Her eyes widen, a mix of fear and excitement dancing in their depths. "What do you mean?"
I ignore her question, turning to my servants who hover nearby. "Dress her up. Something in black leather. Make it enticing."
The servants bow and scurry to obey. I watch as they lead Claudia away, her naked form disappearing around a corner. The memory of her warmth, her taste, lingers on my tongue.
But there's work to be done. Protheka awaits, ripe for the taking. And I have a mystery to unravel - who dared to claim what should be mine?
With a grin that would make lesser beings tremble, I stride out of the chamber. The fun is just beginning.
7
CLAUDIA
The leather clings to my skin like a second layer, hugging every curve. I tug at the straps, trying to cover more of my exposed flesh. This outfit leaves little to the imagination.
"Stop fidgeting," Saturus growls.
I freeze, my hand hovering over the corset laces. "I can't go out like this. People will stare."
"That's the point, pet."
Before I can protest further, the world shifts. My stomach lurches as reality bends around us. In a blink, we're standing outside the ravine. Warm sunlight bathes my face, a stark contrast to the chill of the glacies.
I blink, disoriented. "How...?"
"Demon, remember?" Saturus smirks, his mismatched eyes gleaming with amusement.
The familiar scent of pine and earth fills my lungs. Birds chirp in the distance. It's surreal, being back so suddenly. I glance at the sun, hanging low in the western sky.
"It's afternoon," I murmur, bewildered. "We were gone for hours."
Saturus shrugs. "Time moves differently in my realm."
I shake my head, trying to process everything. The contract, the power he promised, my sister...
"Narina," I gasp, suddenly remembering why I made this deal in the first place. "We have to find her. The dark elves-"
Saturus grabs my wrist, yanking me forward. "Look."
My jaw drops. We're standing mere feet from a bustling camp, tents and makeshift buildings scattered across a clearing. Dark elves mill about, their silver hair glinting in the sunlight. Weapons clang as soldiers train, their lithe bodies moving with inhuman grace.
"The barracks," I whisper, heart pounding. "But how-"
A dark elf strides past, so close I can smell the leather of his armor. He doesn't even glance our way.
"They can't see us?"
Saturus grins, fangs glinting. "One of your new talents, pet. Invisibility."
I blink, stunned. "My... talents?"
"The contract, remember? I've granted you powers."
My mind reels. Invisibility? What else can I do? A spark of hope ignites in my chest. Maybe I can save Narina after all.
"I've given you the tools. It's up to you to use them."
"How do I use these... powers?"