Archive of Our Own

Where others might accept their fate, resign themselves to it, Lumine was strong. She wouldn't give in. She would fight to the bitter end.

Or that's what she'd thought.

But now, lying prone with a spear to her throat, her own kicked far out of reach, she realized that was pure arrogance on her part. For someone in her position, there was no such thing as choice.

Her first thought was of home. Would her family forgive her for fighting? For trying to run? She wanted so much more than this from life. No, they expected this from her, expected something like it from everyone chosen to be the bride. That was why the soldiers had come- someone always put up a fight.

No one wanted to be the bride a god.

They were beasts, more often than not, and seldom beautiful ones. The women sent to them might be called brides, but it was nothing more than a euphemism. Any who read the lore knew it was far from the truth, a lie told to coddle precocious children who might ask after their absent sisters. Without exception, a god would devour its wife.

As had always been the case, the land was dying. Crops failed, rivers ran dry, leaves withered on the branches of gingko trees. It was long-known that the gods of Jueyun Karst could renew the world once more... in exchange for human blood.

It was time for another sacrifice.

Hers.

Without it, people would starve. Why she'd been chosen, she couldn't say. Legend had it the gods watched man so closely that they chose their brides by name, but if that was true, it was only more confusing to her. Her brother had always called her unmarriageable, and he wasn't wrong. Who wanted a wife better at the blade than baking?

A god, apparently. To be perfectly candid, she was sure it was more to do with Chuyi, sow that she was. Always said hips as narrow as hers should have belonged to a man. Lumine supposed that it didn't matter anymore. She'd been chosen, and after “preparing” her for her “wedding,” they'd take her to the great tree at Nantianmen and leave her to her fate.

Acceptance of the facts was not the same as compliance. She didn't stand- not willingly. The millelith had to drag her from the ground, hold her largely upright as they carried her away. It seemed the women of the group were with her every step of the way, pinning her limbs in place as the sorceress cleaned her.

But even as they dressed her, paraded her out of town in a palanquin, she could feel the unnatural tug towards the Karst. Like something was calling her. Something she didn't much like.

Children ran alongside the procession, laughing and cheering, far too innocent to know this was any different from the hundred other festivals they'd taken part in. She didn't look them in the eye, even when they called her name. She barely lifted her gaze from her feet the whole journey.

Out there, somewhere in the crowd, she knew her brother was watching, unable to do a single thing to help her, but she couldn't look up. Couldn't look him in the eye and force a smile, watch tears roll down his face. For so long, they were all that the other had. Now, he'd have nothing.

Guilt like that couldn't be waved away. The worst part was he couldn't blame her- wouldn't blame her. It would be so much kinder if she left, but for her to be taken away? Her arms tightened around her knees.

She couldn't even say sorry.

*

The sun was setting as the procession reached the great tree, its crystalline branches stretching to the deepest reaches of the sky. It was different to how she'd imagined, leaves fat and yellow as they tumbled from its branches, coating the floor as she was lowered from the palanquin. Different, yet breathtaking none the less. A tree should have no leaves so late in winter, but it was apparent this was no ordinary gingko. It drew her in, mesmerizing her with an aura of calm.

As the procession sung their sutras and performed their rites, she barely noticed. Even as they turned and left, and the sun slipped behind the rugged stone pillars, she couldn't break her gaze. She'd been bewitched, she knew, though how she wasn't sure. Something had wished for her to wait, and she'd been compelled to obey.

After the last torch disappeared from the valley, though unknown to Lumine, her wait was over. As the moon peaked in the sky, the great tree soaked in its rays, focusing its gentle light and casting it from its trunk and branches ten times more strongly than before. Relieved as she was to be bathed in a pool of bright light, it didn't stop her from tensing as the bark of a single fox caught her focus, branches crackling underfoot as it drew closer and closer.

Whatever had its hold on Lumine snapped, and her head whipped around to face the newcomer. She knew the cry of a fox all too well- the damned creatures had constantly skulked around her house growing up- and that had been entirely too loud for one. This was what she'd been waiting for.

Her groom.

The god that had called for her by name.

He was a bit hairier than she'd hoped, speaking honestly, but that was a niggling complaint next to the fact he was a fox, and a massive one at that. Her head would barely brush his elbow if she stood beneath him. She swallowed harshly, staring intently at long white fangs lining black gums. If he wanted, he could swallow her in a single bite.

Her waking self screamed at her to find something to defend herself with. A branch, a rock, anything, but her body wouldn't budge, but then, neither would he. At the edge of the tree's cast light, he paused. There was a strange sense of calm in the air, one that she didn't understand, an innate and unspoken knowledge that he wasn't going to hurt her, even though she knew he had to.

Taking a step back, she narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing every inch of the fox. With the way he was staring back, it didn't seem like he minded. He might just be doing the same to her. It was apparent someone was behind those sharp blue eyes, watching her every move with keen interest. Much like a cat, he sat with his broad tail across his paws, still and relaxed.

His fur looked soft, like tawny silk draped across him, and she had to fight back the urge to pet him. For a fox, she supposed he was handsome. Definitely would have been impressive stuffed and mounted in a hunting lodge, or made a luscious coat in the winter. His manner wasn't as terrible as she'd thought it would be, either. He'd announced his presence with a bark before he drew too close, and now he was waiting for her to make the first move. In tragic honesty, this fox was better behaved than a great deal of human men she'd known. Really, the biggest point against him was the fact he would have to eat her, but she supposed it was better him than something ugly like a mitachurl, albeit not by mu-.

A large black paw took a step towards her, and she leapt back, raising her fists. Focused entirely on her, she could have almost sworn she saw him smile. A second step followed, and then a third, his eyes never leaving hers.

Her heart started to pound, throat closing tighter and tighter the nearer he came. Was this it? Had he grown tired of waiting? It would have been a comfort to die with a sword in her hand, but at the very least she would go with the dignity of facing her killer. She would not give any more ground, would not run to be hunted down and killed like a rabbit.

Each of his steps was excruciatingly slow, eyes brimming with hunger. Blinking slowly at her, as if offering an opening to strike him down for what he was about to do. Lumine could already feel his hot breath on her, near searing, as he closed the gap between them.

Bracing herself, she pulled her arm back, ready to strike and-

The ground thundered in a single, devastating lurch, nearly robbing her of her balance. She staggered back a pace, frantic to find her footing again, and-

He was gone, no longer looming over her. She froze for a moment- where had he..?

Then, she looked down. It was the first time she'd seen a rug in Nantianmen. How novel.

Of course, it wasn't really a rug, thought that would have made far more sense to her. The fox had thrown itself on the ground beside her, bearing its soft belly toward her with a whine.

Did... did he want belly rubs?!

She rolled her eyes, arms crossed. “You've got some nerve, don't you?” Lumine huffed. “You'll be eating me soon enough.”

The large russet head turned to her, big eyes blinking up at her curiously.

“Who ever told you that?” He asked, ear twitching.

She yelped, shoving her back against the tree, finger pointing accusingly at the canid. “Y-you! You spoke!”

Another slow blink as he rolled onto his belly. “You might not have noticed...” His voice dripped with mirth as he pushed himself to his feet. “...but I'm not a normal fox.”

Startled as she'd been to have an overgrown puppy start speaking to her, she already found herself missing him being mute. Straightening herself, she dusted off the back of her dress. “I don't care. You're definitely not getting belly rubs now.”

“No?” He whined, flattening his ears and dipping his head. A wasted gesture: Lumine had always been a cat person. “Isn't that a shame? But...” Lifting his head, he was so close she could scarcely see anything but the blue of his eyes. “You didn't answer my question: who told you I was going to eat you?”

His muzzle was practically kissing her breast, breath uncomfortably humid against her skin. Space. She needed space. With the flat of her palm, she shoved his snout as hard as she could, though he barely budged.

“Well?” He asked, clearly amused by her struggle.

“Tomes!” She spat, face red from exertion and embarrassment. “The tomes said you'd devour me.”

He let her push him back a smidge, jaw slack for a moment before he reared back, howling with laughter. For a moment, she almost worried he'd fall back and hurt himself.

Then she decided he'd deserve it.

She'd never felt inclined to punch a god before. Punch those stupid pearly white fangs right out of his muzzle and shove them down his throat. Lumine loved a good fight, or any competition, really, but up until the moment this damned fox opened up its trap, she hadn't thought herself a violent person. If she had to put up with him much longer, she wouldn't be the only one dying tonight.

Amusement still hung thickly in the air around him, but his laughter had mostly died down. Catching his breath, he looked at her once again. “Oh you sweet thing!” He chuckled lightly. “That's not what they meant.”

Her eyes narrowed. Whatever lecherous thoughts were going through his head, she wanted nothing to do with them. “Aren't you going to eat me?”

She never knew a fox could smirk. “Why, aren't you forward?”

It was official: she hated this fox.

“It's a little late for that, though.” He lowered his stomach to the ground. “Come, climb up. I'll take you to my domain.”

Her face scrunched up reflexively. “Why would I do that?”

“I can hardly leave you here, can I?” He scoffed. “And I think you'll be far more comfortable on my back than in my teeth.” The glint in his eye told her that was no joke.

“Fine.” As she climbed onto his back, she realized she'd been right earlier- he was impossibly soft. Warm, too. Not that she'd tell him that. “But you'd better not drop me.”

“Oh, I'd never.”

He kept his promise.

*

When her eyes opened, she was surrounded by a warmth soft and silky against her skin. Even piled under blankets, fire roaring in the hearth, she'd never felt anywhere near this much comfort back in the hut she shared with Aether. Where..?

A tuft of black twitched, just at the edge of her vision. Curious, she glanced over to the ear, and...

Wished she hadn't, memories of the fox flooding her mind. With a start, she scrambled away from the warm belly, tripping over his plush tail and crashing back first onto his mattress. She couldn't believe herself- sleeping with that thing? When had that happened?

Looking down at her clothes, she was livid with herself. She couldn't even remember drifting off- though memories of thick fur, warm and soft against her- No. She shook her head. Even if he was a fox, it was irredeemable- unforgivable- to share a bed with something so distasteful.

“Lumine?” The fox called hazily, yawning as he stretched his legs as far as they'd reach.

The call of her name surprised her. She'd never told him that, but then, she wouldn't have to. After all, the gods asked for their bride by name.

Pulling her knees to her breast, she glared daggers at him.

“I didn't expect you to wake up so quickly.” He turned his massive head towards her, cutting into her much-needed space.

“What did you do to me?” Surely he'd put her in some sort of trance when she'd climbed on his back. She hadn't even been tired last night.

“Nothing.” His voice came as sleepy chuckle. “Why, would you like me to?”

Sucking in a deep breath, Lumine tried not to commit a deicide, nails digging into her palms. No matter what, she wasn't going to dignify that with a response. Did gods always play with their food so? “This... is your domain?”

It was fairly homely. As in, it looked like any other house in her human village. A tad old-fashioned, and far more luxurious than anything at home, but no matter where she looked, all she could see was just a normal room. In a way, she was underwhelmed. It wasn't like she expected a god to live in a dry cave with a pile of leaves for furniture, but this seemed wrong, too.

He nodded, emphasized with a little yip. “Though I can change it if it's not to your liking.”

“Why? It's not like I'll be here long.”

The tip of his tail twitched. “Are you planning on leaving, little vixen?” He snickered, paws sinking into the mattress as he skulked over to her, shiny nose nearly touching her skin. “Oh, that's right. You think I'm going to eat you.”

Something in his voice made her shiver, from fear or from delight she couldn't say. “Aren't you?” She mumbled, folding her hands. The blue of his eyes was mesmerizing in daylight. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She put her hand on his snout once again, but there was no strength behind it. She couldn't push him away. What was wrong with her?

“I think...” His snout rested on her lap, sending waves of warmth into the pit of her stomach. “You've misunderstood what was meant by 'devour.'”

Her hips twisted awkwardly, trying to shift his weight and warmth away. Eyes widened as shame flowed through her. She knew this feeling, what was starting inside her- she'd felt it many times before, but... because of a fox? Red tinged her cheeks. No. It was out of the question- it must be because of how his muzzle was pressing down on her. A simple, physical reaction to stimuli.

He grinned eagerly, sharp fangs on full display. “Or did you?” Nosing his way forward, he bumped his snout between the apex of her legs, chuckling as she squeaked from the contact. “Smells like you understand perfectly.”

Lumine tumbled backwards, desperately pushing away from him. It didn't matter how hard her heart was racing, or if heat sparked between her thighs each time her eyes met his. This was a fox- an animal! She couldn't- she wouldn't..! But... her legs were shaking, boneless below her. What if...

What if she couldn't get away?

His paw pressed down on her stomach, pinning her in place. “Don't get too worked up about it. It's not your fault.”

“Y-you said you didn't do anything to me!” She spat, peppering his foot with weak, awkward blows. Too small to reach his eyes or stomach, she settled for ripping out chunks of fur, red faced. “I- I'd never! You're an animal!”

His tongue clicked, disapproving. “No, I'm a god. One that didn't do anything to you. It's fate, pure and simple. You were born for this, little vixen.” He snorted, shaking his head. “Then again, so was I.”

Kicking at the air beneath his belly, she tried to wriggle free. “Don't be ridiculous! If it wasn't for you, I'd still be with my brother!”

“And why do you think I chose you, Lumine?” He shifted some of his weight to his other feet. “Why do you think any god chooses their bride?”

Despite having room to slip free, the blonde stayed put, staring up at the fox. It was a good question: why her, indeed? If the gods were always watching man, they must know how unsuitable, how unfeminine she was. No man dreamed of a wife who was better with a sword than he was.

His voice was low, almost a growl. “It's because you're my mate, Lumine. No matter how you might fight it, the red string will pull us closer and closer together until it binds us.”

She paled, swallowing hard. “M-mate?” What, as in mating? As in, to produce offspring? Her face scrunched up. There were more than a few issues she had with the idea, and that wasn't even touching the fact he was a whole different species to her!

“That's right, little vixen. You've come to me to bear my kits.”

“How am I supposed to do that?!” The words tumbled from her lips before she could think. “You're a dog!”

Great blue eyes gazed down at her, blinking slowly. “Is that... what's bothering you?” Snorting, he pulled back. “I did say I could change anything that wasn't to your liking.

In a puff of smoke, the fox vanished, leaving a much smaller silhouette in its wake. “This should be more to your tastes.”

As the smog cleared, her breath caught. She hated to admit he was right.

A tall, well-built man sat before her, with ginger hair and blue eyes identical to the fox's. There was a look of overwhelming smugness to him, and despite how smooth and silky his fur had been, as a man his hair was wild and untamed. Nestled within were a pair of large, fluffy ears, twitching occasionally.

As if that wasn't enough, he wasn't wearing so much as a stitch of clothing, showing off toned muscle and hundreds of scars across his skin, only preserving the almost imperceivably small amount of modesty he possessed by covering the space between his legs with his tail.

Lumine went scarlet.

Other than her brother, and in spite of her best efforts, this was the first time she'd seen a man naked. Heat rushed southwards in a way that couldn't be normal, and she couldn't seem to breathe right. Her chastity's only defense had, quite literally, vanished in a puff of smoke right before her eyes.

This man was stunning. She caught herself instinctively spreading her legs for him. Really, what was wrong with her? He hadn't even told her his name.

He leaned forward, smile not budging. “Looks like I was right.”

It took everything in her not to jump him on the spot- though whether that more to do with lust or loathing, even Lumine wasn't sure.

Rubbing her thighs together, she could feel excitement welling up inside her. Instincts unknown to her gnawed away at her reasoning. This wasn't normal lust. She knew that feeling all too well, how it burned and boiled away, distilling desires down to pure need. This was far, far stronger, poisoning the furthest reaches of her senses with a single-minded focus.

Her conscious mind recoiled from the images, from desires burying their roots in her quick and deep. Reason clawed its way to the front of her mind. She didn't even know the god's name, but the thought of being his, of feeling the scraping of his fangs against the sensitive skin of her neck, feeling his claws rake down her back, they made her hungry. Slick was oozing out of her, running down between her thighs- but why? He'd done nothing to her, for her.

She should be afraid. This wasn't normal, wasn't right. Her body ached for his. Wrapping her arms around her thighs, she forced her legs closed. “W-why?” All she could muster was a whimper. “What did you do?”

Ginger ears twitched in sync with his tail, pupils so dilated his eyes were almost black. Ravenous though looked, he restrained himself. “Not me.” He rasped, freckled skin reddening. “You. Your village. You've been enchanted. Look at your belly.” Chuckling, he sighed. “Impatient lot.”

Glancing down, she could see a faint blue mark, shining through her clothes. It pulsed, sending a jolt of electricity through her, whining as her loins clenched down on nothing.

“They want me bred.” He panted. “But didn't want to wait for you to be willing, so they put a spell on you. You'll feel worse and worse until you get pregnant.”

Thoughts tumbled through her mind. How would that help her village? The crops... they were failing, barely producing half of what they should. Gods needed blood for the renewal... how would that help? Why would they do this?

“You can't believe everything you read.” Had she said that out loud? His laugh was dry, humourless. “It's only a little blood- just what you lose your first time.”

Her eyes bulged, processing what he'd just said. “Wait. You need a virgin sacrifice for your ritual?!” Biting her lip, she tried not to laugh. “Seriously?”

“No.” He licked his lip, eyes glinting. “I just don't like sharing.”

“And what if I said you'd have to?”

“I'd call you a liar.” He scoffed, ears poking straight up. “Why do you think so many foxes lived by your house?”

Spine rigid, she gawked at him. Suddenly, the sheer volume of dens she'd grew up around made sense. “You mean... they were keeping an eye on me?”

He nodded. “...And making some tactical ankle bites, when needed.”

So that was it. She'd not given it much thought, but those foxes had always gone crazy when a man had shown up, barking and howling right outside the windows. A couple times, they'd come inside, bit at any unapproved house guests. It was hard to think of a time she'd gone out and hadn't been accompanied by a fox. She'd never once thought she'd had legions of fluffy virginity-guarding escorts, but suddenly her love life up until now made a lot more sense. “So you've been doing goodness knows what over here while making sure I can't?” Her lips hooked down into a grimace. “That's... pretty gross.”

His ears twitched, unaffected. If he understood where she was coming from, he was doing a great job at hiding it. Then again, he might just be about to snap. Banter aside, she knew she was. His eyes were closed, breathing slow and heavy. A fresh wave of heat bloomed in her, and she couldn't say whether it was her or the mark across her skin.

“What if I don't like sharing, either?” Did she really just say that? Heat must have driven her mad. Not that she disapproved of the statement. For an arranged marriage, she could certainly have done words than a tall, muscular ginger.

He grinned. “Then you won't be disappointed.” Suddenly, he leaned forward, pushing down on her shoulders slightly. “I never ask people to do things I won't do myself.”

Breath caught in her lungs. Having another body pressing against her like this stopped any and all higher function in her. Mind flooded with the feeling of how his skin burned against hers, how unreal it felt, she reached out her hand to touch his chest.

If she were thinking clearly, she'd fight it, fight her urges, fight everything, but now... she felt so, so empty. Tender flesh swelled inside, aching for something to ease the pressure. Legs splaying themselves, she let herself be pushed down into the sheets, praying she'd find some relief.

Eagerly, he slipped between her legs, kissing tickling trails up her body and nipping at any exposed skin. He was heavy above her, pressing down onto her belly as his large hands roamed over her. Lips reached her neck, the roughness of his teeth against skin making her writhe, moaning softly.

Her hands found his shoulders, broad and powerful above her, and she hesitated. Should she push him back? Her body was tense, longing for what came next. Everything ached, and the discomfort inside would only get worse if she did, and-

As his lips met hers, all thought vanished from her mind.

Well, what harm was there in a little experimenting, anyway?

Digging her fingernails into his shoulders, she sighed as he palmed a breast. She shuffled her legs, agitated. That wasn't what she wanted, what she needed right now. The tickle of his hot breath against her breast might make her squirm in delight, but now wasn't the time.

She needed more than gentle teasing. Her insides throbbed at the slightest hint of stimulation, screaming for more. He needed to stop playing. The god was huge, towering over her even sitting. It would be easy for him to grab her by the hips, fold her in half, and fuck her like a doll.

Whimpering at the thought, she slipped a hand inside her robes, edging south. Without even looking, she knew the fabric was soaked, clinging to her thighs helplessly as more and more slick poured from its cornucopia.

Brushing a finger over her engorged lips was enough to make her clench and seize, almost crushing the god against her bosom. She cried out, no name to call, legs trembling as she raked her fingernails across his shoulder. Face red, she realized she was being watched, blue eyes filled with curiosity.

Shaking her arm off, he pulled himself back, towering above her. Seeing her hand slipped under her robes, he smiled.

“Couldn't wait?” Fingers twined themselves in the fabric of her dress. “Let me help, then.” Long nails sliced through the white cloth, leaving her bare.

She should be embarrassed, having his gaze fixed on her, watching the rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed in and out. No one had seen her like this, it would make sense. But it wasn't what she felt as he loomed over her, fingers caressing her naked skin.

It was impatience, an intense desire he get on with it. Looping her thighs around his hips, she ground against him, whimpering. She needed something inside her, thick and unrelenting as it kissed her womb, but he was slow, fumbling in his inexperience and guided purely by instincts. Nipping at her neck while wagging his tail was cute, but Lumine needed more than cute right now.

Wrapping one of her hands around his, she tugged it down between her thighs and against her cunt, gasping at its touch. His finger was rough, calloused and thick, roughly pushing inside her as he realized what she wanted. Everything about his touch highlighted his inexperience, his unfamiliarity with human bodies, from the uneven drag of his finger to the lack of rhythm, but friction was friction, and her grateful walls squeezed him desperately.

“More.” She panted, shaking her hips as she raked her nails down his back. “Please, more!”

A second finger teased at her opening, dragging up and down just inside her. The fox grinned against her shoulder, relishing each and every breath she took, tail tickling her thighs as it wagged back and forth.

“Hurry up!” Shoving herself against his hand, a second finger slipped inside, and then a third. Her toes curled as he hooked them upwards inside her, pressing hard and deep.

It still wasn't enough.

The mark on her belly glowed brighter than ever with his fingers inside her, but she wasn't satisfied. Her pussy ached more every time he thrust his fingers, craving something thicker, something that could reach far deeper than his hands.

Stealing a quick glance between their bodies, she saw his cock for the first time. It was like no other she'd seen. She swallowed, hard. His member was swollen and red, and sinfully thick. Liquid seeped from an almost triangular head, twitching occasionally when she cried out.

A pulse rippled through her at the sight of it, like her body was telling her that that was what it needed. Needed pushed up inside as deep as it could go, rubbing against her womb, filling her completely. “Please...” She whimpered, caressing his flank. “Please, I need it.”

“Need what?” His smile far too innocent to trust. He knew full well what she wanted, kissing along her jawbone.

Nails bit into his back till the skin broke, but he didn't mind, enjoying the sight of her desperate and needy.

“Y-you!” Jerking her hips, she thrust down hard on his fingers, biting her lips so hard they bled. She wouldn't give in, wouldn't beg for him. The mark meant he wanted her as much as the other way round. It was a game of attrition, and even in her current state, she craved victory.

Snaking her hand down, she touched his tip with her fingers, drawing a startled yelp from him. As her fingers glided down his shaft, half-choked groans spilled from his lips, blush staining his cheeks. A sense of smug satisfaction drifted though her.

This was easier than she thought.

Reaching a thick lump at the base, she tried to wrap her fingers around him, but found her fingers too short to reach. No matter. A pitchy whine tore from his throat as she began to pump up and down his length, steadying himself on her shoulders. His nails were sharp, digging into her as he rested his head in the crook of her neck, panting as he thrust into her hand.

The look of desperation was carved into his face, jaw slack and eyes closed as soft little gasps worked their way out, little beads of sweat glittering across his skin. Her cunt clenched violently, reminding her how empty she was with his fingers gone.

Carefully positioning her hips, she pressed his tip against her opening, staying the hand on his member.

Letting out a whine of frustration, his hips pitched forwards, breaching her open. Eyes suddenly wide, he went rigid, face tinged with red as his eyes traced down to the place they were connected.

The thrust had been shallow, infuriatingly so, with barely more than the head in her. Legs wrapping around his hips, she pulled herself toward him, hoping to feel more of his length.

Watching from above, the god could only blush as she wriggled more and more of his length into her. Licking his lips, he grabbed her waist, groaning with her as he forced the rest of himself inside. “Fuck, Lumine...” His eyes scrunched up in pleasure, giving his first slow thrust. “You're incredible.”

She could say the same for him. The way he stretched her walls was enough to have her throwing her head back, clawing down his back as his head brushed her cervix. Everything was so tender and raw, sighing in relief when his cock massaged them. Lumine squirmed from the friction, little moans leaking out as he started to thrust.

Only with him hilted in her did the aching start to subside. The glow from the mark was blinding, pulsing and flickering with every one of his strokes, slick gushing from her as she dug her heels into his hips, screaming.

Her thighs shook as his head rammed a sensitive spot deep inside, pleasure curving deep inside. “There!” She choked, cunt clamping down around him. “Gods, there!”

Slowing his thrusts, he grabbed her shoulders, eyes dark. “I'm the only god you need to worry about, Lumi.” Bucking his hips harshly, he speared the spot with a bruising strike. “The only one you need to call out for.”

Again and again, he abused the spot mercilessly. Lumine could only writhe helplessly from his assault, struggling to even think as the sensation overwhelmed her. Slamming his lips against hers, his thrusts grew rougher as he focused more on the kiss.

Something was building up inside her, tensing her muscles, but she needed to ask. Needed to know. Pushing his lips away, she broke the kiss.

“A-and who... are you?” She asked, voice unsteady through the pleasure. “I don't... even... know your name.” If not for the mark, she wouldn't be with him like this, bare skin sliding against his. She knew nothing about him, save the fact he was her husband, and she'd never understood the interest in casual sex some people had. Not that she regretted it- the feeling of him inside her was beyond incredible- but she'd never thought she'd find herself pinned under a man without even knowing his name.

“Ajax.” He said softly, pressing kisses to her jaw. “My name is Ajax.”

A shiver of delight ran through her. She finally had a name to call when everything became too much.

Which it rapidly was. Her belly was ablaze, begging for something to quench the flames. Her breaths came as ragged pants, thrusting her hips against his as she begged her body to give in, release the overwhelming tension inside.

Looking up at Ajax above her, his eyes closed, lips parted as he basked in the pleasure he took from her, she took her inspiration. His ears were back, flat against his head, skin flushed red with exertion as soft grunts spilled from his mouth as the first pulse ripped throughout her, clamping down hard around his member as the waves of her climax swept over her.

As he fought to keep his pace, she found herself sobbing “Ajax” again and again. She never realized how intense it would feel to cum first, feel his ferocious pounding through sore, taxed nerves, wanting him to stop and keep going all at the same time.

Taking her lips once again, his pace stuttered, running his fingers down her flank. “I think...” He rasped, licking his lips. “I think I'm gonna...” Grabbing her knees, he slipped out of her, thick trails of slick still binding her to his cock. Pulling her down the bed, he hooked her knees over his shoulders, rubbing against her teasingly before mounting her once again, forcing himself to the hilt.

Lumine shrieked at the sensation, shoving deeper and harder inside her than ever before, powerless to stop him from hammering against her womb. Knees pressed against her shoulders, she gasped as the head of his cock massaged new places in her, loving the sight of him bulging out through her belly. Fingers sank into his hair, tugging harshly as she tried to keep her tongue from lolling out of her mouth. Ajax fared no better, tousled hair looking truly wild with her grabbing huge ginger chunks, ears pressed down against his head.

“Sorry,” he whimpered, brushing her hair out of her eyes, “I can't hold back any more.”

Her eyes widened as she clenched around him. Was he going to..? Inside? The idea was both enticing and terrifying. Rationally, she thought it was a terrible idea, but she couldn't stop her cunt from clamping down at the thought of him breeding her like an animal, filling her up with his kits. Her pussy twitched uncontrollably, tantalized by the prospect, but she couldn't give in. He was practically a stranger to her. Only an idiot would let him sire their child right now.

“W-wait,” She panted, pleading as she met his eyes, “We sho-” She didn't get to finish her sentence.

On instinct, he buried his teeth in her neck as he came, groaning in bliss as her walls milked rope after rope of cum from him. His heat filled her womb, the swell of his knot triggering a second climax as it fattened itself inside her, locking her in place. Lumine should be upset, angry he'd bred her without asking, but she wasn't.

All she could think about was how divine that knot felt, splitting her open as her muscles spasmed around it, aching so as she tried to clamp down harder. Her first orgasm paled in comparison to the feeling of him spending inside her, frantically trying to fuck his seed into her womb.

Even after his thrusts stopped, burying his face in her bloodied shoulder, little aftershocks of pleasure rippled through her. She knew, knew even if she fled that very moment no human man could come close to giving her that kind of pleasure again. There was no getting it out of her mind.

Lazily scratching his ears, a blush rose on her cheeks, reality sinking in as she realized they were stuck like this until his knot went down. The mark on her belly thrummed quietly, content, for now.

Ajax smiled drowsily, wagging his tail as he pushed his head toward her fingers. His eyes were heavy and drooping, finally closing as he snuggled into her, leaving Lumine alone with her thoughts. It'd be... less strange to think about her future now she knew he could take a human form.

In all honesty, she thought she'd be dead right now. She'd expected to be devoured by a great beast, stuck in its belly till her bones turned to dust. She hadn't thought for a moment a god would want to lie with her, that he'd try to please her. Unless he planned to eat her in her sleep someday, she had a long life ahead of her as the fox's bride.

The fact she was still alive was bizarre to her, like she was dreaming, but everything around her told her she wasn't, from the rasp of his breath on her neck to his weight pinning her to the mattress. Unable to wriggle free, she did her best to get comfortable. His knot was still puffed up inside her, and though not uncomfortable on its own, it limited her movements a great deal. With a bit of effort, she was at least able to wriggle her legs flat. With that, she yawned. Ajax's body like having a big blanket cast over her, too cozy to keep her eyes open for long.

Before long, she'd drifted off to sleep beneath him.

*

The light of the mid-morning sun woke her, streaming across her aching body. Somehow, a real blanket had found its way on top of her, snug and warm in place of Ajax. Sitting up, she grimaced at the burning in her core. He'd been rough with her last night, and now, hours later, her body was voicing its disapproval, especially her spine.

She expected to find herself a mess, and in some respects, she was. Her hair was dishevelled, and bites and bruises painted her skin all hues from red to blue, but in others, she was practically spotless. The remains of her clothes had been stripped away, and the slick between her thighs had been cleaned off. Someone had even moved her to the far side of the mattress, propping her head up with a pillow, taking great care to make her comfortable.

The mark on her skin was dull and faded. Did that mean it worked? Was she..? She shivered a little, hoping it'd take a little longer. It'd be better if they could get to know each other first. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she went in search of clothes. With the room the size it was, there were a lot of places to look.

Passing by the foot of the bed, she couldn't help but blush, fingering the bite on her neck. It may have been cleaned and dressed on her body, but the evidence of last night was still apparent on the sheets, still soaked from sex.

Turning her gaze elsewhere, she found something like a shirt hanging from a rack. It didn't fit, hem tumbling off one shoulder as its long sleeves dragged on the floor, but it was better than nothing.

Straightening it out as best she could, she turned to face the door. With a deep breath, she took a step towards it, only to find it opening before her.

Ajax stepped inside, carrying clothes and fresh sheets. Catching sight of her, he smiled broadly.

“Good morning, Lumi!”