself at the foot of a grand staircase, its steps winding upward into a tower. Something deep inside told her this was where her father would be. She took the steps two at a time, her breath ragged as she climbed.

At the top, a heavy wooden door barred her way. She hesitated only briefly before pushing it open, her heart lurching as the sight inside met her eyes.

Her father was there, huddled in the corner of a small stone cell, his face pale and gaunt, his eyes wide with fear.

“Papa!” Mausi cried, rushing to his side. She knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she cupped his face. “What happened? Why didn’t you come home?”

“Mausi,” he whispered, his voice weak and hoarse. “You shouldn’t be here. You have to leave… before he finds you.”

“Who?” she asked, glancing around the room, fear tightening her chest. “Who did this to you?”

“You have to go,” he insisted, his eyes filled with a desperation that sent chills down her spine. “Before it’s too late.”

But it was already too late.

As Pete opened his mouth to speak, a deep, rumbling growl cut through the air, sending chills down her spine.

The growl seemed to come from everywhere at once, vibrating through the stone walls and shaking the very ground beneath her. Mausi whipped around, her heart racing as a shadow shifted in the corner of the room. A massive, hulking figure stepped into the faint light—a beast cloaked in darkness, towering and menacing.

“Who’s there?” Mausi demanded, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound brave.

The creature stepped closer, its eyes glowing from the shadows. “A thief,” he growled, his voice low and filled with menace. “Like your father.”

“A thief?” she echoed, her gaze flicking between the Beast and her father. “What did he steal? My father’s no thief.”

“He took what wasn’t his,” the Beast snarled, anger rippling through his words. “And for that, he must pay.”

Mausi’s breath quickened, but she refused to back down. “What could he possibly have taken to deserve this?”

The Beast’s eyes narrowed. “A rose.”

“A rose?” Mausi’s voice was incredulous. “You’ve imprisoned him—for a rose?”

The Beast’s growl deepened. “He took what did not belong to him.”

“And that’s worth locking him in a tower like this?” Mausi pressed, her voice rising in defiance. “Surely, a flower isn’t worth such cruelty.”

For a moment, there was a thick silence between them, the weight of the Beast’s presence suffocating. And then, his voice lowered, filled with something far darker. “I was sentenced to something far worse… for a rose.”

Mausi’s brow furrowed in confusion, her heart pounding. There was something in the Beast’s tone, something laced with bitterness and regret. But she pushed that thought aside, focusing on the immediate danger. “What do you mean?”

The Beast stepped forward, looming even closer now, but still hidden in the shadows. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Show yourself,” Mausi demanded, her voice trembling but firm. “If you’re going to keep my father here—if you’re going to accuse him of such a crime—then at least have the courage to show yourself.”

There was a tense pause, as if the Beast were weighing her words. And then, slowly, deliberately, he stepped into the light.

Mausi’s breath caught in her throat as the Beast’s monstrous form was revealed. His features were twisted and animalistic, his face covered in thick fur, but his eyes—his eyes were human, filled with a sorrow and torment that pierced through the anger.

For a moment, they stood frozen, locked in each other’s gaze. Neither spoke, but in that silence, an unspoken understanding passed between them—a connection that ran deeper than words.

Total Word Count: 4,724

A/N: Finally, I've been trying to publish this chapter so many times. So they finally meet. Sorry if it feels a little rushed, it's just I couldn't wait for Mausi and Jake to meet. Also, sorry for any typos or misspelling. I unfortunately got sick on Wednesday morning, so I have kinda been stuck in bed with free time. Also, this story is still a readerxJake story it's just it felt weird writing Y/N so that's why I nicknamed her Mausi but if you guys prefer it I can change it to Y/N. And yeah I think that's all, the next chapter might take me a little longer since I have a physics exam on Monday, and I'm studying engineering, so I kinda have to do well and understand. I hope you enjoy it, remember to like, comment or reblog and tell me your thoughts. Love you guys <3

[writers-potion]

Haunted House Inspo & Vocab

The haunted house kept its ghosts for the same reason people keep a strong dog, to guard and to love, to ease the lonely hours.

In that historic home there was a haunting of the old fashioned kind. The remedy is light rather than any incantation. Yet not all at once, not the flourishing of window coverings, yet as their slow removal until the ghosts feel safe to let themselves evaporate, to leave the house in good and loving hands.

In that haunted house Jessy held out her hands, soaking up the ghosts that screamed, drawing them into her blood. She felt them circulate right through her heart and become ever quieter whispers.

The spirits come to process the pain of the haunted house, to show it can invite its own ghosts to leave, to teach it how to feel safe once more in the world that is every day reality for everyone else.

The ghost you see is attempting to bring light into the haunted house with her gentle glow. For this reason she has long shunned her own passage to the light, to pass on, to help the house recover and find its good future. So show them that you are that person, that you are the good keeper of the keys, and the house will be forever free of these guardian spirits.

Sight

Dust, cobwebs, sheets on furniture, broken tables, chairs, windows, lamps, peeling wallpaper

gaps in the floorboards, holes in the walls

flickering lights (if there’s electricity) chandelier with broken strings of crystals

broken glass on the floor, spiders, cockroaches, rust, mildew, ripped curtains, shadows, gloomy staircases, old portraits & paintings, cracked

Sounds

footsteps on the stair, creaking doors, window shutters rattling on the outside

wind scattering/rustling paper through a broken window gap

words whispered in ear, screams, crying, wailing laughter, glass smashing

the scrap of a chair moving, the scritch of tree branches scraping at the windows, rats squeaking, movement in the walls

Smells

Phantom perfume or cologne, burning smells

pipe or cigarette smoke, mildew, rot, dank, rusty or metallic smells

wet wood and stone, rancid breath

yeasty beer smell, food, dust, dry rot, rat/mice feces, urine

Tastes

Sour & dry mouth from fear

dust floating in the air and coating the tongue

salty tears

Touch

A phantom hand on the shoulder

the puff of breath on the earlobe or the back of the neck

the sensation of being grabbed on the arm, pushed, pulled, pinched, poked, slapped, burned, a feeling of light-headedness and nausea

hair rising on arms or the back of the neck

the body’s reaction to a drop in temperature (chills, shivering, breath puffing out)

Adjectives

chilling

ghastly

grim

hair-raising

moonlit

nightmarish

petrifying

repulsive

gut-clencher

bone-chilling

ghoulish

unearthly

uncanny

other-wordly

enchanted

sinister

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee! ☕

[vilsoo]

୨⎯ 𝐆𝐎𝐃’𝐒 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐄 † PROLOGUE. ⎯୧

incubus!fushiguro toji x fem!reader

꒰ ✟ ꒱ GENRE: horror, demon au, nsfw 18+, porn with plot.

꒰ ✟ ꒱ SUMMARY: Sex demons are not as provocative as you think they are. Not only do they engage in sexual acts with humans, they thrive off their flesh and haunt them in their nightmares. When an incubus disguised as a Reverend turns a hungry eye on one of the parishioners, gruesome events at the cathedral slowly unfold; blasphemy, gore, and terror...

꒰ ✟ ꒱ CHAPTER WARNINGS: violence, blood, death, WC: 1,401

GSW MASTERLIST • NEXT CHAPTER

NOTES. this series is currently being revamped and i hope you all enjoy <33 if you want to be tagged for new updates on here, the taglist is now available in the gsw masterlist !!

ㅤ 200 ʏᴇᴀʀs ᴀɢᴏ ‏‏‎ ‎ ㅤ ʟᴀᴛᴇ 19ᴛʜ ᴄᴇɴᴛᴜʀʏ. . .

"May I have this dance?" The man's silvery voice echoed.

The layers of the woman's extravagant ballgown billowed and rippled ever so graceful, ever so modest, the revering gleam in her eyes crawling under his skin with beautiful intensity. It was no mistake that she saw him before he saw her that night with such feigned enticement for him, her stunning silhouette of the night enchanting his mind with the need to uncover her mystery.

He found her alone on the balcony overlooking the ballroom, the daffodil-colored flames of the crystal chandeliers adorning to her ballgown. Alone in the grand golden halls with colossal stone pillars and a polished luxurious floor, watching the people of the grandeur waltz in perfect harmony.

The man in his dark, embroidered suit held his arm out in wait of her response. She tilts her head at him coquettishly and scrutinizes his features. Every movement of her body was so elegant to him, so serene. "You may," she tells him, the softest mutter of a fragile prayer. Her hand hooks onto his arm, sauntering down the grand stairs with no sign of reluctance.

The man then held her hand as she walked through the night like passion's grace, locking her pure and slothful eyes onto his as they faced each other on the polished dance floor. The orchestra's vibrations and whimsical notes hung in the air, attaching strings of gold onto the joints of the dancers and controlling them marionettes. The two bow to each other before he offers his hand for her again, the silk of her gloves intertwining with his.

They swirled on the dance floor like ocean currents and waltzed in a beautiful rhythm. "You look ravishing, my dearest," he spoke sweetly to the woman. He would pull her closer by the waist, her gracious ballgown beneath, and a wide smile stretched across her face.

Her laugh was as sweet as a deadly sin.

The woman's eyes never left on him, her fingers sliding up his arms with the coldest calculation and a wanton purpose. It felt like wrapping him into a spell, crawling into his skin slowly, and slipping him into a trance with her. Her wild ecstasy was filling her, an insatiable hunger and frenzy slowly growing to its peak. Together, they were raptured into their own little fairy tale.

A dark and twisted little fairy tale.

The two conversed after their waltz, roaming freely in the luxe halls and speaking passionately until the echoes of the party turned faint. Oh, how he didn't know about the bloodlust and rapacious desire boiling erratically in the woman. He doesn't know who she really is, what was really behind that tempting smile full of lies. Taking his hand, she took him far away from the vicinity and outside under the pale moonlight, the sound of gravel crunching in their path.

Dragged into the forest, surrounded by the wicked silhouettes of naked tree branches shaped like lightning bolts, and the moon barely illuminating their faces. The two were nearby a lake. He can hear the ravens and crows cawing among the trees as they fled across the sky, camouflaging with the darkness.

"Where have you taken me?" he asks, completely oblivious of her doings.

She inches closer and holds onto his face in feigned comfort, feeling the beating of his heart that was soon to disappear.

"Somewhere more private."

This was the night. The night the devil herself had come up to earth. An incarnate of darkness, corrupting the fate of men and their pure souls. A young lady so graceful now murderous and fuming with her beautiful prey.

She distracts him with a slow kiss. Nothing could hold her, nothing could stop her, for her insatiable lust for flesh and blood and human terror kept raging. Ravens, crows, and vultures crowded around, perched on tree branches as they watched. Their kiss drowns deeper, the slickness of her tongue moving against his. A wonderful and soft kiss he settled in, blossoming this ravenous desire.

But when the man's eyes slowly peaked open, and the moon was not illuminating of brilliant silver beams, he realized that he would never see the color red the same again.

"Do you see that?" he whispers in alarm, arching his neck at the sky.

"See what?" The woman whirls around to raise her head at the sky, the dark clouds and the moon appearing to be red.

He scanned the setting. Black birds and bats started flying over them, cawing loudly and scattering uncontrollably.

"What are they doing?"

The woman kept her head up high, still holding onto his neck and feeling the anticipation cascade over her brilliantly. A sinister smirk slowly crept at the edge of her lips, hands moving to his chest.

"They're waiting, my dearest."

The woman suddenly shoves him onto the grass, immediately straddling him and ruling over him with tremulous, raw kisses of hunger. Though the man was lost, he was still under her spell. Blood and fire-stained eyes turning a yellow sapphire, the tongue of a serpent and a champion born of bloodlust. Her hand was palming the hard bulge in his slacks, emitting soft sighs from the man.

"Are you scared?" she whispers tenderly, her fingers intertwined with the locks of his hair.

The man shook his head meekly at her. He can feel her shapely curves and take in that addictive aroma, beautiful as the red moon. Lust and longing fill the air as she drew away from his lips and licked her owns.

"That’s too bad. I need you frightened."

Suddenly, her mouth stretches open— so wide, so horrifying, that the man could not believe his own eyes. A succubus personified, one of the deadliest creatures of the night that prey and reap on the lives of innocents. Made to taste like honey and cream, born to obsess your thoughts. He screams, he shrieks, scurrying to stand on his feet, but stumbled when he clawed at his neck.

She laughs hysterically at the man's struggling protests. Puddles of crimson and patterns of clotted blood coat on the grass and soaked his ivory suit. He struggled to fight every rough, jagged bite and puncture of her claws she projected on him, but his strength staggered. The birds were cawing loudly. It didn't take long until his body grew numb, a sign that his life was fading away greatly. Her chin, teeth, and lips were dyed in his splattered blood, a bittersweet flavor on her tongue that drove her libido extremely crazy.

From there she continued to eat his flesh, leaving room for the vultures and other carnivores. She ripped him from limb to limb, muscle to muscle, organ to organ, most signs of beautiful flesh, until his bones were licked clean.

She stared into the sky, the moonshine fading back to silver. Her beautiful ballgown was decorated with his blood, splattered on her cleavage and neck. Evil, fear, and terror— the woman's divine embodiment and embrace. She had a crimson smile extended, fulfilled and satisfied of her wildest, yet primal need.

The deadliest, macabre, and horrifying succubus ever alive; the Sinistress. Incapable of love, incapable of possessing a heart. The root of all evil herself. On the 666th day when civilization on Earth started developing, she was born in Hell from people's fear of sin. With such tremendous and terrorizing powers as a sex demon that feeds off sin and flesh and sexual energy, she continued to scorch the Earth forever, keeping herself young and beautiful, yet sultry and deadly.

For centuries, the Sinistress would linger in the dreams of sinful people throughout her years, mutating them into night terrors and allowing a gateway for other incubi and succubi from Hell to feed off their sexual energy. And once these victims figured that the Sinistress can disguise herself as a mortal, her presence was haunted down for centuries, where the innocent women in town who were accused as witches were targeted and burned at the stake.

Never has she been caught, until, a sneaky priest ordained as an exorcist that has been targeting that succubus for years trapped her soul in a place where she cannot harm others for eternity; the Malevolent Shrine. The nightmares faded, and the innocent were able to work peacefully with no gruesome disturbance in town.

But it wasn't until another human discovered how to unbind her.

VILSOO/POISEUNS © 2023. originally published April 10, 2021. please do not steal, plagiarize, translate, or repost any of my works outside tumblr.

[sweethoneyrose83]

Candycore dialogue prompts:

“This is it—the Candy Kingdom! Every street, every building is made of sweets. Careful not to step on the chocolate cobblestones!”

“Do you think the gumdrop clouds are edible? Or are they just for show?”

“You know the legend says that whoever finds the Candy Cane Crown will rule the land of sugar for a thousand years!”

“This frosting river is deeper than it looks! I almost lost my licorice boat.”

“We’re in the middle of a cupcake forest and you're telling me you're out of sprinkles? How could you let this happen?”

“Be careful, the Jellybean Hills are known for their sticky quicksand. If you’re not careful, you’ll be trapped in there for hours!”

“The cotton candy clouds taste like dreams, but eat too much and you might get lost in a sugar coma.”

“I heard the queen’s castle is made of gingerbread, but it’s enchanted. No one’s ever taken a bite without disappearing into the cookie labyrinth.”

“Every year, the sweetest star appears in the sky, and the candy blossoms bloom across the land. It’s the most magical time of year!”

“In Candycore, sugar crystals grow like diamonds. But beware, they’re guarded by the syrup dragons!”

“Look, I found a candy cane path! It’s supposed to lead straight to the marshmallow mountains.”

“The rainbow bridge is collapsing! We have to reach the ice cream palace before it melts completely!”

“The taffy trees stretch high, but if you climb too fast, you might get tangled in their sticky branches.”

“Legend has it that the Cotton Candy Queen can grant wishes—but only if you can answer her riddle, made entirely of sugar.”

“The last time someone tried to sneak a bite from the gumdrop chandelier, they ended up in the Sour Skittles Dungeons for a week!”

“I swear the lollipop forest wasn’t this big yesterday… it’s almost like it’s growing on its own!”

“Careful in the caramel swamp—one wrong step and you’ll be stuck in that goo for hours!”

“This candy village is strange. Everything looks so sweet and inviting, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is off… like the licorice vines are watching us.”

“There’s a candy cane train leaving at midnight! If we miss it, we’ll never make it to the marshmallow festival in time!”

“I found a jelly bean in my pocket, but it’s not just any jelly bean—it glows! What do you think it means?”

[lostfirefly]

Trembling, crawling across my skin, feeling your cold dead eyes, stealing the life of mine (Ch.1)

This fanfiction story is my present for my friend @yujo-nishimura, whose birthday is today! Sending hugs from Russia and wish you a lot of Crocolove!

Two things inspired me to write this fic: One of my fav songs from which the title is taken and Elena and Damon's dance (from The Vampire Diaries, S1). My 1st attempt to write the story about this character.

Description: Yujo is a young girl whom her father has betrothed to Mr. 3. She and her sister come to the ball, where she meets one of the members of the Cross Guild Corporation Sir Crocodile.

Warnings: No warnings

Words: 1307

Sir Crocodile x OC

The title is taken from "Dance with the Devil" by Breaking Benjamin.

English is not my native language, errors may occur. As always, feel free to share your thoughts :)

Taglist: @gingernut1314

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

"I can't believe we're going to the castle ball tonight!" A blonde girl with curly hair and brown eyes was bouncing happily on the bed.

"Helena, calm down," another girl with green eyes sitting by the dressing table answered her in a calm voice. She brushed her brown hair, occasionally glancing in the mirror. 

"I'm so impatient. We're going to see your fiancé, Mr. 3 again, Yujo! He's so cute!" Helena jumped off the bed, spinning around the bedroom. Her light white dress in small florals fluttered beautifully in the air. 

"I don't know. He doesn't seem like a bad person. Writes nice letters and courts quite non-trivially.", Yujo put her hairbrush down on the table, slowly stood up and walked over to the closet. "Stop spinning around, Helena. Our parents are expecting us for breakfast."

The day passed in preparation for the trip to the ball. After breakfast, Helena and Yujo strolled around the large summer garden and talked about many things. Helena could hardly contain her excitement for the evening, dreaming that she would be able to meet a wealthy young man at the ball.

"And I also heard that either all the members from Cross Guild Corporation are expected to attend, or at least just one. They're some kind of tycoons. I bet they're all handsome and young."

"I've never heard of them." replied Yujo calmly, gently running her hands along the branches of the trees. 

Finally the evening came and Yujo and Helena walked down the steps of their house down to the front entrance. It was a warm summer evening, and a large white carriage drawn by two red horses was waiting for them at the gate.

"Oh, my God! Ball, ball, ball, ball!" Helena ran up the stairs faster than anyone else. 

"You're incorrigible!" Yujo laughed as she watched her sister hop into the carriage. She lifted the hem of her mauve colored chiffon dress and sat down carefully next to her sister.

"What if Mr. 3 isn't coming alone? What if he brings someone cute?"

"Who? Mr. 2 or 4?" Yujo put her arm around her sister's shoulder. "Our parents are already there. For all I know, our father was going to discuss some kind of deal with Mr. Jinbe. And mom probably wants to gossip with everyone. 

It was already dark when they arrived at the gates of a large castle made of gray stone. 

"Here we are, here we are!" Helena jumped out of the carriage and adjusted the hem of her mint-colored dress. "Yujo, where are you?" 

"Coming!", Yujo stepped out of the carriage and looked at her sister. "Let's hurry up or you're going to die of impatience. Just please behave yourself."

They walked into a huge spacious hall. There were tables covered with white and gold tablecloths all around. A large crystal chandelier adorned the ceiling. The ladies were dressed in their best clothes, and the men were all in suits. 

There were whispers, negotiations, and girlish chuckles coming from various directions. 

"Good evening, Yujo, Helena!" a skinny man with a funny hairstyle in the shape of the number three, walked up to Yujo and kissed her hand. "It's nice to see you here. I brought you both some wine.”

“Thank you so much!” they both said in unison. 

"Say, Mr. 3, is it true that the owners of Cross Guild are expected to come?" Helena giggled and sipped her wine a little at a time.

"I don't know about the others, they seemed to have some pressing business, but one is definitely coming." said Mr. 3, looking around the room. "And why are you inquiring, Ms. Helena?"

"No reason..." Helena blushed. 

"I'll leave you ladies alone for a moment," Mr. 3 bowed and stepped aside.

"I heard there's a swordsman there and he's available, and he's pretty cute," Helena poked Yujo lightly in the shoulder. 

Suddenly all voices were briefly silenced and heavy footsteps were heard.

"Ladies, let me introduce the member of the cross guild, Sir Crocodile." Mr. 3 turned back to the girls. "This is Yujo, my fiancée. And this is her little sister Elena."

A tall man with purple hair and dark eyes stood before them. He had a coat thrown over his shoulders and a hook hand.instead of one arm. Yujo was surprised, but tried not to show it.  

“Nice to meet you,” Crocodile kissed the girls’ hands. “So young and so beautiful.”

Helena turned red as a lobster hearing these words. She lightly rubbed her sister’s hand. 

“You see? You see? The hook!” Helena whispered to her sister. Yujo lightly stepped on her sister's foot, silencing her.

“Excuse me, ladies. I have to speak with one man and I’ll come back to you,” Crocodile said calmly. 

“Woooow! He’s so.. So handsome.” Helena was so amazed by Crocodile that she seemed to forget how to breathe. “There seems to be another one there, but I don’t remember who. He must be somewhat unremarkable, since I don’t remember him. I wish I could see the swordsman. Who’s better, that guy with the hook or the swordsman? What do you think?” 

“I have no idea. Aren’t there other people there or what? In this Cross Guild,” Yujo quietly asked her sister, watching Crocodile out of the corner of her eye.

Helena shrugged. “Don’t know. I’ve heard about these three.”

Yujo's father, a plump man of short stature with gray hair approached her with Mr. 3. They had a long discussion about the upcoming wedding ceremony, the guest list and the menu. Yujo found herself looking for Crocodile with her eyes the whole time. 

Finally the start of the ball was announced and Mr. 3 took Yujo's hand and led her to the center of the room. The girls had to stand in one line, the man in another. Yujo found herself in front of Crocodile. The music started. Everyone stepped towards each other, touching one palm to the palm of their partner's hand. Holding their palms side by side, they moved smoothly in a circle. After making a couple of circles, everyone put their second palm to the partner’s palm.

"Sorry you have to settle for a hook," Crocodile said dryly.

“That’s ok,” Yujo said and smiled. 

After making a couple more circles, everyone came closer to each other. The men put one hand on the girls' waists. Crocodile hugged Yujo with a hook. 

Finally the dance ended and everyone bowed to each other. At the same moment, Helena ran up to Yujo.

“God, the chemistry between you just killed me!”

"What?" Yujo asked. She felt as if her mind was clouded during the dance.

"I'm so jealous of you. I want it too! You should ask your Mr. 3 to introduce me to a swordsman!" Helena was almost jumping next to her sister.

“Will you calm down? We are at the ball after all. What if someone is looking at you now, and you are behaving inappropriately,” Yujo laughed, noticing how her sister pouted. Yujo looked around the hall and saw how Crocodile approached her father. They shook hands and started talking about something.

“Yujo, this is Mr. Magellan. He will marry us,” she was pulled out of her thoughts by Mr. 3, who approached her with a tall man, his face resembling a mandrill, with very sharp teeth and thick beard. 

“I have to admit, your bride is amazing, Mister 3. Can’t wait to perform your ceremony,” Magellan said and kissed Yujo’s hand. 

While the all-important potential guests were discussing the upcoming wedding, Yujo was catching more and more that she was thinking about Sir Crocodile. What was it? A charm after the dance? Or is it something else?

[ridiasfangirlings]

NagaShiro x Fae AU where:

The crystal chandelier shimmered beautifully above you, its light seeming to bounce off of every single surface, making the entire room appear as though it were glittering.

It was a magical sight unlike anything you had ever seen before, and yet somehow, it was nothing compared to the other people around you. Just their presence alone, was enough to leave you dazed with awe, and wonder.

If only you could remember how you’d gotten here in the first place.

Reference:

https://www.tumblr.com/write-it-motherfuckers/669415306944479232/the-crystal-chandelier-shimmered-beautifully-above?source=share

Imagine Shiro as like this old timey scientist who is studying the existence of fairies and general supernatural phenomenon. Shiro believes that fairies exist and their power could be used to help the world and bring happiness and peace (…Shiro does not know a lot about fairies, even though he’s studying them), or at least maybe their more malevolent sides can be tamed somewhat. There’s this old forest that’s supposed to be a known haven for strange activity and Shiro goes there often to investigate with his sister Klaudia. They’re warned that many people have disappeared in that forest so they should be careful, Shiro says it will be fine because they’ve never had any trouble in this forest. On one visit however he ends up getting separated from his sister, he knows they were just together a moment ago but suddenly he can’t see her. He gets concerned, running around looking for her, and that’s when he trips over a branch and falls into a ravine.

When he opens his eyes again he’s in this fancy silver coat standing in the middle of a ballroom, with this huge chandelier made of glittering gems above him. The ceiling of the ballroom looks like an enormous jungle tree, all glittering green vines and vibrant bark, and the gems from the chandelier cast light all around the room. Shiro finds his attention dragged away from the chandelier to all the people around him, who are dancing as if Shiro isn’t even there. They all look almost human but not quite, like something diagonal to human in a way he can’t place but which is fascinating. Suddenly the crowd stops dancing as this fairy in purple steps out from a doorway, stating that ‘the King’ has arrived.

As everyone turns to watch the chandelier suddenly goes dark, with a spot of light only on Shiro. He can’t see any of the fairies anymore and then this green light starts to shine as someone walks out of the door. Fairy King Hisui is dressed all in greens and whites, with a parrot on his arm and feathers in his hair, and his eyes are shining green as he greets Shiro. There’s something mechanical abou his voice, something analytical that again feels just this side of human. Shiro wonders how he got here and Hisui says that Shiro is his guest, Hisui has been watching Shiro for so long and is intrigued by him. It happens that Shiro’s sister has been kidnapped by foreign fairies that are intruding upon Hisui’s forest and he would like to assist Shiro in saving her. Shiro knows full well that you shouldn’t trust fairies or make deals with them — but there’s something about Hisui that also makes Shiro intrigued, and he decides a little temporary alliance couldn’t hurt, right. 

[jointhecrowesnest]

Mischief Night 1

October thirtieth, affectionately referred to as Mischief Night in the small town of Caleb, New Jersey, creates a shift in the teenage population. What are, generally, polite and thoughtful young people morph into a group of vandalizing thugs, causing light mayhem in their wake. Oak trees, complete with toilet paper cascading down their branches and weaving through the newly reddened leaves, line the streets. Egg whites drip off freshly redecorated houses and cars, creating a plop, plop soundtrack that brings smiles to the faces of the young and disdain to the hearts of their parents. The eggs seem to bounce off the ground in perfect rhythm, building to a crescendo that inevitably explodes with the thud of a pumpkin smashing against the pavement.

In Caleb Central High School, Mischief Night also happened to be a colloquialism for the night of the big Halloween party at the Duckert mansion. Not really a mansion, the white tri-level with golden trim and an absurd number of bay windows was the epitome of gaudy. Crystal chandeliers hung in nearly every room of the ground floor, creating a constant glint in the eye of everyone inside. A glint that could only be dimmed by an abundance of alcohol. And on Mischief Night, the alcohol was surely in abundance.

This is what led to young Emily Gorsch looking for some mischief of her own. This is why she now finds herself in Brenda Duckert’s bed, underneath a strange man she met mere minutes before. Fueled by White Russians, she pulls her man-in-makeup closer to her, hoping to finally catch up to her classmates. She wasn’t the kind of girl who had people trying to get into her pants, nor was she the type that would’ve let someone in this easy. At least, not usually. But tonight was different. A booze-soaked brain mixed with the perfect guy and she was ready to be taken to bed. She wasn’t sure what it was about this guy. He wasn’t a smooth-talker; he wasn’t really a talker at all. She wasn’t even sure he said a word to her. Maybe it was his costume, a zombie-vampire amalgam, that caught her eye. A pale face, sharp and pointed, that ended with an oversized mouth and seemingly no bottom jaw. Blood dripped from his dangling tongue underneath a row of blackened, razor teeth. That is one hell of a makeup job, she thought, and that Victorian style suit doesn’t hurt either. 

The alcohol sloshes around in her brain, forcing her hormones to rage and overtake her with a sense of urgency that can no longer be ignored. This is the night, she thinks, it has to be tonight. It’s just too bad for her hormones that this zompyre, as she has taken to calling him in her head, keeps cutting her off at the pass. She tries to kiss him, he pulls away. She tries to slide his suit off, he pushes her arms to the bed. He seems complacent in running his nails across her chest. He digs in, cutting into her flesh with his claws, ripping her top off in the process. This causes her to cringe, but she tries to steady herself. He seems to be enjoying it, she reassures herself, but it’s to no avail. Even in her drunken state, she feels self-conscience. She’s never had a good body, in her opinion. She thinks she’s too lanky and her lack of curves give the impression of a pre-pubescent boy.

So much so that, in the locker room, Brenda Duckert and company had a fun little nickname for her, “Carpenter’s Dream.” Flat as a board and in desperate need of a screw. She had such a hard time shaking that image of herself, especially as she currently burned with desperation for a screw. But what sweet revenge it would be to lose that self-image in Brenda’s bed.

Still, her accomplice for the evening would not give in to her desires. After twenty minutes of nails running along her body, painting her pale flesh a violent shade of crimson, she was getting desperate. Frustrated, she unclasped her own bra, exposing her underdeveloped beasts. The looked especially pale when bathed in the bluish moonlight that poured through the window.  She screwed her eyes shut to mask the embarrassment she felt. She wondered how he felt about her chest. Were they too small? Was that the reason she was having such a difficult time getting him to go all the way? She was too afraid of what the answer might be to breach the topic. But no matter.  Her question was answered seconds later via his teeth being sank deep into her chest. She felt a trickle of blood drip down her left breast and cling for life to the peak of her nipple. She was surprised to find she actually enjoyed it. She awaited more, but found herself being disappointed once more. 

The zompyre must have been quite displeased with what he saw and felt because when she opened her eyes, she discovered that she was alone, laying on top of a pile of coats resting on the bed.  Well, almost alone. 

A pair of all-too familiar yellow eyes glowed through the window, fixated upon her nearly naked body. Damon? The weird transfer student that just started at her school in their senior year? He wouldn’t talk unless it was absolutely necessary and mostly just stared. At everybody, but perhaps a bit more at Emily than the rest. His eyes were the strangest shade Emily had ever seen. Yellow and glowing, quite cat-like.

She shrieked and pulled someone’s coat over her. It smelt strongly of menthol cigarettes and caused her to gag on the stench but she decided that dealing with it was a better option to showing off her goodies. She walked towards the window, and inch of leather dragging on the floor in front of her. She peered through the glass. The eyes were nowhere to be found. Of course. The bedroom was on the second floor. Nobody could have been at eye level. There wasn’t even a tree in the yard. Besides, she thought, who would want to see her anyway? It’s not like there was much to look at. Not compared to any of the girls dressed in sexy costumes downstairs. She could admit that she had a cute face, but who could tell when she was painted like Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The bedroom door swung open with a bang and Emily’s heart dropped into her stomach.  She tried her best to hide her naked body as the most beautiful of Brenda’s friends stumbled through the door wearing the most impractical of nurse uniforms, her curves nearly popping out of its barely-there fabric. “Hi Natalie,” Emily said, trying to sound halfway casual.

“Elimy?” Natalie was obviously very drunk, much more so than Emily. “You nekkid?” Her eyes grew wide and a smile crept across her face.

“Umm… kinda”

“Should I get nekkid, too?” She started pawing at the clasps on her costume, much too inebriated to make her hands work properly. 

“No, please no.” Emily grabbed her by the hands and looked her in the eyes. They were an intense aqua and burning with… something. She wasn’t sure. Tequila, probably. But something else. “You look far too good and I feel bad about myself already.”

Natalie’s smile faded into concern. 

“Why feel bad?”

“I got abandoned by the guy I was in here with,” Emily admitted. She wasn’t sure why, since she was part of Brenda’s crew, but something about Natalie was very soothing.

“Dafuck?” Natalie slapped her in the upper chest. It stung. That’s when Emily remembered the bite. She glanced down and noticed he scratched an ‘X’ over her heart before sinking his teeth into her. “You were hump’n’dumped?”

“I didn’t even have the satisfaction of being humped. Just dumped.” Emily didn’t know why she was telling Natalie everything. At least she was so drunk, she probably wouldn’t remember. “He probably realized what I actually looked like and got the ick.”

“You stop,” Natalie commanded as she but her hands on either side of Emily’s painted face. “You are beautiful.”

“I am?”

“So incredibly beautiful.” Natalie stared deep into Emily’s eyes and bit her lower lip and Emily knew instantly that she wasn’t lying. “I’m so sorry.”

Emily was about to ask why but never got the chance as Natalie turned on her heels and sprinted through the open door and down the hallway. She didn’t have to wonder why as the sounds of Natalie retching sounded through the entire second floor of the Duckert home.

Emily slipped back in to her costume and descended the stairs to make the rounds to say goodbye to anyone who would be interested. The results, as it turned out, were substandard. This was quite alright with her as it saved her from any embarrassment she may have received from anyone who saw her lead the zompyre up the stairs. Now that everyone was inebriated, nobody cared about her leaving, let alone the man that abandoned her in the bedroom.

[medpulse]

Winter: A Majestic Symphony of Love and Drama

Ah, my dear friend, let me weave a tale of winter that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. As it dances on the edge of passion and drama, winter holds a captivating allure for those who dare to embrace its icy embrace.

Imagine a world transformed into a winter wonderland, where nature itself becomes a stage for the most enchanting love story. As the snowflakes fall delicately from the heavens, they create a soft, ethereal blanket that inspires us with romance and mystery. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation, as if the very universe is waiting with bated breath for the grand performance to begin.

In this wintry symphony, nature lovers - like us - find solace and inspiration. The barren trees, stripped of their vibrant foliage, stand tall and proud, as if mourning the loss of summer's warmth. But amidst their naked branches, a glimmer of hope emerges. Delicate icicles dangle like crystal chandeliers, casting a dazzling display of light and shadow upon the snowy canvas.

As the sun sets, painting the sky with hues of fiery orange and deep purple, the landscape transforms into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The moon, a radiant muse, casts its gentle glow upon the world, illuminating the path for star-crossed lovers to find each other in the wintry embrace. It is a time when hearts beat faster, and the warmth of love becomes a shining beacon in the cold.

In this dramatic season, bugs and flies depart in peace, blessing us with time to solely relate on the captivating beauty that surrounds us. We can stroll hand in hand, leaving footprints in the untouched snow, as if marking our journey through this magical realm. We can share stolen kisses, our breath mingling in the frosty air, creating a sweet symphony of love that resonates with the very essence of winter.

So, my dear friend, let us surrender to the allure of winter's romance and drama. Let us immerse ourselves in its icy embrace, allowing our hearts to thaw and bloom amidst the frozen landscape. As it is in the depths of winter, that love finds its truest form, and the world becomes a stage for an epic love story that will be whispered throughout the ages.

Yet although winter shows much love and affection to us with its unique beauty, does it have another face stained with guilt and sadness, a face where the coin flips and sheds on us a cloud of weakness, illness, and misery. In this gripping edition of our magazine, we'll unravel the intricate web of illnesses that winter weaves, leaving no stone unturned.

As we delve into the depths of winter's icy grip, we'll uncover the chilling truth about some of the winter aggregated illnesses, such as Cold. This relentless foe who seems to strike with a vengeance during the colder months, leaving us sniffling and sneezing in its wake. And the drama doesn't end there, my friend. Winter casts its shadow not only on our physical health but also on our mental well-being. The haunting specter of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) looms, enveloping us in a cloak of sadness and melancholy. But fear not, for we shall arm ourselves with the knowledge to combat these unseen enemies and emerge victorious. We’ll explore the depths of such conditions and much more, shedding light on their symptoms and offering strategies to navigate the darkest hours of winter.

And what about the famous doctors who have emerged from the hallowed halls of Kasr Alainy Medical School? Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the stories of these medical legends who have left an indelible mark on the world. Their journeys are as captivating as any epic tale, inspiring us to reach for greatness in our own pursuits.

Now, my beloved reader, let us embark on this dramatic journey together. Grab a warm drink, settle into a cozy corner, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of winter's illnesses and the resilience of the human spirit.

Writer: Mohamed Ashraf

Editors: Sarah Sallam and Mariam Elkholy

Designer: Nada M. Mokhtar

❄️❄️❄️

[littlebosslady7]

read The Home We Built. Can you describe Grey Hunt manor more?

Sure. That story is here. I know this probably or rather most definitely isn't architecturally sensical or sound, but to be fair, it changes depending on what fits in the story.

The outside is painted in gray of course, archery range off to the side. The front door, just a single door, blue. We enter through the foyer. Sometimes the walls are plain white or a pale yellow in my mind. There's a chandelier with a wood frame and elven crystals that appear branch like.

The living room has various paintings of snowdrops and blue roses done by both Percy and Keyleth. There's racks on the wall for Vex, Wolfe, and Leona to hang their bows, arrows, quivers, and whatnots. It's never used by Vex or the kids. LOL. They have a family portrait comissioned by a young artist named Genevive above the fireplace.

The kitchen has arched, rounded windows that allow for a lot of natural light. They have a massive kitchen island, the best quality stove, and a new fangled tall ice box. The door to that looks more like wood paneling. They have a nook with a round table by the window. Arrowheads, nicks on the island, and a few old food stains when the kids didn't want to eat their vegetables give the kitchen some character.

The hallway has each of the kids rooms'. Vesper's room is a lot of pinks and lavenders. She has huge parchment posters of her favorite musical artists of a pink troll, a purple tiefling, and a blue orc in a newsboy cap. All either old timey typewriter or calligraphy font.

The twins, they share. They argue about wanting to their own rooms on occasion, but to honest neither can sleep without Wolfe's snoring or the quiet little hoots, mid-slumber wing flaps from Leona's snow owl. They do have a deep purple curtain divider for privacy. Their walls are a rich coffee mocha color. Their parents decided that so there would be no arguments. Wolfe's side has a couple fencing trophies. Books on werewolves. Crude, for a 13-14 yr old wolf drawings under his bed. He has a few crude pamphlets/comic strips he stole from Uncle Scanlan. Men, women, NB individuals posing a bit too sexy. He thinks he can hide it well, but Vex and Percy catch on it and find it when they're with their tutors. Leona has archery trophies and a couple medals on their nightstand. They have books on fey and a series about a fairy/changeling royal romace on their shelves. Their floor is covered in multi-colored bowties, arrow parts, and dusty glasses cleaner clothes. Wolfe's is even worse. The boy leaves leftover food breakfast in bowls by his alarm clock.

Danny has mint green walls, a warm mural of a cherry tree and a friendly raven in it designed by Auntie Kiki. He has a toy box filled with various animal plushes and wooden airships/carriages. He has what starts out as the size of a doggy bed for Charlie, but eventually the cub needs let's say a sturdy twin bed. Percy and Vex ocassionally take away his lock picking kit he got from Auntie Pike, but a 4 year old boy and his trusty bear have ways.

Gwen has white walls with the mural of the two moons Catha and Ruidus. She has lots of fun baby books, rattles that change color, teething rings shaped like various animals -- bears, bees, lizard bee ect. She has blocks in the Infernal alphabet and bracelets, hats, and old clothes from Aunt Zee and Uncle Kash's twin girls. Her crib has little bite marks, especially when her fangs popped out. Her mobile has the stars.

Percy and Vex's master bedroom has their massive king sized bed, but honestly it's a bit more lumpy on Percy's side cuz Vex likes to spoon with both her legs tangled around him and her ear pressed to his left pec. They have Percy's short swords above their bed, which Vex isn't always fond of. Though they have come in handy. But it's a better, tamer visual of what they used to have before kids. A painting done by Percy in silhouette of Vex naked. Percy just saves that for his sketchbook now. They have a bed for Trinket that the kids will sometimes use. Lots of long cushions and sleeping bags tucked away in the closet for the kids. Their walls are cream colored. They have a little purple love seat, blue throw pillows, and a little table/tea cart for any warm drink.

Master closet is self explanatory. His and hers side. Massive dresser in the center with a few locked drawers for sexier things/hidden weapons.

Balcony on Vex's side of the room cuz she likes nature.

Second level has Percy and Vex's home office/study/quiet space. The walls are lined with tall shelves of books about various creatures, magical fauna surrounding the Parchwood. There's a secret short door for Trinket. Percy has his telescope in there. Vex has a few maps from her scouting. They have 2 separate desk where they go over the kids' schoolwork and expenses for the castle.

Percy's workshop covered in gears, tools, ect. He has a bunch of the kid's drawings, a small vase of seasonal flowers from Keyleth, letters piled from Pike and Scanlan, a long assembly desk, a literal drawing board, and there's a dropdown couch/sofa bed tucked away in a tall metal cabinet.

Pantry is self explanatory. They do have canned doughs from Pike, healthy cereals, fresh herbs, and veg. They also occasionally store a few gifts they hate in there.

Laundry room self explanatory, though they do have huge basins with enchanted washboards.

Vex and Percy have a spare room on the lower level, where they spar. They fence for fun, or honestly they do calming breathing exercises. Can't let those battle senses dull in times in peace.

Their bathroom not as spacious as the castle, but decent copper tub, chamber pot with a beaded cord to flush their waste.

The backyard has a swingset, sandbox, and a moderately sized airship (play house). A few of the kitchen staff live in a small, but easily livable bungalow between the lake and farm.

Lastly, they have secret doors that connect to various rooms.

[dishtothedeath]

Maps | The Bed and Breakfast

Back to Maps

Lobby

The main and only entrance of the Bed and Breakfast. It’s a minimalist but extravagant lobby, with plush leather sofas, a fancy oak coffee table in the centre, and a crystal chandelier hanging above it. Plants and paintings decorate the room to provide some colour that pops against the white walls and marble floors. Cameras can be spotted in the corners of the room.

Practice Kitchen

An impressive kitchen space. There are two large fridges and two work spaces along the back wall, as well as four separate island workspaces. The practice kitchen seems to be deliberately small, so be sure to claim your spot before someone else does! There are cameras watching no matter where you look, from the ceiling, hanging over the counters, even inside the fridges.

Pantry and Freezer

It only makes sense that leading off from the practice kitchen is the pantry and freezer. Here you’ll find a variety of ingredients, herbs, seasonings, and spices stored there from all over the world. It should be enough to satisfy everyone’s cooking needs. Be careful not to lock yourself in the freezer though, it’s awfully cold in there! And yes, there’s more cameras inside!

Dining Room and Bar

The room is loosely divided in two—three large tables that seat eight people each are set to the left of the room, and on the right is an impressive bar with plenty of seating (and even a jukebox). The bar is stocked with many types of drinks and doubles up as a barista station for coffee and tea brewing. The jukebox plays just about anything on request, but by default it plays What’s New Pussycat on repeat, and on occasion, It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones. Cameras are easily spotted… as well hidden, in this room.

Playroom

A gamer’s heaven. In one corner are a couple rows of high-spec computers that host a handful of games. Unfortunately, they do not connect to the internet, but one can access basic offline computer programs. 

In the other corner sits a table purely for tabletop or card games! The shelf above it hosts a library of exactly that. Just remember to put all the parts back in the boxes when you’re done, and don’t chew on the pieces. 

PC Games: Minecraft, Among Us, Cooking Mama, Jackbox Games, Minesweeper

Tabletop/Card Games: Jenga, Uno, Cluedo, Monopoly

There is also a counter to the side of the room where you may find gamer snacks for all of your gamer needs: plenty of energy drinks, iced coffee/tea, bottled water, chips, and candy. Cameras dotted around the room will watch you game.

Home Cinema

Branching off of the playroom is the home cinema. A massive screen is mounted on the far wall, with several sofas and beanbags dotted around, decorated with warm, dimmable mood lights and a cosy carpet. Under the screen, a TV cabinet houses several gaming consoles, games, and DVDs. 

At the back of the room, is a counter full of snacks for movie watchers: soda, bottled water, popcorn, nachos, and candy. One of the cupboards hides extra blankets and pillows, just in case you fancy building a fort. There are even more cameras, watching you watch the big screen.

Movie List: Shrek 2, Ratatouille, Magic Mike, Dragon Ball Z, Glee (Seasons 1-6), Supernatural (Season 1 & 2), Mamma Mia, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Birds, Rosemary's Baby, It, Monsters Inc, Sweeny Todd, Beauty and the Beast, 6 Curses, Without Soul, Not Without You

Console Games: Bloodborne, Mario Party, Super Mario Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Just Dance 2

Courtyard

The courtyard separates the main mansion from the living quarters. In the courtyard, you can find an elaborate grilling spot with picnic benches, as well as a greenhouse to the left with various fruits, vegetables, and herbs already mature and ready to harvest. To the right, there’s a lavish hot tub, welcomingly bubbling. 

The rest of the courtyard is decorated with pebbles, tall palm trees, and shrubs. Beyond the first white privacy fence, you can see a barbed wire fence that sounds like electricity is running through it, and several cameras watch your every move when outside. 

Living Quarters

Towards the back of the property, looming over the rest of the mansion, is a three-story high building that houses the lodgings for each of the contestants. Each half of the room has its own bed, bedside table, a desk and chair, and a wardrobe. There is an en-suite bathroom that is shared by both roommates. The bedrooms and bathrooms are the only places within the entire Bed and Breakfast that are without cameras.

1st floor

Room 1:  Haruki Kitamura and Phan Quang Liêm

2nd floor

Room 2: Fergus O’Hannigan and Jun’ya Kamata Room 3: Giselle Beaumont and Riley Machete  Room 4: Bonbon Bourbon and Emil Lund Room 5: Alfie Webb and Manquian Hou

3rd floor

Room 6: Charybdis di Prima and Sunny Park Room 7: Castella and Masaji Manaka Room 8: Morgan Fitzroy and Sunako Nari Room 9: Yukari Kamikita and Yuzuki Ono

Library

In the lobby of the Living Quarters is a library. Most of the shelves are host to books centered around everything to do with food, drinks, cooking, gardening, or whatever your little chef heart desires. There’s spare notebooks and pencils stored in drawers under the desks should anyone wish to take notes, as well as comfy armchairs for a spot of quiet reading. 

You can also find the entire Twilight series on one of the shelves. And indeed, more cameras studying your every move.

The Boutique

The room across from Haruki and Liêm opens into what looks like a little bakery. In fact, it's almost juvenile-- like a children's show television set. There's a cute orange, blue, and white tiled floor, and big white fluffy clouds are painted across the walls. Colorful mobiles hang from the ceiling with sparkling cardstock cutouts of bears, skulls, and red eyes. The counterspace is dominated by a glass display, behind which are various colorful presents on little displays. And behind the counter crowding most of the room sits… the largest animatronic puppet you've ever seen.

(See #the-boutique in the server!)

The Confessional

In living quarters, opposite the elevator, sits a very small room that is heavily soundproofed. The door is able to be locked after you enter it, and can only be opened from the inside when it is locked. Upon entering, you are greeted by a large armchair with a comfy pillow and a video camera staring directly at it. There’s a screen above the camera that blinks, recording, waiting. What secrets will you spill inside the confessional?

[kidsbirthdaydecoration]

Engagement Decor Inspired by Travel Destinations

Creating a memorable and captivating atmosphere is essential when organizing an engagement party. Inspired by famous tourist locations is one of the most creative and fascinating methods to accomplish this. This not only gives your event a distinctive character, but it also takes your attendees on a visual tour, laying the groundwork for an amazing celebration. To make your wedding decorations as engaging as your love story, we'll look at ways to change your engagement décor by adding aspects from around the globe in this post.

To add even more magic and unforgettable elements to your wedding celebration, pick a theme from Take Rent Pe, an online source of rental decorating settings. Select from the over 100+ alternatives for décor sets and delegate all event planning to the professionals.

French Style Elegance

Paris, the City of Light, is synonymous with romance and sophistication. To bring a touch of Parisian elegance to your engagement decoration, think about incorporating classic French elements. Start with a color palette of soft pastels, gold, and ivory to evoke the charm of Parisian streets and landmarks.

Engagement stage decoration settings, use vintage lace tablecloths, fine china, and crystal glassware. Floral arrangements should include roses, peonies, and hydrangeas in blush pinks and whites. Add Eiffel Tower replicas as centerpieces and use chic, black-and-white striped ribbons for an extra touch of French flair.

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance. String fairy lights or use crystal chandeliers to cast a warm, romantic glow. For a truly Parisian feel, set up a small corner with a faux patisserie display featuring macarons, croissants, and other French pastries.

Tropical Paradise

If your concept of romance involves palm trees swinging in the wind and sun-kissed beaches, then decorating your event with a tropical paradise theme would be ideal. Start with selecting vivid hues that capture the cheery and bright atmosphere of tropical locations, such as sunshine yellow, coral, and turquoise. Add organic components to your decor, such driftwood, rattan, and bamboo. Use woven placemats, candles made of coconut shells, and tropical flowers like bird of paradise, hibiscus, and orchids for your table arrangements. Seashells, pineapples, and coconuts make interesting and unique centerpieces.

Soft, flowing materials like linen and chiffon can help create a carefree, beachy vibe. To add to the tropical atmosphere, hang lanterns or string lights with accents of starfish or seashells. To truly take your visitors to a seaside haven, think about adding a tiki bar with exotic cocktails and mocktails as a final touch.

Tuscan Charm

The rustic beauty of Tuscany offers a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity for engagement decoration. Focus on a warm and earthy color palette, including shades of olive green, terracotta, and sunflower yellow. These colors reflect the stunning landscapes and charming villages of the Tuscan countryside.

For an authentic touch, choose wrought iron furniture or wooden tables and chairs for your dining arrangements. Tables should be dressed with glassware and ceramic dishes, covered with burlap runners. Add components to your floral arrangements such as lavender, sunflowers, and olive branches. Big urns with lemons and plants inside can make eye-catching centerpieces.

The enchantment of Tuscany must be captured by ambient lighting. To create a warm and pleasant ambiance, use hanging lanterns or strings of fairy lights. Arrange a wine tasting station with a variety of excellent Italian wines and rustic bread that can be dipped in olive oil to finish the scene.

Moroccan Splendor

For a bold and vibrant wedding decoration, look to the rich colors and intricate patterns of Moroccan decor. Choose a palette of jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, and gold. These colors will create a luxurious and exotic ambiance reminiscent of Moroccan palaces. Add luxurious materials and textures, such velvet, silk, and cushions with embroidery. Setting up low seating with poufs and floor cushions can make the space feel cozy and personal. For a hint of Moroccan beauty, incorporate mosaic candlesticks, brass trays, and elaborate lamps into your design.

Arrange your table with a variety of vibrant dishes and glasses. Exotic flowers like orchids, calla lilies, and bougainvillea can be used in floral arrangements. Add a Moroccan tea station with mint tea served in traditional teapots to heighten the sensory experience.

Japanese Zen

The peaceful beauty of Japanese gardens can serve as inspiration for a minimalist and quiet décor. A Zen garden's serenity and peace can be evoked with a color scheme consisting of gentle neutrals like beige, white, and subtle greens.

Simplicity is key in Japanese-inspired decor. Use clean lines and natural materials like wood, stone, and paper. For table settings, opt for simple, elegant dishware and minimalistic floral arrangements featuring cherry blossoms, bamboo, or bonsai trees.

Lighting should be soft and subtle. Paper lanterns or tea lights in glass holders can create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. To complete the Zen experience, consider setting up a small koi pond or a rock garden as a focal point for your reception decoration.

Conclusion

Incorporating elements from your favorite travel destinations into your engagement decoration not only makes your celebration unique but also creates a visual journey for your guests. Whether you choose the elegance of Paris, the vibrancy of a tropical paradise, the rustic charm of Tuscany, the bold splendor of Morocco, or the serene beauty of Japan, each theme offers endless possibilities for creating a magical and memorable event. By thoughtfully integrating these elements into your wedding decoration, you can ensure that every aspect of your special day is a true reflection of your love and your dreams.

[qnewsau]

Creative Arts Safe Space at Gold Coast Pride unveiled

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/creative-arts-safe-space-at-gold-coast-pride-unveiled/

Creative Arts Safe Space at Gold Coast Pride unveiled

Gold Coast Rainbow Communities has announced the Creative Arts Safe Space – a new offering for Gold Coast Pride Festival 2024. 

The Creative Safe Arts Space will showcase talented LGBTQIA+, queer and neurodiverse artists and performers from the Gold Coast as they host workshops and creative activities for the community.

Collective and large-scale art making, poetry and comedy workshops will be offered in a sensory safe space. 

“We can’t wait for Pride Festival-goers to experience this wonderful sensory space, all-ages and designed to be accessible and safe for the whole community, with special consideration for our neurodivergent folks,” Gold Coast Rainbow Communities and Gold Coast Pride Festival co-director Danni Zuvela said.

“The Creative Arts Safe Space far away from the hustle and bustle of the Pride Festival main stage to be low-key, low-stress and lightly sociable but is still deeply part of the community!”

 “This is a brand-new part of the Pride Festival program and we are offering it in response to feedback from across the rainbow community on the Gold Coast.  There is considerable crossover between neuro-divergence and being queer – so offering a safe space for low-key interaction is hugely important. And we believe that there’s nothing quite as powerful as making art together, as a community.”

Vince Siciliani, Co-Director of Gold Coast Rainbow Communities and Gold Coast Pride Festival said: “We are thrilled to offer the Creative Arts Safe Space at Festival 2024.

“We are hugely thankful to the Regional Arts Development Fund, MinterEllison and our generous partners for their commitment to funding the space and also ensuring our artists are paid for their time and creativity. We see this as a vital next step for the Gold Coast Pride Festival.” 

The Creative Arts Space activities and workshops are free and will run from 12 noon to 4pm. 

No need to sign up, or bring anything – just show up on the day. 

Here is what’s in store:

JD Zamora – Comedy Space

Queer comedy sensation JD Zamora will lead a low-key space for ideas about making comedy while being queer and autistic. You can bring any jokes you want to work on, or just come along and learn about the art and science of being funny when you’re queer and on the spectrum.

Lucian Marine -The Creating Space

Art therapist Lucian Marine will lead the Creating Space, a drop-in creative chill zone, where you can come and sit, draw, colour-in, collage, or add to our community artwork any way you choose. It’s free and all materials are provided. You can chat, or not, wear headphones, bring your own craft projects or sensory toys, and leave whenever you like. Everyone is welcome, including dogs. There’s magic in being creative together outside. 

Briony Barr – Collective Soft Sculpture Space

Continuing her collaborative drawing practice into the third dimension, artist Briony Barr will work with Pride-goers to create a gorgeous, branching, rainbow sculpture, inspired by trees, corals, crystals, fractals and chandeliers. This communal creative process will connect people in a soft and gentle way as we work together to join hundreds of colourful chenille stems and grow a vibrant new life-form! 

This is an inclusive activity for all ages and abilities and suitable for non-verbal friends too! Please note, if you are under 6, you will need to collaborate with an adult to connect the chenille branches.

Emma Simington – Queer Poetry Space

Talented local poet Emma Simington will lead a low-key discussion, “From the Tip of Your Tongue to the Page”, on queer poetry, including techniques and tactics for connecting with identity in an empathetic and poetic way. Designed by Emma, this space will help folk find language and creativity around otherwise hard-to-express feelings, knowings, concepts. Emma will also provide “recipes” to turn those knowings into poetry. You’re welcome to bring your own poetry or poetic ideas or to just sit back and enjoy the conversation!

Circus Workshop

Roll-up, roll-up! The circus is in town! This Circus Workshop at Gold Coast Pride is an immersive experience for any aspiring performers to hone their skills, discover their potential, and fall in love with the magical world of circus arts. Join Vince and Cathy as they showcase their prowess and take you on a wonderful journey through the joy and artistry of the circus. Blending acrobatics, clowning, and aerial arts, Cathy and Vince are experienced, caring performance coaches who will generate a truly inclusive, supportive and nurturing circus space for everyone. All ages and abilities are welcome at the circus workshop!

What: Gold Coast Pride Fair Day

When: Saturday 1 June 2024

Where: Macintosh Island Park, Main Beach, QLD

Cost: Free

Read more from the Gold Coast:

Carlotta judges drag pageant at Gold Coast Pride Festival in Surfers Paradise

This duck won Gold Coast Pride’s dog pageant in hilarious upset

See photos of Australia’s only beach Pride March on the Gold Coast

Brand new Gold Coast gay bar Hairy Mary’s officially opens its doors

For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.