Chapter One-hundred Sixty-Six: Jaxon-In-Distress

Chapter 166

Jaxon-in-Distress

Jaxon’s heart thundered, and his anxiety soared when he saw Minerva sauntering to him. He backed away and panted.

Jaxon: “G-GET AWAY FROM ME!”

He cried.

Minerva: “Don’t be like this, Jiro. You know you want this…”

She purred as she reached out to touch his feet. Jaxon yanked his feet away.

Jaxon: “Leave my feet alone!”

He whined and started to crawl away. Minerva smirked.

Minerva: “Come here, you!”

She grabbed his ankles, locked them in her arms, and fluttered her nails over his soft soles. Jaxon screamed in laughter.

Jaxon: “FUHUHUHUCK OHOHOHOHOHOHOFF!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!! ARGHH!!! NOHOHOHOHOHOHO!! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!”

He wailed in laughter and thrashed on the bed vigorously, moving his feet. She fluttered her nails over the balls of his feet and his toes. Jaxon’s shrilly laughter filled the room.

Jaxon: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE STAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAP! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOO!!”

He whined and laughed hard as tears welled in his almond brown eyes. He flopped around as he laughed hard. She traced her nails in between his toes and Jaxon screamed in laughter.

Jaxon: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA!! OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO NOHOHOHOHOHOOOO!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAA!!”

He laughed hard and heaved in between breaths of laughter.

Minerva stopped tickling him. Jaxon panted hard to catch his breath. Minerva hovered over him. She raked her fingers through his hair and cupped his face. Jaxon stared up at her with fear and discomfort in his eyes.

Minerva: “Jiro, you’re so handsome… When I first saw you, I knew you were meant to be mine.”

She purred. Jaxon panted and gasped when her hand trailed down his neck and to his chest. She leaned over and kissed and sucked on his neck. Jaxon leaned his head back and gnashed his teeth. Minerva kissed his neck and went down to his chest. She planted her lips all over his chest. Jaxon whimpered and shuddered.

Jaxon: “Stop…!”

He said breathlessly with fear in his eyes.

She grabbed the back of his head and locked her gaze on him.

Minerva: “The chef whipped up some dinner for my birthday, but I think I can satisfy my appetite here…”

She cupped his jaw. Jaxon panted wildly as his fear soared. Tears welled in his eyes, and she placed her mouth on his, wrestling her tongue with his. Jaxon shut his eyes tightly and screamed into her mouth, trying to shake his head away. Minerva chuckled and tickled his sides. Jaxon jerked and laughed. She broke the kiss and caressed his hair. Jaxon heaved and looked away, wincing as his bottom lip trembled.

Minerva pressed her breasts against his chest; her hand slid down between his legs, and Jaxon gasped.

Jaxon: “DON’T TOUCH ME!”

He cried. Minerva smirked at him.

Minerva: “Such a fine little specimen you are, Jiro…”

She whispered as her nails traced over his penis. Jaxon threw his head back and let out a hoarse shout.

Jaxon: “STOP!”

He sobbed.

Minerva kissed his tummy and kissed down his torso. She curled her fingers around his member. Jaxon sobbed loudly.

Jaxon: “STOP! GET AWAY FROM ME!”

He cried. He shut his eyes tightly. This perverse woman was fondling him, his ladylove was interested in another man, and he didn’t know where he was or who would help him. He felt hopeless.

Suddenly, a blast of energy shot through the wall, taking it out, and debris and glass shot out everywhere. Minerva clung to Jaxon. Jaxon tried to get away from her and bared his teeth. As the smoke cleared, Minerva sneered as she saw two silhouettes enter. Jaxon felt a wave of relief. He was hoping to see Celeste, Tristan, or Deimos, but instead he saw a black woman float into the room. She had cold magenta eyes. She had a full head of pink, voluminous hair styled in a rounded afro shape. She wore a white blazer, white skirt, white oval earrings, and white heels.

She carried a tall, slim white man in her arms. He had medium-length, wavy, white hair, a rectangular-shaped face, and round glasses that overhung his straight nose and rested over his piercing green eyes. He wore a long purple peacoat with a gold scarf tucked in, black pants, black opera pumps, and a purple top hat.

The woman floated down to the floor, placing the man beside her. Minerva scowled at them.

Minerva: “Who the Hell are you?! How dare you interrupt my birthday special with my little specimen?!”

She snapped. The man chuckled, removed his hat, and bowed.

Man: “And a fine specimen he is, Madame. I am Narcisse Beaumont, pleased to make your acquaintance.”

He replied in a nasally voice with a thick French accent.

Narcisse: “Unfortunately, we will have to take him off your hands.”

He chuckled, pulled on his gloves, and put his hat back on. Jaxon’s heart hammered in his chest.

Narcisse: “Amanda, my dear, would you fetch Jiro for me? That fat yutz, Dougal, could use a plaything, and I need bait to lure my nephew to my place.”

He nodded to Amanda. Jaxon froze, turgid with fear.

Minerva: “He’s MY pet!”

She hissed. Narcisse chuckled.

Narcisse: “Madame, are you aware of what Amanda is capable of? She could blast you to smithereens! I suggest you comply with us and hand over Jiro!”

He licked his lips as he gazed at Jaxon. Jaxon scrambled off the bed and started to run away. Amanda flew over and snatched him.

Jaxon: “NO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!”

He cried and thrashed in her arms.

Minerva marched over to them.

Minerva: “Jiro is MINE!”

She rasped. Amanda put her hand up. Minerva halted in her tracks and glared at her.

Amanda: “Stay where you are, Madame. This doesn’t concern you.”

She said coolly.

Jaxon: “LET ME GO! MY GREEN QUEEN WILL CHOP YOU UP!”

He blurted. Narcisse cupped Jaxon’s jaw and chuckled.

Narcisse: “My, my, my, you are as pretty as a picture, Jiro.”

He smirked. Jaxon’s heart hammered in his chest, and he knit his eyebrows.

Narcisse deeply kissed Jaxon. Jaxon’s eyes shut tightly, and he shook his head as he screamed into his mouth. Suddenly, his vision went blurry and his eyes fluttered. Jaxon uttered a whimper and passed out in Amanda’s arms.

Narcisse: “My, my, my, he’s as beautiful asleep… Sleeping Beauty.”

He crooned as he caressed Jaxon’s face. Minerva growled.

Minerva: “I have connections, and you will be sorry for crossing me.”

She hissed through clenched teeth and shot her forefinger at him. Narcisse shrugged and shook his head. He graced her with a brazen smirk.

Narcisse: “You talk big for someone in just a little negligee, Madame. I have Amanda, and you have a mere funny-looking man who resembles a chipmunk with a bad combover.”

He said wryly and turned to the balcony where Alfie was bound, gagged, and only wearing his underwear and socks. He screamed through his gag and thrashed against his bonds.

Amanda snaked her arm around Narcisse as he carried Jaxon.

Narcisse: “I bid you a lovely evening and a happy birthday, Madame. Au revoir.”

He laughed as Amanda elevated off the floor with Narcisse until she soared into the sky and flew off into the night. Minerva marched out and folded her arms, pouting. She sneered at Alfie.

Minerva: “And you can get yourself out of this.”

She snapped. Alfie sheepishly nodded.

~

Trevor teleported Celeste, Tristan, Deimos, and Jordi to Minerva’s villa. Tristan gaped at the villa and noticed that a massive part of the wall had been blown out.

Celeste: “JAXON!”

She cried as she ran up to the villa.

Jordi: “Celeste, wait!”

He called out to her and grabbed her shoulder. She stopped.

Celeste: “What, Jordi?! Jaxon’s in trouble!”

She snapped.

Jordi: “I don’t think he’s here.”

Tristan and Deimos approached them.

Tristan: “I have to agree with Jordi. Someone used their powers to take that wall out.”

He pointed to the wall missing on the second floor.

Jordi: “Also, this is my job… I am not going to give Jaxon to Minerva, but I need it to pay for my grandfather’s medical bills.”

He said with strain. Tristan cupped his mouth.

Celeste: “You won’t get fired ‘cause of me, Jordi!”

She stomped her feet.

Jordi: “No, but I can… lessen the blow.”

He raked his fingers through his hair.

Tristan: “Celeste, allow him to, and you can have your way if it doesn’t go smoothly.”

He offered and patted her head. Celeste pouted and folded her arms over her bosom. Jordi smiled and nodded. He then entered the villa.

Deimos: “Who do you think blasted that wall out?”

Tristan looked away.

Tristan: “I’m afraid to find out.”

He said as his voice trailed off.

Celeste: “Where the fuck is Trevor?”

She asked, and they looked to see that Trevor was gone.

Tristan: “Wonderful. He goes missing again.”

He said with irritation, rolling his eyes.

~

Jordi entered the villa and went through the bar. On the left, a sleek, modern bar featured a glowing countertop and gold accents. Behind the bar, shelves were stocked with liqueurs and spirits, and several pendant lights hung down. A row of stools lined the front of the bar.

There were seating arrangements of several large, rich, brown leather armchairs. To the right of the bar, a grand stone staircase led upwards through a series of large, rounded arches. The stone featured dark, polished marble accents and carved medallions.

The ceiling had an intricate, coffered design with decorative molding. The flooring was made of contrasting patterned tiles in tones of cream, tan, and dark brown, adding to the historic feel.

The lighting was warm and dim, with a golden glow emanating from the bar and various lamps, creating a sophisticated, intimate, and luxurious ambiance.

Jordi: “Minerva?”

He called out to her. He could hear Alfie’s muffled gags coming from upstairs. He rushed to the grand staircase and hastily ascended the double-L-shaped stairs.

When he reached the second floor, he rushed to the double doors, swung them open, and rushed into Minerva’s room, where the wall had been taken out. He jumped over the debris and went out to the balcony, where Alfie was bound and gagged with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Jordi: “Alfie!”

He rushed to him, knelt, and untied his bounds and removed his gag. Alfie wailed and threw his arms around Jordi, sobbing. Jordi forced a smile, cleared his throat, and slowly lowered his arms to hug him back.

Alfie: “Thank goodness you’re here, Jordi! Oh, thank you so, so much! You are so kind!”

He blubbered. Jordi patted his back and examined the damage.

Jordi: “What happened?”

He asked breathlessly. Alfie buried his head in his chest and shook his head.

Alfie: “A horrible woman and a man came! The woman shot out a blast and demolished the wall! She and the man took Jiro into custody! I can’t imagine the trauma Minerva is enduring!”

He sobbed. Jordi rolled his eyes. Right, I am so sure she’s traumatized, he thought dryly.

~

Minerva sat on the balcony, sipping on a glass of champagne. The balcony featured comfortable, modern outdoor lounge chairs with thick, dark brown, woven wicker bases. They are topped with contrasting, plush white cushions, giving them a clean and contemporary look. A large, low wicker coffee table sat between them.

The coffee table was set with a silver ice bucket chilling a bottle of champagne, with two empty champagne flutes.

The patio floor was a large expanse of light-colored stone or paving. Surrounding the balcony was a classical stone balustrade. Beyond the balustrade, a lush, green garden with mature trees lay in view.

The glass doors swung open, and Jordi stepped out. Minerva turned her eyes to meet him and smirked.

Minerva: “Jordi! What a lovely birthday surprise.”

She purred. Jordi froze when he saw her in that translucent negligee. He reddened and looked away.

Jordi: “Yes, here I am, ma’am.”

He murmured. Minerva rose and sauntered to him, placing her hands on the wall of his chest. Jordi inhaled sharply.

Jordi: “Who did this to the villa?”

He asked her.

Minerva: “An arrogant snob of a man and his lemming woman stole Jiro from me, is who did this, Jordi.”

She replied flippantly. Jordi nodded, taking that information in.

Minerva’s expression relaxed as she stroked his tie.

Minerva: “Join me, Jordi. It doesn’t have to end badly.”

She trailed her nails over his neck. He laughed and jerked his neck away.

Jordi: “Nohohohohoho!”

She yanked him down by his tie and kissed his neck. Jordi leaned his head back and shut his eyes tightly.

Jordi: “Ma’am, please.”

He pleaded. She unsnapped the buttons on his suit jacket and loosened his tie. She unbuttoned his pressed shirt and kissed all over his bare chest. Jordi sucked in air and braced himself, trying to think pleasant thoughts to mask his fear. He dug his fingertips into the cushion. I should have asked someone to come, he thought, and pursed his lips, trying not to cry. Don’t cry, please, he thought.

Minerva locked her lips on his. Jordi jerked and tried hard not to scream. She pressed her breasts against his bare chest, and he fought the tears burning behind his eyes and the urge to shock her with electricity. She untied his tie, unsnapped all the buttons to his pressed shirt, and pulled his shirt out of his pants, caressing all over his bare torso and chest.

He heard footsteps running, and Celeste delivered a hard kick to Minerva, the impact prying him off Jordi and sending her crashing into a wicker chair, which broke. Jordi let out a huge gasp of relief and clasped his hand over his chest.

Celeste: “GET YOUR GRUBBY MITTS OFF HIM!”

She barked and braced her feet apart for impact and put her fists up. Minerva winced in pain.

Minerva: “That brutish woman! How dare you interfere with my birthday treat?!”

She snapped.

Tristan and Deimos ran up behind her.

Tristan: “Your birthday treat consists of assaulting younger men, hm, Dr. Marzilli?”

He sneered at her. Minerva smirked at him.

Minerva: “Why, hello, Tristan. Nice to meet you in the flesh. You are certainly easy on the eyes.”

She purred. Tristan shuddered. Deimos stood before Tristan, his hands raised.

Deimos: “Back the fuck away from him!”

He snapped. Minerva rose and rolled her eyes.

Minerva: “As if I would expect more from someone related to Vasilos.”

She scoffed. Deimos flared hotly at her.

Deimos: “DO NOT COMPARE ME TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT!”

He rasped.

Tristan helped Jordi up.

Tristan: “Are you all right, Jordi?”

Jordi: “Yes, I am fine.”

He said in a breathy voice and reddened to Tristan’s touch. He buttoned his shirt, tucked it in his pants, and started tying his tie.

Celeste: “Where the fuck is Jaxon?!”

She barked.

Minerva: “Ugh, why would I tell a hoodlum like you?”

She hissed.

Tristan: “Because she can snap you in half, and she has nothing to lose.”

He said coolly. Minerva raised an eyebrow.

Minerva: “No, but Jordi does.”

Jordi buttoned his suit jacket and froze.

Tristan: “You are in no position to utter threats, Doctor. Do you think you can obtain Jaxon on your own?”

Hr smirked. Minerva quirked an eyebrow. Jordi cupped his mouth and swung his gaze to Tristan.

Jordi: “He’s right, Ma’am. I can get Jaxon.”

He nodded. Celeste turned to them with wide eyes.

Before she could speak, Trevor entered, carrying a pot of chicken fettuccine Alfredo, and was eating from it using a ladle. Minerva’s jaw dropped.

Minerva: “Who is that thing and why is it eating my dinner?!”

She hissed and pointed to Trevor. Trevor let out a loud belch.

Trevor: “I was hungry.”

Tristan heaved an exasperated sigh.

Tristan: “But I digress, Doctor, who decimated the wall in your villa and kidnapped Jaxon?”

He stood in a regal posture and asked coolly.

Minerva: “Aren’t you dominating?”

She smirked and sauntered to him. Deimos stood protectively before Tristan.

Deimos: “Stay AWAY from him!”

He growled.

Jordi cleared his throat.

Jordi: “She told me an arrogant snob of a man and a woman took him.”

He replied. Tristan tried to mask his fear.

Minerva: “He introduced himself as Narcisse Beaumont, and the woman was an etheressum who could use blasts of energy and flight.”

She added. Tristan’s heart thundered in his chest. Who is this woman? Likely one of his subordinates, he thought.

Celeste gaped at Tristan.

Celeste: “Let’s go!”

She flapped her arms.

Minerva: “You had better get Jiro for me, Jordi.”

She smirked. Goosebumps popped all over his skin.

Jordi: “...Sure.”

He nodded.

~

They stood outside the villa.

Celeste: “Okay, Trevor, Tristan’s kooky uncle lives in Clerteaux, so take us there.”

She nodded.

Trevor: “Sorry, Celeste! I can’t do that!”

He drawled and scratched his ass. Celeste shot him a glare.

Celeste: “And why not?!”

She huffed.

Trevor: “My teleporting powers are gone for a day or two. It always does this when I teleport to other countries.”

He replied.

Deimos threw his hands up.

Deimos: “Of fucking course, they are!”

He huffed.

Celeste: “Tristan, order him tons of Bluegrass Fried Chicken! I can’t speak French!”

She commanded.

Trevor: “You can order it, but eating won’t get my teleporting powers back faster. I tried.”

He nodded.

Tristan: “We’ll have to take a train. It won’t take any longer than two hours.”

He assured them.

Celeste: “Oh, I thought it would be days.”

Tristan: “Nouvelle Gaule isn’t nearly as big a country as the USA.”

He waved his hand.

~

Celeste, Jordi, Deimos, and Tristan were in a private car on a train on their way to Clerteaux. Tristan and Deimos sat together on the red leather booth across from Jordi and Celeste. Celeste gazed out the window, lost in thought. Jordi stared at her and then turned to Tristan.

Jordi: “Oh, Tristan? I attended Borko’s funeral for you.”

He nodded. Deimos quirked an eyebrow. Tristan locked his gaze on Jordi.

Tristan: “Did you find anything?”

He asked him. Jordi rubbed the back of his neck.

Jordi: “More like… what I didn’t find…”

He cupped his mouth. Tristan raised an eyebrow.

Jordi: “There was absolutely nothing about his life before Lily. I didn’t attend many funerals, but usually, there are photos of the deceased from their childhood, young adulthood, and beyond. There was none of that for Borko.”

He explained. Tristan cupped his mouth.

Tristan: “What about his family?”

Jordi drew another breath.

Jordi: “The celebrant stated his daughter wants nothing to do with him, so he spent holidays with Lily’s family.”

He replied. Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “I see.”

Jordi: “What did you find?”

Tristan cleared his throat.

Tristan: “I went to Sylvia’s and spoke with her newest recruit before Sylvia informed me of her horrid plan to force Ashley to date Blair. With her help, I discovered Borko’s car and remains were located not too far from the Springer mansion.”

He said grimly. Deimos paused.

Deimos: “Where Dougal lives with his elderly parents?”

He asked in disbelief and shock. Tristan nodded.

Jordi: “Yeah, you told me about Dougal.”

Tristan shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Celeste clenched her fist.

Celeste: “That fat fuck…”

She muttered.

Jordi: “Do you think Dougal killed Borko?”

He asked. Tristan bowed his head.

Tristan: “I think it’s possible. Who else would have done it?”

A wry smirk formed on Celeste’s lips. Her hands flew out and she started tickling Jordi’s sides. He yelped and burst out laughing.

Jordi: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

She shoved her fingertip between the holes of his buttons, tickled his bare tummy, and dug her finger into his belly button.

Jordi: “AIYEEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE! NOHOHOHOHOHOHO!! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!”

He squirmed and laughed as she tickled his tummy and sides. She reached down, unzipped his boots, and removed them. She then fluttered her nails over his sheer socked feet, and Jordi howled with laughter.

Jordi: “NOOOOOOHOHOHOHOHOHO!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAHAHAHAA!! PLEHEHEHEHEEAHSE!”

He thrashed around, laughing hard as tears streamed down his cheeks.

Tristan and Deimos surveyed them. Deimos rolled his eyes, and Tristan cupped his mouth to giggle. Deimos turned to him and smirked. He then tickled his tummy and sides.

Tristan: “EEEEEEEEEE! DEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEIMOHOHOHOHOHOS! HAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHA!!”

He laughed and squirmed. Deimos slid his hands behind Tristan’s knees and tickled them.

Tristan: “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO! AIYEEEEEEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!”

He screamed with laughter.

Deimos untied Tristan’s shoes and removed them, and started tickling his sheer socked feet. Tristan shrieked with laughter.

Tristan: “DEHEHEHEHEHEHEH EHEIMOHOHOHOHOHOS! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!”

He wailed with laughter and put his hands to his face, thrashing around. Jordi’s and Tristan’s loud laughter filled the private car.

Jordi’s pager buzzed. He put his hand on Celeste.

Jordi: “CEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHELEHEHEHEHEHESTE! MY PAHAHAHAHAHAHAGER!”

He laughed and playfully smacked her back. She stopped tickling and released him. Deimos followed suit. Tristan and Jordi both panted to catch their breath. Jordi cleared his throat and looked at his pager. He grimaced and rose to his feet, adjusting his clothes.

Celeste: “Your hag of a boss?”

She pouted. Jordi shook his head and withdrew his cellphone.

Jordi: “No.”

Tristan cleaned his glasses and put them on. He scrutinized Jordi as he watched him dial the number on his cellphone.

Jordi raked his fingers through his hair.

Jordi: “Hey, you called?”

He crossed his legs. He twisted his mouth. He reached into his suit jacket, withdrew a cigarette, and put it in his mouth. Celeste used her lighter to light it for him. He mouthed a “thank you” to her and considered listening.

Jordi: “So you want me to attend a family dinner.”

He inhaled a drag and forced a smile.

Jordi: “Sure, I’ll be there.”

Tristan cupped his mouth.

Jordi: “Yeah, I know.”

He rolled his eyes.

Jordi: “I can’t be there tonight. I’m on a business trip for my boss.”

He then rubbed his eyes.

Jordi: “No, I’m not sleeping with Celeste, Gina.”

He hissed. Deimos snorted. Tristan shot Deimos a look and glanced at Jordi. Celeste gaped at him.

Jordi: “Don’t cry, please.”

He rubbed his eyes.

Jordi: “I’ll be home as soon as possible.”

He said tersely and pressed the “end” button on his phone.

Tristan: “Everything okay?”

He smiled a bit. Jordi forced a smile.

Jordi: “Yeah!”

Tristan gazed at him. Jordi knew that look. His eyelids dipped, and he sighed.

Jordi: “No…”

He groaned and inhaled a long drag, exhaling a lot of smoke.

Jordi: “Gina wants me to attend a family dinner, and wants me to come over. She thinks I’m sleeping with Celeste, because I can only sleep with women, I never slept with other men or anything in between, apparently.”

He said bitterly.

Deimos: “This sounds like whatever the fuck Ivy and I had.”

He huffed. Jordi hung his head.

Tristan: “I can’t tell you what to do, Jordi, but are you happy with this girl?”

Jordi gazed out at the trees.

Jordi: “I don’t know what I feel or want anymore. I spent my whole life putting others before me, and maybe this is why I am drained.”

He sank into his seat. Tristan folded his arms.

Tristan: “Perhaps it’s time to take care of yourself the way you take care of others.”

He said gently. Jordi flicked his gaze at him and reddened.

Celeste poked his cheeks.

Celeste: “He’s hot. That could mean two things.”

She teased. Jordi’s face turned a shade redder.

~

Jaxon was thrown into a room where the door shut behind him. Jaxon groaned and rubbed his head. He fluttered his eyes and examined his surroundings.

He was in a bedroom characterized by rich, dark, and opulent materials that created a sense of historical grandeur and moody elegance. The dominant colors were deep, moody hues of burgundy, crimson, and mahogany. The walls were covered in a textured, almost damask-like wallpaper in a deep red.

A magnificent, ornate brass chandelier with multiple bulbs hung from the ceiling. There were sconces mounted on either side of the bed. A tall window on the right let in a soft, diffused light, filtered through stained glass and heavy, floor-length red velvet curtains.

The ceiling and the upper walls were covered in deeply carved, dark wood paneling, featuring intricate molding and reliefs.

The bed was a dark wood four-poster bed with an extremely tall, heavily carved headboard. The carvings are complex and Gothic-inspired.

The bed was dressed in luxurious, deep burgundy velvet bedding, accompanied by multiple pillows that reinforced the rich color scheme.

Small, dark nightstands sat on either side, each holding gold-colored dildos and Fleshlights.

A large Oriental-style area rug featuring patterns in reds, creams, and darker shades covered the floor, complementing the wall and bedding colors.

Jaxon’s heart hammered in his chest. The room suddenly shook. He gasped and scrambled to his feet. He heard the toilet flush. He swerved his head to the large door on the left, and Dougal came from the bathroom, fiddling with his pants.

Dougal: “Well, I broke the toilet taking a big ol’ shit, so someone’s gonna have to fix it.”

He drawled. Jaxon froze and gaped at him with fear in his eyes. Dougal’s coal-black eyes locked on Jaxon, and his flabby lips curled into a smirk, exposing his brown, spaced-out teeth.

Dougal: “Well, well, well, I thought my schmoodar went off!”

He drooled. Jaxon screamed and ran to the door. Dougal marched to him; each stomp shook the room, and he grabbed his hair.

Jaxon: “LET ME GO, YOU FAT FUCK!”

He screamed. Dougal delivered a hard slap to his face.

Dougal: “Hey, shut your mouth, wanker!”

He rasped.

Jaxon hit the floor, and Dougal was on top of him. He pinned Jaxon’s wrists to the floor and drooled as he gazed down at him. Jaxon panted heavily as his fear soared. Dougal lowered himself on him and licked his face. Jaxon shuddered and shut his eyes tightly, hoping Celeste or someone would rescue him. Dougal released his wrists and sat up to undo his belt.

Jaxon quickly unhooked his sword earring and jammed it into Dougal’s arm. Dougal caterwauled and wailed in pain. Jaxon pulled it out and ran to the door, opening it. Jaxon ran out, quickly clipped his earring back on, and ran down the hall.

As he reached the end, he realized he had hit a dead end. He turned to see Dougal coming out, kicking his pants off himself. He locked his gaze on Jaxon and gave him a lecherous grin. Jaxon’s back clung to the wall as he sobbed.

Suddenly, the wall rotated, taking Jaxon to the other side. Dougal chased after him and slammed into the wall, falling back on his backside. Dougal flailed his arms and legs, flapping like a beached whale.

Dougal: “WHAT THE FUCK?! WHERE IS MY BLOODY SCHMOODAR?!”

He whined.

~

Jaxon found himself in a dark corridor with a staircase before him. He swallowed hard and slowly grabbed the railing as he made his way up the narrow stairs. As he ascended the stairs, he could smell a pleasant aroma of cinnamon, baking spices, and freshly poured tea.

He saw a door when he reached the top of the stairs. He bit his bottom lip as his hand rose to grasp the knob. He slowly turned it and opened it.

He entered a Gothic Revival-style reading nook carved into a stone wall, evoking a sense of ancient academia and quiet retreat. The window was topped with a classic pointed Gothic arch, a defining feature of the style. The glass is divided by simple, dark muntins, allowing a soft, diffused natural light to stream in.

Beneath the grand window was a built-in window seat. It features a light-colored cushion topped with an array of plush throw pillows in black, charcoal, and a single dramatic red velvet. The base of the seat was dark-painted wood with storage drawers.

On the right, a built-in, floor-to-ceiling dark wooden bookshelf was packed tightly with books. The books appeared old and well-loved, varying in height and color. A small, dimly lit lantern sat atop the highest shelf, adding a moody, golden glow.

He ventured further and entered a rustic kitchen with a lush, garden-like setting.

The color palette, dominated by deep, mossy greens and dark, distressed wood, pervaded the space. The custom cabinetry, which extended to the ceiling, was painted a rich, dusty teal-green and featured visible glass panels revealing various bottles and jars. An ornate black oven with gold accents served as the centerpiece of the cooking area.

A large, arched window set into a rugged brick wall offered a view of dense greenery outside.

A spectacular glass roof overhead, supported by heavy timber beams, allowed light to stream in and highlight the plants.

The lush greenery with vines and ferns trailed naturally from the wooden ceiling beams and shelves, creating a space that felt like a centuries-old conservatory. Copper light fixtures hung over the workspace, and a small, sturdy wooden island with a single barstool served as a breakfast nook or prep area. The floor was a warm, polished wood, contrasted by a muted, patterned area rug.

Jaxon saw a well-dressed white man with a slender build enter the kitchen. He had full, slightly voluminous, and somewhat wavy white hair that framed his face. Rectangular-framed glasses hung over his straight nose, and he had a slight, pleasant smile. Jaxon noticed his eyes had a look of sadness to them, and his left eye was green, while his right eye was blue.

He wore a brown vest over a cream collared shirt. The sleeves of the shirt were rolled below his elbows. The vest was buttoned, and the shirt collar was visible with an ascot tied neatly at the neck. His taupe trousers fell straight to his deep brown loafers. Jaxon gazed at the man intently. He thought he looked familiar. The man smiled a bit.

Man: “Bonjour, qu’est-ce qui vous amène? Êtes-vous venu prendre du thé? J’ai préparé une théière fraîche de thé pomme-cannelle.”

He said gently and folded his hands. Jaxon embraced himself.

Jaxon: “I don’t speak French.”

He murmured. The man put his hand up to his mouth.

Man: “Oh, I’m sorry.”

He cleared his throat.

Man: “I asked what brings you here? Did you come for some tea? I made a fresh pot of apple-cinnamon tea.”

He replied. The man surveyed the name on Jaxon’s robe.

Man: “Your name is Jiro, yes?”

Jaxon paused and slightly nodded.

Jaxon: “It’s my legal name. I prefer to be called Jaxon.”

He said with strain. The man nodded.

Man: “All right, why is that? You don’t like the name you were given?”

He put his hand to his mouth.

Jaxon: “It’s a long story.”

He said with irritation.

Jaxon: “Where am I anyway? And who are you?”

The man locked his gaze on him.

Bastien: “Oh, we’re in my Uncle Narcisse’s home. I’m sorry for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Sébastien or simply ‘Bastien.’ My full name is Sébastien Trémaux.”

He smiled.