As she held her footing and searched for another piece to grab onto, a massive shadow suddenly passed over the light above and Danielle gazed up in time to see what looked like a giant bird with an impressive wingspan glide above her and disappear.

  Danielle froze in fear. With shaky hands, she reached up slowly, but lost her footing and slipped.

  As she fell, Danielle went to grab for the bark, but her hand missed, catching on a sharp edge instead, slicing her skin open.

  She fell back with a thud. The ground, covered in dirt and dead leaves, clung to her dress and stained her elbows as she propped herself up and kneeled, bowing her head and moaning softly at the pain that burned slightly at her backside and in her palm. She opened her hand and saw it was a long cut, dirt smearing in the blood. It stung something awful and Danielle cursed softly. She stood up and stumbled back into the orchard and sat back against a tree.

  Whatever she‘d just seen was no ordinary bird and Danielle had a feeling it might be the very thing she wanted to avoid. Another monstrous prince. Looking at her palm she could see she would need to clean it and wrap it before she attempted to climb again. And hope the thing she saw hadn’t seen her.

  Danielle stood up again and walked back toward the fountain at the center. Her hands and feet were blackened with dirt and she hated the sticky feel on her skin of drying blood. Before she broke out into the open center, she looked up uneasily. There was no sign of the monstrous bird and the crows were still perched around, watching her curiously. She quickly snuck back over to the fountain and dipped her hand in the cool water. She winced as it stung worse, but she rubbed away the dirt regardless.

  As she took her hand out of the water, Danielle inspected the cut more closely and could see it wasn’t too deep. She wouldn’t need stitches thankfully, but the cut still bled and she needed a way to keep it covered so that it wouldn’t become infected.

  Blood trickled out and trailed down her wrist. Danielle went to dip her hand in the water one last time when a shadow fell over her.

  Before she could snap around to see what it was, a hand flew out and encircled around her throat, bringing her back and slamming her into a solid mass behind her. Danielle gasped and tried to pull away, but the hand’s grip tightened, holding her firmly in place. The solid form behind her moved and she could feel a chest rise and fall at her back. Danielle tried to scream, but all that came was soft whimpers as she could feel the sharp point of nails along her throat.

  “Hush now.” Came a soft, low voice right beside her ear. Danielle felt breath tickle the nape of her neck. Another hand slowly came around and tugged her hips closer. At the corner of her eye, Danielle spotted two great wings, black as onyx, spread out beside her. She didn’t dare move.

  The chest behind her rose again and the thing behind her let out a low hiss. “I am going to release my hand from your throat. You will be a good girl and not scream, correct?”

  Danielle shook, her hand gripping at the wrist of the monster behind her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and nodded. The monster’s grip loosened, its hand falling down to her collarbone instead. Danielle caught sight of the monster’s long, taloned fingers and let out a little cry.

  “Now, now, none of that,” said the thing. Its taloned hand glided across her chest and Danielle could feel the sharp edges brush along her skin like knives. “We must be calm. There, you see, you’ve scared my birds away with your crying. And look, you’ve hurt your hand.”

  The monster took hold of Danielle’s shoulder and turned her gently to face it.

  Danielle’s eyes flashed from the monster’s chest up to its face where she had to turn up her head to better see it. It was a male, she could tell, even though a silver mask covered most of his face. She could see the strong jawline and lips. The build of him was definitely male. His eyes were a deep red like the crows. She could see black feathers mixed in with the black of his hair. He wore a long, silky robe similar to that of Prince Morgin’s, only his was black with silver threading. His body was tall and lanky just like his brother, only his skin was milky pale.

  He took her wrist and raised it up closer, turning her hand over to better see the cut along her palm. Blood was trickling down her arm and dripping onto the ground.

  “Poor thing,” the crow man whispered, his eyes narrowing as he examined her. His wings fell slightly at his sides. Danielle went to pull away, but he only gripped her tighter.

  “Please.” Danielle feared another scenario like the last, but she couldn’t run away this time. “Please, don’t…”

  The man looked back at her and tilted his head. “Don’t what?”

  Danielle couldn’t form the words. She tried to pull away again, but he only brought her closer.

  “You trespass into my domain without permission.” Danielle caught his mouth turn up in a smile. “And try to sneak up to my bed—yes up on the tree above. What is it you are seeking I wonder?”

  Danielle bit her lip and shook her head timidly. She went to lower her eyes from his, but he caught her chin and forced her to look up at him.

  “Hmm?” His face fell closer to hers. “Did you wish to see me, is that it?”

  Danielle licked her lips. She thought to say no, but something told her to lie. “Yes,” she said as she couldn’t properly nod.

  The crow seemed taken back. “Oh?” His eyes turned to delight.

  “Yes,” Danielle repeated. “I wanted to see... the crow prince.” She wasn’t sure if that was exactly his title, but she knew now without a doubt he must be Prince Morgin’s brother. Though he seemed calmer and less obsessive, his mannerisms reminded her all too like the one from before.

  The prince grinned. “You know of me do you?” The prince’s eyes widened. “Are you a gift for me?”

  Danielle willed herself not to falter lest she give herself away. “Yes... Your brother has sent me.”

  The prince frowned. “Morgin? He would give you up so easily? I find that hard to believe.” The crow prince looked over her body as if expecting to see her in a much more worn state.

  “He... he was feeling generous and wanted to leave some of me intact…” Danielle hoped it was a good enough lie. Based on her initial encounter with Prince Morgin she had a feeling he was the type to leave his victims in pieces and let the others fight over scraps.

  The crow prince observed her for longer than she liked but, after a moment, shrugged with indifference. “It is very strange of him. Especially with such a rare thing like yourself.” The prince brought his hand up to graze his talons against the side of her face. He then picked her up in one swift move. Danielle yelped softly as he crushed her to him. “But it’s no matter to me, you’re mine now.”

  The crow prince shot into the air with one giant flap of his wings and Danielle gasped as the ground became smaller in no time at all. Danielle couldn’t help struggling in his grip though he held her firm. Crows flashed passed them and Danielle covered her face and cried out.

  Before she could fathom being up so high, Danielle felt herself falling as the prince landed on to the top of the tree above. The prince set her down and Danielle looked around wildly.

  The nest was more of an open room than just a bed. From where she stood she could easily walk around. At each side the thick, gold branches and vines twisted and melded together, some reaching to the ceiling, others to the ground. At the center of the room lay a shallow pit. The floor of the pit was cushioned like a bed with various pillows of different size and shape set along the sides. As strange as it was, it looked inviting.

  “Please make yourself comfortable.” The prince gestured to the pit bed and Danielle heard him laugh softly as if amused by his own secret joke.

  Danielle did as told while searching the room for any sign of a key. She’d seen no chain on the prince like the last one and could only assume it was hidden somewhere within the nest. The only item she saw, however, was a golden chest sitting to one side.

  As she went to sit awkwardly in the bed, the prince unclothed. Danielle’s eyes widened and she looked away, heat rising in her face.

  If I fight him, there’s no telling what he might do. I need that key and I can’t leave till I do. I’ll have to let this play out.

  Danielle did her best to stay calm. She remembered her father telling her once while on a camping trip to play dead if she were to ever encounter a bear in hopes it wouldn’t kill or eat her. She felt her current situation seemed very similar. If she was obedient and careful, she wouldn’t incur the prince’s rage. She imagined what those taloned hands could do. They could rip flesh like a knife through ripe fruit.

  The prince took the end of his robe and with one quick jerk ripped away a length of cloth into one neat strip. He stepped down to her, caring the strip of cloth, and kneeled before her. “Your arm.” He reached out his hand and Danielle gave it to him.

  Dry blood had stained her skin, but the prince didn’t feel the need to clean it. Instead, he wrapped her wrist and hand carefully.

  “Now that that’s taken care of.” The prince reached for her again and Danielle couldn’t help flinching. He took her lantern hanging from her side and the tiny pouch at her wrist and set both on the edge of the bed. Danielle was surprised he didn’t question why and how she had acquired such things and what was inside the bag.

  The prince gently brushed her hair aside, his hand falling to her dress.

  Danielle tensed. She jumped at his touch and blurted the first thing to come from her head. “May I have something to drink?”

  The prince stilled, his wings shuddering behind him. He didn’t seem annoyed but rather amused. “Yes, of course.” He laughed softly. “Let us share some wine.” The prince stood up and went to one side of the nest where the golden chest lay. The doors of the chest opened from the front instead of the top. Danielle saw the prince take out a bottle and two goblets from inside. Before he closed the chest doors completely, Danielle glimpsed a shiny silver chain dangling inside with a key on the end.

  “I think you’ll enjoy this,” the prince said as he came back with the wine. “It is a special treat.” He uncorked the bottle and poured some of the deep red liquid into a goblet and handed it to Danielle.

  Danielle took it but did not immediately drink. She watched as the prince poured his own. He took a long drag, nearly finishing it off. Danielle looked down at her own and lifted the silver cup to her lips.

  Here goes nothing.

  She took one generous gulp and tasted the tangy burn on her tongue, sliding down her throat. It was good. A hint of spice and cinnamon with a sweet aftertaste. She took another sip and licked her lips. The prince smiled at her, his eyes glowing with hidden amusement.

  “Now then.” The prince took her goblet and his own and set it aside. He came closer to her and the tip of talon skimmed the sheer fabric of her dress. “Lie out for me.”

  Danielle didn’t move at first and the prince saw her hesitance.

  “You’re afraid.” The prince gently brushed a talon along the side of her neck and Danielle tensed. The prince’s eyes grew dark. “I won’t torture you. Is that what they told you? Those who brought you here? Poor little bird. Thankfully, I am not like my other brothers. It’s not my forte.” The prince’s hand fell from her neck and gripped her ankle instead. “I do, however, like to play... in my own way.” He pulled her leg towards him and Danielle slid on to her back.

  Danielle gasped but didn’t fight him. The prince hovered above her and placed a hand flat on her stomach, his talons spread out like knives. He drew his head down to her and whispered, “And I think you’ll enjoy this more than you could imagine.” He licked the side of her ear and Danielle shivered violently.

  She didn’t push him off, too uncertain of his strength as he towered over her like a wild bird of prey about to feed. A heat had risen in her belly and was spreading to her breasts and down to her center. She felt a tingling along her skin as goosebumps rose along her arms and legs.

  A lingering ache grew in her. As she looked over the prince’s nakedness she felt a sudden yearning to pull him to her and let him take her.

  “What’s happening?” Danielle whispered.

  The prince slid his hand slowly down and the ache grew worse between her legs. She could feel each point of his talons almost cutting through her dress and slicing her skin. The sharp point felt good, like scratching an itch that wouldn’t go away. Danielle lifted her hip a little to feel more of the sharpness.

  “The wine is a special kind.” The prince moved his hand down her leg, grazing his knife-like talons down her body. “Pain becomes pleasure. It is a mercy I think.” The prince brought his hand up and, this time, sliced straight through Danielle’s dress, marking her skin. Danielle gasped, her eyes widening in shock. The pain rippled into true pleasure and flowed through her body down into her core. Her nipples hardened and her center grew wet.

  “I like to watch as it consumes every part.” The prince took his taloned thumb to the side of her right breast and sliced slowly, watching Danielle shudder as a wave of little spasms trickled across her skin. Danielle bit her lip, but couldn’t contain the moan from rising in her throat.

  The prince lifted away his hand and Danielle nearly groaned in disappointment. “Some of my brothers will want to torture you like this. Letting you squirm and writhe until you can’t stand it. I admit it is entertaining. But I need only for you to submit and I am satisfied. So little bird…” The prince sliced down her leg and Danielle cried out, feeling the sharp cut become near orgasmic, red flashes coated her vision. “Will you submit?”

  If Danielle had been prepared for what was coming, maybe she could have found the strength to shake her head. But the ache was growing worse, throbbing at her center and in her breasts. The pearls that rested loosely along her skin didn’t help to combat the ache. Occasionally they rubbed against her nipples and clit making her only more aroused. The prince had made sure to keep the length of pearls covering her body intact. Slicing only where her bare skin lay under the dress.

  Though she didn’t shake her head she willed herself not to nod either.

  “Stubborn.” The prince laughed. “Unfortunately for you, I like that sort of thing. I suppose I will have to torture you a little after all. But first a taste.” The prince drew his head down to her left breast and suckled and bit at her nipple through the fabric then cut a large tear just across, exposing her nipple more. He hooked the string of pearls that were around her breast with one talon and pulled it out of the way, nearly breaking it. His mouth went down to her breast once again, his hot tongue and mouth licking and sucking.

  Danielle lifted her head and arched her back, her hands clenching at her sides. A moan escaped her again and her body trembled. The feel of his hot wet tongue rubbing against her hardened nipple nearly sent her over. The prince lifted his head and smiled, his red eyes dark and sinister. He lifted his wings up and spread them outward so that they fell across them both, nearly consuming Danielle in their darkness.

  “Submit little bird or you will regret it. Give yourself to me and I will reward you.”

  Danielle closed her eyes and lay still though her body throbbed and her breath quickened. She didn’t feel the prince stir or make a sound until another slice ripped through her dress on her thigh. Danielle cried out again and violent spasm shook her and she moaned, her head swaying side to side. The wet heat between her legs was dripping.

  The prince sliced, again and again, small, shallow cuts that only barely broke the skin. Danielle could hear the ripping and tearing of her dress as he sliced it from her body. She moaned and cried, nearly shrieking.

  “Oh god, please!” Danielle cried.

  “Poor thing what’s wrong? Too much for you?”

  Danielle nodded.

  “Will you submit then?”

  Danielle clenched her teeth. If she gave herself to him, she may never escape. But the pressure building in her was too much to bear. Though she was sober—the wine not having that kind of effect—Danielle wanted him to take her.

  With a little whimper, she nodded her head.

  The prince gripped her hips and flipped her on to her stomach. Danielle groaned as he spread her legs and pulled her to him. The heat and ache were making her head swim. She rubbed her body against the ground, trying to grind, but the prince stopped her. He held her tight and cut again across her thigh and Danielle lifted her head and moaned once more. She felt the prince lift what was left of her dress and rip away the set of pearls that covered her rear and wet center.

  Danielle felt the prince’s hard length push at her center and slide in perfectly from behind. The hot velvet of her core tightened around him and he stilled. A hiss escaped him and his talons gripped her sides. He moved and Danielle could feel his length glide out and in. He started slow then quickened his pace, his wings spread up. Danielle rose on her hands and met the prince’s thrusts equally, sweet release so close she could feel the tingling from her clit up to the tip of her tongue.

  The prince’s talons cut a short length down her lower back and Danielle arched and inhaled in surprise. He sank deep into her wet core, a hiss escaping him again. “So soft.” He gripped her tightly, his talons digging into her thighs.

  Danielle’s body moved in compliance with his deep thrusts and she was beyond fear or fighting, her gaze now dark and void of anything but her great need and desire for release.

  The prince surged in her and groaned, his talons slicing up her thigh and rear; the spasms sent a fire into her core.

  Danielle curled her fingers and gritted her teeth, her last resolve waning. “No. No, I mustn’t come.” She shook her head. “I mustn’t come to some monster.” The prince didn’t seem to hear or ignored her as he pumped continuously. “Ah, please don’t let me come.”

  The prince drove into her and Danielle tried to hold on to control.

  “No. No, don’t come.” But the deep rhythm of his thrusts sliding and filling her was becoming too much. The points of his talons sinking into her flesh only made it worse.

  “I’m going to come inside you, girl,” the prince said. “And when I do you will join me.”

 

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