I approached immense silver gates of our mansion, locked them behind me and marched right towards the front door. I looked up, still walking, and clenched the handle of my basket. There he was, standing in a hallway window on the second floor, observing me on the courtyard, like an eagle guarding his territory. Our eyes met for a second, but suddenly his pale face disappeared behind heavy, dark curtains. I walked into the kitchen and set my full willow basket on the counter, and the newspaper right beside it. I did not have to wait long for Duke to appear in the room with me, trying to sniff out and guess our breakfast. Big, pale hand rested gently above my hip.

- You've arrived right on time, I'm famished.

- Well, worry not, I'll get right to it. Emilia was kind enough to gift us a fresh loaf.

While I was busy unpacking groceries, Duke leaned down, eyes closed, and buried his nose in my chestnut hair. His hand stroking my side while he subtly appreciated my smell, feeding his obsession. It felt almost nice, this tender moment of ours. I just wish there was more of them. Soon, the lord opened his eyes, glancing on the piece of paper. Suddenly he straightened his posture, bringing closer the daily and frowning at its headline. Feeling the change of the atmosphere I curiously looked up at him. I turned my eyes towards the upsetting object and sighed softly.

- We need to stay cautious. If they get more clues, we're done for.

I said, clenching my fists on the marble counter.

- Not entirely, no.

He mumbled, and folded the newspaper with a familiar, mischievous glimmer in his eyes. Puzzled, I opened my mouth to say something, but the demon pressed his fingers against my lips to silence me. He smiled mysteriously and leaned down to plant a kiss on my freckled cheek, elevating my chin.

- Soon, my pet. But not yet, let's eat and I'll tell you everything.

I curiously watched my master turn on his heel and walk out with a newspaper under his armpit, purple robe twirling behind. Whatever he meant, I didn't have a good feeling about it, even though it was nice to see him in a good mood, and have a break from constant brawls.

And so, I prepared a full breakfast for both of us. I was surprised to see Duke setting the table before I did, but I did not dare to complain. When everything was done, I entered the dining room. It was grand. This beautifully carved table could fit at least 20 guests, and yet it was set for only two souls. Even people in the paintings seemed to feel the loneliness of the room. I wish it was like the old days, where all the staff ate with us, on the end of the table. Duke wasn't always a bad person, he was a good Lord, and a good doctor. He cared. But when he discovered the secrets of a human body, he fell into a net of venomous spiders, their work made his heart rotten. Hunger for power and knowledge consumed him completely, and he took me with him. We caused so much pain to the innocent. If I could take the pain away, I would. Every time I assist in his immoral projects, I blame myself for not stopping him. I threw away the love of my God, for the love of a cruel demon. I dread there is no hope left for me, I'm as bad as him, a sinner unworthy of peace and forgiveness. Duke might as well drag me to hell with him.

- Come here, sit with me.

Said demon, gesturing at the empty chair in front of him. I sat down politely, but I couldn't shake off the bad gut feeling i had. Duke seemed to notice it quite easily. He studied me in silence, before gently reaching out to me with an open hand. My shoulders loosened, and I took the invitation, placing my palm in his.

- What bothers you? You've been tense since you left the mansion.

His voice and expression were kind and relaxed, but I knew he cared only to hear about potential dangers. I took a deep breath, and watched him rub my pale skin with his thumb. Finally, I spoke.

- I'm worried about our projects... The newspaper. They noticed. And I must admit, you're keeping me on my toes with the news you wanted to share. Are we in danger?

Duke scoffed with a smirk, confidently resting his back on the luxurious cushioned chair, not letting go of my hand. Demon started, with a condescending tone.

- Allan. Our work is not in danger. Yes, the commoners are starting to notice, but I've found someone who'd be interested in hearing about our projects, and most likely help us cover them up. Do you know about Sir Burton?

My hands went cold with a sound of his name. The Cannibal Club founder, a demon, and monster to many. I wasn't surprised, that Duke wanted their help hiding from the law, but I still not agreed to cooperate. I shook my head and scowled, not hiding my displeasure.

- We mustn't. I don't feel good about this.

- What do you mean?

Demon said bitterly, squeezing my hand. I looked into his eyes, but seeing the rising anger in his eyes I looked away, but continued to defend my statement.

- I don't want to do this, Duke. It's as if this work is consuming the man I love. I don't want you to go further with this. They're gonna make you rott with them.

I put my second hand on his, looking at him desperately, but once again I was met with harsh, cold vaults of his soul. My other palm got crushed harder as his anger grew bigger. I huffed and and squinted my eyes in pain, but what hurt me the most was watching my beloved Duke disappear. He didn't't listen to me anymore, my word no loger had a meaning to him, even if coming from a place of cherish and devotion.

- I don't want to hear this nonsense. The Cannibal Club is important for us to have as an ally, especially in times like these. We need them, Allan. With their help, we can continue our work without worring about being caught. It will bring us power, money. The knowledge of human limits. Perish your moral spine, Allan, it's our time to shine! Your God won't love you after what we've done anyway, where will you go without me? Where would you be now without the experiments, and the knowledge we possess? Don't be foolish.

I listened, but went silent. His words becoming yet another dagger in my heart. In this very moment I felt numb, a growing void, and nothing else except the tear running down my cheek. The demon sighed, he took my palms in his, shoulders dropping, and spoke in a softer voice yet still in a strict manner.

- I can't do this alone, Allan. Not anymore. I need you to do this for me. Let's eat, before everything gets cold and then join me to the underground. We have to prepare, they're planning to meet us in few days.

-Yes Sir.

I answered quietly, and stood up to pour us some tea.

After our stomachs were full, we left to the underground of the west wing to think about the experiments and projects we want to present. I still did not like the idea of showing our live subjects off in front of people we barely knew, but if Duke is this confident about the meeting, I won't try to stop him. I must have my trust in him. I will merely help him prepare everything he needs to impress the club, and work as his loyal assistant.

I put on my white, blood stained uniform, and prepared myself to feed and check on our subjects. With the vaults being opened, I could already smell that dreadfull smell you never forget. Sweet, bitter, sour smell of the deceased. You'd assume my nose would be desensitized to it with all the years of studying, and yet everytime I smelled it, goosebumps covered my entire body.

I decided to feed our patients regardless, sliding food on trays through the opening on the bottom of their cell doors, and peeking throught the little metal sliding window to check up on them.

We kept them in isolation, all 6 of them, never allowed to see the sun shine, never allowed to step on the green grass, never able to take a breath of fresh air. I tried to train myself to see these people only as subjects, things, and yet I couldn't help but to cry for them. These poor souls, they deserved none of it. All they wanted was for us to help them, and they fell into madman's nets. Seeing them like this makes me want to never complain about my lack of freedom. This could've been me.

Awful, bitter-sweet smell grew stronger near the last cell. I confidently opened the door, prepared to see the dead, but not like this.

The view made me take a longer moment to compose myself. I looked away feeling nauseus, I crossed myself and closed the door, walking back to the main area.

- What is it?

Asked Duke, thoroughly cleaning his medical tools and examining my fatigued face. I covered the wheeled tray with white cloth, and opened our patients' medical records on a small, wooden desk in the corner of the room.

- Patient 047, He bashed his head on the wall.

-Dead?

-Yes, Sir.

-Damn it all. Which day?

- Day 15, Sir.

- He was doing so well.. Ah, Take the photograph, update the journal. I'll clean up.

Doctor put down the tools with clear annoyance painted on his face, and left to gather cleaning supplies. I grabbed our heavy camera as instructed, and took a photo of the unfortunate soul in the cell to write about him in my master's journal.

And suddenly, evening was upon us. We made sure to prepare our experiments and organize notes about the patients, before presenting them to the club, despite having few additional days to do so.

I sat in my room, on the marble windowsill in my nightgown, Charlie snuggled up comfortably on my lap as I stroked his feathered head. I was sure he felt my pain. I could not shake off the guilt gripping my heart after today's incident.

It brought me peace having him by my side. I've been his guardian for 3 years, I nurse him since he fell out of the nest as a chick. He's my child and a best friend, but I've noticed, that he never liked Master Duke. Maybe he knew all along, and I chose to ignore his signs?

I looked up at the sun painting warm colours on London's sky, and took a deep breath of the smoky air coming through my open window.

- Oh Charlie, you have no idea just how much I'm fond of you. I must admit, I'm a little envious as well. You have wings. Big, beautiful, strong. I let you out, and you're able to see so many beautiful gifts of this world. How is it out there, over the horizon? Do you think I'll get a pair of my own when I pass? Would you take the last flight with me, Charlie?

The raven opened his eyes, and readjusted himself on my lap, craking louder and clicking his beak in displeasure.

- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. You see, master told me today, that my maker doesn't love me. What if he's right? I'm but a mortal sinner, a werewolf mutt. I hurt so many for the man I love. Why would God want me back?

This very moment the black bird perked his head up alerted, turning his body towards the door. He cawed loudly, someone was coming, and suddenly I head knocking. The door opened. Duke came inside, purple robe swirling behind him, a candle in left hand, lighting up his handsome face. 

- Hello Dove. Up to no good?

- Good evening, Duke.

I answered, and let the puffed up bird fly away from me to hide in his cage. Master gently swung his hand to the side in the air, swiftly closing the door to raven's silver prison. White cloth covered the bird's home with another swing, preparing it for the night. Finally, the demon turned towards me with a fond smile. He came up to where I was sitting, leaning in closer, and imprisoning me on the marble between his arms.

- I wasn't very nice today. Will you let me make it up to you? Join me to bed tonight, will you?

Our foreheads touched for a moment, his gaze waiting to meet mine, but I wasn't looking at him. I was looking down, still upset over today's events, yet I made the effort to gently caress his pale face, affectionately rubbing his cheekbones with my thumbs.

- I'm sorry my love, I don't think I can do this today.

I said politely, and let my palms rest on his shoulders. He leaned back a little, his eyes studying my face for a longer time.

- Hm, you're still thinking about what happened in the dungeons? Allan.

He leaned closer again, this time placing his right hand on my hip, and left palm on the back of my head, pressing it gently against his chest.

- Always so caring. Always so kind, smart, the most beautiful, fragile dove. My parents always liked you, they knew how perfect you'd look by my side, Everyone always envied me. Don't blame yourself for what happened in there. The man up above gave us the chance to see how far we can push our bodies. Do you know how much this research will help the future medicine? And you're a part of it. Dove, dearest, when will you see what I see?

I listened, my shoulders relaxing with every sweet lie coming out of his lips. Black smoke surrounded us, as my master changed his form. I felt calm, but Charlie cawed and clicked loudly in alert.

- Do you really think so? Will all of this be worth it?

-Do you doubt my words?

Duke pressed one of his black, clawed fingers under my chin and elevated my head up. My gaze met his empty, black eyes, watching me with odd patience and serenity. I merely gently shook my head, fixated on the void. I wasn't scared, I saw his true form many times before. Suddenly, I felt his second clawed palm sneak under my gawn to tease the inside of my thigh. I felt peaceful, but tired. I could not tell if the smoke was the one making me weak, but I felt an urge, a need for comfort, validation, and I knew exactly where I'd find it.

- Never, Sir.

- Come, pet. Let me help you get a good night sleep. You did so well today.

And just like that, I closed my eyes holding onto him, placing my cheek in the arc of demon's neck, while he held me up from the bottom like a child. I felt safe... but deep down I knew I shouldn't.

Duke effortlessly carried me all the way to his lair, placing me onto his king sized bed. I remember the feeling of cold, silky, white sheets on my naked skin, his warm breath, as the man planted kisses onto my chest and neck, my fingers tracing demon's defined jaw. I wanted it, I wanted it badly. To be this close again, to feel him want me again after all he's done. I felt as every time our lips met, I drank poison that would kill me ever so slowly. And yet, I couldn't help but to give in, and doused myself in this beautifully horrible feeling.

Finally, everything was peaceful. I layed down with a head on my master's chest, feeling his heartbeat, and his whole palm resting on the side of my  neck, feeling mine. My body and mind were too tired to fight the sleep any longer, so I let the night consume me.