Chapter Seven

With the fire started under the tub, I left her to her business. I doubt she wanted me to stand there while she used the toilet. By the time I was back to my room, Europa was awake and looking terrified, huddled in the corner of the room at the head of my bed. She screamed when she saw me and this time I covered my ears she was so loud. 

“Knock it the fuck off!” I bellowed. My bellowing startled her. Her eyes widened, and she blinked slowly at me as her mouth fell open in shock. “Yes, the monster speaks and has sensitive hearing. It also has a name. It’s Asterion, by the way.” I said, stalking forward to sit at the table. She flinched as if I was stalking towards her. I’m not sure if she was more surprised when I spoke or that I had no intentions of touching her. 

“You… you aren’t going to…” she stammered.”Not going to… kill you? Eat you? Or did you think because you’re sitting on my bed, I planned to rape you?” I offered possible conclusions to her stammering. “Um.. all of them.” she meekly said, nervously toying with her long red hair. “Well, relax. I’m not doing any of those things. I have plenty of food from the boys they sent in the first three days.” I assured her.

She gulped as I mentioned the three boys. “But... what about Melite? We all heard her scream yesterday. You killed her or at least attacked her? Is she wandering somewhere out there? Lost and alone? Did you only bring me in here because of my looks? I know men like my beauty.” she questioned. For as much as her words sounded like she was concerned, she was showing herself to be conceited. 

“You think rather highly of your looks.” I snorted. “What’s that supposed to mean? I suppose for a creature like you, you wouldn’t understand beauty.” she narrowed her eyes at me. “Wow.” I sighed, shaking my head. “Let me get a few things straight for you, you conceited snot-nosed pampered bitch.” I glared, standing up and folding my arms across my chest. “You are greatly underestimating me. I may be forced to live in this place, but I am educated about the world and know beauty. And yours appears only to be skin deep.” I continued to glare at her. 

“And you seem to think you are somehow better than Melite, which is just outrageous. If it weren’t for Melite, I would have left you to wander the labyrinth till you died of starvation or dehydration.” I added. “Melite? What? What does she have to do with this? And how dare you say I’m not beautiful.” she scoffed. I rolled my eyes. “On the surface, you are. But you are a nasty, ugly brat under it. Melite is perfectly fine and safe, not that I believe your concern for her was true. I didn’t hurt her. Hell, while I left you here after you fainted, I showed her to the bath where she’s having a hot bath as we speak.” I sighed. 

“So she’s alive?! Did you hurt her!? Did you rape her!?” she exclaimed. My eye twitched as I tightened my fingers on my forearms to resist the urge to throttle this woman. “Of course, she’s alive. And no, I didn’t hurt her, and I didn’t rape her. What is wrong with you? I’m not a monster.” I blew out an angry breath. “Right, but you killed those three boys.” she countered. “True. After being without food for weeks leading up to this festival. You would be surprised what anyone would do when they are starving.” I acknowledged. 

Europa looked ready to ask more questions when Melite came rushing in, and her blonde hair was still wet from her bath. “Europa! I’m so glad you’re okay. I was worried when Asterion brought you in and said you fainted. Didn’t you hit your head or anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Asterion, have you offered her water or some of that wine your mother brought?” she asked, checking Europa for injuries. 

I could only smile at my sweet and caring Melite. Europa seemed taken by surprise at how Melite not only was genuinely concerned for her but spoke to me. “No, I haven’t had a chance. The little wretch was too busy pissing me off.” I answered. Europa glared at me. Melite rolled her eyes. “Asterion, she’s been through a very traumatic event. Taken from her family and sent in here thinking she was going to die.” Melite scolded. 

“And? I was sent here as a child and have only been fed criminals since. My life is trauma. Little miss priss there could use some trauma. Maybe it will humble her fucking ass.” I grumbled. “Asterion! Do not be crude!” Melite pointed her finger at me. “Do not mistake what’s happened between us as an excuse to order me around, Melite.” I glared down at her. Europa was blinking, looking between us. Then her mouth fell open as something dawned on her. 

“Oh. My. Gods!” Europa exclaimed. “Melite! You let this… this… beast defile you!?” she exclaimed. I turned my gaze to Europa, glaring at her, and snorted indignity. “Call me beast or treat me like I’m somehow inferior to you, and I will kill you, you…” I start pointing a finger angrily at her. “Asterion! Stop!” Melite called out and tugged at my arm. I snorted and looked at Melite. “Please. I know you’re upset.” she sighed. “You should be upset too.” I pointed out.

“Maybe. But we both knew it would happen.” Melite sighed. "That's out there. I don't control what happens or how you're treated after you leave. But in this labyrinth. I am the judge, jury, and most certainly the executioner. Anyone who wants my mercy better learn their place. And she needs to learn her place. Either she becomes at least civil, preferably mute, or she goes into the meat chest with those three boys." I said, trying to keep my temper in check. 

Europa looked petrified. And she should be because I mean every word. If she keeps being disrespectful to Melite and treating me like a brainless monster, I will kill her. "And she will. You don't need to threaten people, Asterion." Melite scolded, sighing. "Let me talk to her. Alone. Go wash up or something elsewhere in the maze." she ordered, though her voice was soft, pointing to the exit. I snorted in annoyance; Europa eeped and backed away. At least she has the sense to be afraid. 

"Fine. You deal with her. But neither of you should leave this room. Don't think I'm not going to punish you later for leaving the bath on your own. You could have gotten lost and hurt." I conceded but included a warning. Melite bowed her head. Good, she realized she was in trouble. "I'm sorry I didn't wait. But I heard raised voices and got worried. I'll accept what punishment you give." She quietly answered. 

Forgetting that Europa was even here, I tilted Melite's face up. "Trust me. You'll enjoy your punishment." I teased her just before kissing her. The sweet smell of her arousal filled my nose as her arms reached up to hold me as she eagerly returned my kiss. So it seems my sweet little Melite is turned on at the thought of her punishment. I groaned, deepening the kiss as I lifted her, considering giving into our desires. 

We were brought crashing back to reality as Europa exclaimed from my bed.  "Oh gross! You're shameless! Your parents would be so disappointed to know they raised a whore." she sneered. And my urge to crush her skull was back in full force. "Asterion… don't. Go. I'll talk to her." Melite softly said, gently stroking my arms. I took a deep breath and slowly released it, setting her back down. 

"Europa, I recommend you listen to her and do as she says. If you continue this behavior after your talk, I won't be stopped from crushing your skull with my bare hands." I warned, glaring at Europa. I placed a kiss on Melite's head. "Don't take any of her shit. Give a yell if you need me." I whispered before walking away.