Page 3 of The Demon's Tongue

"You called," it rumbles, its voice like gravel grinding against steel. "And I have answered."

My mouth opens and closes, but no sound comes out. What have I done?

2

CALIX

"You called. And I have answered."

I materialize in a dim library, the scent of old parchment and burning wax filling my nostrils. Furniture's been shoved aside, making room for a sloppy array of candles and familiar symbols. Summoned again. How quaint. It's almost amusing how these mortals think they can control beings like me with their pitiful rituals.

My eyes scan the room, searching for the fool who dared call upon me. Probably some pompous wizard or desperate dark elf khuzuth seeking power. But as my gaze settles on a young woman, barely more than a girl, I can't help but raise an eyebrow. Well, this is certainly unexpected.

Men are usually the ones who summon me, either in their thirst for power or reckless curiosity. A young human woman sits before me, and I find myself intrigued despite my initial irritation.

Long dark hair cascades down her shoulders, framing a slim figure that speaks of both strength and vulnerability. Her eyes are green and large, like precious stones with a gentle glimmer that seems to pierce through the shadows. Her skin is tanned,a testament to time spent under the sun, but what truly catches my attention are the scars lining her body. I wonder how those came to be? Each one tells a story, and I find myself unexpectedly curious about the tales behind them.

I can't help but smirk, my interest piqued. This little mortal might prove to be more entertaining than I initially thought.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" I drawl, crossing my arms over my chest. "Playing with fire, are you?"

The girl's eyes widen, her breath catching in her throat. She's practically trembling, but there's a spark of determination in her gaze that piques my interest.

"I... I summoned you," she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.

I can't help but chuckle. "Did you now? And here I thought I'd just decided to pop in for a nightcap." I take a step closer, watching as she shrinks back. "Tell me, little one, do you have any idea what you've done?"

She swallows hard, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress. "I need help. Please, I... I don't know what else to do."

"Help?" I repeat, my smirk widening. "Oh, darling. Demons don't help. We make deals. We take what we want." I lean in, my voice dropping to a low purr. "And right now, what I want is to know why a child like you is meddling with forces beyond her comprehension."

The girl's chin lifts, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. "I'm not a child. I'm eighteen... or I will be tomorrow."

"Eighteen?" I can't help but laugh. "To me, you're practically an infant. But please, do enlighten me. What could possibly drive someone so young to summon a creature of darkness?"

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "I need to escape. They're going to sell me, and I... I can't let that happen."

Now that's interesting. I tilt my head, studying her more closely. "Sell you? My, my. It seems the mortal realm hasn'tchanged as much as I'd hoped. Then again, you creatures are primitive in your traditions and your endless pursuit of power."

"Please," she says, clasping her hands together so tightly her knuckles turn white. "Please, you have to help me. I'll do anything. Absolutely anything!"

I raise a brow, suddenly filled with an incredible satisfaction to see this human girl on her knees, begging me so sweetly. It's almost... arousing, in a twisted sort of way. The power I hold over her in this moment is intoxicating.

I study the young woman before me, her desperation palpable in the air. It's incredible, really. The way she trembles, her eyes wide with fear. I can't help but savor the moment, drinking in every detail of her vulnerability. Her ragged breathing, the slight quiver of her bottom lip, the way her chest heaves with each pleading word. It's a delicious tableau of human weakness, laid out before me like a sumptuous feast.

"Anything?" I drawl, letting the word roll off my tongue. "My, my. Such a dangerous promise to make, little one. Are you sure you want to tempt a demon with such... open-ended offers?"

She swallows hard, her throat bobbing. "I mean it. Please, I'll do whatever you ask. Just... don't let them sell me."

I chuckle, the sound low and dangerous. "Such conviction. Very well, let's make a deal, shall we?"

With a flick of my wrist, three small, glittering crystals appear in my palm. Their glimmer catches in the moonlight that trickles in through the windows, throwing colorful reflections across the room.

"These," I say, holding the crystals up, "are your key to freedom. But they come with a heavy price."

Her eyes lock onto the crystals, mesmerized. "What... what do I have to do?"

I lean in close, my breath hot against her ear. "It's simple, really. You must trap three souls within this crystal. Three lives, bound for eternity."

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