The Lustful Curse

The sun illuminated Moonwhisper as Korvus Nightshade and Eugene Mustfill sat in the chairs of the Lord of Thieves hideout deep underground. Tobias Nightshade observed the young man seated to the right of his son. No one had ever been able to understand what went on in Tobias's mind. His thoughts were always secrets to others. Perhaps that was why he had managed to become the Lord of Thieves, one of the Guild's leaders. But at that moment, his mind was lost in memories.

Lyraeus's scum. The Lustful Curse. Long ago, even before Korvus was born, Tobias had visited many places, including brothels. And there, one day, he had seen a young man who was remarkably bold. He had escaped from Lyraeus of his own free will, knowing what would happen to him, knowing what fate awaited him. Tobias met him and looked into his eyes. There was nothing but emptiness. The boy's mind was gone. Because of his escape, he could no longer please the sorcerer, and it had driven him mad. But the Lustful Curse did not stop. It devoured the young man's mind until nothing remained. A thoughtless body that surrendered to anyone for a mere coin. The boy no longer understood who he was or what he was doing. He was nothing more than a living doll, serving every client of the brothel. But due to his bond with Lyraeus, he could not experience pleasure himself, nor could he return to reality. For months, the boy remained among the brothel's whores. And later, when there was nothing left of his mind, the Lustful Curse pushed his body to the limit. The arousal he felt was so overwhelming that his heart could not withstand it and stopped.

And now, sitting before him, was Eugene, cursed by Lyraeus just like that boy. The Lustful Curse was devouring his mind. With each passing minute, the tension in his body grew, driving him closer to madness. But, according to rumors, Lyraeus was dead. The Dominion's guards had killed him while he was performing a ritual. And his victim had ended up before Tobias. But there was something different about him. Something that kept the young man from losing his mind. And most importantly—Tobias sensed a scent he could never mistake. The scent of Korvus, his body, his sweat, lingering on Eugene's skin. There was only one possible explanation.

"But why…" Tobias took a glass of whiskey in his hand and brought it to his lips. "If the rumors are true and Lyraeus is dead, yet you are his scum… Why haven't you gone mad?" Tobias took a sip, glancing at his son. "I've encountered victims of the Lustful Curse before, but they were different."

"Lyraeus…" Eugene recalled the recent night when he had found himself in a new world. "He managed to curse me, but he didn't have time to bind me to him. That way…"

"Aha…" Tobias pulled out a cigarette case and took a cigarette. "You're very lucky, Eugene. But still, you've become a slave to desire."

"Correct," the young man nodded.

"And how exactly did you—"

"Father," Korvus interrupted Tobias. "Does it really matter?"

"Korvus…" Tobias brought the cigarette to his lips and took a drag. "I already know how Eugene is resisting the curse, and I also know your role in this process. But I want to hear it from him."

"What? How?" Eugene hesitated, only now realizing that he had spent the previous night in the same bed as the Lord of Thieves's son.

"The scent, Eugene. Korvus's natural scent on your body. I think everyone who's been near you has noticed it. I'd love to see Koda's reaction," the cat smirked.

"But…" Eugene pressed a hand to his nose and inhaled but smelled nothing.

"Don't worry," Tobias glanced at the goblin. "If no one knows Korvus's scent and no one knows he's a goblin, they won't realize you've given yourself to one."

"Enough," Korvus glared at his father and pulled Eugene's hand away. "We have far more serious problems than what happens in my bed."

"Well, if that's what you think…" Tobias gave the young man before him a slight smile. "Then tell me, what have you done that made you return to the father you abandoned for five years?"

"I…" Korvus's voice was serious, as always, but Eugene sensed something different. Something he hadn't heard before. Anxiety? Eugene could always tell the goblin's emotions from his voice. "The heist of the Dominion's vault."

"Go on."

"You already know that I tried to build my own life."

"But it didn't work out…" Tobias nodded.

"It didn't… So I returned to taking jobs." Korvus took the glass of whiskey his father offered and took a sip.

"It was the only thing you could do."

"Yes… But this job was from the Guild."

"What?" Tobias straightened. "A job to rob the Dominion was from the Guild? That's impossible, Korvus."

"Claudia."

"The whore? She…" Tobias recalled the brothel's madam. "It's always sad when beautiful whores grow old and become… Claudia. But… why her?"

"The story goes that she was contacted by a group of sorcerers not from the Dominion."

"There are still some left?"

"Yes. There are. They discovered that the vault was not just a safe. Something was hidden inside. An artifact. It…"

"It was created from the remains of gods," Eugene added.

"Gods?" Tobias took another drag from his cigarette. "Why would a whore get involved with gods…? Or with what's left of them?"

"The group of wizards offered her money. A lot of money. Enough to shift the balance of power in the Guild."

"That bitch!" Tobias's expression changed. It became fierce, as if he already knew where and when to slit Madam Claudia's throat. "And this vault? This? What is it? How did you know the nature of the artifact?"

"We don't know exactly who created it or when. But it is very, very… very old. It has a thousand locks."

"That's why Korvus agreed," Eugene turned the attention of the Lord of Thieves to himself. "After all, he can pick locks without a pick."

"Well..." Tobias replied. "We all have our own peculiarities. And Korvus was given a gift... His fingers work miracles."

"But besides a thousand locks, there's also magic inside him."

"Magic?"

"Magical locks. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a thousand of them too."

"A vault hiding an artifact made from the remains of gods, secured by a thousand magical locks and a thousand physical ones... This vault is under the control of the Dominion, and a group of unknown wizards contacted Claudia to send people to rob it. They promised her a lot of money to change the balance of the guild and take over the lower city..." Tobias stared into the void as if a picture made up of fragments of information was forming in his mind.

"Exactly."

"But the heist failed."

"Everyone, except for me, was killed on the spot. They threw me into the death row cell in prison."

"For execution later? People love..."

"I know," Korvus stopped his father. "That's where we met Eugene. After all..."

"He's the scum of Lyraeus and must be burned."

"Together, we escaped through the underground tunnels, which also run beneath the prison."

"And along the way, we saved a wolf wizard. He was a traitor."

"A traitor to the Dominion?" Tobias was surprised. "But if he was in a magical cage, how..."

"Korvus can break magical crystals."

"You can?" The Cat addressed his son.

"As it turned out, yes. That traitor told us about the magic of the Vault and its nature."

"And where is he now?"

"As soon as we freed him..."

"He cut his hand with his claw, pulled out a crystal, and disappeared," Eugene interrupted. He didn't want to stay in the background, as he had with Madame Claudia.

"Clever, clever wolf..."

"But he told us where to find him," Eugene turned to the goblin.

"The Broken Hearth Tavern. Have you heard of it?"

"Never heard of it," Tobias replied.

"Is it in Moonwhisper?"

"No. There is no such tavern here."

"Beyond the boundaries? Think, father. I'm sure you've heard about it somewhere from someone..."

"No, Korvus. What I don't know, I don't know. And did you really decide to go after the Dominion traitor?"

"Eugene..." the goblin glanced at the young man.

"He knows how to break the lustful curse," the slave of desire said with hope in his voice.

"As far as we know, the lustful curse was created with ancient magic. Does that traitor know ancient magic?"

"No, but he knows someone who does."

"Aha..." The Lord of Thieves summed up. "So, in addition to the artifact made from the remains of gods, there's also ancient magic? Korvus... my boy... what have you gotten yourself into?"

"After we got out of prison," the goblin continued, "we visited Claudia."

"And how is she?"

"Alive."

"After betraying the guild and trying to rob the Dominion... briefly."

"We made a deal with her. For two weeks, we prepare for the escape, and she helps us. In two weeks, we'll show up, and she'll get us out of the city."

"Escape from Moonwhisper?" Tobias leaned in. "With the help of a whore? Korvus... knowing you, you couldn't have trusted a whore. What game have you started?"

"She'll betray us."

"Already did."

"And in two weeks, when we show up, the Dominion will catch us. So..."

"We'll steal the airship and escape on it!" Eugene shouted.

"Steal an airship from the Dominion? Korvus... that's a great plan, but very risky."

"It's an exit for us, and a problem for the guild. Claudia will tell the Dominion that we were just a bunch of idiots. But the Dominion won't believe her. So she'll throw all the blame on the guild to save herself from dying."

"I know," Tobias leaned back in his chair. "I figured that out already... Damn... This is a fracture in the guild."

"Exactly."

"If it weren't for Claudia, I'd be angry at you, Korvus. But you did the right thing... just like I taught you. The fracture would have happened anyway. But you're using it to your advantage. I'm proud of you."

"Father..." Korvus' voice changed, the nervousness more evident. "A war is about to start."

"It already has. Everyone is just preparing for the first strike. Whores are seeking protection from the Dominion. The Dominion itself is preparing to use the fracture to seize the lower district."

"And thieves and Merchants don't know anything."

"Hm... without your information, we wouldn't have known," Tobias stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. "And while Moonwhisper plunges into flames, you'll escape... Not bad, Korvus. This is a very interesting game."

"We need to contact the Merchants and inform them of Claudia's betrayal."

"No... No way. Ah..." Tobias sighed. "Korvus... in war, everyone is on their own. The Merchants will betray us and the whores. The whores have already betrayed us and the Merchants. The only step left is ours. And our step will be simple."

"What step?"

"Stir the flames, Korvus..." Tobias knew the outcome of the war. "And while they fight each other, while the Dominion burns the lower city, we'll escape..."

"Everyone? All the thieves? You all will escape?"

"Exactly. Not on the airship like you want."

"Then how?"

"While you take advantage of the fracture in the guild... We, Korvus, will use your failed heist. And while the Dominion is looking for you, the thieves will escape. For two weeks, we'll send each guild member one by one. With supplies, of course. They won't be watching us— we're not a goblin who tried to rob a vault, and not the scum of Lyraeus... just travelers. But simultaneously, we'll commit crimes against the Dominion, shifting the blame onto other guild members. The brighter the flame, the blacker the smoke, in which we'll disappear."

"Father..."

"And we'll start with the 'Truth'."

"That holy scripture of the Dominion?" Eugene remembered the goblin's stash.

"Yes... We'll start a revolution. We'll take the 'Truth' books and burn them in the main square. The people of the lower district will see it and take it as a signal to wage war against the Dominion."

"The whores will seek salvation under the Dominion's protection, betraying everyone against the Church."

"And the Merchants will side with the Dominion, declaring a blockade of the lower district... We'll need to use all our connections to forge the documents of all guild members..."

"But, Father... Do you realize that many people will die?"

"And what of it, Korvus?" The Master of Thieves gazed into his son's eyes. "You know this world, you know what it's capable of. As I said... we're slaves to our origins, so why not use the advantages of our roots? I care only for the safety of my family. And even if you're not a guild member... you're still my family. And... young Eugene, who became your companion by fate... You helped us, and I'll help you. I think it's finally time for you to tell why you came home again..."

"I can't argue with that... The airship, father. We need to steal it. For that, we need to find the instructions and the magic crystal, which is the core of the engine."

"Clever, Korvus... And?"

"We know where the scientist's laboratory is, the one who created the airships. He's dead, but one of the laboratories is still intact. It's closed and abandoned. There, we can find information about where to find the crystals and how to operate the airship. I can't get into the middle district, but Eugene can. For that, he needs clothes that won't give him away."

"Clothes?" Tobias rose from behind the desk and walked over to the cabinet, taking out several bundles of fabric and handing them to his son. "I don't believe you came here because of clothes. What else? I raised you, Korvus. You're much smarter."

"A lockpick," Eugene replied. Tobias cast him a glance.

"A lockpick? Ah... Korvus, of course. I was starting to think you came back because you missed your father, that you decided to selflessly pass on information about Claudia's betrayal, that you wanted to help us... And you only came back for the lockpick... I appreciate." The Lord of thieves laughed. "But there's not enough information about the war, son. I can't give you the lockpick."

"I knew you'd say that." The goblin opened his bag and pulled out a bottle of perfume.

"Ah..." Tobias sighed, his eyes widening. He saw the gold. "Imperium..."

"Since there's not enough information, let's make a deal... A trade."

"Korvus, my boy..." Tobias returned to his chair, staring at his dream. "I'm so proud of you... I never stopped believing in you..." It seemed like the master of thieves was about to cry. "Since you stole Imperium... that means you knew you'd return. That means... You haven't abandoned your father forever... Imperium..."

"What's going on?" Eugene whispered.

"Of course... How can I refuse? Even if you wanted to give Imperium back to join the guild... And now you have to give it to me for the lockpick... I appreciate that, my boy."

"What about the lockpick, father?" the goblin asked sternly.

"Ah, Korvus..." Tobias left the chair again and approached the picture on the wall. Moving it aside, he began turning the safe wheel. "I do hope young Eugene teaches you to express your feelings."

"What?" The young man didn't know what to say.

"But Imperium... You knew it was my love, you knew how much I desired it. And that's exactly what you brought me. I've always known you're dear to me, my Korvus."

The master of thieves heard a click—the safe door opened. Inside a small wooden box was the lockpick. It was a needle with a round tip. Tobias placed it on the table next to Imperium.

"Imperium has no price. The lockpick is just a part of what I owe you."

"No, father." Korvus put the bundles of fabric into the bag. "This is enough."

"Don't devalue Imperium, Korvus. I give you my word. In times of need, when everything falls apart... the guild will help you."

"Well..." The goblin lowered his gaze to the lockpick. "I hope it won't be necessary."

"Why does it look like a needle?" Eugene examined the lockpick. He had never seen anything like it before.

"This is a magical lockpick, Eugene," the goblin extended his hand, reaching for the perfume at the same time as Tobias.

"Right. It fits into any lock. And the magic inside awakens. The lockpick becomes the key, as if it always was." Tobias handed the box to his son.

"And the lock is open. This is for you, Eugene." The goblin placed the lockpick in the box. "When you're in the middle district, the lockpick will open all doors, all locks. You just have to find information about the airships and the crystal."

"Anything else?" Tobias looked at his son lovingly. "What else can I do for you, Korvus?"

"A passage to the tunnels."

"No problem, my boy." The cat approached the wall of his office. A small hole was barely noticeable near the books. The master of thieves straightened his finger and inserted his claw. There was a click. A part of the wall turned into a door and opened. Behind it was a dark descent down. On the wall, right behind the door, hung a torch. Tobias clicked the stone, sparks flew onto the torch, and it immediately lit up.

Korvus Nightshade and Eugene Mustfill rose from their chairs and approached the passage to the tunnels beneath Moonwhisper. Tobias handed the torch to Eugene.

"Thank you," the young man slightly bowed. "Thanks for your help."

"Oh, young Eugene..." Tobias held the door. "You'll always be welcome here, in the guild. You can come anytime."

"What? Really? Why?"

"Fate brought you together with Korvus..." The master of thieves smiled slightly. "Who am I to fight with fate itself?" Tobias pushed Eugene, and he started descending the ladder into the tunnel.

"Wait for me below, Eugene." The goblin gave the young man an order, stopping next to his father.

"Korvus, my boy..." Tobias gazed into the emptiness. The light of the torch disappeared into the darkness. Eugene didn't hear it. "I'm glad..."

"Glad about what?"

"Your heart finally started beating."

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw how you looked at young Eugene. And I saw how he looked at you. Your scent on his body."

"If I hadn't... The lustful curse would have burned his mind."

"I know. But that's not the only reason. I know you. Searching for the traitor who can save Eugene from the curse... That's not my Korvus. My Korvus was cold-blooded. Calculating. Calm. Always."

"Father..."

"But for the sake of saving young Eugene, for his survival, you're ready to steal the airship from the Dominion, find the wizard, save the young man... If that's not love, then why save him? After all, he could always be kept as your slave..."

"Enough," the goblin replied threateningly.

"Did I offend you or Eugene?" Tobias smiled. "Korvus... You've never felt love. But now... Just a few misplaced words about your companion—and you start getting angry. Indifference doesn't look like that, my boy. But here's the question... What did young Eugene do to slip into the depths of your heart?" Tobias pointed his hand at the passage.

"I want to say, father, when everything falls apart. When the war starts."

"What then?"

"If escape doesn't work, or if you don't make it... There will be a place for you on the airship."

"Ah, Korvus," Tobias patted his son's shoulder. "You can appear intimidating, rough, serious. Cold-blooded... But I always knew you were just like me. For you, the most important thing is family."

"I'll send you a letter. With the time and place of the escape."

"I know, my son."

"It will also have the place where I live."

"I know where you live. Do you think I never watched you as you tried to build your life?"

"You know? Then why... never came?"

"You wanted to be on your own. Why should I interfere? Children, Korvus... They are always difficult."

"I see," Korvus smiled slightly at his father for the first time in five years. "We need to go."

"I wish you and young Eugene good luck."

The goblin started his descent into the darkness, where his companion had already grown tired of waiting. The Lord of Thieves closed the door, and the wall became whole again, as if nothing was hidden behind it. Tobias Nightshade returned to his chair, took the bottle of perfume in his hand, and began examining it.

"Imperium..." the cat slowly said.

But the door opened, and a bear entered — the bartender, who had been waiting in the main hall.

"He's gone? Finally," the bartender was dissatisfied.

"Koda, stop being so grumpy. The boy who left five years ago has returned as a man."

"Really?" The bear approached the master. "What did he want?"

"Oh, Koda," Tobias set the Imperium bottle on the table. "Korvus told me an interesting story."

"I'm afraid to ask, what mess has he gotten into?"

"Not just him, Koda."

"What?"

"The Guild is dead," Tobias smiled. "Gather all the thieves. We are igniting the flames of war."