Page 20 of Fated to the Demon

The first guard struggles to his feet, fumbling for his weapon with shaking hands. I spin, catching him with a vicious backhand that sends him crashing into the wall. His head connects with the stone with a sickening thud, and he slumps to the ground, unconscious or dead - I neither know nor care.

The second guard recovers, lunging at me with a snarl of rage and fear. I sidestep gracefully, grabbing his wrist and twisting with inhuman strength. The sword clatters to the floor, the metallic ring echoing in the sudden silence. He howls in pain as I wrench his arm behind his back, driving him to his knees.

"Where is the captain?" I hiss in his ear, my breath hot against his skin.

"G-go to hell, demon scum!" he spits, defiant even in defeat.

I chuckle darkly, the sound sending a visible shiver through his body. "Oh, I've been. It's rather lovely this time of year. Now, let's try this again..."

My grip tightens, bones grinding together under my fingers. The guard whimpers, his bravado crumbling. "In his quarters," he gasps. “Please... no more..."

I release him, letting him collapse to the floor. "Thank you for your cooperation," I say, my tone mockingly polite. "Do give my regards to your captain when you see him in the afterlife."

As I step over his prone form and push open the heavy door, my thoughts return to Claudia. The connection between us pulses stronger now, a beacon guiding me to her. Whatever that lecherous captain has planned, he'll soon learn the price of touching what's mine.

Hold on, my dear, I think as I descend into the depths of the fortress. I'm coming for you. And heaven help anyone who stands in my way.

13

CLAUDIA

The captain's lips trail down my neck, his hot breath reeking of alcohol. I suppress a shudder, forcing out a breathy moan instead.

"Oh, Captain," I purr, bile rising in my throat. "You're so... strong."

His hands paw at my body, rough and demanding. I arch away, disguising my revulsion as eagerness.

"Tell me," I whisper, nipping at his earlobe. "Where do you keep your most precious treasures?"

He chuckles, low and predatory. "Eager for riches, are we?"

"Only for you," I lie, my skin crawling.

His fingers dig into my hips. "My private chambers. But you won't find anything there tonight."

I press closer, fighting nausea. "And why's that, my brave warrior?"

"Because," he slurs, "I've got something much better right here."

He lunges for another kiss. I dodge, trailing my fingers down his chest.

The captain's hands roam my body, his touch leaving trails of disgust in their wake. I force a sultry smile, suppressing the urge to vomit.

"You're insatiable," I coo, my voice dripping with false desire.

He grins, revealing sharp teeth. "You haven't seen anything yet, sweetheart."

My heart pounds, anxiety clawing at my chest. This fortress, this den of monsters - somewhere within, Narina waits. I have to endure. Have to play along.

"Tell me more," I breathe, trailing a finger down his chest. "What do you do to the humans you catch?"

His eyes gleam with cruel delight. "Oh, we have our fun. Break them in. Make them scream."

Images of Narina, terrified and alone, flash through my mind. I bite back a snarl, channeling it into a breathy gasp instead.

"How exciting," I purr. "Show me."

He crushes his lips against mine, his tongue invading my mouth. I return the kiss with feigned passion, even as revulsion churns in my gut. His hands grip my waist, pulling me closer.

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