Page 17 of Fated to the Demon

Understanding dawns in her eyes, followed quickly by determination. Good girl.

"This is your chance, pet. Time to put those new skills to use. Seduce the bastard, get your information."

"I... thank you," Claudia murmurs, her voice soft and tinged with embarrassment.

I can't help myself. My hand moves of its own accord, caressing her cheek. Her skin is warm, alive. It stirs something in me I'd rather not examine too closely.

"No need for thanks, darling," I purr. "You've got an eternity to show your gratitude."

She shivers at my touch, and I feel that spark again. Dangerous territory.

I stand abruptly, breaking the moment. "Time to go. Get ready."

Claudia nods, sitting up slowly. I watch as she steadies herself, determination hardening her features. She's stronger than she looks, this one.

I turn away, giving her a moment of privacy. "Don't keep me waiting, pet. We've got a party to crash."

11

CLAUDIA

The door bursts open, startling me from my reverie. Two shadowy figures materialize, their forms rippling like smoke. Saturus' servants. My breath catches as they approach him, whispering urgently.

I strain to hear, but their voices are too low. Frustration bubbles in my chest. What could be so important?

Saturus' expression shifts, his eyes widening. Then, slowly, a grin spreads across his face. He turns to me, that smile growing impossibly wider.

My heart hammers against my ribs. Why is he looking at me like that? Like I'm some kind of prize he's just won?

"Well, what do you know," he purrs, sauntering towards me. "It seems we have quite the... interesting situation on our hands."

I swallow hard, willing my voice not to shake. "What do you mean?"

He chuckles, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. "It appears, my dear Claudia, that you and I have a much deeper connection than either of us realized."

My stomach drops. What is he talking about? I want to demand answers, but the words stick in my throat.

"You see," he continues, circling me like a predator, "it turns out that you're not just any human who stumbled into my domain. You're mine. Bound to me by an ancient contract."

The world tilts on its axis. "What?" I manage to croak out.

"Oh yes," Saturus says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "It seems one of your ancestors made a deal with me long ago. And now, after all this time, that debt has finally come due."

I can't breathe. This can't be happening. I came here to save my sister, not to become... what? A slave?

"Don't look so terrified," Saturus laughs, cupping my chin. "Being mine isn't such a terrible fate. In fact, I think you'll find it quite... pleasurable."

My cheeks burn at his words, at the memory of our earlier encounters. What's wrong with me? I should be horrified, disgusted. Instead, a part of me thrills at the possessiveness in his voice.

I'm losing my mind. That has to be it. There's no other explanation for the way my body responds to him, even as my mind reels from this revelation.

Saturus' expression shifts, a mix of intrigue and something else I can't quite place. He leans in close.

"I've got news about your sister."

My heart leaps into my throat. "Narina? Where is she? We have to go now!"

I try to push past him, but his iron grip on my arm stops me cold.

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