Chapter 1: The Phoenician
Perspective of Jared, Sergeant in the Imperial Army, Date: Early 31st Millennium
I slowly open my eyes, and immediately, something feels wrong. The ceiling above me is unfamiliar, its pristine white surface bathed in the soft glow of ambient light. The bed beneath me is impossibly comfortable—far beyond anything I've ever experienced as an Imperial Army sergeant. A cold knot of dread forms in my stomach. This isn't right.
Before I can fully process my surroundings, I feel a presence, an arm wrapped around me, strong yet undeniably feminine. I tense, panic clawing at the edges of my mind. I try to free myself, but the strength holding me is unnatural. It feels like... it feels like I'm trapped in the grasp of something not quite human. The sense of helplessness is suffocating, my breath quickening in my chest.
Fingers trembling, I shift my gaze toward the entity holding me, my heart pounding. What I see takes me completely off guard. A woman. At least, she appears human—her face untouched by time, flawless, almost unnervingly perfect. Her hair, silver-white and cascading to her shoulders, gleams in the soft light. She is beyond beautiful, but it is a beauty that carries a weight, a presence that feels far too immense for any mortal. My eyes are drawn upward, unable to ignore the sheer size of her frame. She stands far taller and more imposing than any Space Marine I've ever seen, her physique a blend of strength and grace, radiating power as if she were made to command.
The realization crashes over me, too late for comfort—Fulgrimia, Primarch of the Emperor's Children. My thoughts spiral. Why is she here? Why is she embracing me? My mind races with a thousand questions, but no answers come.
Suddenly, her purple-sapphire eyes flutter open. They are mesmerizing, like twin pools of twilight, and they fix on me with an intensity that leaves me breathless. I'm paralyzed, unable to look away, my tongue suddenly useless, words failing me. Her lips curl into a smile that is both warm and wicked, a smile that chills me to the bone.
Before I can react, she pulls me closer, her grip tightening. "Finally, someone is awake," she whispers, her voice dripping with a seductive, honeyed tone.
Her fingers gently trace my face, the touch almost possessive, as if she's claiming me. "You see... it's quite inconvenient to have kept you apart from my siblings," she murmurs, her voice a soft hum in my ear. "But now, you are completely within my grasp," she declares, the words a sweet promise of things I cannot fathom.
My pulse quickens, every instinct screaming that this is not the place—or the woman—I should be around. Yet, no matter how much I struggle against it, the force of her presence is undeniable, and I am utterly at her mercy.
"My lady... what happened?" My voice trembles slightly as I look around, confusion clouding my thoughts. "Why am I in your chamber?" I ask, my mind racing. Every instinct screams that something is terribly wrong, but I cannot place why. I wonder how a mere mortal like myself ended up in the private quarters of the Daughter of the Emperor of Man, no less in such an intimate situation.
Her soft chuckle catches me off guard. It's light, almost teasing, but with an underlying edge that sends a chill down my spine. "Well, darling, you see, last night, while you were on patrol, fulfilling your duties... one of my sisters made an unexpected decision." Her voice drips with something darker now, a subtle tension in her words. "She broke her pledge, darling. She tried to take you for herself. And that, my dear, set off a chain reaction amongst us. But unlike the others, I succeeded. I claimed you, darling, for myself."
Her fingers, delicate yet firm, glide over my cheek, tracing my jawline with an almost reverent touch. It feels as if she's caressing something precious—something she owns, something she will fiercely protect.
"Capturing me?" My heart races, my fear escalating with each passing second. "Did I do something to offend you, my lord?" The words escape my lips before I can stop them, a desperate plea for clarification.
She laughs again, this time with a hint of amusement and something darker. "Offend me?" She leans in closer, her voice a whisper against my ear, full of possessive warmth. "No, darling. Quite the opposite. You see, I've had my eye on you for some time now, watching you. I always thought you were meant for me alone. But no..." Her tone darkens, almost bitter. "I never imagined my sisters would set their sights on you too."
"And now that I have you," she continues, her breath hot on my neck, "even if this only lasts for a short time, I will make sure it endures long enough for you to always remember me." Her words are a promise, but the intensity behind them suggests something darker.
Without warning, her lips press against my neck, her teeth grazing the sensitive skin there. I gasp in shock as she begins to bite, a sharp sting that quickly turns into something more primal, almost hungry. It hurts, but there's something... strange about it—something that makes my body react in ways I don't understand. Her hands grip me tighter, her fingers pressing into my flesh as if she's trying to meld me with her, as if she's trying to make me a part of her.
"Mine..." Her voice is a soft growl, possessive and demanding. "You belong to me, and no one else." The words are etched in certainty, in a hunger that goes far beyond simple desire. "But I know—oh yes, deep down I know—that soon my sisters will try to take you from me." She pulls away for a moment, her eyes gleaming with something far darker than mere affection. "I won't let them."
She bites again, this time harder, and I can feel the marks left behind, the trail of her claim on my skin. As she pulls back, an almost manic smile spreads across her face, her purple-sapphire eyes glinting with triumph. She looks at me like a predator finally having caught its prey, as if there is no escape.
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, the realization settling over me with a sickening certainty. In this moment, I understand what true fear is—this woman, this Primarch, has marked me as hers, and the horrors I've faced in war pale in comparison to the terror that now grips me. For I know—who is pursuing me now. And there is no escape.
"What's the matter, darling? Why do you look so scared?" Fulgrimia's voice was soft, but her eyes were unblinking, studying me with an intensity that sent a cold shiver down my spine.
"N-nothing, my lady! I… I truly appreciate your affection towards me," I stammered, trying to mask the growing panic clawing at my chest.
Fulgrimia chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that seemed to resonate with a strange, almost unsettling delight. "Fufufu... I'm glad you enjoyed it. Otherwise, well… never mind that." Her tone shifted slightly, but the edge of something darker lingered.
My gaze wandered around the room, seeking some clue as to where I was, but it was in vain. The room was dimly lit, with no windows or any openings to offer me even a semblance of orientation. I couldn't even tell if we were still aboard the same vessel or if I had been taken elsewhere. The oppressive silence only deepened the sense of helplessness.
"My lady, may I inquire where I am?" I asked, hoping that the question might offer me some insight or perhaps even a chance to gauge my situation.
Fulgrimia paused, her lips curling into a thoughtful smile. "Ah, yes… you are aboard the 'Pride of the Emperor,'" she said, her voice smooth and deliberate. "In short, you're on my legion's flagship. There's no need to worry about your safety here; no one will harm you." She looked at me with a faint, unsettling amusement. "Hmm… what made you ask that?"
I felt the words catching in my throat as I scrambled for a reason. "Haha... nothing, my lord. Just curious about my location," I said quickly, hoping it sounded convincing.
She nodded, as if satisfied with my response. "If that's the case… it's nearly noon. Would you care to join me for lunch?"
Her words hung in the air like a command. It wasn't a question; I could feel the weight of expectation behind them, a subtle coercion laced within her every syllable. I hesitated, weighing my options. My body screamed for a chance to escape, but I knew that any refusal would come with consequences.
"I appreciate your kindness, my lord, but I'm not particularly hungry right now," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
As expected, my refusal didn't sit well with her. Her expression darkened, and before I could brace myself, she seized my shoulders with a grip that sent a jolt of pain through my frame, though my bones held. Her smile, however, was anything but comforting. It was chilling—predatory. "My dear, I'm afraid I didn't quite grasp what you were saying. Could you please repeat it for me?"
I swallowed hard, the fear rising in my chest, but I forced a smile, knowing there was no escape. "Haha... of course, my lord. How could I possibly refuse such an invitation from the Primarch?"
Her grin widened in satisfaction, the dark amusement in her eyes unmistakable. "Hehehe, I knew you wouldn't turn down my invitation. Now, let's head out, shall we?"
"Y… yes, certainly," I stammered, my heart pounding in my chest. This is terrible. My chances of escaping and surviving have dwindled to nearly nothing.
To my shock, she effortlessly lifted me into her arms as if I weighed nothing. As she walked out of her chamber, several of her Space Marines stood guard at her door. Their presence sent a wave of dread through me, but what caught my attention more were their eyes—cold, calculating, as they watched us with silent detachment. The realization struck me like a blow to the stomach.
'This is it, I thought,' my stomach sinking. My chances of escaping are gone. 'I'm completely at her mercy now.'
"Are you interested in them, dear?" Fulgrimia's voice cut through the stillness, her tone teasing, yet carrying a hint of possessiveness.
Taken aback by the question, I stammered, "Oh… yes."
"Fufu... They're the Phoenix Guard, my proud bodyguards, and now they're also guarding you~"
"W…wow, that's incredible…" I muttered, feeling the weight of the situation settle deeper in my gut.
We continued our walk down the ship's vast hallway, the air thick with an overwhelming sense of grandeur. Space Marines, towering figures in glistening armor, passed us by, their movements synchronized in eerie perfection. The hum of the ship was almost drowned out by the sheer presence of them, each step a reminder of how far removed I was from the world I once knew.
As we neared the dining hall, the opulence became even more apparent. The air was fragrant with the rich aroma of fine food, spices, and aged wine. The long tables gleamed with glistening silverware and crystal goblets, filled with delicacies I could only dream of as a lowly sergeant in the Imperial Army. Every surface sparkled with wealth and excess, a stark contrast to my humble existence.
"Never seen anything quite like this, have you, my dear?" Fulgrimia asked, her voice laced with amusement.
"I… yes," I replied, my words barely leaving my throat.
"I'm pleased, but let's not delay before those dishes grow cold, shall we?" she urged, leading me to the table with an air of expectation.
As I prepared to take my seat, I noticed something—or rather, someone—in the far corner of the room. My gaze lingered on the empty spot, but before I could process the oddity, Fulgrimia's attention snapped to it. Her brow furrowed, and she muttered something under her breath.
"Too fast… they're getting closer too swiftly," Fulgrimia whispered, her voice soft enough that no one else could hear, but the urgency in her tone was unmistakable.
"I... Is there a problem, my lady?" I asked, my voice edged with concern, though I didn't quite understand what had her so agitated.
Her face softened, a smile forming on her lips. She reached out, brushing a gentle finger along my cheek, sending an unsettling chill through me. "No, my dear, it's nothing," she reassured me, but there was an odd, almost predatory undertone in her voice.
"Shall we attend to our meal, my love?" she asked, her words carrying a subtle command.
"Y… yes, my lady," I replied, my throat dry as I tried to push aside the anxiety that clung to me.
The table before me was a feast—an overwhelming variety of dishes, some familiar, others foreign and strange. But despite the bounty laid out, my eyes immediately locked onto a bowl of meatball-laden noodles, a comfort from my homeworld. It was a small comfort in a sea of alien opulence. As I reached for the dish, I found myself struggling, the distance between me and the table far too great.
"Let me help you, dear~" Fulgrimia's voice, soft and sweet, reached my ears as she placed the dish before me, her hands lingering on the bowl longer than necessary.
"Thank you, my lady," I said, my voice barely a whisper.
"No need for such formalities, dear~" she responded, her smile widening as she watched me eat.
Despite the luxurious meal, I couldn't shake the sensation that someone—or something—was watching me. I scanned the room, but it was just Fulgrimia and a handful of her Space Marines standing nearby. Still, the feeling lingered, crawling under my skin.
"Thank you for this meal, my lady," I said, finishing my food, though my stomach was still in knots.
"I am glad you are enjoying it. Shall we return to my rooms now?" she asked, her tone never wavering.
"Yes, my lord, but may I… may I go to the restroom first?"
Fulgrimia's expression remained unreadable for a moment before she gave a slight nod. "Of course, dear~ But I can't risk you going alone. I will accompany you."
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "I… of course, my lady."
"Oh, and stop calling me 'my lady,'" she said, her voice softening as she leaned in closer. "I prefer you call me by my name, you know. Say it, dear."
"Fulgrimia," I whispered, the word leaving my lips as though I had no choice but to obey.
"That's better, dear~" she purred, satisfaction clear in her voice.
As we made our way to the restroom, Fulgrimia's voice broke the silence once again. She seemed determined to learn more about me, asking questions about my homeworld, my hobbies, and my life before all of this. I couldn't shake the feeling that, somehow, she already knew all the answers.
"I will wait here, dear. Please, be quick," she said sweetly, her eyes never leaving me.
"O… of course, Fulgrimia," I stammered, attempting to sound composed despite the turmoil inside.
I pushed open the restroom door, and as I began to do my business, a strange, creeping sensation washed over me. Someone was watching. I turned around, expecting Fulgrimia or one of her Space Marines, but instead, I was met by a woman who seemed to tower above me, standing at least three meters tall like Fulgrimia. Her skin was pale, almost ghostly, and her dark hair cascaded down to her shoulders. Her eyes were pitch black—unreadable, eerie.
Before I could react, she closed the distance between us in an instant.
"You better be quiet," she whispered, her voice sending a chill down my spine.
I stood still, too stunned to move. She reached into her pocket and withdrew a syringe filled with a grey liquid. Before I could protest, she drove it into my arm with unflinching precision.
The cold sting spread through my veins, and my consciousness began to slip away, the world around me fading like it had before when I was taken to Fulgrimia.
"That's better. Now I can take you out of here without much trouble," the woman said, her voice cold and detached.
I could barely comprehend what was happening before she effortlessly lifted me into her arms.
Just then, the restroom door slammed open, and Fulgrimia stormed in.
"Cora!! What are you doing?!" Her voice was laced with fury.
Cora, the woman who had just drugged me, gave her a calm glance before replying, "Taking him, just like our pact said."
"You barged into my ship without permission?!" Fulgrimia's voice was sharp, but Cora didn't flinch.
"That's your ship's security problem, not mine," Cora said, her tone dismissive.
"Hey! Can you just let me enjoy my time with him a little longer?" Fulgrimia snapped, clearly upset.
"Are you planning to break our treaty like Alpharia did? You know the consequences," Cora warned, her eyes narrowing.
"But I didn't kidnap him like she did!" Fulgrimia retorted, her voice rising in frustration.
"Rules are rules," Cora said firmly, her expression unwavering.
Fulgrimia seemed to relent, though with visible annoyance. "Fine, at least let me hug him one last time," she said, her voice laced with possessiveness.
"Ugh, fine, but don't do anything weird," Cora muttered, crossing her arms.
Before Cora could stop her, Fulgrimia pulled me into her arms and began to nibble at my neck, her lips brushing against my skin with a softness that belied the intensity of her actions.
"Hey! I said don't do anything weird!" Cora shouted, stepping forward.
"This is normal in my homeworld~" Fulgrimia cooed, not even flinching at Cora's reprimand.
"Tsk… anyway, timeout," Cora snapped, her voice sharp. She yanked me away from Fulgrimia's grasp with surprising force, and in an instant, she disappeared into the shadows, vanishing with me before Fulgrimia could protest.