Page 12 of Damsel to the Demon

My grin widens, revealing more of my sharp teeth. Oh, how delightful this is turning out to be. I extend my hand, claws retracted. "It's quite simple, really. All you need to do is make a deal with me."

I lean in closer, my voice a low, seductive purr. "Your soul, Mercedes. I want your soul. Your everything. In exchange, I'll give you power beyond your wildest dreams. Power to crush those who wronged you."

Her eyes widen, a mix of fear and... is that intrigue? "My soul?"

"Yes, darling. You'll be mine. My slave, to do with as I please." I trace a claw along her jawline, relishing her shiver. The warmth of her skin contrasts sharply with the cool night air. "But think of what you'll gain. The ability to make them suffer as you have suffered."

She swallows hard, her gaze flickering between my eyes and my extended hand. I can see the war raging within her - the last vestiges of her humanity fighting against the overwhelming desire for vengeance. It's a beautiful struggle to witness, like watching a star collapse in on itself before exploding into a supernova.

"I..." she starts, then stops. Her eyes harden, something cold and deadly settling in their depths. It's like watching ice form over a raging river - the surface may be still, but beneath, the current runs swift and deadly. "I have nothing left to lose."

My grin widens, anticipation coiling in my gut. This is it - the moment of her transformation, the birth of something new and terrible. "Is that a yes, my dear?"

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. The tattered remains of her dress flutter in the night breeze, a stark reminder of all she's lost. "Yes. I'll do it. I'll give you my soul, my everything. Just... just make them pay."

I can barely contain my glee as I grasp her hand as a symbol of our agreement. Her skin is soft against my rough palm, warm and alive. "Oh, we'll make them pay, my little slave. We'll paint this world red with their blood."

The sweet taste of victory lingers on my tongue when shouts pierce the night air. Dark elves. Closing in fast. The hunt is not over, it seems.

Mercedes pales, her jaw clenching. Those captivating eyes of hers dart towards the sounds, then back to me. Fear and determination war within her gaze, each making those eyesshine brighter. "Get me out of here first," she hisses through gritted teeth.

My lips curl into a wicked grin.

Oh, how delightful she is. I can't resist the urge to claim her, to mark this moment of her transformation.

I grab her, pulling her flush against me. Her gasp of surprise is swallowed as I crash my lips onto hers. The kiss is hungry, possessive. I savor every sensation – the softness of her lips, the heat of her breath, the thundering of her pulse beneath my fingers. She tastes of fear and hope, of despair and determination. It's intoxicating.

When I finally release her, she's breathless, eyes wide and dazed. Perfect. She looks thoroughly claimed, marked as mine in a way that goes beyond the physical.

"Follow them back," I order, my voice low and commanding. The sounds of pursuit grow closer, branches snapping and voices calling out in the darkness. "I'll see you again tonight. And I'll make all your wishes come true."

She tries to argue, but before she can respond, I vanish into the shadows, leaving her alone on the cliff's edge. The shouts of the dark elves grow closer, but I know she'll do as I've commanded. Her despair from loss and the desperation to have revenge guarantees it. And it guarantees that she'll be mine.

As I melt into the night, I can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Mercedes is more than just another soul to claim, more than just a pair of beautiful eyes to add to my collection. She's a spark of chaos in this dreary world, a chance to create something truly magnificent.

Oh, the fun we'll have together. The dark elves won't know what hit them.

7

MERCEDES

My lips still tingle from the demon's searing kiss as shouts pierce the air. Dark elves burst through the trees, their faces contorted with rage. My shock evaporates, replaced by a fury that burns hotter than the fires of the Underworld.

"There she is!" one of them snarls, his silver eyes gleaming with malice.

I bare my teeth, wishing I could rip out their throats. "Come closer, you bastards."

They hesitate, taken aback by the venom in my voice. Good. Let them see the monster they've created. The forest around us seems to hold its breath, the night air heavy with tension.

"Careful," another warns, his hand on his sword hilt. "The captain wants her unharmed."

A bitter laugh escapes me, the sound harsh and foreign to my own ears. "Unharmed? Like you left my family?"

Images flash through my mind - blood-spattered walls, lifeless eyes, Thomas's body crumpling to the floor. My nails dig into my palms, drawing blood. The pain is sharp, grounding, reminding me that I'm still alive when so many others aren't.

"I'll kill you all," I hiss, my voice low and deadly. "Slowly. Painfully."

The lead elf sneers, but I catch a flicker of unease in his eyes. "Big words from a helpless human."

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