Page 19 of A Kiss of Deception

Milkor stops, fixing me with an intense stare. "Your father possesses something I need. A ring of great power."

"The one he stole," I realize aloud.

He nods. "It may be the key to breaking my curse."

I swallow hard, processing this information. A demon. A cursed demon. Right here in front of me.

"What now?" I ask, my voice barely audible.

Milkor's lips curve into a wicked grin. "Now, little human, things get interesting."

My heart races as I process Milkor's words. A demon, a cursed ring, my father's newfound power—it's all too much.

"The ring," I whisper, "what exactly can it do?"

Milkor's silver eyes gleam in the dim light. "It's called the Ring of the Deceiver. An ancient artifact of immense power, created by a sorcerer known only as The Deceiver."

"What kind of power?" I press.

"It grants the wearer the power of compulsion. Your father can now bend others to his will with mere words."

Milkor's face darkens. "But its power comes at a great cost. It corrupts the wearer, twisting their mind with paranoia and mistrust. Many who've worn it have met gruesome ends."

A chill runs down my spine. "That's how he got you to—to kill my mother?"

He nods, a hint of regret crossing his features. "I had no choice. The ring's power is absolute. And now, with each passing day, your father sinks deeper into its influence."

My mind races with possibilities. If such power exists... "Milkor, can you make me into a demon?"

He laughs, a dark, rich sound that sends shivers through me. "If I had my full powers, little one, I could grant your wish. But alas, I am but a shadow of my true self."

Desperation claws at my chest. I need a way out, a chance at a different life. "What if... what if I killed my father and gave you the ring? Could you get me out of this miserable existence?"

Milkor's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and intrigue dancing across his face. "You'd do that? Kill your own father?"

I clench my fists, years of anger and resentment bubbling to the surface. "He's no father to me. He's a monster who's made my life hell. If ending him means freedom, I'll do it gladly."

A slow, wicked grin spreads across Milkor's face. "Well then, little human. It seems we have ourselves a deal."

11

MILKOR

Kill her father. Get the ring. It's a deal.

I chuckle at her fiery spirit. My eyes roam her curves, barely concealed by her thin dress. She approaches, her scent alluring. Suddenly, her eyes widen. I follow her gaze, noticing the sheet's slipped low on my hips.

"Oh," she breathes.

The air thickens with tension. I can hear her heart racing, see the flush creeping up her neck. It would be so easy to reach out, pull her onto the bed…

But no. Business first.

"See something you like?" I tease, unable to resist.

Meetha swallows hard. "I... um..."

"Cat got your tongue?" I smirk, enjoying her flustered state.

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