My hands trembled as they attempted to fill a glass vile with medicine. I tried my best to concentrate, but my body decided that yesterday's night was the last straw before the anxious twitches returned. My head jerked against my will every now and then, and my body let out a soft groan. It caused me pain, but it was bearable. However it was scaring Mable, our little patient. Every so often I looked at the girl with a warm smile to make her feel better, but my corpse-like appearance probably did not comfort her at all. Bringing my equipment closer, I sat down on a stool in front of Mable and signed. 

- ''Everything will be okay. You're a brave girl. '' - I reached for the prepared syringe, and gently grasped her skinny arm. I tried to do it as fast as possible, knowing how deeply unpleasant the thick needle was. The child clenched her teeth and sealed her mouth with tears streaming down her face as the needle pierced her skin. Once I was finished, I looked at the girl's face. I thought I knew better than engaging with a test subject in an unprofessional matter, however, I also knew how terrified she was. I reached down my apron and handed her a handkerchief-wrapped gift. I helped the child off the table, she curiously opened it. I knew a buiscuit won't make up for everything she's been through, but it did seem to make her feel a little better.

Once the girl was back in the cell, I started cleaning everything up. There were many times I came to think that my master's experiements were immoral, but I did not think I was better than everything I've done for him to bring it up. However, today I felt exceptionally awful about this evil deed. For a long time I imagined myself having a family with Duke. Just us, maybe a child or two. Perhaps  few exotic pets Duke used to be so fascinated by. I remembered him coming home from work very often, being envious of the traveler husbands and nobles whom been around the world, bringing many curiosities and colourful birds home. I said I'd gladly take care of the clinic if he ever decided to travel. I suppose he decided to do just that, becasue the Duke I loved so much has left me long ago. I wonder where he is now.

As I prepared my partner's tools for work, I noticed someone standing behind me. Startled, I dropped one of the glass syringes, that immidiately shattered on the floor. I turned around, taking few steps to the side. The cold vaults met my gaze. 

- Incompetent. - Growled Duke. His gaze made me crumble. I immidiately dived down to pick up pieces of the glass, at the same time trying to make sure my heart stays in my chest. 

- I'm so sorry, Sir, I didn't know you're here! I'm almost finished. - I stuttered. Duke starred me down for a while, then walked over me to the cabinet, brushing my shaking hands with his coat. As I gathered pieces of the broken syringe, the demon grabbed my arm and pulled me up. I swayed a little when darkness temporarily blinded me, but when my vision came back, I saw Duke Holding a small syringe filled with yellow, see through liquid. I gave him a questioning look. 

- Sit. - He said. 

- What is this for? - Asking with a wary tone, I pulled myself up on the operating table and watched him. He held out a hand, I straightened my arm and placed it right in his palm. A leather belt squeezed my arm, the needle pierced my skin, yellow liquid traveled with my blood. It felt almost as if he poured ice into my veins, the odd smell hit my nose, making it wrinkle.

- It will make you sleep while I'm gone, so you don't do anything unwise. - His brows  frowned, not matching his calm tone. Our eyes finally met, his were cold, mine filled with sorrow. Although I felt betrayed, his move did not  surprise me. I had a feeling he might suspect, that at this point there was not alot of strings for me to hold onto anymore. It was only a matter of time, before I would let my maker judge me.

Duke finished cleaning up and packing the tools himself, whilst I sat there, trying to fight the strange substance. It burned my veins, it made me so tired. The demon came up to me, and started to undress me from my apron and vest. Confused and drowsy, i grabbed his wrists in a panicked state. He said nothing, our lips met, and he kissed my breath away. Before I blacked out, I remember him carrying me upstairs in his arms. I felt scared, but somehow taken care of, even though I knew he was forcing me to rely on him. Just like a bird when you trim their wings to make them trust you faster. And so, the darkness caressed me once again. 

Suddenly, a pleasant, strong smell of tea hit my nose. I opened my eyes only to see a blur, my throat felt like sandpaper whenever I tried to swallow my ghostly spit. A clawed hand covered in short black fur has landed gently on my cheek.

- I'm sorry it took so long, dove. Wake up and get some food. - Said a horned figure. I placed my palms on his arm, trying to keep the warm hand on my face a little longer. Finally the demon helped me up, and as I tried to fully recover from deep sleep, he fixed my hair and wrapped his arm around me. - Here. You should drink, you look tragic. 

Silently, I grabbed the pale, rose themed teacup with my trembling hands and took a soothing sip of fresh earl grey. My dark eyes finally adjusted enough to see the whole tray of food in front of me. Cherries, a full teapot, meat, bread and fresh pastry. Confused, I froze for a moment and tried to process what's happening, then shyly pointed to the cream puff while looking at my master.

- May I have one? 

- All of this is for you, my darling dove. Eat up. - He said with a kind voice. For a moment I thought I was going insane. I dug my nails into my thigh trying to wake myself up form this dream, however he still sat there, holding me, watching me with a serene expression. I relaxed my shoulders and reached for it right away. Closing my eyes while taking a bite, my soul danced with delight as the nearly forgotten sweet taste filled my mouth. I realised just how much I needed this moment, but I still did not understand why he decided to act like this, when just a day ago my darling wanted to claw my eyes out.

- How did the work go today? - I asked, trying to deduct the reason for his incredibly good mood. Examining my love further, i noticed he did not bother straighten out his rolled up, blood stained sleeves. Duke gave me a warm smile, and watched me eat. 

- Quite well I must say. I taught young minds at the medical school today. 

- Did you operate? 

Duke nodded.  

- They must've loved you, dear. - I said with confidence. He grinned and traced the outside of my thigh with his claws. I quickly begun to understand why he acted so saintly, but once again it did not surprise me. I took another sip of tea as he cooed to me like a pigeon. 

- They did. They also want me there more often as a guest. - He brushed my wallnut coloured strand of hair behind my ear and planted a kiss on my cheek, purring. - Do you know what that means? - Another one near my ear.-  I might be able to take you with me as my assistant. You'll work beside me, just like the old days. - And another one on my lower jaw. I was stunned. What was he up to? I looked him in the eyes to try to find an answer, a clue, anything that might tell me that something is off. Unfortunately I was met with geniuine emotions in the man's eyes. I looked away, and Duke's smile faded a little. - You're not happy. Why?

I truly did not know what to say to him, but I had to tell him something. I didn't want him to turn from this pigeon into a demon just yet, I had to put as much charm as i could muster for this to work.

- My love, I'm happy for you, but are you sure they will like someone like me there? Do you think I'm good enough to be by your side? - I said with a sad tone and started to fidget. - You're smart and so talented, I dread I'll fail as your assistant in the public eye. - I gently traced his clawed palm with my fingertips and expected his response. Duke swiftly placed me in his lap and grabbed the back of my neck. I gasped, still holding a teacup in my hand, and anxiously awaited my fate.

- You're the greatest, most gorgeous assistant I ever had, Allan. Nobody can match your skills, and you'll do great by my side in schools, the same way you do here in my mansion. - He said with a serious tone. How I wish his words were true. 

- I don't know, Duke.

- I love you.

I froze. My mind went numb, and so, the war inside me begun. I have not heard these words come out of his mouth this genuinely in such a long time. I had hopes he still feels something towards me, and hearing Duke say what I wanted, reassured me in the oddest of ways. The man I love is somewhere in there. He's gone mad, and he needs me. He needs me to be there for him, for I know nobody else will. 

- Please say yes. - He added, looking into my eyes.

- ...Yes. - I whispered. Duke then proceeded to take away my teacup with a triuphal smile, as my eyes became glossy with tears.

- We're going to make good partners, dove. -  He purrdd, tracing my chest with his claws where the open shirt showed my bare skin. I couldn't believe how easily he pursued me. I suppose showing me, that the one I fell in love with was still somewhere in there, the one who's compassionate and loving whom I wanted to marry, has made me forgive him for what he's done to me. I closed my eyes for a moment, defeated, taking in my master's gentle touch. As swiftly as he placed me on his legs, he has layed me down back in my bed, exploring my body with his lips and fondling my soft chest. I adjusted demon's golden strands of hair, pulling them away from his face and looked him in the eyes. 

- I still feel a tad feeble after your medicine, dear. We shouldn't. - I explained, feeling his hunger grow. Duke grabbed my wrist, kissed my palm and placed it on his crotch.

- Just a little bit. - He whispered impatiently, unbuttoning his vest. Without further resistment, I massaged his excited shaft while the demon grabbed my nipples roughly between his lips. I gasped softly, letting him devour me.

My body and soul seeped in delight that they had not felt for a long time. Mutual desire that I thought was long lost has filled me with new hope. I was aware, that I'd have to stay cautious and watch my back for what happened this evening was too good to be true, however a part of me hungered for more and wanted to hold onto this precious lie.