Page 11 of Fated to the Demon

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?"