The Great Darkness.
As far as I was concerned, there was no mention of the Great Darkness in any history book I’d ever come across. The Great Ones—those ancient, godlike beings that roamed this world before it was even fit for life—never mentioned it. I was sure it didn’t exist. Yet, somehow, that name kept creeping into my mind, gnawing at me like some forgotten truth.
Maybe I should ask Lilith. But how? There was no easy way to contact her. Hell, I didn’t even know how to contact her. The only thing I could think of was dominating a woman—maybe that would bring me close enough to reach her. But then again, what were the chances I’d find a woman I could dominate today? I couldn’t just walk up to someone, bend her to my will, and demand a conversation with Lilith. Things like that doesn’t just happen on command.
So who was this Great Darkness?
I shoved the thoughts aside for now and pulled out my phone, dialing Gabrielle’s number. If anyone knew anything, it’d be her. I remembered her complaining about being burnt out from school and all the professor stuff, so she’d gone on vacation. Still, she’d pick up the phone—she always did, right?
The phone rang, and almost instantly, the call connected.
“Master?”
“You busy?”
“No, not really. Just resting. I hit the beach yesterday, but today I’m holed up in the inn. Why? Do you need something?”
“I’ve got a question.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“You know about the Great Ones, right?” I asked.
“Yeah, those ancient dragons who shaped the world as it is now. Why?”
“Ever heard of the Great Darkness?”
There was a heavy silence before Gabrielle finally spoke. “There’s no such thing as the Great Darkness.”
“Right?” I said. “But I came across a woman—she’s part of the Eclipse—who claims their entire faith is centered around something called the Great Darkness.”
“Someone pretending to be one of the Great Ones and becoming the center of a cult’s devotion? And not just any cult, but one of the largest out there?” she replied, now clearly intrigued. I could almost see her through the phone—standing tall with one hand resting on her hip, her brow raised in that curious way she had when something caught her interest. Seemed I’d hooked her. “Where are you right now?”
“I’m in the village next to Rakkan,” I said. “Though, calling it a village is a stretch. There’s barely forty or fifty people living here.”
“Got it. I know the place. I’ll be there soon.”
“Wait, you’re actually coming?” I asked.
“I want to find out what these Eclipse fanatics are worshipping,” she said, her voice carrying a sharpened edge of curiosity. “To see what’s got them so devoted.”
“Alright,” I replied. “How soon can I expect you?”
“Luckily, you’re not far. I’ll be there by this afternoon. Oh, and I came across someone… someone I think you’ll be very interested in dominating. Trust me, you’re going to want her.”
Gabrielle wasn’t one to throw recommendations lightly, especially when it came to someone I could dominate. If she was this confident, I was already getting excited. Hell, she had my attention before I’d even laid eyes on this woman.
“Okay, just get here fast,” I told her.
With that, I ended the call.
***
I dozed off for a bit in Anna’s room. Without me even asking, Anna just slid into bed beside me, curling up and falling asleep too. Village women might be the sweetest and most accommodating thing I’ve ever laid claim to. That bet with Erick was definitely worth it.
After a while, I felt Gabrielle’s presence approaching. It was hard to miss. I woke up, and Anna stirred beside me, waking up as well. We both got up from the bed and headed outside. A crowd had gathered around a car that had just arrived. Gabrielle stepped out, looking as menacing and pissed off as usual. She stood there, arms crossed under her huge breasts, the tight white blouse she wore straining against them. Her pencil skirt hugged her hips and curves, while her legs were clad in sleek stockings. She looked every bit the seductive powerhouse in that outfit.
Erick was there too, holding a weapon in his hand, probably assuming Gabrielle was some kind of threat.
“Why are you here? And what’s that… thing? What exactly is it?” Erick asked, eyeing the car suspiciously.
“This?” she said, rubbing the roof the car. “It’s a car. Ever heard of one? Though, considering how primitive these villages are, I doubt any news from the outside world has reached your ears.”Then, she fixed her gaze back on Erick, her expression sharpening. “And didn’t I already tell you? I’m here to meet my Master.”
“I doubt you. I can’t allow you inside the village,” Erick said, his voice hardening as he gripped his weapon tighter. “Get out of here! Or I might just slash you…”
Things were about to get ugly if I didn’t step in, so I moved closer.
“She’s with me,” I told him calmly.
Erick turned to me, eyes wide. “Leon…? She’s with you?”
“Yeah, I’m the ‘Master’ she’s talking about. She’s also one of my women,” I said, without hesitation.
“S-She’s…?” Erick stammered, clearly shocked. “W-Well, damn… I didn’t think you’d have a woman like her. And she’s older than you, too… and calling you Master?”
The moment I said she was mine, the whole crowd seemed to freeze in place, their faces painted with disbelief. Of course, they had no idea Gabrielle was one of mine. The six-year age gap between us only added to the shock. Anna, standing beside me, processed my words, her eyes flicking over to Gabrielle’s body—the full, seductive curves, the toned hourglass figure that practically oozed sex appeal—and then back to her own, comparing.
“W-Why is she calling you Master, if you don’t mind me asking?” Anna asked, her voice shaky. She had sighed in defeat after seeing Gabrielle, one of my women, standing there in all her glory.
“Because I’m his property,” Gabrielle answered bluntly, without even flinching. The way she said it—so casually—was enough to make everyone around us tense up. “And Master also owns the largest company in the world. The same company that made this.” She pointed at the car with a small smirk.
The crowd’s shock hit all over again, their jaws practically hitting the floor. The air was thick with disbelief as they processed the fact that not only was she mine, but I also held control over the biggest company on the planet.
