Page 185 of Kneel Before Me

Every time his hips hit her ass, his cock stimulated her clitoris and the claw stimulated the rest. If the goal was to overwhelm her, it was certainly working. In the excess of sensations, Daphne temporarily forgot her fatigue. Just as it became more than she could handle, she felt Kronos lean back and begin to remove the claw. Only it did not feel the same as it had going in—the claw was changing; she could feel it morphing as he pulled it out, lengthening so that the more he pulled, the more there was to pull. The shape was different too—it felt like a string of beads—not unlike what Daphne had seen one of the other hosts create at the start of the challenge.

Kronos touched her center as he removed the string, syncing his motions so that every time a bead left her, his fingers entered her. It was purposeful and coordinated and so pleasurable it was nearly agonizing. Daphne had never felt anything like this before. Something awoke within her, some animal instinct that loved being touched this way—the part of her that wanted Kronos to take over and became turned on when he did so. She moaned recklessly, losing the last of her inhibitions, wanting nothing but for Kronos to take her all the way there.

The moment the last bead left her, Kronos leaned forward, grabbed the back of her neck, and pulled Daphne up so that her spine was flush against his chest. His knees went between hers, spreading them so she was straddling the base of his cock. It reached past her belly button; she felt his head against her stomach. His other hand clamped over the base, pressing it firmly against her clitoris. Then he began to thrust, his hips lifting her up and down, dragging her clitoris along his shaft. His cock was covered in her wetness; everything was covered in her wetness. Kronos’s grip was punishingly tight, directing her in exact, measured thrusts, guiding her with perfect precision. Daphne was on a brink. Despite her blindfold she closed her eyes, allowing her head to fall back, surrendering to him completely.

“There you are,” he murmured in her ear. “There is my perfect girl.”

“Kronos,” she cried. “Kronos.” There was no other name on her tongue—nothing else she deigned to say.

“I know you can do it.” He was her muse, her teacher, her host. “You are so beautiful like this, Daphne.”

Finally, she came.

Climax crashed into her like an avalanche, and the moment she came, Kronos did too, his essence pouring up onto her bare stomach. With the last of her strength, she placed her hand over his cock, sliding her palm through his cum, feeling the most integral part of him. He placed his hand over hers, fusing them together.

Daphne was so weak she barely heard Bastian cry, “TWELVE!”

A moment later the blindfold was off her eyes. The first thing she did was turn to Kronos, who was watching her with a mixture of pride and concern on his face. His hand cupped her jaw, lifting her face to his.

“How do you feel?” he asked anxiously.

Daphne didn’t have the strength to answer. Despite finally getting her vision back, somehow all she wanted to do was close her eyes.

“We must stand,” Kronos was saying. Behind him, Bastian was approaching.

“Help me,” Daphne whispered.

Kronos obeyed, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her upright. He held her tightly against his body as Bastian stopped before their mat.

“Behold,” the Serpent King cried, pointing at Kronos. “Our winner.”

Daphne found it rather rude that he didn’t say winners. She looked up at Kronos, who was looking down at her. Half the crowd—she assumed the Seneca half—screamed their approval. The other half watched them with dark looks on their faces. Beyond Bastian, Caspenon stared at her with rage in his eyes. The sight was enough to make Daphne turn toward Kronos and bury her face in his chest. He held her tighter, pressing his lips into her hair.

“It is over,” he said. “You were perfect.”

Somehow, the first challenge was over. Somehow, they had won.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Daphne

Are you in any pain?”

Despite the roar of the crowd, Kronos was only looking at her. Daphne managed to shake her head. She was not hurt—at least she didn’t think she was—only tired.

“I just need to rest,” she whispered.

He nodded. “We must attend the after gathering. But there is nothing required of you there. You will be able to rest.”

Daphne nodded. Wordlessly, Kronos picked her up and carried her out of the vial room. Daphne tucked herself against his chest and closed her eyes. A moment later, she was asleep. When she woke, they were once more in the courtyard—Daphne recognized the fountain of shimmering liquid in the center.

“Daphne,” said Kronos quietly. He was beside her, his eyes full of concern. He held out a goblet. “Would you like something to drink?”

Daphne sat up slowly, feeling every ache in her body. They were seated in a large, cushioned alcove embedded in the stone wall, perfectly located to watch the festivities. They were not alone. All around them, basilisks were having sex. The closest was a pair of men mere inches away from her. Daphne stared numbly at their entangled bodies.

“Daphne,” Kronos said again. “Did you hear me?”

“Yes,” she managed to say. “But I don’t want…elixir.”