~~OBSSESION~~ {BOOK 1} (Shadow Milk Cookie x reader)

Chapter 17

Wizard Cookie frowned, skeptical. "...Is he trying to be nice all of a sudden?"

Shadow Milk Cookie smirked, spreading his arms in mock reverence. "No, seriously! Other Cookies should learn from you—the brave, the smart, and the... cautious? Truly, the role models for all pathetic vermin!"

Strawberry Cookie shivered. "...Guess not."

The dark illusionist chuckled, his tone shifting. "Excellent job! Truly remarkable! Ha ha ha... Ah ha hah ha ha!" Then, his mirth faded, and the air grew heavy.

"But enough giggles."

As he stepped forward, a second figure emerged from the shadows—a sight that made the gang's hearts drop. Their friend, their sibling, their Reader Cookie stood before them... but they were not the same.

Gone was the playful twinkle in their warm green eyes. Instead, their gaze was cold, their irises slit like a serpent's. They wore a long black coat with golden details, a dark blue vest fastened with buttons like piercing blue eyes, and boots with golden accents. Their once warm smile had twisted into something eerie, something inhuman.

Strawberry Cookie gasped. "R-Reader Cookie...?"

GingerBrave's voice cracked. "What happened to you?!"

Wizard Cookie pointed an accusing finger at Shadow Milk Cookie. "What did you do to them?!"

Shadow Milk Cookie feigned innocence, pressing a hand to his chest. "Oh, nothing! Just showed them the truth!"

Dark Reader Cookie chuckled, their voice carrying an unsettling lilt. "Hmph... And only that?"

Shadow Milk Cookie's smile widened as he snaked an arm possessively around their waist. "Oh, my dear, I may be the Beast of Deceit, but to you, I will never lie..."

Then, with a dramatic tug, he pulled them into a kiss—deep, passionate, undeniable. Dark Reader Cookie kissed back, their sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.

The gang stood frozen, unable to process the scene unfolding before them. But one pair of eyes burned with a fury beyond words.

Truthless Recluse—once Pure Vanilla Cookie—stood rigid, his expression unreadable, but his clenched fists trembled with rage. If looks could kill, Shadow Milk Cookie would have turned to dust.

Dark Reader Cookie pulled away, their grin sharp. "I will give you a sense of doubt... this time."

Shadow Milk Cookie exhaled a dreamy sigh. "Oh, my dear, you are as lovely and merciful as always..."

Without another word, he floated effortlessly into the air, settling himself into a leisurely sitting position. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled Dark Reader Cookie onto his lap, his hold unyielding, as if they were his most treasured possession.

Shadow Milk Cookie's gaze flicked to the umbrella resting on their lap. "And how's your little toy? Looks much nicer now, doesn't it?"

Dark Reader Cookie twirled it in their hand, watching the way the darkened staff-like handle gleamed, its once-innocent canopy now adorned with an eerie eye. They snapped it shut with a click. "Very much, dear... But let's move our fun elsewhere. Maybe to the top of the Spire?"

Shadow Milk Cookie beamed. "Marvelous idea, my dear!"

With a snap of his fingers, the scenery around them changed. They now stood atop the highest tower of the Spire of Deceit. The vast night sky stretched endlessly above them, stars glinting coldly. Below, the twisted architecture of the Spire sprawled, a labyrinth of towering structures, each reaching for the heavens but never quite touching them.

GingerBrave struggled in Shadow Milk Cookie's grasp. "Let...go...!!"

Shadow Milk Cookie clicked his tongue. "Sadly for you, there's nowhere to run. This entire tower is part of my dough! You're in the belly of the Beast, my dear Cookies! And you, my trickster, are even closer..."

He pressed another kiss to Dark Reader Cookie's cheek, eliciting a pleased hum from them.

Wizard Cookie gritted his teeth. "Not at all!"

Shadow Milk Cookie tsked. "Not a single word of gratitude for your gracious host! Need I remind you? A flick of my wrist, and your dough and souls will scatter across my Tower!"

Then, he turned his gaze toward Truthless Recluse, his smirk stretching wider. "Or perhaps... there's a better solution? What say you, oh fallen king?"

Truthless Recluse's voice was low, barely above a whisper. "...What do you want from me?"

Dark Reader Cookie grinned, their fangs glinting. "A choice."

Shadow Milk Cookie spread his arms. "That's right! What will you do with these pesky little cookies? The choice is yours!"

Truthless Recluse's hands curled into fists. "Why do you care...?"

Dark Reader Cookie leaned in, their eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. "Because it's fun! Now, listen well. You have two options.

Option one—"

Shadow Milk Cookie's voice dropped into a mock whisper. "I silence them forever."

Truthless Recluse flinched, his fingers tightening around his staff.

Dark Reader Cookie's grin widened. "Option two—oh, you'll love this one. You give your Soul Jam to—"

Shadow Milk Cookie's voice was a purr. "Me."

Truthless Recluse's breath hitched, his eyes widening in horror.

GingerBrave shouted, "No! You can't force Pure Vanilla Cookie to make this choice!!!"

Shadow Milk Cookie scoffed. "Shh! The adults are talking."

Dark Reader Cookie looked with a grin and using their hand they zipped their mouth—at that, GingerBrave was zipped by their magic.

"Mmm! Mmmmmm mmm!" he protested.

Dark Reader Cookie laughed. "How about that?"

Shadow Milk Cookie chuckled, placing another kiss on their cheek. "Much better." Then, his gaze fell on Truthless Recluse. "Think hard! Which option do you like better, mm? Look into your heart... deeper, deeper! What does it desire?"

As he spoke, the Soul Jam in Truthless Recluse's grasp began to turn gray.

Shadow Milk Cookie's eyes sparkled. "Ah yes! He's swallowed the bait! Ha ha ha! HA HA HA HA!"

Reader Cookie then, with a big sharp smile, jumped in front of Truthless Recluse and stood with their umbrella closed in front of them, both arms resting on the handle. They leaned over and said, "Time's up! Your choice is?"

Truthless Recluse took a shaky breath.

"My choice is..."

Author note: What... did.. I write...? My AceAro ass...

But do enjoy!