Bg3 House Of Hope - Tumblr Posts

~ Stubborn ~

Chapter X

Note: Damn, it's been an eternity since the last chapter and I'm sorry for that. The last few months have been exhausting and it was hard for me to write, so... I don't know if I'm satisfied or not but hey, I hope you'll enjoy it nonetheless 🖤

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Raphael accepted to teach Luvia how to use her power, on one condition only: since the blood magic practice required a lot of energy, she would have to eat properly and daily again. Because despite her fancy appearance, Luvia has been weakened by all those days spent in her bedroom, barely eating anything. Her eyes weren't as shiny as usual, just like her skin.

Luvia used to be pale, but this time, she looked sick. Sick and exhausted. But she was determined to make everything she could to prove him she was strong enough to endure this new step in her magical education. She wanted to be the only owner of her body again, to be something, someone.

"What are they doing here ?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

About a week later, Luvia seemed to be in a better shape. Her face had regained color and the dark circles under her eyes had completly disappeared, almost as if nothing wrong ever happened. She looked ready.

One day, Raphael and her headed to the training room where the young woman used to practice magic with Korilla, the Cambion had brought five debtors with him.

"As indicated by its name, blood magic requires blood, and you'll make a use of theirs", he made a gesture to designate the miserable beings who followed him.

"But I can use mine", she replied with a hint of challenge in her eyes. Raphael chuckled.

"Oh no, you can't. Not yet. Don't be so eager ... You have to start from the beginning if you want to be as efficient as possible"

Luvia looked a bit annoyed by his response, but she couldn't really protest.

"One more thing before we begin though"

Raphael headed to the young woman

"Here, you'd need these", he handed her a pack of rings which were claw shaped,

"Your supposed claws are too short, so I had these made to fill this little... Inconvenience", he added almost coldly while he was taking one of her hands to put the rings at the end of her fingers.

Luvia's sudden transformation had a few side effects on her, including her nails which will never become claws. She felt a bit hurt by the way he talked about it, as if the fact that she would never be what she was supposed to be wasn't that important. His tone seemed almost reproving and it hurt her. It was his fault if she was in this state, his fault if her "claws" wasn't enough. She wanted to tell him but she remained calm.

"Be careful, they're very sharp", he warned her.

"Say that to them..." She answered with a bold look, giving a nod towards the debtors behind him.

"Do not play this game with me, Luvia ...", Raphael stared at her with a calm yet menacing look, "Now, let's get started"

He grabbed one of the debtors - an elf - and brought her before Luvia who suddenly looked a bit confused.

"... Is there anything wrong?", he asked.

The young woman hesitated for a second, then she finally spoke

"Have I ... To kill them ?"

"Well, it is up to you, but no, you don't have to"

"How am I supposed to do then?"

Raphael raised an eyebrow and sighed.

"Be creative, Luvia. Feel free to scrape them, cut them, stab them, slice their throat, disembowel them even if you want. But remember this: you only need blood, not a slaughter"

The Dracanist had never hurt anyone before, beside her Lackey, but that was different... It was to protect herself.

The miserable woman sounded lost, she weren't really looking at Luvia, as if she couldn't see her.

"They're all doomed, Luvia. They're nothing but an empty shell, so do not hesitate. You won't have this luxury when you'll face more.... "Conscious" creatures", the devil said, stopping the track of her thoughts. Raphael was standing a few meters away, his arms crossed on his chest. 

Luvia took a step forward, grabbing the debtor's wrist delicately, making her shiver 

"Now, make it bleed"

His tone was clear. This was not a suggestion, but a command.

Slowly, gently even, Luvia made her index run along the woman's wrist. She stopped for a few seconds as she saw their flesh being cut as much easy as a piece of paper. Those claws were really sharp...

A scarlet line appeared on their pale flesh, and a few drops of blood fell on the floor, the uncomfortable drip resonating in the silence of the room. Luvia gulped as she couldn't tell how she was feeling at this very moment. It was a mix of disgust and fascination.

Her eyes began to glow with a scarlet sparkle while wisps of blood swirled around her head.. Her power was now awoken.

"What am I supposed to do now ?" She asked again, looking at Raphael.

"You're not controlling anything right now, you need to focus on a specific intention. This a mind game but it is not that different from your usual use of magic"

He took a few steps forward and reached her, looking down at the debtor's arms.

Luvia could feel the familiar sensation of the power within her, but it felt slightly different. She could feel her veins shivering of excitement and her blood boil, it wasn't unpleasant at all. It was warm and comforting, like a discreet yet friendly embrace. The swirls of blood started to crackle and glow as the Dracanist tried to concentrate. But she couldn't do anything with such a poor amount of blood. She needed more... She looked up at the elf, her eyes staring at everywhere and anywhere at the same time. Luvia couldn't help but feel sorry for her. They never have done anything to her and she didn't want to hurt them either but she needed to.

"Go on", the devil said, "You won't make any progress if you're so hesitating, unless..."

He paused for a second, "... Unless that is too much for your sensitive soul", he smirked, his chin resting on one of his fists.

She glared at him. He knew which button to press to make her react, he knew how strong her spirit of contradiction was and how she could be stubborn. And it worked.

However, she also noticed that Raphael used to keep his human form whenever they met recently. It was very unusual since he didn't need to hide his true form from anyone here. But she didn't dare to ask him why... Anyways, she wanted to show him he was wrong about her, and she took the debtor's other wrist firmly, having no idea that she was doing exactly what he expected from her.

Luvia frowned, hit right in her self-esteem. After everything she went through, after the horns, after Haarlep... Being called "sensitive" sounded like an insult in Raphael's mouth. She was mad at him for what he had done, for letting what happened to her happen. But she was even more mad at herself, because despite all of this, she was enjoying the moment and his presence. She has always liked spending time with him, but in those particular circumstances, she felt really dumb...

She took a deep breath, her gaze whispering a silent apology to the poor creature in front of her. She cut the elf's flesh again, confidently and stronger this time, and the crimson liquid flowed out her parted skin.

The bloody wirls became more intense and she could feel the power withing her increase. Luvia started playing with those bloody ribbons, making them dance around her hands and her fingers. She made them spark, crackle, flying away. She kept playing with these for several long minutes, forgetting about her victim, about Raphael, about everything. All this energy, this power, around her, this blood, it felt like.... Home. Like a faraway heritage she never knew yet hidden deep inside, waiting to be revealed.... And used.

Although Luvia thought only a few minutes had passed, her trance had actually lasted a little longer. After a moment, the debtor suddenly collapsed on the floor in a loud sound. Back to her, the Dracanist stepped back in astonishment.

"What happened to her ?!" Luvia exclaimed.

"Out of resources already.... Fine, next one", the Cambion said as he was turning on his heels, about to reach another guineapig 

"Why, what ? What do you mean ?"

Raphael raised an eyebrow.

"You know what happened, we studied it. Do not tell me you forgot everything already..."

"But I... I didn't imagine it would look like this", she admitted.

The debtor was laying down on the floor, completely dry and paler than ever, almost grey or blue. The elf seemed like "absorbed" from the inside and her eyes were nothing but dark holes now. The vision was disturbing since she now looked like an old corpse with an expression of terror. 

"Did I... Kill her ?", she asked, an uncertain echoe in her voice.

"You used her, that is different", he brought her a dwarf this time, he looked more agitated than the previous subject... 

"And you need another one. He's shorter but he's a tough one", he taped his shoulder and took a step back.

As if she had already forgotten about the poor elf, Luvia was surprised to feel more comfortable despite the troubled look of the new debtor. She almost..... Liked that ? She tried to shake off this feeling but she couldn't ignore this sense of satisfaction than was running through her body, to see the fear in their eyes, the apprehension of an inevitable moment... She felt more confident, but the young woman was still hesitating though.

"You want to try something else, don't you?", Raphael asked with a smirk, perfectly knowing the answer.

Luvia looked back at him, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. The sight and the smell of blood were intoxicating, almost natural to her, she wanted more of it and soon, the urge to take it would be stronger than the will to spare them.

”You know...", the devil started,"I said there was no need for a slaughter because I wasn't disposed to send anyone to clean the mess after. But i wouldn’t mind a little bloody show...”, he said nonchalantly 

"I...I don't know...", She said.

"Why come on, Luvia. We both know it is a matter of time before you finally accept this part of yourself"

The young woman raised an eyebrow.

"What do you know about myself anyway?" 

Raphael chuckled.

"Oh dear, you are like an open book. You are not very good at hiding your emotions, and looking into those crimson eyes of yours are enough to know that you're denying the truth, your thirst for blood. You are just too afraid to admit it.... Let me help you"

The Cambion snapped his fingers and the dwarf was now hanging up by his feet, screaming in panic like a pig. 

Luvia frowned since the sound of the debtor was really annoying.

The dwarf was gesticulating in all directions in a vain attempt to free himself. Luvia wondered if he was aware of what was happening and what was going to happen to him. She could almost have felt compassion if seeing him in this state had not awakened something else in her: a primal, voracious instinct, a hunter's instinct that was just waiting to blossom.

Killing prey that didn't flee or resist wasn't stimulating. That had been the case with the elf. Static, submissive, it didn't take much effort or pleasure to settle her score. On the other hand, a prey fighting for its life... This is a very interesting spectacle. Luvia was doing her best not to let this new sensation overwhelm her, but deep down she wanted to see him run, flee from her, hoping to escape her.

She imagined catching up with him and pouncing on him like a displacer beast. She would have pierced his flesh, would have marked him alive, taken his vital essence to increase her power... Luvia shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"Come on, it's never good to repress your true nature", said Raphael playfully, "Or are you really not ready for this training", he added with a hint of challenge.

It's true that Luvia wasn't supposed to start this early. After all, despite her grown up appearance, she was barely 15 years old. Perhaps she should have waited before confronting herself with the tumults of her deep nature. But Luvia didn't care...

Everything always went too fast in her life anyway, today wouldn't be an exception. She glared at Raphael, and with a violent slash of her claws, slit the throat of the poor dwarf who began to bleed out in grotesque suffocation, his eyes bulging, gesticulating even more. Once again, the reddish liquid began to glow upon contact with Luvia, enveloping her in a scarlet swirl... The more she wielded this power of hers, the more her brain felt "anesthetized", making her incapable of feeling the slightest scruple or feeling of empathy towards the poor wretches she mutilated. She almost ended up getting a taste for it.

However, despite her efforts, she was unable to maintain the flow of her magical energy. Once her victim ran out of blood and died, the scarlet swirls would disappear. She concentrated harder, cutting into the pulpits in various ways, in various places, in the hope that it would make a difference. In vain. And soon, the ground was littered with corpses bathing in their own blood.

“That will be enough for today, Luvia” Raphael told her, slowly approaching her and struggling to avoid the pools of blood.

“No, I can do it!” retorted the young woman in a determined but slightly panicked tone. If there was one thing that Luvia had trouble dealing with, especially at her young age, it was frustration, and she couldn't stand the idea of ​​being interrupted in her progress.

“I said, that’s enough”, insisted the Cambion firmly, slightly annoyed to see her once again challenging his authority.

"But I was almost there! I only need a few more. Two or three at most! It's not as if the corridors were empty of them!", she replied in an almost authoritarian and flippant tone.

Raphael didn't know what to answer at the moment, taken aback by the bitterness of her words. His eyes widened for a brief moment then seemed to soften. The subject had never been broached until now... To tell the truth, he had never intended to do so, which did not seem to be the case for Luvia who was struggling more and more to keep her calm.

"It would be so easy, huh?", she continued in a sarcastic tone, "To just... Do it again and... And... Leave me...."

Her voice cracked and her fists clenched so tightly that her hands were quickly covered in her own blood. Blood which crackled only very faintly. She was doing everything possible not to let her emotions carry her away, but her breathing quickened and keeping her teary eyes wide open didn't stop the tears from streaming down her cheeks without the slightest effort. Luvia couldn't finish her sentence.

It was too painful for her, but there seemed to be something else. With what she had endured recently, and added to that a first approach to blood magic that was intense to say the least, it was logical that the young Dracanist was somewhat "disturbed", and her vision became blurred.

Her face, which had previously displayed an expression of anger and pain, was suddenly very expressionless, almost lifeless, with a hint of worry. Her eyes finally rolled back as the muscles in her legs gave out. Raphael barely had time to catch her before she hit the ground.

The Devil had acted without thinking, which surprised him. Ordinarily, he probably wouldn't have lifted a finger and let her fall on the floor. He carried her out of the room and ordered other debtors to clean up the place while he took her back to his room, just like he did a few weeks ago, when he took her from the Boudoir. She seemed so peaceful, and yet there was a real storm brewing beneath the surface. The next few months, maybe even the next few years, would not be easy for her...

Luvia woke up in her room two or three hours later, her vision blurry and her head heavy, trying to put her mind in order. She briefly remembered the last events, her training with Raphael and her inability to control her power. She felt ridiculous, useless, she wanted to succeed on the first try, but she was far too ambitious... Or...

She noticed a plate next to her bed, full of fruits and pastries...

"For my stubborn little mouse"

The note said.

........ Yes, stubborn.....

To be continued...

BONUS:

~H A A R L E P~

[1/3]

I didn't plan to post anything but drawings and writings here but here I am.... I love taking screenshots and editing some of them. I was happy with the results of the recent ones I took so I wanted to share 🖤

Part 2 & 3

~H A A R L E P~

[2/3]

A bit of.... Luviaarlep ?

Part 1 & 3

~H A A R L E P~

[3/3]

Damn, it makes me want to draw Luviahael AND Luviaarlep stuff..... And yeaaah I couldn't resist showing a bit of Luvia in-game 🫣

Part 1 & 2

~Of Gold and Blood~

Haarlep likes teasing....

Since today's my birthday, I wanted to... Kind of... Treat myself 🫣🤣🥪

Let me introduce you to... Lucian.

Alright, you deserve to know 😂

I haven't planned to talk about this AU now because I wanted to keep some coherence with the timeline of my main fic... But, well, nevermind 😂

It came from a joke with @avani-telvanni ages ago, and Luvia ended up having a daughter with Raphael.

Her name is Lunahel but she's usually called Luna, this is the little girl you can see below... I shall make a post for her too someday.

And this handsome devil, Lucian, is her little brother, freshly born a few weeks ago ✨

I don't see Raphael as a dad but this is a funny AU and I like drawing this little family, so...

Luna and Lucian have their mother's eyes, red as blood. Their horns are a bit more elaborate than Luvia's but not as much as Raphael's. Also, since their parent's skin tones are very different, the children are both kind of orange/pinkish skinned in their devil form. They have tails and wings, but their wings don't look like their father's for a particular reason 👀

I won't explain more cuz this post is already too long, but don't hesitate to tell me if you like these two 🖤

Bonus: The character I created for reference. He's supposed to look younger but, well 👀 Thanks auntie @avani-telvanni for the hair !

Deviders by @adevilyoudo 🤌

Luviaarlep...

I haven't worked on my fic for a while but I keep having lots of ideas for Luvia's story.... And I like drawing some moments I don't share here cuz they don't match the current timeline and I'm always a bit "scared" that it might looks weird but oh well 😂

Alright, some context: Luvia lived in the HoH for a long time before leaving the place at 27 because of our favorite Devil. At some point, Raphael started to kind of feel something for her (it's not very clear for him) but didn't know how to deal with it and didn't want to accept it anyway. So he started to act very coldly towards her, while Luvia tried to find comfort as best as she could, even in Haarlep's arms, despite what happened between these two.

And sometimes, even in those tender moments, everything seems too much to handle.

I have a soft spot for Haarlep being actually caring and kind to her, to contrast with their master's behavior. They might have a crush on Luvluv'...

Cuddle time...

Check this out for the initial context ✨

If you have read the chapter 7 of my fic, you know Luvia and Haarlep's relationship started in fear, pain and disgute, and she hated herself through them for a long time after their first and unfortunate "encounter".

This will be more elaborated in due time since I don't want to spoil all the fun, but their shared moments are not always about physical pleasure only. From time to time, when Raphael's not around, Haarlep would simply snuggle with Luvia to comfort her and keep her company, as they got attached to her more than they would have thought.

You could almost hear them purr 🐈

I recently wanted to try a "Handtale" challenge, each theme related to a BG3 character.

I..... I started with the 11th one... Oops.

~The Sinners~

Ladies and gentlemen....

Priest!Raphael and Nun!Luvia 🫣

Modern!Luviaarlep

It is done 💃

Modern!Luviahel here

Modern!Haarluviael here

  ~Of Gold and Blood~

~ A New Home ~

Chapter II

Note: Hi everyone! It's been an eternity since I posted anything about this fic. Unfortunately, this is not the next chapter, but chapter 2 update !

I'm never entirely satisfied with what I write, but I hope you'll appreciate this new version nonetheless ✨

You can read it on AO3

The next days, Korrilla returned to Neverwinter to keep an eye on the strange girl she had met and who seemed to have, for some obscure reason, caught her master's attention. 

She didn't really understand the point of watching her, but she certainly wasn't going to argue with his orders anyway.

She had no trouble finding her young target's house, given its proximity to the tavern she had visited the other night. She recognized the roof from which her little spy had observed her, but there was no door or other window from this side of the street.

The warlock therefore went around taking a few alleys until a building which looked like any other: nothing very elaborate but not a dump either, it was actually quite pretty. That said, the dwarf had the strange feeling that something was off with this place. She kept a good distance away when a woman came out. The latter was rather well dressed but the way she held herself seemed odd. Despite her neat appearance, her walk was almost awkward, as if her outfit was inconvenient.

Korrilla waited until she was far enough away, then she approached the flowered windows. 

To her great astonishment, she couldn't see anything through it. Indeed, a mountain of dust covered all of the windows from the inside and it was almost impossible for her to see anything. The street wasn't very busy at that hour, but she decided not to linger so she wouldn't bring attention. She kept an eye on the house, monitoring the possible comings and goings of its inhabitants, but apart from the woman she had seen earlier, no one else left the place, and no one returned either. It seemed almost abandoned....

Korrilla felt like she was wasting her time, she was supposed to be gathering information about the supposed "Dracanist", but she had learned nothing new since she was here. However, she couldn't afford to return to the House of Hope empty-handed.

 So with a hint of annoyance, the young woman decided to use a metamorphosis spell to change herself into an animal small enough to pass through a gap. Usually, she would have opened a portal, or teleported herself, but she didn't know what was inside and she had to remain discreet anyway.

          And the dwarf changed into... A mouse. Luckily, she had no trouble finding an entrance, and once inside the house, she was able to see that everything from the outside was clearly nothing but a facade.

The place was dilapidated, unsanitary, it felt like a slum. The walls were decrepit, the floor was littered with all kinds of debris and most of the furniture looked like it was about to collapse under a shroud of dust and dirt. It made her wonder how the hostess had managed to keep her clothes this impeccable. Speaking of the "lady", she saw a portrait of her and a man on one of the walls. Their smile making them look creepier than they already were.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming from the stairs and Korrilla quickly hid herself under the table. It was a child, a blond elf, probably 10. His clothes were dirty and he looked thin, but he wasn't the person she was looking for. Maybe it wasn't the good house, after all.

As unfortunate as it seemed, she was so focused on the boy that she didn't notice the mousetrap she was walking on. When she realized the extend of her mistake, it was too late. She managed to avoid being smashed by the mechanism, but her tail got caught nonetheless and she cursed herself for being so stupid. But in the other hand, she hadn't imagine finding a mousetrap in a place so neglected... The sound caught the kid's attention and he approached, kneeling down to take a look under the table.

A mischievous smile appeared on his dusty yet angelic face, and he took the trap with the mouse hanging from it. He looked amused and revulsed at the same time.

" Ugh, disgusting... Haha, I never thought I'd catch one ", he said to himself.

He poked the tiny creature with his fingertips to see her reaction, without knowing he was bothering a warlock in disguise. The latter, clearly annoyed by the situation, was about to take her usual form back and kick his ass to teach him a lesson. 

But when he seemed about to smash her on the ground, he was suddenly pushed to the side, dropping the trap. He then fell on the floor, coughing because of the dust, swearing because of the fall... He stared at the person who dares to push him, a hint of anger in his eyes.

"What's yer problem, goat ?! I'll show ya ! "

The elf was talking to a horned girl, a bit smaller than him. He stood up quickly on his feet and threw himself at her, his face as red as a tomato.

The person who "saved" her was the one she was looking for. The two kids were fighting but the elf was a bit stronger and fierce, obviously hurt in his ego. The sound of their argument caught the attention of three others. Three children, hidden in the stairs, two humans and another elf. They were probably between 3 and 6 years old. 

" WHO D'YOU THINK YOU ARE ! STAY IN YER PLACE ! " he shouted at her while beating her face. She was trying to fight back but at some point, she covered herself with her forearms instead.

Once he was done with her, he left her on the floor, threatening her. 

"Don't ye dare touch me again with yer dirty hands, freak "

The ones hidden in the stairs were chuckling, apparently amused by the situation.

" You served her right! ", said one of them.

The room quickly felt silent as the kids disappeared in the shadows of the house. Korrilla, who was still stuck to the trap, was looking at the girl who was laying down before her. The latter slowly got up, leaning on her elbows. She seemed looking for something, then she stopped when her eyes locked on the mouse. She approached her, a few bruises on her face and a bit of blood dropping from her nose. 

Korrilla could notice once again that her blood looked "magic", because of this strange reddish glow which was emanating from it.

" It's ok ", she whispered to the tiny creature. She removed her tail from the trap delicately and took the mouse in her hands. 

" You can stay with me if you want ", she added in a low voice. 

The warlock didn't expect to have to keep this shape any longer, but she considered her words for a second. It would be easier for her to watch the girl if she stayed with her after all... So she climbed on her forearm, reached her shoulder and hide in her hair, making her giggle.

              And so she spent the rest of the day with her, gripping to her, observing her. She could notice how lonely she was, since she was the only one of her kind and the other children avoided or mocked her because of that. They mocked her horns, her eyes, or called her a demon because they all have noticed how quick she would recover from her injuries. And the dwarf noted it too. 

The bruises she got from her fight with the elf boy had completely disappeared, just like nothing ever happened.

            From time to time, Korrilla thought of the moment she'll come back to the House of Hope. She was looking forward to reach her bedroom, take a bath and have a big drink of wine or anything which could make her forget her time as a tiny defenseless creature. But the time when she could finally reveal herself would come soon. 

When the sun went down and the sounds from the tavern could be heard, the horned creature headed to her bedroom. 

" I'm goin' to show you somethin' funny ", she said with a smile, " There's a place behind, with lots of people. I like watchin' them at night", she looked excited about it, " They drink, they laugh. They even sing and dance strangely sometimes "

But her enthusiasm vanished when she struggled to open the door of her room. She looked through the lock and saw something stuck inside, something she couldn't remove despite her attempts. She heard someone chuckle from the end of the corridor and saw the elf boy... He stood in the crack of his bedroom's door, grinning.

" Good night, goat, greet mum and dad for me ", he said before closing the door. The warlock mouse could feel the little girl's heart racing all of the sudden. She remained silent for a few seconds.

" ... Neve'mind ", she finally said, trying to keep her calm, " I have an idea ".

She went back downstairs, decided to open the main door to reach her bedroom from the outside, since her window was never really locked. She climbed on a chair to reach a pot on a furniture, looking for something inside. But her face quickly changed. 

" The key... ", she paused for a few seconds, "Someone took it... But it's alright... ", she murmured to herself.

The dwarf understood that she couldn't actually go out as she had planned to, and it was apparently a problem. She could feel that something was wrong, her face was calm but her eyes were sad and worried. Since they were alone, Korrilla thought it could be the right moment to take back her usual form, she was tired of being a rodent anyway. 

She jumped from her shoulder to the table nearby. The little girl quickly got off the chair, thinking the mouse fell down, but her eyes widened in an expression close to the fear when she saw the tiny animal turned herself into a humanoid being.

But surprisigly, it wasn't the warlock's transformation that worried her, but her simple presence.

" You.... You're not supposed to be here! ", she whispered, trying not to raise her voice despite her worry.

Korrilla was a bit taken aback with the girl's reaction, but she kept her composure and spoke quietly.

" I mean you no harm, I... "

" You must leave! ", interrupted the child who was losing her nerves. She didn't seem to be afraid of the warlock herself, but rather of what awaited her if it became known that she had let in a stranger. 

" I can help you ", the dwarf insisted, but the horned creature shook her head nervously. 

" You - " , she didn't finish her sentence. Her face froze as she heard footsteps getting closer from the street. She recognized this sound, she knew too well who it belonged to. Korrilla quickly transformed into a mouse again in order to hide and see what would happen next. Lurking in the shadows, she observed the scene, listening closely as the sound of a key in a lock could be heard, and the door opened. 

She recognized the person who entered: it was the woman she saw this morning, but she wasn't alone. A man, the same as the one of the portrait she saw earlier, was following her, his face stern and reddish, but he seemed even more upset when he saw the child in the middle of the living room. 

" What are ye doin' 'ere, freak ", he grumbled. He looked menacing, and so did the woman. 

" Go back to yer damn room, right fuckin' now ", she shouted at her.

The little girl was standing before them, her knees slightly shaking, "playing" with her fingers in a vain attempt to ease her nervousness.

" I... I cant, they blocked th- ", but she couldn't say more. The man slapped her face so hard she fell on the floor and Korrilla thought, for a moment, that the young girl had been knocked out, but she moved weakly.

" Don't answer back ! ", he yelled at her. 

She was holding her painful cheek, turning slowly her head so she could look up at him, a few silent tears rolling along her face.

But the bastard thought it was a defiance stare and got even more mad at her. He grabbed her neck, his fingers pressing her throat as she was now standing on tiptoes, trying to catch her breath and holding his big hand, desperately trying to make him ease his grip. Korrilla was still watching and her heart skipped a beat when she saw this huge guy attacking the fragile being. 

" He's going to kill her... ", she thought, a thousand scenarios racing through her mind. 

She wasn't sure it would be a good idea to take the girl with her to the House of Hope, since Raphael only wanted more information about her but nothing more. But she couldn't just... Leave ? 

In a fraction of a second, memories came back to her mind. The memories of her own past, her previous master... He was just like him, brutal, violent, threatening. Korrilla remembered how she felt when once, he was so angry that she thought he would eventually kill her and her sister. That was the night she met Raphael for the first time... 

The dwarf was suddenly brought back to reality when she heard the man shouted something.

" I dunno why we keep ya anyway, you piece of shit. Always disobeying, sneaking outside.. They said you would bring us a lot of money but you're nothin' but one more mouth to feed "

"They" ? Who "they" ? Korrilla wondered... But she didn't have any more time to think, she needed to act quickly. 

So she suddenly turned into her original form again, ready to strike. The imposent couple jumped, letting out a scream of surprise. Korrilla was standing there, menacing, with a flame in the palm of her hand.

" Get away from her ", she commanded sharply.

" Who the hell are ya ?! ", the man shouted, still holding the child.

" Get rid of her ! " yelled the woman at him.

But the dwarf had no patience for this now. She had spent the entire day as a mouse, in this miserable and dirty place, and clearly, she had enough of this. She threw a small fire ball at the man, precisely on his forearm so the young girl could break free from his grip. He screamed in pain, holding his injured arm as he took a step back.

" You bitch ! "

Korrilla put the horned girl behind her.

" This one is coming with me ", she said while an orange portal opened in their back.

" B-But you can't.. ! "

The woman stared at the couple, her gaze darkened as she put an index on her mouth.

" Sssh.... "

Then she turned on her heels to go through the portal, taking the girl with her. 

         Korrilla had no trouble bringing the young girl to the House of Hope. She's been living in unenviable conditions, and she needed nothing more than the promise of a new life to convince her to follow the dwarf.

When she saw the place for the first time, her eyes shone with admiration, because she couldn't imagine that there could be a more beautiful place in the world. Everything was luxury and excess, and the little girl didn't fail to notice the impressive amount of food which was on a large table. She felt her stomach growl at the mere sight of it. But her attention was quickly diverted when she had to face the master of the House: Raphael.

            The latter was in his library, sitting in a fancy chair, reading a book in front of a huge fireplace where a comforting fire burned. He looked up when he heard Korrilla's footsteps, and a surprised look appeared on his usually serious face. But he kept his composure as she approached with the young girl. 

He closed his book, put it on a pedestal table and stood up from his chair, taking a few steps forward. 

" What - ", he interrupted himself when he saw his warlock covered in dust and raised an eyebrow, " ... No matter "

He took a look at the tiny figure before him, his arms crossed, his chin resting on one of his fists.

" Korrilla, explain yourself... "

" It is a long story ", admitted Korrilla who was too tired to elaborate, " But I had no other choice but to bring her here ", she paused for a second or two, then added quickly, " At least, you can check if she really is what you think "

The devil's eyes slightly widened. That was her ? She looked so fragile, so vulnerable... The Cambion didn't expect her to be in such a bad condition.  

" Are you sure, Korrilla...? ", he asked, not convinced by the child. 

The dwarf nodded and did her best to hide her annoyance. She hadn't spent the entire day as a mouse to be doubted, she thought. 

" There is no mistake. Today was very... Instructive, I would say ", she answered, " Shinning blood, fast recovery... She looks like a miserable Tiefling but I can assure you that she's definitely more than that "

Raphael considered her words and leaned towards her to examine her better. She indeed looked like a Tiefling, but there were slight differences. Her horns were thinner, for example, and as the warlock told him the other day, she had no tail and none of those characteristic sharp traits at some places.

When their eyes met, the child didn't look away, fascinated by this stranger who had something both reassuring and threatening. That was also the first time she saw a devil and she couldn't help but stare at his wings.

" You don't look afraid of me, aren't you ? ", he finally said.

She looked at him again but didn't answer, not afraid but impressed nonetheless.

Raphael had the time to read more about the Dracanist people while he was alone, and he wanted to check something. He gently grabbed one of her horns between his thumb and index, checking its consistency. He could feel a discreet kind of vibration emanating from it, almost like a silent purr. There was some magic in it, he thought.

His face was less severe, but he needed another proof... This vibration thing wasn't common but it wasn't enough for him.

" Make her bleed ", the devil said.

Korrilla looked a bit surprised, she wasn't expecting him to ask such a thing now, even if it seemed logical.

" Just a scratch ", he added nonchalantly, noticing her sudden reluctance, " Needless to make a mess of her "

The woman approached her who was staring at her with an apprehensive look, but she remained perfectly still.

" It's going to be ok ", she whispered, taking her wrist in her hand. 

Raphael raised his eyes to heaven in her back, his arms crossed, he wasn't a very patient man sometimes. 

The warlock held the little girl's hand opened and pulled out a penknife from her pocket. The child watched her puting the blade on her palm without moving or saying anything, as if she was absent.

" Make it quick ", insisted the Cambion.

The dwarf took a breath and in one motion, she cut into the delicate flesh. 

The horned creature groaned in pain, her fingers twitching, but she didn't try to remove her hand. A few drops of blood fell on the floor, but the rest was like floating. Her eyes changed too, they were still red but... Different, like two scarlet lights in the dark, and her pupils were completely gone. It lasted until the bleeding stop.

" My my... ", Raphael said, suddenly delighted by what he was observing, " Now, that is interesting "

He put a knee down to take a closer look, grabbing her tiny hand and brushing his thumb over the fresh wound, making it sparkle and making her slightly tremble. The child frowned but did her best to hide her discomfort. Also, he could see the wound starting to close itself slowly already. 

The Devil looked at her again.

“ What is your name, little mouse? ”

She hesitated for a few seconds, intimidated.

" .... L... Luvia.. ", she replied in her small voice.

" That's quite a name. Well Luvia, welcome to the House of Hope "

             Then he snapped his fingers, and the child's rags changed into a fancy dress, with a dark blue tiny doublet with long red sleeves, decorated with golden details, reminiscent of Raphael's outfit. Her hair was clean, and her face was clear. It was as if she had taken a bath without realizing it.

                         “That’s better.”

To be continued...

Bonus: Chapter 2 first version

AU time.

I have only one AU, it's a baby one, and this is how I imagine mama Luvia 🖤

And as Raphael's wife ofc.

I didn't write anything about this AU yet but you can find more about it here and here

~ Such a tease ! ~

Tonight, I want to show you a bit of the pieces I made for the @silkandsulphur fanzine. 🔥

It was so soooo cool to draw them and I can't wait to finally show them !

Your soul,my plaything

I wanted to do some light exercises and I'm very happy with the result 🔥

~ Raphael POV ~

"Quick" painting of the night. I've been inspired by @avani-telvanni and her lovely oc, Jesmyn 🖤

~ Daddy's Present ~

Raphael Week - Day 2

Hi everyone!

Raphael Week started yesterday and I'm glad to have found the time to participate in the second prompt: Daddy's Present.

Photo reference from NienoTheater on Twitter. I didn't take a pose but mostly an ambiance! I loved this black and red contrast 🖤

Also, I wanted to represent the day Haarlep took Raphael's form for the first time.

Hope you like it!

~ Devilish Nights ~

[1/?]

Nothing to see here, ladies and gentlemen, just two beings enjoying themselves 👀

It is a bit "old", that was my very first "naughty" fanart, made a few months ago 👀

Motivated by my senpai in this domain, (⁠ ͡⁠°⁠ ͜⁠ʖ⁠ ͡⁠°⁠) @avani-telvanni

More to come...

Devilish Nights 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7

~ Devilish Nights ~

[2/?]

I told you... Alongside my other pieces of work, I've been very productive through the last months 👀

Full version here 🔥

Devilish Nights 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7