Writing Ideas - Sexual Tension as a Theme

2 July 2013, Writing Ideas - Sexual Tension as a Theme

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

Anyone who has read Boccaccio, Chaucer, or Shakespeare knows that most themes have been used multiple times by multiple writers. That doesn't mean there are or can be new themes to be delved or powerful themes that have not been explored enough. The purpose of artistry in writing is to package these themes in new wrappers so the message and the ideas are fresh.

One of the most powerful themes and subthemes is sexual tension. This theme is easily observed in works like Romeo and Juliette. This theme is incredibly powerful and is exploited in most non-juvenile novels where men and women interact. The interaction of adult men and women almost always requires some degree of sexual tension. Sexual tension can be developed in three separate spheres of thought: natural, ethical, and moral. Moral use of sexual tension is a classical theme and revolves around licit and illicit sex defined by the boundary of legal, acceptable, customary, or promised marriage. Marriage is the general goal and the theme is propelled by the promise or hope of marriage. This is the classical theme in much of English literature especially in the Victorian Era, but is a theme and subtheme in much if not most of English literature. Examples are easy to come by--the Bronte sisters, Shakespeare, Jane Austin, and all. A variant of this theme is breach of marriage and or adultery. Examples here are well known, The Scarlet Letter is just one.

In the Twentieth Century and following, the sexual theme has morphed into one of ethical or natural sexual tension. These themes and subthemes are pervasive and generally intellectually crippled. Instead of marriage, the end of the theme is sex itself or a sex act. This theme is usually simply a subtheme, but focuses in sexual longing and desire driven by various romance based ideas culminating in the sex act with or without marriage or a promise of marriage. Ethical sexual tension, by definition, culminates with a stated or implied promise of some type. Natural sexual tension, by definition, simply ends in sexual congress. There is not a lot an artist can do with natural or ethical sexual tension--it certainly cannot really drive the theme of a novel although many have tried.

The moral sexual theme is one that is still well used in literature and should be--successful reproduction is the focus of human existence. Without it there will be no people to read all that great literature. The main point here is this theme is both critical and essential to literature and I recommend using the moral sexual theme or sub-theme to appropriately propel your writing.

Now, I will provide one of my real writing secrets. One theme that has not been used much is sexual tension in a successful or positive marriage. In fact, I know of only a few novels that successfully exploit this theme. You can see examples, amazingly, in some movies. Most of the time, in literature, movies, and theater the theme of marriage focuses around failed or broken marriage with an end of the change of spouse.

I am writing novels www.ldalford.com to exploit the sub-theme of sexual tension in successful marriages. Generally, the first portion of the tale is one of moral sexual tension with the result of marriage. Following marriage, usually authors ignore the concept of human sexual tension as though it didn't exist at all. As though sex or moral desire after marriage was nonexistent. In The Fox's Honor www.TheFoxsHonor.com, Sister of Light, Sister of Darkness, Twilight Lamb, and Regia Anglorum, I exploit the subtheme of moral sexual tension in successful marriages. I attempt to do this with class and without any salacious detail. This is a theme that is not new, but underused and I think the modern world needs to see this as a positive example in literature.

See more writing secrets at www.ldalford.com.

For more information, you can visit my author site www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Development - Rules of Writing, more Nudity as a Symbol

25 July 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, more Nudity as a Symbol

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

All language is symbols. Therefore it shouldn't surprise you that your writing should include higher level symbols. What are higher level symbols? I mentioned before the cross as a symbol. The cross is a higher level symbol--a symbol that doesn't depend on language. Symbols can be ready made or author made symbols. Some symbols are a mix.

Nudity and nakedness are both very powerful symbols--as long as they are not overused.  Sensuality is best accomplished by what to can't see as much as what you can see.  This is why the most sexually charged scene isn't one of description but one of conversation--think about it.  On the other hand, a wise author who intends to turn nudity into a passe' image can do that too.  Most of the time, the incompetent try to titillate and end up boring their readers.  That is the problem with nudity, nakedness, sensuality, and sexuality.  A little bit can go a long way--too much turns into pornography or is silly. 

Many might imagine there is no place in certain types of literature for those four concepts.  The lessons of the past tell us that isn't so.  Some of the most sensual poetry and literature from the 18th and 19th centuries is religious but chock full of sensuality.  Burke, Pope, and Shakespeare are great examples of this kind of writing.  Although Shakespeare might not be thought of as a religious writer, many of his themes are classically redemptive--and they are entertaining. 

Let's put it this way.  Let's say you are an author who wants to present a powerful redemptive theme that communicates a religious thought or message.  Would you choose to write an allegory, a powerful multilevel novel, or a straight forward two-by-four type sermon.  Which would be read and which would have more effect on the world.  Simply, the more a novel is read, the more effect.  The allegory or the multilevel novel would have much more appeal to most than the sermon. 

Aksinya is this type of novel--that is it is a powerful multilevel novel that uses sensuality, sexuality, nudity, and nakedness as symbols to make important points in the theme.  The novel isn't about sensuality, sexuality, nudity, or nakedness, but it uses those ideas as symbols to communicate.  Additionally, anyone who reads the novel can't miss the point of each symbol.  This is the most powerful nature of symbols.  It is possible for a symbol to relate a concept nearly opposite to its literal meaning.  I'll write about this tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

A New Novel, Part 118 The Gentleman

Since Aksinya was introduced at the Advent party, no one except the Abbot and Cardinal have spoken to her.  This is just a little too strange.  Aksinya has her issues, but she desires to make the acquaintance of someone.  Even if it isn't the potential groom her aunt mentioned, she doesn't want to be ignored.  She already imagines she is ugly, what does this do for her self-esteem?

Aksinya leaned against the arm of her chair. She put her hand under her chin and gave every indication that she was bored. She was bored. The crowd seemed to move a little further from her. Slowly the party wound down. No one else approached her or her lady-in-waiting. The crowd cleared out a little and Aksinya noted some late arrivals who had not been introduced to her. They didn’t approach her either. They were mostly young men without a female companion or women with an older male escort. Aksinya felt a little piqued that they had not greeted her.


After a while, Aksinya glanced at Natalya, “Lady Natalya, please get me another glass of wine.”

“Would you like something to eat?”

“No, just wine. The very sweet wine Uncle opened just for me. Ask him to open another bottle... or two.”

Natalya smiled then frowned and hurried off.

Almost immediately a young man moved from the ballroom floor and stepped directly up to Aksinya. He dropped to his left knee and bowed his head. He was dressed in finery. Not as fine as the clothing Aksinya wore, but very formal and slightly out of fashion. Aksinya’s Uncle would have approved. His frockcoat was charcoal and his pants were cream colored. His shirt was also cream and everything was pressed to perfection.

Aksinya straightened her back. She couldn’t see anything of his face only the top of his blond head. She wondered if, with such a display, he mocked her. The young man didn’t stand. He lifted his face to hers and reached for her hand. Aksinya was too slow to keep him from taking it. His face was gentle and pleasant. It matched his voice which was almost melodic. Aksinya might have described it as like a snake in a more pointed moment, but it was sweet and calm. His eyes were blue and met hers without apology. He glanced at her hand and then at her face again and smiled, “You are truly the one, Countess.”

Aksinya is bored.  No one comes to speak to her (except the least available men at the party).  No one asks her to dance.  She is stuck in her chair and the protocol of the times doesn't give her any options.  Aksinya's main problem is luxuria.  Luxuria is the untoward desire (lust) toward anything.  Aksinya's desire isn't just peculiarly sexual.  It isn't just sorcery.  It is also clothing, food, drink (especially wine), furnishings, etc.  So, when she is bored, the first thing she desires is to relieve her luxuria.  She has been drinking, she sends Natalya for more wine.  This is why Natalya smiled then frowned.  She realizes Aksinya's problem--at least the luxuria part.
 
That's when it happens--when Natalya is away.  You might have thought it was planned.  A young man approaches her and drops to his left knee (that is the way you honor nobility that is at a rank higher than yours).  He is well dresses and obviously a gentleman.  He is forward, but his manners are impeccable--except when he takes her hand.  In polite society, you only take a lady's hand when it is proffered.  His words to her: “You are truly the one, Countess.” Tomorrow, who is this gentleman and what does he want?

A New Novel, Part 113 What is Truth?

Aksinya and Asmodeus are engaged in a very important conversation.  Aksinya wants answers, the demon doesn't want to tell her anything except that which he can use to manipulate her.  We have an argument of lies that comes to Pilate's question in the mouth of Aksinya...

“Then what is the truth?”


“Ah, that is the question. Isn’t it? What is the truth?”

“Tell me, demon.”

“But, Countess, I cannot. The truth is a trade secret.”

Aksinya made a depreciating sound and turned her head, “Just tell me, where is my book?”

“I don’t know. That is the truth. I suspect it will turn up. Why don’t you seek it yourself—you have the skills?”

“I have no desire to trade more of my virtue for so trivial a reason.”

Asmodeus voice rumbled oddly, “That is the rub, isn’t it? You have traded a great deal of your virtue for so little. You knew that to make such a great enchantment without protection would greatly harm you. You knew that without the items as symbols and the proper sacrifice, your body would have to bear entirely both the symbol and the sacrifice. You knew that mixing those new spells with the old would be dangerous. You defied me and that in itself was foolish. You almost died, you know.”

“I almost died. But, I traded all to save my friend, and...” She turned her gaze back to the demon, “I still think you are lying. I want my book. It is dangerous in the hands of others.” Aksinya put her hands down at her side, “Now, why did you disturb my rest?”

“I tried to come late enough that I didn’t disturb your own personal perversions.”

Aksinya just stared.

“Ah, so you have realized that also have you.”

“Your temptation is little more than a discomfort.”

“Because you have surrounded yourself with crosses,” the demon spat.

Aksinya allowed herself a tiny smile. She plucked at one of the petite crosses Natalya had sewn into her nightgown.

“I came to see how you fared. I’m glad you didn’t die. I have not completed all the evil I intend through you.”

“So, why did you come here tonight?”

The demon’s lips slightly rose over his fangs.

Aksinya tapped the covers under her fingertips, “I have another question for you.”

“Ask all you wish, Countess.”

Aksinya snarled, “Because you will not tell me the truth anyway.”

Asmodeus shrugged.

“What happened to the men at the tavern?”

This time the demon did smile. Aksinya could detect his humor before he spoke, “They are all dead.”

Aksinya's question is ours as well--and I don't mean just in this novel.  This is the question Pilate posed to Christ.  You might find it interested as well as illuminating that Aksinya asks it of the demon: “Then what is the truth?”  The demon's flip response is characteristic of him--it is a trade secret.  Of course it is, how would a demon know truth--he can't even swear on anything.  Aksinya realizes this, thus her response and she returns to her important question--where is the book.  The demon half-heartily tries to tempt her into more sin (sorcery).
 
Then, bang, we get a bit of truth from him.  From the very beginning, Aksinya has traded her virtue for very little.  She lost her family.  She has involved herself in great sin.  You know the demon's words in response are true--that is, the words about the great enchantment Aksinya made.  Additionally, can't you feel the anger of the demon.  She defied him and is still defying him.  She goes back to her question about the book.  She hopes he will answer her in truth this time, but she is mistaken, so she gives up on it and moves to the true point--why is Asmodeus here now.  You knew no matter what he says, he has something to tempt her with.  The demon turns the conversation to Aksinya's perversions--again typical of him, but Aksinya has figured this out.  She doesn't bite, but the demon does.  He is irritated about the crosses--they do protect her in some measure.  Just like the crucifix around her neck.  The demon has not finished the evil he desires through her, but he is not ready to reveal all, yet.
 
Aksinya brings up another point that bothers her.  This is about the men from the tavern.  We will have to wait until tomorrow to see what may come out of his response: “They are all dead.”

A New Novel, Part 102 She's Dying

Aksinya achieved a great enchantment in the streets of Wien to save Natalya and Sister Margarethe. The power of the world flooded back on her and injured her. She is dying...



Before Aksinya fully woke again, the pain overwhelmed her. She gasped out of sleep with a cough that sent blood and phlegm down her cheeks. Warm gentle hands caught her face and turned her head. She felt the relief on her lungs and her body. Liquid flowed down the side of face. She opened her eyes and saw the dark slick trickle that stained her bed and ran across the sheets. A voice called to her. It was soothing and kind. It was in German accented French.

Aksinya focused her eyes away from the side of the bed and saw that Sister Margarethe held either side of her face. The nun’s lips moved with the French words. As yet, Aksinya couldn’t make them out. She moved her eyes and extended her vision. Natalya leaned against the door with her hands over her face. Aksinya knew tears flowed down her lady-in-waiting’s cheeks. That was just her personality.

She turned her gaze back on Sister Margarethe. Aksinya wanted to pull away from the nun, but she couldn’t rally enough strength to move. She tuned her ears to hear the French that flowed from Sister Margarethe’s lips.

“…we think some of your bones are broken, Countess.”

Aksinya couldn’t respond.

Sister Margarethe’s face was tracked with tears. Her hands held Aksinya so tenderly, but she didn’t want this woman to touch her. Sister Margarethe’s voice caught, “Can you hear me, Countess?”

Aksinya nodded and gasped again in pain.

“The doctor is coming. They said he should be here soon.”

Aksinya shook her head. She put every effort she could into a breath without a cough, “Natalya.”

“Do you want the Lady Natalya?”

Aksinya coughed and nodded. A trickle of blood leaked from her lips.

Sister Margarethe didn’t want to move, she called across the room, “Lady Natalya, the Countess is calling for you.”

Natalya let out a sob and rushed to Aksinya’s side, “My Countess. What can I do? What can I do?”

Aksinya grasped her hand and pulled her with all her might down close to her face. She spoke Russian, “Alone…help.”

Natalya whispered back in Russian, “Do you want Sister Margarethe to leave?”

Aksinya nodded.

Natalya half stood. A tiny hysterical pitch filled her perfect but Russian accented French, “Please, Sister Margarethe, you must go.”

“Go?”

Natalya glanced down at Aksinya, “You may wait outside the door, but you must leave us for now.”

Sister Margarethe didn’t want to let go of Aksinya. She stammered, “Are you certain?”

Aksinya’s grasp on Natalya’s hand tightened, and Natalya’s voice strengthened, “You must go. Please leave us alone. I’ll tell you when you may return.”

Aksinya didn’t have the strength or the ability at that moment to say that she did not want Sister Margarethe to return at all.

Slowly, Sister Margarethe stood. She backed toward the door. Aksinya began to cough. Sister Margarethe cringed at the sound, but Natalya put her arms around Aksinya. The nun left the room and shut the door. Natalya ran and locked the bedroom door behind her.


Aksinya wakes and I show you the extent of her injuries without telling you anything about them. I also introduce you to a mystery--who is caring for her. Sister Margarethe is the last person Aksinya desires to see. Aksinya believes the sister is sexually drawn to her--the demon has convinced her of this.


Natalya can't be far away, but Natalya can't face the suffering of Aksinya. Aksinya knows this. Through the sister, I show you what you might have guessed from before. Some of Aksinya's bones are broken. Although the sister seems to be compassionate, Aksinya can't stand to have her around. The person Aksinya really needs right now is Natalya--can you guess why?


Aksinya uses everything she has to express this to the sister. Aksinya needs to be alone with Natalya. Natalya is bright, she gets it. The reason why will be revealed very soon. Every action of Aksinya is to get Sister Margarethe out of the room. The reason isn't that she fears the sisters sexual proclivities right now. Natalya gets it. When the sister leaves, Natalya locks the door. We shall see tomorrow what Aksinya has in mind.

A New Novel, Part 95 The Note

Aksinya lied again.  She told them she was nauseous because she had not eaten.  She is bothered by Dobrushin's remarks.  Her mind is embroiled with the book of sorcery.  Then Aksinya and Natalya return to the school, but all is not well there either.

Aksinya couldn’t eat anything at luncheon. She took Natalya’s tea. She was unaccountably bothered by Father Dobrushin’s candid assessment, and she was preoccupied with thoughts about the book the demon had given her. She wanted to finish memorizing it. That was the main desire she felt. Eventually, Natalya dressed her for dinner, and they went down together. The weekend ended when Freifrau Bockmann delivered the two of them back to Sacré Coeur. She left them in the hands of the Reverend Mother with the promise to pick them up on Friday so they could begin preparations for the Advent party on the Saturday after next.


Aksinya and Natalya returned to their rooms and prepared for bed.



Monday morning brought more problems for Natalya. Aksinya had spent the entire night with her new book and would not wake up. Natalya finally dragged Aksinya out of bed and dressed her in her uniform. They were too tardy for breakfast and chapel, and they came in late to German class. Sister Margarethe just gave them a glance. There was no animosity in it. Before the class was half done, Aksinya fell asleep at the desk she shared with Natalya.

Natalya couldn’t ignore her, but she tried to not draw any attention to Aksinya.

Sister Margarethe came by with a look of concern and made a couple of notes. She glanced over Natalya’s work and spoke German with her for a while. The sister was obviously preoccupied in her concern about Aksinya. She kept looking over at the Countess. At the end of German class, Natalya shook Aksinya awake and led her to their next class. It should not have been a surprise that Aksinya slept through most of each class. Or that the sisters were perturbed. They dared not treat a countess like they would their normal students with a swat from a ruler or a thump from a book. They felt helpless to do anything other than keep a careful eye on her.

The Reverend Mother heard about Aksinya’s sleeping and lethargy that afternoon. All the teachers wanted a conversation with her about it. Yet, after the Reverend Mother heard from them, only Sister Margarethe sent a note to Aksinya through Frau Drescher.

A knock came that evening at Aksinya and Natalya’s sitting room door. Natalya answered it. She addressed the Frau in German, “Good evening, Frau Drescher.”

“Good evening, Lady Natalya. Your German is improving.”

“Thank you.”

“I have a note for the Countess from one of her teachers. Would you please give it to her?”

Natalya didn’t understand half of what the lady said, but she accepted the folded piece of paper from her and nodded.

Frau Drescher took a long look around the sitting room she could see from the door then stated, “Good night.”

Natalya closed the door and brought the note across the room to Aksinya. Aksinya was memorizing the brown book the demon had given her. Natalya handed the note to her and went back to her studies. Aksinya ignored the note for a while then finally opened and read it.

Dear Countess,

I have been asked by the Reverend Mother and your other teachers to talk to you about your classes today. She has allowed you to come to my cell and office in the convent tonight. Please come at eight and be on time. We will also go over the German you missed during class.

Sister Margarethe

Aksinya looked up from the note to Natalya, “Nata, we’re going over to the house early tonight. You should bring your books.”

Natalya stretched, “Will we study together?” Her eyes moved excitedly toward the brown book.

Aksinya sighed, “Yes. I shall start you with some Latin, but only a little. We can work mostly on German.”

They put their regular cloaks over their uniforms and snuck down to the back exit from the dormitory. It was still unbarred, but Aksinya had to open the lock. They went over to the house and stayed there until late. They didn’t see Asmodeus anywhere.

Many things irritate Aksinya.  She has a lot to think about and a lot that disturbs her.  Still temptation holds her trapped, and that temptation is what is driving everything in her life. There is also still the Advent party in the near future.  Aksinya is spending all her time with the new book of sorcery.  Natalya couldn't wake Aksinya in time to make breakfast or get to chapel.  Aksinya sleeps through her classes.
 
Sister Margarethe gives Aksinya attention that isn't in proportion to normal teaching.  When we compare the attention the Sister gave to Aksinya, we can see some degree of truth to the demon's assertions.  The sisters all want to do something about Aksinya, but only Sister Margarethe is given permission to confront Aksinya.  We also see that Natalya is learning to understand German better, and Aksinya receives a note from the Sister.  Aksinya knows what is in the note.  She takes her time to read it.  We know why Aksinya doesn't want to be alone with the Sister Margarethe.  The demon wants Aksinya to seduce the Sister, and we assume the Sister might want to seduce Aksinya--this is what Aksinya thinks.  Aksinya believes the best thing to do is run away--she may be right. 

The Lady Natalya sees the opportunity to study sorcery with Aksinya.  Her reaction is to glance at the book of sorcery.  You can taste her desire.  They went to Aksinya's house and stayed late.  We will see the Sister's reaction tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 91 The Sister Margarethe

Asmodeus accosts Aksinya and then gives her a new book of sorcery.  Aksinya's desire is in control of her already.  She desires the book.  She wants to read it.  Don't you have the same feelings about things you desire too?  You can't wait to read a book or work with some item or try something you just bought?  Then the demon brings up Aksinya's "disgusting sexual habits."  He has a solution for her.

Aksinya couldn’t say anything back to the demon. She wanted to read the book. She longed to read it. She couldn’t say anything to him. She was too embarrassed to do anything at the moment.


The demon took a step back toward the door, “I also have a message that will bring you relief from your disgusting sexual habits. You don’t imbibe in true lust. You will now have that opportunity. Perhaps you have noticed the attentions of Sister Margarethe. She likes girls like you: innocent, boyish, not too pretty. She is gentle, but she is insistent. She has had a problem with this since she was young. The reason she entered the convent was to gain some relief, but she never expected to be a teacher of young women. She controlled herself all these years. Now, she is infatuated, and you are her infatuation.”

Aksinya trembled, “What are you asking—I don’t understand you at all?”

“Are you so innocent and naïve, Countess? I want you to provide sexual comfort to this nun, Sister Margarethe. She desires you, and I know once you taste the forbidden fruit of true lust, you will not be able to control yourself again.”

Aksinya was shaking, “Can women do such a thing?”

The demon smiled, “You know they can. They have since the beginning.”

“You are lying. They did not do any such thing since the beginning. God didn’t make women to do such things…”

“But they can. I wish you to comfort this nun.”

“I won’t do it.”

“We shall see.” The demon backed out of the door and closed it.

Aksinya drew a magic circle around her bed. She made certain it was tight and that it encompassed her completely. Then she fought a silent battle almost the entire night with the book. She lost her fight in the early hours of the morning and began to read it. She lost again when she tried one of the spells in the book. And she lost a final time to her own desires.

Aksinya is caught up in her desire.  The demon has a message for her.  Doesn't he always?  Don't we expect such messages from him?  Do you remember, the demon encouraged Aksinya to befriend Sister Margarethe.  Now we learn why.  Asmodeus tells Aksinya that the sister is infatuated with her and desires her sexually.  This is a problem the sister has had all her life, and the demon wants Aksinya to tempt the sister into sexual sin.  Aksinya is a naive person.  She doesn't know about such things.  She can't imagine that women could do sexual things like that.  She likely has never thought about it before.  The demon tempts her by bringing it to her attention.  The demon tells her, women have done such things since the beginning.  The demon is lying and Aksinya knows it.  The trick is, the demon doesn't care if it was a lie.  His point is to get the idea into Aksinya's mind.  If you remember, this is the way temptation works.  You place the idea in the mind of the tempted.  If you did it right, the tempted will dwell on the idea until they finally sin.  The demon even calls it "comfort."
 
We then see the results of the demon's "book" temptation.  Aksinya fought a battle with the temptation of the book and lost.  You knew she would.  Reading the book wasn't a sin--it was a temptation.  The sin was the sorcery.  Then her own sexual desire indicates the loss of control.  The last question in our minds is if she will lose the next fight against the temptation toward the nun.