sacrifice

Haru : you call me duke you understand I married you as a sacrifice

Lumi: eyes widening in shock, body trembling "S-Sacrifice…?"

Haru: gripping Lumi’s chin, forcing him to look up "You call me Duke. Do you understand?"

Lumi: swallowing hard, voice barely above a whisper "Yes… Duke."

Haru: smirking, pleased "Good." He traces a finger over the fresh bite mark on Lumi’s neck. "Each month, you will give me your blood. Until you are pregnant."

Lumi: stiffening "P-Pregnant…?"

Haru: leaning in, voice calm yet menacing "Then we’ll see further."

Lumi: gripping the sheets beneath him, heart pounding "And if I refuse…?"

Haru: smile fading, voice turning ice-cold "Then I’ll kill your mother and father."

Lumi’s breath hitched. His mind screamed at him to fight, to run—but where would he go? His parents… they had just found peace. He had given them a new life. If he disobeyed, it would all be taken away.

Lumi: clenching his fists, whispering "I… I understand, Duke."

Haru: smirking again, stroking Lumi’s cheek mockingly "Good little sacrifice."

Lumi closed his eyes, feeling tears threaten to spill—but he forced them back. This was his fate now. There was no turning back.

Lumi was a made decoration in that mansion he would learn what Haru had wanted him to learn he was a perfect doll

Haru: sipping his wine, watching Lumi with amusement "You please me, boy. Name one thing, and I shall give it to you."

Lumi: lowering his gaze, voice soft but steady "If so… then, if I may request… to study. If that’s fine, Your Grace."

The room fell silent for a moment. Haru set his glass down, tilting his head slightly as he observed Lumi like a curious specimen.

Haru: chuckling "Study?"

Lumi: nodding "Yes, Duke."

Haru: leaning forward, resting his chin on his hand "You could have asked for jewelry, fine clothes, servants at your beck and call… yet you ask for books?"

Lumi: keeping his posture perfect, hands resting on his lap "It is all I wish for, Duke."

Haru: amused, eyes sharp "And what would you do with this knowledge?"

Lumi: gently "I wish to understand more. To be useful to you, Duke."

Haru: smirking "A perfect little doll indeed." He waves a hand lazily. "Fine. You may study. I will have tutors arranged for you."

Lumi: bowing his head slightly "Thank you, Duke."

Haru: watching him closely "Do not mistake this kindness for freedom, Lumi."

Lumi: quietly "I understand, Duke."

Haru’s smirk lingered, but there was something unreadable in his eyes as he watched Lumi. A doll, yes. But one that sought to learn? Interesting.

as the days passed

Edward: noticing Haru staring at his desk "Something wrong, Duke?"

Haru: running a finger over his pen, finding it already filled "No." Pauses, smirking slightly "Just a very… obedient little doll."

—

Every night, before Haru arrived in bed, Lumi would carefully slip under the covers on Haru’s side, warming it before moving to his own space.

One night, Haru arrived earlier than usual and caught Lumi in the act.

Haru: raising an eyebrow, arms crossed "What exactly are you doing?"

Lumi: freezing, then quickly sitting up "I—nothing, Duke."

Haru: walking closer, tilting Lumi’s chin up "Nothing? Then why is my side of the bed already warm?"

Lumi: lowering his gaze, voice quiet "I… I thought you might like it, Duke. The sheets get cold at night."

Haru: studying him, eyes unreadable "And you think I wouldn’t notice?"

Lumi: softly "I didn’t do it to be noticed."

Haru: silent for a moment before chuckling "Hah. You really are something." He lets go of Lumi’s chin and moves to his side of the bed, lying down "If you're already there, stay. No point in moving now."

Lumi hesitated but obeyed, lying beside Haru, his heart fluttering despite himself. He knew Haru saw him as nothing more than a tool, a sacrifice. But even if just for a moment… being acknowledged felt nice.

Lumi: hesitantly, voice soft "Duke… may I massage your head?"

Haru: leaning back in his chair, eyes half-lidded in exhaustion "And why would you want to do that?"

Lumi: gently "You’ve been working since morning, Duke. It might help you relax."

Haru: chuckling, amused "You act like a proper wife, yet you’re just a sacrifice."

Lumi: lowering his gaze "I know, Duke… but still."

Haru watched him for a moment before exhaling, closing his eyes.

Haru: smirking "Fine. Impress me."

Lumi carefully moved behind him, his delicate fingers pressing against Haru’s temples. His touch was gentle yet firm, working slowly to ease the tension in Haru’s head.

Haru: after a moment, sighing "Hmph. You’re… unexpectedly good at this."

Lumi: smiling softly "I used to do this for my father when he was tired."

Haru: opening one eye "Do not mistake me for your father, Lumi."

Lumi: shaking his head "I wouldn't dare, Duke."

Haru let his eyes close again, enjoying the sensation in silence. Lumi continued his careful movements, feeling Haru’s body gradually relax under his touch. Even if he was just a sacrifice, even if this was temporary… at least for now, he could be useful in a way that didn’t involve pain.

Lumi was thin he was beautiful and caring

Edward: watching Lumi quietly as he poured tea for Haru, his movements graceful, his expression soft and obedient "…If it were anyone else, they would’ve fallen in love with him by now."

Haru: glancing at Edward, raising an eyebrow "Are you implying something?"

Edward: smirking slightly "Just an observation, Duke."

Haru: leaning back, sipping his tea "Lumi is a sacrifice, nothing more. His beauty is irrelevant."

Edward: chuckling "Is that so? Then why do you let him touch you? Sleep by your side? Even allow him to massage your head?"

Haru: coldly "Because he knows his place."

Meanwhile, Lumi, unaware of the conversation, carefully adjusted the tea set. His delicate hands moved with practiced care, his thin frame almost fragile under the soft candlelight. If Haru had been a different man—one who saw Lumi as a wife rather than a mere tool—perhaps he would’ve cherished him, adored him.

But Haru was not that man. And Lumi was only a sacrifice.

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