Note: This is my first narrative, so I'm open to feedback but please be kind! I usually write POV pieces for erotic audios, but wanted to step out of my shell with all my favorite kinks. I may do a reading of this for a future audio if folks like it~
Aether faced a gate near the bottom of a large tower and waited for guards to escort him inside. As he stood there, he thought about the absurdity of such a large building to house just one prisoner. "Hmph. I'd be the luckiest Paladin alive to live in a tower this size" he muttered.
Two guards approached him, descending from the tower's reinforced walls. "Aether?" A large, stocky guard called from 10 feet away. "That's me" he said, shuffling towards them at a brisk pace.
The second, more lean guard led the way as the stocky one followed behind. "You've been briefed about the prisoner?" the lean guard asked. "I have. Many times" Aether replied. "Good" the stocky guard noted "she's not to be underestimated."
"I understand" said Aether, annoyed by the lack of faith. "Very good. This way", the guards continued to escort Aether up the tower to a large holding cell. The stocky guard opened the door "She's agreed to talk with you alone. Get in, get out. Don't get too close to the bars."
"I understand" Aether repeated, he no longer hid his irritation. "Gods be with you" the lean guard uttered, almost in prayer as he ushered Aether to the door of the large chamber.
Aether took a few steps into the bleak space. A set of iron bars bisected the room 10 feet in front of him. The door closed behind him with an eerie screech and he heard the lock click. His frustration quickly dissolved into fear as he realized he was locked in with whatever was behind those bars. The air in the room was charged with something dark. He wanted to speak out. To make this conversation start sooner so it could be over sooner, but his mouth went dry.
"Come to play?" A calm voice sounded out behind the bars. To his surprise, it was pleasant. He felt the tension lifting and took a small step forward.
"Not particularly" He answered. His voice felt small, like it came from outside his body.
"Then what are you here for, boy?" The voice retorted. Prickles of rage bubbled in him. "I'm no boy!" He didn't know what made him so defensive. "I'm a... a man..." His statement trailed as melodic laughter came from the shadows.
Footsteps approached the bars. "Mmm... Step closer, let's see how much of a man you are." The voice rang. Aether motioned to step forward, but hesitated, remembering the warning.
"Unless you're scared... " She taunted. Rage bubbled up again and propelled his feet forward. He marched haphazardly to the bars, only stopping a few feet away when he caught sight of the woman behind them. She was unearthly. Graceful, yet almost serpentine. He couldn't help but admit she was beautiful.
"That's better" she teased. "Quite a man, aren't you?"
Aether felt his cheeks get hot as blush spread across his face.
The woman behind the bars bit her lip while taking in his state, a grin spread across her lips. "What is it, dear Paladin? Succumbing to earthly desires so soon?" She mocked him.
Aether stifled a gasp as he realized he was fantasizing about her... her body-- no! He can't think like that. She's getting in his head already. He cleared his throat and averted his gaze, staring at a stone brick behind her. "I'm the one asking the questions here, witch"
"Witch!?" Amusement filled her voice. "I'm no witch, and my name is Agony. Address me as such."
Aether continued to stare behind Agony's head but was brought back by her fingers snapping at him. "Pay attention Paladin." She demanded. "You have questions for me? Something about what I look like under this robe perhaps?" a teasing lilt in her voice made him picture just that, changing the pink on his cheeks into a dark scarlet.
"wh- I... no.." Agony laughed as he sputtered, recovering from her joke. "don't worry Paladin, I know you'd never have such perverse thoughts... unless..." she let her words hang in the air a bit longer than Aether preferred "But no. Of course not. You're pure, the *purest* I've heard"
The Paladin looked down at his feet, a mixture of guilt, anger and lust ran through his mind. It was difficult to speak.
"I'll answer your questions Paladin."
Her statement pulled him from his thoughts. Aether looked up at the woman. "y-you will?"
"Of course. I'm nothing if not a hospitable host" she laughed. "On *one* condition."
"lemme guess" He rolled his eyes. "Step closer?"
"Please, I'm no fool. I know you were told about me. I know you're a smart, capable man" the last word rolled off her tongue seductively. "I don't need you any closer, I can see everything I need from right here" She scanned his body, making him feel oddly self-conscious. He felt as though he were naked in front of her, instead of in modest armor. "My condition is... You must look at me while you speak to me"
Aether thought about this. He knew what Agony was; a gorgon. Unlike popular belief, there is no danger in looking a gorgon in the eyes, but when you do, you'll feel compelled to tell the truth.
This didn't seem dangerous, what did *he* have to hide, after all? He wasn't warned against looking at her, just approaching her... yet it still felt like a trap...
"That's your only condition?" He confirmed.
"It is." She said. "Although... I do have a, mmm... preference, if you'd be so kind to grant it to me."
"which is?" he inquired.
"It's so very boring here, Paladin. I rarely get to have a conversation with anyone but my reflection... would you do me the honor of answering a question of mine for each I answer of yours?"
Aether once again couldn't see issue with the request, but felt uneasy regardless.
"Please Paladin. I'll cooperate either way, but I just... "
The yearning in her voice struck a chord with the young warrior. "Alright. Fair is fair. A question each, and I'll look at you while we speak"
