Chapter Text
She felt a hand crawling up her skirt, getting closer and closer to her –
…
It was a given for Luvia to become the next head of the family.
Luvia did not question it even when the elders had pushed her to marry.
Most marriages were arranged by the council after all. As the head of the family, Luvia had the luxury of choosing her own partner. It was the least they could offer, under one condition; the candidate was suitable. But none of the candidates she’d comb through were to her liking.
Except, for one.
Luvia opened the contents of the letter, reading over the report.
She doubted that their relationship meant anything to Luvia.
It was glaringly obvious, Rin had staked her entire life on pure greed, unaware of the chaos that would inevitably be her her downfall. Their relationship had gotten off to a rocky start and was more of a business transaction. Luvia had been clear about that from the start, the moment she signed the contract. That was the unquestionable truth, but hearing it directly from Luvia still hurt. And she didn't why, the thought of it bothered her.
"Stop it already." Rin smacked the blonde's hand out the way as the she blocked the door. "Just leave me alone. This whole arrangement has been a mistake."
"What are you-" Luvia's voice faltered for a moment, then regained its composure. "Do you really mean that?"
"Yes," Rin said, avoiding her eyes.
Luvia frowned, biting her lip as she shook her head, pretending not to hear what she thought she heard. "You take that back."
"No," hissed Rin, sounding annoyed. "You heard me.
Silence ensued.
Rin took a step back, prepared for the other magus to fly into a rage or perhaps wrestle her to the ground. Thankfully that thought didn't seem to cross her mind. However, her words did seem to have an effect on the blonde because the next thing she did was promptly grab Rin's wrist in response, pulling the magus harshly in her direction.
It came out of nowhere, without any warning.
Rin stumbled forward, nearly tripping over her own feet but Luvia's shoulder cushioned her fall thankfully. Rin hung her hand over Luvia's shoulder, then peeled her arm away to stare daggers at the magus incredulously. No apology was given to her, instead, she scoffed in annoyance, ignoring the glaringly obvious expression directed at her.
"I won't let you go," Luvia said, tightening her fingers around her arm. "Especially not after everything I did." Her hand slipped under Rin's shirt before stopping at the base of her stomach.
Rin stiffened at Luvia's smile. The faint traces of mana was emitting from her fingertips, pouring against the engraved curse began pulsing in response upon contact, causing a knot to form in the bottom of Rin's gut, once the thought registered her mind.
Rin swallowed as the realization dawned on her.
Luvia was familiar with that look, as she had seen the same expression countless times in her bed.
"That's right. Now you remember." Luvia ran her fingers slowly across her cheek, then whispered in her ear, "You signed an oath, didn't you?"
As if to taunt her, the cursed spell on her stomach responded in kind, with a glowing hue beneath her shirt.
Luvia isn't stupid.
Risking her life- no her pride, at that was ridiculous. But, she couldn't help it. The last remaining ——- and the sole remaining heir to come stumbling right into her like that- how could she not?
It was a simple offer even the magus couldn't resist.
Luvia made sure to break every rule in the book; going against her honor as a mage… she had no excuses. The burning sensation left an aftertaste on her tongue. Luvia licked her bruised lip, laughing at the result. Soon it would all pay off.
She was against using underhanded methods, especially excessive force. It was dirty, ugly, and unnecessary.
Her pride wouldn't allow that, much less her conscience.
It was approaching midnight by the time their argument ensued, escalating to the point it forced Luvia to walk away. The maids were used to their arguments now, having grown accustomed to them the second Rin stepped foot onto the estate.
Rin had gotten fed up as usual but this time was different.
The bracelet on her wrist kept her in place, allowing Luvia to pin her to the bed without trouble. No matter how much she scratched at the magical item, the spell was unbreakable.
“I hate you,” Rin said.
“I know,” Luvia murmured, loosening the collar on her neck. “You can hate me all you want, but don't forget, you signed up for this. Whether you like it or not," Luvia grabbed the back of Rin's hair, yanking her head forward. She raised Rin’s head to her eye level then laughed under her breath, "You don't have a choice."