Nicholas watched from the top of the cliff.
The moon was just starting to rise beyond the distant horizon. The gentle wind that blew up and over the edge of the escarpment had the hem of the long cloak that he wore dancing at his feet.
He watched the bonfire being lit, watched as people moved off, heard the lilting sounds of ancient songs being played, their notes and melodies drifting on the breeze.
"Enjoy the evening Ian, enjoy these last few breaths of your life. Tomorrow you shall meet oblivion, you and everyone you care about."
His venom filled words were lost in the face of gust of wind as he turned and strode away from the edge. His heart burning for the hunt, for the kill, for his... ascension.
............
Michael, Valerie and Tera walked through the maze.
In the diffuse light of the full moon it took on a shadowy countenance, as if the air had been given form and weight as opposed to well-manicured hedges that defined the edges of their path.
"I had hoped to see this in the daylight," Michael chuckled as he followed Valerie with Tera behind him.
"Oh we will, I just thought it would be nice to take a stroll through in the evening."
Michael and Tera both noticed the chuckle in her voice as she said it, expertly navigating the twists and turns.
Rounding a final bend they found the center of the maze.
Numerous exits opened onto this central point of the maze. It was a large circle about 50ft across. The grass was soft and spongy under foot as Michael walked closer to the center.
Wrought iron torches arranged around the perimeter gave off a warm flickering light. Shadows danced across the grass leading to very center of the circle.
Michael's hand reached out, fingertips caressing the ancient stone edge of a large well top. Thick oak timbers framed the pulleys supports. He walked around its circumference, his hand never breaking contact with the stone. It felt ancient, powerful. It was as if this spot held some kind of energy that was at the same time frighteningly familiar, and as alien as he could imagine.
"The well was where the castle started."
Valerie's voice had a weighted tone. It was as if her voice was merely an ancient echo, recalled to this moment as they stood by the well.
"The castle grew up around the well. It dates from Roman times. When Ian's forebears found the well they thought it to be a good omen. Considering the plateaus defensive nature, having abundant water already here sealed the deal."
"I grew up playing around this well, the maze, the castle. It is, and always will be, my home. I have many fond memories wrapped around and within this place.
"I would like to add some new ones."
Her last statement hung in the air. Her tone had turned husky at the last. Both Valerie and Michael turned towards her.
"I love you both, I want you both, I need you both," Valerie said as she walked slowly towards them.
Firelight glittered off her auburn hair, giving it the look of liquid fire. The fire was not contained simply in her hair. Her eyes blazed with a passionate need that matched and eclipsed that which danced in her flowing tresses. Michael stood, transfixed, as she moved towards them. In that moment all of his questions, all of his concerns, everything that had been weighing on his soul regarding the three of them and making a life together, vanished.
"I love you."
Tera's warm breath caressed the flesh at his neck as she whispered this close to his ear.
"I want you."
Just the hint of the softness of her lips near his ear lobe as her hands slid around his waist.
"I need you."
Tera said this as she kissed his neck. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, she dragged it slowly up his torso, and over his head.
Valerie's hands went to his chest. Her fingertips flexing, he felt the bite of her nails felt on his muscles.
"I love Tera."
Valerie whispered before her lips found his, their soft warmth caressing him.
"I want Valerie."
Tera said as her hands slipped from behind him to entwine with Valerie's where they lay on his chest.
"I need Tera."
Valerie's voice was ragged as her tongue traced a warm wet line from his collarbone to his chin.
Michael's hands moved to Valerie. Sliding over her belly, up to her shoulders, where his fingers entwined with the smooth silk of her hair. His eyes burned as he looked at her.
In one motion he pulled her to him and roughly ripped open her shirt, its buttons falling to the cool grass at their feet.
He felt Tera's hands flex, holding Valerie's to his chest as their flesh met. His lips moved to hers their tongues battling in a dance filled with need and desire.
In this moment, here with them, in this place he felt complete. He felt whole in a way he had never imagined possible.
Tera's hands uncurled from Valerie's, moving down Michael's chest, feeling the hard edges of his muscles, appreciating the tone and feel and mass of him.
Her hands went to his waist, her lips on his neck. She tasted him, tasted the salt, the heat, the need in him as her hands undid the buttons of his jeans one by one.
Michael groaned into Valerie's mouth at the feel of Tera's lips on him, the heat of her hands at his waist.
His own hands released the tattered remnants of Tera's shirt. Michael's palms moved over her skin, his palms coming to rest on her full breasts still encased in black silk.
He had neither the time nor inclination to figure out the clasp.
Michael's fingertips slid underneath the top of her bra. With a quick downward push he released her full firm tits, the bra now holding them up a bit higher than normal but this worked for what Michael had in mind.
His lips left Valerie's and she gave a slight moan of protest that was immediately replaced by a louder moan of pleasure as his hands curled around her breasts, his lips and teeth finding her nipple. His fingertips dug into the soft flesh of her as his tongue explored the rough taut tip.
Tera and Valerie's eyes met as Michael bent down to Valerie's charms. They shared a look of passion and need and understanding before Valerie's eyes fluttered closed from Michael's teeth twisting the tender tip of her nipple.
