Page 25 of Fated to the Demon

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SATURUS

Blood splatters across Claudia's face as she rips through another dark elf's throat. The crimson droplets glisten on her skin like rubies, stark against the pale stone walls of the fortress. Fuck, she's magnificent.

"Having fun, darling?" I purr, leaning against a crumbling pillar. The air is thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid tang of dark magic.

She whirls, eyes blazing with unholy fire. Her chest heaves with exertion, each breath a testament to the raw power coursing through her veins. "Aren't you going to help?"

I chuckle, the sound echoing off the vaulted ceiling. "And miss this show? Not a chance."

Her lips curl into a feral grin. She's embracing her newfound power, reveling in the carnage. It's intoxicating to watch. Claudia's transformation from a timid human to this glorious creature of darkness is beyond my wildest dreams.

A guard charges at her from behind, his boots scraping against the stone floor. Before I can warn her, she spins and drives her blade deep into his gut. The wet gurgle of his final breath is music to my ears.

"Brava," I applaud. "You're a natural."

Claudia yanks her weapon free, letting the body crumple at her feet. She stares at her bloodstained hands, a mix of wonder and satisfaction in her eyes. "I never knew I had this in me."

"Oh, it was always there, love. I just helped you unlock it." I can't help but feel a surge of pride. She's everything I hoped for and more.

She stalks toward me, covered in gore and looking absolutely delectable. Her movements are fluid, predatory. "Is that right?"

I grab her waist, pulling her close. The heat of her body sears through my clothes. "You were made for this. For me."

Our lips crash together in a savage kiss. I can taste the metallic tang of blood on her tongue. It's divine. For a moment, the world falls away, and there's nothing but us and the intoxicating darkness we share.

A muffled shout reminds us we're not alone. More guards pour into the hallway, weapons drawn. Their armor clanks as they rush towards us, a cacophony of steel and desperation.

Claudia breaks away, eyes gleaming with bloodlust. "Shall we?"

I bow with a flourish. "After you, my dear. I do so love to watch you work."

She launches herself at the newcomers, a whirlwind of steel and fury. Limbs fly as she carves through their ranks. Each scream, each spray of blood, sends a thrill down my spine.

This is what I've waited centuries for. A partner worthy of my power, my darkness. And she's even more glorious than I could have imagined.

Claudia's sword sings a deadly tune, but a few of the dark elves manage to slip past her guard. My turn. I step forward, a grin stretching across my face. These fools think they can best me? They're sorely mistaken.

With preternatural speed, I close the distance. My claws extend, slicing through the air—and through their armor. They don't even have time to scream before they crumple to the ground, their lifeblood painting the stones a deep, satisfying red.

"Mine," Claudia growls, claiming another victim. Her eyes flick to me, a spark of challenge in their depths. She's enjoying this, the thrill of the fight, the taste of victory. And I'm more than happy to indulge her.

Together, we move through the corridor like a storm, unstoppable and fierce. Our enemies fall before us, their numbers dwindling with each passing moment. Claudia's blade finds its mark again and again, her movements a deadly dance that I can't tear my eyes away from.

"You know," I call out between strikes, "you're making me fall for you all over again."

Claudia laughs, a sound both joyous and terrifying. "Careful, demon. I might start to think you have a heart."

"Only for you, darling. Only for you."

As we continue our descent to the basement in search of Narina, a group of guards try to flank us from a hidden chamber. I'm there in an instant, my power flaring. A wave of darkness emanates from me, a tangible force that sends them flying into the walls. Bones crunch on impact, their cries cut short as the shadows consume them.

Claudia glances back at me, a new level of respect—and something else, something darker and more intoxicating—shining in her gaze. She likes this side of me, the side that revels in chaos and destruction. And I revel in her approval.

We descend a narrow staircase, our steps echoing ominously around us. The air grows colder, damper. We must be nearing the dungeons where they're holding Narina.

"We have to be getting close," Claudia murmurs, her grip tightening on her sword.

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