Page 59 of Dark Captivation

A still figure haunted the space at the end of the hall, his face masked by a black hooded cloak. His foul scent carried on the air, reaching me and igniting my rage. I knew that demon.

“Where is Sunny?” I hopped forward with Paul and Sam grabbing my arms, restraining me.

“Wait, my King. This could be a trap. Something doesn’t feel right here,” Paul cautioned.

“Search for Sunny and Ferina. Make sure they and everyone else in here are safe. There’s something I must do.” I instructed Paul and the others, pulled my arms free and raced forward.

The cloaked man made a break for the emergency exit. I pursued him up the emergency staircase, up three flights of stairs and onto the roof.

On the roof, he tossed the cloak to the ground, revealing a silver sword at his hip.

The afternoon sun couldn’t burn away the darkness that hovered above this demon like flies over dung. I hadn’t seen his face in years but the moment I smelt him downstairs I knew exactly who this sick animal was.

“Varcus,” I groaned emotionlessly. “It’s been a long time.”

“Too long”. He gave a satisfied smirk, unsheathing his sword, directing its tip up to my neck.

“What have you done with my bride and sister? I’d ask if you hurt them, but we both know you wouldn’t dare evoke that much of my wrath. Not again.” My hands shifted to that of my beast form, my fingers morphing into dagger-like claws.

Thoughts of peeling Varcus like an orange tempted me.

“Your women are fine, so is everyone else, for now. You know you’re the one I came to see.”

For now? His words grated my already thinning nerves. He dared threaten my loved ones to my face? Thoughts of slicing him up like a pizza tempted me.

“You want me bad enough to invade a place filled with innocent civilians, including children? And I thought you couldn’t possibly sink any lower. Well, you want me so badly?” I beat a fist over my chest. “Here I am.” I launched at him, claws first.

My claws tore his neck, hitting nothing but hair as he dashed out of harm’s way.

As a ‘pale faced demon’ Varcus didn’t have the ability to shift into beast mode, but his strength and speed were formidable. I’d heard rumors that he was a highly skilled swordsman, but only now did I see how he garnered that reputation.

His blade moved with a viper’s brisk fury, slicing in so many directions, my eyes could barely follow it. His attacks were too random to predict, he was agile and quick footed, never staying in the same place for long.

Though I couldn’t fully shift, my inner beast kept me light on my feet, contorting out of his blade’s path just quick enough to avoid injury.

One of my claws grazed his cheek and he drew back, concern driving over his face. My fight with Payton left me battered and covered in moderately deep wounds. I was shirtless, with my tattered half-shredded pants covering me.

Even I was surprised that my movements remained this fluid and slick in my condition. Varcus had to have expected me to be an easier target by the look of me.

“She must have some kind of magical pussy to get you this riled up. I’m jealous.” He mocked me.

“You shouldn’t have involved Sunny in your plans. If you have a problem with me, you should have left her out of it,” I roared, taking a swipe at his face and missing.

“You hide away in your lavish castle like a hermit. Courting your pretty little bride is the only thing that’s gotten you out and about in ages.” A mischievous glint shone in his eyes as his swings picked up pace.

He sliced my left arm and then the right, but they were shallow wounds. What he said concerned me more than the wounds.

He’d been watching me, following my moves from his hiding place in the shadows. He’d been waiting for me to leave my palace but just what was he planning? What was all of this even for?

As if reading my mind he said, “Everything I’ve done has all been for the good of demons. Can you say the same?”

His elbow straightened, using the blade as an extension of his arm. He feigned right then left, trying to confuse me. I moved with him, never showing him my back.

“What? How is this helping demons?” I asked.

“Your campaign of terror all across the world is why. You’ve gone way too far and we’re the ones paying the price. Even your woman wants you to stop what you’re doing,” he said.

“How dare you tell me what she wants.” I yelled, my pent up anger now reaching critical mass. “I don’t know what lies you’ve been feeding her, but you will never speak to my bride again. I’ll make sure of that.”

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