Page 37 of The Demon's Tongue

Calix's expression shifts from anger to confusion, then to a grudging curiosity. "Explain," he demands, his voice still tight with barely contained fury.

I loosen my grip on the amulet slightly, running my thumb over its smooth surface. "Think about it, Calix. You're powerful,more powerful than I could ever be on my own. But now, with this amulet, we're connected. We can work together."

He scoffs, but I can see a flicker of interest in his eyes. "And why would I want to work with a human who just trapped me?"

"Because I'm not like the others. I know how to satisfy you," I say, my voice growing stronger with each word. "And I'm not content to just survive. I want to thrive, to take control of my own destiny. And I think you do too."

Calix's expression softens slightly, and I press on. "We could be unstoppable together. No more being at someone else's mercy. No more following rules we didn't make. Just us, free to do whatever we want."

He's silent for a long moment, his gaze intense as he studies me. I hold my breath, waiting for his response.

Finally, he speaks, his voice low and thoughtful. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid, Geneva. Perhaps both."

I can't help but smile at that. "Maybe. But I'm also right, aren't I?"

I watch Calix's face intently, my heart racing as I try to gauge his reaction. His red eyes flicker with a mix of emotions - anger, frustration, and something else I can't quite place.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" he says, his voice low and dangerous. "I must admit, I didn't see this coming."

I grip the amulet tighter, feeling its power pulse through my fingers. "That was kind of the point," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm tired of being underestimated."

Calix's lips curl into a smirk, though I can still see the tension in his jaw. "Clearly, I made that mistake. But tell me, Geneva, what exactly do you plan to do now that you've trapped a demon?"

A soft breath escapes me. "I want you to turn me into one of your own. I want to be a demon, too."

Calix raises a brow. "A bold ask."

"I did everything you asked me to. I captured the souls. I had sex with you. I capturedyoursoul in this amulet, too," I say, holding it up. "And now, I want what's rightfully mine. And you're going to give it to me."

"Who are you to make such demands of me?" he asks.

My fists clench. "Iownyour soul, Calix. You'd be smart to follow my instructions."

"And if I don't?" He closes the distance between us.

"I'll find someone who'll buy this amulet off of me. I'm sure a dark elf in this city would love a prize like this. Perhaps, I can give this to the King of Pyrthos. What do you think?" My eyes crinkle up as I smile. "I'm sure he'd love this little amulet."

Calix clenches his jaw. "You insolent creature."

I watch Calix's face, reluctance and intrigue playing across his features. Finally, he nods, his red eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light.

"Very well, Geneva. You've proven yourself... resourceful. I'll grant your wish."

My heart races with anticipation as Calix begins the ritual. He moves with fluid grace, his hands tracing arcane symbols in the air. The room fills with an eerie, pulsing energy that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"This will hurt," Calix warns, his voice low and serious. "Are you certain you want this?"

I clench my jaw, steeling myself. "I've endured worse. Do it."

He nods, then places his hand on my forehead. The moment his skin touches mine, a jolt of energy surges through me. It's like nothing I've ever felt before—raw power coursing through my veins, setting every nerve ending alight.

I gasp, my body arching involuntarily. "Calix, what's?—"

"Don't fight it," he says, his voice sounding distant through the roar in my ears. "Let the change take you."

The pain hits then, sharp and sudden. I cry out, my hands flying to my forehead as I feel something pushing through my skin. Two bumps, hard and pointed, emerge from my skull.

"Horns," I manage to choke out, my voice sounding strange to my own ears.

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