Page 28 of Fated to the Demon

Saturus throws his head back and laughs, the sound echoing off the dank walls. "A child's toy, nothing more. It might fell lesser demons, but I am far beyond its reach."

I want to believe him, but doubt gnaws at me. "Are you sure?"

He cups my face, his mismatched eyes boring into mine. "I've walked this earth for eons, my pet. A mortal's trinket holds no fear for me."

His confidence is infectious. I feel my fears melting away under his touch.

"It's going to be alright," he murmurs, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "Trust me."

I nod, grabbing his hand and intertwining our fingers. In this moment, I'd follow him into the depths of hell itself.

Saturus grins, a predatory gleam in his eyes. He pulls me close, claiming my mouth in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless and aching for more.

When we part, I'm dizzy with desire and newfound power. "Let's go," I growl, my voice thick with bloodlust. "My sister is waiting."

Hand in hand, we descend deeper into the basement's dark heart, ready to face whatever horrors await us.

18

SATURUS

The stench of blood and fear hits me as we enter the chamber. Claudia tenses beside me, her eyes fixed on the scene before us. The air is thick with the metallic tang of spilled blood and the acrid smell of dark magic.

"Welcome, demon. I've been expecting you."

The general's voice grates like nails on slate. He stands behind an altar, a cruel smile twisting his lips. Chained to the cold stone, a young girl lies unconscious. Narina. Claudia's sister.

"Let her go," Claudia snarls, taking a step forward. I feel her power surge, raw and untamed, crackling in the air around us like static electricity.

I place a hand on her arm, holding her back. Something's not right. The general's too calm, too prepared. My ancient instincts scream danger.

"Ah, but we're just getting started," he purrs, running a finger along the edge of a wicked-looking blade. "You see, I have a particular... appetite."

"For innocent blood," I finish, disgust coiling in my gut. "How quaint."

He chuckles, a sound devoid of warmth. "Not just blood, demon. Their very essence. Their purity. It fuels me, makes me stronger with each life I take."

Claudia trembles with rage beside me. Her newfound demonic power pulses, threatening to break free of her control. I can sense her struggle to contain it, to channel it effectively.

"You've killed many of my kind," I say, buying time as I assess the situation. My eyes scan the chamber, noting every shadow, every potential weapon or escape route.

"Countless," he boasts. "And each one has made me stronger. You'll be no different."

I laugh, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "You think your parlor tricks can harm me? I am ancient, little man. I've seen empires rise and fall while you were still crawling in the mud."

His eyes narrow, but I catch a flicker of uncertainty. Good. Let him doubt.

"Perhaps," he says, "but I have something you want." He gestures to Narina, who whimpers on the altar. "And I'm willing to make a deal."

Claudia's eyes lock onto Narina's unconscious form. With a primal scream, she lunges forward, her power surging through her veins. But the general is ready. A flick of his wrist sends her flying across the chamber.

I move faster than thought, catching her before she slams into the stone wall. The impact jolts through my body, but I hold her tight, shielding her from harm.

"Foolish girl," I growl, but there's no real anger in it. Her recklessness is... intoxicating.

The general's laughter echoes off the walls. "How touching. The demon protects his pet."

I bare my fangs. "Claudia, free your sister. I'll deal with this pathetic excuse for a hunter."

---