Chapter 24: Second Cauldron
"I have only a single responsibility, and that is to keep improving myself. I will reward those who help me and kill anyone who stands in my way. I’m not going to take on any heavy responsibility to protect Tenaxis, the Red Dragons, or build a new clan of Black Dragons. I know I’ll soon have to start my own business to sustain myself and this mansion, but even that’s doubtful since I can just leech off Tenaxis’ funds. In short, I’m going to live for myself and trample all my enemies. What do you think?"
Han reclined deeper in the bathtub. Bellatrix bit her lip and lowered her chin; his words had landed.
"You’re all the same," she said at last, her voice catching on "same" before she pushed through. "Selfish and cruel. You never think outside your comfort zone and focus solely on yourselves! Han, do you really not feel anything? You’ve imprisoned two humans already. Is that really what you need for your path? Do you have to be so cruel, like everyone else? Don’t you want to break the norm and change the world?"
Han’s smile didn’t change.
"You’re asking too many questions. So what was the first one? About you and Xena, right? My Mother fought Xena on her own, and my Father must have pulled strings in the shadows to get you both for me. Letting you two go would mean looking down on my parents and dismissing their efforts. Is that my path? It is. I was born a dragon with dark mana in a dark family. There’s no other path for me. Do I want to break the norm and change the world? No. What for? I think becoming the Sun Champion gave you the idea that you must work hard to change the world. I don’t care about that. I care about the heights I can reach for myself."
Han’s previous life wasn’t that eventful, aside from the fateful meeting in the principal’s office where he learned the world’s harsh truth and was mocked by the twins from a wealthy family.
After working hard, he was refused a chance to continue his career. He didn’t want the same to happen in this new life. Nor did he want to completely discard others for his ambition. Though he hadn’t had much fun in this world yet, he wouldn’t give up on pleasure and fun things in his pursuit of power.
In short, Han saw himself as a normal Dark Practitioner who wouldn’t waste his origins or boons.
"I invited you here because I need you to understand this. I’m not going to change because of your pretty words. Give up. And you know, actions say more than words anyway. I know it might be hard to understand for a preacher like you, but do your best," Han said.
"Words can sometimes slice sharper than blades," Bellatrix said.
"Oh, you’ve started listening to me. Good girl. Your righteous babbling was getting on everyone’s nerves. I’ll keep your warning in mind, though. You’re the Sun Champion, after all. That said, I heard a new one’s already been picked. You really lost everything and now belong to me. I want you to understand your position as well."
"Once this collar is off, I will belong to no one," Bellatrix said.
She lifted her chin, and for a heartbeat the bathroom felt colder.
"Yeah, right. I’ll brand you now. Take off your clothes," Han said.
"Yes..." Bellatrix said. She bit her lip so hard it bled as she took off her clothes.
One by one, Bellatrix’s garments pooled at her feet, and her voluptuous body was exposed to Han. She had a great figure with wide hips and thick thighs, her main attraction along with two large breasts. She had a little too much pubic hair for Han’s liking, but that wasn’t a problem. She probably hadn’t had much of a chance to take care of herself for the past decade.
As far as Han could see, she had no scars besides the horrendous one on her face.
She stood stiffly in the bathroom, but even that didn’t take away from her raw sex appeal. That body must have tested the patience and will of many believers.
Han smiled. "You’re a sexy woman. How many times have you heard that?"
"A couple of times from the Dark Practitioners I fought," Bellatrix replied.
"I expect Dark Practitioners not to hold back their compliments and to speak plainly, while your fellow believers must use flowery language and describe your beauty in at least three paragraphs. Yeah, I can’t do that. You’re a sexy chick, and that’s all you need to know from me. Now then."
Han raised his hand like a claw and pointed at Bellatrix. He sent his mana through her.
She flinched. A dragon whispered in her ear. She couldn’t see it, but she could easily imagine a huge Black Dragon coiling around her, its claws sinking into her small shoulders. It was only in her mind, but it felt so real she shuddered and took a heavy breath, her chest heaving.
Then Han branded her with his Obsidian Cauldron. It inscribed itself above her clitoris and into her pubic hair, marking her as Han’s.
Bellatrix clasped her hands in prayer, bracing for what was to come.
"Let’s see how you cope with it and compare your experience to Xena’s," Han said, activating the Obsidian Cauldron.