Chapter 48

Malus

In the middle of the Starlit Glade there was a group of five individuals. Very unusual group – water nymph, witch, werewolf, angel, cambion (half demon, half human) and Raphael – still enigma to everyone. The air shimmered faintly with magic, and the ground beneath their feet pulsed with hidden life. After their visit to Blue Lotus realm everyone were distracted. Minds clouded, thoughts elsewhere, energies unsettled. So Luna had to switch their focus to the main goal.

– We’re here to meet with demon Malus.

Her tone cut through the haze, grounding them.

– Exactly. So where are we heading now? – Raphael asked, his voice calm, though curiosity stirred beneath the surface.

Luna stepped forward and pointed towards a darker part of the glade where the trees grew denser and the moonlight struggled to penetrate fully. Shadows stretched between the trunks like whispers of danger.

– Malus prefers darker spaces – Luna explained gravely. – Follow closely; demons aren’t known for hospitality.

– Let’s go then – Raphael said, trying to suppress a flicker of unease.

The group started moving, the atmosphere tense as they ventured deeper into the darkening glade. Every step seemed to muffle the world around them. The usual forest sounds – rustling leaves, distant hoots – seemed ominously quiet here, as if the glade itself was holding its breath.

Frederick suddenly stumbled. His body tensed, alert.

– Wait – he whispered urgently – did you hear that?

– What? – Raphael responded, his eyes narrowing.

Frederick paused, listening intently. Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees – not like any animal they’d heard before. It vibrated in their bones.

– I think we have company – he whispered tensely.

The group froze as red glowing eyes appeared between the trees around them – surrounding them completely. They flickered like embers in the dark, watching.

– Hmmm… I thought that half-demon wouldn’t be so scared here – Raphael muttered with a nervous laugh, trying to dispel the growing dread.

The growling grew louder, more aggressive. The red eyes seemed to stare right through him, unblinking, primal.

– Very funny, Raphael – Frederico hissed, his own laugh strained. – These aren’t just any demons. They’re Hellhounds.

– Ok so… now what? – Raphael asked, trying to mask the tension coiling in his chest.

– Stay calm – Luna instructed softly, her eyes fixed on the hounds. – If we show fear, they’ll attack. Malus probably sent them to test us.

She stepped forward, her voice echoing through the glade, steady and clear.

– We are here to see Malus, not to fight.

Led by a strange impulse, Raphael stepped forward. Something ancient stirred within. His eyes started to glow bright blue and suddenly all the hellhounds turned back and ran away, vanishing into the darkness like smoke.

Total silence fell. Everyone stared at him, eyes wide with shock and awe. The power that had surged through him faded, but its echo remained in the air.

– What the… how did you…? – Lyra stammered. – Only high-level demon lords have that kind of influence over Hellhounds.

– I… I don’t know – Raphael said, feeling lost. – I just felt I have to do something. And I did… Something.

The group exchanged glances, clearly unsettled by what they’d just witnessed. Luna stepped closer to him, her voice barely above a whisper.

– Raphael, that was… incredible. But also very strange.

She looked at him with newfound respect and a hint of fear, as if seeing him for the first time.

– Let’s keep moving.

– Yeah – Raphael replied quietly.

As they continued deeper into the glade, the atmosphere grew thicker. The trees became even more twisted, their branches intertwined like a dark web, as if trying to trap them. The air felt colder, heavier. Suddenly, a massive structure emerged from the darkness – a castle, black as night, with glowing red windows like burning eyes.

– We’re here – Frederico murmured.

– Ok. Time to pay a visit – said Raphael, straightening his shoulders.

Before they could knock, the heavy wooden door creaked open slowly, revealing a tall, muscular demon. He looked them over, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Raphael.

– You – he growled, pointing at him. – What are you?

Before anyone could answer, he laughed darkly, the sound echoing through the stone halls.

– What’s so funny? – Raphael asked, his tone sharp.

The demon chuckled again, his red eyes glinting menacingly.

– Nothing funny, half-breed. It’s just amusing that Malus sent Hellhounds after you lot, only to have them run scared from some blue-eyed pretty boy.

He stepped aside dramatically, mockery lingering in his expression.

– Thanks for the compliment. May we meet with Malus? – Raphael asked coolly.

– Straight to the business, are we? – the demon snorted but gestured for them to enter. – Malus is expecting you. Don’t keep him waiting.

As they stepped inside, the castle felt even darker and colder than outside. The walls were adorned with twisted artworks depicting scenes straight out of nightmares. Every frame oozed discomfort.

– Interesting place – Raphael remarked, voice dry.

The demon leading them snorted at his comment.

– You think so? Wait until you meet the host.

He guided them through winding corridors until they reached a massive wooden door. With a dramatic flourish, he pushed it open and announced loudly:

– Your guests have arrived.

Raphael saw a young-looking guy with purple skin, pointy ears, black hair and two horns on his head. His golden eyes were staring with interest.

Malus sat on a throne made of twisted metal and bones, his golden eyes fixed on Raphael. A small smirk played on his lips.

– Well, well, well. Look what we have here.

He stood up and walked closer, his movements graceful yet predatory.

– An interesting creature with extremely blue eyes. I think I saw that shade of blue before.

– Hello. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Raphael – he said, unshaken.

– Raphael – Malus repeated softly, tasting his name. – Pretty name for a pretty boy.

He circled him like a predator, making everyone tense.

– Let me guess – half-human, half-supernatural?

He snapped his fingers suddenly.

– I think you may say that. But I’m not sure about the proportions – Raphael said boldly.

Malus laughed deeply, eyes glittering.

– Confident too. I like that. Answer me one thing, Raphael.

He leaned against his throne lazily, his golden eyes serious.

– How old are you?

He watched him closely, like Raphael’s answer would determine something important. Everyone tensed again.

– I’m 21.

– 21 – Malus repeated softly, his golden eyes widening slightly. – Too human-like for a hybrid your age. You should be more monstrous.

He pushed off from the throne and circled him again, his gaze intense.

– Show me your hands.

Everyone watched in confusion as Raphael held out his hands.

– Don’t tell me you’ll be reading from my hand – he chuckled. – Sorry.

– No fortune telling here, Raphael – Malus replied darkly.

He took Raphael’s hands suddenly and turned them over gently yet firmly. His golden eyes scanned every inch of his palms before he dropped them abruptly. His expression became thoughtful.

– I think there might be something else here – he said mysteriously.

– Like what? – Raphael asked.

Malus’s grin turned wicked.

– Like… magic. Real magic, not just supernatural abilities. Maybe old… even very old magic…

He released Raphael’s hands and snapped his fingers again. Suddenly, small purple flames danced around his palms without him doing anything. Gasps filled the room as everyone stared at his hands in shock and awe.

– Ok. Honestly we came here to ask you if you can feel any demon energy from me – Raphael said, steady but inwardly tense.

The room fell utterly silent at his question. Malus leaned in closer, his golden eyes burning intensely.

– …And why would you assume I’d be able to sense demon energy?

His tone was both intrigued and guarded. The purple flames around Raphael’s hands suddenly intensified, as if responding to his interest.

– Because demons can sense their kind. At least that’s what they say – Raphael answered.

– Smart… and observant – Malus murmured, pacing around him again. – Yes, demons do have that ability. But…

He stopped dead in his tracks, staring directly into Raphael’s eyes.

– Why would you think you have demon blood? You don’t smell right…

– I don’t know who or what I am. I’m testing all the leads. And… there was an incident… When I was confronted with some wild powerful demon, it looked like… he bent in front of me.

The room erupted into chaos. Whispers of submission, alpha, and mate filled the air. Malus’s eyes turned utterly predatory.

– You mean… a high-ranking demon saw you and immediately submitted?

He stepped so close Raphael could feel his demonic aura pressing against him.

– It looked like that. Although it was only a moment and then they took me away – Raphael admitted, his voice quiet but firm.

Malus’s hand shot out, grabbing his arm suddenly. His nails lengthened into sharp black claws as he turned Raphael’s arm over roughly, searching for something. The others watched with bated breath, as if expecting to see demon marks appear on his skin.

– Show me your neck – he commanded abruptly.

– It hurts – Raphael growled back, showing elongated and sharpened teeth, his eyes glowing intense blue.

Malus’s eyes widened at Raphael’s sudden transformation. A flash of something primal crossed his face as the energy surged. He released the boy’s arm slowly and took a step back, his movements fluid, yet tense. His expression became unreadable, yet incredibly dangerous, as if something ancient stirred behind those golden irises. The entire room held its breath, watching this tense interaction unfold between two powerful beings, both cloaked in mystery and power.

– Interesting – he murmured, voice low and reverent. – Very interesting indeed…

– If you need something from me, just ask – Raphael said firmly, his voice ringing clear in the silence. – I am not anybody’s property, so I won’t let anybody treat me like that!

His words echoed through the chamber like a blade striking stone.

– Damn straight – someone muttered approvingly from the back, breaking the stillness.

Malus smirked slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting in rare amusement. He seemed to find Raphael’s answer surprisingly refreshing, even bold.

– You haven’t tried to kill or attack me yet – he realized softly, almost to himself. – Most supernatural beings would’ve snapped or gotten aggressive around an alpha demon like me.

– First – you haven’t crossed THAT line. YET. Second – we came to you asking for some help. Third – you’re not MY alpha – Raphael replied, holding his head high, eyes locked on the demon’s with unwavering clarity.

The room fell silent again, the tension settling like a heavy curtain. Malus chuckled low in his throat, the sound dark and oddly entertained.

– Fair enough – he agreed. – So, you’re not mated. Not claimed. Not owned.

– No, I’m not. If you really need to know. But I want to know what were you looking for on my body – Raphael said, calmer now, but still guarded. His voice lost none of its strength.

– Demon marks – Malus answered bluntly. – When a demon submits to another, it leaves a mark. Usually on the neck or the arm.

He gestured casually to Raphael’s bare skin, eyes scanning with clinical focus.

– You have none. Which means the demon either didn’t submit fully, or it never claimed you.

– Ok. You could just ask, instead of grabbing me by surprise.

– True – Malus conceded with a small smile, more honest than sarcastic this time. – I apologize for the sudden movement. Old habits die hard.

He leaned back slightly, his expression shifting into contemplation.

– You’re quite calm for someone who’s supposedly part demon. Most hybrids are unstable at your age.

– But you haven’t answered my question – do you feel any demon energy from me or not?

Malus closed his eyes momentarily, inhaling deeply as if drawing the truth from the very air. When he opened them, they glowed a bright, radiant gold, burning with intensity.

– I can smell demon on you, yes. Dark, ancient demon energy. But it’s… different. Like it’s sleeping or suppressed. Or changed somehow.

He stepped closer again, slow and deliberate, until his face hovered near Raphael’s neck. He inhaled.

– Do you know what does it mean?

Malus’s breath caught as he inhaled deeply, his nose almost brushing the boy’s skin. For a moment, the tension sharpened into something electric.

– It means… the demon inside you isn’t just dormant. It’s evolved. Transformed.

He opened his eyes again. Their golden intensity locked onto Raphael like a predator discovering something it didn’t know it was hunting.

– You’re not just a hybrid. You’re something… new?

Raphael felt the warm skin so close to his face and instinctively inhaled Malus’s scent. It struck him—unexpected, complex, strangely comforting.

– You smell nice as well – he said lightly, unable to hold back the remark.

Malus froze at the words. A low, feral growl rumbled in his chest like distant thunder.

– You… you’re sniffing me?

He seemed torn between surprise and intrigue. Slowly, he leaned in, his lips almost brushing Raphael’s ear, his breath ghosting across the sensitive skin.

– And what do I smell like, little hybrid?

– You definitely don’t smell of sulphur – Raphael smiled, honest and disarming. – More like oriental spices, mature wine and… I don’t know… something ancient. But in an interesting way.

Malus chuckled softly, the sound vibrating warmly through the closeness, his breath still caressing Raphael’s ear.

– I’m glad I don’t smell like hellfire to you.

His voice dropped to a whisper, lower, darker.

– And I’m glad you find my scent interesting.

Suddenly serious, his tone shifted, warning laced through the velvet.

– But be careful with that.

– Why’s that?

– Because demons are highly sexual creatures. We find mating scents irresistible. Yours… smells fucking delicious right now.

He pressed his nose against Raphael’s neck, inhaling deeply. The motion sent a shiver down Raphael’s spine.

– Like dark chocolate and vanilla…

His body reacted visibly. He grew harder, pressing against him slightly with a heat that bordered on possessive.

– And pure fucking heaven.

– Hmmmm… vanilla and spice… nice combination…

– Gods – Malus muttered softly, his voice dropping to a rumble. – You’re innocent. You have no clue how dangerous your scent is.

He swallowed hard, visibly restraining himself.

– One whiff and half the demon race would throw you down and mate you.

He laughed softly, but his eyes never left Raphael.

– No wonder you’re a virgin.

– Aaaand that’s where you’re totally wrong – Raphael said with a wide grin, unbothered. – I’m far from being a virgin. And I’m not scared.

He looked straight into the demon’s eyes, letting him see everything he meant to show.

– Maybe I have more clue than you think – he added with a dangerous look, his irises now slightly shining blue.

Malus’s golden eyes darkened with desire, pupils dilating. He stared into Raphael’s face, his breathing growing heavier, less controlled.

– Fuck me…

He pressed harder against him, letting Raphael feel every inch of his growing cock, the heat of his body unmistakable.

– Don’t look at me like that if you’re not scared, little hybrid.

– Don’t you think we should move somewhere more private if you want to test me? Others are watching. And what will they say if you’ll lose all your restraints with me?

A dangerous smirk crossed Malus’s lips as he glanced around at the wide-eyed onlookers.

– Maybe I should give them a show then… show them why demons don’t usually fuck around with hybrids.

He leaned in again, lips brushing Raphael’s ear like a whisper.

– Want to see what happens when a high-ranking demon loses control?

– Yeah. But honestly I don’t want them to look at it.

Instantly, Raphael spread his wings – blue this time – and rose high under the faraway ceiling. The movement was graceful, instinctual. All his companions opened their mouths wide, stunned, because they didn’t even have a clue that he was able to do that.

Malus spread his massive black wings and caught up easily, his flight effortless. He flew beside Raphael under the high vaults, eyes locked on his prey. Once they were out of everyone’s view, he suddenly pressed his body against Raphael mid-air, pinning him against the ceiling. His golden eyes burned with desire, more focused than ever.

– I’m gonna fuck you right here.

– Ok. Let’s fuck then. I’ll show you, I’m not scared of you.

He growled softly, clearly enjoying the challenge, his voice thick with heat.

– Most females fear demons like me. One touch and they spread their legs, beg to be mounted.

He unzipped his jeans, freeing his massive length, already hard and demanding.

– You’re different.

He pushed Raphael against the ceiling harder, his grip firm, spreading his thighs and lowering his pants at the same time.

– Maybe because I’m a man. Just in case if you haven’t noticed…

– Exactly – Malus hissed. – You’re a man. A male hybrid with a dominant scent. And I’m a high-ranking demon with an insatiable hunger for dominant males.

He pressed his massive head against Raphael’s hole, pushing in slightly. The pressure was searing.

– Fuck, you’re tight…

Raphael grabbed the demon’s horns and pulled his face in for a hungry kiss.

– Be the man. Take me here.

Malus kissed him back fiercely, his tongue invading Raphael’s mouth with brutal intensity as he pushed deeper into him. He groaned against his lips, breaking the kiss to growl:

– Fuck… you feel like heaven.

He thrust harder, filling him completely. His wings beat faster, keeping them both airborne as their bodies moved together in a furious rhythm of desire.

– I don’t know if it’s a compliment or insult, coming from a demon – Raphael said with a devilish wink, his voice low and charged with challenge. – Give me all you have!

They were both constantly spinning under the ceiling, a blur of wings and limbs for the others on the ground. A whirlwind of lust and power, untouchable, unreachable — a celestial storm of bodies.

– It’s a compliment, you idiot – Malus snarled playfully, spinning faster as he pounded into him harder. His massive length hit Raphael’s sweet spot repeatedly, drawing raw, uncontrollable moans from his lips with every thrust. – Demons don’t compliment easily, especially not high-ranking ones like me.

He bit into Raphael’s neck possessively, teeth sinking just enough to mark, not tear. It sent a jolt of pleasure through Raphael’s spine.

– Then give it all! – Raphael demanded, breath ragged, eyes flashing.

Malus lost all control. His massive wings beat furiously, sending gusts through the air, as he fucked him with wild abandon. The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the chamber, a carnal rhythm that echoed between the stone walls, mixing with Raphael’s desperate cries. Malus reached around with one hand, wrapping strong fingers around his cock, stroking in time with each powerful thrust.

– Fuck, I’m gonna cum!

– Then cum!

– Fuuuck…

Malus roared deeply, the sound primal, echoing through the vaults as he buried himself completely inside Raphael, releasing streams of hot demon seed deep within. His wings beat erratically now, frenzied, keeping them aloft even as his body convulsed with release.

– Goddamn… that was… intense…

He continued to move slowly, hips rolling, drawing out the pleasure for both of them, not yet ready to let it end.

Raphael felt a strange energy begin to spread inside him. New. Unsettling. Strange. Powerful. It coiled in his gut, licked at his nerves, curled around his spine — but he didn’t stop to enjoy or explore the sensation. Not yet.

– That’s not over – he grinned, eyes glowing with intent.

He caught Malus by the wings and twisted him back in the air. Then, without hesitation, he pushed his hard cock into the demon’s ass, holding his tail firmly like a handle of dominance.

– Holy shit… – Malus’s eyes rolled back as Raphael drove into his tight demon hole. He tried to push back, instinct warring with desire, but the grip on his tail held him in place — perfectly, helplessly.

– Fuck, you’re using my own weight against me!

He groaned loudly as Raphael hit his spot again and again, relentless and precise.

– I know the trick or two as well – Raphael said with a mischievous grin, hips snapping with power.

– You! You little… FUCK!

Malus howled, his voice breaking, body trembling as Raphael fucked him harder. His massive frame shook, wings spreading wider in a desperate attempt to stabilize — and failing miserably.

– Who knew a hybrid could fuck so good – he choked, drool slipping past parted lips – Fuck! I hate you!

– I’m not any hybrid. I’m more. I’m learning that. So you’ll learn that too – Raphael growled, voice low and commanding.

With one more intense push, he buried himself to the hilt and spilled hot cum deep inside Malus’s body.

At the same moment, pain exploded on both sides of Raphael’s forehead — sharp, burning, splitting. He gasped. Then, almost instantly, two sharp horns tore through his skin. Black-blue. Gleaming. Wickedly pointed.

– Damn… – Malus shuddered as he felt Raphael’s seed filling him, something inside him flaring. – You’re right. You’re not just any hybrid. You…

He swallowed thickly, chest rising and falling.

– Your semen… it’s holy water level. It burns like hell.

He laughed, the sound hoarse, but his muscles tensed abruptly.

– Wait…

– What?

– Holy shit…

Malus froze, his face changing as he turned slightly.

– Your seed… it’s making my wings smoke.

He spread them out. Thin ribbons of dark smoke rose from the membranes, curling into the air.

– And my tail… it’s hardening.

He swished it experimentally — the tail now stiff like polished obsidian.

– What the actual fuck are you?

He looked at Raphael with a flicker of fear behind the awe, eyes locked on the freshly grown horns.

– I don’t know. Sorry, I didn’t want to hurt you – Raphael said quickly, heart pounding, and reached out to grab Malus before he could lose balance and fall.

– You didn’t hurt me… you fucking enhanced me.

Malus’s voice was hoarse with astonishment, but also with a new power surging through it. His wings shimmered now with an otherworldly glow, veins of luminous energy tracing through the leathery texture. His tail pulsed with strange, vibrant force.

– You’re not a hybrid… you’re something else entirely.

He turned to face Raphael fully, golden eyes blazing with awe and something more.

– Ok. I think we should go back down to others – Raphael suggested, his breathing just beginning to even out.

Malus nodded slowly, his expression still dazed.

– Yeah, let’s get back down. But what about…

He pointed at the horns still crowning Raphael’s head.

– There will be questions.

– Don’t worry. I still have a few tricks up my sleeves – Raphael said with a wink.

At the same moment, he summoned the familiar illusion — the one he had used before, veiling wings or marks. The horns shimmered, then disappeared from sight.

Malus carefully folded his wings and descended alongside him, landing softly on the stone floor. The others looked up in awe, silent, taking in the sight of Malus’s glowing wings and stiffened tail.

– Were you fighting out there? – Luna asked, her voice sharp, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Kar stood frozen, his face pale with astonishment. Frederico chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye.

– You can say that – Raphael said, blushing slightly, avoiding eye contact. – But we came to an agreement.

Kar’s jaw dropped open. Luna tilted her head, confused. Frederico burst out laughing.

– An agreement, huh? – he teased, winking.

Malus cleared his throat, trying to compose himself despite the shimmering marks of what had just occurred.

– Yeah, we settled our differences.

– Exactly – Raphael said, straightening.

Luna raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the simplicity of the story, but she didn’t push. She knew better than to dig too deep where Raphael was concerned.

Kar stepped forward slowly, his gaze lingering on Malus’s altered wings.

– Something tells me that wasn’t just a fight – he muttered.

He turned to Malus.

– You look different.

– Yeah. We tested some things along the way. That’s just side effect – Raphael replied, his tone light but steady. – Ok. But I have my answers so I think we can go back. Seraphin is waiting outside. You know she’s not feeling well here.

The group nodded. The mention of Seraphin — sensitive to demonic energy — was enough.

Malus shot Raphael a grateful glance, his features softening.

Lyra was still staring, eyes wide, clearly calculating, theorizing.

– Right then – Luna said, cutting through the moment.

– Thank you, Malus. I hope we’ll meet again. And without misunderstandings next time – Raphael added with a wink.

Malus chuckled, voice deeper, resonant with newfound confidence. His wings glimmered softly as he returned the look.

– Deal. And next time, I’ll be ready for whatever you throw at me.

He winked back, a flash of respect — and heat — in his eyes.

The group began to move, heading toward the exit where Seraphin waited.

– Ok. It’s getting late and I’m supposed to join my first patrol tonight – Raphael said. – When we’re all together I can help us go back faster. And I think I owe you that after what you did for me. Please, could you grab on to me?

They all nodded. No hesitation. No doubt.

– Well, we’ll all gather around then, won’t we? – Frederico smirked.

Everyone stepped in, forming a loose circle. Hands settled gently on Raphael’s shoulders, on his arms — trusting.

Raphael closed his eyes and focused. The east entrance, he thought. And then, he let the power rise.

In a single instant, the group vanished.

They reappeared at the east entrance of the Academy. The cold air struck them first. A few gasps broke the silence. Seraphin stood nearby, visibly relieved but pale and drained, her body hunched against the heavy aura that lingered around demons.

– Thank you guys once again – Raphael said with a wide, warm smile.

The group smiled back, visibly impressed — and a little dazed.

– Anytime – Luna replied softly. – That was… quick.

Kar adjusted his cloak, still watching Raphael with a narrowed gaze.

– Your first patrol tonight then?

– Yeah – Raphael nodded.

– Be careful – Lyra said suddenly. His voice was low, firm. Real.

– Those demons are dangerous.

– But try not to kill too many tonight, okay? – Frederico grinned.

Everyone laughed.

– Ok. I’ll keep that in mind – Raphael said, the tension breaking as he turned away.

He made his way toward his room, their laughter trailing behind him like a protective echo. When he stepped inside, the air was calm. Silent. On his bed, he noticed something waiting — a small leather pouch tied with a red ribbon.