Chapter 7 Willow
WILLOW
Watching dozens of my Sisters flee Thorncatcher Monastery without so much as a backward glance warms my heart.
To be fair, there wouldn’t be any reason for them to stay. The once-proud structure, with its wrought-iron steeples, now sits smoldering. With each passing minute, large swaths of the building crumble in on itself, blanketing the grass with ash.
It was hard coming back here. If I’m being honest, I nearly didn’t do it.
If Father Knoll had not come to Shadowveil Church yesterday, I’m certain I would’ve left with Baezal and never thought of this place again.
However, my confrontation with him had left me rattled.
I knew I couldn’t embark on my new life before settling the score of my last one.
I was far from the only Sister Father Knoll targeted.
His lecherous deeds were whispered about long before I arrived here.
Countless Sisters have suffered within these walls.
Now that they, too, have been freed, they can do as they please.
Whether that is to rejoin another order or start a life far from the True Faith, the choice is theirs.
The only one not getting to decide her future is Sister Grayvle. She is just as guilty as Father Knoll. She was his dutiful aide who led to the suffering of so many women and girls. With Baezal’s help, I made sure her cruelty would never harm another.
Currently, she sits bound and gagged in the monastery’s cellar. She’ll be lucky if the rats eat her before the flames claim her.
As each figure draped in white hurries through the open gate, peace settles inside me.
Watching them go, I know I made the right decision to return.
I’ve given them all the same gift I was: a choice.
Without my action, Sister Grayvle would’ve found a replacement for Father Knoll. One who was just as cruel.
Baezal stands beside me, watching the Sisters leave silently. Rescuing them would’ve been impossible without his help. Some had been wary upon his arrival—they were all taught the same lies about gargoyles as I was. That apprehension faded once they saw the depth of his kindness.
At some point during the day, I fell even more in love with him. A feat I didn’t know was possible.
Turning towards me, a soft evening breeze blows the silky strands of his hair. Dusk has fallen, and the stars twinkle above us, dancing in their indigo sky.
“Ready to go?” he asks, twining his arm around my waist.
The leather strap of my satchel digs into his large chest. I took a few things with me before we torched the monastery. My personal effects had luckily remained untouched during my time in confinement. There were only a few pieces I wished to take with me into my new life.
My most valued being my well-loved, dog-eared copy of The Knight’s Heart, packed carefully inside.
Additionally, I managed to save a few drawings and coins we pilfered from Father Knoll’s office.
Each Sister had been given a decent sum from his deep coffers.
It was enough for them to procure safe passage wherever they wished to go.
I smile up at Baezal, pressing my palms to his strong chest.
“There’s one last thing I want to show you before I never return to this place again.”
Smoke hangs heavy in the air as I take Baezal’s hand in mine and lead him away from the burning building.
The soft grass snags at the hem of my green gown.
It doesn’t take long for us to reach the small garden nestled under a willow tree.
It’s where I was left as a baby. The Sisters who discovered me saw it fitting to name me after the tree that guarded me through the night.
That’s why I’ve always felt attached to the patch of land here. All manner of wildflowers bloom from the beds. Golds, pinks, purples, and blues create a cacophony of colors. They grow tall with sturdy stems, broken up only by the straight sprigs of lavender. The scent is heavenly.
“This was the only happy place I had here,” I sigh. “I tended to it every day for hours. It’s the only place I’ll miss. I put so much love into it.”
Baezal’s hand cups my cheek, drawing my eyes up towards him. His expression is soft, a look of understanding kindling in his gaze. I smile up at him, ignoring the stinging in my eyes.
“I want to give it a proper goodbye.”
Pressing up on my toes, I meet his mouth with mine. Our kiss is soft, reverent, and sets my blood on fire.
“Make love to me,” I command.
Baezal chuckles, his hand slipping under the satchel strap and gently tossing it aside. His hands return to my waist, lifting me slightly. The toes of my slippers barely brush the grass as he kisses me again. Our tongues twin together in a familiar dance.
“Of course, my angel.”
I laugh into his mouth.
“I knew you wouldn’t be opposed to the idea.”
Baezal wastes no time. His claws easily sever the laces of my gown until the heavy material pools at my feet.
The cool breeze teases my naked skin as I kick the discarded dress away.
His hands slide down my back, kneading every mound of flesh he can find.
I moan into his mouth, kissing him hard.
My teeth sink into his lower lip and bite gently.
My gargoyle’s eyes flash as his claws press into my skin. With a snarl, he lays me down atop my bed of flowers and lavender. The blooms cushion my back as I lie awaiting my lover’s touch. His wings spread behind him, nearly blotting out the full moon. Stars dance above him.
Holding my breath, I watch him shed his pants.
The sight of his massive cock always takes me aback.
Moisture surges from between my thighs in anticipation of his claiming.
Baezal lowers down atop me, his scales sliding against my hard nipples.
I moan, rubbing myself against him as our mouths reconnect.
Hooking my arms and legs around him, I roll Baezal onto his back.
Many flowers are crushed in the process, but their fragrance only heightens my arousal.
Being on top is new for me. The angle at which we kiss is different as well.
My tongue dips into his mouth as his hands grip my hips.
Rubbing me against his straining erection, wetness coats his length.
My clit is desperate for more friction as I work myself against him.
“Your greedy pussy needs to be reminded of who owns it.”
“It’s yours,” I sigh.
His claws prick into my ass, dragging me up his strong body. I aid him by sitting up. His hands go to my waist, and mine fall to his chest to keep myself steady. His pupils widen as he looks up at me. The lower half of his face is hidden by my body.
“Watch what I do to you, my angel. Watch as I feast on your cunt.”
The first lick of his tongue sends my screams careening through the willow tree. The firm glide of his wet muscle sets my body on fire. Throwing my head back, my fingers sinking into his chest. Soft scales tickle my palm.
Baezal makes good on his word and devours me.
My hips canter onto his tongue. Spearing it inside me, I writhe, making it push deeper.
He fucks me with it slowly, bringing me closer to the edge with each soft thrust. Claws grip my ass, gently pulling it apart.
Wickedness gleams in his eyes as he shifts me forward.
Licking slower, the tip of his tongue jiggles at my back entrance. I scream as it gently spears into me. Satisfied with his invasion, Baezal gives my ass a soft slap before working me against his tongue. My thighs begin to tremble on each side of his face.
“Baezal—I’m—I—”
“Come for me, sweet Willow. Let your Sisters hear you.”
His lips close around my clit and suck deep. Tossing my head back, I climax right on top of him. Moisture flows from me and soaks his face and chest. My eyes are wide, but I barely see the sky above me. Pure bliss flows through my veins. Screams of pleasure echo around us.
Baezal licks me thoroughly, not missing one drop of my spend. Still shaking, I slide down his body. My sweaty skin clings to his as we share a soft kiss. I taste myself on his tongue. Sweet and salty, a heady combination. Our tongues gently glide together as we savor the tender moment.
His cock rests heavy against my stomach. I can feel sticky seed glistening from the tip. I rub against him, fire growing in his blue eyes. Mustering the rest of my strength, I loom over him. Taking his length in my hand, I drag my fist up and down his hard shaft.
“What are you going to do with my cock?” Baezal asks through clenched teeth.
I grin up at him, letting my hair curl around my breasts. Rising up on my knees, I drag his cock through my wet folds until the head glistens. Gripping him tightly, I position him at my entrance.
“Put it back where it belongs.”
I punctuate my words by sinking fully down on his hardness.
The stretch is instant, and my teeth grind together.
Baezal’s growl of pleasure echoes around us in the garden.
Being on top provides an interesting view.
Placing my hands on his chest, I watch his face contort with pleasure.
His claws dig into my hips as he raises them, encouraging me to fuck myself fast on his length.
“Such a perfect pussy. Look at how well you take my cock.”
I slam down onto his lap with a moan.
“Only yours.”
His eyes blaze as I rise up. Bringing myself down, he lifts his hips to greet me, spearing even deeper inside. His cock butts up against my womb. The scales of his shaft tickle a secret spot inside me that has my pleasure looming closer.
“That’s right. Mine. Mine to love. Mine to keep.” He slams into, causing my breasts to bounce. “Mine to fuck.”
“Baezal, Baezal, Baezal,” I babble uncontrollably.
His fingers sneak between us and find my clit.
With a few tight circles, I sink down on him with a scream.
My pussy clenches around his hardness. White fire licks at my sink as pleasure erupts.
Baezal snarls, his hips come clean off the ground.
My pleasure numbs me. I’m barely aware we’ve moved until Baezal has me in his arms and we’re launching into the sky.
I don’t have enough strength to scream. Not has his massive wings hold us aloft. The moon and stars look close enough to touch. Holding me under my ass, my knees fall into the crook of his elbows.
“Feel me. Come again and let the whole world hear your pleasure.”
The command is growled against my throat. He fucks me ruthlessly as I hold on for dear life. When his teeth sink into my flesh, I erupt again. The bit of pain tosses me overboard into a sea of pleasure. I clench down on him, biting his neck for good measure.
Baezal snarls against my throat and thrusts deep, emptying himself inside me. Each hot torrent of his seed sends small shocks of pleasure through me. The wind whips against us as we stay afloat.
“You are so beautiful, Willow,” Baezal whispers against my ear.
My face warms, and I burrow into his neck. After all we shared, it’s shocking I can still feel shy. Baezal chuckles, holding me close.
“All the creatures who call The Woods home must be looking up at us with envy. Wondering to themselves as to how I’ve gotten lucky enough to claim you. And you are claimed. My seed drips from your little cunt. My teeth mar your lovely neck. You are mine. Forever.”
Our souls thread together as our hearts beat as one.
All my life, I was looking for my freedom—the chance to really be myself.
Every sin, every mistake, every risk led me right here, to Baezal.
It was all worth it. I’ve found my knight—my love.
I’ll never feel alone again. I can be exactly who I am and he’ll love me for it.
Fiercely.
“Forever,” I agree, pressing our foreheads together. “Now take me to the sea.”
Baezal’s chuckle echoes through the night sky. We descend only briefly to collect our clothing and my satchel of trinkets. We fly far away from Thorncatcher Monastery, and I never look back.
Not even once.