The Forsaken Hero

A stunned silence gripped the room, shaken only by my erratic breaths. Despite the Water Hero’s sudden appearance, the wine’s power was overwhelming, draining my strength and consuming my mind in desire. Alex was also under the aphrodisiac’s influence but seemed much more in control, likely a result of his heroic physique. Korra bristled as she took in the scene, her eyes narrowing at Alex’s hands groping me beneath the thin gray fabric of the slave dress. The sapphire topping her staff glowed angrily, reflecting her mood and radiating the full power of a Divine Artifact. Alex’s grip tightened painfully, hurting my sensitive flesh, and I gasped.

"What are you doing?" Alex protested, "You were supposed to wait until I was finished with her!"

"Change of plans," Korra replied coldly. "Now give me Xiviyah, and that damned ring."

Alex’s eyes narrowed. "Not happening. It’s my last chance, and I’ve waited far too long enough already. Leave and let me have my fun, then you can talk to her. Just like we agreed."

Korra hesitated, shooting me a glance. Something in my hopeless, tear-stained expression must have struck her, because she stiffened, eyes hardening in resolve.

"I won’t ask again."

Alex sighed and stood, lifting me into the air like a child. I groaned as he gave me a final squeeze and tossed me on the bed. "Stay there and wait for me. I paid a lot for that little drink, so you’ll be nice and ready by the I get back. I’ll want to hear you beg for it," he commanded.

"I was willing to let you off easily," Korra said, gritting her teeth, "But I see that’s no longer an option."

Alex chuckled, but there was nothing funny about his smile. "Funny. I was thinking the same thing. I’ve about had it with your pretentious righteousness. What’s so wrong with bedding a slave? You agreed to the plan, didn’t you?"

"And that is something I’ll regret for the rest of my life," Korra snarled. "But I won’t stay silent any longer, not to you, or the church. Lay another finger on her and I’ll kill you."