Page 4 of Demon Lord's Proposal

"Quiet," the redhead hisses. "We don't know where we are."

I clear my throat, causing them to jump. "Welcome to Slim's Last Chance," I say, my voice a low rumble. "I'm Deus. And you're right to be cautious."

The group exchanges nervous glances. The redhead steps forward, chin raised. "Where exactly is this place?"

I allow a small smirk to play across my lips. "That's a more complicated question than you might think. Follow me."

As we weave through the crowded bar, I feel their eyes darting around, taking in the otherworldly clientele. A pair of demons argue over a game of poker, their tails twitching in agitation. A group of translucent souls huddle in a corner, sipping shimmering cocktails.

We reach a secluded booth, and I wave them into the plush, obsidian seats. The redhead remains standing, arms crossed. "You didn't answer my question," she says.

I raise an eyebrow, impressed by her audacity. "You're in my establishment. The rest... well, that's something you'll need to figure out for yourselves."

The middle-aged man slumps in his seat. "Are we... dead?"

I consider him for a moment. "What's your name?"

"Robert," he replies, his voice barely a whisper.

"Well, Robert, how do you feel?"

He blinks, surprised by the question. "I... I don't know. Confused. Scared. But also... light? Like I've left something behind."

I nod. "And the rest of you?"

The youngest, barely out of his teens, pipes up. "I feel the same. Like I'm here, but also... not?"

"Interesting," I muse. "And you?" I turn to the redhead.

She narrows her eyes. "I feel like I'm being led in circles. What is this place? Who are you really?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Direct, aren't you? I've already told you who I am. As for this place... it's a waystation of sorts."

"A waystation to where?" she presses.

"That depends on you," I reply. I gesture to Lilith, who brings over a tray of drinks. "Here. You look like you could use these."

As Lilith sets down the glasses, filled with a liquid that seems to shift colors in the light, I notice the youngest eyeing the drink with fascination.

I turn back to the redhead, who's still watching me with suspicion. "You seem to be taking this better than your companions," I observe. "Have you encountered anything... unusual before?"

She hesitates, then shrugs. "Let's just say I've always had a sense that there's more to the world than most people realize. But this... this is something else entirely."

"Indeed it is," I agree. "Now, why don't you all take a moment to collect yourselves? When you're ready, we can discuss what comes next."

As I turn to leave, the redhead calls out, "Wait. You still haven't really explained anything."

I pause, considering my words carefully. "Sometimes, explanations are overrated. Right now, you're in a place between places. What happens next is largely up to you. Observe. Think. And when you're ready, ask the right questions."

With that, I make my way back to the bar, leaving them to grapple with their new reality. As I go, I can't shake the feeling that this group, especially the redhead, might be more than they appear.

I make my way back to the bar, leaving the new arrivals to grapple with their situation. The redhead's eyes follow me, a mix of suspicion and curiosity in her gaze.

Lilith sidles up to me, her serpentine tattoos writhing across her skin. "Those new ones are causing quite a stir," she says, nodding towards a group of regulars who are eyeing the newcomers with interest.

"Keep an eye on them," I mutter. "Especially the redhead. There's something different about her."

Lilith's forked tongue flicks out, tasting the air. "I sense it too. She's got a spark about her."

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