Page 11 of The Demon's Tongue

None of them agree with me, but that's okay. They don't know what I know.

Sitting down on my bed, I reach into my pocket and feel at the three crystals once more. The demon's crystals, a reminder of my deal with him.

Now that I've received a glimpse of what life is like under a dark elf, I'm convinced that this isn't the life for me. I deserve better. And I won't back down until I receive a life that I deserve.

With the demon's help, I might just achieve that.

6

CALIX

Iobserve Geneva as she scrubs the wooden floors, her movements mechanical and lifeless. The other women scurry about like frightened little creatures, their eyes downcast. It's pathetic, really. But Geneva... there's still a spark in her. I can see it and I can feel it, even as she tries to hide it.

I wait, patient as only an immortal can be, until she's alone in a dimly lit hallway. The other servants have scattered, leaving her to tackle the endless expanse of polished wood. Alone, working hard on her knees. Perfect.

Without a second thought, I materialize behind her. The sound of her scrubbing echoes out into the empty hallway. "Having fun yet?"

Geneva yelps, nearly dropping her brush. She whirls around, eyes wide as she kneels before me. Her reaction is delicious, fear mingling in those deep green eyes. "You! You're... you're real," she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.

I arch an eyebrow, amused by her disbelief. "Did you think you dreamed me up?" I ask, my voice a low purr. "I'm flattered, but I assure you, I'm quite real." I let my gaze roam over her, drinking in every detail of her trembling form.

She glances around nervously, her eyes darting to the shadows as if expecting someone to materialize from them. "I can't... we can't talk here," she hisses urgently. "If they catch me?—"

"Relax," I drawl, leaning against the wall with casual grace. I cross my arms, enjoying the way her eyes follow the movement. "I'll know if someone draws near. That's one of the perks of being a demon." I tap my temple with a smirk. "We have a few tricks up our sleeves."

Geneva's shoulders slump in relief, but wariness still clouds her eyes. "Why are you here? Have you come to... to check on me?"

I snort, unable to hide my amusement. "Check on you? Please. I'm not your nursemaid. I've got better things to do with my time." I take a step closer, my eyes never leaving hers. "I'm here because I'm curious. Tell me, how are you enjoying your new accommodations?"

Her face darkens, various emotions flickering across her features. "It's horrible," she spits out, her voice laced with venom. "This place is a gilded cage."

I can't help but chuckle at her naivety. "Oh, trust me, my dear human. This isn't the worst of it. Not by a long shot." I lean in, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I've heard rumors of humans being subjected to much worse under the dark elves. Torture, experimentation, things that would make your skin crawl. So consider yourself lucky. At least here, you've got a roof over your head and food in your belly."

Geneva's lips twitch, almost a smile. Then she remembers herself and scowls. "I haven't... I haven't done what you asked yet. The deal is still on, right? I… The souls?—"

I wave a hand dismissively. "All in good time. I'm a patient demon. For now, I just want to see how you're handling things."

She hesitates, then blurts out. "I don't know how I'm going to trap those souls."

"You'll figure it out. I've told you this already. There's no fun in receiving all the answers in one fell swoop. At least, that's what I think."

"You're not the one enslaved," she retorts, resuming her cleaning.

I watch Geneva's hands as she scrubs, her knuckles white from gripping the brush too tightly. There's a stubborn set to her jaw that I find oddly... compelling.

"You're quite determined, aren't you?" I muse, crossing my arms.

She pauses, glancing up at me. "I have to be."

"Hmm. And here I thought humans were all soft and pliable. You're full of surprises, Geneva."

Her eyes widen. "You know my name?"

I smirk. "I make it a point to know everything about those I make deals with. It's just good business."

Geneva sits back on her heels, abandoning her task. "Do you have a name? I... I never asked before."

"Calix," I reply, surprised by my own willingness to share. "And yes, before you ask, most demons have names."

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