l00na24

[l00na24]

Heart Of Darkness (Noah Sebastian Empire Of Sins And Souls AU) - Part 1

Pairing: Xathyr!Noah Sebastian x Human!Reader

Rating: 18+, MDNI, NSFW

Word Count: 6.6k

Warnings: Descriptive Violence & Gore, Angst, Blood, Murder, Language, Mentions of death, Mentions of reader being a slave, Mentions of reader's death

This story contains mature content! Please be aware that this work is entirely fictional and doesn't reflect real people's thoughts, behaviors or personalities!

Summary: Suddenly finding yourself in the forecourt of hell, you come face to face with someone who has not only the power to decide about your fate but could also turn your world upside down. But is he friend or foe? And what does he want?

A/N: Hello everyone! This is an AU of the bookseries "Empire Of Sins And Souls" I made a post about a while back. (What was supposed to be a (very long) oneshot has changed into a story with multiple chapters.)

This AU doesn't reflect the books in any way! It is NOT required to have read any of them for this! The story will be different and won't follow the original storyline!

I want to give an extra warning for Noah as his character will also be different from the one in the books and might have not so nice intentions... So please be aware!

???

Powerlessness.

That was all I felt.

Last night did little to drown out this disgusting feeling having settled root inside me.

But I knew how to bury it deep down, what I had to do to make it go away.

That’s how I found myself sitting on my throne with one of countless women or men – I didn’t care either way – on my lap, my teeth buried to the hilt in her neck and drinking her rich flavored, sweet blood, tasting her sins till the very last drop. Until her lifeless body was hanging loosely in my arms, her soul bound to go to hell like so many before her.

“May I bring you a new slave, my lord?” My loyal servant Stanislav asked, standing at the entrance to the throne vault in a deep bow, his eyes displaying pity for the dead woman in front of me. Something I couldn’t allow myself to feel.

“Yes.”

I couldn’t remember how many I already had. Five? Six? Or ten? I lost count at some point…

But I wanted more.

Needed more.

To sate the hunger running wild in my veins.

Taking over every sense and letting me feel like the ruler I was.

The count of Xanthia.

Y/N

“Only good children don’t have to go to Xanthia.”

It was the phrase parents used to tell their kids.

That I would ever find myself in this place I had never imagined. I didn’t even know why exactly I was here.

A few days had gone by since I had woken up in a place so different than Domcourt in the republic Adrasteau where I was living- lived, I guess. I still hadn’t come to terms with the fact I was supposed to be dead. The thought alone was scary enough and I couldn’t understand how my life could have taken such a turn from one moment to the other.

I remembered walking down the streets on a nice, sunny day to buy some things. A few birds were chirping from the rooftops, a soft breeze swaying through the air, carrying the scent of some freshly baked goods. Everything had been fine until…-

The chasseurs. The hunters.

They had been marking houses again.

“No! Please! I swear, I’m not possessed!”

Right. I had heard shouting when I went down my usual path and then I had spotted the red, diamond shaped form with a horizontal line on some of the doors. The noises got louder the nearer I came, why I didn’t turn around immediately and took a different path I don’t know. But I was regretting it now, look where it brought me.

I had only wanted to protect an innocent soul from getting killed by these delusional bastards. It was a group of four in their characteristic white uniforms, they must have dragged the young woman out of her house. She was kneeling on the cold, hard cobblestone path while two of them held her arms behind her back so she couldn’t do anything and was at their mercy. They really believed what they did was right.

The poor woman was begging and crying, struggling against the harsh hold these men had on her to hold her down. I knew I shouldn’t have intervened and should have ignored what was happening in front of me and looked away like everybody else always did when it happened.

But I couldn’t.

Not when I had gone through the same as her.

The sight had immediately brought back the horrible memories I had tried so hard to forget, which I had shoved into the darkest corner of my mind to never be reminded of them ever again. These sick people were the reason why I lived all by myself since I was sixteen years old. They had killed my parents.

It had happened so suddenly neither my parents nor me were prepared when they showed up in front of our home one night. Everything went down so fast, I couldn’t comprehend what actually had happened and most of it was nothing more than a blur now. The only few things I knew were my father starting to argue with them, the voices growing louder, more agitated until they changed into shouts while my mother took me by the hand and disappeared hurriedly deeper into our house until we reached my room. She closed the door and locked it, telling me to hide in the closet she had directed me to and to stay quiet. After that it all just became a blur until I saw them dead on the floor in the living room next to the men who killed them. I couldn’t explain how my parents managed to kill the whole group of four of these men who were clearly skilled in combat and with their weapons but I quickly started to believe it wasn’t actually them who did it. It must have been something else.

The wounds the chasseurs had didn’t match the ones from a blade. You could have never inflicted such deep, horrifying wounds with just a knife or sword. Cracked bones were sticking out of their bodies, some limbs only hanging by the tendons in the place where they originally were, one head was entirely ripped off its body and if I recalled it correctly, I could swear I had seen even a few organs laying around in all the blood scattered across the whole room. But the weirdest fact of all was that my parents’ bodies had been completely untouched, they only showed the deadly wounds of the men’s blades. Another detail was the brightly glowing lantern – a so called “tentamiére” – further away on the floor, the other three they had carried with them destroyed into multiple pieces. I would only learn years later what exactly the hunters used them for and what it meant.

But ever since that particular day, I was convinced I hadn’t been alone that night. And I had been proven right soon after.

It was obvious I couldn’t stay in what I once had called “home”. Not after a brutal murder had taken place in there. Once the dead bodies would be found, the gendarmerie would start to investigate so I was forced to find another place I could stay, as painful as it was. Thankfully I found a small, abandoned place nobody would suspect a young girl hiding in. Until I was old enough to find some work, this would be my own little safe haven, my new home. The adjustment to my drastic life change was rough and every night I cried myself to sleep, the loss of my parents and the loneliness getting too much to bare in the silence around me, so many emotions swirling within me I couldn’t face, too scared it would break me apart completely if I allowed them.

Until one day something happened.

I had just gotten back with some food I managed to steal because I didn’t have any money and was still too young to work, at least if I didn’t want to sell my body to random men every night which I definitely wasn’t going to do. No matter how bad my situation would be.

Placing them next to my makeshift bed, a worn down mattress I had found, I noticed one of the candles I hadn’t used yet was not next to the others where I had placed them on the ground. Immediately growing weary of my surroundings someone could have found my shelter despite me doing everything I could to keep it hidden like I never existed in the first place. Alarmed I inspected every corner but came up with nothing, all my other belongings were also unmoved. I wanted to brush it off a little while later that I probably just imagined it and overreacted but the following day it happened again. There were some wrinkles in my clothes who hadn’t been there before and no, I wasn’t going crazy. At least I had tried to convince myself about it.

To prove my theory right, I started to rearrange everything every day to see if anything had been moved. Some days nothing changed but on others it did. By that point I knew or was fully convinced even, it couldn’t be a person behind this as I had been even more careful when I left and returned to my place, nobody had come anywhere near it.

When I had enough after meticulously observing everything for a whole week, finding all objects in complete disarray, I decided to speak up to the invisible force who seemed to be playing a game with me but all I got in return was silence. Of course. But I wasn’t about to give up.

I kept talking, asking if there really was someone with me and I wasn’t as alone as I had thought, assuring I wasn’t going to tell the hunters as I had no desire to ever have to see one of them again after what they did anyway.

The nights after that were different, I didn’t feel alone anymore and it distracted me from the grief, the pain and the turmoil inside of me. It felt weirdly comfortable to talk about anything and nothing, whatever came to mind, even if I didn’t get an answer back. I had named it “my invisible friend” because it felt more personal, more like there really was someone. If it was the thing that did the trick I still don’t know but all of a sudden my new acquired ‘friend’ didn’t seem to be so shy anymore and actively showed their presence by moving things around in front of my eyes. It felt like a little achievement.

Wanting to try and take things further, I luckily managed to get some chalk I had found forgotten in one of the streets by some kids who had been playing with them, their colorful drawings on the ground having almost faded away. Full of excitement about my idea to be finally able to get to know my ‘friend’ better, now that we actually had a real way of communicating with each other, I told them what I had in mind, hoping I would get an answer.

“What is your name?” I asked, waiting for a response and looking around the room with anticipation.

First nothing happened until I heard the sound of scraping behind me and quickly turned around to the source. My eyes going wide and nearly falling out of their sockets when I saw the letters neatly written in red color next to me on the wooden wall in the shine of the candlelight.

KAS

Ever since then it was like I could feel his presence whenever he was with me and I suspected he had always been by my side when I made my strolls through the streets, not only when we were in our secret hideout.

And so he was there too on the day I died. He was the only witness to what had happened to me. I know he tried to protect me, had seen what he did but the bitter truth was not even he could save me.

My feet were moving faster than I could think, not wanting to watch how the chasseurs would cut off the woman’s head openly on the street in the middle of the day. They wouldn’t take another innocent life if I could stop them.

Right when one of them was ready to end her life with his drawn sword to fulfill his ‘sacred deed’ as their godforsaken church would call it, I was there and lunged for the hilt, trying to rip it out of his grasp.

“Leave her alone!” I shouted while I successfully managed to disarm the man, taking him by surprise. Swiftly bringing it into my possession and pointing it at him.

At the same time a loud shriek was going off, coming from the woman when the man holding her left arm got attacked by the person they couldn’t see. Blood starting to run down between his shoulder and neck, the air filling with the sound of tearing flesh as the man cried out in pain.

“There’s a demon with her!” The last of the four men who had only been standing by to keep watch on the other side of the man I had just disarmed warned, having his weapon ready to use in no time.

“Too bad you can’t do anything about it!” I countered and made a swing with all the strength I had towards the hunter in my front, knowing Kas and me had an advantage because they didn’t have any lanterns with them that would be a danger for him and they only could use their special sight to see him at night.

It was the only thing I envied them of. I had always wanted to get a glimpse of him too, knowing how he looked like. If he was a human or not, but it would forever be a secret wish of mine.

Kas had gotten rid of his target multiple cracks of bones and piercing screams later, already on the way to his next victim who had let go of the other woman’s arm when he witnessed what was happening with his friend. Having stood not a single chance against the invisible force who was coming after them like the devil himself.

In the meantime I had managed to land a few good slices on the weaponless man but was busy defending myself against the other with his sword as well. I wasn’t as skilled with a weapon like they were and I wasn’t as powerful and fast as Kas, however he was able to do what he did.

The woman had scrambled away from the fight once she was released, the terror clearly written on her face as she ran away from the scene as fast as she could, still screaming at the top of her lungs.

I hadn’t really time to pay attention to her as I was trying to keep myself alive against the two men who were much stronger than me. Blocking another attack and countering back as best as I could, the adrenalin pumping through me keeping me focused.

Trying to block another incoming slash from the man with his sword and avoiding his friend’s attack with his fists at the same time, I staggered back a little when I lost my footing between the gaps of the cobblestone ground, giving my enemy a few second’s window to backhand me at the same time the second man of the group of four was falling dead to the floor. A sickening noise of something being torn apart surrounding us accompanied by an ear-piercing scream.

“You and this devil will regret what you did!” The man with his sword shouted towards me when he had seen what had happened.

Being thrown off balance by the hit I took to my cheek, I fell backwards to the floor. My head making painful contact with the hard stone underneath me and the sword in my hands clattering to the floor and sliding away a bit. I tried to regain my composure but the pain shooting through my skull made it difficult together with the dizziness overtaking me. But I had to do my best and fight it if I wanted to get out of this alive.

I tried to stand up but struggled once another wave of dizziness hit me, forcing me back down. I watched as the man who was still holding his sword, probably ready to strike me down, suddenly hunched over and blood started to stream down from his shoulder, his once white uniform turning into a dark red. From the corner of my eye I saw the other one that was still standing walking towards the sword laying on the ground not too far from me and taking it, a victorious, sick grin spreading across his face when he made his way towards me.

“Any last words?” He taunted, coming to a stand next to me and holding his sword above me.

I wouldn’t let them win.

“Go fuck yourself you piece of shit!” I spat at him with all the hatred cursing through me in this moment.

“Send those demons our kind regards. I’m sure they will delight in your sins!” He strengthened his grip around the hilt and let the sharp end of the weapon fall down on me. A panicked scream leaving my throat.

“KAS!!!”

But before the blade could reach me, his body painfully bent backwards, his hands desperately trying to grip something that wasn’t there, not physically.

It was now or never. I had to use the chance my friend had given me by coming to my rescue. Pushing my body back up with the strength I had regained, I took hold of the sword once again and rammed it with one swift motion into the man’s stomach, effectively killing him and letting his own weapon stick in his body when he collapsed to the floor seconds after the invisible hold on him had been released.

Only one left.

Standing on shaking legs and breathing heavily, I looked at the last man who Kas had attacked previously.

“You will go straight to hell for this!” Never cared about going to heaven anyway or any of their religious bullshit. He didn’t give me much time when he was already in my face, an arm wrapping around my throat and trapping me against his broad body.

I gripped onto his arm and tried to struggle free from his strong hold but he had the upper hand since I still hadn’t recovered much. His body jerked to one side a moment later, more blood covering his already stained uniform. Kas was trying to get the man to let go of me but it didn’t seem like he had any plan to release me no matter what.

When my look fell onto the other three dead bodies before us in various large pools of blood, one with his missing larynx laying next to him, the other with a wide gaping hole in his chest, displaying a morbid picture of his cracked apart ribcage with some of the ribs missing and the last I had driven his sword through, something in my mind clicked. He had been the one who saved me that night seven years ago and he had also tried to protect my parents, that’s why they were untouched. Kas had always been there even if I couldn’t see or feel him.

My attention flew back to the man when he was increasing his hold further and it was slowly but surely getting harder to breathe. Kas was still doing his best to get the hunter off me, leaving various bite marks across his arm and shoulder, ripping his skin open but it was like this man was hellbent on at least killing the weaker one of us. Me.

“Let me… go…!” I pressed out, pushing my body forward with everything I could muster up in a final attempt to break free. Kas had just pierced the main artery in his neck in time and I was released, stumbling uncontrollably a few steps forwards and taking in the much needed air.

What we both hadn’t anticipated was the last move the chasseur made.

He somehow must have knocked Kas off him, his blade ready in the hand on his good side and stormed towards me. Before I could even turn around fully and comprehend what was happening, his arm was back around my throat, holding me in a chokehold yet again but this time driving his weapon straight into my backside without hesitation and brutal force until the tip came back out of my front, dripping with my blood.

A choked sound was all leaving my lips, an intense pain I had never felt before spreading through my whole body before everything went dark.

Only a moment later Kas had broken the man’s neck but I had already been gone by then. Leaving nothing but an empty shell of my dead body behind. Leaving him alone in a world where nobody knew of his existence, his only friend he had tried so hard to protect over all those years gone. Slipping through his fingers like sand in an hourglass.

Not even his powers had been able to keep me from death.

The savior who couldn’t save the one soul he wanted to protect.

“Only good children don’t have to go to Xanthia.”

Murder.

I killed someone.

The shocking realization made my stomach turn.

I had never wanted to kill someone.

I only wanted to save my life and this woman…

How could it be a sin to protect an innocent person?

Yes, I did steal for a few years but only the few things I really needed and never from people who were in desperate need of them themselves. But I doubted it was the reason why I was here.

I couldn’t deny the satisfaction I felt when I pushed the sword into the chasseur…

I was disgusted at myself.

What would Kas think about me? Or maman and papa?

Kas…

I had left him all on his own… What would he do now? Would he be angry at me for what I did? Would he miss me? Or would he even blame himself for what happened?

None of it was his fault. It was mine. All mine.

None of it was supposed to happen.

I only wanted to help… And I had paid the price for it.

These bastards really killed me… First my parents and now me. Would they kill Kas too?

I hoped he would rip them to shreds the next chance he gets…

“He must have a really bad day today…”

“That’s the thirteenth.”

My spiraling thoughts got disrupted by a set of voices. Looking up, I spotted two women nearby, an older one who I guessed in between her thirties and forties with blonde locks and the other somewhere between fifteen and twenty with straight, black hair. Wearing the same crème colored cotton dress as me, so everybody knew our position.

“What are you talking about?” I decided to speak up because I couldn’t hold back my curiosity, standing up from my cot and joining them.

“They’ve already brought him twelve slaves today.” The older woman turned her attention to me, a display of clear horror on her face.

“And none of them came back.” Added the other almost in a hushed whisper with her hand over her mouth with wide eyes staring into mine and a slight tremble in her voice. Letting her sight wander around the hall suspiciously to probably make sure nobody was eavesdropping on us.

I also took a careful look at our surroundings through the large slave hall I had been brought to hours ago. It was a huge building behind an even bigger castle with around fifty or more cots in multiple rows for every unfortunate soul who landed here to serve these monsters.

Xathyr.

All the stories about them were true. I had made my own first experience two or three days prior after aimlessly walking around in an unknown world for a day or more. How long it really was I couldn’t tell because every one looked the same. The sky was always a mix between grey, black and the most dominant color here: red. The nights seemed to be darker tho, the mornings lighter but you couldn’t really guess what time it was, as the sun- or moonlight was always just red and it was only the shading which differed. A scenery straight out of a nightmare and nothing compared to the ocean blue sky and warm, natural light in Adrasteau or the nights with millions of stars in the embrace of the dark, shining their magical glow down on earth. Nothing here had anything magical.

These… creatures cared about one thing: the sins in your blood. They practically lusted after them.

I still remember what my parents told me about the Xathyr living here: “Even if they look like humans, they aren’t. They feed off the blood of the sinners they punish in Xanthia.”

They had been right with every word.

“Wait- You mean-?” I didn’t even need to finish my question as the two women began to nod with their heads.

“What does he need so many people for?” I asked further. My brows furrowing in surprise, trying to make sense of what they were telling me.

“To drink their blood, of course.” The blonde woman looked at me like I had asked the most obvious question. My face blanked at the revelation. Who needed so much?

“How long have you been here? I haven’t seen you around.” The younger girl curiously observed me, not even addressing the absurdity which had just been stated.

“We arrived only this morning.” I explained, both exchanging a look with each other.

“Well, I hope for you they don’t choose you today.” The older one said with worry in her voice, giving me a crooked smile that didn’t reach her eyes. I had a feeling she knew what she was talking about but it didn’t do anything to ease my nerves.

It was one thing to come to terms with my death but a whole other to find myself in Xanthia. The forecourt of hell. A place as scary as its inhabitants and just as dangerous.

Not even this giant castle with all its guards gave me any sense of safety.

The echo of heavy opening doors reverberated ominously through the entire hall and made my body instantly stiffen.

The soft chatter in the air from the few other people with us sizing to a deathly silence.

My eyes flew to the entrance of the hall, past multiple rows of cots, most of them empty because the slaves were either doing their normal daywork or were needed elsewhere. Or for someone else.

A sickening feeling was starting to rise in my stomach, sharp as the reminder of my death which seemed to cut through me a second time and I wanted nothing more than to get away from this hellish place.

“They are coming to get another.” The black-haired girl warned, her eyes not leaving the three persons stepping into the hall. Two of them armored.

“You have to get out of here.” A tug on my arm snapped my head back to the older blonde. She lowered her volume when she spoke, the look she gave me mirroring the same concern than the one in her words.

“How?” There was nowhere I could hide and the cots were too low to crawl underneath.

“The corridor to your right.” She pointed at the entrance near us. A wooden door in a deep brown, tapering towards the top, peaking around the corner of the stone wall. “It leads to the washrooms. You can hide in there.”

“But what about you?” As much as these two women seemed to be concerned about me, I couldn’t hide my own for them, knowing what could possibly await them if their impending doom would strike.

“Don’t worry about us. Just go before they see you.” The older woman urged, making another gesture with her head towards the door.

“Thank you. Both of you.” A fake smile appeared on my face, not able to give them a real one because I felt too guilty about their kindness. A kindness I didn’t deserve. The reasons why they tried to protect me were unknown to me just as why they cared about me even though we didn’t know each other at all and had never met before but I couldn’t express how thankful I was to them.

Even here, in the forecourt of hell, surrounded by monsters and sinners, there were still some good souls who didn’t deserve their awaiting fate.

And it included these two.

The one who could have easily resembled my mother with her caring character and the other myself in my teenage years with her still lively expression. A bitter reminder of what could have been if things had gone different. I could feel a faint sting of the familiar pain in the hole in my heart.

Kas had filled it before but now it was as empty as I was after I had been left with truly nothing.

Get a grip on yourself! It’s not the time to get sentimental!

Pushing my emotions down, I took a last glance at the women before I vanished behind the last row of cots, leading me straight towards the entrance of the washrooms.

With fast steps I followed the path, hoping they weren’t making too much noise on the hard floor as they did in my ears and the metal frames of the cots were covering my figure enough so I could get away unseen.

My pulse was getting faster the more I shortened the distance, more adrenalin pumping through my veins than during the fight with the chasseurs. They were monsters too but nothing compared to these ones in Xanthia.

You’re nearly there, just a little more. I encouraged myself mentally, not letting my pace falter.

I felt the stickiness of my hands increasing, wiping them on my dress and taking a short glance behind me when the wooden door came in sight. Nobody there. I was fine.

It was like an invisible weight lifted off my chest when I got close to my escape. I only had to take a right and I would be safe for now. Relief flooded me once I spotted the doorknob and I let out a shaky breath.

I wouldn’t be the next. I wouldn’t-

About to cut the corner sharply, a single word made my whole body freeze.

“You.”

NO. No. No. No. No.

They couldn’t mean me. They surely were talking to someone else. There was no way it was me.

Before I could even make another step, the two guards suddenly appeared out of what looked like black smoke or shadows right in front of me, making my heart miss a few beats, only to thrum erratically after.

They couldn’t have seen me sneaking away. There was no chance I could be so unlucky.

“I- uh… really have to go. I’m needed-” The words practically stumbled out of my mouth, I wasn’t sure if they even made sense in this moment. All I felt was the rising panic inside of me and I knew I couldn’t let it show, keeping up my lie and wanting to go forward but the guards didn’t budge at all, keeping me in place. Their expressionless faces on me the entire time.

“You are coming with me.” The toneless voice from before cut my rambling off and as soon as another gust of wind hit my back I spun around frantically, meeting a pair of emerald green eyes belonging to an older Xathyr with blonde hair who had the same emotionless expression as the others. The only difference between them was the dark suit he was wearing instead of black armor.

He didn’t waste any time before he turned around and went ahead like it was the most normal thing in the world, a confidence in his every stride that was both frightening and infuriating, not giving me a moment to comprehend the situation I was put in. I still stood there frozen in place, my eyes following him but my mind completely somewhere else.

I’d rather die right here instead of getting mauled by the monster he was taking me to.

Underneath the turmoil of my suppressed emotions something fierce cut through the surface. They wouldn’t decide about me, especially not him. I wouldn’t let them treat me like I was a worthless human. Even if it’s the last thing I do.

The unexpected burst of defiance got dampened as fast as it came by the threatening presence of the two guards in my neck. When they were about to grab my arms, I moved on my own, not wanting to get in any kind of contact with these creatures again after my first encounter, which was still a fresh wound in not only one way. Catching up to the other Xathyr going ahead unmoved and bringing some distance between us.

As we walked towards the entrance of the building the three Xathyr had come from, all eyes in the hall landed on me and they showed one thing: Fear.

Among them I found the woman’s and the girl’s pretty easily, making me wish I wouldn’t in an instant. It was the single tear rolling down the younger girl’s cheek when our sights crossed that made the remnants of the walls I had tried to keep around me crumble. I didn’t allow myself to feel anything, pushing it far away where it couldn’t reach me but it didn’t mean it not left any cracks behind.

“Do you not want to put me in chains?” I asked in a provoking tone, overplaying the growing fear creeping into my bones. If I couldn’t do anything, at least I would let them know how much I despised them.

“They are not necessary, and the lord didn’t order for you to be chained.” The answer of the blonde male was as plain as his expression and I wondered if he felt any kind of emotion or could express any.

“Oh, so he doesn’t want to chain me up to torture me? How kind.” My voice was dripping with sarcasm but the Xathyr either didn’t seem to care or had no sense for it – if he even knew what it was.

“The lord doesn’t need any chains to torture you.” Of course not, he had a million other ways to do that and I was sure he couldn’t wait to try them out.

“Lovely.” He’s not gonna put a single finger on my body.

They escorted me through the large, heavy doors out of the slave hall and the pressure in my veins increased in protest. The silence having fallen over us making me uncomfortable with nothing but their constant footsteps surrounding me, keeping me aware of their existence and that this was really happening.

Shadows fell on the high walls supported by dark limestone pillars from the unnatural red light coming from outside the high windows lining the corridor we were going along, letting them look like huge claws closing in above my head. It could be noon or maybe close to afternoon from how the grey blended into the red, the blackness having yet to present itself which lurked hidden underneath the lighter colors.

The sight could have been out of one of those dark fairy tales with some pointed towers of the castle rising high into the sky, a few mercilessly spearing through the dark clouds hanging around them, giving a small imagination about the size this castle built of stone must have, only it was my reality. An eerie atmosphere lingering in every endless corridor they took me through, all looking the same and making it impossible to remember the way we had taken. I was basically trapped in a giant labyrinth, great.

Different footsteps clattered in the distance. You could have mistaken them for booming thunder from the heaviness they shattered the even pattern our group with. Or was it the desperate beating of my organ keeping me somewhat “alive” even though I was dead?

I should have wished for the latter when the silhouette of a figure appeared in my field of view, walking towards us from the other end. Something about their proportions was off – strange – that much I could tell, but it was too far away to make out any details.

At least until it came nearer and the once dark silhouette got revealed piece by piece under the illumination of the hellish sky, unveiling its true identity. Dread was filling every fiber of my being at the view presenting itself piece by piece and I could feel my lungs constrict.

“I suggest to not fight the lord if you want a chance to live.” The man walking in front of me said simply when a guard holding a woman passed us. She looked a few years older than me, her long, brunette hair reaching till the guard’s knees. Her barely clothed body unmoving and her eyes closed. Streams of blood running down the side of her neck in red rivers. From the way her head was hanging at an unnatural angle there was no doubt she was dead. Her neck must have been broken. My heart falling into my stomach.

I couldn’t tear my sight away from them as we walked past each other rather quickly. Noting the almost white color of her skin but most of all the wounds which had been inflicted on her, making my heart pound harder against my ribcage. I didn’t want to meet the same fate and I especially didn’t want to relive the horrifying pain when another pair of sharp fangs would tear through my skin in such a short amount of time.

The marks were still visible as if I just had been bitten, even after a few days had already passed. Thankfully the pain itself had faded away mostly but I still could feel the dull ache throb underneath from time to time. I couldn’t explain why they were refusing to heal but what was normal here anyway?

It had felt like the Xathyr wanted to rip my throat out. That was all I remembered before I had passed out. I guess I could call myself lucky I survived somehow. Until now.

Vague images I couldn’t digest made an appearance in my mind and my hands began to shake, not only from my uneasiness but also from anger. I was sure I wouldn’t get out alive a second time, especially with the person awaiting my arrival apparently. I had just seen the real proof of what I was walking into and what I’d be confronted with far too soon.

Their ‘lord’ as everyone referred to him or ‘The count of Xanthia’ as he was known in public. If he thought I would address him with the title fit for his position or any other, he was dead wrong. I didn’t care if he killed me for it, my life had already ended anyway, right? I had to hold back a dry chuckle. He was nothing but a disgusting monster and I’d be damned if I would treat him any other way. I rather burned in hell.

The outside world had faded away at some point when we ventured deeper into the castle, but I was too lost in my head to notice. Only when the shadows who once had been static began to come alive on the blank walls beside me did I take in the change of my surroundings. There was no sunlight anymore as it had been replaced by a different source, coming from the few candles in their holders instead and where once had been windows were now more cold walls made of stone, letting the available space in the corridors appear cramped.

None of the three Xathyr with me had spoken up the entirety of our walk besides the warning I had been given, which I more or less neglected until the words finally reached my brain.

What did he mean by not fighting him? Should I just let him do whatever he wanted with me? Not putting up a fight as the weak human I was in their eyes?

It truly felt like the walk to my own execution.

A/N: Thank you to the new pictures from "Specter" who really got me back into that mood because they had the vibe from this story written all over them... and made me re-do the draft from scratch I had deleted a few months ago, assuming I might not be posting this at all... 😅 But oh well, here we go 😋

I wonder who this brief guest appearance could be...? 🤭

Tag List:

@concreteangel92

[l00na24]

Heart Of Darkness (Noah Sebastian Empire Of Sins And Souls AU)

Pairing: Xathyr!Noah Sebastian x Human!Reader

Rating: 18+, MDNI, NSFW

Warnings: Descriptive Violence & Gore, Angst, Blood, Murder, Language, Sexual Themes (detailed warnings in chapters), Manipulation of emotions, Mentions of death, Mentions of reader being a slave, Mentions of reader's death, Possessive behavior

This story contains mature content! Please be aware that this work is entirely fictional and doesn't reflect real people's thoughts, behaviors or personalities!

Summary: Suddenly finding yourself in the forecourt of hell, you come face to face with someone who has not only the power to decide about your fate but could also turn your world upside down. But is he friend or foe? And what does he want?

A/N: Hello everyone! This is an AU of the bookseries "Empire Of Sins And Souls" I made a post about a while back. (What was supposed to be a (very long) oneshot has changed into a story with multiple chapters.)

This AU doesn't reflect the books in any way! It is NOT required to have read any of the 3 books for this! The story will be different and won't follow the original storyline!

I want to give an extra warning for Noah as his character will also be different from the one in the books and might have not so nice intentions... So please be aware!

Chapters:

Part 1 🩸

[l00na24]

Happy 1 year anniversary to 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' 🎉😍 Can't believe it's already been so long since you started this awesome series 💖 I'm looking forward to the last chapters (even if I'm kind of sad that we're nearing the official end 😭) and for what's to come from you afterwards 😋❤️

Thank you for creating this series and sharing it with all of us here and continue to be the awesome writer you are! 😎✨

Thou Shalt Not Kill - Bonus Chapter

AU Noah Sebastian x female detective reader

18+

Summary: Reader is a detective and is assigned to a murder case which she soon connects with previous killings and figures out the religious affiliation, proving there is a new serial killer within the city. Reader soon becomes obsessed with the killers mind and methods and won’t rest until she figures out who the killer is. All while she gets used to working with her new partner on the case, detective Noah

Warnings: graphic writings of murder/killings, blood, gore, violence, serial killer, swearing, god complex, use of religion, obsession, dark romance, use of a knife in this chapter, wire restraints, I think that’s it for this but please let me know if I’ve missed anything!

Happy 1 year anniversary to this story!!

I honestly can’t thank all of you enough for making this so much bigger than I ever thought it would be! I really didn’t think many people would interested in this, what started off as a small little thought has now become what it is today!

This chapter is a flashback, set during chapter 5, this is once again completely from Noah’s POV and we get a better look at a past event.

Thank you to everyone who’s made this such an incredible journey, I can’t wait to finish this story and see what you all think, but I’ll definitely be sad to say goodbye to detective Noah, he’s got a special place in my heart haha 🖤

Story Taglist: @Iacy1986 @hayleylatour @calleyx13 @english-fucker @malerieee @ithoughtbynowidfeelbetter @softvgold @lilhobgobbler @glccmreid @badomensls @madomens @loeytuan98 @iluvmewwwww75 @rosebushjhj @livingdeceasedgirl @lilrubles @samanthasgone @blackveilomens @hellayeahsword @lookwhatitcost @doomhands-jr @nojoyontheburn @poisongirl616 @bakanerd @sacredthefran @flowery-mess @fadingangelwisp @theanarchymuse95 @1toreyouapart @xxkatsatwatwafflexx @overmydeadbodysblog @concretejunglefm @sister-sebastian @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @fenixyrie @astronoids @ami—gami @bloody-spades @nyriastark

Let me know if you wish to be added!

Chapter Index

Masterlist

Noah dragged the body of his fellow colleague into the dimly lit room of the warehouse, not caring to be gentle with his movements.

He hauled officer Blake up into the chair and proceeded to tie his hands behind his back with wire, making certain there was no chance of escape when he came round.

After Eddie’s little outburst earlier that day, Noah knew that he was the only victim he wanted to fulfil ‘Thou Shalt Not Covet’.

He didn’t flinch when the wire cut into Blake’s skin causing blood to rush to the surface. Noah stepped back, eyes narrowing as he studied the unconscious man slumped in the chair. A flash of his partner’s face crossed his mind, how she’d looked when Blake had been running his mouth with the barely concealed jealousy in his tone.

“All I’m saying is that clearly detective Y/L/N isn’t up for the job, have you seen her recently? She looks like she’s not slept in weeks and isn’t making the right decisions. If I had her position, I’d be doing things so differently, maybe then we’d actually be getting somewhere in this case”

Noah felt his anger building as he remembered, if there was one thing he couldn’t tolerate, it was someone bad mouthing her.

Noah rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck to the side and then reached for the knife, the blade gleaming faintly beneath the flickering overhead bulb. He could already picture the scene he’d leave behind.

And maybe, just maybe, she’d understand eventually. That this wasn’t about vengeance.

It was devotion.

Noah was pulled from his thoughts when officer Blake started to groan, his head lolling forward as he came to. The sharp bite of wire around his wrists made him jolt, he opened his eyes and let them adjust to the light and that’s when he saw him.

A figure in black stood silently across the room. Face masked, hands gloved, posture calm but menacing.

“What the fuck…” Blake muttered, trying to shift in the chair, panic creeping in as he realised that he was trapped. “What is this?”

Noah tilted his head.

“What’s the matter officer Blake? Scared? I thought you could handle a case like this? Isn’t that what you brag about to anyone who will listen to that pitiful, drivelling, little voice of yours”

Eddie’s brows frowned as he listened to the voice, not disgusted in any way.

“Wait…I know that voi…you’re….”

Noah smiled as he reached up and pulled the ski mask from his head and knelt down in front of him so they were eye level.

“Surprise”

Eddie’s eyes went wide as he stared at Noah like a ghost, not believing what he was seeing.

“Davis?! What the fuck is this? This isn’t funny, now let me go!”

Noah smiled and shook his head in a condescending manner.

“Sorry, can’t do that I’m afraid, you’re now a part of something much, much bigger than you”

He brought the knife up to let it catch the light, taking great pleasure in watching the fear pass over the officers face.

“All you ever do is whine and say that you should have a higher position. Well now, I’m giving you that, you’re becoming a part of something much greater, it’s an honour for someone of your pathetic existence”

“I…I don’t understand? What the hell is going on here?!”

Noah sighed as he stood tall.

“I know you’re not the most intelligent man Ed, so I’ll make this easy for you….I’m the ‘10 Commandments Killer’ and…”

“YOU’RE FUCKING CRAZY DAVIS! NOW LET ME G…”

Eddie’s shouts were cut short when Noah used the back of his hand and smacked him so hard around the face that it flew to the side, blood trickling out of his mouth as he tried to catch his breath from the blow.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Eddie, I don’t like being interrupted. I find it extremely…rude”

Eddie groaned in pain but stayed silent as he looked back around at his colleague.

“You truly believed that you would catch me? That you were more deserving of the role of being a detective? Over her?”

Eddie narrowed his eyes as he realised who you were talking about.

“Does..does she know? That it’s you?”

Noah chuckled and shook his head, knife still in hand.

“Not yet. But she will, she’s the most intelligent person I think I’ve ever met…after myself that is. She’ll figure it out soon enough, I know she won’t disappoint me”

Eddie tried to struggle against his restraints and hissed as the wires cut deeper into his flesh.

“You don’t have to do this Davis, you can let me go, I won’t say anything, I swear!”

Noah laughed even harder at his words.

“Do you really think I was born yesterday?” Noah brought his gloved hands up to cradle his face. “You’d love nothing more than to ‘crack’ this case. You’d arrest me in a second just to get that little promotion that you dream of”

Noah sighed again and used the blade of the knife to run it along his cheek, causing Eddie’s breathing to quicken as he tried to pull away.

“But you’ll never be deserving of that, not like she was, and you hated it didn’t you? Couldn’t stand the thought of her being your superior”

Noah grabbed his chin harshly in his grip, taking note of the bruises already forming on his face.

“You’d stab her in the back for that job wouldn’t you?”

Eddie tried to shake his head, his eyes glassing over with unshed tears.

“No? No, you’re absolutely right….you’d stab her in the front, just to watch her fall….So now? It’s only fair that I show you the same courtesy”

Officer Blake looked confused for a moment but before he could even start to comprehend the words, Noah pulled back and plunged the knife deep within his chest.

Eddie started to choke up blood as Noah then twisted the knife a couple times as he gasped for air.

“Thou Shalt Not Covet”

Eddie’s gasps gargled around his own blood as his body started to go limp and his eyes started to close slightly as he tried to cling to life.

Noah stood back and admired his work for a moment, before he stuck his gloved finger into the wound, causing Eddie to jump slightly as he drifted in and out, and gathered the fresh blood.

Noah walked around him and started to write on the wall behind him.

Eddie tried one last feeble attempt at saying something, calling for help but all that was heard was more gargling and wheezing.

“Shhhh, I’m busy”

Noah never paid any more attention to the dying man, unless it was to get more blood on his glove.

‘envy stabs at others and wounds itself’

Just as he was finishing the word ‘itself’ he heard his phone ringing in his pocket.

Noah raised his other hand up to his mouth and pulled the glove off with his teeth so he could reach into his coat and see who was calling.

Bringing the phone up, he smiled as he saw her name flashing across his screen. He carried on ‘painting’ the wall with the other gloved hand as he clicked the answer button on his phone.

“Hello detective”

“Noah, how long until you get here? I’m wasting away from starvation”

Noah chuckled as he finished off his writing and stood back to admire it.

“Not long, just had a couple things to sort out but…”

He turned and glanced at the now dead body slumped in the chair, blood dripping down onto the concrete floor.

“I’m all finished here”

“Good, I’m craving that pizza you promised earlier”

He smiled as he picked up his other glove and mask, he stood in front of his latest message with pride as he took it in.

“I’ll make sure to get extra pepperoni to make up for it”

“You better! I’ll get a couple glasses of wine poured and ready”

“Sounds good to me, I’ll be at yours within the hour”

There was a pause before he heard her speak again.

“Good…if I was being honest…I feel safer when you’re around Noah. Lately I just feel like…like I’m being watched all the time, like he’s here already or something”

Noah couldn’t stop the smirk that formed on his lips.

“I’m glad that you feel safe with me, you know I’ll never let anything happen to you. I promise I’m on my way now”

“Do you….do you think we’ll ever catch this guy Noah?”

Noah took one last look around, making sure he hadn’t left anything and everything was in place before he started to walk out of the warehouse.

“I know we will, you’ll figure this out, I have no doubt about that. Just remember detective, trust no one”

He heard the sound of her giggling.

“That include you Davis?”

“Especially me detective”

[l00na24]

Thou Shalt Not Kill - Chapter 14

AU Noah Sebastian x female detective reader

18+

Warnings: graphic writings of murder/killings, blood, gore, violence, serial killer, swearing, god complex, use of religion, obsession, dark romance, stockholm syndrome, non sexual shower scene, I’m pretty certain that’s it but please let me know if I’ve missed anything!

Another chapter done, we are getting very close to the end now, how’s everyone feeling about that? I’d love to hear all your thoughts and theories for the end 🖤

Story Taglist: @Iacy1986 @hayleylatour @calleyx13 @english-fucker @malerieee @ithoughtbynowidfeelbetter @softvgold @lilhobgobbler @glccmreid @badomensls @madomens @loeytuan98 @iluvmewwwww75 @rosebushjhj @livingdeceasedgirl @lilrubles @samanthasgone @blackveilomens @hellayeahsword @lookwhatitcost @doomhands-jr @nojoyontheburn @poisongirl616 @bakanerd @sacredthefran @flowery-mess @fadingangelwisp @theanarchymuse95 @1toreyouapart @xxkatsatwatwafflexx @overmydeadbodysblog @concretejunglefm @sister-sebastian @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @fenixyrie @astronoids @ami—gami @bloody-spades

Let me know if you wish to be added!

Chapter Index Here

Masterlist

You woke the next morning, body heavy and sore and yet somehow blissfully peaceful.

You opened your eyes to see sunlight shining through the little window and illuminating the room around you.

It was then that the events of the night before suddenly came rushing back into your mind.

The sex, the blood, the murder.

You looked over to the corner of the room to see no body, just dark, dried bloodstains smeared across the concrete.

You sat up and held the sheets to your bare body, feeling how deliciously achy you were. You glanced down at your hands and arms to see blood still there, a visual reminder of your sins.

You should have felt guilt, shock, upset. But nothing.

You felt nothing.

“It’s been dealt with”

You jumped slightly and looked over to the open door to see Noah stood there leaning against the door frame with his arms folded and a small smirk across his lips.

“Wha…how?”

Noah chuckled and walked over towards the bed and sat down next to you.

“You were passed out angel, so I took care of it. You don’t need to know anymore than that”

You went to ask another question but you stayed quiet, you knew he wouldn’t tell you if even you asked and he was right, probably for the best that you didn’t know.

Noah reached his hand up and brushed some of your hair behind your ear.

“You looked so beautiful last night, you completely surrendered. Even god himself would have cowered in fear from you”

Noah glanced down at the stains over your skin.

“Come with me”

You stared at him confused.

“I said come with me angel, we should get you cleaned up”

You watched as he stood and walked towards the main door, you glanced over at the small bathroom area that you’d been using all this time.

“Upstairs detective, you don’t need to be down here any longer”

Your heart leapt at the thought of being free of these four walls, although Noah had made your stay here as comfortable as possible, this was still your prison.

You reached over and grabbed your night gown that was hanging off the dresser next to you, stood and wrapped it around your frame.

You felt almost nervous.

Was Noah really going to let you leave this place?

You tentatively took a few steps, the ground cold against your feet as you made your way over to him as he waited in the doorway.

You took a breath and went to walk on the stairs when…

*smack*

Noah’s hand slammed into the wall next to your head, his arm blocking your path as he leaned over you.

“Now I’m trusting you angel, you will be freed from this basement, you’ll be able to go anywhere in the house as you please, but….”

His voice turned cold as he removed his hand from the wall and grabbed you by the back of your neck. Not painful, but firm.

“Don’t do anything….stupid. I’m giving you some trust here baby. Don’t make me regret it. You may not be a prisoner down here anymore but that doesn’t mean I’ll just let you walk free. Understand?”

His thumb traces over your cheek almost lovingly as he stared down at you.

You nodded and grabbed his hand.

“I’m not going to run”

Noah smiled and then moved to the side to allow you to walk up the stairs.

You walked up the dark stairway and saw another door had been left ajar, your fingers reached for the handle. You hesitated, as if Noah was about to laugh and say it was all a cruel joke, but instead you felt his hand press gently into your lower back, guiding you through.

You walked out into a decent sized, modern styled kitchen.

Dark countertops, matte black cabinets. Everything in its place. No clutter, no dishes, not even a smudge of food or old soap on the draining board. The kind of kitchen that didn’t feel used, just…displayed.

It wasn’t cold exactly. Just clean. Neutral. Like a hotel suite that you could abandon at any given moment.

To the right an open doorway led into a living space, you glanced over the dark leather couch, low glass coffee table, books stacked in clean towers, not a cushion out of place and hardly any personal touches had been made to the room.

Noah’s hand guided you forward again, wordlessly, down the hallway that was bare of family photos but did have one or two paintings breaking up the white paint.

Noah stopped you in front of another door and he opened for you to reveal his bathroom.

Again it was modern in style, but vacant of any real decor making it look more like a show room instead of somewhere that’s lived in, although you did see a couple of his products on the shelf in the shower showing that he did in fact use this space.

You took a step in and finally casted your eyes up to the big mirror above the sink and was almost taken back by your reflection.

You stepped forward as if in a trance as you took in your appearance.

Blood was splattered onto your cheeks and temple, there was a bloody hand print covering light brushing on your neck, your hair was a tangled mess, dark circles surrounded your eyes and your skin appeared paler than usual.

You gripped the sink and once again saw blood, it covered your hands, went up your arms and you felt it under your nails.

You didn’t feel discomfort over it as such, just hollow, like a shell of what’s left.

You heard the sounding of running water and then felt Noah’s presence behind you. He kissed the side of your head as he undone the ties to your gown and he it let it fall to the ground in a silent heap.

“Come on”

His voice was gentle, it was almost overwhelming how his moods could change depending on the situation.

You allowed him to guide you over to the shower, the room was already filling with hot steam.

You stepped into the shower and sighed as the hot water cascaded over your body, the water on the ground turning red as it circled down the drain.

You felt Noah step in behind you, the feeling of his broad frame feeling like an anchor as you leant back into him, his arms wrapped around you like a cage, blocking everything else around you out.

You closed your eyes and enjoyed the feeling of your muscles relaxing in the heat.

“Let me clean you up angel”

And you did.

Noah picked up a clean wash cloth and soap and started to wash and rinse your body, washing away your sins.

It felt incredibly intimate, nothing sexual but almost soft. No words were spoken. He just moved with quiet precision, first your shoulders, then your back, then over your chest and down your arms. His touch was gentle, like he wasn’t just cleaning you…he was purifying you.

You felt his fingers pause at your wrists, where blood had dried in the creases. He lingered there for a moment longer than necessary, tracing slow circles with the cloth like he wanted to admire the stains before they were washed away.

You didn’t flinch. You didn’t speak.

You just let him.

As you watched his hands move, you then noticed the red nail marks in his arms, breaking up the ink in his skin. Your mind was then taken back to last night as you held onto his arms as he’d held onto you.

You then looked at his face, he was calm, so calm as if this was an every day occurrence, totally normal. But there was something else in his eyes, something so tender that it almost frightened you.

Once the blood had been completely washed off, Noah then moved to wash your hair, being careful to try and untangle the knots with his fingers before he used the shampoo and conditioner and massage them into your scalp.

You couldn’t help but let out a small grin of satisfaction as your head tilted back into his hands and you felt a low chuckle vibrate against your back.

“There we go”

You opened your eyes and turned around so you were staring up at him.

“Thank you”

Noah gave you a small smile, for a moment it was like old times, like none of the horrors were real. The way he looked at you had you wondering, and you couldn’t stop the question falling from your lips.

“What do you feel for me?”

Noah titled his head slightly at your question as you felt your stomach twist in knots waiting for his response. You knew your feelings for him, you had known for a long time, no matter how hard you’d tried to fight it.

Noah brushed some of your wet hair off your shoulder and let his fingers trace your skin absentmindedly before he leant down and pressed his lips against yours softly and then pulled back slightly so he could look you in the eyes.

“I would kill god for you angel, and then I’d use his bones to crave you a throne”

You felt your chest tighten.

“So…you love me?”

“Better, I worship you”

You didn’t speak after that, there was nothing left to say, you knew.

The steam wrapped around you like a veil as he reached for the water, turning it off with a soft click. Noah stepped out first, grabbing a towel from the rail. He wrapped it around you gently before grabbing his own. He pressed a kiss to your temple as you leaned into him with a small smile.

“Come on detective, let’s get you dressed”

•••••

The next day you were sat in his kitchen, the rest of yesterday had been like a dream, nothing much happened apart from you learning the lay out of his place and following him around.

You sipped on your coffee, still trying to adjust to being free of the basement, but Noah had bought your belongings upstairs and said you were free to place them wherever you liked today.

You heard the sound of the front door unlocking, because of course Noah wouldn’t leave it unlocked if he was out, and you heard his footsteps as he approached the kitchen.

You looked up and saw his tall frame come into view, his clothing a lot more casual today than you were used to seeing him wear and he had a newspaper tucked under his arm.

Noah didn’t say anything, he simply slid the paper across the table so it was in front of you.

NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

“Body Found Outside Courthouse in Apparent Staged Killing”

Photo under the headline only shows police tape and a tent erected outside the courthouse with offices standing on scene.

You put your cup down on the table and picked up the paper, unfolding it so you could read the article.

Victim identified as Ethan Collins, previously acquitted in high-profile cop killing case

Authorities have confirmed that a body discovered outside the downtown courthouse in the early hours of the morning belongs to 54 year old Ethan Collins, a man previously acquitted in the unsolved murder of an LAPD lieutenant 11 years ago.

The scene, which investigators have described as “symbolic” and “highly disturbing” has sparked immediate speculation about a possible connection to the Ten Commandments Killer, whose string of murders abruptly halted nearly two months ago.

Law enforcement has not released further details. The case is currently under investigation. Police have urged the public not to speculate and to report any relevant information to the local authorities.

You glanced up at Noah who was now drinking from his own cup with a small smirk.

“Told you I’d taken care of it”

You put the paper down and pushed your cup away, no longer in the mood.

“By placing the body at the courthouse?”

Noah shrugged casually.

“It sends a message, to the police it’s the 9th murder but you and I both know the commandments are done, it ended with me and you. The world will see my vision soon enough”

You frowned slightly.

“What do you mean?”

Noah leant forward on the table, his eyes boring into yours.

“It means that no matter what angel, my work will be complete. You can stay here with me. ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’ and ‘Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me’….but those roles can easily be reversed”

He sat back in his chair with a sinister smile.

“I can’t just let you go free now can I? Stay with me angel, let me be your god”

You took a breath as his words weighed heavily on you, before you looked up to met his gaze.

“I’ll stay”

[l00na24]

Phew... That was a hell of a chapter (but i loved every second of it) 🥵It was so worth the time waiting! I'd say it's one of the best chapters so far and you outdid yourself with this one 😍

Thou Shalt Not Kill - Chapter 13

AU Noah Sebastian x detective female reader

18+

Summary: Reader is a detective and is assigned to a murder case which she soon connects with previous killings and figures out the religious affiliation, proving there is a new serial killer within the city. Reader soon becomes obsessed with the killers mind and methods and won’t rest until she figures out who the killer is. All while she gets used to working with her new partner on the case, detective Noah Davis.

Warnings: graphic writings of murder/killings, blood, gore, violence, serial killer, swearing, god complex, use of religion, stockholm syndrome, mentions of the death of a parent, smut, PiV, use of an inanimate object, knife kink, blood play (in a way) obsession, dark romance, choking, I’m pretty certain that’s it but please let me know if I’ve missed anything!!

Im so sorry for such a long wait, life once again got in the way haha but as I’m up to date with everything else, I had to dive back into this world!! 5 chapters left until we are finished 👀

Let me know what you think!! 🖤

Story Taglist: @lacy1986 @hayleylatour @calleyx13 @english-fucker @malerieee @ithoughtbynowidfeelbetter @softvgold @lilhobgobbler @glccmreid @badomensls @madomens @loeytuan98 @iluvmewwwww75 @rosebushjhj @livingdeceasedgirl @lilrubles @samanthasgone @blackveilomens @hellayeahsword @lookwhatitcost @doomhands-jr @nojoyontheburn @poisongirl616 @bakanerd @sacredthefran @flowery-mess @fadingangelwisp @theanarchymuse95 @1toreyouapart @xxkatsatwatwafflexx @overmydeadbodysblog @concretejunglefm @bloody-spades @sister-sebastian @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @fenixyrie @astronoids @floodflameschosen

Let me know if you wish to be added!

Chapter Index Here

Masterlist

“…you’re going to kill him”

You stared up at him in shock, that sinister smile not once leaving his lips.

You tried to say something, anything but your words had become stuck in your throat.

“What’s the matter angel? Cat got your tongue?”

You blinked and shook your head slightly and glanced away to look at the one man you hated the most.

Ethan Collins.

It had been 11 years, 11 years since this man had taken everything from you. The day your father died, a part of you did as well and your life has never been the same since.

You watched as Ethan struggled against his restraints, his muffled cries coming through the gag in his mouth, his eyes fell into you with a plea for you to save him.

Tears pricked your eyes as you looked at the man, none of this feeling real.

You felt Noah’s presence come behind you as he whispered so close into your ear that it sent a chill down your spine, you could feel the heat of his breath and the weight of his words sinking into your soul.

“It ends tonight angel...all that pain, all that rage, just let go. He took everything from you. It’s time to take it back."

A tear ran down your cheek as you turned to look up at him.

“I…I can’t…how…why?!”

Noah smiled and brushed a strand of your hair behind your ear and wiped the tears away.

“Because you are the final piece of my puzzle, don’t you see? You’re my big finale”

“How?”

“Only two commandments left, angel,” he murmurs. “Just two more steps between you and salvation… or damnation.”

He circles you slowly, predatory, his eyes never leaving yours.

”‘Thou shalt not kill.’ That was never meant for people like him. Monsters deserve the grave they dug for others. And you…”

He gestures toward the man before you.

“You’ve carried this weight for too long. I’m giving you a gift, the power to end it.”

He stops in front of you, tilting his head.

“And the last one…’Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’”

A slow, sinister grin pulls at his lips.

“You already worship me. I see it in your eyes. The way your pulse races when I’m near. There’s no heaven waiting for you, not anymore. Just me. I am your beginning, your end…your god.”

Then his tone shifts, cold, final, razor-sharp. “So here’s the choice detective”

“Kill him and stand beside me. Or walk away and I promise you, I’ll put you down myself. No redemption. No escape. Because in the end, you were always meant to be mine…one way or the other.”

Your blood ran cold, this was his plan all along, this was what he wanted from the beginning.

“I…I’m not a killer like you!”

Noah chuckled low in his chest as he leant down closer, your lips brushing each other.

“No, you’re my little angel, one that I want to tempt into sin”

Ethan’s muffled cries became louder, causing your head to turn in his direction, seeing a look of fear and bewilderment on his face.

Noah smirked and walked over so he could rip the gag away from him, freeing his mouth so he could talk.

“What the fuck is this shit?! Who the fuck are you?!”

You turned to face him, brows frowned.

“You don’t know who I am do you?”

Ethan continued to struggled in his seat.

“No and I don’t give a shit! You’ll regret this when I get out of here you fucking bitch!”

You felt an anger starting to form in your gut, your hands balling at your side.

“I remember you, I’ve never forgotten your face”

Ethan then looked up at you, clearly trying to place you.

“What? Did I grope that pretty ass of yours in a bar or something? LET ME GO!”

“LOOK AT ME!”

He stopped and stared up at you with daggers, your body was shaking with so much adrenaline.

“You killed my father 11 years ago…”

Ethan studied your face, a sudden realisation overcoming him.

“You’re that daughter of that cop!”

You nodded as Noah came and walked behind you with his arms folded, clearing enjoying this interaction.

“He was a lieutenant and a very respected and loved man and father and you shot him down”

He started to struggle again.

“So what?! He got in my way so I removed the problem! I’ll do the same to you when I get out of this!”

Your blood was boiling, there was no remorse, he didn’t even care about his actions all those years ago.

Noah’s breath was warm against your ear as you felt his knife slipping into your hand.

"This is the last step, angel. He deserves it. You know he does."

The tears flowed freely down your cheeks, you clutched the knife in your hands as you stared at the man you hated the most.

“LET ME GO YOU SICK BITCH!! I DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YOUR FATHER AND I’LL DO THE SAME TO YOU WHEN I’M FREE!”

“Shut your mouth!”

He didn’t, he carried on yelling and rocking the chair in anger.

“LET ME GO! You don’t have it in you to kill me, you’re weak just like he was! I wonder if you’d have the same pathetic look in your eyes as you die like he did!”

You didn't hear yourself scream. Didn't feel the first swing. Or the second. Just the blood warm, thick, staining your skin like it belonged there as you stabbed away at the man in front of you, the blinding rage had washed over you like a cold winter wind, sharp and merciless, cutting through everything else. The man's laughter died in a wet choke, and still, you couldn't stop.

By the time you did, your hands were shaking, soaked in red. Ethan’s lifeless body slumped forward, crimson pooling beneath him and you felt it splashed onto your cheeks and soaking into your clothes.

The room was silent…except for the sound of your own ragged breath and Noah’s quiet, reverent whisper behind you.

“There she is”

Your breath caught in your throat, the weight of what you’d done crashing over you like a wave of static. Blood on your hands. On your skin. In your mouth.

You didn’t flinch when Noah stepped behind you again, his presence calm, so calm, as if this was always meant to be.

His hand slid around your waist, fingers smearing red across your stomach as he pulled you flush against him.

“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful,” he murmured against your ear, voice thick with reverence and something far darker.

Your heart thundered in your chest, but not from fear. From something else…something hotter, more feral.

You hated how good it felt to hear him say that. You hated how your body leaned into his without thinking. But most of all…you hated that he was right.

He turned you to face him, his fingers still wet with Ethan’s blood as they traced down the side of your neck, painting you like a canvas that he owned.

“You crossed the line” he whispered, tilting your chin up, his eyes burning into yours. “And now there’s no going back.”

Then his lips crushed into yours, hungry, claiming, tasting the ruin he’s created in you.

You kissed him back with as much force as he gave to you, letting yourself get lost in the feeling of him, like he was the only thing keeping you anchored down.

You pulled away and stared up at his face, now covered in the blood that stained yours, something primal and ferocious came over you.

You pulled him back down for another bruising kiss, your teeth nipping at his lips which caused a low growl to come from him.

“Make me feel something! Hit me! Cut me! Anything!”

The knife still clutched in your hand, your emotions numbed as you pushed against Noah, pushing him to fight back, his almost cruel laughter echoing around the room.

Noah grabbed you harshly by your hair at the base of your skull and tilted your head up as he took the knife from you.

“There’s my girl, I knew she was in there somewhere, you’re just as dark and deprived as me”

The next few moments were a blur, both of you ripping each other’s clothes off as he backed you up to the bed.

You found yourself staring up at him, your chest heaving up and down as he suddenly waved the knife at you with a smirk, the blade glistening in the dim light through the blood that coated the steel.

With slow, calculated precision, he drags the tip of the knife, not sharp, not enough to cut, just enough, up your thigh, over your hip, tracing the curves of your body like he's sketching art into your skin as a trail of blood was left in its wake. You arch toward him, breath catching in your throat as you let out a moan.

"That's it," he growls. "Let me see you come apart for me”

Noah drags the blade down and traces around your inner thighs again, you should be scared, but you weren’t, you needed this, needed him like you needed oxygen.

“Open”

You spread your legs at his command, your core already dripping with desire for him.

Noah’s mouth fell open as he gazed down at you like you were the most delicious meal.

“Perfect”

You watched as he flipped the blade in his hand and ran the handle over your slick folds.

“You’re the altar, angel and I’m worshiping. I'm your loyal acolyte, here to worship and to ruin”

Your head fell back as the handle was pushed into you slowly, your walls gripping it instantly.

“His blood’s still warm on it. Do you feel how it fits? Like it was made to be between your thighs instead of between his ribs”

You cried out and moved your hips in time with his hand as he used the blade on you, a sick reminder of what you’ve done but instead of shame, all you felt was heat. Twisted, hungry, consuming heat that wrapped around your spine and ignited everything inside of you.

Noah’s breath was ragged as he watched you writhe beneath him, the blood slick handle pumping in and out with a deliberate rhythm.

“That’s it” he murmured.

Your fingers clawed at the sheets, desperate for more, more pressure, more pain, more of him. You needed to feel him, to lose yourself completely in the madness he’s dragged you into.

He pulled the knife from you slowly, deliberately, coated in you, in death. And then he tossed it aside and climbed on top of you, settling between your legs like he belonged there.

“I want you to ride me,” he growled, dragging you up with him, positioning you in his lap with your back against his chest. “I want you to look at what you did while I ruin what’s left of you.”

Your eyes flicked to the slumped body in the chair, still bleeding out into the floor. You felt no horror, only power pulsing through you like a second heartbeat.

His hand curled around your throat, tightening just enough to make your vision pulse at the edges as you sank down onto him with a cry.

“Eyes open, angel. I want you to watch while I make you mine”

Noah helped you start to move your hips on top of his, the feeling of his hard length reaching deep within you as your breath was being choked under his grasp.

You moan and moved your body faster, desperate to chase the high flooding your body.

Noah’s groans came deep from within his chest that vibrated against your back as he kept your head up and facing your kill across the room.

It was all too much, your bodies moved in a brutal, perfect rhythm, your cries carried around the room.

“Look at him,” he snarled through gritted teeth, dragging your gaze back to the lifeless body still slumped in the chair. “This is what it took to set you free. This…this is who you are now.”

You knew it was true, you felt it, you could taste it.

“Noah…” you choked, voice broken, shaking. “I’m gonna…”

Your vision blurred as your climax hit like a violent wave, tearing through you with a force that stole your breath from your body. You cried out, high and raw as your body trembled, every nerve alight with fire.

He followed with a low, guttural moan, hips jerking up as he spilled inside you, his head falling to your shoulder, teeth grazing your skin like he could devour you whole.

The world was silent again. Except now, it was yours.

Your body went limp in his arms and you felt his hands slide around your middle as he held you close.

Not like prey. Like possession.

Like you're his very own religion.

And @iluvmewwwww75 I don’t know if you remembered this post but you heavily inspired me last year for this chapter so this one is definitely dedicated to you my lovely 🖤

[l00na24]

The new 'Take Me First' set is the most beautiful and stunning out of the rest from their show with the multi-colored reflections and the light in the background 😍🥰​🥰​💕💖 So simple but so majestic 💗✨

I just really love these ..

[l00na24]

[l00na24]

The Miller brothers getting shit done-

Bonus two of adorable Benny because I can't help myself:

[l00na24]

I kind of had a suspicion something like that would be coming... 🤔 I really hope we're refusing him (even though it would be understandable if we actually do it) because of the tension it would add and I'd absolutely love to see his reaction... 🤭 I'm looking forward how this is playing out 😋

Thou Shalt Not Kill - Chapter 12

AU Noah Sebastian x detective female reader

18+

Summary: Reader is a detective and is assigned to a murder case which she soon connects with previous killings and figures out the religious affiliation, proving there is a new serial killer within the city. Reader soon becomes obsessed with the killers mind and methods and won’t rest until she figures out who the killer is. All while she gets used to working with her new partner on the case, detective Noah Davis.

Warnings: graphic writings of murder/killings, blood, gore, violence, serial killer, swearing, god complex, use of religion, stockholm syndrome, mentions of the death of a parent

Here we go, things are going to start heating up again now and I’m so excited!! Only 6 chapters left 🤭

Please let me know your thoughts, it honestly makes me so happy reading all your comments/reviews 🖤

Story Tags: @lacy1986 @hayleylatour @thatchickwiththecamera @calleyx13 @english-fucker @malerieee @ithoughtbynowidfeelbetter @softvgold @lilhobgobbler @glccmreid @badomensls @madomens @loeytuan98 @iluvmewwwww75 @rosebushjhj @livingdeceasedgirl @lilrubles @samanthasgone @blackveilomens @hellayeahsworld @lookwhatitcost @doomhands-jr @nojoyontheburn @poisongirl616 @bakanerd @sacredthefran @flowery-mess @fadingangelwisp @theanarchymuse95 @1toreyouapart @xxkatsatwatwafflexx @overmydeadbodysblog @concretejunglefm @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard @sister-sebastian @alwaysfightforwhoyouare

Let me know if you wish to be added! This is separate to my permanent Noah taglist due to the content within the story!

Chapter Index Here

Masterlist

The next few days had gone by very uneventfully. Noah had been gone more than normal however, not coming in until much later in the evening and not saying what he’d been up to during that time.

The thought had you on edge, you knew he wasn’t finished with his work, had he been killing again?

Being so cut off from the rest of the world down here, you’d never know unless he told you….however you were certain he wouldn’t resist bragging about his latest kill to you if he had.

You wondered if people were looking for you yet, surely someone must have noticed you were missing? Then again, you were married to your job. Over the years you’d distanced yourself from most of your old friends due to the long hours at work, so focused on the cases on your desk that people stopped inviting you out to things, only so many times people will keep trying when you constantly say ‘no’ or ‘sorry I’m working’.

The last few months played heavy on your mind, everything that had happened since that day the first case was assigned to you.

Your feelings for Noah was something you couldn’t deny or ignore, you knew it was wrong, it was sick but you couldn’t stop thinking about him, as your partner and your friend. The only man in recent years who actually saw you, who believed in you.

Did you even want to be found?

That was something else that had been going through your mind. What did you really have waiting for you?

But what did you expect to happen if you stayed? You knew Noah wouldn’t keep you locked down here forever, you knew on some level that you couldn’t trust him…but that was the problem…in some ways, you trusted him more then the people you had around you at the station.

“I wonder what he truly intends to do with me…”

You suddenly heard the commotion of Noah coming down the stairs, so much louder than normal, like he was bringing something down with him.

The sound of the locks turning and the heavy door creaking open slightly reached your ears as you waited to see him appear, twiddling your fingers together as you stood on the spot.

Noah’s masked face came around the door, his breathing more laboured than usual. He brought his gloved hand up to his mask and pulled it off his head and tossing it carelessly to the side, his hair falling around his face which held a sinister but satisfied grin like he was extremely pleased with himself.

“Hello angel, I have a surprise for you”

Your brows frowned as a knot started to form within the pit of your stomach, feeling something was definitely wrong.

“Bring that chair over here”

It was an order, not a request.

Noah swung the door open wider and you gasped as you saw Noah dragging a body into the room, a dark sack type bag covering the face, but you could tell from the persons build that it was a man. A man who was very much alive as he struggled against Noah’s strong hold.

You stared in shock until he shot you a sharp look and you quickly turned and grabbed the chair by the desk and pulled it over to where he was standing, the man still struggling in his grasp.

“Shh, shh, shhh”

Watching Noah shushing the man so casually in his ear sent a chill down your spine.

Noah manhandled him until he was sat in the chair and he tied his arms tightly around the back of the seat, the man making muffled noises from under the sack.

You felt the knot grow as your voice was lost, a nauseous wave hitting you hard, what was about to happen?

“There we go, make yourself comfortable”

Noah turned back to you, that sickening smile still present.

“What’s the matter angel? You look nervous?”

You swallowed the lump in your throat before you found your voice again.

“Wha…what’s going on?”

Noah opened his arms wide and gestured to the man.

“I told you that I had something planned for you angel”

You had no idea what was happening, nothing was making sense.

“I don’t understand…”

Noah’s smile grew as he approached you and cupped your cheeks in his gloved hands as he stared down at you.

“Then how about I just show you…”

Noah smirked as he stepped back, he reached over and grabbed the sack and yanked it off his head, the identity of the man being revealed.

And your blood ran cold.

Tied up in front of you was a man called Ethan Collins. The man who killed your father.

FLASHBACK

You were sitting at your desk in your office doing some research for the case, sipping on your half cold coffee every so often.

Noah was sat next to you, typing away on his own laptop before he yawned and stretched his tall body out.

“Well I feel like I’m going cross eyed”

You giggled at his statement as you turned to him, giving your own eyes a rest, you had both been going over old cold cases for hours now to see if there was any connections but so far, nothing.

“Maybe 10 minutes away from the screens wouldn’t hurt”

Noah nodded and downed the rest of his cup, grimacing at the cold liquid.

“Perfect time to get more coffee as well”

You finished yours, not particularly bothered that it was basically cold.

You set the cup back down next to the photo on your desk, causing Noah to follow your movements.

“That you and your dad?”

You glanced at the photo, a heavy feeling settling instantly within your chest as you smiled softly as you saw your younger self, somewhere around the age of 8 on your dads back as he gave you a piggyback ride, your arms wrapped securely around his neck as you both beamed at the camera.

“Yeah. That’s one of my favourite photos of us together”

Noah smiled as he looked over the picture.

“He really would be so proud of you detective”

You shook your head softly.

“Maybe, but…I’ve always felt like I’ve let him down”

Noah frowned as he looked at you.

“Why’s that?”

You took a deep breath before you answered.

“Because his killer got away with it…I told you that he was killed on duty? My dad had been after this guy for a while, all petty crime shit you know? The night my dad caught him robbing someone red handed, he shot him down” you took another breath and steadied your voice before continuing. “I know who he is, everyone here at the station did…but there wasn’t enough evidence as he had a ‘watertight alibi’ from his cronies and so the jury let him off”

Noah’s hand came to rest on top of your own gently.

“I’m sorry”

You looked up at him and felt your eyes welling up.

“I just wanted my dad to have some justice, I wanted that bastard to pay for what he did…and yet still he walks free to this day…I failed him”

Noah shook his head.

“Now you listen to me, you never failed him, the system failed him, failed you. Your dad would be so proud of everything you have become and what you’ve accomplished at this station, you’ve carried on his legacy for him and made a name for yourself”

You smiled and wiped a tear away that had fallen down your cheek before you pulled away and tried to compose your emotions.

“I hope so”

You went to go back to your laptop when Noah spoke again.

“What was his name?”

“Huh?”

You turned to him confused.

“The man who killed your father, what was his name?”

You felt your blood boil at the mere thought of that man’s name.

“Ethan Collins”

END OF FLASHBACK

You felt your body shaking as you stared at your father’s killer tied up in front of you.

Ethan’s scared eyes looked up and met yours and he tried to speak through the gag in his mouth, clearly begging for help as he struggled against his restraints.

It was obvious he had no idea who you were.

Suddenly you felt like a little girl again. A little girl who was yearning for her dad. A wave of emotions flooded your body, not knowing which one you were feeling more.

Shock, sadness, fear, anger, the gut wrenching pain of the loss of your dad feeling as strong as the day you were told he was gone.

Noah stayed quiet as he allowed you to take it all in, his eyes never leaving your face.

You tried to gain some control over your thoughts as you finally turned to Noah.

“Wha…what the fuck is this?!”

Noah smiled.

“Your surprise angel. You’re ready”

“Ready for what?!”

Noah’s smile grew as he pulled one of his knifes out of his jacket pocket, flicking the blade open.

“To help me finish my work…you’re going to kill him”

[l00na24]

I wanted to thank @overmydeadbodysblog again as I was lucky enough to win the giveaway for the Metal Hammer Magazine with the signed Noah print 😊 Thank you for making the giveaway in the first place and all your effort to get it to me quickly & safely despite the holidays! 😍❤️

To my great surprise it arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more happy to end the year 2024 like this! 😎💕

🎉​✨I wish you and everyone else a happy new year 2025!!! ✨🎊

[l00na24]

"Burning Out" was written by Noah Sebastian and Joakim Karlsson, and it's the 9th track on the album Finding God Before God Finds Me (2019). As the year comes to an end, "Burning Out" serves as a powerful reminder: we can't always escape difficulties, but we can move forward with courage, resilience, and by embracing our imperfections. May the coming year bring light, growth, and the realization that despite the challenges, we are stronger than we think and can be proud of who we are! 💖

[l00na24]

I honestly don't know what to say... First, I never thought my little idea would turn into this in your hands but at the same time I'm so happy it did!​ I'm the one who has to thank you for even deciding this silly thought of me was worthy to incorporate into this absolutely amazing story you made! 🥰🥺​❤️ I'm literally sitting here smiling (more like grinning lol), giggling and wanting to scream at the same time at how perfect this chapter turned out and honestly gave me chills while reading, especially the end... 🫣

You know I always look forward how it continues, no matter what 😎 So I will safe us both repeating the same words I probably said a thousand times already before 😂

I can only thank you so much for your story and want to let you know what a special place it has for me and always will have 💕💗

Thou Shalt Not Kill - Chapter 11

AU Noah Sebastian x female detective reader

18+

Summery: Reader is a detective and is assigned to a murder case which she soon connects with previous killings and figures out the religious affiliation, proving there is a new serial killer within the city. Reader soon becomes obsessed with the killers mind and methods and won’t rest until she figures out who the killer is. All while she gets used to working with her new partner on the case, detective Noah Davis

Warnings: talks of death, talks of killings/murder, use of religion, stockholm syndrome, bad language, mentions of alcohol consumption, and the address used in this I just copied and edited from goggle lol as I don’t know proper addresses in America 🤣

I’m so sorry it’s been 2 months! Life has been so hectic but this story is never far from my thoughts and I’m so ready to get back into it and get us to the end!! (although I will be sad when it’s over ahaha)

This chapter is a little bit of a filler, although it has some keys elements within, the next chapter however is where the story really starts to heat up again and I’m so excited to start that one 😏

Until then I hope you all enjoy!!

@l00na24 this chapter is definitely dedicated to you as I wouldn’t have thought to add the polaroids in if it wasn’t for you so thank you 🖤

Story Taglist: @lacy1986 @hayleylatour @thatchickwiththecamera @calleyx13 @english-fucker @malerieee @ithoughtbynowidfeelbetter @softvgold @lilhobgobbler @glccmreid @badomensls @madomens @loeytuan98 @iluvmewwwww75 @rosebushjhj @livingdeceasedgirl @lilrubles @samanthasgone @blackveilomens @hellayeahsworld @lookwhatitcost @doomhands-jr @nojoyontheburn @poisongirl616 @bakanerd @sacredthefran @flowery-mess @fadingangelwisp @theanarchymuse95 @1toreyouapart @xxkatsatwatwafflexx @overmydeadbodysblog

Let me know if you wish to be added! This is separate to my permanent Noah taglist due to the content within the story!

Chapter Index Here

Masterlist

Your eyes fluttered open as the sunlight shines through the small window and warmed your face, the feeling of longing for the outside world washing over you briefly.

Your body felt sore but satisfied this morning and you turned over only to find you were alone.

Glancing around the room you saw his black jacket thrown over a chair so you knew he wasn’t far away.

You also saw his tshirt left on the ground and picked it up to pull it over your body, you pulled back the covers and noticed the finger shapes bruises over your hips, a sinful reminder of the night before.

How did you feel about it?

You weren’t completely sure, you had let yourself go for him, to him, willingly.

You slipped into his top, the bottom of it coming down to your thighs as you got out of bed.

Looking at his jacket lying there, the detective within you wouldn’t let you not go to it, just to have a peak, what was the worst you’d find?

You glanced at the door and heard nothing so you turned back and picked up his coat, feeling the weight of it in your hands.

You put your hands into one of the pockets to find it empty, the other pocket however held what appeared to be his wallet and his badge.

You glanced at the badge, a painful reminder of everything that has happened, before you put his jacket down and opened his wallet.

Mostly inside it was his cards, I.D, a small amount of cash and a few crumpled receipts tucked into the back.

You were about to put it back when something sticking out of the hidden slot caught your eye.

You pulled out first a piece of paper with an address hand written on it, Noah’s hand writing.

822 20th Street

Los Angeles

CA

90011

You knew the address was in a dodgy part of the city, not somewhere you’d want to be walking around alone at night but apart from that, it didn’t ring any other bells for you. Your curiosity of the significant of this address was burning inside your brain, why was this so important?

You put the paper back and saw there were some polaroid photos hidden behind it, you pulled out the small bundle and set the wallet down.

The photos made your chest feel heavy as the memories came flooding back.

Looking back at you was your own smiling face as you held a wine glass in front of you as if to hide, the next was one of you both together smiling at the camera and finally one of him on his own flipping the camera off with a cheeky smile.

That night seemed like a distant dream.

••••••••

FLASHBACK

Your giggle echoed around the room as Noah walked over with another glass of wine for you both and shut your laptop closed while you’d been looking over one of the case files.

“Hey! I was using that”

It was one of your many evening spent together after work, they were becoming a lot more regular these days, both of you enjoying the other’s company.

“Not anymore detective, no more work”

You smiled and took a sip of your wine as Noah sat himself next to you on the couch, his arm resting along the back of it behind your head.

“We have a killer to catch you know?”

Noah smiled.

“And we will, I have no doubt that with your intellectual capabilities we will solve this”

You blushed, his continuous praise always making your heart swell, no one had ever believed in you as much as your partner did.

“We will…together”

Noah smiled again and took a sip of his own drink.

“Hopefully before he kills again”

Noah nodded thoughtfully and hummed in response before he responded properly.

“We can’t be too hard on ourselves, he’s certainly not made it easy to catch him”

You laughed slightly.

“Or at all. No prints, no dna, no leads….bodies mounting up left, right and centre. I feel like I’m failing the victims families”

Noah shifted closer to you, the beautiful smell of his cologne invading your senses “That’s ridiculous, you’re doing everything you can and look at what it’s doing to you. You can’t be that critical”

You sighed and looked up at him.

“How are you so calm all the time? I wish I could be that way”

“Because I know that everything will work out how it’s supposed to, you’ll find out who he is, I just know it”

You smiled at his words and finished your glass of wine, reaching out to the table to grab the bottle and have a refill, the effects starting to make your brain feel lighter.

“How about some music?”

You reached for your remote and clicked the radio to life, the classic station immediately started to play which caused Noah to smile at you.

“I wasn’t aware you listened to classic music!”

You felt your cheeks go warm.

“It helps relax me sometimes”

The current song ended and you started to hear a beautiful melody with the piano being the main focus of the opening notes, it was a song you’d heard before but couldn’t place, until Noah spoke up.

“Primavera, this is a beautiful song”

You looked at him in shock.

“So you are no stranger yourself I see”

His smile grew as he took another sip.

“In Italian, primavera means "spring." This is a fitting title as its flowing verses are akin to the opening buds, glorious flowers, warm air and gentle breezes of spring…or that’s what I’ve read about it anyways”

His checks went pink slightly and you couldn’t help but be in awe of the man in front of you, he truly was like no one you’d ever known.

“Wow, that’s beautiful Noah”

You listened to the calming music and closed your eyes, letting the horrors of the world wash away.

“I didn’t know you had one of those?”

You opened your eyes again as you felt Noah get up and walked over to your shelves, tucked away was your old polaroid camera.

“Oh…I haven’t used that in ages”

Noah came and sat back down with it, looking it over.

“Does it still work?”

Before you could answer, Noah brought the camera up to take your picture, you laughed and held your wine glass in front of your face.

*click*

You heard the sound of the shutter of the camera going off and saw the flash behind your closed eyelids.

“Noah!”

He laughed and put the camera down as he pulled the photo out and gave it a shake.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist”

His smirk told you that he wasn’t sorry and was in fact, very pleased with himself which made you giggle again.

You glanced at the photo as Noah held it up for you both to look at.

“You look beautiful”

You shook your head and reached for the camera resting in his lap.

“Let’s see how you like it”

You quickly put the camera up, Noah gave a cheeky smile and held up his middle finger as you pressed the button down.

“Rude”

You both laughed as you looked at the new photo, putting it next to yours on the table.

“How about one together?”

You nodded and came in closer to him, you felt Noah wrap his strong arm around you and you leant back into his chest, feeling butterflies in your stomach as you did. You both smiled at the camera and held your position as the flash went off.

You slid back slightly once the photo was done, but Noah didn’t take his arm off your shoulders and he grabbed onto the photo and held it out in front of you.

“Cute”

You smiled and nodded, still hearing the enchanting melody of primavera as it played, you looked up at Noah and realised how close you actually were you felt his breath ghosting over your face.

You resisted the urge to lean forward and reminded yourself that you were work colleges and partners and there was no time for anything else….no matter how badly you wanted it.

“This really is a beautiful song”

You broke the silence as you sat back and created space in between the two of you.

Noah finished his wine and smiled once again.

“It is. I’ll be sure to introduce you to more interesting things in the future”

••••••••

You could hear the sound of the piano keys in your mind as you relived that night.

You looked at the photos in your hand and noticed that there was an extra one, you pulled it out and gasped quietly.

Staring back at you was a photo of you sleeping soundly in your own bed, completely unaware of the intruder taking your picture.

A small chill ran down your spine. Noah had been in your apartment without your knowledge, that night you’d seen him walk out when you said goodbye but clearly he had returned.

“How many of these does he have?”

The sound of the door unlocking behind you made you jump and you spun round to see Noah’s gaze instantly on the photos in your hand, his expression turning dark.

“What are you doing angel? Didn’t anyone ever tell you that it was rude to go through someone’s possessions?”

You stepped back and he walked into the room, clearly not impressed by your snooping.

“I…erm…I wasn’t…”

Noah grabbed the photos out of your hand and casually glanced at them.

“I see you found my favourite one, you looked so beautiful while you were sleeping that I…couldn’t resist”

You stared up at him as he echoed his own words from that night, you weren’t sure what he was going to do next.

“Isn’t it rude to break in and take pictures of someone when they are asleep?”

Noah tilted his head at you and stepped forward and pressed his arms against the wall around your head. trapping you in and towering over your small frame.

“I didn’t break in angel, you left the door unlocked, very careless of you, anyone could walk in”

You took a breath, feeling the fear forming in the pit of your stomach, he was a sadistic killer first and foremost.

“I’m sorry Noah…I didn’t mean to pry”

Noah leaned in closer and then ran his hand over your cheek.

“I’ll forgive you angel, just never forget how much I’ve done for you, I’ve always been there for you haven’t I?”

You nodded at his words as he brushed some of your hair behind your ear.

“Especially at work, all the trouble you had there, no one believed in you did they?”

••••••••

FLASHBACK

You were walking down the hallway of your office at the station, a fresh hot coffee in your hands.

The excitement you felt was hard to ignore as you were up for a promotion at work, taking you from an officer up to a detective with your own office and team and you couldn’t be happier!

“I hope I’m making you proud dad”

You carried on to your sergeants office with a small smile on your face.

As you rounded the corner, you could hear a bunch of officers talking as they stood huddled together, not aware of your presence.

“Can you actually believe officer Y/L/N is getting the promotion?!”

“You know it’s only because of who her father was!”

You recognised the voice of officer Blake instantly, you two had never particularly got along but had no choice but to work along side each other.

“The sergeant must be mad, any one of us could have that detective position!”

You couldn’t listen anymore and held your head as high as you could and walked into view, tipping your head at them with a fake smile on your face.

“Morning gentlemen”

They all looked shocked and tried to act like they hadn’t just been slagging you off as you strolled past.

You made the point of waving at them once more before you headed towards your bosses office, hoping that you did get the promotion today, you’d worked so hard for it and it wasn’t just because of who your father was, you’d show them, you’d prove them all wrong!

••••••••

“But I always have, I have always seen your intelligence and your potential and how wasted you were in that station. They didn’t see you…but I do angel, I see exactly who you are”

Your lips parted in a silent gasp as his voice washed over you.

“I know…I know you’ve always believed in me Noah”

Noah leant his head down and brushed his lips against yours, you returned it, it was gentle, a very far contrast from his mood a few moments ago.

“You’re nearly ready baby, I know you are”

Your brows frowned.

“For what?”

Noah smirked and stood back from you.

“For the next step” he walked back towards the door without turning back as he said “Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

[l00na24]

I literally can't wait for both!!! And I'm very sure it's gonna turn out perfect regardless! 🥰​😍​

Guess who’s finally started chapter 11 👀

It’s been far too long since we last read about our favourite duo so let’s get right back into it shall we 😏

Thou Shalt Not Kill

[l00na24]

Are you kidding me??!! OMG, there's no way!! AAAHHH!!! You can't just drop this on me like this 😱😭

Guess who’s finally started chapter 11 👀

It’s been far too long since we last read about our favourite duo so let’s get right back into it shall we 😏

Thou Shalt Not Kill

[l00na24]

• Secret relationship with Noah

😮

I need this. You have so much going on, wow. I'm still stuck for months now on my current fic. Now a new idea came into my mind. Totally different from what I should continue writing. How should I deal with that? Normally I finish a fic in a few weeks and it comes easy. Do you delete everything or only a part you don't like and then move on?☺️

It’s been a rough month in particular 🤣

I’ll try and answer this as best as I can for you…

• if I’m stuck on one fic but then get the inspiration for something else, I’ll go with the flow and write what I’m inspired by at the time. I’ve left unfinished work before, wrote out another completely different story because it’s all I can think about at that time and then that’s given me the writing bug again and I can normally get out a few fics very quickly after (long time followers may have noticed that pattern with me haha 🤣)

I always find it’s best never to force your writing, otherwise you’ll rush it and in the end won’t be happy with it! Take your time, leave it and come back when you have the inspiration and don’t put any pressure on yourself, you take the time to post your work for free, that’s an amazing thing 🖤

• I can finish work quickly to a point, depending on my life/work schedule and again my mood so I wouldn’t worry if something takes longer then normal

• if I’m struggling to get past a certain part of the story, then I sometimes leave a gap there on the page and carry on writing if know what the next scene is going to be (which for me I normally do)

So I wouldn’t delete anything, just go back and edit it and add to it as needed.

Best way I can advise it, put yourself in that scene, how would you get to the next scene naturally? Within life we all get to where we are meant to be and everything that happens, would be a natural progression. Think of the natural progression of one scene to the next as the character and then read how it flows together.

I hope this has been helpful for you 🫶🏻

And if anyone else ever has any questions then feel free to ask, I’ll do my best to answer 🖤

[l00na24]

Someone posted this about the grey on TikTok, (they post all over BO’s songs…) and I love it. It’s exactly how the song is and feels and it’s still my all time favorite 🩶

[l00na24]

So true 🥵🥵 But damn is it a good inspiration 😂

Our boy looking far too fine recently 🥵🥵