EPISODE 3:

Out of the apartment’s darkness, I observe, as even more of those dark clawed hands reach for me. I let them, welcome them even, and the warmth I’d been craving returns…

“I am the one you prayed to,” the strange presence whispers, its voice low, seeping into me through means beyond my knowledge. “Do you not recall, human? How you begged for me to [CENSORED], whispered my name, in hopes that I would one day [CENSORED]?”

My face is hot, once I hear its words. And then, I remember those nights which once felt fruitless last year, where a hole in my heart carved by loneliness had taken root. I had called out to every God, every demon and devil in the land through forbidden tomes I had stolen from the King himself. I only wanted company, someone who wouldn't betray me for once, but…I’d assumed none of those calls had succeeded, for no man nor monster had found himself wandering into my bed then, and I had regretfully contented myself of [CENSORED] instead. “O-Oh, Gods—” I gasp as my eyes widen. “You’re…” There is a silence as I pause.

I blink.

Who is he again?

I’d prayed to so many beings that night, that I… I am not quite certain anymore, of who or what this entity could be…

Outside, the sun is already setting over the horizon like a small burn in the sky, swallowed by pale clouds. I wonder then, if I am truly responsible for this entity’s presence. And if so…

I stare as the claws near. Hands—more than I can count—reach for me from out of a darkness, each more inviting than the last. Is it possible I've done more than bring merely these strange claws into this land?

As another realization dawns on me, I gulp. Those rumours of the monster that recently started appearing around this part of town, that…couldn't be my doing as well, could it?

“I hope you aren’t offering me a night of passion in exchange for my soul,” I finally tell the presence, scoffing, as I do my best to pretend this is going exactly as I’d planned. “It would be a bad deal on your end. I’m of little value—I’m barely considered a person, in this Kingdom. You’d have better luck with one of the royals.”

“Ah?” The entity laughs. “But, do you truly think that’s what makes one worthy?”

I perk up at his words.

Perhaps, he may yet [CENSORED] me, if I play my cards right tonight.

“Then…” I glance into the void, at the hands that beckon me closer, shrouded in a black, ethereal mist. If I look close, I can see stars shimmering within that darkness. What in the Gods names did I summon? “What worth do you see in me?” I blurt, before I can think, because I genuinely do not know.

An entity with this type of power likely has no need for a thief like me, it could take the world easily, with very little repercussion in turn.

It is odd, yet as I ask it my question, the entity falls to a quiet lull. Almost as if it is thinking, or perhaps, sorrowful? It is difficult to explain. The air merely feels different, somehow. “Yvain,” it starts, “you are a man who has lived many lives.”

I glance upward, to meet a gaze that isn’t there. “That’s one way to say it.”

The entity laughs. “What I want, indeed, is not something just anyone could do.”

Claws reach for me, to cup the underside of my chin. “I need someone with an open mind, Yvain.” The hands, the presence cackles, and its voice resonates throughout my mind again. “I want to taste all the pleasures of life through you.”

“I…” I swallow, hard, and bite into my lower lip. “I feel the same,” I say. And the presence wraps itself, its hands, across my body. I feel the slithering warmth, the [CENSORED], and the [CENSORED]. “But—” I pause, and the presence pulls away, awaiting my response that I consider, as my mouth parts once more…

YOUR NEWEST CHOICE ❤:

A) The corners of my mouth curl into a smile. “Only if I can taste them with you, too.”

B) “I apologize,” I sigh. “I kind of thought this would be a one night stand? I’m not certain I’m ready to bind myself to a million hands sprouting from the shadows.”

C) As tempting as the offer is, I’m a tad worried I might actually be selling my soul! “So, listen…” I clear my throat. “Is this a bad time to ask you who you are?”

D) I squint at his statement. Pleasures of life? “Like… Food?”

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Episode 3 is here! Wow! You sure have been loving these claws! Episode 4 may become very very spicy depending your next choice, choose wisely...!!! 👀

*If you don't know what an interactive story is, the concept is simple and fun: you vote on what you want to happen next in the following chapters, and the story is written and influenced by the poll results! :)

THIS POLL AND VOTES CLOSE ON OCTOBER 31ST! ❤ VOTE & READ THE UNCENSORED EPISODE TODAY ON PATREON!